JP2008000491A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables players to sustain their desire for games. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine displays a track image of a game ball on an image display means as given until it enters a passage port when it enters the passage port of the game board. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that combines a gaming board and a display means with light detection means.

  In a conventional general pachinko machine, when a player operates a launch handle to launch a game ball onto a game board, the game ball collides with a game member such as a game nail provided on the game board and rolls. When a game ball wins (enters) a predetermined winning slot on the game board, a predetermined number of game media are paid out, and when the game ball passes a predetermined area on the game board, a big win lottery is performed, An effect image is displayed using a variation display of identification information or a character image.

  In recent years, a gaming machine has been proposed in which a liquid crystal display device is provided on the rear surface of a gaming board having a light-transmitting area, and an effect image or the like is displayed in a wide display area without being influenced by gaming members (see Patent Document 1). ). In such a gaming machine, in order to detect whether or not a game ball has passed through a predetermined area of the game board, a so-called transmission sensor is arranged on a side edge of a plate-like body provided behind the game board. It is known (see Patent Document 1).

This transmissive sensor (or transmissive sensor) is composed of a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the presence / absence and intensity of light emitted from the light emitting element by the light receiving element. In Patent Document 1, a plurality of pairs of these light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements are provided at the side edges of a plate-like body provided behind the game board, and the points (detection points) at which the respective light beams intersect are the game board. It arrange | positions so that it may become a position corresponding to the upper general winning opening or starting opening. Then, the game ball that has passed through the general winning opening or start opening of the game board is detected and used as an opportunity for winning or lottery, or as an opportunity for the presenting effect to change the displayed image.
JP 2001-160030 A

  On the game board described above, there are various game members such as a plurality of game nails and an opening / closing member having a wing member that can be freely opened and closed. There are many places where light rays are blocked, and there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately detect a game ball rolling on the game board. Furthermore, in the transmission sensor, when a game ball is detected at a certain detection point, there is a problem that it is difficult to simultaneously detect another game ball at another detection point by the detected transmission sensor.

  As described above, in the gaming machine using the conventional transmission sensor, it is difficult to accurately detect the gaming ball rolling on the gaming board and provide various events that will benefit the player. Therefore, the player's interest in the game is difficult to continue and it is not interesting.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to continuously have a willingness to play a game.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 has a light transmissive region, a game region where a game ball rolls is provided on the front side of the light transmissive region, and Depth that is perpendicular to the surface of the game board and the position of the game board provided with a passing port for introducing the game ball to the outside of the game area and the game board rolling on the game board Detection means for detecting by light rays in a direction, and image display means for displaying a plurality of images including a trajectory image which is provided on the rear side of the game board and shows a trajectory of a game ball rolling on the game board And storage means for storing a rolling history of a game ball rolling on the game board based on detection by the detection means, and on condition that the game ball has entered the passage opening of the game board, The game balls stored in the storage means A game machine characterized by comprising an image display control means for displaying the history on the image display unit.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the position of the game ball is detected by the light beam in the depth direction of the game board, the game ball can be detected without being blocked by the game member, and can be detected at different positions. Thus, the position of the game ball rolling on the game board can be detected stably and accurately. As a result, when a game ball enters the passage on the game board, an unprecedented event that the rolling history of the game ball is displayed can be provided to the player. You can enjoy the event. In addition, the player is expected to be interested in the whereabouts of the rolling game ball in order to confirm whether or not the game ball has entered the passage on the game board. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to stably and accurately detect the game ball rolling on the game board and reliably provide the player with an unprecedented event. It is possible to entertain an event that is not possible, and it is possible to have an interest in entering a game ball into the passing hole on the game board, so that the player continues to have a willingness to play as a whole. be able to.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the storage unit stores information on the position of a game ball that rolls on the game board as a rolling history, and the image display control unit includes the game The trajectory image until the game ball enters the passage opening on the condition that the game ball has entered the passage opening of the board based on the information on the position of the game ball stored in the storage means Is controlled to be displayed on the image display means.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the position of the game ball is detected by the light beam in the depth direction of the game board, the game ball can be detected without being blocked by the game member, and can be separated at different positions. Thus, the position of the game ball rolling on the game board can be detected stably and accurately. As a result, when a game ball enters the passage opening on the game board, a trajectory image until the game ball enters the passage opening is displayed as a rolling history of the game ball. An event can be provided to the player, who can enjoy this event. In addition, it is expected that the player is interested in the game ball entering the passage opening on the game board and what trajectory the game ball has entered the passage opening. Therefore, in the invention of claim 2, since it is possible to detect the game ball rolling on the game board stably and accurately and reliably provide the player with an unprecedented event, It is possible to entertain events that are not possible, and to be interested in the trajectory until the game ball enters the passage entrance and the game ball enters the passage entrance on the game board, Overall, it is possible to continue to have a player's willingness to play.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the determination means for determining that the game ball has passed a position where the game ball does not enter the passage opening of the game board, and the game ball stored in the storage means. When the determination means determines that the game ball has passed through a position where the game ball does not enter the passage opening of the game board based on the information regarding the position, it relates to the position of the game ball stored in the storage means. Image information erasing means for erasing information.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the position of the game ball is detected by the light beam in the depth direction of the game board, the game ball can be detected without being interrupted by the game member, and can be detected at different positions. Thus, the position of the game ball rolling on the game board can be detected stably and accurately. In addition, with respect to a game ball that does not enter the passage opening on the game board, the information regarding the position of the game ball is erased, so that the storage capacity of the storage means can be used efficiently. Furthermore, in the invention of claim 3, since it is possible to detect a game ball rolling on the game board stably and accurately and reliably provide an unprecedented event to the player, It is possible to entertain an event that is not available, and to be interested in the game ball entering the passing hole on the game board, and as a whole, the player's willingness to play continues Can be made.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, the position of the game ball rolling on the game board can be detected stably and accurately, and various events that will benefit the player can be reliably provided. A player can entertain an unprecedented event that the rolling history of the game ball is displayed by entering the game ball at the passage opening on the game board, and on the game board. It is also possible to have an interest in game balls entering the passageway. Therefore, as a whole, the player's willingness to play can be continued.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment described below, as an embodiment suitable for a gaming machine according to the present invention, a case where the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko gaming machine (also referred to as “digital pachi”) is shown.

[Composition of gaming machine]
The configuration 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, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an electrical decoration unit provided on the upper part of the game board, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  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. This door 11 is for closing the opening 12a from the front, and a game is normally performed in the closed state. On the front surface of the main body frame 12, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 22, a firing handle 26, and the like are disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display device 32, a spacer 31, a game board rear plate 21, a game board 14, a game board front plate 27, and the like are disposed inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12. Description of various parts (not shown) other than the main part of the game board 14 and the like will be omitted.

  The game board 14 is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin (light transmissive member) having light transmission, and a portion excluding a region where a game member such as an accessory is formed is a light transmissive region. It has become. Examples of the light-transmitting 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 where the launched game ball rolls. 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. In addition, the game area 15 of the game board 14 is provided with an accessory such as an obstacle, a start opening, a general winning opening, and a storage section which will be described later. Among these, for the accessory in which a passing port (not shown) is formed so that the game ball that has entered the ball moves to the rear side, a sensor (not shown), which will be described later, is provided at the passing port. When the sensor detects a game ball that has passed, a predetermined detection signal is output to the main control circuit 60, and, for example, a normal symbol variation display is performed. In the present embodiment, the game balls that have entered the start opening 25, the special game-specific winning attacker 44, the big winning opening 39, the general winning openings 56a to 56d (hereinafter collectively referred to as the general winning opening 56), and the out opening 94 are Then, it is introduced outside the game area on the rear surface side of the game board 14 through a not-shown passage. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a round number display 51 for displaying the current round number (described later) is provided near the upper right end on the game board 14. That is, the game board 14 in the present embodiment has a light transmissive area, a game area where a game ball rolls is provided on the front side of the light transmissive area, and the game ball in the game area is transferred to the game area. It functions as a game board provided with a passage opening to be introduced outside the game area outside the area.

  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 includes a display unit 32a that enables display of an image relating to a game. The display portion 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 portion 32 a is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to overlap all or at least a 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 portion 32a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. .

