JP2009056153A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables the operation form of a special winning device in a big winning game to be complicated and unique and enables even a game beginner to enjoy a game at ease. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has a game board provided with the special winning device to be open in a special game state in a game area where game balls roll, wherein the special winning device is provided with a freely openable receiving part capable of receiving the game balls rolling in the game area, a storage part capable of storing the plurality of game balls which enter from the receiving part, a freely openable and closable discharge part capable of discharging the game balls stored in the storage part downward, and a winning part for receiving the game balls discharged from the discharge part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a pachinko gaming machine including a special winning device that allows a game ball to easily enter.

  A typical example of this type of gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine. In a conventional pachinko gaming machine, in a normal game, when a game ball enters a specific winning port called a so-called "starting port", a big hit game lottery is performed. In accordance with the lottery result, variation display and stop display of identification information called “special symbols” are performed in a predetermined display. Then, when the jackpot game lottery is won and a specific “special symbol” (identification information) is stopped and displayed, the game shifts to a jackpot game that is a special game advantageous to the player.

  In this jackpot game, a special prize device installed in the game board is activated, and a round game in which a prize-winning slot (so-called “big prize-winning slot”) in a closed state is opened for a long time is repeated a plurality of times. Therefore, in the jackpot gaming state, the player can acquire many prize balls.

The special prize-winning device is generally disposed in a lower area of the rolling area of the game ball on the game board. The structure of the special prize-winning apparatus is that the winning opening is closed with a lid and the upper end of the closed lid is tilted forward. A movable piece such as a tulip petal is arranged on the left and right sides of the winning opening (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2) and the winning opening. The type that opens and closes the winning opening (see, for example, Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4, and Patent Document 5) has become mainstream.
JP 2003-299803 A JP 2007-14591 A JP 2002-306713 A JP-A-2005-312502 JP 2006-280755 A

  However, in the structure of the conventional special prize device described above, the operation of the special prize device in the jackpot game is originally monotonous and the structure itself is too general, so that the special prize device is opened at the time of the big hit. The action at the time is neither interesting nor surprising, and the jackpot game itself is monotonous.

  Therefore, it has been proposed that two special prize-winning devices are provided on the game board and the special prize-winning device can be changed for each jackpot game or for each jackpot game round. Since it is the same as before, the monotonousness of the operation as a special winning device and the monotonousness of the big hit game have not been solved.

  In addition, in the case where two special winning devices are provided in different places in this way, in order to win more game balls in the winning opening, the player launches the game balls in accordance with the position of the special winning device that operates. It is necessary to change the force, and for this purpose, a handle operation for changing the rotation angle of the launch handle has to be performed, which may be a heavy burden. Especially for beginners who are not familiar with games, it is very difficult to understand how to operate the launch handle according to the special prize-winning device.

  Therefore, it is desired to provide a gaming machine that is characterized by the structure of the special prize-winning device, has a unique operation mode of the special prize-winning device in the jackpot game, and that even a beginner can enjoy the game with confidence. An object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which can solve the subject mentioned above.

  (1) The present invention includes a game board in which a special prize device that is opened in a special gaming state is provided in a game area in which a game ball rolls, and the special prize device is provided so as to be freely opened. A receiving part that can receive a game ball rolling in a region, a storage part that can store a plurality of game balls that have entered from this receiving part, and a game ball that is provided to be openable and closable and stored in the storage part A gaming machine is provided that includes a discharge section that can discharge the game balls downward and a winning section that receives game balls discharged from the discharge section.

  (2) In the gaming machine according to (1), the present invention provides a storage unit in which a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage unit, or when the opening time of the receiving unit reaches a predetermined time. And a special prize device control means for opening the discharge section.

  (3) The present invention is characterized in that, in the gaming machine according to the above (1) or (2), the storage unit is provided with a scale capable of visually counting the number of stored game balls. .

  (4) The present invention provides the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), further including a special prize device different from the special prize device, wherein the special prize device is the other It is characterized by being disposed at a relatively upper position with respect to the special prize-winning device.

  According to the present invention, since the structure of the special prize winning device and its movable mode are unique, the game interest for the special game is improved. In particular, since the game balls stored in the storage unit can be awarded to the winning unit at once, a dynamic winning mode can be realized, the fun and unexpectedness can be enhanced, and the monotonousness of the special game can be eliminated.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board provided with a special winning device that is opened in a special gaming state in a gaming area where a game ball rolls, and the special winning device is provided so as to be freely opened, A receiving part that can receive a game ball that rolls in the gaming area, a storage part that can store a plurality of game balls that have entered from the receiving part, and a storage part that can be opened and closed, and is stored in the storage part A discharge section that allows the game ball to be discharged downward, and a winning section that receives the game ball discharged from the discharge section are provided. With such a configuration, a dynamic winning form is realized in which the receiving part and the discharging part provided freely are operated in cooperation with the gaming state and the like, and a plurality of game balls stored in the storage part are guided to the winning part at a stretch. In addition, it is possible to diversify the movement variations of the special prize device.

  One or more (for example, two) special winning devices can be installed in the game area of the game board, and the special winning device is selected according to game conditions such as a jackpot gaming state at the time of the game and a round game number history described later. The receiving part provided in the apparatus so as to be freely opened is driven so that the game ball rolling and flowing down the gaming area can be controlled to be introduced into the winning part.

  The storage part that constitutes the special prize-winning device is constituted by, for example, a graduated cylinder type whose main part is formed in a cylindrical shape by a plastic material having translucency, and the game balls stored inside thereof are externally provided. It is the transparent container body part which enabled it to visually recognize.

  The receiving part is, for example, a shutter member that slides horizontally in the horizontal direction through an electric solenoid or the like in an opening above the storage part, or a lid-like member that tilts open and close via a hinge provided at one end of the opening. Thus, opening / closing is controlled by a control signal from a main control circuit that manages the gaming machine.

  The discharge unit is configured to include, for example, a game ball discharge port provided at the bottom of a cylindrical storage unit, and a shutter member that is provided at the discharge port to open and close the slide unit. The game ball can be stored, and when a predetermined game condition or the like is satisfied, the discharge port is opened to discharge the game ball at once. The operation of these discharge units is also controlled by a control signal from the main control circuit.

  The winning portion is connected to or disposed close to the discharge portion, and the game balls discharged from the discharge portion of the storage portion at a stroke by the opening operation of the shutter member are counted by the game machine balls provided behind the game board. A game ball passage for introduction into a device or the like is provided.

