JP2008113693A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for more easily performing a game ball hitting operation and more easily performing various kinds of operations requested to a player. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 comprises: a hitting device for hitting a game ball to the game area 15 of a game board 14; a hitting lever 26 with a slide member 26a operated by the player, positioned at a reference position when it is not operated and slid and moved in a straight direction by the operation by the player; a putout/hitting control circuit for executing control for setting hitting strength in the hitting device corresponding to the slide movement amount to the reference position of the slide member 26a and driving the hitting means on the basis of the hitting strength; an upper tray 20 for storing the game balls; and an operation button 80 for executing a prescribed performance by the operation by the player. The slide member 26a is provided so as to be slid and moved in a lateral direction to the game board 14 at the front surface part of the upper tray 20, and the operation button 80 is provided near the hitting lever 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, particularly a pachinko gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine, a rotating launch handle is provided, and a player operates the launch handle to strike a game ball aiming at a winning opening provided on the game board. When a game ball enters the winning opening, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out as winning balls, and the gaming balls that have not entered the winning opening are directly removed from the game board. The player continues the game by manipulating the launch handle for the purpose of obtaining many prize balls.

  In a conventional pachinko machine, a solenoid is driven to fire a game ball by grasping and rotating a firing handle. The launch intensity of the game ball is set by the amount of rotation of the launch handle. For this reason, it is necessary for the player to hold the launch handle so as to maintain the amount of rotation, and the hand tends to get tired.

Therefore, conventionally, a gaming machine has been proposed that reduces the player's hand fatigue by firing a game ball simply by setting the firing force with a slide switch and turning on the firing switch ( Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-165570

  By the way, in the middle of a game, the player may perform an operation of operating a production operation button or discharging a game ball stored in a lower plate during a big hit game or the like. In a pachinko gaming machine having a launch handle, for example, the right hand is operating the launch handle, so the left hand is used to operate the effect operation buttons and to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate.

  In particular, when performing an operation of discharging a game ball in a big hit game, the discharge lever is operated with the left hand to drop the game ball into a case called a dollar box, and the game ball in the case is moved with the left hand. A leveling operation is performed. Here, in the performance of the big hit game, when the operation of the production operation button is requested, the player does not stop firing because the lower plate is filled with the game ball, or the dollar box is not filled with the game ball There is a concern that it is not possible to enjoy the effects produced by operating the effect operation buttons.

  Thus, there are many opportunities for the player to perform operations by hand, and it is desirable to have a configuration that allows the player to more easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and more easily perform operations that have been performed with the left hand.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such problems and to provide a gaming machine that can perform a game ball launch operation more easily and can easily perform various operations required by the player. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a gaming machine described below.

  (1) Launching having launching means for launching a game ball to the game area of the game board, and a slide member that is operated by the player, is positioned at the reference position when not being operated, and slides in a linear direction by the player's operation An operation means, a firing control means for setting a firing strength in the firing means in accordance with a slide movement amount with respect to a reference position of the slide member, and controlling the driving of the firing means based on the firing strength, and the game ball And an effect operation unit for executing a predetermined effect by a player's operation, and the slide member is provided on the front part of the saucer so as to be slidable laterally with respect to the game board. And the production operation unit is provided in the vicinity of the firing operation means.

  According to the invention of (1), since the slide member can be slid while placing a hand on the tray, fatigue can be reduced as compared with the case where the firing handle is turned. In addition, since there is a production operation unit in the vicinity of the launch operation means, it becomes possible to operate the production operation unit with the hand operating the slide member, and other various types using the hand that does not operate the slide member. The operation can be performed. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and that can easily perform various operations required by the player.

  (2) In the gaming machine described in (1), lottery means for lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game advantageous to a player, and execution control for executing a game according to a gaming state selected from a plurality of gaming states Control means for variably displaying and stopping display of identification information based on the lottery result of the lottery means, and control for performing variable display and stop display of the identification information on the display means in accordance with the lottery result of the lottery means Display control means for performing the above, wherein the effect operation unit is a stop operation button for generating instruction information for stopping the changing identification information.

  According to the invention of (2), in addition to the invention of (1), it is possible to stop the identification information by operating the operation button for stop while performing the launch operation of the game ball. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and that can easily perform various operations required by the player.