  On the display unit 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, effect identification information (identification information) (see FIG. 4), various effect images, and the like are displayed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by providing the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the transmissive area in the game board 14, for example, an area where a game member such as an obstacle nail planting area, an accessory, or a decorative member is provided is enlarged. The degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is made of a material having permeability, and a large circular through hole 31a is provided at the center. An electrical decoration unit 53 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided above the through hole 31a. The detailed configuration of the illumination unit 53 will be described later. A game board rear plate 21 is fitted in the lower part of the through hole 31a.

  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. A firing solenoid (not shown) as a driving device is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26, and a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral portion 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 launch handle 26 is gripped by the player and is turned counterclockwise, power is supplied to the launch solenoid, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially launched to the game board 14, The game is advanced. In addition, as will be described later, the momentum of the game ball to be launched can be adjusted by operating the launch power increase button 80 and the launch power decrease button 82 shown in FIG.

  Next, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, portions overlapping with the description of the pachinko gaming machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are omitted. Further, in FIG. 4, the description of a plurality of obstacle nails driven into the game board 14 is omitted in order to avoid complexity.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 14 has a specific game including two guide rails 30 (30a and 30b), passing gates 54a and 54b, an obstacle 58, a starting port 25, and a blade member 48. A dedicated winning attacker 44, a large winning opening 39 provided with a shutter 40, a round number display 51, and an out opening 94 are provided. In addition, in the upper part of the game board 14, the electrical decoration unit 53 mentioned later is visible.

  In the present embodiment, the game balls that have entered the starting port 25, the special game-specific winning attacker 44, the big winning port 39, the general winning port 56, and the out port 94 pass through the passage port (not shown) and the rear surface of the gaming board 14. It moves out of the gaming area on the side and is introduced into the through hole 31 a of the spacer 31. And it passes through the discharge port (not shown) provided in the lower part of this through-hole 31a, and is sent out to the conveyance path provided in the exterior of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  The game board 14 is provided with a start port 25 for starting the variable symbol display. 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 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 a collision with an obstacle 58 or the like provided on the game board 14, it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lighting unit 53 provided on the upper part of the game board 14 includes a display case 37 for storing the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35, and special symbol holding lamps 34a, 34b, 34c. , 34d and normal symbol holding lamps 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.

  Here, 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 in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 33 accommodated in the display unit case 37 is composed of a 7-segment LED 41, and the 7-segment LED 41 is formed by the establishment of a predetermined special symbol variable display start condition (FIG. 4). When the game ball enters the start opening 25 shown in FIG. 5 or when the special symbol variation display stops when there is a holding ball), the lighting and turning-off are repeated.

  By turning on / off the 7-segment LED 41, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols. As a special symbol, when a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol of “7”) is stopped and displayed, a 15R jackpot game in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed up to 15 times from the normal gaming state. The game state shifts to a state (a special game state that is one of the game states advantageous to the player). Further, after the jackpot gaming state is ended, the state shifts to a probability changing state (high probability gaming state: hereinafter referred to as a probability changing mode) in which the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state is higher than usual. Hereinafter, the jackpot that shifts to the probability variation mode after the 15R jackpot game is also referred to as a 15R probability variation jackpot.

  In addition, when a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol “5”) is stopped and displayed, a 15R jackpot gaming state (special game) in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed up to 15 times from the normal gaming state. The gaming state shifts to (gaming state). However, after the end of the jackpot gaming state, the game does not shift to the probability variation mode, and becomes a gaming state in which the winning probability is lower than the high probability gaming state (low probability gaming state: hereinafter referred to as the normal mode). Hereinafter, the jackpot that shifts to the normal mode after the 15R jackpot game is also referred to as a 15R jackpot.

  Further, when a specific numerical symbol (for example, a numerical symbol of “3”) is stopped and displayed, a 2R jackpot gaming state (game) in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed up to two times from the normal gaming state. The game state shifts to a specific game state that is one of the game states advantageous to the player. Then, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the game shifts to a normal game in the probability variation mode. Hereinafter, the jackpot that shifts to the probability variation mode after the 2R jackpot game is also referred to as a 2R probability variation jackpot. Further, the 15R probability variation jackpot is also simply referred to as a probability variation jackpot.

  When the 15R jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) is reached, as will be described later, the shutter 40 of the big prize opening 39 shown in FIG. It becomes a state. Also, when the 2R jackpot gaming state (specific gaming state) is reached, as will be described later, blade members (so-called ordinary electric roles) provided on the left and right sides of the special gaming dedicated prize attacker 44 shown in FIG. The object) 48 changes from the closed state to the open state, and the game ball can be received by the special game-specific prize winner 44.

  On the other hand, when a number symbol other than a specific number symbol (for example, a number symbol other than “3”, “5”, “7”) is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, the normal gaming state is maintained. As described above, a game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and the game state is shifted or maintained depending on the result is referred to as a special symbol game.

  On the other hand, a normal symbol display 35 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33 shown in FIG. The normal symbol display 35 is composed of two display lamps. When these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, symbols such as “O” and “X” are variably displayed as normal symbols. Is done.

  Further, on both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the special symbol variable display held by turning on or off (the so-called number of holding balls). 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 When the special symbol hold lamp 34b is lit in addition to the lamp 34a and the execution of the special symbol fluctuation display is held three times, the special symbol hold lamp 34c is further turned on to execute the special symbol fluctuation display. In the case of holding four times, the special symbol holding lamp 34d is further turned on.

  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 display the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off. 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.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 14 is provided with a start opening 25, and when the game ball enters the start opening 25, the special symbol display by the special symbol display 33 starts. Is done. Further, when a game ball enters the start opening 25 during the variation display of the special symbol, the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the start aperture 25 until the special symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed. The start of the variable display is suspended. 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 that the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended, that is, the number of retained balls, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is four.

  Furthermore, when a game ball enters the start port 25 and the variable display by the special symbol display 33 is started, at the same time, the change display of the effect identification information is also performed on the display unit 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Be started. In addition, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display regarding the special symbol, for the effect based on the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25 until the identification information for the effect during the variation display is stopped and displayed. Since the start of the variable display of the identification information is suspended, when the production identification information that has been displayed in a variable manner as in the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the production identification information that has been suspended is started. The

  In the present embodiment, the winning of a game ball at the start opening 25 or the like is set as a special symbol variable display start condition or a predetermined display identification information variable display start condition. The aspect of this may be sufficient.

  A special symbol display 33 is provided on the display portion 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14 shown in FIGS. An effect image related to the special symbol displayed at, other effect images, and the like are displayed.

  For example, during the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 33, the effect identification information including numbers and symbols is variably displayed in the display area Q on the display unit 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. In the present embodiment, numbers from “0” to “9” are used as effect identification information. Thereafter, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 33 shown in FIG. 3 is stopped and displayed, and the effect identification information is also stopped and displayed on the display unit 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 notifying the player that the game is a big hit is displayed on the display unit 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, the combination of effect identification information stopped and displayed in the display area Q is a specific display mode (for example, a plurality of symbols). The display is stopped in a state where any one of “1” to “9” is aligned in each of the symbol rows.

  As a combination of the effect identification information, when the display area Q is stopped and displayed in a state where all the specific number symbols (for example, “odd number” numbers) are arranged, a round advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state The gaming state shifts to a 15R jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) in which the game is continuously performed up to 15 times. In addition, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the mode changes to the probability change mode. In addition, when the display area Q is stopped and displayed in a state where all of the specific numeric symbols (for example, “even” numeric symbols) are arranged, the round game advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state is continued up to 15 times. The gaming state shifts to the 15R jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) performed in the above. However, after the end of the jackpot gaming state, the probability change mode having a higher probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state is not shifted to the normal mode, and the normal mode is set.

  Furthermore, when a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed in the display area Q with a serial number (for example, “1”, “2”, “3” numerical symbols), the round game advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state is maximized. The gaming state shifts to a 2R jackpot gaming state (specific gaming state) that is continuously performed twice. In addition, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the mode changes to the probability change mode.

  When the combination of the effect identification information stopped and displayed in the display area Q is in a specific display mode, that is, when the 15R jackpot or the 2R jackpot is won, a “jackpot! A character image and a delighting character image are displayed on the display unit 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, 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 (see FIG. 10) 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 passage 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 “x”.