  In other words, the drive mechanism of the special prize device for opening and closing the receiving unit and the discharging unit includes a driving unit such as an electric solenoid or a motor, and is controlled by a main control circuit that manages the gaming machine. As a result, for example, a special winning device that is opened by the receiving unit for each round game in the gaming machine and a special winning device that is opened and closed by a shutter or the like are alternately switched, or a prescribed round By simultaneously opening the receiving portions and shutters arranged at both of these large winning openings, the variation can be added to pachinko games and pachislot games, and the interest can be increased.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment closes the storage unit when a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage unit, or when the opening time of the receiving unit reaches a predetermined time, and the discharge unit The special winning device control means for releasing the game can be provided. Thereby, the player can see that the game balls accumulated in the storage part fall at once toward the winning part, and can realize a realistic and visually stunning effect.

  The special winning device control means controls the receiving unit to close the opening of the storage unit when a predetermined game condition is satisfied, and drives and opens an electric solenoid provided in the discharging unit. The special winning device control means has its function borne by a main control circuit for controlling the gaming machine.

  That is, the special winning device control means counts the number of game balls stored in the storage unit in the storage unit of the main control circuit based on the input signal from the game ball count sensor provided in the storage unit or the like, A special prize opening timer for measuring the opening time of the receiving part in the special winning device is provided, and the opening time of the opening part of the storage part is monitored.

  Thereby, the special prize-winning device control means receives the reception provided in the opening of the storage unit when a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage unit or when the opening time of the receiving unit reaches a predetermined time. Control is performed to close the part and open the discharge part.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the storage unit can be provided with a scale that can reliably count the number of stored game balls visually. With this configuration, the player can easily grasp the number of game balls stored in the transparent storage unit, and can enjoy the game in an appropriate game mode according to the game situation.

  The scale is a line string printed or stamped at equal intervals in the height direction of the circumferential surface of the storage portion formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the interval of one scale is one game ball or 2 It is arranged so as to be an amount. For example, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of game balls stacked up to the maximum height of the storage portion can be provided at the maximum scale position on the scale. Further, by providing a weight sensor or the like for detecting the weight of the stored game ball at the bottom of the storage unit or by providing a sensor for counting the game balls that have entered the storage unit, The quantity may be acquired. Then, such storage information of game balls is displayed in real time as a scale image on a liquid crystal display device or the like provided on the game board, or the number of game balls stored in the storage unit or the data of its change history Based on this, it is also possible to control the operations of the discharging part, the receiving part, and other objects arranged on the game board in a predetermined pattern.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment further includes another special prize device different from the special prize device, and the special prize device is disposed at an upper position relative to the other special prize device. can do. With this configuration, for example, compared to a case where a plurality of special prize-winning devices are arranged in parallel in a horizontal position, the upper and lower special prizes are set by setting the aim of the game ball to be launched on the game board at the substantially upper center. The game balls can be effectively distributed toward the device, and even beginners who are unfamiliar with pachinko games can easily enjoy the game.

  In other words, there is no need to change the firing strength for launching a game ball aiming at the start opening in a normal game and the launch strength for winning a game ball in a special winning opening in a special game (big hit game), There is no need to change the launch intensity of the game ball between the game and the special game, and the operation amount of the launch handle may be kept constant. Therefore, when shifting from normal games to jackpot games, even beginners of pachinko games do not need to hurry to change steering wheel operations, and can win many prize balls while enjoying special games with peace of mind. It becomes possible.

  In addition, although the special prize-winning apparatus respectively arrange | positioned in the position which becomes a relatively upper part and lower part on a game board may be the same structure, it is not necessary to make it the same structure. The storage unit serving as the apparatus main body can be made to imitate different animation characters in the vertical position, or the support structure to each game board can be made different. Furthermore, a special prize-winning device formed in a female cylinder shape or the like may be arranged in the upper area of the game board, while a conventional large prize opening having a rectangular shutter may be arranged in the lower area.

  Then, these special winning devices are differentiated and arranged in the upper and lower positions, or the movements of a plurality of special winning devices are linked in a predetermined pattern according to game conditions such as the number of round games. The variation of the movement can be diversified by introducing the to the opening of each special prize winning device, and the change when the special prize winning device is operated can be interesting and surprising.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine.

[Composition of gaming machine]
A gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.

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

  Further, a stop button unit 5 constituted by stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R for allowing a player to stop a reel rotating in a reel unit 3 described later at a predetermined timing is provided at a substantially center of the upper plate 20. Is provided.

  Inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32, a game board 14, a reel unit 3 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 liquid crystal display device 32, the game board 14, and the reel unit 3. FIG.

  The game board 14 is entirely or partially formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having a light transmitting property) having a light transmitting property. Examples of the translucent 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 the guide rail 30 and allowing the game ball to roll. In addition, a plurality of game nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 has a structure in which a flat liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a transparent electrode and a protective plate having transparency, and the liquid crystal element is oriented so as to be transmissive in the non-conducting region. This is a single flat liquid crystal panel on which an image is displayed by changing the orientation of the liquid crystal element. That is, in the liquid crystal display device 32, the region other than the region where the image display is performed has transparency, and the rear member can be visually recognized.

  Further, 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 all or part of the game board 14 from the front side.

  Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed in front of 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 a production effect image and a decoration image are displayed in the display area 32a. As described above, the liquid crystal display device 32 in the present embodiment. Is transparent in the non-energized region, so that when the game board 14 is viewed from the front (front side) when viewed from the player, the gaming member of the game board 14 can be visually recognized by the transparency of the liquid crystal display device 32. Moreover, the reel unit 3 and the like are arranged so as to be visible by the transparency of the game board 14.

  A protective plate 19 having transparency is disposed on the door 11, and a liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed on the back surface of the protective plate 19. For this reason, the protection plate 19 and the liquid crystal display device 32 face the game board 14 in a state where the door 11 is closed.

  Decorative lamps 133a and 133b are arranged at predetermined positions on the door 11 outside the game board 14, and display a predetermined light emission mode according to the gaming state. Speakers 46L and 46R are disposed on the left and right above the protective plate 19.

  A firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12. Conventionally, the attachment position of the launch handle 26 in a pachinko gaming machine is generally attached to the lower right side when viewed from the player and is operated with the right hand, but in the present embodiment, the lower left side as viewed from the player. The player is configured to be operated with the left hand.

  Although this will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the reel unit 3 similar to the pachislot machine is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14, and when the slot game in this embodiment is executed, the reel unit 3 is rotated. In order for the player to stop the three reels (see FIG. 3) built in the reel unit 3 to be driven at an arbitrary timing, the player operates the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R (see FIG. 3). This is because it can be performed with the right hand.

