JP2008073295A - Game machine and simulation program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, allowing a game player to change a pattern display area while operative connection with a game is taken into consideration. <P>SOLUTION: A pattern display area deciding part decides the arrangement position and change size of the pattern display area according to the input change designation for the pattern display area and execution designation for reach (ready-to-win condition) presentation. When the change designation for the pattern display area is input by the game player, the pattern display area 119 preset to a customized value is displayed on a presentation display device 107 (See Fig.14(b)). When the reach presentation is started, it returns to the pattern display area 119 set to a default value (See Fig.14(c)). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine including a display device that displays a variety of symbols and the like according to a predetermined rule, and then stops and displays them. In this type of gaming machine, the change of the symbol displayed on the variable display device is triggered by the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, and the final stop symbol is determined by stopping the fluctuation. Here, for example, when the symbol variation stops stepwise in the order of left → right → middle, when the game is fixedly stopped with a big hit symbol such as “7”, “7”, and “7”, the game shifts to a special game. When shifting to this special game, in order to increase the player's expectation, the symbol variation mode is changed from the normal variation mode (the symbol variation only stops in stages) to an effect variation mode (so-called reach production). In many cases, a configuration for shifting is adopted.

  Incidentally, in recent years, with an increase in the size of the display device, there is a demand for a gaming machine in which a player can arbitrarily change the symbol display area. In order to respond to such a request, a gaming machine has been proposed that can move, enlarge, and reduce the symbol display area in accordance with the player's operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-73965 A

  However, in the above prior art, the player can move the symbol display area to a desired position, or can be enlarged / reduced, but it is displayed in the background because the linkage with the game is not taken into consideration. There has been a problem that it is not possible to perform an expression that synchronizes the movement of the character and the variation of the design.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine or the like in which a player can change a symbol display area while considering linkage with a game.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including a symbol display device that displays a symbol indicating a lottery result in a predetermined symbol display area, and an operation input that receives a player's operation input. Means, a change instruction means for outputting a change instruction for changing the symbol display area according to the operation input, and an area change means for changing the symbol display area from an initial value to a set value according to the change instruction. And an initial setting means for setting the symbol display area to the initial value when the symbol variation mode shifts from the normal variation state to the effect display state.

According to this configuration, the symbol display area can be customized from the initial value to the set value by inputting a symbol display area change instruction (movement, size change, etc.). Furthermore, even if the symbol display area has been customized once, when the effect display state (such as reach effect) is started from the normal change state in the pattern change mode, it returns to the symbol display area set to the default value again. In addition to improving convenience, the game can be linked and a highly entertaining game can be provided.
Here, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the area changing unit changes the position and / or size of the symbol display area in accordance with the change instruction, and the variation mode of the symbol is an effect display state. In a preferred mode, the apparatus further comprises resetting means for resetting the symbol display area to the set value when shifting from the normal change state to the normal change state.

  The simulation program according to the present invention can be implemented by a computer, and the program can be executed through a medium such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or a communication network (Internet), for example, for business use or home use. Or, it can be installed or loaded into a memory in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. In this case, these video game machines and personal computers function as gaming devices that simulate the gaming machine of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the symbol display area by the player while considering the linkage with the game.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

A. This embodiment (pachinko machine 100)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine (game machine) 100 includes a game board (gauge board) that constitutes a game board surface and a game machine frame that supports and fixes the game board. The game board includes a plurality of nails 101, windmills 102a and 102b, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a normal electric accessory 104, a center decorative part 105, a special symbol display device 106, an effect display device 107, a normal symbol display device 108, an outside A rail 110, an inner rail 109, and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board is provided with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114.

  The inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 are for guiding the launched game balls to the game area 115. The nail 101 and the windmills 102 a and 102 b are provided at predetermined positions in the game area 115. For example, the game balls that enter the game area 115 and move from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1 are irregularly moved, or the game balls to the general prize opening 111, the start prize opening 112, and the big prize opening 113 are The winning frequency and the passing frequency of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 are adjusted.

  The special symbol display device 106 is provided on the side of the inner rail 109, and includes, for example, a 7-segment LED 116 that displays the special symbol and four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings to the starting winning port 112 of the game ball. It is prepared for. In this embodiment, the 7-segment LED 116 is caused to emit light based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112, and “3” and “7”, which are special symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and “losing”. After the corresponding special symbol “-” is displayed in a variable manner, one of these three types of special symbols is stopped and displayed based on the result of the lottery.

  The four LEDs 117 are for displaying the number of lottery results held based on the winning of the game balls at the start winning opening 112. Each time a game ball wins the start winning opening 112, the four LEDs 117 emit light sequentially. When the fluctuation display starts, the lights are turned off sequentially. That is, the number of light emission of the four LEDs 117 corresponding to the upper limit value of the number of holdings is notified to the player of the current number of holdings of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112. As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112 is set to four. Then, when the number of reserves is four and a game ball is won at the start winning opening 112, the number corresponding to winning at the start winning opening 112 without performing a lottery based on the winning of the game ball. Only to play the prize ball.

The effect display device 107 is a display device for displaying an image including a decorative design, and is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that the player can easily recognize it, and displays related to various effects. A liquid crystal display device for performing the above is provided.
The decoration display and the object image are displayed on the display area 118 by the effect display device 107. In addition, although the effect display apparatus 107 is comprised by the liquid crystal display device, it may be comprised not only by this but display apparatuses, such as a plasma display.

  The display area 118 is an area in which an image is provided to the player so as to be visually recognized on the liquid crystal display device provided in the effect display device 107. The display area 118 is provided with a symbol display area 119 for displaying a series of decorative symbols. In the present embodiment, the symbol display area can be changed according to the player's operation, such as moving the symbol display area and changing the size (enlargement / reduction) (details will be described later).

  Here, as a series of decorative symbols, for example, “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, “9” , “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, and these decorative symbols are variably displayed during the variation period of the decorative symbols. At the end of the decorative symbol variation period, any one of “0” to “9” and “A” to “F” is stopped and displayed as the decorative symbols. In the present embodiment, if the same symbol is arranged in the symbol display area 119, it becomes “big hit”, otherwise it becomes “lost”. Further, when any two of the symbol display areas 119 stop at the same symbol, a reach state is reached, and an effect (so-called reach effect) for notifying the expectation of “big hit” is performed. When the reach effect is started, the symbol display area 119 is configured to return to the initial setting (default value), thereby maintaining the linkage between the symbol variation and the game (details will be described later). . It should be noted that the effect display device 107 may display the number of winnings of the game ball at the start winning opening 112 and notify the player of the current number of winnings at the starting winning opening 112.

Below the effect display device 107, an ordinary electric accessory 104 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 104 opens and closes to guide the game ball to the start winning opening 112.
A big prize opening 113 is formed below the ordinary electric accessory 104. When the big winning opening 113 becomes a “hit” and the game shifts to a special game, the big winning opening door 120 falls down and is opened. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed in a special game. More specifically, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the special winning opening 113 during a unit game, it is possible to shift to the next unit game. Thus, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed. In the present embodiment, the specific area 121 is formed in the special winning opening 113, but the specific area 121 is not necessarily formed. In this case, when shifting to the special game, it is guaranteed that 15 unit games will be executed.