  (3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), the tray is an upper plate that supplies a game ball to the launching means, and a lower plate that is provided below the upper plate and stores the game ball The gaming machine is characterized in that the slide member is provided on the upper plate, and the upper plate and the slide member are provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the gaming machine main body.

  According to the invention of (3), in addition to the invention of (1) or (2), since the slide member can be slid while placing a hand on the upper plate, it is more than when the firing handle is turned. Fatigue can be reduced. In addition, since the upper plate and the slide member are provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the gaming machine main body, the operation with the right hand and the operation with the left hand are possible. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and that can easily perform various operations required by the player.

  According to the present invention, since the slide member can be slid while placing a hand on the tray, fatigue can be reduced as compared with the case where the firing handle is turned, and the slide member is operated. Providing a gaming machine that makes it easier to launch game balls and allows various operations required by the player to be performed more easily by enabling the operation of the production operation unit by hand. It becomes possible to do.

  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.

[Composition 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. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of the game board 14 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, 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 main body frame 12 from the front, and a game is normally performed in the closed state. In addition, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 22, a firing lever 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 entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having permeability) having permeability. Examples of the transparent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front side thereof in which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by a guide rail 30 (specifically, an outer rail 30a shown in FIG. 4 to be described later) where a game ball can roll. A plurality of game nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14. 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 disposed so as to overlap all or part of the game board 14 from the back side. 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 liquid crystal display device 32, various images such as an effect image for effect and an ornament image for decoration are displayed in the display area 32a. In particular, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, after the transition to the special game, the effect image for the effect is displayed during the execution of the special game. In addition, the gaming state at the time of shifting to the special game may be referred to as a big hit gaming state.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, by providing the effect display means such as the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the game board 14, for example, a game nail planting region, a region where a game member such as an accessory, or a decoration member is provided. It is possible to increase the degree of freedom and layout.

  The spacer 31 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14, and forms a space serving as a flow path for game balls in front of (on the front side of) the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a permeable material. In the present embodiment, the spacer is formed of a material having permeability, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a part of the spacer may be formed of a material having permeability. Moreover, you may form with the material which does not have permeability | transmittance.

  A protective plate 19 having transparency is disposed on the door 11. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

  The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are provided in a substantially central part in the left-right direction of the main body of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and the lower plate 22 is provided below the upper plate 20. The upper plate 20 stores game balls to be supplied to the launching device 130 (see FIG. 5), and the lower plate 22 stores game balls that could not be stored in the upper plate 20. Further, three operation buttons 80 are provided on the upper surface portion of the front side edge portion of the upper plate 20. The operation button 80 is used to execute a predetermined effect by a manual operation of the player. Thus, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are an example of a tray that stores the game balls. The operation button 80 is an example of an effect operation unit that executes a predetermined effect by an operation of the player. The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are an example of a tray having an upper plate that supplies a game ball to the launching unit and a lower plate that is provided below the upper plate and stores the game ball.

  Three launch levers 26 are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction on the front side of the upper plate 20, and are provided so as to be independently slidable in the horizontal direction with respect to the game board 14. The firing lever 26 includes a slide member 26a that is manually operated by the player. The front cover of the upper plate 20 is provided with grooves 20a, 20b, and 20c that restrict the movement of the slide member 26a in the vertical direction and guide the slide member 26a in the horizontal direction. The grooves 20a, 20b, and 20c are They are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. The slide member 26a is provided independently in each of the groove portions 20a, 20b, and 20c, and slides in the left-right direction along the groove portions 20a, 20b, and 20c. Further, when the slide member 26a is slid to any position of the grooves 20a, 20b, and 20c, the slide member 26a is held at that position even if the player releases the hand. The present invention is not limited to this, and a biasing member (for example, a coil spring) that constantly biases the slide member 26a to the left side is provided inside the front cover of the upper plate 20, and the slide member 26a is moved by this biasing member. When not being operated, it may be configured to be positioned at the left end of the groove 20a as an initial position. Thus, the slide member 26a is an example of a slide member provided on the front portion of the tray (upper plate 20) and slidable in the lateral direction with respect to the game board. The firing lever 26 is an example of a slide member provided on the upper plate. Moreover, the upper plate 20 and the slide member 26a are an example of the upper plate and the slide member provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the gaming machine main body.

