JP2008110000A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, having new configuration to further give an impact on a game player. <P>SOLUTION: A presentation ball moving device 80 for moving (flowing) a plurality of presentation balls 300 is disposed in rear (at the back) of a game board 14 and in front (on the front side) of a liquid crystal display device 32. The moving mode of the presentation balls 300 is changed depending on the rolling tendency of game balls rolling on a game area 15 of the game board 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a transparent gaming board.

  In the so-called pachinko gaming machine, in addition to the display of fluctuation of the identification information, an effect display using a character image or the like is very important for entertaining the player. However, conventionally, a liquid crystal display device for effect display is provided on the game board, so it is necessary to reduce the size of the liquid crystal display device due to the restriction of a large installation area for the game nail for rolling the game ball It was difficult to display powerful effects.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, in order to display with a strong impact, a game in which a transparent game board having a game area formed on the front side is used and an effect display device having a display screen on the front side is arranged behind the game board. A machine has been proposed.

JP 2006-230644 A

  However, behind the game board, the effect display device only performs effect display.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect display of the large effect display device behind the game board, it is desired to provide a gaming machine having a new configuration that further impacts the player.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a new configuration that further impacts the player.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The present invention provides a gaming board having a gaming area on which a game ball rolls on the front side and at least a part of which is a transparent area, and a transparent area on the gaming board provided behind the gaming board. A display means serving as an area; and an effect means provided between the game board and the display means for moving a plurality of effect balls different from the game balls in the game area.

  According to the above configuration, the display means and the game board are provided to the player who visually observes the movement of the effect ball from the front of the game board by moving the plurality of effect balls together with the game ball rolling in the game area. It is possible to easily recognize that the effect means provided between the two is physically separated from the display means. And the production | presentation means which makes it recognize easily that it was separated in this way makes it possible to make the impression of the production given to a player large.

  In addition, the effect means of the present invention may include an effect movable member that is movable by the effect ball. According to said structure, the impression of the production | presentation given to a player can be made still larger by visually observing the production | generation movable member act | operated by a production | presentation ball.

  Further, the effect means of the present invention includes a moving means for moving the effect ball in an arbitrary movement mode, and a movement control means for controlling the moving means so as to be the movement mode associated with the gaming state. It may have. According to said structure, since the change of a gaming state can be noticed by visually observing the movement mode of an effect ball, the impression of the effect given to a player can be made still larger.

  Further, the present invention may include a game movable member provided on the front side of the game board, and the effect means may include interlocking means for moving the game movable member. According to said structure, the impression of the production | presentation given to a player can be made still larger by visually observing the movable member for games act | operated by the production | presentation ball | bowl.

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

(Mechanical structure of gaming machine)
First, an overview of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. 4 to 6 are front views showing an overview of the game board 14 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12a formed on the front surface, various components disposed inside the opening 12a in the main body frame 12, and a main body frame. The door 11 is pivotally attached to the front of the door 12 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 1, this door 11 is for closing the opening 12a from the front, and a game is normally performed in the closed state.

  Further, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 22, a firing handle 26, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the main body frame 12. Inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32, a game board 14 and the like are disposed. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.

  The game board 14 is formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having permeability) that is entirely permeable as a permeable region. Examples of the material having transparency include various materials such as an act curtain resin, a polycarbonate resin, and a meta curtain resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front side thereof in which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by a guide rail 30 (specifically, an outer rail 30a shown in FIG. 4 to be described later) where a game ball, which is an example of a game medium, can roll. A plurality of game nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14. Thus, the game board 14 functions as an example of a game board having a game area 15 where a game ball rolls on the front side and at least a part of which is a transparent area.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 and the effect ball moving device 80 interposed therebetween. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the transparent member of the game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of an image relating to a game. The display area 32a is arranged so as to overlap the whole or a part of the game board 14 from the back side with the spacer 31 and the effect ball moving device 80 interposed therebetween. In other words, the display area 32a is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to overlap at least all or part of the game area 15 in the game board 14. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so that the display area 32 a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. . In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, various types of images such as an effect identification information image, an effect effect image, an ornamental decoration image, a special effect image, a specific effect image, and a special effect image are displayed. Is done. Thus, the liquid crystal display device 32 functions as an example of a display unit that is provided behind the game board 14 and uses the transparent area of the game board 14 as the display area 32a.

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

  The spacer 31 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14 and at the front (front side) of the effect ball moving device 80. The spacer 31 is made of a permeable material.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the effect ball moving device 80 is arranged behind the spacer 31 (on the back side) and in front of the liquid crystal display device 32 (on the front side). The effect ball moving device 80 is installed on the bottom surface of the opening 12 a of the main body frame 12. The effect ball moving device 80 has a box-shaped housing 83, and a plurality of effect balls 300 different from the game balls are moved inside the housing 83.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in the housing 83 of the effect ball moving device 80, a storage unit 84 that stores a plurality of effect balls 300 and an effect stored in the storage unit 84 by being opened. First to third opening / closing parts 81a to 81c that cause the ball 300 to flow down, a moving area 85 that is an area where the plurality of effect balls 300 flow down, and a rolling part that the effect ball 300 that passes through the moving area 85 rolls. 86 and a collection mechanism 87 that collects the effect ball 300 of the rolling unit 86 in the storage unit 84 is provided.

  The recovery mechanism 87 is formed in a screw shape, and includes a screw mechanism 87a that conveys the effect ball 300 upward by rotation, and a recovery motor 87b that rotates the screw mechanism 87a. By rotating the screw mechanism 87 a, the effect ball 300 of the rolling unit 86 is conveyed upward and collected in the storage unit 84. As described above, the effect ball moving device 80 is provided between the game board 14 and the display means, and functions as an example of effect means for moving a plurality of effect balls 300 different from the game balls in the game area 15.