  The center decorative component 105 is a molded product including a translucent part, and is provided around the effect display device 107. The center decoration part 105 plays a role of protecting the effect display device 107 or decorating the pachinko machine 100. Further, in the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the game ball that has entered the through portion 105 a formed at the upper part of the center decorative part 105 passes through the center decorative part 105 and is placed below the center decorative part 105. A flow path is formed so as to move to the formed stage 105b.

The normal symbol operation gate 103 is provided between the normal electric accessory 104 and the inner rail 109. For example, a game ball can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103 from top to bottom. It is configured.
The normal symbol display device 108 is provided at a position facing the normal symbol operation gate 103 through the normal electric accessory 104. For example, the 7-segment LED 122 for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation gate 103 for the game ball are provided. And four LEDs 123 that display the number of passages to. The normal symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the normal electric accessory 104 is opened according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103.

  The normal symbol display device 108 causes the 7-segment LED 122 to emit light based on the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103 and, for example, “7” and “−” as the normal symbols are alternately displayed in a variable manner. Either “7” or “−” is stopped and displayed. Then, when “7” is stopped and displayed, it is determined as “winning” and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is opened. On the other hand, when “−” is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”, and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is not opened.

  The four LEDs 123 indicate the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operating gate 103. The regular LEDs are sequentially lit each time the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 103, and the normal symbol variation display is displayed. Turns off sequentially when starting. That is, the number of passages of the normal symbol operation gate 103 is notified to the player by the number of light emission of the four LEDs 123.

The general winning opening 111 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 103 and the inner rail 109. When a gaming ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.
The out port 114 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 115 and collects game balls that have not won any of the start winning port 112, the general winning port 111, and the big winning port 113. The collected game balls are released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100.

The gaming machine frame includes an outer frame 124, a front frame 125, a transparent plate 126, a door 127, and a ball tray unit 128.
The outer frame 124 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko machine 100 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 125 is a frame body aligned with the opening portion of the outer frame 124, and is attached to the outer frame 124 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The front frame 125 has a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. Furthermore, electrical decoration parts 130a to 130d such as game effect lamps that are turned on according to the state of the game are provided on the peripheral edge of the front frame 125.

The transparent plate 126 is for protecting the game board, and is, for example, a transparent glass plate. The player plays a game while seeing through the game area 115 of the game board through the transparent plate 126.
The door 127 is for supporting the transparent plate 126, and is attached to the front frame 125 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The ball tray unit 128 is provided below the front frame 125. The ball tray 128a stores a certain amount of game balls (rental balls and prize balls), a mechanism for storing game balls, and fires the game balls. A mechanism for sending out the game ball to the mechanism for the above, a ball removal mechanism for extracting the stored game ball into a ball exit storage box (so-called dollar box), a firing handle 131, an operation switch 132, and the like.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a push button type is adopted as the ball removing mechanism. More specifically, when the player presses the bullet release button 128b, a part of the bottom surface of the ball tray 128a is opened, and the game ball stored in the ball tray 128a is released to the outside.

  The launch handle 131 is operated by the player when launching the game ball toward the game area 115. When the player rotates the launch handle 131, the game ball is guided toward the game area 115 by being guided by the inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 at a speed corresponding to the rotation angle.

  The operation switch (operation input means) 132 is operated by a player and includes a push button and a cross key (not shown). The player operates the operation switch 132 to control the contents of the reach effect (for example, the action of the character), and also moves or changes the size (enlargement / reduction) of the symbol display area 119. In addition, speakers 133 for reproducing and outputting sound effects are provided on both sides of the ball removal mechanism 128b.

(Outline of the game)
Here, an outline of the game in the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
First, in a state where the rented game balls are placed on the ball tray 128a, when the player turns the launch handle 131 in the clockwise direction toward FIG. 1, the game balls are directed toward the game area 115. Fired. The game ball that has entered the game area 115 collides with the nail 101 or the windmill 102 formed in the game area 115, and moves in the game area 115 from top to bottom while moving irregularly.

At the start of the game, the decoration area is not displayed in the display area 118 of the effect display device 107, and an image in which a predetermined character moves around the background image and character information indicating the theme of the gaming machine are displayed. ing.
When the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, a predetermined number of winning balls (four winning balls in the present embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a, and the special symbol display device 106 displays a variation display of the symbols. Be started. The lottery is started based on the winning. Corresponding to the start of the lottery, the decorative symbol is displayed in the display area 118 and the variable display is started. When the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “losing”, a special symbol corresponding to “losing” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. In the display area 118, a reach effect is executed as necessary, and a predetermined combination of decorative images corresponding to “losing” is displayed in the final stop, and then the mode shifts to a standby mode.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “big hit”, after executing the reach effect, a special symbol corresponding to “big win” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 in this stop. The Then, a predetermined combination of decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit” is displayed in the display area 118, and thereafter, the game shifts to a special game. The timing of the special symbol stop and the decorative symbol main stop coincide with each other.

In the special game, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. Each time a game ball wins a prize in the opened big winning opening 113, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out. In this embodiment, when the grand prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or when a specific number of game balls are won in the grand prize opening 113, the grand prize opening door 120 is opened. Standing up, the special prize opening 113 is closed.
In the following description, when the specific number is 10, that is, either the big prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or ten game balls are awarded to the big prize opening 113. In this state, the case where the special winning opening door 120 is raised will be described as an example.

If the game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big prize opening 113 while the big prize opening 113 is opened, the big prize opening 113 is opened again. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 113 is performed up to 15 times. That is, as described above, in the special game, a unit game in which the opening / closing of the special winning opening 113 is set as a set is performed 15 times at maximum.
In this way, when a special game is executed, a large amount of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time, and a great merit can be given to the player.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol display device 108 (7-segment LED 122) starts to display the normal symbol in a variable manner. Thereafter, when a predetermined normal symbol (“7” in the present embodiment) is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108, the normal electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation. When the ordinary electric combination 104 is opened, the game ball can win the start winning opening 112 without passing between nails (so-called life nails) above the start winning opening 112.

  Further, according to the result of the lottery executed based on the winning at the start winning opening 112, the mode is shifted to either the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game is executed. When shifting to the “probability change mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “7” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating the shift to the “probability change mode” to play the game. Inform the person. Further, when shifting to the “short time mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “3” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating that the transition to the “short time mode” is performed. , Inform the player.

  As described above, when the transition to the “probability change mode” is performed after the execution of the special game, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible until the next special game is started. Further, even when the mode is shifted to the “short time mode”, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible for a while after the execution of the special game.

  When a game ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a. If the game ball has not won any winning opening, the game ball flows into the out opening 114.

(Description of system configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG.
Inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100, there are a main control board 201, a sub control board 202 connected to the main control board 201, a winning hole board 203, an LED drive board 204, a launch control board 205, a payout control board 206, A power receiving board 207, an electric decoration board 208, and the like are provided.

(Main control board 201)
The main control board 201 is provided with a main CPU 201a, ROM 201b, RAM 201c, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 201d, which are connected to each other via a bus 201e.

  The main CPU 201a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And main CPU201a reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM201b, and controls the whole pachinko machine 100 based on these.

  The ROM 201b stores programs and data necessary for the main CPU 201a to perform processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 described later and other game controls. The RAM 201c is used as a work area when the main CPU 201a performs various controls and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 201d transmits and receives signals performed between the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206. Control the timing. However, between the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202, transmission of signals from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 202 to the main control board 201 is not performed. Not done. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  In addition, the I / F circuit 201 d is supplied with predetermined power from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 via the power receiving board 207. With this power, the main control board 201 can perform various processes described later.