  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 turned counterclockwise, the firing control circuit 126 (see FIG. 5) causes the firing solenoid (not shown, the launching device 130 ( (See FIG. 5) is supplied with electric power, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially launched onto the game board 14 to advance the game. The launch handle 26 may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the main body frame 12 instead of being a single one, and the player can select and operate one of them.

  Next, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In the following description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, portions overlapping with the description using FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the game area 15 of the game board 14, a start opening 25 provided with two guide rails 30 (30 a and 30 b), a game nail 13, an obstacle member 57, a passage gate 54, and a blade member 23. , General winning ports 56a to 56d, a reel unit 3, a first large winning port 39 provided with an openable / closable shutter 40, and receiving portions 41b which are provided so as to be freely opened and can receive rolling game balls are provided on both sides thereof. In addition, a second big prize opening 41 formed in the shape of a female cylinder that functions as a special prize-winning device is provided. In the present embodiment, the first grand prize winning port 39 provided with the rectangular shutter 40 is configured to correspond to another special prize winning device.

  Behind the substantial center of the game board 14 is provided a reel unit 3 having a rotatable reel 3L, a reel 3C, and a reel 3R. In the lower center of the game board 14 and above the upper plate 20, the reel 3L, the reel 3C, and the three stop buttons 5L, 5R for stopping the reel 3R that are driven to rotate are configured. A stop button unit 5 is provided.

  That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the pachinko game, a slot game can be performed in which the reels that rotate so as to have a predetermined combination of symbols are stopped by the player's operation in the same manner as the pachislot machine. I have to. The configuration of the reel unit 3 and the contents of the slot game will be described in detail later.

  A second prize winning port 41, which is a special prize winning device that operates in a special jackpot game and can obtain many prize balls, is arranged at the lower center of the reel unit 3 and is almost directly below the second big prize winning port 41. A first grand prize opening 39 provided with a substantially rectangular shutter 40 is provided at a position.

  Here, the configuration and the like of the special prize winning device will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the second big prize opening 41 constituting the special prize winning device includes a storage portion 41 a formed in a measuring cylinder shape formed of a transparent cylinder whose upper portion is open, and an upper portion of the storage portion 41 a. A receiving part 41b provided to open and close the opening, a game ball detection part 41f for detecting a game ball stored in the storage part 41a, and a game ball stored in the storage part 41a can be discharged downward. And a winning portion 41d for receiving a game ball discharged from the discharging portion.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the storage portion 41 a of the second grand prize winning opening 41 is formed on a cylindrical peripheral surface formed by imitating a measuring cylinder made of a translucent resin material (transparent plastic material) or the like. A scale 41e that allows the number of stored game balls to be counted visually is provided by printing or engraving so that the player can easily grasp the number of game balls stored in 41a in the storage unit by visual observation. In order to be able to do so, the inside is configured to be seen through. Thus, the player can advance the game in an appropriate game mode according to the game situation.

  And as shown to Fig.21 (a), in the closed state (initial state) of the receiving part 41b, the flow of the game ball which rolls the game board 14 is blocked | prevented from flowing into the storage part 41a. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the start port 25 and a lottery process is performed to realize a big hit gaming state, the receiving unit 41b is opened as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a discharge portion 41c having a shutter mechanism (not shown) is provided on the bottom rear side of the storage portion 41a. This shutter mechanism constitutes a special winning device control means and is controlled by the main control circuit 60 (see FIG. 5). Then, at the start of the round game when the jackpot game is executed, that is, when the receiving unit 41b is opened and the game ball can be received in the storage unit 41a, the discharge unit 41c is maintained in the closed state, and FIG. ), The game ball flows into the storage unit 41a and is stored.

  Then, by opening the discharge portion 41c provided at the bottom of the storage portion 41a, a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage portion 41a are provided at the back of the game board 14 as shown in FIG. 20 (b). It is discharged toward the winning portion 41d.

  The receiving unit 41b is provided with a drive mechanism such as an electric solenoid for controlling the passage of the game ball as a special winning device control means, like the discharge unit 41c, and is controlled by the main control circuit 60 of the gaming machine. ing. Then, the special prize-winning device control means counts the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 41a based on a detection signal from the game ball detection unit 41f provided in the storage unit 41a. By monitoring the opening time, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls stored or the opening time of the receiving portion 41b satisfies a predetermined gaming condition, and when this gaming condition is satisfied, the special winning device control means is Thus, as shown in FIG. 20B, processing such as closing the receiving portion 41b of the storage portion 41a and opening the discharge portion 41c is performed.

  That is, the special winning device control means in the present embodiment is a game ball detecting unit 41f for detecting the passage of a game ball provided above the interior of the storage unit 41a constituting the special winning device, or an opening in the receiving unit. The number of game balls stored in the storage unit 41a, the opening time of the receiving unit 41b, and the like are acquired by an opening timer for measuring time.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), when the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 41a reaches a specified number, or when a specified release time has elapsed in the receiving unit 41b, the discharge unit 41c is opened. .

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 20B, a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit 41a are dropped at once toward the winning portion 41d. In this way, by showing the player that the game ball is falling toward the winning portion 41d, it is possible to give the player a sense of superiority and tension, and the interest is emphasized. The production is possible.

  Note that the first big prize opening 39 in the present embodiment is a big prize opening device (see FIG. 3) having a rectangular shutter 40 that opens and closes at its opening.

  The game board 14 provided with the special winning device configured as described above is provided with a guide rail 30 for guiding the game ball to the game area. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide rail 30 is 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 area 15, and a plurality of game nails 13, an obstacle member 57 provided on the game area 15, etc. Due to the collision, it flows down toward the lower side of the game area 15 while changing its traveling direction.

  A start port 25 that is one of the winning ports is provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the player in the approximate center of the game area 15, and is connected to the obstacle member 57 and the game nail 13 installed in the game area 15. When a game ball that rolls while colliding wins the start opening 25, a special symbol game and a jackpot lottery which will be described later are started. That is, the start opening 25 is a winning opening that becomes a trigger for the special symbol game and the big hit lottery.

  In addition, an electrical decoration unit 53 is provided on the lower left side of the game area 15. As shown in FIG. 4, this electrical decoration unit 53 includes 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 round number indicators 51a to 51d. Is 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, the jackpot game that is advantageous to the player from the normal game The gaming state transitions to. In the case of this jackpot game, the shutters 40 and the receiving portions 41b provided at the first grand prize winning port 39 and the second grand prize winning port 41 are controlled to be opened, and the first big prize winning port 39 and its relative position are controlled. The second big winning opening 41 arranged at the upper position is in a state where the game ball can be received. 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 according to the result is referred to as a “special symbol game”.