  Thus, the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided to the player who visually observes the movement of the effect ball 300 from the front of the game board 14 by moving the effect balls 300 together with the game ball rolling in the game area 15. It is possible to easily recognize that the effect ball moving device 80 provided between the game board 14 and the game board 14 is physically separated from the liquid crystal display device 32. Then, the effect ball moving device 80 for easily recognizing the separation as described above makes it possible to increase the impression of the effect given to the player.

  In the moving area 85, the game board 14 is rotated by the collision of the production balls 300, the plurality of obstacle nails 82 with which the production balls 300 that flow down collide, the production windmill 88 that rotates by the production balls 300 collide, and the production balls 14. A rotating body 89 that rotates the windmill 28 provided on the game board 14, and detection sensors 91 </ b> L and 91 </ b> R that detect game balls that pass through opposing portions of the game area 15 of the game board 14. The rotating body 89 and the windmill 28 are connected by a connecting shaft 89a, and the connecting shaft 89a rotates as the rotating body 89 rotates, so that the windmill 28 on the game board 14 is forcibly rotated. Has been. Thus, the effect ball windmill 88 functions as an example of an effect movable member that is movable by the effect ball 300. The rotating body 89 and the connecting shaft 89a function as an example of interlocking means for moving the game movable member (wind turbine 28).

  Thus, by visually observing the effect ball windmill 88 operated by the effect ball 300, the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased. Further, by visually observing the windmill 28 operated by the effect ball 300, the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased.

  The movement mode of the effect ball 300 is changed according to the detection of the game ball by the detection sensors 91L and 91R. Specifically, the total number of game balls detected is calculated using the number of game balls detected by each of the left detection sensor 91L and the right detection sensor 91R, and the rolling rate of the game balls on the left side of the game board 14 is calculated. And the right rolling rate, which is the rolling rate of the game ball on the right side of the game board 14, is calculated. When the left rolling rate is higher than the right rolling rate, the left first opening / closing portion 81a is opened, and the effect ball 300 flows down from the first opening / closing portion 81a. On the other hand, when the right rolling rate is higher than the left rolling rate, the right third opening / closing part 81c is opened, and the effect ball 300 flows down from the third opening / closing part 81c. Further, when the left rolling rate and the right rolling rate are substantially the same, all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c are opened, and the effect ball 300 flows down from all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c. Thus, the 1st-3rd opening-and-closing part 81a-81c functions as an example of the moving means which moves the production | presentation ball | bowl 300 by arbitrary moving aspects.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the flow of the effect ball 300 is performed during the execution of a “variable display game” to be described later. That is, the flow of the effect ball 300 is performed at the time of the big hit lottery described later. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, when the big hit lottery is won, the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c are opened, and the effect ball 300 flows down from all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c. As a result, the player is notified that the big hit lottery has been won.

  In this way, by visually observing the movement mode of the effect ball 300, it is possible to notice that the big hit lottery has been won, so that the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the “variable display game” is not being executed, the flow of the effect ball 300 is not performed by closing all the open / close portions 81a to 81c. However, when a game ball enters a winning opening such as a large winning opening 39, general winning openings 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, which will be described later, the game is played until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses. Any or all of the first to third opening / closing parts 81a to 81c are opened according to the rolling rate of the sphere, and the effect sphere 300 flows down.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the door 11 is provided with a transparent protective plate 19. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, on the lower left side of the game board 14, a special symbol display 35, a normal symbol display 33, special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d, normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d, and the number of rounds are displayed. Containers 51a to 51d are provided.

  The special symbol display 35 is composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs. The 7-segment LED is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol variation display start condition is satisfied. By turning on / off the 7-segment LED, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols.

  As a special symbol, when a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol such as “21”, “50”, or “64”) is stopped and displayed, a round game that is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state ( As for the round game, which will be described later), the gaming state shifts to a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) in which 15 rounds are continuously performed. After the big hit gaming state when a specific numerical symbol (for example, a numerical symbol of “64”) is stopped and displayed, the gaming state shifts to a probability change state (high probability state).

  Note that the normal game state is a game state in which a normal game is executed, and the special game state (big hit game state) is a game state in which a special game (big hit game) is executed. The normal gaming state includes two gaming states, a low probability state and a high probability state which is a probability variation state. The high probability state is a state in which the probability of going from the normal gaming state to the big hit gaming state (by lottery) is higher than the low probability state.

  In other words, the low probability state is an example of a normal probability state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is a predetermined probability, and the high probability state is an example of a probability variation state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is higher than the predetermined probability. .

  The special game executed in the special game state includes a first special game and a second special game. After execution of the first special game, a game with a high probability state is executed, and after execution of the second special game, a game with a low probability state is executed.

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

  On the other hand, when a special symbol other than a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol other than “21”, “50” or “64”) is stopped and displayed, the gaming state is in a low probability state. If the game state is a high probability state (probability variation state), the high probability state is maintained or the high probability state is shifted to the low probability state.

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

  Below the special symbol indicator 35, a normal symbol indicator 33 is provided. The normal symbol display 33 is composed of two display lamps, and these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, so that, for example, symbols such as “O” and “X” are variably displayed as normal symbols. Is done.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the special symbol variable display held by turning on or off (so-called “hold number”, “hold number related to special symbols”). For example, when the execution of the special symbol variation display is held once, the special symbol hold lamp 34a is turned on. When the execution of the special symbol variation display is held twice, the special symbol hold In addition to the lamp 34a, the special symbol hold lamp 34b is turned on. When the execution of the special symbol variation display is held three times, the special symbol hold lamp 34c is turned on in addition to the special symbol hold lamps 34a and 34b. When the execution of the special symbol variation display is held four times, the special symbol hold lamp 34d is turned on in addition to the special symbol hold lamps 34a, 34b, 34c.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d display the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “hold number”, “hold number related to normal symbols”). . Similar to the special symbol, when the execution of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is held once, the normal symbol holding lamp 50a is turned on.

