JP2007325791A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To substantially increase the degree of freedom of design for the performance display of a supply tray. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine for executing a game using game balls comprises: a body frame 12 for housing the game balls inside; a tray unit 310 provided to the outer surface of the body frame 12 and provided with an upper tray 20 and a lower tray 22 for storing the game balls put out to the outside of the body frame 12; and an LED 301 for irradiating the game balls stored in the upper tray 20 or the like of the tray unit 310 with light. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a pachislot gaming machine, or a slot machine.

  Conventional pachinko machines have been proposed that display various effects in order to make the player's eyes more attractive and improve the effects of the effects during the game. Specifically, a light source is provided inside the front side of the supply plate (upper plate), and a light-transmissive panel member is provided so as to cover the light source, and light from the light source is emitted to the outside through the panel member. By this, it is comprised so that the outer surface side of a supply tray may be used for an effect display.

JP 2005-296245 A

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, except that the outer surface side of the supply tray is set as a display portion, it has only the same effect as the light irradiation means such as an LED provided on the front surface of the gaming machine frame. However, the degree of freedom in the design of production display, which is an important element for the design of gaming machines, has not yet been greatly expanded.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of greatly expanding the degree of freedom of design with respect to the effect display of the supply tray.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game is executed using a gaming medium, the gaming machine frame that houses the gaming medium therein, and the gaming machine frame that is provided on the outer surface of the gaming machine frame. Storage means for storing game media to be paid out to the outside, and light irradiation means for irradiating light to the game media stored in the storage means.

  According to the above configuration, when the game medium stored in the storage unit is irradiated with light from the light irradiation unit, the light of the game medium is simply compared with the effect display that simply controls the light irradiation timing. It is possible to realize a complicated presentation display using the reflection of. As a result, it is possible to greatly increase the degree of freedom in designing the effect display, which is an important element for the design of the gaming machine. Furthermore, by illuminating the inside of the storage means, even if the lighting environment around the gaming machine is set to a dark state, the storage state of the game medium in the storage means can be easily seen from the outside. it can.

  The storage means according to the present invention includes a game medium receiver including a bottom surface portion that receives a game medium and a standing portion that is erected so as to surround the bottom surface portion. Has a light-transmitting region (any part or all) that allows light to pass therethrough, and the light irradiating means irradiates the game medium with light through the light-transmitting region. It may be arranged as follows.

  According to said structure, since light can be irradiated to a game medium from the inner side of a storage means, it becomes possible to raise the freedom degree of the production using reflection of the light of a game medium.

  In addition, the light irradiation means in the present invention has light emitting portions provided at a plurality of locations of the game medium receiver, while storing a plurality of types of irradiation patterns using light irradiation by the light emitting portions at each location. You may provide the pattern memory | storage means and the light irradiation control means which controls the light emission state of the said light emission part based on the said irradiation pattern.

  According to the above configuration, since the game medium can be irradiated with light from a plurality of types of irradiation patterns, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of effect using the reflection of light from the game medium.

  The present invention also provides a launching means for launching the game ball as the game medium, a payout means for paying out the game ball as a prize ball in response to the winning of the game ball, and a game ball fired by the launch means And calculating means for calculating a pitch rate determined by the number of game balls paid out by the paying means with respect to the number of balls, and the irradiation pattern storage means stores an irradiation pattern associated with the pitch rate You may do it.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of types of irradiation patterns are associated with the game using the ball pitch rate, and the state of the game is notified to the outside of the player or the like using the effect using the light reflection of the game ball. can do.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko gaming machine (also referred to as “digital pachi”) is shown as a preferred embodiment for a gaming machine according to the present invention.

(Mechanical structure of gaming machine)
An overview of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12a formed on the front surface, various components disposed inside the opening 12a in the main body frame 12, and a main body frame. The door 11 is pivotally attached to the front of the door 12 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 1, this door 11 is for closing the opening 12a from the front, and a game is normally performed in the closed state. Further, a dish unit 310, a firing handle 26, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the main body frame 12.

  The dish unit 310 is pivotally supported on the main body frame 12 so that one end side thereof is freely rotatable, and the other end is fixed to be releasable. Thereby, the tray unit 310 can be opened and closed with one end as a rotation center as required. The dish unit 310 is provided on the outer surface of the main body frame 12 and includes an upper dish 20 and a lower dish 22 as storage means for storing game balls to be paid out of the main body frame 12, respectively. Yes.

  On the inner wall surface of the upper plate 20, an upper plate outlet 321 and a game ball receiving port (not shown) are formed. The upper tray outlet 321 is disposed on one end side of the upper tray 20 and is connected to a payout unit (not shown) for paying out game balls. On the other hand, the game ball receiving port is formed at a height position for discharging the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 and positioned at the upper end portion, and is lowered through a communication path provided on the back side of the plate unit 310. It communicates with the dish 22. As a result, when the upper sphere 20 and the lower platter 22 are full of game balls in the upper plat 20, the relationship that causes the game balls of the upper platter 20 to flow down from the game ball reception port to the lower tray 22 through the communication path. It is said that.

  In addition, a ball extraction lever 330 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 20. The ball extraction lever 330 moves the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 to the lower plate 22 via the communication path and the lower plate outlet 341. A ball extraction lever 350 is provided on the front surface of the lower plate 22. A ball extraction hole 351 that is opened and closed by a ball extraction lever 350 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate 22. The ball extraction lever 350 and the ball extraction hole 351 allow the player to move the game ball stored in the lower plate 22 to a so-called dollar box by operating the ball extraction lever 350 to open the ball extraction hole 351. I have to.

  Furthermore, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 have a light-transmitting region that transmits light, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are irradiated with light through the light-transmitting region. LED 301 is provided. Thereby, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 enable the LED 301 to irradiate the game ball with light, thereby realizing a complicated presentation display using the reflection of the light of the game ball. Further, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are illuminated by the LEDs 301 to make it easy to see the storage state of the game balls from the outside even when the lighting environment around the gaming machine is dark.