  A normal symbol display 33 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 35. The normal symbol display 33 is composed of, for example, two display lamps of a red LED and a green LED. These display lamps are alternately turned 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.

  Also, 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.

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

  Further, in the reel unit 3 disposed at the rear of the approximate center of the game board 14, identification information 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, the identification information consisting of a predetermined symbol (see FIG. 18) is displayed in a variable manner along with the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Is done. When the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 35 is stopped and displayed, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are also stopped rotating and the predetermined identification information is stopped and displayed. As described above, the reel unit 3 is an example of a display unit that performs a change display and a stop display of the identification information when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In addition, when a special numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35, identification information for allowing the player to grasp that it is a big hit is stopped and displayed in the visual recognition area on the front surface of the reel unit 3. . Specifically, when a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol indicator 35, a combination of identification information for presentation displayed on the reel unit 3 is a specific display mode (for example, “ Special symbols such as “7, 7, 7” and “V, V, V” are stopped and displayed in a three-piece state). Furthermore, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, “big hit! Is displayed along with a character image such as “!”.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, a second big prize opening 41 formed in the shape of a female cylinder is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14. A first grand prize opening 39 including a shutter 40 is provided below the second big prize opening 41.

  The second grand prize winning port 41 and the first grand prize winning port 39 are each provided with an openable and closable receiving portion 41b and a shutter 40 so that game balls can be entered. The receiving unit 41b and the shutter 40 are in a state in which, when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol indicator 35 and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state, which is a special gaming state, it is easy to accept a game ball. It is driven to become. As a result, the second big winning opening 41 and / or the first big winning opening 39 are in a state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  A game ball provided inside the opening (not shown) of the first big winning opening 39 formed in a substantially rectangular shape and inside the storage portion 41a of the second big winning opening 41 formed in a graduated cylinder shape. The detection unit 41f is provided with a first count sensor 104 and a second count sensor 105 (see FIG. 5), respectively, to win a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls or for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). ) Until the receiving portion 41b and the shutter 40 are driven to the open state or the closed state. When either a predetermined number of game balls are awarded to the first grand prize winning port 39 or the second grand prize winning port 41 or a predetermined time elapses in the opened state or the closed state, the shutter 40 or the receiving unit 41b is established. The first big prize opening solenoid 120 and the second big prize opening solenoid 121 constituting the special winning device control means are driven so that the game ball is in an initial state where it is difficult to accept the game balls. As a result, the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 is in an initial state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball. That is, the shutter 40 and the receiving part 41b are closed.

  A game from the state in which the first grand prize opening 39 or the second grand prize opening 41 easily accepts the game ball (open state) to the state in which it is difficult to accept the game ball (initial state) is called a round game. That is, the receiving part 41b arranged on the upper part of the storage part 41a in the second big prize opening 41 and the shutter 40 provided in the first big prize opening 39 are driven so that a game ball can easily win in a round game, It will return to the initial state between each round game.

  Since the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round, “2” round, etc., the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the receiving unit 41b and the shutter 40 that are driven from the open state to the initial state are again driven to the open state after a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed. That is, it is possible to continue to the next round game. Note that the gaming state until the (final) round game that cannot continue from the first round game to the next round game is called a jackpot gaming state. That is, the jackpot gaming state is a gaming state advantageous for the player.

  In the present embodiment, the second grand prize winning port 41 having the receiving unit 41b and the storage unit 41a and the first big winning port 39 having the shutter 40 are provided side by side in the vertical direction, and the above-described round game is executed. During the next round game, the winning prize opening is selected. In other words, there is a possibility that a different big prize opening may be opened for each round game.

  Further, when a game ball wins or passes through the start opening 25, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, the first big winning opening 39, and the second big winning opening 41 described above, it is set in advance according to the type of each winning opening. A certain number of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, in the general gaming state, a jackpot lottery (special symbol game) whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state is performed, based on the lottery game lottery results, A combination of identification information corresponding to the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is stopped and displayed on the reel unit 3, and an effect image associated with the lottery result is also displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Will be. And if it wins a lottery result, it will transfer to the jackpot game state mentioned above.

  In the present embodiment, the second grand prize winning port 41 simulating a female cylinder structure that can be seen through the inside is described as an example of an accessory. A special winning device having the same configuration as the winning opening 41 may be used.

  In the present embodiment, during the execution of the jackpot gaming state, the number of rounds from the first round number to the last round game when the round game is continued (the maximum number of continuous rounds) is 15 rounds or 2 rounds. It is. Note that the maximum number of consecutive rounds during execution of the jackpot gaming state is not limited. For example, the maximum number of consecutive rounds is selected from “1” round to “15” round by lottery by a round number lottery means (main control circuit 60 including a main CPU 66 described later (see FIG. 5)). Any number of rounds may be used.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reel unit 3 is provided below the obstacle member 57 and behind the substantial center of the game board 14. This reel unit 3 incorporates three reels (reel 3L, reel 3C, reel 3R), and the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate in accordance with changes in the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Driven. A player operates to stop the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are rotationally driven inside the reel unit 3 below the game board 14 and substantially in the center of the upper plate 20. A stop button unit 5 is provided. The stop button unit 5 is provided with three stop buttons (stop button 5L, stop button 5C, stop button 5R) respectively corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R described above.

  Here, the configuration of the reel unit 3 attached to the back of the game board 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of the reel unit 3, and FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the reel unit 3. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view with a part cut away to show the inside of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3. FIG. 18 is a symbol layout diagram showing a plurality of symbols as identification information printed on the outer circumferences of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the reel unit 3 includes three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are rotatably arranged, and these three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. This cover body is engaged with the front cover 3F and a transparent front cover 3F which is disposed at a position facing the three reels 3L, 3C and 3R behind the game board 14. And back cover 3B. As described above, the reel unit 3 is configured by incorporating the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in a reel housing space formed by the front cover 3F and the back cover 3B that are coupled to the front and rear.

  That is, the back cover 3B includes a peripheral wall portion 3c formed in a bay shape having a substantially C-shaped cross section, and substantially circular left and right walls 3d formed on the left and right sides of the peripheral wall portion 3c. An engagement groove 3b having a substantially L shape is provided. On the other hand, the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are connected in parallel by a mandrel 3a.