  On the left side of the special symbol display 35, round number displays 51a to 51d are provided. The round number indicators 51a to 51d display the number of rounds during execution of the special game. The round number indicators 51a to 51d are composed of four dot LEDs, and there are two patterns of lighting and extinguishing for each dot LED, so that at least 16 patterns can be displayed (4 of 2). Squared pattern). The round number indicators 51a to 51d may be composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs, a liquid crystal display unit, a transmissive liquid crystal display unit, and the like.

  In addition, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind the game board 14 (back side), an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 35 is displayed.

  For example, during the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 35, a plurality of symbol strings (this embodiment) are displayed in the effect symbol display area 32 b located substantially in the center of the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. In each of the three columns, an effect design (also identification information. For example, a number from “0” to “9”) is variably displayed. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 35 is stopped and displayed, and the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed in the effect symbol display area 32 b of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Further, when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35, an effect image that allows the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35, the combination of effect symbols displayed in the effect symbol display area 32b of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. A mode (for example, a mode in which all of “1” to “9” are stopped and displayed in each of a plurality of symbol rows).

  As an example in which the combination of performance symbols is a specific display mode, if all the specific numeric symbols (for example, “7” numeric symbols) are stopped and displayed, they will win the big hit lottery and become a big hit, The game state shifts from the normal game state to the big hit game state (special game state) in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed up to 15 times. In addition, after the end of the jackpot gaming state when a specific number symbol (for example, the number symbol of “7”) is stopped and displayed, a high probability state in which the winning probability of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means becomes higher than a predetermined probability ( The gaming state shifts to (probable change state). The big hit at this time is called probable big hit.

  As an example in which the combination of performance symbols is a specific display mode, if the display is stopped in a state where all of the specific number symbols (for example, the number symbol of “5”) are arranged, the big hit lottery will be won, The game state shifts from the normal game state to the big hit game state (special game state) in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed up to 15 times. In addition, after the end of the jackpot gaming state when a specific number symbol (for example, the number symbol “5”) is stopped and displayed, the gaming state shifts to a low probability state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is a predetermined probability. To do. The big hit at this time is usually called a big hit.

  As an example in which the combination of production symbols is a specific display mode, if the display is stopped in a state where all of the specific numeric symbols (for example, “3” numeric symbols) are aligned, the big hit lottery will be won, The gaming state shifts from the normal gaming state to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state) in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed twice at the maximum. In addition, after the end of the jackpot gaming state when a specific number symbol (for example, the number symbol “3”) is stopped and displayed, a high probability state in which the winning probability of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means is higher than a predetermined probability ( The gaming state shifts to (probable change state). The probability variation state at this time is called sudden probability variation (surprising accuracy), and the big hit at this time is called sudden big hit.

  On the other hand, when the combination of effect symbols does not become a specific display mode, if the gaming state is a low probability state, the low probability state is maintained, and the gaming state is a high probability state (probability change state) The high probability state is maintained, or the high probability state is transferred to the low probability state.

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

  Here, the normal game executed in the normal game state according to the present invention is a lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a game advantageous to the player (special game) when a game ball enters the start port 25. (Large winning lottery) is performed, the special symbol display is performed on the special symbol display 35, and the variation display of the identification information (production symbol) as the production is performed on the liquid crystal display device 32, and the production display associated therewith is performed. It is a game. As described above, the normal gaming state has two types of gaming states, a low probability state and a high probability state. In the high probability state, the winning probability of the jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute a game advantageous to the player is higher than the predetermined probability as compared with the low probability state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is a predetermined probability. The normal game described in this embodiment is an example, and the normal game of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the normal game may be a game in which a lottery is performed when a player enters a ball entrance such as a start gate. The normal game of the present invention may be any game other than an advantageous game in which a round game advantageous to a player is performed a plurality of times.

  In addition, in a normal game executed in a high probability state (probability variation state), a lottery (falling lottery) on whether or not to shift to a low probability state is performed at the big hit lottery, and this falling lottery is won Is shifted from a high probability state to a low probability state. This is called a fall. For this reason, when winning the falling lottery, a big hit lottery is performed in a low probability state.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, on the game board 14, two guide rails 30 (30a and 30b), a windmill 28, a stage 55, passing gates 54a and 54b, a stage 57, a start port 25, a shutter 40, Game members such as the big winning opening 39 and the general winning openings 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d are provided. Furthermore, speakers 46 </ b> L and 46 </ b> R (not shown) are provided on the upper portion of the door 11.

  A stage 55 is provided in the upper part of the game board 14, and a stage 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14, and the plurality of game nails (not shown) and the game board 14 are provided. Due to the collision with the stages 55, 57, etc., the game flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  A winning opening 24 is formed on the left side of the stage 55. When a game ball wins the winning opening 24, it is guided behind the stage 57 via the first warp path 47 behind the game board 14. The game ball guided behind the stage 57 is discharged to the front side of the game board 14 from a discharge port (not shown) surrounded by the stage 57 and flows down to the game board 14.

  A winning area is provided in the start opening 25 described above. This winning area includes a start winning ball sensor 116 (see FIG. 7). When a game medium such as a game ball is detected by the start winning ball sensor 116, it is determined that the game ball has won. When the game ball wins, the special symbol display by the special symbol display 35 is started. Also, if a game ball wins during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of the game ball to the start port 25 is executed until the special symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed ( Start) is put on hold. Thereafter, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variably displayed suspended special symbol is started. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the special symbol variable display is suspended up to four times.

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

  Further, also in the variable display game in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball wins the start opening 25 described above (which is one of the start of variable display of a predetermined effect symbol), the effect symbol. The change display of is started. In addition, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display of the effect symbol, the variation of the effect symbol based on the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25 is stopped until the effect symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed. Display execution (start) is put on hold. Thereafter, when the effect symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, variability display of the effect symbol that has been suspended is started.