(Sub control board 202)
The sub control board 202 includes a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, a RAM 202c, an interface circuit (I / F circuit) 202i, an image control unit 202d, an image data ROM 202e, a RAM 202n, a video RAM 202f, a sound source circuit 202g, a sound ROM 202p, and an amplifier 202h. It has been. The image control unit 202d includes a CPU 202k and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 202m.
The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c and CPU 202k are connected to each other via a bus 202j. The image data ROM 202e and the RAM 202n are connected to the CPU 202k, the video RAM 202f is connected to the VDP 202m, and the amplifier 202h is connected to the sound source circuit 202g. Furthermore, an electrical decoration board 208 is connected to the I / F circuit 202i.

  The sub CPU 202a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 202a reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 202b, and performs control of the entire sub control board 202, particularly selection of an effect pattern for a player, transmission of a command to the image control unit 202d, and the like. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability, development language, and the like of the sub CPU 202a.

  The ROM 202b stores software programs, data, and the like necessary for effects during the game executed by the sub CPU 202a. The RAM 202c is used when the sub CPU 202a performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, and RAM 202c have the same functions as the main CPU 201a, ROM 201b, and RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201, respectively. Note that the ROM 202b and the RAM 202c may be the same as the ROM 201b and the RAM 201c, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used.

  The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 201. As described above, signals are transmitted from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202, but signals are not transmitted from the sub control board 202 to the main control board 201. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  The CPU 202k reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The CPU 202k reads out a program and data stored in the image data ROM 202e in accordance with a command or the like given from the sub CPU 202a, and performs control for displaying an image according to the effect. The image data ROM 202e stores original image data for generating image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 107.

  The VDP 202m is responsible for overall video output to the effect display device 107. Under the control of the CPU 202k, the VDP 202m generates frame image data based on the original image data transferred from the image data ROM 202e, and expands it to the video RAM 202f. I do.

  The video RAM 202f is a memory used when the VDP 202m creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 107, and can store a plurality of frame image data. The video RAM A 202f includes a frame buffer, a symbol display memory, and the like. A background image (for example, a character image) displayed on the background of the decorative symbol is written in the frame buffer, and a decorative symbol to be displayed in the symbol display area is written in the symbol display memory. Using the superimpose function, the VDP 202m superimposes background images and symbols written in the video RAM 202f and generates a display image for one screen.

  The sound source circuit 202g includes a sound generation circuit for a predetermined number of channels, for example, eight sound source channels, and can simultaneously reproduce frames for the number of sound source channels. The sound source circuit 202g is controlled by an effect pattern selection command output from the CPU 202k. When the tone generator circuit 202g receives an effect pattern selection command output from the CPU 202k, the tone generator data corresponding to the tone generator circuit 202g is read from the sound ROM 202p and synthesized, and generated for each R channel and L channel. Then, D / A conversion is performed and an analog sound signal is output. The amplifier 202h amplifies the analog sound signals of the R and L channels and outputs them from the speaker 133 as musical sounds.

  Here, between the sub CPU 202a and the image control unit 202d, not only signal transmission from the sub CPU 202a to the image control unit 202d but also signal transmission from the image control unit 202d to the sub CPU 202a is performed. Specifically, various commands and data are transmitted from the sub CPU 202a to the image control unit 202d, and detection results of various check errors (parity error, checksum error, etc.) are transmitted from the image control unit 202d to the sub CPU 202a. .

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a peripheral device for performance, in addition to the performance display device 107 and the speaker 133, an electrical decoration component 130 that is turned on or off according to the state of the game is provided. For example, as the illumination component 130, an illumination component (LED) that is lit when a reach state is formed, an illumination component (LED) that is lit during execution of a special game, and an illumination component that is lit during a prize ball ( LED).
These effect peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game, and are controlled only by the sub-control board 202 and not by the main control board 201. .

  The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control when receiving a signal from the main control board 201. Further, the I / F circuit 202i detects the operation of the operation switch 132 and transmits the detection signal to the sub CPU 202a. Thereby, the sub CPU 202a recognizes the operation content of the operation switch 132.

  The I / F circuit 202 i is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving board 207 from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100. With this electric power, the sub-control board 202 can perform various processes described later.

(Electric board 208)
The above-mentioned electrical decoration part 130 is connected to the electrical decoration board 208, and the electric power supplied from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 is output to the electrical decoration part. Thereby, the electrical decoration component 130 performs lighting or light extinction. A control signal corresponding to the gaming state is supplied to the electrode substrate 208 via the I / F circuit 202i.

(Prize opening board 203)
On the winning opening board 203, a start winning opening switch 210 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 112, a normal symbol operating gate switch 211 for detecting the passing of the gaming ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103, A general winning opening switch 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the winning opening 111, a large winning opening switch 213 that detects a winning of a gaming ball to the big winning opening 113, and a specification formed in the large winning opening 113 A specific area detection switch 214 that detects passage of a game ball to the area 121 is connected.

  Based on the signals transmitted from the start winning port switch 210, the normal symbol operating gate switch 211, the general winning port switch 212, the large winning port switch 213, and the specific area detecting switch 214, the winning port board 203 It identifies which region has passed and transmits a game ball passing signal indicating the identified result to the main control board 201.

  Further, the prize winning board 203 has an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 215 for opening the ordinary electric accessory 104, a prize winning solenoid 216 for opening the prize winning opening 113, and the prize winning opening 113. A specific area solenoid 217 for controlling the movement of the game ball is connected. Specifically, the specific area solenoid 217 makes it easy to pass the game ball to the specific area until the specific area detection switch 214 detects the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121, and enters the specific area 121. When the passage of the game ball is detected, the state where the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 becomes easy is released.

The prize opening board 203 outputs a current for driving the ordinary electric combination 104 to the ordinary electric combination solenoid 215 when an ordinary electric combination release instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as will be described later. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation.
In addition, when the prize winning hole opening instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the prize winning hole board 203 outputs a current for driving the big prize winning hole door 120 to the big prize winning hole solenoid 216. As a result, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. On the other hand, when a special winning opening closing instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the output of the current for driving the special winning opening door 120 is stopped. As a result, the grand prize opening door 120 stands and the special prize opening 113 is closed.

  Furthermore, when the game ball passes through the specific area 121, it is determined that the special game will be transferred to the next unit game, and when the specific area control instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the winning opening board 203 is specified. A current for releasing the state where the passing of the game ball to the area 121 becomes easy is output to the specific area solenoid 217. As described above, in this embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are continued in one special game.

(LED drive board 204)
A special symbol display device 106 and a normal symbol display device 108 are connected to the LED drive board 204. When a special symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as described later, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 116 disposed in the special symbol display device 106 based on the special symbol display instruction signal, The four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings are made to emit light. In addition, when the normal symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the LED drive board 204, based on the normal symbol display instruction signal, the 7-segment LED 122 disposed in the normal symbol display device 108, and the gate passage The four LEDs 123 for displaying the numbers are caused to emit light.

(Launch control board 205)
A launch handle 131 for launching a game ball into the game area 115 is connected to the launch control board 205. The launch control board 205 detects that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player, and transmits a launch operation detection signal indicating the detected result to the main control board 201. As a result, the main control board 201 recognizes that the firing handle 131 has been operated.