  Then, both ends of the mandrel 3a are built over the engaging grooves 3b and 3b, and the front cover 3F and the back cover 3B are joined together to form the reel unit 3, and a predetermined position behind the game board 14 is formed. It will be installed in a removable manner. Reference numeral 3e denotes a guide groove continuous to the engagement groove 3b, and the mandrel 3a connecting the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be guided to the engagement groove 3b. Reference numeral 3h denotes an engaging claw formed on the back cover 3B, and the back cover 3B and the front cover 3F are coupled to each other by the engaging claw 3h.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R have the same structure, and are built in the reel frame body, and the stepping motor 6 that rotates and stops the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively. The back lamp unit 4 is provided with light emitters 4a, 4b, 4c for illuminating a plurality of symbols, which are identification information printed on the outer circumferences of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, from behind. Thus, by providing illumination behind the reel that rotates at high speed, it becomes easier for the player to identify a plurality of symbols as identification information. Furthermore, since the identification information (design) printed on the outer periphery of the reel is also printed with a semi-transparent special ink or the like, it becomes even easier to distinguish a plurality of designs. In addition, the player can operate the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R aiming at an arbitrary symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of symbols as identification information are printed in different arrangements on the outer periphery of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R. In addition, 21 symbols are printed on each reel, and seven types of different symbols are used. The numeral 7 (symbol 81) and the alphabet V (symbol 80) are special symbols that suggest to the player the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state in the present embodiment. In addition, a plurality of symbols such as cherry (symbol 83), watermelon (symbol 84), bell (symbol 85), and replay (symbol 86) are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the front side of the front cover 3F of the reel unit 3 has five lines, that is, the line L1 in the middle, the line L2 in the upper and lower stages, and the two lines L3 in the oblique direction. It is displayed. This shows an effective line that defines a combination of symbols when the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 are stopped.

  In general, in a pachislot gaming machine, the effective line changes depending on the number of coins (or called game medals) that are gaming media inserted into the pachislot gaming machine. For example, when only one coin is inserted, only the middle line L1 is valid, and when two coins are inserted, the middle line L1 and the upper and lower lines L2 are also valid (that is, the middle, upper, and lower three lines are valid). . Further, when three coins are inserted, the diagonal line L3 is also effective in combination with the middle line L1 and the upper and lower lines L2 (that is, the middle, upper stage, lower stage, right-up diagonal, and right-down diagonal five lines are effective). .

  However, in the present embodiment, the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 are driven to rotate when triggered by the winning of a game ball to the start opening 25, so that “5 lines” are always set. Is the effective line. Then, when the slot game in the present embodiment is executed, the player operates the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R corresponding to the reels installed in the stop button unit 5, and each reel being rotated is operated. When stopping at a predetermined symbol, if the same symbol stops on any of the “5 lines”, a stop button operation called “eye push” is accurate.

  As described above, the reel unit 3 is attached to the back surface of the game board 14 so as to be substantially integrated with the game board 14, and a liquid crystal display device 32, which is one of display means, is provided on the front surface of the game board 14. The game board 14 is disposed to face the protective plate 19 of the door 11 at a predetermined interval (see FIG. 2). With this configuration, an effect performed on the liquid crystal display device 32 on the front surface of the transparent game board 14 is executed without interfering with a slot game played by a reel stop operation similar to a pachislot machine.

[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.

  The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub-control circuit 200 as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the game, and the sub-control circuit 200 controls the production according to the progress of the game (for example, image display control, sound output control, decoration lamp control, etc.). It is.

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

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. In this way, the main CPU 66 executes various control processes to be described later, such as functioning as a special game execution means, a lottery means, and a special winning device control means (special symbol control process (see FIG. 9)). It becomes.

  In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored. In addition, a jackpot lottery table (see FIG. 6) referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Etc. are 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 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. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub-control circuit 200).

  Further, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first count sensor 104, the second count sensor 105, and the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112 are used. , A passing ball sensor 114, a starting winning ball sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a first large winning port solenoid 120, and a second large winning port solenoid 121 are connected.

  The first count sensor 104 is provided inside the opening (not shown) of the first big winning opening 39. The first count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the first big winning opening 39.

  The second count sensor 105 is provided in a game ball detection unit 41f (see FIG. 20) installed in the upper portion of the storage unit 41a in the second grand prize winning port 41. The second count sensor 105 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the storage unit 41 a of the second big winning opening 41.

  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 a game ball wins each of the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the passing gate 54. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the passing gate 54.

  A start winning ball sensor 116 which is a game ball detecting means is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 116 detects that a game ball has won the start opening 25 and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 23 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 23 open or closed in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The first big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 (see FIG. 3) of the first big prize opening 39, and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66, so The winning opening 39 is set to an open state or a closed state (initial state).

  The second big prize opening solenoid 121 is connected to the receiving part 41b (see FIGS. 3 and 20) of the second big prize opening 41, and opens and closes the receiving part 41b according to the drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. It has a function of driving and switching the open state or the closed state of guiding the game ball to the receiving portion 41b of the second grand prize opening 41.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected with a payout control circuit 127.

  In the launch control circuit 126, when the launch handle 26 is gripped and rotated by the player, power is supplied to a launch solenoid (not shown) of the launch device 130, and the game stored in the upper plate 20 is stored. A ball will be fired.

  Since the launch control circuit 126 supplies power to the launch solenoid (not shown) according to the amount of rotation operation of the launch handle 26 by the player, the player adjusts the amount of turn operation of the launch handle 26. By doing so, the launch intensity of the game ball can be changed.

  In addition, a payout control circuit 127 is connected to the main control circuit 60. The payout control circuit 127 is connected to a payout device 128 for paying out game balls and a card unit 150.

  The payout control circuit 127 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128, thereby paying out the payout. The device 128 is made to pay out the game ball.

  Further, the main control circuit 60 includes a display control circuit 76 that controls various displays and display lamps of the electrical decoration unit 53 (see FIG. 4). The display control circuit 76 controls the variation of the special symbol display 35 and the normal symbol display 33 according to the instruction from the main CPU 66 according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (for example, the start of variation and a predetermined symbol). In addition, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d, and the round number indicators 51a to 51d are controlled to be turned on and off.

  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 speakers 46L and 46R, control of the decoration lamps 133a and 133b, and the like in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Do.

  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 signals can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a variable display control means, a sub CPU 206 as sound generation control means, a program ROM 208 as storage means, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and speakers 46L and 46R. A sound control circuit 230 that controls the sound generated from the lamp, a lamp control circuit 240 that controls the decorative lamps 133a and 133b for production, a reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260, a reel stop signal control circuit 270, and the like. Yes. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60, as will be described later. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  In the program ROM 208, the sub CPU 206 relates to a plurality of types of effect image data associated with the image display of the liquid crystal display device 32 executed in association with the variable display of the special symbol of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and related to the round game during the jackpot game A plurality of types of effect image data to be executed are stored, and in addition, various tables such as a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects are also stored.

  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 such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like are positioned.