  Specifically, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 have bottom surface portions 20a and 22a that receive game balls and standing portions 20b and 22b that stand so as to surround the bottom surface portions 20a and 22a. . The bottom surface portions 20a and 22a and the standing portions 20b and 22b are formed of a transparent plate 361 made of acrylic resin having light transmittance, and an LED substrate 362 bonded to the back surface of the transparent plate 361. LED housing recesses 361 a are formed at a plurality of locations on the transparent plate 361. On the other hand, the LED substrate 362 has a plurality of LEDs 301 arranged so as to correspond to the accommodating recesses 361 a, and the LEDs 301 are accommodated in the LED accommodating recesses 361 a of the transparent plate 361. The transparent plate 361 may be colored in an arbitrary color such as red or blue.

  Inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, as will be described later, a liquid crystal display device 32 as display means for displaying an image, a spacer 31, a game board 14 and the like are disposed. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.

  The game board 14 is formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having permeability) that is entirely permeable as a permeable region. Examples of the transparent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front side thereof in which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by a guide rail 30 (specifically, an outer rail 30a shown in FIG. 4 to be described later) where a game ball can roll. In addition, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14. Further, a round number display 51 is provided on the game board 14 near the upper right end of the outer rail 30a.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the transparent member of the game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of effect images. The display area 32a is disposed so as to overlap the whole or a part of the game board 14 from the back side with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween. In other words, the display area 32a is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to overlap at least all or part of the game area 15 in the game board 14. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so that the display area 32 a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. . In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, various types of images such as an effect identification information image, an effect effect image, an ornamental decoration image, a special effect image, a specific effect image, and a special effect image are displayed. The Thus, the game board 14 functions as an example of a game board at least part of which is made of a permeable region. In addition, the liquid crystal display device 32 functions as an example of a display unit that displays an effect image related to a game. Further, the liquid crystal display device 32 functions as an example of a variable display unit that displays the identification information related to the lottery in a variable manner and stops.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by providing display means such as the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the transparent gaming board 14, for example, an area where game members such as an obstacle nail planting area, an accessory, and a decorative member are provided. And the degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is disposed on the rear side (back side) of the game board 14 and on the front side (front side) of the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the spacer 31 is sandwiched between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a permeable material, and has a large through hole 31a at the center. An electrical decoration unit 53 is provided in the through hole 31a. As shown in FIG. 3, the illumination unit 53 includes a display case 37 for storing a special symbol display 33 and a normal symbol display 35, special symbol holding lamps 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and a normal symbol holding lamp 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. The front side of the display case 37 is covered with a transparent lens (not shown) for the purpose of improving visual recognition.

  In FIG. 2, a first warp path 47 provided on the back surface of the game board 14 is illustrated for easy understanding. The first warp path 47 is formed of a permeable material so that a game ball won in the winning opening 24 (see FIG. 4) passes through a second warp path 49 (see FIG. 4) described later. Is provided.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display 33, the normal symbol display 35, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d and the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d will be described. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the electrical decoration unit 53.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the special symbol display device 33 accommodated in the display device case 37 is composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs 41. The 7-segment LED 41 is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol variation display start condition is satisfied. By turning on / off the 7-segment LED 41, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols (also referred to as identification information).

  As a special symbol above, when a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol of “3”, “5”, “7”) is stopped and displayed, a round game advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state (round The game state shifts to a 15R big hit game state (special game state) in which a game is described later in a maximum of 15 times. As will be described later, after the 15R big hit gaming state in the case where a specific numerical symbol (for example, a numerical symbol of “7”) is stopped and displayed, the gaming state shifts to the probability changing state (high probability state). Note that the normal game state is a game state in which a normal game is executed, and the special game state (15R big hit game state) is a game state in which a special game is executed. The normal game state includes two game states, a normal probability state and a high probability state which is a probability variation state. The high probability state is a state in which the probability of shifting to the 15R big hit gaming state (lottery) from the normal gaming state is higher than the normal probability state.

  In other words, the normal probability state is an example of a normal probability state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is a predetermined probability, and the high probability state is a high probability state in which the winning probability of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means is higher than the predetermined probability. It is an example of (probability change state).

  Note that the special game executed in the special game state includes a first special game and a second special game. After the first special game is executed, a game with a high probability state is executed, and after the second special game is executed, a game with a normal probability state is executed.

  When the 15R big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is reached, as will be described later, the shutter 40 (see FIG. 4) is controlled to the open state, and the game ball can be received in the big prize opening 39 (see FIG. 4). It becomes a state.

  On the other hand, when a numerical symbol other than a specific numerical symbol (for example, a numerical symbol other than “3”, “5”, “7”) is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, the gaming state is a normal probability state. In this case, when the normal probability state is maintained and the gaming state is a high probability state that is a probability variation state, the high probability state that is a probability variation state shifts to the normal probability state that the game state is a normal probability state.

  As described above, in the normal game mode, the high probability state that is the probability variation state, and the normal game state of the specific mode that is the probability variation state, after the special symbol is variably displayed, it is stopped and displayed according to the result. A game whose state is shifted or maintained is called a “special symbol game”. That is, the “special symbol game” is a game for determining whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state. In other words, the “special symbol game” is a game for determining whether or not to execute a special game described later.

  A normal symbol display 35 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33. The normal symbol display 35 is composed of two display lamps (not shown). When these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, symbols such as “O” and “X” are displayed. Fluctuated display as a normal symbol.

  On both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the variable symbol variable display held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of reserved balls”, “the number of reserved balls related to special symbols”). For example, when the execution of the special symbol variation display is held once, the special symbol hold lamp 34a is turned on. When the execution of the special symbol variation display is held twice, the special symbol hold In addition to the lamp 34a, the special symbol hold lamp 34b is turned on. When the execution of the special symbol variation display is held three times, the special symbol hold lamp 34c is turned on in addition to the special symbol hold lamps 34a and 34b. When the execution of the special symbol variation display is held four times, the special symbol hold lamp 34d is turned on in addition to the special symbol hold lamps 34a, 34b, 34c.