  In addition, as another condition (starting display of variation of a predetermined effect symbol), the effect symbol is stopped and displayed. That is, every time the predetermined display variation display condition is established, the variation display of the effect design is started.

  In the present embodiment, a game ball won at the start opening 25 is set as a predetermined special symbol variable display start condition or a predetermined effect symbol variable display start condition. Another embodiment may be used.

  On the left side of the stage 57, a windmill 28 is rotatably provided. As described above, the windmill 28 is connected to the rotating body 89 of the effect ball moving device 80 by the connecting shaft 89 a and is forcibly rotated as the rotating body 89 rotates. Thus, the windmill 28 functions as an example of a game movable member provided on the front side of the game board 14.

  Passage gates 54 a and 54 b are provided on both the left and right sides of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passing gates 54a and 54b are provided with passing ball sensors 114 and 115 (see FIG. 7) described later. The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detect that the game ball has passed through the passing gates 54a and 54b. When the passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detect the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol display is started on the normal symbol display 33, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol change display is stopped. . As described above, this normal symbol is a symbol such as “◯” or “x”.

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

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

  Further, in the normal game after the big hit game is finished, the so-called “short time” in which the time during which the blade member is opened is extended for a predetermined number of times. Since the game ball can easily enter the start opening 25 when the time is short, the special symbol change display by the special symbol display 35, the effect symbol change display by the liquid crystal display device 32, and the effect ball by the effect ball moving device 80 It is easy to start the flow of 300. That is, the big hit lottery is easily performed.

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). The shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35 and the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state (first state) where the game ball can be easily received.

  On the other hand, a special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 includes a specific area (not shown) having a V / count sensor 102 (see FIG. 7) and a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 7). There are general areas (not shown) having a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, or the shutter 40 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. Driven. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball (second state).

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

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

  During execution of the special game, the number of rounds (the maximum number of continuous rounds) from the first round number to the last round game when the most round game is continued differs depending on the special symbols that are stopped and displayed. For example, in this embodiment, when the number symbol (special symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicator 35 is 64, the maximum number of continuous rounds is 15 and the number that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicator 35 When the symbol (special symbol) is 21, the maximum number of continuation rounds is 15 rounds. When the number symbol (special symbol) stopped on the special symbol indicator 35 is 50, the maximum continuation round number is two. It becomes.

  The maximum number of continuous rounds is not limited to 2 rounds or 15 rounds. For example, the maximum number of continuous rounds is selected from “1” to “15” rounds by lottery by the round number lottery means (the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 7)). Also good.

  In addition, when game balls have won or passed through the specific areas and the general areas in the general winning ports 56a to 56d and the large winning port 39, the number of game balls set in advance according to the types of the respective winning ports is set. It is paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  When it is determined that a winning is made at the start opening 25 described above, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22 according to the type of each winning port.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is described as an example of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display means may be any display means that can display identification information (production symbol) such as a plasma display, a rear projection display, a CRT display, or a lamp.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: main control circuit)
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66 as a control means, a main ROM (read-only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as an example of storage means. ing. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

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

  The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66. For example, various programs such as the main control main processing routine of FIG. 9 are stored. The main control main process routine causes the main CPU 66 to execute special symbol control processes and the like repeatedly. Also, the main ROM 68 is referred to when selecting a jackpot determination table (lottery table) that is referred to when determining a jackpot by random lottery, a special symbol determination table that is referred to when determining a special symbol, or an effect. Various tables such as an effect condition selection table to be performed and other tables are also stored. The jackpot determination table includes a probability variation lottery table that is referred to in a high probability state and a normal lottery table that is referred to in a low probability state.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. Specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 70 include the following.

  The main RAM 70 includes a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a state flag, a fall flag, a time-short state flag, a probability variation flag, a big hit determination random number counter, a big hit symbol determination random number counter, a lost symbol determination random number counter, and a reach pattern selection. Random number counter, production condition selection random number counter, grand prize opening number counter, grand prize opening prize counter, round number display counter, round number display production start counter, waiting time timer, big prize opening time timer, Data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to special symbols, data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to ordinary symbols, result data, data for supplying commands to the sub-control circuit 200 described later, variables, and the like are positioned.

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

  The jackpot determination random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a special symbol (hit symbol) to be stopped when a special symbol jackpot is determined. The random symbol counter for losing symbol determination is for determining a special symbol (losing symbol) to be stopped and displayed when it is not a big hit. The reach pattern selection random number counter is for determining a reach pattern. The production condition selection random number counter is for determining a production variation pattern. The round number display effect start counter is used to determine whether or not to display on the round number displays 51a to 51d during the normal game. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided.

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

  The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening is opened in the big hit gaming state (so-called round number). The winning prize winning counter indicates the number of game balls that have won the winning prize opening 39 (see FIG. 4) during one round and passed through the V / count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol (so-called start memory number counter) holds the start of the special symbol game when the game ball is won at the starting port 25 but the variation display of the special symbol cannot be executed. Shows the number of times the special symbol game is held. Further, the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is that when the game ball has passed through the passing gates 54a and 54b, but the normal symbol variation display cannot be executed, the normal symbol game start is reserved, It shows the number of times the normal symbol game is held. The round number display counter indicates the number of rounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32.

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

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

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the V / count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, and the passage The ball sensors 114 and 115, the start winning ball sensor 116, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, the big prize opening solenoid 120, the seesaw solenoid 122, and the backup clear switch 124 are connected.

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

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

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

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

  The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the start port 25.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to a blade member provided in the start port 25 via a link member (not shown), and the blade member is in an open state or in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Closed.

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

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

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager. For example, the result data is reset by turning off the casing.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a reader 150.