  The display control circuit 250 is executed in association with a plurality of types of effect patterns that are supplied from the sub CPU 206 and accompanied by the progress of effect display that is executed in relation to the variable display of special symbols, and in the round game during the jackpot game. Control is performed to cause the liquid crystal display device 32 to display images of effect image data such as a plurality of types of effect patterns.

  The sound control circuit 230 generates sound from the speakers 46L and 46R in response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The lamp control circuit 240 performs light emission control of the decorative lamps 133a and 133b according to a program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206. In this embodiment, the light emission control of the back lamp unit 4 (see FIG. 16) installed behind the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 is also performed.

  The reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 is built in the reel unit 3 when there is a reel rotation drive instruction from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 according to the program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206. The stepping motor 6 (see FIG. 17) of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven. If the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 have already been rotated, the player presses the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R by the reel stop signal control circuit 270 described later. Is detected, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the respective stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R are controlled to be stopped.

  The reel stop signal control circuit 270 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the sub CPU 206 when the stop button 5L, 5C, 5R of the stop button unit 5 is pressed by the player. Then, the sub CPU 206 controls the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 according to the program stored in the program ROM 208 to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R according to the pressed stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R. It is an instruction.

  In the present embodiment, in the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main control circuit 60 as the game control means and the sub control circuit 200 as the effect control means are configured separately, but the main control circuit 60 And the sub control circuit 200 may be formed of the same substrate.

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

[Game machine operation]
Here, the game of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be briefly described.

  In the present embodiment, the following gaming operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is executed under the control of the main CPU 66 in accordance with a program stored in the main ROM 68 of the main control circuit 60.

  The games of the pachinko gaming machine 10 are roughly divided into normal games (games that consume game balls while performing lottery lottery, games that are relatively disadvantageous to the player compared to jackpot games) and jackpot games (for the player). It can be divided into so-called special games advantageous to the player) that can be expected to acquire a large amount of game balls in a short time.

  Further, the jackpot game is drawn by a jackpot lottery process, and according to a specific numerical symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35, 15R probability variable jackpot game, 15R normal jackpot game, 2R probability jackpot game (so-called “surprise”) 4 types of jackpot games, 2R normal jackpot games, are determined.

  The four types of jackpot games (15R probability variation jackpot game, 15R regular jackpot game, 2R probability variation jackpot game or 2R regular jackpot game) refer to the jackpot lottery table (see FIG. 6), and the normal mode or probability variation of the normal game Depending on the mode, each lottery is drawn with a different lottery probability.

  Furthermore, when one of the four types of jackpot games is won, the reel unit 3 also has the same timing as when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicator 35 (see FIG. 4). It is displayed by special identification information (for example, a set of three patterns 80 “V” and 81 “7” (see FIG. 18)).

  When any of the four types of jackpot games is executed, a predetermined number of times corresponding to each of the four types of jackpot games is set as an upper limit (for example, 2R probability variation jackpot game and 2R normal jackpot game twice, 15R probability variation) In the jackpot game and 15R regular jackpot game, 15 times), the shutter 40 attached to the first prize winning port 39 or the receiving part 41b (see FIG. 3) attached to the second prize winning port 41 is set for a predetermined time (for example, , 20 seconds) is repeatedly released, it becomes easy for the game ball launched into the game area 15 to enter the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41, and the player can make a large number of prizes in a short time. It becomes possible to acquire a ball. Acquiring such a jackpot game (winning the jackpot game) is the greatest goal of general players, and can be said to be the best part of a pachinko game.

  In this embodiment, during the jackpot game, the number of rounds from the first round number to the last round game when the round game is continued (the maximum number of continuous rounds) is 15 rounds or 2 rounds. However, the maximum number of consecutive rounds of jackpot games is not limited. For example, the maximum number of continuous rounds may be set to an arbitrary number of rounds from “1” to “15”.

  On the other hand, the normal game in the present embodiment is executed under three types of game modes: a normal mode (normally low probability game state), a probability variation mode (special high probability game state), and a short time mode (special game mode).

  Here, the mode transition of each of the three types of normal games (the normal mode, the probability variation mode, and the time reduction mode) and their characteristics will be briefly described below.

  The normal mode is a basic mode in the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game is started from this normal mode.

  The probability variation mode is a special high-probability gaming state in which a transition is made after the jackpot game ends when a 15R probability variation jackpot game or a 2R probability variation jackpot is selected from the four types of jackpot games in the normal game. The jackpot lottery probability is set to be higher than the jackpot lottery probability in the normal mode.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the jackpot lottery probability in the normal mode is “1/300”, whereas the jackpot lottery probability in the probability variation mode is “1/30”, which is 10 times the lottery. The probability is set (see FIG. 6, jackpot lottery table).

  That is, in the probability variation mode, a big hit game is generated at a frequency 10 times that in the normal mode, so that it can be said that the game state is advantageous for the player.

  Finally, the time-saving mode (special game mode) is a game mode that is set after the jackpot game is ended, regardless of which of the four types of jackpot games is won.

  In this normal game, the time-saving mode means that the variation time from the start of the special symbol and the normal symbol to the time when the special symbol and the normal symbol are stopped is set to be shorter than that of the normal mode. In the case of “winning” (that is, in the case of the normal symbol display 33 (see FIG. 4) described above, for example, when the green LED display lamp is lit), the opening time of the blade member 23 attached to the start port 25 is normal. It is set longer than the mode. Such control may be referred to as “electric chew support” in the present embodiment.

  As described above, when “electric chew support” is executed, it becomes easy to win a game ball at the start opening 25, so that the number of lottery wins per unit time is remarkably increased as compared to the normal mode, and to the start opening 25. Since the payout of the winning ball for the winning of the game is also increased, there is little loss of the gaming ball (so-called “ball holding” is in a good state), which can be said to be an advantageous state for the player.

  Further, in this time reduction mode, the number of special symbol fluctuations (for example, 30 times) of the four types of jackpot games is set uniformly as the duration after the jackpot game ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal game is performed under the four game modes of “normal mode”, “probability change mode”, “normal mode + time reduction mode”, and “probability change mode + time reduction mode”. That is, the gaming state is appropriately changed according to the change of the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 in accordance with the change in the gaming state described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9, a special symbol control process relating to the progress of the special symbol game, the special symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display 35, and the decorative symbols is executed (step S12). . Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 11, the normal symbol control process relating to the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 33 is executed (step S13). Thus, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the processes in step S12 and step S13 are repeatedly executed.