  Each slide member 26a is provided with a touch sensor (not shown). When the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the player places his hand on the firing lever 26. A detection means (not shown) for detecting the amount of movement of the slide member 26a is provided inside the front cover of the upper plate 20. As this detection means, a variable resistor that is connected to a part of the slide member 26a and whose resistance value changes as the slide member 26a moves, a sensor that detects the position of the slide member 26a, such as an optical sensor or a pressure sensor, is applied. Is possible.

  Here, since the operation button 80 is provided in the vicinity of the upper part of the slide member 26a and in the substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the pachinko gaming machine 10, for example, when the right thumb is placed on the uppermost slide member 26a, Operation is possible with other fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger). Thus, the operation button 80 is an example of an effect operation unit provided in the vicinity of the firing operation means (launch lever 26).

  Then, by placing a finger on the slide member 26a and moving it to the right as it is, the slide member 26a moves to the right. At this time, power is supplied to the firing solenoid in accordance with the amount of movement of the slide member 26a corresponding to the touch sensor that has detected the player, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired onto the game board 14 to play the game. It is advanced. When the touch sensors of the plurality of slide members 26a detect the player at the same time, the upper slide member 26a is prioritized and power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the amount of movement. As described above, the firing lever 26 is an example of a firing operation means having a slide member that is operated by the player, is positioned at the reference position when not operated, and slides in a linear direction by the player's operation.

  Further, in the three slide members 26a, when the uppermost slide member 26a is operated, the number of fired balls per unit time is set to be the largest, and when the lowermost slide member 26a is operated, The number of fired balls per unit time is set to be the smallest. For example, when the normal number of shot balls is desired, the uppermost slide member 26a is operated, and when the player wants to hit a game ball slowly over time, the second or third step slide member 26a is operated. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, 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 a round number indicator 51a. -51d are provided.

  The special symbol display 35 is composed of a plurality of 8-segment LEDs. This 8-segment LED is repeatedly turned on and off when the predetermined special symbol variation display start condition is satisfied. By turning on / off the 8-segment LED, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols (also referred to as first identification information). As a special symbol, when a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol such as “21”, “50”, or “64”) is stopped and displayed, the jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player from the normal game The gaming state transitions to. When the big hit gaming state is reached, the shutter 40 (see FIG. 4) is controlled to the open state, and the game ball can be received in the big winning opening 39 (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when a number symbol other than a specific number symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, the normal gaming state is maintained. As described above, a game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and the game state is shifted or maintained depending on the result is called a “special symbol game”.

  Below the special symbol indicator 35, a normal symbol indicator 33 is provided. The normal symbol display 33 is composed of, for example, two display lamps of a red LED and a green LED, and these display lamps alternately turn on and off alternately, and are variably displayed as a normal symbol.

  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 fluctuation display is held once, the special symbol hold lamp 34a is turned on.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. The normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d display the number of executions of fluctuation display of the normal symbols that are 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). Note that the round number indicators 51a to 51d may include a plurality of 8-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, an identification symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 (also identification information for production. For example, “ The numbers from “0” to “9”) are variably displayed. Further, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 35 is stopped and displayed, and the identification symbol for production is also stopped and displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Further, when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 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, a combination of effect identification information displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. It becomes a mode (for example, a mode in which any one of “1” to “9” is stopped and displayed in each of a plurality of symbol rows), and also with a character image such as “big hit! The character image is displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  As shown in FIG. 4, two guide rails 30 (30a and 30b), a stage 55, passing gates 54a and 54b, a stage 57, a starting port 25, a shutter 40, a big winning port 39, and general winning ports 56a, 56b and 56c. , 56d and the like are provided on the game board 14. Further, a speaker 46 is 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 that is disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 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 at the left end 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.

  The start opening 25 described above is provided with a normal electric accessory (may be referred to as a normal electric combination for short) 48. The ordinary electric accessory 48 includes a pair of opposed blade members and an ordinary electric member solenoid 118 (see FIG. 5) that opens and closes the blade member. When the blade member is closed, it is possible to enter the start port 25 only from above the blade member, and when it is open, it is possible to enter the start port 25 from above and from the left and right of the blade member. Thus, it becomes easier for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is driven and controlled by the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 5).