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

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

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

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: Sub-control circuit)
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-control circuit 200 controls the display on the liquid crystal display device 32, controls related to sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R, and the lamp 132 according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. And control of the effect ball moving device 80 are performed. Note that the lamp 132 includes an incandescent lamp, an LED, or the like, specifically, a decorative lamp (not shown) that displays light and dark on the game board 14.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 200 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the sub CPU 206, program ROM 208, work RAM 210, and liquid crystal display device 32 (control for displaying effect images in the liquid crystal display device 32), speakers 46L and 46R. A sound control circuit 230 for controlling the sound generated from the lamp, a lamp control circuit 240 for controlling the lamp 132, a first opening / closing mechanism 92a for controlling the opening / closing of the first opening / closing part 81a provided in the effect ball moving device 80, A second opening / closing mechanism 92b for controlling the opening / closing of the second opening / closing portion 81b, a third opening / closing mechanism 92c for controlling the opening / closing of the third opening / closing portion 81c, a drive unit 270 for driving the recovery mechanism 87, a left detection sensor 91L, and a right detection. It is comprised from the input part 280 into which the detection signal from sensor 91R is input. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Thus, the sub CPU 206 functions as various means such as effect ball movement control means for causing the effect ball 300 to flow down in the effect ball moving device 80.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206, and stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display that is executed in association with the variable symbol display. In addition, the program ROM 208 stores effect patterns during execution of a plurality of types of special games. The effect pattern during execution of the special game relates to the progress of the effect display executed in relation to the round game in the special game. Further, the program ROM 208 stores an output information image display timer for determining a time until an output information image is displayed after the output information image display notification effect. Further, the program ROM 208 stores a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects.

  Further, the program ROM 208 stores data of effect symbols used in the variable display game. Specifically, symbol data composed of numbers from “0” to “9” is stored.

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

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables are positioned such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, a tendency judgment value indicating the tendency of the game ball to flow down, and an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern.

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

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

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

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

  Various image data such as background image data and effect image data are separately stored in the image data ROM 216. Of course, related image data indicating a related image is also stored.

  The VDP 212 reads various image data such as background image data and effect image data from the image data ROM 216 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, and generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. The VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores the image data in a buffer, and supplies the data to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image.

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

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

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit 242 and a decoration data ROM 244 and is connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 controls the light emission of the lamp 132 via the lamp control circuit 240.

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

  The drive unit 270 is connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 controls the flow of the effect ball 300 via the drive unit 270.

  The input unit 280 is connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 drives the drive unit 270 using the detection signal from the input unit 280 to change the movement mode of the effect ball 300.

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

(Main control main processing)
First, the main control main process executed in the main control circuit 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, an initialization setting process is executed by the main CPU 66 (S11). When the power is turned on, a startup program is read from the main ROM 68 and flags stored in the main RAM 70 are initialized. And set.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (S15). The special symbol control process will be described later. Then, it returns to step S15 and step S15 is repeated.

(Special symbol control processing)
The special symbol control processing routine executed in step S15 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the numerical values drawn from step S72 to step S81 are control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value is indicated according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Will be executed and the special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the control state flag is loaded by the main CPU 66 (S71).

  In the subsequent processes from step S72 to step S81, it is determined whether or not various processes in each step are to be executed based on the value of the control state flag. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S72 to step S81 to be executed. In addition to this, processing in each step is executed at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Also, a system timer interrupt process described later is executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed (S72). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a special symbol variation time management process is executed (S73), the control state flag is a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management, and a value indicating special symbol display time management when the variation time has elapsed. (02) is set in the control state flag, and the waiting time after determination (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the waiting time after determination elapses, the process of step S74 is executed.

  Next, a special symbol display time management process is executed (S74), the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management, and if the waiting time after determination has passed, whether or not it is a big hit To be judged. In the case of big hit, a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management is set in the control state flag, and the time corresponding to the big hit start interval (for example, 10 seconds) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed, the process of step S75 is executed. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit, a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game is set. That is, the process of step S81 is executed.

  Next, the big hit start interval management process is executed (S75), the control state flag is a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed, the main ROM 68 Data for opening the read special winning opening 39 is stored in the main RAM 70. Then, data for opening the special winning opening 39 stored in the main RAM 70 is read, and a signal for opening the special winning opening 39 is supplied to the special winning opening solenoid 120. In this way, the main CPU 66 or the like performs opening / closing control of the special winning opening 39. That is, one round game in which a predetermined advantageous gaming state (a gaming state from the open state where the big winning opening 39 easily accepts the game ball to the closed state where the big winning opening 39 hardly accepts the game ball) is provided a plurality of times. A special game that may be repeated is executed. Thus, the main CPU 66 is an example of execution means for executing a special game that is advantageous to the player. Further, the game advantageous to the player may be that a variable winning device that can be opened and closed such as the big winning opening 39 is opened.

  Further, a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened is set in the control state flag, and the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the special winning opening open time timer. That is, the process of step S78 is executed. Further, a predetermined number (for example, “15”) is substituted into the round number display counter in the main RAM 70. Further, the special game execution time timer in the main RAM 70 is used to start measurement of the special game execution time.

  Next, a round number display management process is executed (S76), and a plurality of types of round numbers stored in the main ROM 68 are displayed based on the numbers assigned to the round number display counter stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. One round number display pattern is selected from the patterns. The selected round number display pattern is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  Next, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed (S77), the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the waiting time management before reopening the big winning opening, and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds. When the time has elapsed, the special winning opening opening number counter is stored and updated so as to be incremented by “1”. In addition, a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened is set in the control state flag, and the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the special winning opening open time timer. That is, the process of step S78 is executed.

  Next, a process for opening a special prize opening is executed (S78), and if the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the special prize opening is open, the special prize opening prize counter is “10” or more. It is determined whether or not any of the conditions, that is, the condition that the upper limit open time has elapsed (the big prize opening time timer is “0”) is satisfied. If any of the conditions is satisfied, the variable located in the main RAM 70 is updated to close the special winning opening 39, and a value (05) indicating monitoring of the residual winning ball in the special winning opening is displayed in the control state flag. Set. In addition, the monitoring time for remaining balls in the special winning opening (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the extra winning opening residual ball monitoring time has elapsed, the process of step S79 is executed. Note that when none of the conditions is satisfied, the above-described processing is not executed.