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

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process for updating each lottery value such as a jackpot lottery random value (step S21). Then, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting a winning of a game ball to the start opening 25 or the like (step S22). In this processing, the main CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 data for paying out the game balls (winning the game balls) on the condition that the game balls have won the various winning ports. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub-control circuit 200, for measuring the opening time of the first big winning opening 39 or the second big winning opening 41 that is opened when a big hit occurs. The update process of various timers such as the special prize opening timer is executed (step S23). Then, when this process ends, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, an output process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies a signal for drive control based on various output requests stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 to a solenoid, a motor, and the like. That is, in each process to be described later, the main CPU 66 applies to various driving gaming members (that is, gaming members that are arranged in the gaming area 15 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and change its form according to the gaming state). When the signal output request is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, a signal corresponding to the request is output.

  For example, it is attached to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 for opening or closing the blade member 23 attached to the start opening 25, the shutter 40 attached to the first big prize opening 39, or the second big prize opening 41. When there is a drive request for each solenoid such as the first big prize opening solenoid 120 and the second big prize opening solenoid 121 for driving the receiving portion 41b, the control signal is outputted to drive various driving game members. To perform the process. And when this process is complete | finished, a process is moved to step S25.

  In step S25, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, as these various commands, the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 are driven to rotate, and the identifications printed on the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are identified. Derived symbol designation commands indicating the types of special symbols displayed in the information stop mode, demo display commands, and the like are included. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S26.

  In the process of step S26, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout control circuit 127. Specifically, the main CPU 66 issues a prize ball control command for performing a predetermined number of prize balls to be paid out when a game ball is awarded to various winning holes installed on the game board 14. To supply. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

[Special symbol control processing]
The special symbol control process executed in step S12 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. This special symbol control process executes a jackpot game in the pachinko gaming machine 10, and functions as a special winning device control means in the present embodiment in order to control the special winning device associated therewith in a predetermined operation mode. is there.

  First, in the process of step S31, the main CPU 66 loads a special symbol control flag. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the special symbol control flag and moves the process to step S32.

  In step S32, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (00). If the special symbol control flag is not (00), the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S34. If the special symbol control flag is (00), the process proceeds to step S33 to perform a special symbol storage check process. In this special symbol memory check process, the details will be described later, but the number of special symbols held is checked, and if there is a reserve, lottery of “big hit”, special symbol variation start, special symbol variation timer is set, etc. Then, (01) which is the processing request for the next step is set in the special symbol control flag, and the processing is terminated.

  In step S34, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (01). If the special symbol control flag is not (01), the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S40. When the special symbol control flag is (01), special symbol variation time monitoring processing is performed. That is, in step S35, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation timer is timed up (that is, "0"). If the time is not up, the process is terminated. If the time is up, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S36.

  In step S36, the main CPU 66 performs a special symbol stop process. In this special symbol stop process, the main CPU 66 stores a change stop request for the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner corresponding to the start port 25 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Then, the special symbol fluctuation stop request stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in this process is the illumination unit 53 (see FIG. 4) in the output process (FIG. 8, step S24) of the system timer interrupt process described above. In response to the start port 25, the special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner is variably stopped. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S37.

  Then, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol is a big hit in step S37, and if it is not a big win, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S39. On the other hand, if it is a big hit, a special winning opening release waiting process in step S38 is performed.

  In this special winning opening release waiting process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (02) indicating waiting for the special winning opening to the special symbol control flag, and sets a waiting time (for example, 1 second) in the special winning opening release waiting timer. To finish this subroutine.

  In step S39, the main CPU 66 clears the special symbol control flag (that is, sets a value (00) for requesting the special symbol storage check process), and ends the special symbol control process.

  In step S40, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (02). If the special symbol control flag is not (02), the process proceeds to step S43. If the special symbol control flag is (02), the process proceeds to step S41 and step S42 for controlling the operation of the special winning opening. First, in step S41, the main CPU 66 determines whether the special winning opening release waiting timer is timed up (that is, “0”). If the time is not up, the main CPU 66 ends the processing. If the time is up, a special winning opening operation control process is performed in step S42. In this special winning opening operation control process, as will be described in detail later, the main CPU 66 determines a special winning opening (the first big winning opening 39 or the second big winning opening 41) to be opened in the next round game. That is, in this special winning opening operation control process, the main CPU 66 selects a special winning opening (the first big winning opening 39 or the second large winning opening 41) which is opened with a predetermined probability (1/2 or the like), for example. Then, the opening time (for example, 20 seconds) of the big winning opening (the first big winning opening 39 or the second big winning opening 41) to be opened is set in the big winning opening timer. Then, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (03) indicating the special winning opening release monitoring process, and the process ends.

  In step S43, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (03). If the special symbol control flag is not (03), the process proceeds to step S49.

  When the special symbol control flag is (03), a special winning opening opening monitoring process is performed. In the prize winning opening monitoring process, first, the main CPU 66 determines whether the prize winning opening timer has timed out (that is, “0”) in step S44 or opened the prize winning opening (the first prize winning port 39 or the second prize winning opening). It is determined whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have won the big winning opening 41).

  Then, when the time of the grand prize opening timer expires, and at the same time, if a predetermined number of game balls have not won the prize winning opening (the first big prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41), the processing is terminated.

  Then, the time of the winning opening timer is up, or the specified number of game balls satisfy one of the winning conditions to the opened large winning opening (the first large winning opening 39 or the second large winning opening 41). Thus, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the main CPU 66 performs a prize winning port return process (instructed to close the shutter 40 of the first prize winning port 39 or to drive the receiving portion 41b of the second prize winning port 41 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Is stored), and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the main CPU 66 counts the number of times that the special winning opening is opened (the so-called number of rounds), determines whether or not the specified number of times (15 times or 2 times) has been reached, In S48, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (04) for requesting the jackpot end process, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of times of opening the big prize opening has not reached the prescribed number, the main CPU 66 performs a waiting process for waiting for the big prize opening in step S47.

  In this special winning opening release waiting process, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (02) requesting the opening of the special winning opening (the first big winning opening 39 or the second big winning opening 41) to be opened, and the waiting time ( For example, 1 second) is set in the big prize opening waiting timer and the process is terminated.

  In step S49, the main CPU 66 performs jackpot end processing. In the jackpot ending process, when the jackpot symbol is 15R probability variation jackpot or 2R probability variation jackpot, the normal game is set to “probability variation mode + short time mode”, and as the duration of the short time mode, the number of changes of a predetermined special symbol (for example, 30 times) is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is 15R normal jackpot or 2R normal jackpot, the normal game is set to the “normal mode + short time mode”, and a predetermined special symbol variation number (for example, 30 times) is set to a predetermined value in the main RAM 70. Store in the area.