  Under the display case 37, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d indicate the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of held balls”, “the number of held balls related to the normal symbols”). indicate. Similar to the special symbol, when the execution of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is held once, the normal symbol holding lamp 50a is turned on.

  The description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is continued. A protective plate 19 having transparency is disposed on the door 11. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

  The firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12. On the back side of the firing handle 26, a firing solenoid (not shown) as a driving device is provided. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the firing solenoid, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired to the game board 14, The game is advanced.

  In addition, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14, an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 described above is displayed.

  For example, during the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, from a number, a symbol or the like for each of a plurality of symbol columns (three columns in this embodiment). The symbol (which is also the identification information for presentation. For example, a number from “0” to “9”) is variably displayed. Further, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 33 is stopped and displayed, and the identification information for presentation is also stopped and displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Further, when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, an effect image for allowing the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 33, a combination of effect identification information displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. A mode (for example, a mode in which each of a plurality of symbol rows is stopped and displayed in a state where any one of “1” to “9” is aligned).

  As an example in which the combination of identification information for performance is a specific display mode, when the player is stopped and displayed in a state where all the specific numeric symbols (for example, “odd” numeric symbols) are aligned, the player from the normal gaming state The game state shifts to a 15R big hit game state (special game state) in which a round game advantageous to the game is continuously performed up to 15 times. As will be described later, after the end of the 15R jackpot gaming state when a specific number symbol (for example, an “odd” number symbol) is stopped and displayed, the winning probability of lottery by the jackpot lottery means is greater than a predetermined probability. The gaming state shifts to a high probability state that is a high probability state (probability variation state) that increases. That is, a specific numeric symbol (for example, an “odd” numeric symbol) is displayed in a variable display unit when the game execution control unit determines to control the execution of the game in a high probability state. It is an example of information.

  As an example in which the combination of identification information for performance is a specific display mode, when the player is stopped and displayed in a state where all the specific numeric symbols (for example, “even” numeric symbols) are aligned, the player from the normal gaming state The game state shifts to a 15R big hit game state (special game state) in which a round game advantageous to the game is continuously performed up to 15 times. As will be described later, after the end of the 15R jackpot gaming state when a specific number symbol (for example, an “odd” number symbol) is stopped and displayed, the normal probability that the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is a predetermined probability The gaming state transitions to the state. In other words, a specific numeric symbol (for example, an “odd” numeric symbol) is displayed as a normal identification that is stopped and displayed when the game execution control unit decides to control the execution of the game in the normal probability state in the variation display unit. It is an example of information.

  On the other hand, when the combination of the identification information for effects does not become a specific display mode, if the gaming state is a normal probability state, the normal probability state is maintained, and the gaming state is a high probability state (probability change state). In the case of a high probability state, the high probability state is maintained.

  As described above, in the normal gaming state of either the normal probability state or the high probability state (probability variation state), after the presentation identification information is variably displayed, it is stopped and displayed, and the gaming state is shifted or maintained depending on the result. The game to be played is called “variable display game”. That is, the “variable display game” is a game for determining whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state. In other words, the “variable display game” is a game for determining whether or not to execute a special game described later.

  Here, in the normal game executed in the normal game state according to the present invention, when a game ball enters the start port 25, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to shift to a game advantageous to the player, The special symbol display 33 is a game in which the identification symbol variation display is performed, and the liquid crystal display device 32 performs the variation display of the identification information as an effect and the accompanying effect display. As described above, the normal gaming state includes two types of gaming states, a normal probability state and a high probability state. In the high probability state, as will be described later, in comparison with the normal probability state of the normal probability state where the winning probability of the big hit lottery is a predetermined probability, the winning of the big hit lottery for determining whether or not to execute a game advantageous to the player The probability is higher than the predetermined probability. The normal game described in this embodiment is an example, and the normal game of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the normal game may be a game in which lottery is performed when a player enters a entrance such as a start entrance. The normal game of the present invention may be any game other than an advantageous game in which a round game advantageous to a player is performed a plurality of times.

  Next, an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment. Note that in the description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using FIG. 4, portions that overlap with the description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using FIGS. 1 and 2 are omitted. In FIG. 4, the description of the plurality of obstacle nails 13 driven into the game board 14 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the two guide rails 30 (30a and 30b), the obstacles 55 and 57, the passage gates 54a and 54b, the second warp path 49, the obstacle 58, and the start ports 25 and 44 forming a predetermined area. In addition, a shutter 40, a special winning opening 39, a round number display 51, general winning openings 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d and the like are provided. In addition, in the upper part of the game board 14, the electrical decoration units 53 such as the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35 are visible.

  An obstacle 55 is provided in the upper part of the game board 14, and an obstacle 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14. A starting port 25 that forms a predetermined area is provided below the obstacle 57. An obstacle 58 is also provided on the right side of the center of the game board 14.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b that is disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14, moves to the upper part of the game board 14, passes through the electric decoration unit 53, and the plurality of obstacle nails 13 ( 2), due to the collision with the obstacles 55, 57, 58, etc. provided on the game board 14, the downward flow of the game board 14 is made while changing its traveling direction.

  In addition, a winning opening 24 is formed at the left end of the obstacle 55. When a game ball wins the winning opening 24, the game ball moves behind the game board 14 via the first warp path 47 and further along the rail-shaped second warp path 49 and is guided behind the obstacle 57. It is burned. The game ball guided behind the obstacle 57 is discharged to the front side of the game board 14 through a discharge port (not shown) surrounded by the obstacle 57 and flows down to the game board 14.

  When a game ball wins at the start opening 25 described above (which is one of the start of the predetermined special symbol variation display), the special symbol display by the special symbol display 33 is started. Further, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation based on the game ball winning at the start opening 25 is stopped until the special symbol being displayed is stopped. Display execution (start) is put on hold. Thereafter, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variably displayed suspended special symbol is started. It should be noted that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variation display is suspended, that is, the number of retained balls, for example, the special symbol variation display is suspended up to four times (pieces).

  In addition, as another condition (start of variable display of a predetermined special symbol), the special symbol is stopped and displayed. In other words, every time a predetermined special symbol variable display start condition is satisfied, the special symbol variable display is started.