  Next, the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process is executed (S79), the control state flag is a value (05) indicating the winning ball remaining ball monitoring, and when the winning ball remaining ball monitoring time has elapsed, The condition that the game ball has not passed through the specific area at the special winning opening 39, and the special winning opening opening number counter is “2” (when the specific numeric symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is “50”). ) Or “15” (when the specific number symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is “64”, “21”) or more (the last round) is satisfied. Is judged. When either condition is satisfied, a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval is set in the control state flag, and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed, the process of step S80 is executed. Further, the special game number counter in the main RAM 70 is incremented by “1”.

  On the other hand, if none of the conditions is satisfied, a value (06) indicating waiting time management before reopening of the big winning opening is set in the control state flag. Furthermore, the round number display counter stored in the main RAM 70 is updated so that “1” is subtracted. The time corresponding to the interval between rounds is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the process of step S78 is executed.

  Next, the jackpot end interval process is executed (S80), and when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed, the special symbol game end is indicated. The value (08) is set in the control state flag. That is, the process of step S81 is executed. When the probability change state is entered, a probability change flag is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When the time reduction state is entered, a time reduction state flag is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, and 100 is set as the number of time reductions. In the present embodiment, 100 is set as the number of time reductions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the number of time reductions may be other time reductions such as 150, 200, and 300.

  Next, a special symbol game end process is executed (S81), and when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the data (starting storage information) indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “ The data is updated so that 1 is decreased, and data indicating a start memory number designation command indicating that the start memory information is decreased by “1” is set in a predetermined storage area in the main RAM 70. Then, in order to perform the next variation display, the special symbol storage area is updated, and a value (00) indicating the special symbol storage check is set. That is, the process of step S72 is executed. If the time reduction count is set, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction count, and when the time reduction count becomes 0, the time reduction status is terminated. Then, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed when the control state flag is set. Specifically, when the big hit determination result is out of order when the big hit gaming state is not set, the control status flags are set in order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “08”, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S81 shown in FIG. 10 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, in the case of not being a big hit gaming state, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the control state flag is set in order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, thereby FIG. Steps S72, S73, S74, and S75 shown are executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Furthermore, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the control state flag is set in the order of “04”, “05”, “06”, so that the steps S78, S79, The process of step S77 is executed at a predetermined timing, and a special game is executed. In addition, when the end condition (special game end condition, jackpot game end condition) of the special game (big hit game state) is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are set in order. Thus, the processing from step S78 to step S81 shown in FIG. 10 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the special game is ended. In the present embodiment, the game ball has not passed through the specific area (puncture) until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the maximum number of continuous rounds (in this embodiment, “2” rounds or “15 The end of the “round” round game is also a special game end condition. Thus, the main CPU 66 is an example of a special game execution control unit that controls execution of a special game that is a game advantageous to the player.

(Special symbol memory check process)
The special symbol memory check processing routine executed in step S72 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (S101). If it is determined that the control state flag is not a value indicating the special symbol storage check (S101: NO), this subroutine is terminated. When it is determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check (S101: YES), it is determined whether or not the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “0” (S102). . When it is determined that the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “0” (S102: YES), a demonstration display process is executed (S103), and the sub-control circuit 200 performs a demonstration to display the demonstration. Variables for supplying display commands are stored in the main RAM 70. As a result, the display of the demonstration screen is executed in the sub control circuit 200. Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is not “0” (S102: NO), a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management is set as the control state flag (S104). . A value indicating special symbol variation time management is stored in the control state flag.

  Subsequently, a jackpot determination process is executed (S105), and the jackpot determination value stored in the special symbol determination table stored in the main ROM 68 is selected. Then, the jackpot random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the jackpot determination value are referred to. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit gaming state is advantageous to the player. For example, in the case of the low probability state, when the big hit random number value is 7, it is determined that the big hit. Further, in the case of a high probability state, when the big hit random number value is 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, it is determined that the big hit.

  Next, a symbol determination process is executed (S106). Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the variation pattern determination process is executed (S109), and a rendering condition selection random value is extracted. A special symbol variation pattern command is selected from the variation pattern table stored in the main ROM 68 based on the special symbol determined by the symbol determination process. Specifically, a special symbol variation pattern command corresponding to the special symbol determined by the symbol determination process is selected and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  The special symbol variation pattern command for effect stored in this way is supplied from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 as a variation pattern designation command. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command.

  Next, the variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern for production is set in the waiting time timer (S110). Then, the storage area in which the jackpot random number value used for the current variation display is stored is cleared (S111). Then, this subroutine is finished.

(Design determination process)
The symbol determination processing routine executed in step S106 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, based on the jackpot determination value extracted in the jackpot determination process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the jackpot lottery is won (S1500). If it is determined that the big hit lottery is not won (S1500: NO), the lost symbol is determined (S1518), and this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the big hit lottery is won (S1500: YES), the big hit symbol is determined (S1502), and it is determined whether or not it is a probable change (S1512). If it is determined that the probability is changed (S1512: YES), a high probability state is set in the state flag (S1514). That is, a probable big hit that the game state shifts to a high probability state after the round game is continuously played up to 15 times, or the game state shifts to a high probability state after the round game is played twice a maximum It ’s a big hit. Then, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no certain change (S1512: NO), a low probability state is set in the state flag (S1516). In other words, after the round game is continuously performed up to 15 times, it is a normal jackpot where the gaming state shifts to a low probability state. Then, this subroutine is finished.

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

  First, random number update processing is performed by the main CPU 66 (S42), and the random numbers stored in the main RAM 70 are updated. Next, input detection processing is performed (S43), and detection signals from switches such as the V / count sensor 102 are detected.