  A winning area is provided in the start port 25. This winning area includes a start winning ball sensor 116 (see FIG. 5). 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.

  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. 5). The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detect that the game ball has passed through the passing gates 54a and 54b. When the passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detect the passing of the game ball, the normal symbol display is started on the normal symbol display 33 (see FIG. 3), and after a predetermined time has passed, Fluctuation display stops. As described above, this normal symbol is a light emitting display of a red LED or a green LED.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined light emission display, for example, a red LED, the blade member of the normal electric accessory 48 provided at the start port 25 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and a game ball is placed at the start port 25. It becomes easier to enter. 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”.

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

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). When the special symbol display 35 (see FIG. 3) displays a specific numerical symbol as a special symbol, the shutter 40 is in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball when the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. To be driven. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  On the other hand, the special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear side) of the shutter 40 has a general area (not shown) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 5). The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until the number (for example, 10) passes or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball. A game from an open state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is easy to accept game balls to a closed state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept game balls is called a round game. 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 driven from the open state to the closed state is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the open state has passed the count sensor 104. In other words, it is possible to continue to the next round game on condition that the game ball received by the special winning opening 39 in the opened state of the shutter 40 has passed through the count sensor 104. 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.

  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 the present embodiment, when the number symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is 64, the maximum number of continuous rounds is 15 and the number symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is 21. In this case, the maximum number of continuous rounds is 15 rounds, and when the number symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is 50, the maximum number of continuous rounds is two and is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35. When the number symbol is 05, the maximum number of continuous rounds is 2 rounds. 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 a round number lottery means (main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 5)). 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. Thus, the upper tray 20 or the lower tray 22 is an example of a receiving tray that stores game balls.

  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 such as a plasma display, a rear projection display, a CRT display, or a lamp.

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

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

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68.

  In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored. In addition, various tables referred to when making a big hit determination by random number lottery are also stored. .

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.

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

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the passing ball sensors 114, 115, A start winning ball sensor 116, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, a large winning opening solenoid 120, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general 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 ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to a blade member provided in the ordinary electric member 48 via a link member (not shown), and opens the blade member in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. State or closed state.

  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 39 open or closed.

  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.

  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 fire device 130 that fires game balls, and a reading device 150 that reads information stored in a card.

  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 / firing control circuit 126 sets the firing strength in accordance with the amount of movement of the slide member 26a with respect to the initial position, and controls the firing of the game ball by supplying a firing signal to the launching device 130. . Thus, the payout / firing control circuit 126 sets the firing strength in the firing means in accordance with the slide movement amount with respect to the reference position of the slide member, and controls the firing control means to drive the firing means based on the firing strength. It is an example.

  In addition to the launch lever 26 and the ball removal button 27, the launch device 130 is provided with a device for firing a game ball such as the launch solenoid and the touch sensor described above. When the launch lever 26 is operated by the player and slid rightward, power is supplied to the launch solenoid according to the amount of movement, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is played by the launch solenoid. Fired sequentially in 14 game areas. Thus, the launching device 130 is an example of a launching unit that launches a game ball onto the game area of the game board.

  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 display 35 (8 segment LED), and the normal symbol display 33 (Display lamp).

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the lamp 132, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. 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. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 as display control means for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 46. And a drive circuit 240 that performs control related to the lamp 132 and the movable accessory. 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. In addition, an operation button 80 is connected to the sub-control circuit 200, and an effect corresponding to the progress of the game is updated based on the operation of the operation button 80 by the player.

  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. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effects of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display that is executed in association with the variable symbol display.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, a stop display mode determination random number counter for determining a stop display mode of identification information for notifying whether or not it is a big hit, a timer variable for controlling reach performance time, an effect display for selecting an effect pattern Various variables such as a random number counter for selection are positioned.

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

  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.

  The image data ROM 216 stores various image data such as identification symbol image data, special image data, background image data, and effect image data separately.

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

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

  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 speaker 46.

[Main control main processing]
The main control main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S11, initialization setting processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads a startup program from the main ROM 68 in response to power-on, initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 70, or performs a process of returning to a state before power-off. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S12.

  In step S12, timer update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 waits for a synchronization between the main control circuit 60 and the sub-control circuit 200, and a big prize for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs. Executes processing to update various timers such as mouth open timer. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S13.