  Further, also in the variable display game in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball wins the above-described start opening 25 (this is one of the start of variable display of identification information for predetermined effects). The variation display of the identification information for production is started. Further, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display regarding the special symbol, the effect based on the winning of the game ball at the start opening 25 until the identification information for the effect during the variation display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the variable display of the identification information for use is suspended. Thereafter, when the identification information for presentation that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variability display of the identification information for presentation that has been suspended is started.

  Further, as another condition (variable display start of identification information for predetermined effect), the identification information for effect is stopped and displayed. In other words, every time the change display start condition of the identification information for a predetermined effect is satisfied, the variable display of the identification information for the effect is started.

  In the present embodiment, the winning of a game ball at the start opening 25 is set as a predetermined special symbol variable display start condition or a predetermined presentation identification information variable display start condition. Alternatively, another embodiment may be used.

  Passage gates 54 a and 54 b are provided on both the left and right sides of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passing gates 54a and 54b are provided with passing ball sensors 114 and 115 to be described later. The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detect that the game ball has passed through the passing gates 54a and 54b. When the passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detect the passing of the game ball, the normal symbol display is started on the normal symbol display 35, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol change display is stopped. . As described above, this normal symbol is a symbol such as “◯” or “×”.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 23 provided on both the left and right sides of the start port 25 are changed from the closed state to the open state, It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 23 is opened, the blade member 23 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 25. As described above, a game in which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member 23 differs depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  Similarly to the special symbol variation display, when the game ball passes through the passing gates 54a and 54b during the normal symbol variation display, the passing gate is displayed until the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the normal symbol variation display based on the passing of the game ball to 54a and 54b is suspended. After that, when the normal symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variably displayed normal symbol that has been suspended is started.

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). This shutter 40 has a special symbol display 33 with a special numerical symbol stopped and displayed as a special symbol, and the game state is advantageous for the player. When the game state is shifted to the game state (15R big hit game state), the game ball is driven so as to be in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state (first state) where the game ball can be easily received.

  On the other hand, a special prize opening 39 provided on the back side (rear side) of the shutter 40 includes a specific area (not shown) having the V / count sensor 102 and a general area (not shown) having the count sensor 104. The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state (second state) in which it is difficult to accept a game ball.

  It should be noted that from the open state (first state) in which the grand prize opening 39 is easy to accept game balls to the closed state (second state) in which the grand prize opening 39 is difficult to accept game balls. This game is called a round game. Therefore, the shutter 40 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. A round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round, “2” round, and the like. For example, the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the shutter 40 that is driven from the open state to the closed state (second state) is again operated on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the open state has passed through the V-count sensor 102. Driven to the open state. In other words, it is possible to continue to the next round game on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the opened state of the shutter 40 has passed the V · count sensor 102. A game from the first round game until the end of the (final) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is called a special game. In this special game, as will be described later, a predetermined number of game balls are placed in the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22 (see FIG. 1) when the game balls are received in the big prize opening 39 that performs the opening operation. Since it is paid out, the game is advantageous to the player.

  During execution of the special game, the number of rounds (the maximum number of continuous rounds) from the first round number to the last round game when the most round game is continued is 15 rounds.

  Note that the maximum number of continuous rounds during execution of the special game is not limited to 15 rounds. For example, the maximum number of continuous rounds is an arbitrary number of rounds such as a round number lottery means (selected from “1” to “15” rounds by lottery by a main control circuit 60 including a main CPU 66 described later). There may be.

  In addition, when a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the start ports 25 and 44, the general winning ports 56a to 56d, and the big winning port 39 described above, it is set in advance according to the type of each winning port. A certain number of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 (see FIG. 1) or the lower plate 22.

  On the other hand, a round number display 51 is provided in the outer area 16 of the game area on the game board 14. The round number display 51 is composed of at least one 7-segment LED, and can display at least one digit number design (in this embodiment, two digit number). In the present embodiment, the round number display 51 displays a “round number” indicating how many rounds the currently executed round game is.

  Thus, since the round number display means for displaying the number of rounds during execution of the special game is provided separately from the effect display means for displaying the effect image, the number of rounds can be displayed accurately and easily.

  Further, since the round number display means is provided in front of the liquid crystal display device 32 functioning as display means for performing the effect display related to the round number, the number of rounds depends on the positional relationship between the round number display and the effect display. Can be displayed more clearly.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 including a liquid crystal display panel is employed as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. It may be composed of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED, a segment LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 is shown in the case where it is provided in the approximate center of the front of the game board 14 in the pachinko gaming machine 10 that is a gaming machine. The liquid crystal display device 32 may be provided at any position. In the present embodiment, the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35 are provided separately from the liquid crystal display device 32. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided with the special symbol and the normal symbol. You may comprise so that a fluctuation | variation display may be carried out. Further, the liquid crystal display device 32 is adopted as the fluctuation display means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be adopted. For example, a drum, a belt, a leaf, or the like may be adopted as the fluctuation display means.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: main control circuit)
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. In this way, the main CPU 66 is, for example, a special game executing means, a lottery means, a big hit lottery means for controlling a big hit lottery for determining whether or not to play a game advantageous to the player, and a big hit lottery means by the big hit lottery means. Game execution control that controls the execution of a game in a normal probability state where the winning probability is a predetermined probability, while controlling the execution of the game in a high probability state where the winning probability of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means is higher than the predetermined probability It will function as various means to be described later.

  The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66. For example, various programs such as the main processing routine of FIG. 8 and the game ball number output processing routine of FIG. 11 are stored. In the main processing routine, special symbol processing and game ball number output processing are repeatedly executed by the main CPU 66. The game ball number output processing routine causes the main CPU 66 to perform an operation of causing the sub control circuit 200 to output the number of game balls fired and the number of payouts within a predetermined time as a game ball number command. In addition, the main ROM 68 includes various tables such as a jackpot determination table that is referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random lottery, an effect condition selection table that is referred to when an effect is selected, and other tables. Is also remembered.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. That is, the main RAM 70 is formed with a firing ball number area and a payout ball number area as data areas. The shot ball number area is set as an area for storing shot ball number data used in the game ball number output processing routine. The payout ball number area is set as an area for storing payout ball number data used in the game ball number output processing routine.