  When this normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 23 provided on 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 variably displayed and then stopped and displayed, and as a result, the open / closed state of the blade member 23 varies is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  Similarly to the special symbol variation display, when a 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). The shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol indicator 33 and the gaming state is shifted to the 15R jackpot gaming state. The

  On the other hand, a special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 includes a specific area (not shown) having a V / count sensor 102 (see FIG. 10) and a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 10). There are general areas (not shown) having a shutter 40, and the shutter 40 is in an open state until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. Driven. 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. .

  A game from an open state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is easy to accept game balls to a closed state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept game balls 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 and “2” round. 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 driven from the open state to the closed state is opened again on condition that the game ball received in the big prize opening 39 in the open state has passed the V · count sensor 102 (see FIG. 10). Driven to state. That is, 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 (see FIG. 10). A game from the first round game until the end of the (round) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is called a special game. This game state is called a special game state (15R jackpot) (Game state).

  Furthermore, a special game-dedicated prize winner 44 is provided downstream of the obstacle 58. This special game-dedicated prize-winning attacker 44 is provided with blade members (so-called ordinary electric accessories) 48 on both the left and right sides. This blade member 48 is in an open state in which a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol indicator 33, and when the game state is shifted to the 2R big hit game state (specific game state), it is easy to accept a game ball. It is driven to become. As a result, the special game-dedicated winning attacker 44 is in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball.

  Further, the specific game dedicated prize attacker 44 is provided with a count sensor 105 (see FIG. 10), and a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls pass through these areas, or a predetermined time (for example, one second). The blade member 48 is driven to the open state until the time elapses. Then, when a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls to the specific game dedicated prize attacker 44 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the blade member 48 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. Driven. As a result, the special game-dedicated prize winner 44 is in a closed state where it is difficult to accept the game ball due to the obstacle 58. The game from the open state in which the specific game-dedicated winning attacker 44 is in a state where it is easy to accept the game ball to the closed state in which the specific game-dedicated winning attacker 44 is difficult to receive the game ball is referred to as a round game. Therefore, the blade member 48 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 and “2” round. For example, the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Note that the game from the first round game to the end of the second (final) round game is called a specific game, and this game state is called a specific game state (2R big hit game state).

  Further, in the present embodiment, a special winning opening 39 as a first winning combination that performs an opening operation when a special game is executed, and a special game-specific winning as a second combination that performs an opening operation when a specific game is executed. The attacker 44 is provided as a special winning opening, but these may be a single winning opening. Further, in this embodiment, as an example of the winning combination, two winning combinations, that is, the special winning opening 39 and the special game winning winning attacker 44, are described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and on the game board. Any number of two or more items may be provided.

  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. Further, during the execution of the specific game, the number of rounds (the maximum number of continued rounds) from the first round number to the last round game when the round game is continued most is two 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 may be an arbitrary number of rounds such as being selected from “1” to “15” rounds by lottery by the main control circuit 60 (see FIG. 10). The maximum number of continuous rounds during execution of a specific game is not limited to two rounds. For example, the maximum number of continuous rounds may be an arbitrary number of rounds such as being selected from “1” to “15” rounds by lottery by the main control circuit 60 (see FIG. 10).

  In addition, when a game ball wins any of the start opening 25, the general winning opening 56, the large winning opening 39, and the specific gaming dedicated winning attacker 44, the number set in advance based on the type of each winning opening. Of the game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  On the other hand, a round number display 51 is provided in the game area outer region 16 (see FIG. 2) 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 means for displaying the number of rounds during execution of the special game is provided separately from the means for displaying the effect image, the number of rounds can be displayed accurately and easily.

  In addition, since the means for displaying the number of rounds is provided in front of the liquid crystal display device 32 that functions as means for performing the effect display related to the number of rounds, the round relation depends on the positional relationship between the round number display and the effect display. Numbers can be displayed more clearly.

  In addition, the launch power increase button 80 and the launch power decrease button 82 provided on the main body frame 12 (see FIG. 2) are operated by the player to send control signals to the main control circuit 60 (see FIG. 10). Send. The main control circuit 60 controls the payout / launch control circuit 126 to launch the game ball at a moment according to the received control signal. Therefore, the player does not need to operate the firing handle 26 only by operating the firing power increase button 80 and the firing power decrease button 82 in order to adjust the momentum of launching the game ball during the game. You can concentrate more on the game.

[Description of liquid crystal display]
Next, the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the liquid crystal display device 32. Further, in FIG. 5, the outlines of the game image P1 displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the game ball 1 rolling on the game board 14 are respectively indicated by imaginary lines.

  In the liquid crystal display device 32, a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of signal lines are arranged in a matrix, and a pixel transistor and a pixel electrode are connected to each intersection of the matrix (both not shown). ) In addition, the common electrode disposed opposite to the pixel electrode is formed on the counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer is held between the pixel electrode and the common electrode (none of which is shown). Hereinafter, the image display area formed at each intersection of the matrix is referred to as a display pixel.

  The image data written to each display pixel is supplied to each signal line, and a scanning signal is supplied to the scanning line at a predetermined timing, whereby the image transistor becomes conductive, and the image data is between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. Is applied. By performing such a writing operation for each predetermined line, a display image for one screen is displayed on the screen. This display image includes various effects images, game images, and the like, as well as a plurality of images including a trajectory image that is an image showing the trajectory of a game ball rolling on the game board 14. That is, the liquid crystal display device 32 in the present embodiment is provided on the rear side of the game board, and displays an image that displays a plurality of images including a trajectory image that is an image showing the trajectory of a ball game ball that rolls on the game board. Functions as a means.

  In addition, the optical sensor element 8 is mounted on each display pixel. The photosensor element 8 is an image sensor that takes in light from an object on a display pixel and outputs it as image data. As shown in FIG. 5, the image of the game ball 1 on the display pixel is captured by the photosensor element 8 at the position of the display pixel. In FIG. 5 (FIG. 6), for convenience of explanation, the shape of the photosensor element 8 is simplified and drawn large, but the actual photosensor element 8 is formed on the substrate with high definition. Therefore, almost the entire game ball 1 can be captured as an image.

  As described above, the optical sensor element 8 mounted for each display pixel of the liquid crystal display device 32 detects the game ball 1 by taking light from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the game board 14. In other words, the optical sensor element 8 in the present embodiment functions as a detection unit that detects the position of the game ball rolling on the game board using light rays in the depth direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the game board.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. As shown in FIG. 6, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, light from the game ball 1 rolling on the game area 15 provided on the front side of the game board 14 is displayed on each display of the liquid crystal display device 32. It is taken in by the optical sensor element 8 corresponding to the pixel and output as image data. Thus, by outputting image data from the optical sensor element 8, it can be determined that the optical sensor element 8 has detected a game ball. The image data output from the optical sensor element 8 is sequentially stored in a main RAM 70 described later. In the present embodiment, when the game ball launched to the game board 14 is introduced into the game area 15, image data of the game ball is sequentially stored.

  In the following description, “image data indicating the trajectory of a game ball” is a sequence of image data captured by the optical sensor element 8 of each display image in which a game ball has been detected. The image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball includes position data (coordinate data on the game board) of the optical sensor element 8 that has detected the game ball. An image displayed based on image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball is referred to as a trajectory image.

[Description of display screen]
Next, the display screen will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, the display area Q of the display unit 32a is divided into small areas q1 to q3, and the effect identification information is variably displayed and stopped in each of the small areas q1 to q3.

  That is, the display area Q is divided into small areas q1 to q3, and when the special symbol game is started, as shown in FIG. 8, the effect identification information is variably displayed in each of the small areas q1 to q3. In accordance with the result of the big hit lottery, the effect identification information is sequentially stopped and displayed, and finally the effect identification information is stopped and displayed in all the small areas as shown in FIG. In other words, the effect identification information corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery is stopped and displayed in the display area Q. In FIG. 9, the 15R probability variation jackpot is won. When the effect identification information is sequentially stopped and displayed, the display area Q may be in a reach state that can be a stop mode in which a big hit is notified in the stop mode of the remaining one display identification information in the display area Q. FIG. 10 shows an example of the reach state. In FIG. 10, the display area Q is presentation identification information that is stopped and displayed in the small area q <b> 3 (that is, a stop mode of the remaining one presentation identification information in the display area Q), and is “7”, “7”, It can be “7” (that is, a stop mode for notifying 15R probability variation jackpot). That is, the display area Q is in a reach state.