The main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 when the game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a in a certain amount or more. Then, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is launched toward the game area 115.
On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205. Thereby, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is not launched toward the game area 115.

(Discharge control board 206)
When the payout control board 206 receives a prize ball number signal transmitted from the main control board 201 as will be described later, the number of prize balls (game balls) corresponding to the prize ball number signal is paid out to the ball tray 128a. Thus, the dispensing device 218 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is controlled. Thereby, the payout device 218 pays out a winning ball (game ball) corresponding to the winning.
The winning a prize board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 209 via the power receiving board 207.

(Power receiving board 207)
When the power switch 219 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is turned on, the power receiving board 207 is supplied with power from the power supply device 209, and the power is supplied to the main control board 201 and the sub-control as described above. This is distributed to the board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED driving board 204, the launch control board 205, the payout control board 206, and the decoration board 208.

(Functional configuration of main control board 201)
Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 201 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 301)
The winning determination unit 301 determines which region the game ball has passed based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning hole board 203. Specifically, based on the game ball passing signal, the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball is a start winning port 112, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a general winning port 111, a large winning port 113, and a specific area 121. Which of the above has been passed is determined.
The winning determination unit 301 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Payout instruction unit 303)
The payout instructing unit 303 transmits the award ball number signal indicating the number of winning balls to the payout control board 206 based on the result determined by the winning determination unit 301. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 (that the game ball has won the start winning port 112), the payout instructing unit 303 receives the award. The prize ball number signal indicating that the number of balls is “4” is transmitted to the payout control board 206.

When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the general winning opening 111, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. Send. Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “15” to the payout control board 206. Send.
Thereby, the payout control board 206 controls the payout device 218 so that payout according to the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball number signal is made. The payout instruction unit 303 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol lottery section 304)
The special symbol lottery unit 304 generates and acquires a random number ranging from “0” to “65535”, for example, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 112. For example, if no random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area in the RAM 202 c, the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 305.

  On the other hand, when a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. In this embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304 can be stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. Then, the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 305 and deletes the output random number from the special symbol random number storage region. The special symbol lottery unit 304 is realized by using a main CPU 201a, a ROM 201b, and a RAM 202c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 305)
The winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” or “lost” based on the random number value output by the special symbol lottery unit 304. Further, when the “big hit” is true, it is determined whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the “big hit”. These determinations are made using, for example, a lottery table.
Then, if it corresponds to “big hit”, the bonus flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Further, when the “accuracy change mode” is applicable, the probability change flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. On the other hand, in the case of “time reduction mode”, the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on.

In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” and the other cases (the case where the mode is shifted to the “short-time mode” and the normal game is played) It is determined whether it corresponds to the above-mentioned “big hit” or “losing”.
More specifically, in the present embodiment, the probability variation lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode”, the case of shifting to the “time reduction mode”, and the case of performing a normal game There are two lottery tables, the normal lottery table to be used.
And, in the case of shifting to the “probability mode”, the probability of being a “big hit” is higher than the case of shifting to the “short-time mode” and the case of performing a normal game. The contents of the two lottery tables are set. The winning determination unit 305 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol display instruction unit 306)
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines the special symbol variation display time in the special symbol display device 106 based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and determines the result determined by the winning determination unit 305. Based on this, the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is determined.
In the present embodiment, the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on (in the case of shifting to the “probability variation mode” or the “time reduction mode”) is more than the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on (the “normal” The special symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when playing “games”.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “probability change mode”, “7” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. On the other hand, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “time reduction mode”, “3” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, in the case of “losing”, “−” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106.
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the special symbol variation display time, and the like, and the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the display pattern is displayed on the LED drive base. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal. The special symbol display instruction unit 306 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Big prize opening opening instruction unit 307)
When the winning determination unit 305 determines that the lottery result by the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” by the winning determination unit 307 and the bonus flag in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on, The special winning opening release instruction signal is transmitted to the substrate 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. After that, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 121 formed in the big prize opening 113 based on the result of the determination in the winning determination section 301, the special prize opening release instruction section 307 performs the specific area control. An instruction signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released.

Thereafter, for example, when it is determined that ten game balls have passed through the prize winning opening 113, or when it has been determined that 29.5 seconds have elapsed since the prize winning opening 113 was opened, the prize winning opening releasing instruction unit 307 Then, a large winning opening closing signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.
When the big prize opening 113 is closed as described above, the big prize opening opening instructing unit 307 facilitates the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 while the big prize opening 113 is being opened. It is determined whether or not the state has been released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the special winning opening 113 is opened 15 times. . That is, it is determined whether or not 15 unit games have been consumed.

  As a result of these determinations, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is facilitated and all the unit games in the special game have not been digested, the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 The prize winning opening instruction signal is transmitted to the prize winning board 203 to shift to the next unit game, and the operation for opening and closing the prize winning opening 113 as described above is repeated until all the unit games are consumed. Do.

  On the other hand, when all the rounds of the special game have been completed, the special game has ended, and the special winning opening 113 is not opened. Further, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 while the special winning opening 113 is opened, it is a so-called “punk” state, and whether or not all unit games in the special game have been consumed. Regardless, the special game is forcibly terminated. Accordingly, in this case as well, the special winning opening 113 is not opened. The special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol lottery section 309)
When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates and acquires a random number within a predetermined range. Then, when the normal symbol is not being displayed in the normal symbol display device 108 (that is, when it is not necessary to hold the normal symbol lottery result), the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 310. .
On the other hand, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less and the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display device 108, the obtained random number Are stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 can be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. . Then, the normal symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 310 and deletes the output random number from the normal symbol random number storage region. The normal symbol lottery unit 309 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 310)
The winning determination unit 310 determines whether the random number output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 corresponds to “win” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309. This determination is performed using, for example, a lottery table.
In the present embodiment, using the lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” and the case of performing a normal game, either “winning” or “losing” described above is used. Judgment is made as to whether this is the case.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, a special mode lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” and a normal lottery table used when a normal game is being performed. There are two lottery tables.

The two lottery tables are set so that the probability of “winning” is significantly higher in the case of shifting to “probability mode” or “short-time mode” than in the case of playing a normal game. Is set. As a result, the probability of winning a normal symbol when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” is increased. Therefore, when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”, the normal electric accessory 104 is released more frequently than when the normal game is played, and the ball is held as much as possible. The game can be progressed without being reduced.
The winning determination unit 310 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol display instruction unit 311)
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 determines the normal symbol variation display time based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and based on the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, the normal symbol display time A normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 108 is determined. Then, a display pattern based on the determined stop symbol and the normal symbol variation display time is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204.
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The normal symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when they are not turned on (than when the normal game is played).

If the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 310 is “winning”, for example, “7” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. On the other hand, in the case of “losing”, for example, “−” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108.
Then, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the normal symbol variation display time, and the like, and sends the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312)
Based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, etc., the normal electric combination driving instruction unit 312 determines the operation mode of the normal electric combination 104, A normal electric accessory release instruction signal indicating the determined operation mode is transmitted.
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The operation mode of the ordinary electric accessory 104, for example, the opening time is determined so that the game ball can be easily won at the start winning opening 112, compared with the case where they are not turned on (than when the normal game is performed). Like to do. Note that the normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 is realized by using the main CPU 201 a and the ROM 201 b provided on the main control board 201.