  Further, specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 70 include the following. In the main RAM 70, a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a loss symbol determination random number counter, an effect condition selection random number counter, a grand prize opening number counter, a grand prize Mouth winning counter, special symbol game number counter, round number display counter, round number display effect start counter, waiting time timer, special winning opening time timer, data indicating number of reserved balls for special symbol, holding for normal symbol Data indicating the number of balls, data for supplying a command to a sub-control circuit 200 described later, a starting memory number counter, variables, and the like are positioned.

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game. The specific area passage flag is for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area.

  The jackpot determination random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determining random number counter is for determining a special symbol to be stopped when a special symbol jackpot is determined. The random symbol counter for losing symbol determination is for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed when it is not a big hit. The production condition selection random number counter is for determining a production variation pattern. The round number display effect start counter is used to determine whether or not to display on the round number display during the normal game. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The special prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the special prize opening 39. Note that the timer in the present embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening is opened (so-called round number) in the big hit gaming state. In addition, the winning prize winning counter indicates the number of game balls that have won the winning prize opening 39 (see FIG. 4) during one round and passed through the V / count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104. Furthermore, data indicating the number of reserved balls related to the special symbol (so-called start memory number counter) is the start of the special symbol game when the game ball is won at the start ports 25 and 44 but the special symbol variation display cannot be executed. Is held, but the number of times the special symbol game is held is shown. That is, the data indicating the number of reserved balls regarding the special symbol indicates the number of stored start memory information (start memory information will be described later). Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved balls related to the normal symbol holds the start of the normal symbol game when the game ball passes through the passing gates 54a and 54b but the normal symbol variation display cannot be executed. Indicates the number of hold times of normal symbol games. The round number display counter indicates the number of rounds displayed on the round number display 51.

  In the main RAM 70, a special symbol storage area and a normal symbol storage area are positioned, and various information is stored.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later.

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. The V / count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the passing ball sensors 114, 115, the starting winning ball Sensors 116 and 117, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a special prize opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The V / count sensor 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 39. The V / count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening 39.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d, respectively. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 are provided at the passing gates 54a and 54b, respectively. The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the passing gates 54a and 54b, respectively.

  A start winning ball sensor 116 as a game ball detecting means is provided at the start opening 25, and a start winning ball sensor 117 is provided at the start opening 44. The start winning ball sensors 116 and 117 detect that a game ball has won (passed) at the start ports 25 and 44 and supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 4, and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening open or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided in the shutter 40 in the shape of a plate. The seesaw solenoid 122 is displaced in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to tilt the seesaw. change. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through the specific region or to pass through the general region.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. Connected to the payout / firing control circuit 126 are a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  In addition, the launching device 130 includes a device for launching a game ball such as the launching solenoid and the touch sensor described above. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the rotational angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is fired. The game board 14 is sequentially fired by the solenoid.

  Further, a lamp control circuit 76 for controlling the lamp 74 is connected to the main control circuit 60, and the lamp 74 is connected to the lamp control circuit 76. The lamp control circuit 76 supplies a lamp (LED) control signal to the lamp 74. The lamp 74 includes incandescent bulbs, LEDs, and the like. Specifically, the special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d, the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d, the special symbol display device 33 (7-segment LED 41), and the normal symbol display device 35. (Display lamp), round number display 51 and the like.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: Sub-control circuit)
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. As shown in FIG. 6, the sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the sub CPU 206 as sound generation control means, the program ROM 208 as storage means, the work RAM 210, and the liquid crystal display device 32 (performs control for displaying effect images in the liquid crystal display device 32). Display control circuit 250, a sound control circuit 230 that controls the sound generated from the speaker 46, and a lamp control circuit 240 that controls the lamp 132. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60, as will be described later. The sub CPU 206 is a variable display unit as the specific reach number stored in the work RAM 210, which is an example of the specific reach number storage unit that stores the specific reach number that the image display control unit controls the display of the specific reach effect image. In this case, the functioning means functions as various means described later, such as a setting means for setting the probability variation identification information stop probability to be stopped with probability variation identification information high.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. Specifically, the program ROM 208 stores the exit rate calculation processing routine of FIG. 13 and the irradiation processing routine of FIG. The exit rate calculation processing routine adds the number of shot balls and the number of payout balls from the main control circuit 60, and causes the sub CPU 206 to execute a process for calculating the exit rate using these data. ing. Further, the irradiation processing routine causes the program ROM 208 to execute a process for controlling the lighting of the LEDs 301 in the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 in FIG. Details will be described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display that is executed in association with the variable symbol display. The program ROM 208 stores effect patterns during execution of a plurality of types of special games. The effect pattern during execution of the special game relates to the progress of the effect display executed in relation to the round game in the special game. In the program ROM 208, the sub CPU 206 causes the display control circuit 250, which is an example of the image display control means, to display data of a plurality of types of reach effect images on the liquid crystal display device 32, which is an example of the image display means. The normal identification information reach production pattern selection table and the probability variation identification information reach production pattern selection table that are referred to when the message is transmitted are stored. In other words, the program ROM 208 is a reach in which the result of the big hit lottery by the big win lottery means, the probability state in which the game execution control means controls the execution of the game, and the identification information variably displayed by the variable display means become a predetermined display mode. It functions as an example of a storage unit that stores correspondences with a plurality of types of reach effect images in a state. Further, the program ROM 208 stores a probability variation identification information stop probability selection table that is referred to when the sub CPU 206 as an example of setting means sets the probability variation identification information stop probability. The program ROM 208 stores a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects.