  The time from when the display of the effect identification information is started to when all the effect identification information is stopped and displayed, the so-called change time, varies depending on the ON / OFF state of a time flag to be described later. Specifically, the variation time when the hour / short flag is on is shorter than the variation time when the hour / short flag is off. Specifically, it will be described later.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a display screen of a trajectory image. In FIG. 11, as an example, when the game ball 1 enters the general winning opening 56a, a trajectory image P1 from when the game ball 1 is introduced into the game area 15 until entering the general winning opening 56a is displayed. ing.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is roughly divided into a main control circuit 60, a sub control circuit 200, various sensors, switches, a lamp 74, and a payout / launch control circuit 126. Has been.

  The main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU (control means, measurement means, determination means, image data control means) 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70. 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 in accordance with programs stored in the main ROM 68. For example, when a game ball enters the start port 25, the main CPU 66 performs a lottery transition to a 15R jackpot game state or a 2R jackpot game state, and when a game ball enters the start port 25, It functions as a control means for performing mode change lottery, that is, change control from the probability change mode to the normal mode and change control from the normal mode to the probability change mode.

  Further, the main CPU 66 executes a process of determining whether or not a game ball has entered the general winning opening 56 based on whether or not a predetermined detection signal is output from each of the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112. ing. When it is determined that a game ball has entered any of the general winning ports 56, that is, when a detection signal from any of the corresponding general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112 is received, A trajectory image display command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 via the IC 72, and image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball stored in the main RAM 70 is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200. Here, the trajectory image display command is a command for displaying a trajectory image indicating a trajectory where the game ball rolls.

  In the present embodiment, the trajectory image of the game ball is displayed on the condition that a game ball has entered one of the general winning ports 56. 25, it may be displayed when a game ball enters the special game-dedicated winning attacker 44, the special winning opening 39 or the like. That is, as long as it has a passage opening (not shown) for introducing the game ball to the outside of the game area, the game ball may be inserted into any game member or accessory.

  Further, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the target game ball has passed through a position that does not enter any of the general winning ports 56 based on the image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball stored in the main RAM 70. . For example, in FIG. 4, when the game ball passes below the general winning openings 56 c and 56 d, it can be determined that the ball does not enter any of the general winning openings 56. That is, the main CPU 66 functions as a determination unit that determines that the game ball has passed a position where it does not enter the passage opening of the game board.

  When the main CPU 66 determines that the game ball has passed a position where it does not enter any of the general winning ports 56, the main CPU 66 performs control so as to erase the image data of the game ball stored in the main RAM 70 described later. is doing. That is, the main CPU 66 determines that the determination means has passed a position where the game ball does not enter the passage opening of the game board based on the information regarding the position of the game ball stored in the storage means (main RAM 70). When the determination is made, it functions as an image information erasure unit that controls to erase information relating to the position of the game ball stored in the storage unit.

  In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored. In addition, a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 13) referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. In addition, various tables such as an effect condition selection table referred to when selecting an effect, and other tables are also stored.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. 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 state flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a missed symbol determination random number counter, an effect condition selection random number counter, and a special game dedicated prize opener are opened. Number counter, Grand prize opening number counter, Special game-specific prize attacker prize counter, Grand prize opening prize counter, Round number display counter, Round number display effect start counter, Waiting time timer, Special game-specific prize winner opening time Timer, special winning opening time timer, data indicating the number of reserved balls regarding special symbols, data indicating the number of reserved balls regarding normal symbols, data for transmitting a command to the sub-control circuit 200 described later, output from the optical sensor element 8 Game ball image data, starting memory number counter, Species of variables and the like are set.

  The image data of the game ball output from the optical sensor element 8 stored in the main RAM 70 of the present embodiment is the trajectory of the game ball from when the game ball launched to the game board 14 is introduced into the game area 15. Are sequentially stored in the main RAM 70. That is, the main RAM 70 functions as a storage unit that stores a rolling history of a game ball that rolls on the game board based on detection by the detection unit (the optical sensor element 8). The image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball is a rolling history composed of information on the position of the game ball rolling on the game board 14, and the main RAM 70 stores the position of the game ball rolling on the game board. It functions as a storage means for storing information related to the rolling history.

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

  The jackpot determining random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination 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 for determining 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 specific game-dedicated winning attacker release count counter indicates the number of times the so-called special game-dedicated winning attacker 44 (see FIG. 4) is released (so-called round number) in an advantageous game. The big winning opening opening number counter indicates the number of opening of the big winning opening (so-called round number) in the big hit gaming state. The winning prize winning counter indicates the number of game balls that won the winning prize opening (see FIG. 4) during one round and passed through the V / count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104. The special game-dedicated prize-winner winning counter indicates the number of game balls that have won the specific-game exclusive prize-winner 44 and passed the count sensor 105 during one round.

  Further, data indicating the number of reserved balls related to the special symbol (so-called start memory number counter) indicates the number of special symbol games that are awaiting execution (that is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 will execute in the future). That is, the data indicating the number of reserved balls regarding the special symbol indicates the number of stored start storage information. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved balls related to the normal symbol is stored when the start of the normal symbol game is held when the game ball passes through the passing gates 54a and 54b but the normal symbol cannot be changed. Indicates the number of times of holding the regular symbol game. The round number display counter indicates the number of rounds displayed on the round number display 51. Further, in the main RAM 70, a special symbol storage area, a normal symbol storage area, an effect image storage area, and the like are set, and various information is stored.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a reset clock pulse generation 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. And a serial communication IC 72 for transmitting commands. 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. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a V / count sensor 102, count sensors 104, 105, and general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110 are provided. , 112, passing ball sensors 114, 115, starting winning ball sensor 116, ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, big prize opening solenoid 120, seesaw solenoid 122, backup clear switch 124, and firing power increase button 80. The firing power reduction button 82 and the optical sensor element 8 are connected.

  The V / count sensor 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 39. The V / count sensor 102 outputs 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 outputs 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 count sensor 105 is provided in the special game dedicated winning attacker 44. The count sensor 105 outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the special game-dedicated winning attacker 44.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d, respectively. These general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 (hereinafter collectively referred to as general winning ball sensors 106) send a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through each general winning ball 56. Output to.

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

  The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 116 detects that a game ball has won (passed) through the start port 25 and outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 48 via a link member (not shown), and when performing a specific game, the blade member 48 is based on a drive signal transmitted from the main CPU 66. Is opened. When the specific game is not executed (for example, a normal game state or a special game state), the normal electric accessory solenoid 118 closes the blade member 48 based on the drive signal transmitted from the main CPU 66.

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 4, and drives the shutter 40 based on the drive signal transmitted from the main CPU 66 to put the big prize opening into an open state or a closed state.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 has a plate shape and is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided in the shutter 40. The seesaw solenoid 122 displaces the seesaw based on a drive signal transmitted from the main CPU 66 and tilts the seesaw. change. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through the specific area or to pass through the general area.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data at the time of power interruption or the like based on an operation of a game hall manager.

  The firing power increase button 80 is provided on the main body frame. The fire power increase button 80 transmits a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when operated by the player. The main control circuit 60 controls power supply from the dispensing / firing control circuit 126 to the firing solenoid of the launching device 130 based on the received detection signal.

  The firing power reduction button 82 is provided on the main body frame. The fire power reduction button 82 transmits a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when operated by the player. The main control circuit 60 controls power supply from the dispensing / firing control circuit 126 to the firing solenoid of the launching device 130 based on the received detection signal.

  The optical sensor element 8 is mounted on each display pixel of the liquid crystal display device 32 (see FIG. 5), and causes the game ball that rolls in the game area 15 to emit light in the depth direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the game board 14. The captured image data is transmitted to the main control circuit 60.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to 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 transmitted from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal transmitted 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. In addition, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs control for launching the game ball by transmitting 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 turned clockwise, the power corresponding to the operation of the firing power increase button 80 and the firing power decrease button 82 is applied to the firing solenoid. The game balls supplied and stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired onto the game board 14 by the firing 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 outputs 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 (7-segment LED 52) and the like are included.