(Direction command generator 313)
The effect command generation unit 313 includes a result determined by the winning determination unit 301 (which game mouth has entered the game ball) and a result determined by the winning determination unit 305 (special symbols such as “big hit” or “losing”). Based on the lottery result), the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 (bonus flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), the special symbol variation display time determined by the special symbol display instruction unit 306, etc. An effect command corresponding to the current game state is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202.
The production command generation unit 313 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Functional configuration of sub-control board 202)
Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 202 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 202.
The sub-control board 202 includes an effect control unit 401, an effect pattern storage unit 402, a flag storage unit 403, and an image control unit 404.

  The effects implemented by the sub-control board 202 are effects by an image displayed on the display area 118 by the effect display device 107 and effects by sound generated from the speaker 133. Unlike the operations on the main control board 201, these effects do not change the direction of the game itself, such as the lottery of the role, but the effects of the image and sound give the player a stimulus, It plays an important role in raising expectations and eliminating monotony.

(Production control unit 401)
The effect control unit 401 analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control board 201 (effect command generating unit 313). For example, when information indicating the flag state is input from the main control board 201, the effect control unit 401 stores this in the flag storage unit 403. When an effect command indicating a special symbol lottery result or special symbol variation display time is input from the main control board 201, the effect control unit 401 refers to the flag storage unit 403 to determine the current game mode (probability change flag). "Probability change mode" based on the "short time mode" based on the time flag, or "big hit" (special game) mode based on the bonus flag) is acquired. Further, the effect control unit 401 refers to the effect pattern storage unit 402 and selects an effect pattern according to the gaming state.

  In addition, the effect control unit 401 acquires an operation signal of the operation switch 132 and outputs a state command corresponding to the operation signal to the image control unit 404. However, the processing performed by the effect control unit 401 is not limited to these, and processing according to the content of the command output from the main control board 201 is appropriately executed. The effect control unit 401 is realized by a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the effect control unit 401 includes a stop symbol determination unit 4011, a symbol display area determination unit 4012, a variation pattern determination unit 4013, a reach effect determination unit 4014, and a reach effect determination unit 4015. I have.
The stop symbol determination unit 4011 determines a combination (stop symbol) of the decorative symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 119 during the actual stop among the effect patterns.
A symbol display area determining unit (area changing means, initial setting means) 4012 receives a symbol display area change instruction sent from the operation switch (operation input means, change instruction means) 132 or a reach sent from the main control board 201. The arrangement position and the change size of the symbol display area 119 are determined according to an effect execution instruction or the like (details will be described later).

  The variation pattern determination unit 4013 determines a series of decorative symbol transition patterns from the start to the end of variation display. The variation pattern determining unit 4013 determines a pattern in which each symbol (“0” to “9”, “A” to “F”, etc.) is arranged in ascending order and scroll variation display is performed. In addition, the arrangement order of each symbol may be changed at random and displayed in a variable manner, or the number of symbols may be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  The reach effect determination unit 4014 determines whether or not the normal gaming state has shifted to the reach state, in other words, whether or not the symbol variation mode has shifted from the normal variation state to the effect display state. Here, the reach state is a state in which a decorative symbol other than the symbol that is the final stop symbol is stopped, swinging, enlarged / reduced, or deformed in a state that matches a specific display mode that is a big hit (temporary). For example, in a state where the middle symbol is scrolling, the left and right symbols are temporarily stopped with the same kind of symbols.

  The reach production determination unit 4015 determines the content of the reach production to be executed when it is determined that the reach state has been reached. In the reach production, in addition to the event that the same type of symbols eventually stop and become a big hit state, the other types of symbols (so-called “outgoing reach symbols”) stop and do not hit the big hit state (the so-called “outgoing reach state”) ]). Furthermore, there is a case where all symbols change after the temporary symbol change of the middle symbol temporarily stops, and thereafter the change of all symbols stops (so-called “revariation reach”).

(Production pattern storage unit 402)
The effect pattern storage unit 402 stores a plurality of pieces of effect pattern information corresponding to the gaming state. The effect pattern includes information regarding the transition order of a series of decorative symbols from the start of symbol variation display to the actual stop, combination information of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed at the final stop (stop symbol), bonus flag, probability variation flag, or time reduction The presence / absence of a reach state determined according to the state of the flag, contents of effects in reach production, and the like are included.

(Flag storage unit 403)
The flag storage unit 403 includes flags corresponding to a plurality of game modes (probability change flags corresponding to “probability change mode”, time reduction flags corresponding to “time reduction mode”, bonus flags corresponding to “big hit (special game) mode”, and the like. ) Information is stored.

(Image control unit 404)
The image control unit 404 is functionally realized by the CPU 202k of the image control unit 202d executing a computer-readable program recorded in the image data ROM 202e. The image control unit 404 controls the image displayed on the effect display device 107 according to the effect pattern output from the effect control unit 401 and the state command indicating the operation content of the player, and the musical sound output from the speaker 133. Control.
The image control is realized by the image control unit 202d, the image data ROM 202e, the RAM 202n, and the video RAM 202f, and the sound control is realized by the CPU 202k, the sound source circuit 202g, the sound ROM 202P, and the amplifier 202h of the image control unit 202d.

The image control unit 404 controls the position and size of each symbol so that each symbol is displayed in the symbol display region 119 determined by the symbol display region determination unit 4012, and is determined by the variation pattern determination unit 4013. Variation control of each symbol is performed according to the variation pattern. Further, the image control unit 404 uses the superimpose function to superimpose the background image to be displayed on the background of each symbol and the symbol image to be displayed in the symbol display area, and generate a display image for one screen. And output to the effect display device 107 (see FIG. 6).
The main control board 201 and the sub control board 202 may be provided with functions other than the functions described above, and the functions of the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202 are not limited to the above description. The various knitting may be performed in various ways.

(Description of operation)
Next, an example of a processing operation in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Processing of main control board 201)
FIG. 7 is a main flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the main control board 201.
In step S1 of FIG. 7, when the power switch 219 is turned on, the main control board 201 performs a game ball launch process. A specific example of this game ball launch process will be described. After the launch operation detection signal indicating that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player is transmitted from the launch control board 205, first, the main control board 201 stores a certain amount or more of game balls in the ball tray 128a. It is determined whether or not.

  If the result of this determination is that a certain amount or more of game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 and the game balls are directed to the game area 115. A command indicating that it has been fired is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, a game ball is launched into the game area 115 and an effect during the game is started.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205, and the game balls cannot be launched into the game area 115. A command indicating this is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. In this case, even if the player operates the launch handle 131, the game ball is not fired toward the game area 115. In addition, the player is notified by turning on the illumination part 130 that a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.

  Next, in step S2, the main control board 201 performs a general winning process. This general winning process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the general winning opening 111. Details of the general winning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the main control board 201 performs normal symbol operation gate passage processing. This normal symbol operation gate passing process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 passes through the normal symbol operation gate. The normal symbol operation gate passing process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  Next, in step S4, the main control board 201 performs a start winning process. This start winning process is a process that is performed based on a winning of a game ball launched into the game area 115 to the start winning port 112. Details of the start winning process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

  Next, in step S5, the main control board 201 performs a special game execution process. In this special game execution process, as a result of determining “big hit” by the winning determination unit 305, a predetermined symbol or effect image is displayed on the special symbol display device 106 and the effect display device 107 to become “hit”, which is a special game. This is a process that is performed when a transition is made. Details of the special game execution process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the main control board 201 repeatedly performs the game ball firing process, the general winning process, the normal symbol operation gate passing process, the starting winning process, and the special game execution process, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 below. Thus, in the present embodiment, each process is repeatedly executed while omitting unnecessary processes according to the state of the game.