  In this embodiment, the main control circuit 60 uses the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 uses the program ROM 208 as storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is a storage medium readable by a computer equipped with a computer, a program, a table, and the like are recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, and a ROM cartridge. May be. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as an alternative to the program ROM 208. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM 70 in the main control circuit 60 and the work RAM 210 in the sub control circuit 200. . Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, a random variable for determining a reach effect image for determining a reach effect pattern, such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, or the like, and a high probability state. Various variables and the like are positioned, such as a high probability flag indicating that, a winning flag indicating that a big hit lottery has been won, and a specific reach number counter indicating the number of times the specific reach effect image has been displayed.

  In this embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as the temporary storage area of the main CPU 66 and the work RAM 210 is used as the temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, a D / A converter 218 that converts image data as an image signal, and a reset signal when the power is turned on. The initial reset circuit 220 is generated.

  The VDP 212 described above is connected to the sub CPU 206, the image data ROM 216, the D / A converter 218, and the initial reset circuit 220.

  The VDP 212 is a device that includes circuits such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a pallet circuit, and can perform various processes for causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying an image on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  In the image data ROM 216, various types of image data such as effect identification information image data, background image data, and effect image data indicating the effect identification information are stored separately. Of course, related image data indicating a related image is also stored.

  The VDP 212 reads various image data such as effect identification information image data, background image data, effect image data, and the like from the image data ROM 216 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206 and displays them on the liquid crystal display device 32. The image data to be generated is generated. The VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores the image data in a buffer, and supplies the data to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image. As will be described in detail later, the liquid crystal display device 32 functions as an example of a fluctuation display unit that fluctuates and displays identification information and an image display unit that displays a plurality of types of reach effect images. Further, the display control circuit 250 controls the variation display and the stop display of the identification information in the liquid crystal display device 32 which is an example of the fluctuation display means, according to the result of the big hit lottery by the main CPU 66 which is an example of the big hit lottery means. In the liquid crystal display device 32, which is an example of the identification information fluctuation stop control means and the image display means, it is stored in the program ROM 208, which is an example of a storage means, according to the result of the big hit lottery by the main CPU 66, which is an example of the big win lottery means. Based on the corresponding relationship, it functions as various means such as an image display control means for performing control to display one type of reach effect image.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various audio data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.

  The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the initial reset circuit 220, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speakers 46R and 46L.

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit 242 for supplying a lamp control signal and a decoration data ROM 244 in which a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns are stored. The lamp control circuit 240 is directly controlled by the sub CPU 206 described above. That is, the sub CPU 206 controls various lamps such as the lamp 132 in accordance with a program stored in the program ROM 208.

  The sub CPU 206 reads out various lamp decoration patterns from a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns stored in the decoration data ROM 244, and supplies predetermined light emission signals to the drive circuit 242 based on the lamp decoration patterns. The drive circuit 242 turns on, blinks, and turns off the lamp 132 and the like based on the received predetermined light emission signal.

  Further, the sub CPU 206 is connected to an LED drive circuit 401 that outputs driving power of the LED 301 and an input / output circuit 403 that inputs and outputs various signals. The LED drive circuit 401 is connected to the signal switching circuit 402. The signal switching circuit 402 has a plurality of switch sections 402a. These switch sections 402a can switch the contact state between an on state and an off state based on a switching signal from the input / output circuit 403. In addition, one side of these switch units 402 a is connected to the LED drive circuit 401, while the other side is connected to the LED 301. As a result, the signal switching circuit 402 switches the contact state of the switch unit 402a based on the switching signal, thereby supplying the driving power from the LED drive circuit 401 to the LED 301 at an arbitrary timing and causing the LED 301 to emit light. ing.

(Irradiation pattern table)
The sub-control circuit 200 stores the irradiation pattern table in the program ROM 208. As shown in FIG. 7, the irradiation pattern table has a ball exit rate column and an irradiation pattern column. The pitch rate column stores data serving as threshold values for dividing the range of the pitch rate into four. Specifically, threshold data of “1.20 or more”, “1.20 to 1.00”, “1.00 to 0.80”, and “less than 0.80” are stored.

  The irradiation pattern column stores pattern data based on a combination of turning on and off the LED 301. For example, “A pattern” is set to turn on and off all LEDs 301 at the same time. Further, for example, “B pattern” is set to shift the timing of turning on and off the LED 301 so that the light of the LED 301 flows from the left to the right.

  Thereby, the irradiation pattern table stores a plurality of types of irradiation patterns using light irradiation by the LEDs 301, and allows the light emission state of the LEDs 301 to be controlled based on the irradiation patterns, thereby reflecting the light of the game ball. This makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom of the production used. Furthermore, since the firing pattern table stores the irradiation pattern in association with the ball-out rate, it is possible to associate a plurality of types of irradiation patterns with the game using the ball-out rate. It is also possible to notify the outside of a player or the like of the game state using an effect utilizing light reflection.

(Machine machine operation)
Below, the process performed with the pachinko game machine 10 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, when the game ball is launched into the game board 14 by operating the launch handle 26 by the player, the game ball rolls while colliding with the obstacle nail 13 or the like. The pachinko game is progressed by falling and performing various processes by passing through the passage gates 54a and 54b. When the pachinko game progresses, the main control circuit 60 in FIG. 5 outputs a command signal or the like to the sub-control circuit 200 by a system timer interrupt process while executing a game process such as a special symbol game. To do.

(Main process)
That is, as shown in FIG. 8, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup recovery processing, and work area initialization is executed by the main CPU 66 (A1). Then, the progress of the special symbol game and the special symbol control process related to the special symbol 98 are executed (A2). Thereafter, after the game ball number output process is executed (A3), the initial setting process, the special symbol control process, and the game ball number output process are repeated by executing again from A1.

(Game ball number output processing)
As shown in FIG. 9, when the game ball number output process is executed, first, the waiting time is initialized (B1). Thereafter, the data of the payout ball number area and the payout ball number area in the main RAM 70 are initialized (B2). Then, the shot ball number data and the payout ball number data from the payout / launch control circuit 126 are acquired (B3), and these data are added to the data stored in the shot ball number area and the payout ball number area ( B4). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the standby time has elapsed (B5). If it has not elapsed (B5, NO), the process is re-executed from B3. On the other hand, when the standby time has elapsed (B5, YES), the data of the shot ball number area and the payout ball number area are set in the game ball number command area (B6). As a result, preparation is made for outputting the data of the number of shot balls and the number of paid-out balls within the fixed time to the sub-control circuit 200 at fixed time that is the standby time.