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound output from the speaker 46, control of the lamp 132, and the like based on various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 60. Note that the lamp 132 includes an incandescent lamp, an LED, and the like, specifically, a decorative lamp (not shown) that displays light and dark on the game board 14.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU (variable display game execution control means, image display control means) 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a speaker. 46 includes a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound output from 46 and a lamp control circuit 240 that controls a lamp 132 such as a decorative lamp. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game based on 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 transmitted from the main control circuit 60, as will be described later.

  The sub CPU 206 controls the image display on the display unit 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 as a variation display unit and an effect image display unit. That is, the display control to the change display means for displaying the identification upper part in the central portion of the display unit 32a and the display control to the effect image display means for displaying the effect image on the entire display unit 32a are performed. In addition, the sub CPU 206 performs control to stop the identification information that is variably displayed.

  Furthermore, as will be described later, each time the three stop operation buttons 84a to 84c are pressed, processing for changing the display area for displaying the effect image is performed based on the area change probability table. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, processing for changing the display area to four patterns indicated by P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 is performed. That is, the sub CPU 206 performs control to display a predetermined effect image on the display unit 32a during execution of the identification information stop game, and performs predetermined control according to the stop operation of the stop operation buttons 84a to 84c by the player. A function as an effect image display control means for performing control to change the display area of the effect image is provided.

  Further, the sub CPU 206 can perform stop display when the player presses the stop operation buttons 84a to 84c in a variable display game in which the identification information is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and displayed at an arbitrary timing. Control the execution of the information stop game. That is, the sub CPU 206 has a function as identification information stop game execution control means for executing the identification information stop game at an arbitrary timing and controlling the execution of the identification information stop game.

  In addition, the sub CPU 206 displays a trajectory image until a game ball that has entered any of the general winning ports 56a to 56d enters the general winning port according to the trajectory image display command transmitted from the main control circuit 60. Control is performed to display on the display unit 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. The trajectory image is displayed based on image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball transmitted from the main control circuit 60. That is, on the condition that the game ball has entered the passage opening of the game board, the sub CPU 206 enters the passage into the passage opening based on the information regarding the position of the game ball stored in the storage means. It functions as image display control means for controlling the trajectory image up to the image display means. In other words, the sub CPU 206 performs control so that the rolling history of the game ball stored in the storage unit is displayed as an image on the condition that the game ball has entered the passage opening of the game board. It functions as an image display control means.

  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.

  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. The program ROM 208 stores effect patterns during execution of a plurality of types of specific games. The effect pattern during execution of the specific game relates to the progress of the effect display executed in association with the round game in the specific game. The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of specific game notice effect patterns. Further, the program ROM 208 stores a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects.

  In this embodiment, the main ROM 68 is used in the main control circuit 60 and the program ROM 208 is used in the sub control circuit 200 as means for storing programs, tables, and the like. For example, a program, a table, or the like may be recorded in a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. 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, various variables are positioned such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like. The work RAM 210 also stores image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball transmitted from the main control circuit 60.

  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.

  Under the control of the sub CPU 206, the display control circuit 250 that performs variable display of the effect identification information includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, and image data. It comprises a D / A converter 218 that converts as an image signal, and an initial reset circuit 220 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on.

  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 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32. 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 unit 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. By storing image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed on the display unit 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 effect identification information are stored separately.

  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 based on an image display command transmitted from the sub CPU 206, and displays them on the liquid crystal display device 32. The image data to be generated is generated. As will be described later, the VDP 212 reads out image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball stored in the work RAM 210 based on the trajectory image display command transmitted from the sub CPU 206, and generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. Then, the data is transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 32. Further, the VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores it in the buffer, and transmits it to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal, and transmits the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image on the display unit 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  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 the sound output from the speaker 46.

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit 242 for transmitting 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 132 such as decorative lamps in accordance with a program stored in the program ROM 208.

  The sub CPU 206 reads one type of lamp decoration pattern from a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns stored in the decoration data ROM 244, and supplies a predetermined light emission signal to the drive circuit 242 based on the lamp decoration pattern. The drive circuit 242 turns on, blinks, and turns off the lamp 132 such as a decorative lamp based on the received predetermined light emission signal.

[Big hit judgment table]
FIG. 13 shows an example of the jackpot determination table stored in the main ROM 68. As shown in the figure, in the normal mode (for example, determined by the value of the status flag (for example, “0”)), when the jackpot determination random number is 1 to 393, it is determined to be out of place. . When the jackpot determining random number is 394 to 397, it is determined that the game is a specific game (2R jackpot). When the jackpot determining random number is 398 to 399, it is determined that the game is a special game (15R normal jackpot). When the jackpot determination random number is 400, it is determined that the game is a special game (15R probability variation jackpot).

  Further, in the case of the probability variation mode (for example, determined by the value of the status flag (for example, “1”)), when the jackpot determination random number value is 1 to 330, it is determined to be out of place. When the jackpot determination random number is 331 to 370, it is determined as a specific game (2R jackpot). When the jackpot determination random number is 371 to 390, it is determined as a special game (15R normal jackpot). When the jackpot determination random number is 391 to 400, it is determined that the game is a special game (15R probability variation jackpot).

  That is, in the probability changing mode, the probability of winning a special game and a specific game is set to be extremely higher than in the normal mode, and the probability of entering the probability changing mode after the special game is also set to be high.

[Game machine operation]
Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Moreover, the state transition of the special symbol control process (FIG. 16) performed with the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 14, the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 executes RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, initialization of the work area, initial setting processing such as a start memory number counter (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 16, a special symbol control process related to the progress of the special symbol game, the special symbol on the special symbol display 33, and the identification information for presentation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is executed ( Step S15). Further, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 21, a game for determining whether any of the general winning ball sensors 106 has detected that a gaming ball has entered any of the general winning ports 56a to 56d. A sphere detection determination process is executed (step S16). As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the processes in step S15 and step S16 are repeatedly executed.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The following system timer interrupt process is executed in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the main CPU 66 executes random number update processing so as to increase the count values of the jackpot determination random number counter, the jackpot symbol determination random number counter, the round number display effect start counter, etc. by “1” (step S42). . And the input detection process which detects the winning or passage of game balls, such as the start opening 25, is performed (step S43). Then, a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big winning opening opening time for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening 39 that is opened when the 15R jackpot game is executed. Update processing of various timers such as a timer for special game-specific prize-winner opening time for measuring the release time of a special game-specific prize-winner 44 that is released when a 2R jackpot game is executed (step S44). . Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S46). If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 transmits various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demonstration display command, a stop design designation command for effect indicating the type of effect identification information to be stopped and displayed in the left column, the middle column, and the right column, and an identification for effect. A variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern of information, a specific effect image display command, a game state change command indicating whether or not a game state change (mode change) has occurred, and an identification information stop game indicating execution of an identification information stop game Execution commands etc. are included. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S49.

  In the process of step S49, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Further, the main CPU 66 outputs a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls set in advance when the game balls are awarded to various prize openings to the payout / firing control circuit 126. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

[Special symbol control processing]
Details of the subroutine executed in step S15 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, the numerical values described from the side of step S72 to step S81 (excluding step S76) indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and the numerical values according to the numerical values of the control state flags. One step corresponding to is executed, and the special symbol game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, in step S71, a process of loading a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S72.

  In steps S72 to S80, as will be described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S72 to step S81 to be executed.

  In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step. Before reaching this predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management to the control state flag when the control state flag is the value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management. Set the waiting time after confirmation (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S74 is executed after the waiting time after determination has elapsed. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. When the main CPU 66 is a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer.

  That is, after the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, it sets so that the process of step S81 may be performed. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S75, a jackpot start interval management process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 has a value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, the main winning prize port 39 read from the main ROM 68 is displayed. Alternatively, the main RAM 70 stores data for opening the special game-dedicated winning attacker 44.

  Then, in the process of step S46 of FIG. 15, the main CPU 66 reads out the data for opening the special winning opening 39 stored in the main RAM 70 or the special game-specific winning attacker 44, and is used only for the special winning opening 39 or the specific game. A signal to open the winning attacker 44 is output to the big winning opening solenoid 120 or the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118.

  In this way, the main CPU 66 or the like performs opening / closing control of the special winning opening 39 or the special game dedicated winning attacker 44. That is, a 15R jackpot game or a 2R jackpot game is executed.

  Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. Further, when the advantageous game state is 15R jackpot game, the main CPU 66 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it sets so that the process of step S78 may be performed. Further, the main CPU 66 substitutes a predetermined number (for example, “15”, etc.) into the round number display counter in the main RAM 70. Further, the main CPU 66 uses the special game execution time timer in the main RAM 70 to start measuring the execution time of 15R jackpot game. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S76.

  On the other hand, in the case of a 2R jackpot game, the main CPU 66 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 1 second or the like) in a special game dedicated winning attacker opening time timer. That is, it sets so that the process of step S78 may be performed. Further, the main CPU 66 substitutes a predetermined number (for example, “2”) into the round number display counter in the main RAM 70. Further, the main CPU 66 uses the specific game execution time timer in the main RAM 70 to start measuring the execution time of the 2R jackpot game. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S76. In this way, the main CPU 66 selects, as an advantageous game, one of the 15R jackpot game (special game) with a long release time of the bonus item and the 2R jackpot game (specific game) with a shorter bonus game release time. It is an example of the control means which performs control to perform.

  In this way, in the 15R jackpot game and the 2R jackpot game, which are examples of advantageous games, the prizes such as the big prize opening 39 (see FIG. 4) and the special game-specific prize winner 44 (see FIG. 4) are used for each round game. The release operation is performed with.

  In step S76, a round number display management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects one round number display pattern from a plurality of types of round number display patterns stored in the main ROM 68 based on the numbers assigned to the round number display counter stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. And the selected round number display pattern is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  The data indicating the round number display pattern stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is a signal (round number display control signal) for controlling the display of the round number display 51 by the process of step S46 in FIG. Is transmitted to the lamp control circuit 76. When the lamp control circuit 76 receives the round number display control signal, the lamp control circuit 76 performs display control of the round number display 51 based on the round number display control signal. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S77.

  In step S77, a waiting time management process before reopening an accessory is executed. In this process, when the advantageous game is a 15R jackpot game, the main CPU 66 indicates that the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the waiting time management before reopening of an accessory, and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. In addition, the special winning opening opening number counter is updated so as to increase by “1”. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it sets so that the process of step S78 may be performed. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S78.

  On the other hand, when the advantageous game is a 2R jackpot game, the main CPU 66 determines that the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the waiting time management before reopening of an accessory, and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. The specific game-dedicated prize-winner opening number counter is stored and updated so as to increase by “1”. The main CPU 66 sets, in the control state flag, a value (04) indicating that the specific game dedicated winning attacker is being released. The main CPU 66 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 1 second) in the special game dedicated winning attacker opening time timer. That is, it sets so that the process of step S78 may be performed. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S78.

  In step S78, an accessory release process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the accessory is being released, if the game is a 15R big hit game, the main CPU 66 opens the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more. It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the upper limit time has passed (the big winning opening opening time timer is “0”) is satisfied.

  The main CPU 66 updates a variable located in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 39 when any of the above conditions is satisfied. Also, in the case of 2R jackpot game, the main CPU 66 has a condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “3” or more and a condition that the opening upper limit time has passed (the big prize opening time timer is “0”). It is determined whether or not any of the above is satisfied. The main CPU 66 updates a variable located in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special game dedicated winning attacker 44 when any of the conditions is satisfied.

  The main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the remaining ball in the accessory in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets the remaining sphere monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the accessory in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the processing of step S79 is executed after the in-object residual sphere monitoring time has elapsed. Note that the main CPU 66 does not execute the above-described processing when none of the conditions is satisfied. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S79, the remaining sphere monitoring process in the accessory is executed. In this processing, when the advantageous game is a 15R jackpot game (for example, when the value of the status flag is “2”), the main CPU 66 indicates that the control status flag is a value (05) indicating monitoring of the remaining ball in the accessory. When the remaining ball monitoring time in the bonus game has elapsed, the condition that the game ball has not passed through the specific area in the special winning opening 39, the special winning opening release counter is “15” (stopped in the special symbol display 33) It is determined whether or not any one of the conditions (when the displayed specific numeric symbol is “7”) is satisfied.

  When any of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval elapses, the process of step S80 is set to be executed.

  When the advantageous game is a 2R jackpot game (for example, when the value of the state flag is “1”), the main CPU 66 indicates that the control state flag is a value (05) indicating monitoring of the remaining ball in the accessory, When the in-object residual ball monitoring time elapses, the condition that the game ball has not passed through the specific area in the special game dedicated prize attacker 44 (see FIG. 4), and the specific game dedicated prize attacker release count counter is “2” ( It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the specific symbol design stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 33 is “3”) or more (the final round) is satisfied. When any of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval elapses, the process of step S80 is set to be executed.

  On the other hand, when neither of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating management of the accessory reopening waiting time in the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 updates the storage so that “1” is subtracted from the round number display counter stored in the main RAM 70. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S77 is performed. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, jackpot end interval processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game to the control state when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, it sets so that the process of step S81 may be performed. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S81.

  In step S81, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the data indicating the number of reserved pieces related to the special symbol so as to decrease “1”. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a start memory number designation command indicating that the start memory information is decreased by “1” in a predetermined storage area in the main RAM 70. Then, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it sets so that the process of step S72 may be performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flags to “00”, “01”, “02”, and “ By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S81 shown in FIG. 16 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot when the jackpot gaming state is not set. The process of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 16 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “04”, “05”, “06”, so that step S78 shown in FIG. Steps S79 and S77 are executed at a predetermined timing, and a 15R jackpot game is executed. Note that when the end condition of the 15R jackpot game (special game) is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, and “08” are set in this order to perform steps S78 to S81 shown in FIG. This process is executed at a predetermined timing, and the 15R jackpot game is ended.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
Details of the subroutine executed in step S72 of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, in step S101, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. If it is determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol memory check, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the control state flag is not a value indicating a special symbol memory check, this subroutine is terminated. To do.

  In step S102, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “0”. If it is determined that the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that the data indicating the reserved number is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S104. Proceed.

  In step S103, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores in the main RAM 70 a variable for transmitting a demonstration display command to the sub-control circuit 200 in order to perform a demonstration display. As a result, the display of the demonstration screen is executed in the sub control circuit 200. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S104, a process of setting a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a value indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects a jackpot determination value stored in the jackpot determination table (see FIG. 13) based on the value of the state flag. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the jackpot determination random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the jackpot determination value.

  In other words, a game state in which the randomness value for jackpot determination extracted by the internal lottery and the jackpot determination value in the jackpot determination table are referred to, and a winning change mode in which the winning probability of the lottery is different after the 2R jackpot game which is an example of the jackpot It is determined whether to shift to the game state in which the probability change mode is entered after the 15R jackpot game, or to the normal mode after the 15R jackpot game. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, a symbol determination process is performed. Although details will be described later, in this process, the main CPU 66 performs a symbol determination process based on the result of the reference in step S105. If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. Based on the special symbol determined in step S106, that is, based on the result of the lottery in step S105, the main CPU 66 selects a variation pattern distribution table for determining the variation pattern of the effect display.

  Here, the variation pattern of the effect display means a variation display pattern of the identification information for the effect, a variation display pattern of the effect image, and the like. Based on the variation pattern of the effect display, a game that repeatedly performs the variation display and stop display of the identification information for the effect is controlled, and the display of the effect image is controlled. Then, the main CPU 66 determines an effect display variation pattern based on the effect condition selection random number extracted from the effect condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern distribution table, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. . If this process ends, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S109, the data indicating the variation pattern of the effect display stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is transferred from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Output as a change pattern specification command. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 selects an effect pattern based on the received variation pattern designation command, stores the selected effect pattern in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210, and based on the stored effect pattern, Data for displaying the effect pattern is transmitted to the display control circuit 250. The display control circuit 250 controls the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 32 based on the data for displaying the reach effect pattern.

  Further, in step S109, the main CPU 66 has a function as a control means for controlling the progress of the game in which the special symbol which is the identification information is repeatedly displayed and stopped.

  That is, in step S109, based on the data indicating the special symbol stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 by the process in step S106, the main CPU 66 selects one of the plurality of types of LED lighting patterns stored in the main ROM 68. The LED lighting pattern is selected, and the selected LED lighting pattern is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  Then, the data indicating the LED lighting pattern stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is transmitted to the lamp control circuit 76 as a signal for driving and controlling the special symbol display 33 by the process of step S46 of FIG. Is done. When the lamp control circuit 76 receives the special symbol drive control signal, the lamp control circuit 76 performs display control of the special symbol display device 33 based on the special symbol drive control signal. With the above processing, the special symbol display unit 33 displays the special symbol in a variably manner, and the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time.