(General winning process)
Next, the details of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce contradiction in the processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 8, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has won the general winning opening 111 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has won the general winning opening 111, the process proceeds to step S12, where the payout instruction unit 303 pays out the award ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4”. Transmit to the substrate 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a. In addition, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the general winning opening 111 has been won and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 202. Thereby, the sub-control board 202 informs the player that the general winning opening 111 has been won by, for example, lighting the electric decoration part 130. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the game ball has not won the general winning opening 111, it is not necessary to perform the process of step S12, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Normal symbol operation gate passing processing)
Next, details of the normal symbol operation gate passing process in step S3 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9A and 9B.
In step S21 of FIG. 9A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the routine proceeds to step S22, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S23, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the normal symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S24, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 counts the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less. As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S25, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). 7) is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since normal symbols cannot be displayed based on, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the normal symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. Determine. As a result of this determination, if random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S27, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S28, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S29, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 reads the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S30.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that no random number is stored, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 skips steps S27 to S29 and proceeds to step S30.

If it is determined in step S27 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Therefore, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
When the normal symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S30, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 310.

  Next, in step S31, the winning determination unit 310 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifting to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, and the process proceeds to step S32, where the winning determination unit 310 The special mode lottery table used in the case of the “short time mode” or “probability change mode” is read.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the time-saving flag nor the probability variation flag is turned on, it is determined that the game is in the normal game, and the process proceeds to step S33. The winning determination unit 310 is used when the game is in the normal game. The normal lottery table to be extracted is extracted.

  As described above, when the lottery table is selected in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 9B, and the winning determination unit 310 selects the lottery result (random number) output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 in step S30. It is determined whether or not the lottery table corresponds to “winning”. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the normal symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S35, and the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 and the ordinary electric accessory driving instructing unit 312 refer to the flag storage unit 302, and It is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not a transition is made to either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode”. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S 36, when the transition to the “short time mode” is in progress, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in the “short time mode”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating “win” is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, when transitioning to the “probability change mode”, the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol change display time in the “probability change mode”, and then “wins”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating that the normal symbol is displayed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 37, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode in the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode” to the winning opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S38, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default during normal game. During the normal symbol variation display time, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed such that “7” indicating “winning” is stopped and displayed, and the normal symbol indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A display instruction signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 39, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode during the normal game to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the normal symbol lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S40, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to set the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag. Determine whether it is turned on. As a result of these determinations, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S41, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 During the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in “mode” or “probability change mode”, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed so that “−” indicating “losing” is stopped and displayed. The normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S40 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S42, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default normal in normal game. After the normal symbol is variably displayed during the symbol variation display time, a display pattern is formed so that “-” indicating “losing” is stopped, and the normal symbol display instruction indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 of FIG. 9A that the game ball has not passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the process proceeds to step S43, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is provided with the normal symbol provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 proceeds to step S29 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S22, so the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Start-up winning process)
Next, details of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10A and 10B.
In step S61 of FIG. 10A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning port substrate 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S62, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S63, the special symbol lottery unit 304 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S64, and the special symbol lottery section 304 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the special symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S65, where the special symbol lottery section 304 counts the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less.

As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S66, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the bonus flag is not turned off (turned on), the special symbol lottery unit 304 proceeds to step S65 because the special game is being executed.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Therefore, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the special symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S67, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. Determine. If the result of this determination is that random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S68, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S69, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S70, the special symbol lottery unit 304 reads the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S71.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S67 that no random number is stored, the special symbol lottery unit 304 skips steps S68 to S70 and proceeds to step S71.

  If it is determined in step S68 that the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. The special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  When the special symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S71, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 305.

  Next, in step S72, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the probability variation flag is on, it is determined that the mode has been shifted to the “probability variation mode”, and the process proceeds to step S73. The winning determination unit 305 is used when the probability variation mode is in effect. The lottery table for probability variation to be extracted is extracted.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S74, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S75, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302. Add 1 to the number of time reductions. That is, the number of games in which the current game corresponds to the “short time mode” is counted.

Next, in step S76, the winning determination unit 305 extracts a normal lottery table to be used in the “time reduction mode”.
Next, in step S77, the winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the “time saving mode” has ended by digesting the prescribed number of games. If the result of this determination is that the prescribed number of games has been exhausted and the “time reduction mode” has ended, the process proceeds to step S78, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and turns off the time reduction flag.

If it is determined in step S77 that the prescribed number of games has not been consumed, the “time reduction mode” is ongoing, and thus the processing in step S78 is omitted.
If it is determined in step S74 that the time reduction flag is not turned on, the game is in a normal game, so the process proceeds to step S79, and the winning determination unit 305 selects a normal lottery table to be used during the normal game. Extract.

  As described above, when the lottery table is extracted in steps S73, S76, and S79, the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. 10B, and the winning determination unit 305 outputs the lottery result (random number) output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 in step S71. Determines whether or not it corresponds to “big hit” in the extracted lottery table. That is, it is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the special symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S81, and the winning determination unit 305 further determines whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game. Referring to the flag storage unit 302, the bonus flag is turned on and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery is not won, the process of step S81 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S82.

  In step S82, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on, since either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability variation mode” is being executed, the process proceeds to step S83. The special symbol display instructing unit 306 forms a display pattern for the time reduction / probability change mode based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82, and sends the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board 204. Send. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, if the hourly flag or the probability variation flag is not turned on, it means that the game is in the normal game, so that the process proceeds to step S84, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 is used for the normal game based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82. And the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  In step S <b> 85, the payout instructing unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.

Next, in step S86, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S87. If the winning determination unit 305 determines in S81 to shift to the “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S88, where the flag storage unit Referring to 302, the probability variation flag is turned on.
On the other hand, when it is determined in S81 that the winning determination unit 305 shifts to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S89, and the flag storage unit 302 is referred to and the time reduction flag is turned on.

  In step S90, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command based on the determination results in steps S80 and S82 and the stored contents of the flag storage unit 302, and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 202. The main flowchart of FIG. Return to.

  If it is determined in step S61 in FIG. 10A that the game ball has not passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S91, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 is provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the design random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S70 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S62, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Special game execution process)
Next, the details of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S101 of FIG. 11, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is not turned on, there is no need to perform the processing after step S102 (since there is no transition to a special game), the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits the special winning opening opening instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened, and one round of the specific game consisting of 15 rounds starts.

Next, in step S <b> 103, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113 based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203.
If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the process proceeds to step S104, where the winning determination section 301 determines that the game ball is based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. It is determined whether or not the specific area 121 has been passed. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121, the process proceeds to step S105, where the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203 and proceeds to step S106. move on. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through the specific area 121, the process skips step S105 and proceeds to step S106.