(System timer interrupt processing)
In a state where the main process, the special symbol control process, the game ball number output process, and the like are being executed, the main process and the like are interrupted, and the system timer interrupt process is executed. The following system timer interrupt processing is executed in response to clock pulses generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds).

  Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 10, random number update processing is executed so that the count values of the jackpot determination random number counter, the jackpot symbol determination random number counter, etc. are incremented by “1” (C1). Then, an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of the game balls such as the start port 44, the ball passage detector 54, and the general winning ports 56a to 56d is executed, and the game balls are won at various winning ports. Then, data indicating that the game ball is to be paid out (prize ball) is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 (C2).

  Next, a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, and a big winning opening opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs. Various timer update processes such as the above are executed (C3). Then, an output process is executed to supply a signal for driving control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor, and the like. Thereby, for example, game members such as the shutter 40 of the special winning opening 39 are operated (C4).

  Next, command output processing is executed, and various commands are supplied to the sub-control circuit 200 and the like. These various commands include a demonstration display command and a game ball number output command (C5). Here, the game ball number output command is a command including the payout ball number data and the shot ball number data set in the game ball number command area, and the sub-control circuit is a command for instructing the calculation of the pitch rate 200 is output. Thereafter, a payout process is executed, and a prize ball control command is transmitted to the payout / firing control circuit 126. As a result, when a game ball is won at various winning holes, a predetermined number of award balls are paid out (C6).

(Command reception processing)
On the other hand, in the sub-control circuit 200 that receives various commands of the main control circuit 60, the command receiving process shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not a command has been received (D1). In this process, when a command from the main control circuit 60 is not received (D1, NO), this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when a command is received (D1, YES), it is subsequently determined whether the received command is a display command (D2). If it is a display command (D2, YES), a display control process is executed, and an effect display in which effect data is displayed on the screen on the liquid crystal display device 32 is performed (D3).

  On the other hand, when it is not a display command (D2, NO), it is subsequently determined whether it is a game ball command (D4). If it is not a game ball command (D4, NO), processing corresponding to the other command is executed (D6). On the other hand, if it is a game ball command (D4, YES), a ball exit rate calculation process is executed (B5).

(Participation rate calculation processing)
As shown in FIG. 12, in the ball exit rate calculation process, data on the number of shot balls and the number of payout balls is extracted from the game ball command (E1). Then, the number of balls to be fired and the number of balls to be paid out are integrated (E2), and the ball exit rate is calculated using the value of the number of balls to be fired and the number of balls to be paid out (E4). After the data of the ball exit rate is stored in the ball exit rate area formed in the work RAM 210 of FIG. 6 (E4). This routine is terminated.

(Irradiation treatment)
In the sub control circuit 200, apart from the execution of various routines such as command reception processing, the irradiation processing routine of FIG. 13 is apparently executed in parallel and is arranged inside the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22. The LED 301 is controlled to be turned on with an irradiation pattern corresponding to the exit rate.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the data of the departure rate calculated in the above-described departure rate calculation process is acquired from the departure rate area (F1). Thereafter, an irradiation pattern corresponding to the ball exit rate is acquired from the irradiation pattern table of FIG. In other words, the pattern A is acquired if the pitch rate is 1.20 or more, and the pattern B is acquired if the pitch rate is in the range of 1.20 to 1.00. Further, if the ball exit rate is in the range of 1.00 to 0.80, the C pattern is acquired, and if the ball exit rate is less than 0.80, the D pattern is acquired (F2).

  Thereafter, the LED 301 is driven with the acquired irradiation pattern (F3), and this routine is terminated after waiting for a predetermined time. Thereby, since the game ball is irradiated with light from the inside of the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22, an effect using the reflection of the light of the game ball is performed. Furthermore, the game ball is irradiated with a plurality of types of irradiation patterns in accordance with the ball exit rate, and the game state is notified to the outside of the player or the like using an effect using the reflection of the light of the game ball. Is also possible.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, is a game that is executed using a game medium (game ball), and stores the game medium inside. Reserving means (a dish unit 310, an upper dish 20, a lower dish 22, etc.) that are provided on the outer surface of the frame body (main body frame 12 or the like) and the gaming machine frame body and that are to be paid out to the outside of the gaming machine frame body ) And light irradiation means (such as LED 301) for irradiating the game medium stored in the storage means with light.

  According to the above configuration, when the game medium stored in the storage unit is irradiated with light from the light irradiation unit, the light of the game medium is simply compared with the effect display that simply controls the light irradiation timing. It is possible to realize a complicated presentation display using the reflection of. As a result, it is possible to greatly increase the degree of freedom in designing the effect display, which is an important element for the design of the gaming machine. Furthermore, by illuminating the inside of the storage means, even if the lighting environment around the gaming machine is set to a dark state, the storage state of the game medium in the storage means can be easily seen from the outside. it can.

  In the present embodiment, a game ball is used as a game medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game medium may be a coin, a medal, money, or the like. In this embodiment, the LED is used as the light irradiation means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a lamp may be used. An optical fiber arranged in the dish 20 or the lower dish 22 may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the light irradiation means is arranged on the back side or below the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22, and causes the reflected light to travel into the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22. The arrangement includes a polygon mirror 371 arranged, a mirror motor 373 that rotates the polygon mirror 371 at an arbitrary direction and rotation speed, and a laser light source 372 that emits laser light to the polygon mirror 371. Also good. According to this configuration, the scanning speed and the scanning direction of the reflected light of the laser beam in the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 can be changed according to the rotation speed and rotation direction of the polygon mirror 371.

  In addition, the storage means in the present embodiment is a game medium receiver (including a bottom surface portion 20a, 22a for receiving game media, and a standing portion 20b, 22b standing so as to surround the bottom surface portion 20a, 22a. And the game medium receiver has a light-transmitting region that transmits light, and the light irradiation means transmits light to the game medium. It is the structure arrange | positioned so that it may go through via an area | region. In the present embodiment, the translucent region is formed on the entire upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 by the transparent plate 361, but may be formed on a part of the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22. .