  In step S13, initial value random number update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of updating the initial value random number stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S14.

  In step S14, a special symbol control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a special symbol control process. The special symbol control process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S15.

  In step S15, normal symbol control processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a random number value according to the detection signals from the passing ball sensors 114 and 115, refers to the normal symbol winning table stored in the main ROM 68, and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won. And processing for storing the result of the determination in the main RAM 70 is performed. The normal symbol control process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S16.

  In step S16, a symbol display device control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines the special symbol display 35 and the normal symbol display 33 according to the result of the special symbol control process stored in the main RAM 70 in step S14 and step S15 and the result of the normal symbol control process. And a process of storing a control signal for driving the round number display 51 in the main RAM 70. The main CPU 66 transmits a control signal to the special symbol display 35. The special symbol display 35 displays the special symbol in a variable manner and a stop manner based on the received control signal. Based on the received control signal, the normal symbol display 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and stops. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S17.

  In step S17, game information data generation processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of generating a game state command related to game information data to be transmitted to a hall computer (not shown) and storing it in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S18.

  In step S18, symbol reservation number data generation processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 detects detection signals from the start winning ball sensor 116 and the passing ball sensors 114 and 115 detected in the switch input detection process (FIG. 7, step S46) in the system timer interruption process described later, The special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d and the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are driven based on the update result of the holding number data stored in the main RAM 70 that is updated in accordance with the execution of the special symbol and normal symbol variation display. The control signal for storing is stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S19.

  In step S19, port output processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of outputting a control signal stored in the main RAM 70 to each port in the above steps. Specifically, an LED power source (common signal) for lighting the LED and a solenoid power source for driving the solenoid are supplied to the lamp 74. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S20.

  In step S20, a storage / game state command control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether a certain change flag or a short-time state flag is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, and determines that a certain change flag or a short-time state flag is set. Processing for generating a command and transmitting it to the sub-control circuit 200 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S21.

  In step S21, an effect control command output control process is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs output control processing of the effect control command to the sub control circuit 200. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S22.

  In step S22, a payout process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 checks whether or not a game ball has won a prize winning port 39, a starting port 25, and general winning ports 56a to 56d, and if there is a winning, a payout request command corresponding to each. Is sent to the payout control CPU of the payout / firing control circuit 126. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S12.

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

  In step S42, a process for saving each register is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for saving values used in the program being executed stored in each register (storage area) of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S43.

  In step S43, random number update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of updating a random number value such as a jackpot determination random number counter stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S44.

  In step S44, an input port reading process is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for reading detection signals from the respective ports. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S46.

  In step S46, a switch input detection process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of detecting a detection signal from each switch such as the start winning ball sensor 116. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, processing for restoring each register is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for restoring the values saved in step S42 to the respective registers. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

  In step S49, an interrupt permission process is performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, and the address before the interruption is restored.

[Special symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S14 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S81 indicate control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value 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. 8, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

  Note that in steps S72 to S81, which will be described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag, as will be described later. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S72 to step S81 to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined in accordance with a waiting time timer set for each step. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

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

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

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S81. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S75.

  In step S75, a big hit start interval management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 has a value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, the main winning prize port 39 read from the main ROM 68 is obtained. Is stored in the main RAM 70. Then, in the process of step S19 in FIG. 6, the main CPU 66 reads the data for opening the big prize opening 39 stored in the main RAM 70, and sends a signal for opening the big prize opening 39 to the big prize opening solenoid. 120. As described above, the main CPU 66 and the like perform 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 jackpot game that may be repeated is executed. 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, the main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened in the control state flag, and sets the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S78. Further, the main CPU 66 assigns a predetermined number (for example, “15”) to the round number display counter in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

  In step S77, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the special prize opening number counter when the control status flag is a value (05) indicating the waiting time management before the big prize opening reopening and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. The memory is updated so that “1” is increased. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S78. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S78.

  In step S78, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU 66 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more, and the opening upper limit time ( It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the big prize opening time timer is “0” is satisfied. The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 39 when any of the conditions is satisfied. Then, it is determined whether or not a condition that the special winning opening opening number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum winning opening opening number (the final round) is satisfied. When this condition is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating the big hit end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the big hit end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed, the setting of step S80 is executed. On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating the waiting time management before reopening the big winning opening to the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S77 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, jackpot end interval processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the end of the special symbol game when the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S81. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a probability change flag in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 when the probability change state is entered. Further, when the main CPU 66 enters the time reduction state, the main CPU 66 sets the time reduction state flag in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 and sets 100 as the time reduction number. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S81.