  In step S110, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern for production in a waiting time timer is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the variation time corresponding to the effect variation pattern determined by the process of step S109 from the table, and stores a value indicating the variation time in the waiting time timer. And the process which clears the storage area where the random number value for jackpot determination used for the present fluctuation | variation display etc. was memorize | stored is performed (step S111). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Design determination processing]
Step S106 “symbol determination processing” in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S1500 of FIG. 19, a process for determining whether or not a big hit is made. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the jackpot is based on the result of the reference in step S105 in FIG. If the main CPU 66 determines that it is a big hit, it moves the process to step S1502, and if it determines that it is not a big hit, it advances the process to step S1518.

  In step S1502, a jackpot symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot symbol random number extracted at the time of starting winning, determines the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 33 based on the jackpot symbol determination random value, Data indicating the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process advances to step S1504.

  In step S1504, a process of determining whether or not 2R big hit is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot symbol random number value extracted at the time of starting winning, and determines whether or not the 2R jackpot is based on the jackpot symbol determination random number value. If the main CPU 66 determines that it is a 2R jackpot (specific game), it moves the process to step S1506. If it does not determine that it is a 2R jackpot, it proceeds to step S1510.

  In step S1506, specific effect image processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects an effect pattern designation command including an effect pattern designation command for a specific effect image relating to a specific game, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process advances to step S1508.

  In step S1508, processing for setting the probability variation mode in the status flag is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (for example, “1”, etc.) representing the probability variation mode in the status flag stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. In the present embodiment, “1” is described as a value representing the probability variation mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any value capable of determining the probability variation mode can be used. .

  Further, the main CPU 66 assigns a value corresponding to the value set in the control flag to the effect pattern designation command and stores it in the main RAM 70. Further, the effect pattern designation command including the effect pattern designation command for the specific effect image stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in this process is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in the process of step S47 in FIG. At the same time as the effect pattern designation command, a command indicating whether or not to perform an identification information stop game described later is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

  In step S1510, special effect image processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects an effect pattern designation command including an effect pattern designation command for a special effect image related to a special game, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process advances to step S1512.

  In step S1512, a process for determining whether or not there is a probability change is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot symbol random number extracted at the time of winning the start opening, and determines whether or not the probability change is based on the jackpot symbol determination random value. As a result, if it is determined that there is a probability change, the process proceeds to step S1514. If it is not determined that there is a probability change, the process proceeds to step S1516.

  In step S1514, processing for setting the probability variation mode in the status flag is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (for example, “2”, etc.) indicating the probability variation mode in the status flag stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. In this embodiment, “2” is described as a value representing the probability variation mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any value capable of determining the probability variation mode can be used. .

  Further, the main CPU 66 assigns a value corresponding to the value set in the control flag to the effect pattern designation command and stores it in the main RAM 70. Further, the effect pattern designation command including the effect pattern designation command for the specific effect image stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in this process is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in the process of step S47 in FIG. At the same time as the effect pattern designation command, a command indicating whether or not to perform an identification information stop game described later is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

  In step S1516, processing for setting the probability variation mode in the status flag is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (for example, “0”, etc.) indicating the probability variation mode in the status flag stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. In the present embodiment, “0” is described as a value representing the probability variation mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any value capable of determining the normal mode can be used. .

  Further, the main CPU 66 assigns a value corresponding to the value set in the control flag to the effect pattern designation command and stores it in the main RAM 70. Further, the effect pattern designation command including the effect pattern designation command for the specific effect image stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in this process is transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in the process of step S47 in FIG. At the same time as the effect pattern designation command, a command indicating whether or not to perform an identification information stop game described later is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200.

  In step S1518, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a random symbol value for determining a symbol out of the random symbol counter for determining a symbol out of symbol, and based on the random number value for determining a symbol out of symbol, the special symbol display unit 33 stops and displays the special symbol. The data indicating the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  Further, the effect pattern designation command stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in this process is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 in the process of step S47 in FIG. At the same time as the effect pattern designation command, a command indicating whether or not to perform an identification information stop game described later is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of the gaming state transition of the pachinko gaming machine 10 controlled by the above processing. As shown in FIG. 20, the normal game in the normal mode (state C1600) is first executed. When a game ball enters the start port 25, an internal lottery is performed by the process of step S105 in FIG. 18 (state C1602). Next, the state changes to the jackpot determination state (state C1604).

  In the big hit determination state (state C1604), it is determined whether or not the big hit. Specifically, it is controlled by the process of step S1500 in FIG. In the case of a big hit, the state changes to a 2R big hit determination state (state C1606), and in the case of not a big hit, the state changes to a normal game (state C1600).

  In the 2R big hit determination state (state C1606), it is determined whether or not the 2R big hit is. Specifically, it is controlled by the process of step S1504 in FIG. In the case of 2R jackpot, the state changes to a specific gaming state (state C1608), and in the case of not 2R jackpot, the state changes to a probability change determination state (state C1612).

  In the specific game state (state C1608), the 2R jackpot game, which is a game advantageous to the player, is executed by the processing from steps S75 to S79 in FIG. When a round game that is advantageous for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, two rounds) is executed, the state changes to a specific mode (state C1610).

  The normal game probability change mode (state C1610) is a state in which a game is executed in a probability change mode in which the winning probability of the internal lottery (state C1602) is different after the above-described specific game is executed. When a game ball enters the start port 25, an internal lottery is performed by the process of step S105 in FIG. 18 (state C1602). In the probability variation mode, as described above, the determination values of the referenced jackpot determination table (see FIG. 13) are different, and it is easy to win an advantageous game. Next, the state changes to the jackpot determination state (state C1604).

  In the probability variation determination state (state C1612), it is determined whether or not the probability variation is a big hit. Specifically, it is controlled by the process of step S1512 of FIG. In the case of a probable jackpot, the state changes to a special gaming state (15R jackpot probable change) (state C1614). In the case of not being a probable jackpot, the state changes to a special gaming state (15R jackpot) (state C1620).

  In the special game state (state C1614), a special game which is a game advantageous to the player is executed by the processing from steps S75 to S79 in FIG. When a round game that is advantageous for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) is executed, the state changes to a probability change mode (state C1616).

  The normal game probability change mode (state C1616) is a state in which the game is executed in the probability change mode in which the winning probability of the internal lottery (state C1602) is different after the above-described special game is executed. When a game ball enters the start port 25 (see FIG. 4), an internal lottery is performed by the process of step S105 in FIG. 18 (state C1602). In the probability variation mode, as described above, the determination values of the referenced jackpot determination table (see FIG. 13) are different, and it is easy to win an advantageous game. Next, the state changes to the jackpot determination state (state C1604).

  In the special game state (state C1620), the 15R jackpot game is executed by the processing from step S75 to step S79 in FIG. When this jackpot game is executed for a predetermined 15 rounds, the state changes to the normal gaming state (state C1600).

  In this way, as an advantageous game, one of the 15R jackpot game (special game) having a long release time of the bonus game and the 2R jackpot game (specific game) having a shorter release time of the bonus game than the special game is executed. A lottery will be held.

  The effect pattern designation command stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in the 15 jackpot game or the 2R jackpot game is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 in the process of step S47 in FIG. At the same time as the effect pattern designation command, a command indicating whether or not to perform an identification information stop game described later is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Game Ball Detection Judgment Processing]
Next, details of the subroutine executed in step S16 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 21, in step S21, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not a predetermined detection signal is output from each of the general winning ball sensors 106 to indicate that a game ball has entered the general winning ports 56a to 56d. Then, the process proceeds to the process of determining, and the detection of the game ball that has entered any of the general winning ports 56 is started. Next, in step S <b> 22, the main CPU 66 sequentially stores image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball introduced into the game area 15 in the main RAM 70. In step S23, it is determined whether a detection signal from any of the general winning ball sensors 106 has been received. Here, when it is determined that the detection signal transmitted from any of the general winning ball sensors 106 is received, the process proceeds to step S24, and a trajectory image display command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. The trajectory image display command is stored in the main RAM 70 and then transmitted to the sub control circuit 200. Subsequently, in step S <b> 25, the main CPU 66 reads out image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball stored in the main RAM 70 and transmits it to the sub-control circuit 200. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  Note that the processing of the above subroutine may be executed by the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 and the work RAM 210.