  Next, a timer update process is performed (S44), and a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, and the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs. Various timers such as a big prize opening time timer for measuring are updated. Then, an output process is performed (S46), and a signal for drive control based on various variables is supplied to a solenoid, a motor, and the like.

  Next, command output processing is performed (S47), and various commands are supplied to the sub-control circuit 200 and the like. Then, a payout process is performed (S49), and when a game ball wins a variety of winning holes, a predetermined number of prize balls are set in advance so that a prize ball control command is issued / release control. It is transmitted to the circuit 126. Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated and the main process is executed.

(Game machine operation: Sub-control circuit)
The sub control circuit 200 receives various commands from the main control circuit 60 and performs various processes such as a display process. Among these processes, the control process according to the present invention will be described below.

(Sub control main process)
A sub control main process executed in the sub control circuit 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, initialization processing is performed by the sub CPU 206 (S1210), and in response to power-on, a startup program is read from the program ROM 208, and flags and the like stored in the work RAM 210 are initialized and set.

  Next, a random number update process is performed (S1220), and the random number stored in the work RAM 210 is updated. Then, a command analysis control process is performed (S1230), and the command received from the main control circuit 60 and stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 210 is analyzed.

  Next, a movable accessory control process is performed (S1240), and the flow of the effect ball 300 in the effect ball moving device 80 is controlled. The movable accessory control process will be described later.

  Next, identification information display control processing is performed (S1250), and data for display on the liquid crystal display device 32 is transmitted to the display control circuit 250. For example, data for displaying the effect symbol determined as the stop symbol in step S 1230 on the liquid crystal display device 32 is transmitted to the display control circuit 250. In the display control circuit 250, the VDP 212 reads various image data such as background image data and effect image data from the program ROM 208 based on the data for displaying the effect image from the sub CPU 206 and superimposes them. Then, it is displayed on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. In this way, the display control circuit 250 calls display data corresponding to the effect symbol from the image data ROM 216 based on the data from the sub CPU 206, and controls the variation display and stop display of the effect symbol.

  Next, a lamp control process is performed (S1260), and data for lighting the lamp is transmitted to the lamp control circuit 240. The lamp control circuit 240 reads various lighting pattern data from the decoration data ROM 244 based on the data for lighting the lamp from the sub CPU 206 and lights the lamp 132.

  Next, a rolling tendency determination process is performed (S1270), and a tendency determination value indicating the tendency of the game ball to flow down is obtained based on the total number of game balls detected by the detection sensors 91L and 91R. The sub CPU 206 determines the movement mode of the effect ball 300 based on the tendency determination value. The rolling tendency determination process will be described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1220.

(Movable accessory control processing)
The movable accessory control processing routine in step S1240 of FIG. 14 will be described using FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a variable display game is being played on the liquid crystal display device 32 by a big hit lottery (S1601). When it is determined that the variable display game is being performed (S1601: YES), the opening times of all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c are set to the first time (S1602). Here, the first time is the time required for the variable display game. On the other hand, when it is determined that the variable display game is not played (S1601: NO), the opening time of the first to third opening / closing parts 81a to 81c is set to the second time (S1603). Here, the second time is a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) in which the first to third opening / closing parts 81a to 81c are opened by entering the game ball into the winning opening.

  After step S1602 or step S1603, it is determined whether or not there is a prize ball (a game ball is entered into a prize opening) (S1604). If it is determined that there is no prize ball (S1604: NO), as shown in FIG. 6, the present subroutine is terminated without the effect ball 300 flowing down. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a prize ball (S1604: YES), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (S1605). When it is determined that it is not a big hit (S1605: NO), a tendency judgment value is acquired from the work RAM 210 (S1606), and it is judged whether or not the tendency judgment value is “10” (S1607).

  When it is determined that the tendency determination value is “10” (S1607: YES), the first opening / closing part 81a is opened as shown in FIG. 4 (S1608). Thereby, the production ball 300 flows down from the first opening / closing part 81a. On the other hand, when it is determined that the tendency determination value is not “10” (S1607: NO), it is determined whether or not the tendency determination value is “01” (S1609). When it is determined that the tendency determination value is “01” (S1609: YES), the third opening / closing part 81c is opened (S1610). Thereby, the production ball 300 flows down from the third opening / closing part 81c. On the other hand, when it is determined that the tendency determination value is not “01” (S1609: NO), since the tendency determination value is “00”, all the open / close sections 81a to 81c are opened (S1611). As a result, the effect ball 300 flows down from all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c.

  If it is determined in step S1605 that the game is a big hit (S1605: YES), as shown in FIG. 5, all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c are opened (S1611). As a result, the effect ball 300 flows down from all the opening / closing parts 81a to 81c. As described above, the sub CPU 206 functions as an example of a movement control unit that controls the movement unit so that the movement mode is associated with the gaming state.

  Thus, the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided to the player who visually observes the movement of the effect ball 300 from the front of the game board 14 by moving the effect balls 300 together with the game ball rolling in the game area 15. It is possible to easily recognize that the effect ball moving device 80 provided between the game board 14 and the game board 14 is physically separated from the liquid crystal display device 32. Then, the effect ball moving device 80 for easily recognizing the separation as described above makes it possible to increase the impression of the effect given to the player.

  Further, by visually observing the movement mode of the effect ball 300, it is possible to notice that the big hit lottery has been won, so that the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased.

  Further, the effect ball windmill 88 is rotated by the abutment of the effect ball 300 flowing down. Further, the rotating body 89 is rotated by the abutment of the effect ball 300 flowing down, and accordingly, the windmill 28 provided on the game board 14 is rotated.

  Thus, by visually observing the effect ball windmill 88 operated by the effect ball 300, the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased. Further, by visually observing the windmill 28 operated by the effect ball 300, the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased.

  After step S1608, step S1610, or step S1611, the process waits until the set opening time has elapsed (S1612), and then all the open / close sections 81a to 81c are closed (S1613). Then, this subroutine is finished.