  In step S81, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 66 updates the memory (starting storage information) indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol so as to decrease by “1”. To do. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a start memory number designation command indicating that the start memory information is decreased by “1” in a predetermined storage area in the main RAM 70. Then, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the result of the big hit determination is not in the big hit gaming state. By setting “07” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S81 shown in FIG. 8 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the big hit gaming state, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 8 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “04” and “05”, thereby performing the processing of steps S78 and S77 shown in FIG. Is executed at a predetermined timing, and a big hit game is executed. When the big hit game end condition is satisfied, the processing from step S78 to step S81 shown in FIG. 8 is executed at a predetermined timing by sequentially setting “04”, “06”, and “07”. The jackpot game will end.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101). If it is determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol memory check, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the control state flag is not a value indicating a special symbol memory check, this subroutine is terminated. To do.

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

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

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

  In step S105, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects a jackpot determination value stored in the jackpot determination table. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the jackpot determination value. That is, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106. Thus, the main CPU 66 is an example of lottery means for lottery of whether or not to shift to a special game advantageous to the player. The main CPU 66 is an example of execution control means for executing a game according to a game state selected from a plurality of game states.

  In the present embodiment, after the jackpot game is finished, a large number of jackpot determination values are set in a low probability state in which a predetermined number of jackpot determination values are set for a certain range of random values, and in a low probability state. Transition to one of the gaming states of the high probability state.

  In step S106, a symbol determination process is executed. In this process, if the main CPU 66 determines that it is a big hit in step S105, the main CPU 66 extracts the big hit symbol determining random number value extracted at the time of starting winning, and displays the special symbol display based on the big hit symbol determining random value. A special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the device 35 is determined, and data indicating the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109. If it is not determined that the game is a big hit (missing), the main RAM 70 stores data indicating the special symbol determined to be the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35.

  The symbol designating command stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 by the process of step S106 is the stop symbol designating command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S21 of FIG. Supplied as

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a special symbol variation pattern command from the variation pattern table stored in the main ROM 68 based on the special symbol determined in step S106. Specifically, a special symbol variation pattern command corresponding to the special symbol determined in step S106 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 as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S21 in FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

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

[Sub control main processing]
The sub control main process will be described with reference to FIG. 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.

  In step S1210, initialization processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 reads the activation program from the program ROM 208 and initializes and sets a flag stored in the work RAM 210 in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1220.

  In step S1220, random number update processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating the random number stored in the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1230.

  In step S1230, command analysis control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for analyzing commands received from the main control circuit 60 and stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1240.

  In step S1240, display control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for display on the liquid crystal display device 32 to the display control circuit 250. The display control circuit 250 transmits data for display 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 the image data. It is displayed on the display area 32 a of the display device 32.

  In this process, for example, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for displaying the identification symbol 94 (see FIG. 14) determined as the stop symbol in the liquid crystal display device 32 in step S <b> 1230 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 image data ROM 216 based on data for displaying the identification symbol 94 from the sub CPU 206, and superimposes them. Then, the display is changed and stopped on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. The display control process will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1250.

  In step S1250, sound control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for outputting sound to the sound control circuit 230. The sound control circuit 230 reads various sound data such as music data, sound effect data, and voice data from the sound data ROM 234 based on the data for outputting the sound from the sub CPU 206, superimposes the sound, and uses the AMP 236. Amplified and output from the speaker 46.

  In step S1260, lamp control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for lighting the lamp to the drive circuit 240 in this process. The drive 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. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1220.

[Sub control command reception interrupt processing]
The sub control command reception interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1310, a process for saving the register is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of saving values used in the program being executed stored in each register (storage area). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1320.

  In step S1320, processing for storing the input command in the reception buffer is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of storing the input command in the reception buffer area of the work RAM 210. In this process, the stored command is analyzed in the process of step S1230 in FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1330.

  In step S1330, processing for restoring the register is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for returning the value saved in step S1310 to each register. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Display control processing]
The display control process in step S1240 of FIG. 10 will be described using FIG.