[Image data deletion processing]
Next, details of the subroutine executed in step S16 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 22, in step S31, the main CPU 66 sequentially reads out image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball stored in the main RAM 70, and passes through a position where the game ball does not enter the general winning opening 56. Determine if you did. Here, the position data on the game board 14 of the general winning ports 56c and 56d (see FIG. 4) located at the lowermost position among the general winning ports 56 on the game board 14 and the trajectory of the read game ball are shown. This can be determined by comparing the position data on the game board 14 of the optical sensor element 8 that has detected the game ball included in the image data. When it is determined that the game ball has passed the position where it does not enter the general winning opening 56, the process proceeds to step S33, and the main CPU 66 stores image data indicating the trajectory of the target game ball in the main RAM 70. Execute the process to erase.

[Operation of sub-control circuit]
On the other hand, the sub control circuit 200 receives the trajectory image display command transmitted from the main control circuit 60 and image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball, and executes the following trajectory image display.

(Track image display control process)
The trajectory image display control process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 23, in step S51, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of receiving a trajectory image display command transmitted from the main CPU 66. Subsequently, in step S <b> 52, the sub CPU 206 transmits a trajectory image display command to the VDP 212. Further, in step S53, the VDP 212 reads the trajectory image data from the image data ROM 216 based on the trajectory image display command transmitted from the sub CPU 206, and displays the liquid crystal display together with image data indicating the trajectory of the game ball transmitted from the sub CPU 206. Image data to be displayed on the device 32 is generated and transmitted to the liquid crystal display device 32. Then, on the display unit 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a trajectory image until a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 56 enters the general winning opening 56 is displayed.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 56a, a trajectory image P1 from when the game ball is introduced into the gaming area 15 until entering the general winning opening 56a is displayed. The Here, the trajectory image P1 is shown by a single line, but the trajectory image may be any image that can recognize the trajectory of the game ball. For example, a plurality of characters may be continuously arranged along the trajectory of the game ball. It may be a simple design.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the player displays the trajectory image P1 until the game ball enters the general winning opening when the game ball enters one of the general winning openings 56. You can enjoy the event.

  As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the position of the game ball is detected by the light beam in the depth direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the game board 14. A game ball can be detected without being blocked by the game members, and another game ball can be detected at different positions simultaneously. Therefore, the position of the game ball rolling on the game board 14 can be stabilized and It can be detected accurately. As a result, an unprecedented event can be provided in which a rolling history of a gaming ball is displayed when the gaming ball enters the passing hole on the gaming board, and the player enjoys this event. be able to. In addition, the player is expected to be interested in the whereabouts of the rolling game ball in order to check whether or not the game ball has entered the passing port on the game board. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a game ball rolling on the game board can be detected stably and accurately, and an event that is not conventional can be reliably provided to the player. The event can be enjoyed, and the game ball can be interested in entering the passing hole on the game board, so that it is possible to keep the player's willingness to play as a whole. it can.

  In particular, as a rolling history, a trajectory image until a game ball enters the passage opening is displayed, so that the player can enter the game ball into the passage opening on the game board and It is expected that people will be interested in whether or not they have entered the passing gate while following such a trajectory.

  Further, when the game ball passes through a position where it does not enter the passage opening, the image data of the game ball is erased, so that the storage capacity of the storage means can be used efficiently.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, an unprecedented event in which a game ball rolling on the game board is detected stably and accurately and a rolling history of the game ball is displayed. Can be provided to the player, and the player can enjoy this event. In addition, the player is expected to be interested in the whereabouts of the rolling game ball in order to check whether or not the game ball has entered the passing port on the game board. Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the game ball rolling on the game board can be detected stably and accurately, and an unprecedented event can be reliably provided to the player. As it is possible to entertain events that are not possible in the past, and to be interested in entering game balls into the passing holes on the game board, the player's willingness to play continues as a whole. You can have it.

  As mentioned above, although the gaming machine of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part may be replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function. it can.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a pachinko machine is used as a gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko machine, and other gaming machines such as a ball ball and an arrangement ball can also be used. Can be applied.

  This is extremely useful in eliminating the monotony of the game and providing a gaming machine that allows the player to continue to have a willingness to play the game.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit comprised in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the game board of 1st Embodiment of this invention, a spacer, and a liquid crystal display device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the locus | trajectory image displayed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a jackpot determination table referred in the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the control process performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the game state transition of the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing displayed in the pachinko game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game ball 8 ... Optical sensor element 10 ... Pachinko machine 11 ... Door 12 ... Main body frame 12a ... Opening 13 ... Obstacle nail 14 ... Game board 15 ... Game area 16 ... Game area outer area 19 ... Protection plate 20 ... Upper plate 21 ... game board rear plate 22 ... lower plate 23 ... blade member 25 ... start opening 26 ... launch handle 27 ... game board front plate 30 ... guide rail 30a ... outer rail 30b ... inner rail 31 ... spacer 31a ... through hole 32 ... liquid crystal display Device 32a ... Display unit 33 ... Special symbol display 34a-34d ... Special symbol hold lamp 35 ... Normal symbol display 37 ... Display case 39 ... Grand prize opening 40 ... Shutter 41 ... LED
44 ... Special game-dedicated winning attacker 46 ... Speaker 48 ... Vane member 50a-50d ... Normal symbol holding lamp 51 ... Round number indicator 52 ... LED
53 ... Electrical unit 54a, 54b ... Pass gates 56a-56d ... General prize opening 58 ... Obstacle 60 ... Main control circuit 62 ... Reset clock pulse generation circuit 64 ... Initial reset circuit 66 ... Main CPU
68 ... Main ROM
70 ... Main RAM
72 ... IC for serial communication
74 ... Lamp 76 ... Lamp control circuit 80 ... Launch power increase button 82 ... Launch power decrease button 84a-84c ... Stop operation button 94 ... Out port 102 ... V / count sensor 104 ... Count sensor 105 ... Count sensor 106 ... General winning ball Sensor 114 ... Passing ball sensor 116 ... Start winning ball sensor 118 ... Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 120 ... Large prize opening solenoid 122 ... Seesaw solenoid 124 ... Backup clear switch 126 ... Dispensing / launch control circuit 128 ... Dispensing device 130 ... Launching device 132 ... Lamp 150 ... Card unit 200 ... Sub-control circuit 206 ... Sub CPU
208 ... Program ROM
210: Image data RAM
212 ... VDP
216 Image data ROM
218 ... D / A converter 220 ... Initial reset circuit 230 ... Audio control circuit 232 ... Sound source IC
234 ... Voice data ROM
236 ... Amplifier (AMP)
240 ... Lamp control circuit 242 ... Drive circuit 244 ... Decoration data ROM
250 ... display control circuit

Claims (3)

There is a light-transmitting area, a game area in which a game ball rolls is provided on the front side of the light-transmitting area, and the game ball in the game area is introduced outside the game area. A game board with a passage opening;
Detecting means for detecting a position of a game ball rolling on the game board by a light beam in a depth direction which is a direction perpendicular to a surface of the game board;
An image display means for displaying a plurality of images including a trajectory image provided on the rear side of the game board and showing a trajectory of a game ball rolling on the game board;
Storage means for storing a rolling history of a game ball rolling on the game board based on detection by the detection means;
Image display control means for controlling to display the rolling history of the game ball stored in the storage means on the image display means on condition that a game ball has entered the passage opening of the game board; ,
A gaming machine comprising: The storage means stores information relating to the position of the game ball rolling on the game board as a rolling history,
The image display control means is based on information on the position of the game ball stored in the storage means on the condition that a game ball has entered the passage opening of the game board. Controlling to display the trajectory image until entering the ball on the image display means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1. Determining means for determining that the game ball has passed a position where it does not enter the passage opening of the game board;
Based on the information about the position of the game ball stored in the storage means, when the determination means determines that the game ball has passed a position where it does not enter the passage opening of the game board, the storage means Image information erasing means for erasing the stored information regarding the position of the game ball;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

Images