Next, in step S <b> 106, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 113 or the specific area 121, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game ball has passed the special winning opening 113 or the specific area 121 is displayed on the effect display device 107. Also, the payout instruction unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “15” to the payout control board 206. Thereby, 15 prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.
If it is determined in step S106 that the game ball has not won the big winning opening 113, the winning determination unit 301 skips steps S104 to S106 and proceeds to step S107.

  Next, in step S107, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not a predetermined time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has elapsed, it is the end of the unit game, so the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits a special winning opening closing signal to the winning opening board 203. To do. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

Next, in step S <b> 109, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the state where it is easy to pass the game ball to the specific area 121 is released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the process proceeds to step S110, where the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 determines that all unit games in the special game (that is, It is determined whether or not (special game) has ended. If the result of this determination is that the special game has ended, the process proceeds to step S111, where the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command indicating the end of the special game and transmits it to the sub control board 202. Thereby, an image indicating the end of the special game is displayed on the effect display device 107.
Further, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.
In step S112, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the bonus flag, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S107 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened, the process proceeds to step S113, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 is transmitted from the winning determination unit 301. Based on the game ball passage signal, it is determined whether or not 10 or more game balls have passed through the big winning opening 113. If the result of this determination is that there are 10 or more game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113, it means that the unit game is over, so that the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening 113 is closed.
On the other hand, if there are not ten or more game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113, the unit game is ongoing, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S110 that all unit games in the special game have not ended, the process proceeds to the next unit game, and thus the process proceeds to step S114, where the effect command generation unit 313 An effect command indicating progress to a game is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game has progressed to the next unit game is displayed on the effect display device 107. Further, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.

  Needless to say, processes other than those shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 may be performed. For example, the timing for generating and transmitting an effect command is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, and other effect commands may be generated and transmitted.

(Processing operation of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the normal game on the sub-control board 202.
In step S131 of FIG. 12, the effect control unit 401 in the sub control board 202 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the main control board 201. If the result of this determination is that an effect command has been received, processing proceeds to step S132.

In step S132, the effect control unit 401 analyzes the received effect command and specifies the current game mode. When an operation signal is received from the operation switch 132, the operation signal is analyzed to generate variation information associated with the game mode.
Furthermore, the effect control unit 401 selects an effect pattern with reference to the effect pattern storage unit 402 based on those game modes and variation information. The effect control unit 401 outputs the selected effect pattern to the image control unit 404. As a result, the image control unit 404 generates image data for executing an effect corresponding to the selected effect pattern, and causes the effect display device 107 to display the image data.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that an effect command has not been received, the effect control unit 401 moves to step S133 and notifies the image control unit 404 to perform an effect in standby. To do. As a result, the image control unit 404 generates image data for executing a stand-by effect and causes the effect display device 107 to display the image data.

Next, a detailed processing operation of the sub-control board 202 of the present invention will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, the stop symbol determination unit 4011 of the effect control unit 401 determines a combination (stop symbol) of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the actual stop of the variable display (step S141).
If the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the transition to the “probability change mode” is made, the stop symbol determination unit 4011 adds at least one active line formed in the effect display device 107. Stop any one combination of “1 ・ 1 ・ 1”, “3 ・ 3 ・ 3”, “5 ・ 5 ・ 5”, “7 ・ 7 ・ 7”, “9 ・ 9 ・ 9” It is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be displayed.
In addition, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the mode shifts to “time reduction mode”, “0 · 0 · 0”, “ Any combination of “2, 2, 2”, “4, 4, 4”, “6, 6, 6”, “8, 8, 8” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. .
In addition, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “losing”, for example, “9, 3, 5”, “2, 6, 8”, etc. Then, it is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. The combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 107 may be determined by lottery, for example.

Subsequently, the variation pattern determination unit 4013 of the effect control unit 401 determines a variation pattern of the decorative symbol from the start of variation display to the actual stop (step S142).
Next, the reach effect determination unit 4014 of the effect control unit 401 analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control board 201 to determine whether or not the command is a reach effect command (step S143). The determination result is notified to the symbol display area determination unit 4012.

<In the case of a reach production command (step S143; YES)>
When the symbol display area determination unit 4012 receives a notification indicating that it is a reach effect command from the reach effect determination unit 4014, the current symbol display area 119 is set to a default value (initial value) or a customized value (setting) Value) is determined (step S144). When the symbol display area determination unit 4012 determines that the symbol display area 119 is set to the customized value, the symbol display area 119 is set to the default value (see step S145; see FIG. 14C), and this is the reach effect. Notify the determination unit 4015. Reach effect determination unit 4015 receives a notification from symbol display area determination unit 4012, and stores a plurality of reach effect patterns based on information such as stop symbols, probability variation flags and time-short flags determined by stop symbol determination unit 4011. The reach production pattern that matches the conditions is determined from the produced production pattern storage unit 402 (step S146). Then, the reach effect determination unit 4016 of the effect control unit 401 outputs the reach effect pattern determined in steps S141 to S147 to the image control unit 404 (step S147). In each reach effect pattern, image information, audio information, and the like output to the effect display device 107 when the reach state is established are set. The contents set in the reach effect pattern are not limited to these.

  On the other hand, in step S144, when the symbol display area determination unit 4012 determines that the symbol display area 119 is set to the default value, step S145 is skipped, and the reach effect determining unit 4015 indicates that it is set to the default value. Notify When receiving the notification, the reach effect determination unit 4015 determines a reach effect pattern and outputs it to the image control unit 404 (step S146 → step S147).

<In the case of an effect command other than the reach effect command (step S143; NO)>
When the symbol display area determining unit 4012 receives a notification from the reach effect determining unit 4014 that the command is an effect command other than the reach effect command, the symbol display area 119 does not change the symbol display area 119 and is normally determined by the variation pattern determining unit 4013. The variation pattern is output from the effect control unit 401 to the image control unit 404 (step S148).

Here, FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplifying a display pattern of the symbol display area that can be taken when the above steps S141 to S148 are executed.
Until the symbol display area 119 is changed by the player's button operation, the symbol display area 119 set to the default value is displayed on the effect display device 107 (see FIG. 14A). On the other hand, when the symbol display area 119 is changed by the player's button operation, the symbol display area 119 set to the customized value is displayed on the effect display device 107 by the button operation (see FIG. 14B). Note that the player can freely change the symbol display area by operating a button only during a predetermined period (details will be described later). As described above, by making the symbol display area customizable by button operation, convenience is improved, the player can concentrate on the game, and the game motivation can be improved.

  However, even if the symbol display area is once set to the customized value, when the reach effect is started, the display returns to the symbol display area 119 set to the default value again (see FIG. 14C). In this way, it is possible to maintain game interlocking by returning the setting of the symbol display area from the customized value to the default value with the start of reach production as a trigger (details will be described later).

  Returning to the description of the flowchart, when receiving the reach effect pattern or the normal variation pattern from the effect control unit 401, the image control unit 404 controls and determines the position and size of each symbol based on the received pattern. Variation control of each symbol is performed according to the variation pattern (step S149). When performing variable display of the symbols, the image control unit 404 uses the superimpose function to superimpose the background image to be displayed on the background of each symbol and the symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 119 on one screen. Minute display images are generated and output to the effect display device 107. Then, when the image control unit 404 detects that the variation end timing of each symbol has arrived based on the effect pattern, the variation of each symbol is sequentially stopped (step S150), and is determined by the stop symbol determining unit 4011. By displaying the stop symbol on the effect display device 107, the processing described above is completed.