  In step S1610, display setting processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating the display data set corresponding to the command whose contents are analyzed in the command analysis process of step S1230. This process will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1620.

  In step S1620, it is determined whether or not it is the display data transmission time. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is time to transmit display data corresponding to the current control data to the display control circuit 250. If it is determined that it is time to transmit, the process proceeds to step S1630. Transition. If it is not determined that it is the transmission time, this subroutine is terminated. That is, the display control circuit 250 refreshes the display screen every 1/60 (seconds), but rewrites the display contents every 1/30 (seconds). The display control circuit 250 transmits an interrupt signal to the sub CPU 206 for each refresh, and the sub CPU 206 determines the display data transmission timing based on the interrupt signal received from the display control circuit 250.

In step S1630, display data transmission processing is performed. In this process, every time the interrupt signal is input twice from the display control circuit 250, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of transmitting display data corresponding to the current control data to the display control circuit 250. In the display control circuit 250, the VDP 212 images various image data such as background image data, effect image data, specific effect image data, and notification image data based on data for displaying the effect image from the sub CPU 206. The data is read out from the data ROM 216, overlapped, and displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. For example, in the liquid crystal display device 32, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for displaying the identification symbol 94 determined as the stop symbol in step S1230 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 image data ROM 216 based on the data for displaying the identification symbol 94 from the sub CPU 206, and further includes a step. Data for displaying the notification image is read from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with the display data in S1610, and is superimposed and displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. When the display data from the sub CPU 206 is received, the VDP 212 of the display control circuit 250 reads image data based on the display data from the image data ROM 216, determines processing such as enlargement / reduction, orientation / coordinates, and provides the VRAM. The data is expanded to one of the two storage areas (banks). In addition, a plurality of layers (layers) are set in the bank, and the image is given a context by determining the layers on which the image data is developed. The VDP 212 performs image data development on one bank, reads image data from the other bank, performs a coloring process, and outputs the image data to the liquid crystal display device 32. Therefore, the sub CPU 206 is instructed to switch the bank to be developed when the above-described interrupt signal is input and display data is transmitted. On the other hand, the VDP 212 switches the development destination and readout destination of the image data based on this bank switching instruction. As described above, the display control circuit 250 is an example of a display control unit that performs control to display the identification information in a variable manner and stop display in the display unit (liquid crystal display device 32) in accordance with the lottery result of the lottery unit (main CPU 66). It is.
[Display setting process]
Hereinafter, the display setting process executed in step S1610 (see FIG. 12) described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1710, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the various effect data set in step S1230 includes an effect using the operation button 80. If it is determined that an effect using the operation button 80 is included, the process proceeds to step S1720. If it is not determined that an effect using the operation button 80 is included, the process proceeds to step S1740.

  In step S1720, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the operation button 80 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation button 80 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1730. If it is not determined that the operation button 80 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1740.

  In step S <b> 1730, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting display data for causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an effect image based on the operation of the operation button 80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1740. In the present embodiment, data for stopping the identification symbol 94 (see FIG. 14) corresponding to each operation button 80 is set.

  In step S1740, display data update processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating the display data set corresponding to the command whose contents are analyzed in the command analysis process of step S1230 based on the display data set in step S1730. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Description of display screen]
The display screen will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen in a normal gaming state. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, an identification symbol 94 (for example, a numerical symbol of 0 to 9) is variably displayed and stopped after a predetermined time. At this time, when the identification symbol 94 is completely stopped, the display shifts to the next variation display. When the identification symbol 94 does not stop completely and is in a fine movement state, the identification symbol 94 may change again.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen on which the identification symbol has changed again. When the identification symbol changes again, a character image 96 that prompts the player to operate the operation button 80, such as “Press the button and stop the number!” Is displayed. Then, for example, when the player presses the operation button 80 in order from left to right, the identification symbol 94 stops in order from the left. Here, the operation button 80 can be operated using the hand operating the firing lever 26 (see FIG. 4). In this way, the changing identification symbol 94 is stopped by the operation button 80, and it is notified whether or not it is a big hit by a combination of three symbols. When the operation button 80 is not operated, the identification information is automatically stopped. And as shown in FIG. 16, when all the identification symbols 94 are the same numbers, it is displayed that it is a big hit. As described above, the liquid crystal display device 32 is an example of a display unit that variably displays and stops the identification information (identification symbol 94) based on the lottery result of the lottery unit (main CPU 66). The operation button 80 is an example of an effect operation unit that is a stop operation button that generates instruction information for stopping the changing identification information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the slide member can be slid while placing a hand on the tray (upper plate 20), fatigue can be reduced as compared with the conventional case where the firing handle is rotated. it can. In addition, since there is a production operation unit (operation button 80) in the vicinity of the firing operation means (firing lever 26), it is possible to operate the production operation unit with the hand operating the slide member, and the slide member is operated. It is possible to perform various other operations using the hands that are not. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and that can easily perform various operations required by the player.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to stop the identification information by operating the stop operation button (operation button 80) while performing the operation of launching the game ball. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and that can easily perform various operations required by the player.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the slide member can be slid while placing a hand on the upper plate, fatigue can be reduced as compared with the conventional case where the firing handle is rotated. In addition, since the upper plate and the slide member are provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the gaming machine main body, the operation with the right hand and the operation with the left hand are possible. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform the operation of launching the game ball and that can easily perform various operations required by the player.