(Rolling tendency judgment processing)
The rolling tendency determination processing routine in step S1270 of FIG. 14 will be described using FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the variable display game has ended (S1701). If it is determined that the variable display game has ended (S1701: YES), the left detection number and the right detection number are reset (S1702). The left detection number represents the number of game balls detected by the left detection sensor 91L, and the right detection number represents the number of game balls detected by the right detection sensor 91R. When it is determined that the variable display game has not ended (S1701: NO), or after step S1702, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected on the left side (S1703).

  If it is determined that a game ball has been detected on the left side (S1703: YES), “1” is added to the left detection number (S1704). On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball is not detected on the left side (S1703: NO), it is determined whether a game ball is detected on the right side (S1705). When it is determined that no game ball is detected on the right side (S1705: NO), this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has been detected on the right side (S1705: YES), “1” is added to the right detection number (S1706).

  After step S1704 or step S1706, the total number of detections is calculated by adding the left detection number and the right detection number (S1707). Then, the rolling rate is calculated (S1708). Specifically, the ratio of the left detection number to the total detection number is calculated as the left rolling ratio, and the ratio of the right detection number to the total detection number is calculated as the right rolling ratio.

  Then, it is determined whether the left rolling rate is 60% or more (S1709). When it is determined that the left rolling rate is 60% or more (S1709: YES), the left determination value is set to “10” (S1710). On the other hand, when it is determined that the left rolling rate is not 60% or more (S1709: NO), the left determination value is set to “00” (S1711).

  Next, it is determined whether the right rolling rate is 60% or more (S1712). When it is determined that the right rolling rate is 60% or more (S1712: YES), the right determination value is set to “01” (S1713). On the other hand, when it is determined that the right rolling rate is not 60% or more (S1712: NO), the right determination value is set to “00” (S1714).

  Then, a tendency determination value is created based on the left determination value and the right determination value (S1715). Specifically, the logical sum of the left determination value and the right determination value is used as the tendency determination value. This tendency determination value is stored in the work RAM 210. Then, this subroutine is finished.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment has a game area 15 on which a game ball rolls on the front side, and at least a part of the game board 14 that is a transparent area, and the back of the game board 14. Is different from the game ball in the game area 15 provided between the display means (liquid crystal display device 32 and the like) provided in the game board 14 and the transparent area in the game board 14 and the game board 14 and the display means. It has the structure which has the production | presentation means (production ball moving apparatus 80 grade | etc.,) Which moves the some production | presentation ball | bowl 300. FIG.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of effect balls 300 move together with the game balls rolling in the game area 15, so that the player who visually observes the movement of the effect balls 300 from the front of the game board 14 is displayed. It is possible to easily recognize that the effect means provided between the means and the game board 14 is physically separated from the display means. And the production | presentation means which makes it recognize easily that it was separated in this way makes it possible to make the impression of the production given to a player large.

  In addition, the production means in the present embodiment is configured to have a production movable member (production ball windmill 88 or the like) that is movable by the production sphere 300. According to this configuration, by visually observing the effect movable member operated by the effect ball 300, it is possible to further increase the impression of the effect given to the player.

  Further, the production means in the present embodiment includes movement means (first to third opening / closing parts 81a to 81c, collection mechanism 87, etc.) for moving the production ball 300 in an arbitrary movement manner, and movement associated with the gaming state. In order to be an aspect, the apparatus is configured to include movement control means (sub CPU 206, drive unit 270, etc.) for controlling the movement means. According to this configuration, it is possible to notice a change in the gaming state by visually observing the movement mode of the effect ball 300, so that the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment has a game movable member (such as a windmill 28) provided on the front side of the game board 14, and the rendering means is interlocking means for moving the game movable member. (Rotating body 89, connecting shaft 89a, etc.). According to this configuration, by visually observing the game movable member operated by the effect ball 300, the impression of the effect given to the player can be further increased.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a gaming machine itself such as a pachinko gaming machine, but may be applied to a pachislot gaming machine, a game machine, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the 7-segment LED is used as the portion for displaying the special symbol display 35. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a liquid crystal display panel, CRT (Cathode Ray) (Tubes) including CRT, dot LEDs, EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, and the like.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. That is, the present invention mainly includes a game board in which a game ball rolls on the front side and at least a part of which is a transparent area, and is provided behind the game board. A display means having a transparent area as a display area; and an effect means for moving a plurality of effect balls different from the game balls in the game area provided between the game board and the display means. However, the specific configuration of the game board, display means, presentation means, and the like can be appropriately changed in design.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view showing an outline of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of an effect ball moving apparatus. It is a front view which shows the general view of the game board of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view of the game board of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view of the game board of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram of a main control circuit. It is a block diagram of a sub-control circuit. It is a flowchart of a main control main process routine. It is a flowchart of a special symbol control processing routine. It is a flowchart of a special symbol memory check processing routine. It is a flowchart of a symbol determination processing routine. It is a flowchart of a system timer interrupt processing routine. It is a flowchart of a sub control main process routine. It is a flowchart of a movable accessory control processing routine. It is a flowchart of a rolling tendency determination processing routine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 14 Game board 15 Game area 32 Liquid crystal display device 32a Display area 80 Stage ball movement apparatus 300 Stage ball

Claims (4)

A game board having a game area on which a game ball rolls on the front side and at least a part of which is a transparent area;
Display means provided behind the game board and having a transparent area in the game board as a display area;
A gaming machine, comprising: an effect unit that is provided between the game board and the display unit and moves a plurality of effect balls different from the game balls in the game area.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect means includes an effect movable member that is movable by the effect ball. The production means is
Moving means for moving the effect ball in an arbitrary movement manner;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a movement control unit that controls the movement unit so that the movement mode is associated with a gaming state. It has a movable member for games provided on the front side of the game board,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the effect means includes interlocking means for moving the game movable member.

Images