  According to said structure, since light can be irradiated to a game medium from the inner side of a storage means, it becomes possible to raise the freedom degree of the production using reflection of the light of a game medium.

  In addition, the light irradiation means in the present embodiment has light emitting units (such as LEDs 301) provided at a plurality of locations on the game medium receiver, and stores a plurality of types of irradiation patterns using light irradiation by the light emitting portions at each location. Irradiation pattern storage means (program ROM 208 in FIG. 6, irradiation pattern table in FIG. 7, etc.) and light irradiation control means (sub-control circuit 200, sub CPU 206 in FIG. 6) for controlling the light emission state of the light emitting unit based on the irradiation pattern. Etc.).

  According to the above configuration, since the game medium can be irradiated with light from a plurality of types of irradiation patterns, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of effect using the reflection of light from the game medium.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a launching unit (launching handle 26 and the like) that launches a game ball as a game medium, and a payout unit that pays out a game ball as a prize ball for winning a game ball ( And a calculating means (sub CPU 206, program ROM 208 in FIG. 6, The irradiation pattern storage means is configured to store an irradiation pattern associated with the departure rate.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of types of irradiation patterns are associated with the game using the ball pitch rate, and the state of the game is notified to the outside of the player or the like using the effect using the light reflection of the game ball. can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first type pachinko gaming machine is given as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second type pachinko gaming machine referred to as a wing mono, Hikoki mono, and a first called right mono. It may be a three-type pachinko gaming machine or another mode.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a gaming machine itself such as a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention may be applied to a pachislot gaming machine or a game machine.

  In the present embodiment, the 7-segment LED is used as a portion for displaying the round number display 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a liquid crystal display panel, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) ) Including CRT, dot LED, EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or the like.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, it has only illustrated the specific example and does not specifically limit this invention. That is, the present invention mainly includes a jackpot lottery unit that controls a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute a game advantageous to the player, and a winning probability of the jackpot lottery by the jackpot lottery unit is a predetermined probability. The game execution control means controls the game execution in the probability state, while the game execution control means controls the game execution in the high probability state where the winning probability of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means is higher than the predetermined probability. Fluctuation display means for displaying and stopping display, identification information fluctuation stop control means for controlling fluctuation display and stop display of identification information in the fluctuation display means according to the result of the big hit lottery by the big hit lottery means, The result of the big hit lottery by the big hit lottery means, the probability state in which the game execution control means controls the execution of the game, and the fluctuation display in the fluctuation display means Storage means for storing correspondence relationships with a plurality of types of reach effect images in a reach state in which the identified identification information is in a predetermined display mode, an image display means for displaying the plurality of types of reach effect images, and the image display means In accordance with the result of the jackpot lottery means by the jackpot lottery means, based on the correspondence stored in the storage means, image display control means for performing control to display one type of reach effect image, The identification information includes normal identification information and probability variation identification information, and the identification information fluctuation stop control means is configured to control the execution of the game in the high probability state in the fluctuation display means. When it is determined, control to stop and display the probability variation identification information is performed, while when the game execution control means determines to control the execution of the game in the normal probability state, The control for stopping and displaying the identification information is performed, and the image display control means is more in the image display means when the big hit lottery by the big hit lottery means is won than in the case where the big hit lottery is not won. And controlling the display of the specific reach effect image to be displayed with a higher probability based on the correspondence stored in the storage means, and controlling the execution of the game in the high probability state in the game execution control means. In the fluctuation display means, when the stop display is performed with the normal identification information by the identification information fluctuation stop control means, the identification is performed with a lower probability than when the stop display is performed with the probability change identification information. A game machine characterized by performing control to display a reach effect image, but a big hit lottery means, game execution control means, variation display means, identification Specific configurations of the information fluctuation stop control unit, the storage unit, the image display unit, the image display control unit, the specific reach number storage unit, the setting unit, and the like can be appropriately changed in design.

  The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view showing an outline of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit comprised in a pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram of a main control circuit. It is a block diagram of a sub-control circuit. It is explanatory drawing of an irradiation pattern table. It is a flowchart of a main process routine. It is a flowchart of a game ball number output processing routine. It is a flowchart of a system timer interrupt processing routine. It is a flowchart of a command reception processing routine. It is a flowchart of a pitching rate calculation routine. It is a flowchart of an irradiation process routine. It is explanatory drawing of a light irradiation means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 12 Main body frame 20 Upper plate 20a Bottom part 20b Standing part 22 Lower plate 22a Bottom part 22b Standing part 26 Launch handle 126 Discharge / launch control circuit 200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
301 LED
310 dish unit 361 transparent plate 371 polygon mirror 373 mirror motor 372 laser light source

Claims (4)

A gaming machine in which a game is executed using a game medium,
A gaming machine frame that houses gaming media inside;
Reserving means for storing game media provided on the outer surface of the gaming machine frame and paid out to the outside of the gaming machine frame;
And a light irradiation means for irradiating the game medium stored in the storage means with light. The storage means includes a bottom part for receiving the game medium, and a game medium receiver including a standing part that is erected so as to surround the bottom part,
The game medium receiver has a light-transmitting region that transmits light;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation means is arranged to irradiate the game medium with light through the light-transmitting region. While the light irradiation means has light emitting portions provided at a plurality of locations of the game medium receiver,
Irradiation pattern storage means storing a plurality of types of irradiation patterns using light irradiation by the light emitting unit at each location;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a light irradiation control unit that controls a light emission state of the light emitting unit based on the irradiation pattern. Launching means for launching the game ball as the game medium;
A payout means for paying out a game ball as a prize ball for winning of the game ball;
Calculating means for calculating a ball-out rate determined by the number of game balls paid out by the pay-out means with respect to the number of game balls fired by the launch means;
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation pattern storage unit stores an irradiation pattern associated with the pitch rate.

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