  In the present embodiment, the 8-segment LED is used as a portion for displaying the liquid crystal display device 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. May be made of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or 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 launching means for launching a game ball to the game area of the game board, and is operated by the player and positioned at the reference position when not being operated, and is slid in a linear direction by the player's operation. A firing operation means having a slide member that performs the launch control, and a launch control for setting the launch intensity in the launch means in accordance with a slide movement amount with respect to a reference position of the slide member and driving the launch means based on the launch intensity Means, a saucer for storing the game ball, and an effect operation unit for executing a predetermined effect by the player's operation, wherein the slide member is a front portion of the saucer and is transverse to the game board A game machine characterized in that the effect operating unit is provided in the vicinity of the launch operation means. Firing operation means, launch control means, pan, slide member, the specific configuration of such staging operation unit, can be designed and changed as required.

  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.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view of the pachinko game machine in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a game board of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view showing an outline of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machine 14 Game board 20 Upper plate 20a, 20b, 20c Groove part 22 Lower plate 24 Prize opening 25 Start port 26 Launch lever 26a Slide member 32 Liquid crystal display device 33 Normal symbol display 34a, 35b, 34c, 34d Special symbol hold Lamp 35 Special symbol display 39 Grand prize opening 40 Shutter 43 Pitch ball detection switch 48 Normal electric accessory 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Normal symbol holding lamp 54a, 54b Passing gate 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d General prize opening 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
68 Main ROM
70 Main RAM
72 IC for serial communication
80 Operation button 94 Identification information 96 Production image 104 Count sensors 106, 108, 110, 112 General winning ball sensors 114, 115 Passing ball sensor 116 Starting winning ball sensor 118 Normal electric accessory solenoid 120 Large winning opening solenoid 126 Dispensing / firing control Circuit 128 Dispensing device 130 Launching device 150 Card unit 200 Sub control circuit 250 Display control circuit

Claims (3)

Launching means for launching the game ball into the game area of the game board;
A firing operation means having a slide member that is operated by the player and is positioned at a reference position when not operated, and slides in a linear direction by the player's operation;
A firing control means for setting a firing strength in the firing means according to a slide movement amount with respect to a reference position of the slide member, and performing control for driving the firing means based on the firing strength;
A saucer for storing the game balls;
An effect operation unit that executes a predetermined effect by a player's operation,
The slide member is provided to be slidable in a lateral direction with respect to the game board and at a front portion of the tray,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect operation unit is provided in the vicinity of the launch operation means. Lottery means for drawing whether or not to shift to a special game advantageous to the player;
Execution control means for executing a game according to a gaming state selected from a plurality of gaming states;
Display means for variably displaying and stopping the identification information based on the lottery result of the lottery means;
In accordance with the lottery result of the lottery means, the display means includes a display control means for performing control for performing variable display and stop display of the identification information,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect operation unit is a stop operation button that generates instruction information for stopping the changing identification information. The saucer has an upper plate for supplying game balls to the launching means, and a lower plate provided below the upper plate and storing game balls,
The slide member is provided on the upper plate,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper plate and the slide member are provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the gaming machine main body.

Images