Here, the change control of the symbol display area 119 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a symbol display area change control process.
When the symbol display area determining unit 4012 detects that all symbols displayed in the symbol display area 119 have been completely stopped (that is, the fluctuation has ended) (step S251), it starts a timer (not shown). Then, the symbol display area determination unit 4012 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the fluctuation (step S252). When the symbol display area determining unit 4012 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the change, the symbol display area determining unit 4012 ends the process without changing the symbol display area 119. In this case, the title image is displayed on the effect display device 107.

  On the other hand, when a change instruction for the symbol display area 119 is input by the player performing a button operation before the predetermined time has elapsed, the symbol display area determination unit 4012 moves the symbol display area according to the input change instruction, And / or the size is changed (step S253 → step S254). As a result, an image in which the symbol display area 119 is customized is displayed on the effect display device 107 (see FIG. 14B). In addition, it is good also as a structure which always receives the change of a symbol display area, without providing such a time restriction | limiting.

  Next, the reason why the symbol display area setting is returned from the customized value to the default value with the start of reach production as a trigger will be described with reference to FIGS. First, since there is no relation between each symbol displayed on the effect display device 107 and the background image during normal fluctuation, the position and size of the symbol display area 119 may be freely set (the one-dot chain line shown in FIG. 6). See arrow). However, for example, when a reach effect is performed in which the character Ch appears and hits the changing middle symbol with a hammer to determine the final stop symbol (see FIGS. 16A to 16C), Since each symbol displayed on the effect display device 107 is related to the background image, the setting of the symbol display area 119 is returned to the default value. Thereby, the linkage of the game is maintained, and it becomes possible to enhance the interest of the game. In addition, when the special game is started after the reach effect, when the special game is finished and the normal game is started (when the variation mode of the symbol shifts from the normal variation state to the effect display mode), The effect control unit (resetting means) 401 may return the setting of the symbol display area 119 from the default value to the customized value. In addition, when the special game is not started after the reach effect, when the reach effect is ended and the normal game is started (when the pattern variation mode shifts from the normal variation state to the effect display mode), The effect control unit (resetting means) 401 may return the setting of the symbol display area 119 from the default value to the customized value.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, customization is possible by moving the symbol display area to a desired position or changing the size (enlargement / reduction) by a button operation. In addition, even if the symbol display area has been customized once, when reach production is started, it will return to the symbol display area set to the default value again. Can provide a highly entertaining game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where each symbol is scroll-variably displayed has been described (see FIG. 6). However, the present invention is also applicable to the case where, for example, the switching variation is displayed as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the number of effective lines of a symbol can be arbitrarily set such as setting a plurality of vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, or setting only one horizontal line.

In the above-described embodiment, the reach effect has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to any notification effect other than the reach effect, such as a reach notice, a super reach notice, a jackpot notice, and a re-variation.
In the present embodiment described above, movement and size change are exemplified as the change mode of the symbol display area. However, for example, the direction of viewing the symbol (viewpoint direction) and the symbol display mode (the symbol color, the blinking mode, etc.) are changed. May be.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the two-dimensional image is displayed on the effect display device 107 by the VDP superimpose function has been described. However, the 3D model configured by polygons or the like using the window function of the VDP. This can also be applied to the case where a three-dimensional image representing the above is displayed on the effect display device 107.

B. Modified Example In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine (dedicated machine) has been described as an example.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a simulation apparatus capable of executing the same game as the pachinko machine according to the present invention on the screen (pseudo game).
The simulation device 500 is, for example, a personal computer, a game machine, a mobile phone, or a PDA, and includes a control device 510, a display device 520, and an input device 530.
The control device 510 includes a CPU 510a, a ROM 510b, a RAM 510c, and the like, and centrally controls each part of the simulation device 500 by executing various control programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 510b. The memory of the control device 510 stores a simulation program for performing a pseudo game on the screen of the display device 520. The simulation program is installed through various storage media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory, and from a server equipped with the simulation program via a network (such as the Internet or an intranet) or a communication interface (not shown). Can be downloaded.

The display device 520 is composed of a CRT, a liquid crystal panel, and the like, and is an image representing each element constituting the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, for example, a variation image of a symbol displayed on the effect display device, a behavior of a game ball, and a normal symbol The variable display image and the special symbol change display image are displayed.
The input device 530 is configured by a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and realizes functions such as a launch handle and an operation switch 132 that configure the pachinko machine 100. Specifically, when the input device 530 is operated by the player, the game ball is fired, the symbol display area is moved, the size is changed, and the like in the pseudo game.

  According to the simulation program described above, since the same game as the gaming machine according to the present invention can be realized by a simulation device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, the player can enjoy a pseudo game by using the simulation device. it can.

It is a front view which shows an example of the external appearance structure of the pachinko machine of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the pachinko machine concerning the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the main control board which concerns on the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the sub control board which concerns on the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the production | presentation control part which concerns on the same embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the variation pattern of the design. It is a main flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation of a sub control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed processing operation of a sub control board. It is the figure which illustrated the change mode of the symbol display area. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a change control process. It is the figure which illustrated the image displayed on an effect display device. It is the figure which illustrated the variation mode of the design. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the simulation apparatus which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine, 103 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 106 ... Special symbol display device, 107 ... Production display device, 118 ... Display area, 119 ... Symbol display region, 106. ..Special symbol display device 108... Normal symbol display device 112... Start winning port 113 .. Large winning port 131 .. Launch handle 132 .. Operation switch 201. Main control board, 203... Prize opening board, 210... Start prize opening switch, 215... Ordinary electric accessory solenoid, 301. Special symbol lottery section, 305 ... Winning determination section, 306 ... Special symbol display instruction section, 309 ... Normal symbol lottery section, 310 ... Winning determination section, 311 ... Normal symbol display instruction section , 312 ... Ordinary electric actor drive instruction unit, 313 ... Production command generation unit, 401 ... Production control unit, 402 ... Production pattern storage unit, 403 ... Flag storage unit, 404 ... Image control unit, 4011 ... Stop symbol determining unit, 4012 ... Symbol display area determining unit, 4013 ... Fluctuation pattern determining unit, 4014 ... Reach effect determining unit, 4015 ... Reach effect determining unit.

Claims (4)

A gaming machine comprising a symbol display device that variably displays a symbol indicating a lottery result in a predetermined symbol display area,
An operation input means for receiving an operation input of a player;
Change instruction means for outputting a change instruction for changing the symbol display area in response to the operation input;
An area changing means for changing the symbol display area from an initial value to a set value in response to the change instruction;
Initial setting means for setting the symbol display area to the initial value when the symbol variation mode shifts from the normal variation state to the effect display state;
A gaming machine comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the area changing unit changes the position and / or size of the symbol display area in accordance with the change instruction.   The game according to claim 1, further comprising resetting means for resetting the symbol display area to the set value when the symbol variation mode shifts from the effect display state to the normal variation state. Machine. A computer equipped with a symbol display device that variably displays a symbol indicating a lottery result in a predetermined symbol display area,
An operation input means for receiving an operation input of a player;
Change instruction means for outputting a change instruction for changing the symbol display area in response to the operation input;
An area changing means for changing the symbol display area from an initial value to a set value in response to the change instruction;
A simulation program that functions as initial setting means for setting the symbol display area to the initial value when the symbol variation mode shifts from a normal variation state to an effect display state.

Images