  Finally, the main CPU 66 clears the special symbol control flag (that is, sets a value (00) for requesting the special symbol storage check process), and ends the special symbol control process.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The special symbol memory check process executed in step S33 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S61, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of special symbols held when the game ball is won at the starting port 25 is “0”, and the number of special symbols held is “0”. In the case of 0 ", the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols is not "0" (that is, when there is a special symbol change request), the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S62, the main CPU 66 executes a demo display process. In this process, the main CPU 66 sends a demo display command signal to the sub-control circuit 200 in order to perform a demo display. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize that the customer waiting state (predetermined waiting state) has been reached. When this process ends, the special symbol storage check process ends.

  In step S63, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) for requesting special symbol variation time management to the special symbol control flag, and moves the process to step S64.

  In step S64, a jackpot lottery process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 selects one jackpot lottery table from a plurality of jackpot lottery tables (see FIG. 6) having different jackpot lottery values based on the current game mode (normal mode, probability change mode) of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Select. Then, the lottery process for the big hit game is executed with reference to the random number value for the big hit lottery extracted when the game ball wins the start opening 25 and the selected big hit lottery table.

  Here, the jackpot lottery table according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, in the jackpot lottery table in the normal mode and the jackpot lottery table in the probability change mode, the random value is set to 1 to 30000, and the sum of the jackpot lottery values is “100 / “30000” is set, whereas in the probability variation mode, “1000/30000” is set.

  In other words, 15R normal jackpot, 15R probability variation jackpot, 2R probability variation jackpot (so-called “surprise”), which is a jackpot game with a small number of round games and a short duration of the jackpot game (so-called “surprise”), that is, the sum of the lottery values for 2R regular jackpot, ie, jackpot The probability of winning the game is 1/300 in the normal mode, but is set to 10/300 (1/30) in the probability variation mode.

  In other words, the probability of transition to jackpot game differs depending on the game mode (normal mode and probability change mode), and when the normal game is played under probability variation mode, the probability of transition to jackpot game is the normal mode. Therefore, the probability variation mode is a very advantageous state for the player.

  Returning to the description of the special symbol memory check process shown in FIG. When the jackpot lottery process in step S64 using the jackpot lottery table described above is completed, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to step S65.

  In step S65, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S66 if the lottery result in the jackpot lottery process in step S64 described above is a big win, and moves the process to step S67 if not the big win.

  In step S66, a special symbol determination process that is a jackpot symbol is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines a special symbol to be displayed corresponding to the jackpot type determined in step S64. For example, for “15R probability variation jackpot”, the special symbol is “64”, for “2R probability variation jackpot”, the special symbol is “50”, for “15R normal jackpot”, the special symbol is “ For “11” and “2R normal jackpot”, the special symbol is determined corresponding to each jackpot, such as “21” for the special symbol. Then, the determined special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Thus, the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot is derived and displayed on the special symbol indicator 35 corresponding to the start port 25 installed in the electrical decoration unit 53 (see FIG. 4). Then, when this process ends, the process moves to step S68.

  In step S67, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines a special symbol (for example, a number other than “11”, “21”, “50”, “64”) corresponding to the off symbol and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, the special symbol display unit 35 corresponding to the start port 25 installed in the illumination unit 53 (see FIG. 4) derives and displays the special symbol corresponding to the disengagement. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S68.

  In step S68, a gaming state determination process is performed. In this gaming state determination process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the current normal game is in the time-saving mode, and if it is in the time-saving mode, the process proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current normal game is not in the time saving mode, the special symbol variation time (for example, 30 seconds) in the normal mode is set in the special symbol variation timer and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in step S69. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S70, the main CPU 66 sets a special symbol variation time in the probability variation mode or the short time mode (a time shorter than the special symbol variation time in the normal mode, for example, 20 seconds) in the special symbol variation timer. Store in the area. Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S71, the main CPU 66 stores, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, a request for starting the variable display for the special symbol display 35 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the start opening 25 where the game ball has won. The process moves to step S72.

  With this process, the special symbol change display is performed on the special symbol display 35 corresponding to the start port 25 in accordance with the change time set in the special symbol change timer in the steps S69 and S70. (After the special symbol variation timer expires), the special symbol of “big hit” or “out of place” determined in the above step S66 and step S67 is stopped and displayed.

  In step S <b> 72, the main CPU 66 performs processing for determining identification information to be stopped from being displayed on the reel unit 3 and the rotation time of the reel unit 3. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines the reel unit 3 based on the data of “big hit” or “out of place” stored in step S66 or step S67 and the special symbol variation time stored in step S69 or step S70. The identification information to be stopped and the rotation time of the reel unit 3 are determined and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  The identification information to be stopped on the reel unit 3 stored in the process of step S72 and the rotation time of the reel unit 3 are subtracted from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 by the command output process of step S25 of FIG. This is supplied as a derived symbol designation command to the sub CPU 206 of the control circuit 200.

  Thereby, in the sub-control circuit 200, the rotation operation of the reel unit 3 is started and the rotation time of the reel unit 3 is also determined. That is, in the illumination unit 53 (see FIG. 4), the variation time of the special symbol derived and displayed by the special symbol display 35 corresponding to the start port 25 and the variation time of the identification information stopped on the reel unit 3 are Will be performed synchronously.

[Normal symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S13 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 66 loads a normal symbol control flag in step S101. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the normal symbol control flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S102.

  In step S102, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is a value (00) indicating a normal symbol storage check request. If the normal symbol control flag is not (00), the process proceeds to step S104. . If the normal symbol control flag is (00), the normal symbol storage check process in step 103 is performed. This normal symbol storage check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12, but the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved normal symbols, and if there is a number of reserved symbols, the main CPU 66 determines whether the normal symbol is hit, starts changing the normal symbol, The normal symbol variation timer is set, etc., and (01) which is the processing request for the next step is set in the normal symbol control flag, and the processing is terminated.

  In step S104, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (01). If the normal symbol control flag is not (01), the process proceeds to step S107. If the normal symbol control flag is (01), it is determined in step S105 whether the normal symbol variation timer has timed up (that is, "0"). If the time has not expired, the process ends. . On the other hand, when the normal symbol variation timer expires, the main CPU 66 performs a normal symbol stop process in step S106. In this normal symbol stop process, the main CPU 66 sets a request for stopping the fluctuation to the normal symbol display 33 and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Thus, the normal symbol display 33 displays the determination result of “success” or “out of contact” of the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol storage check process (for example, two colors constituting the normal symbol display 33). If the LED is “winning”, the green LED is turned on, and if it is “off”, the red LED is turned on). When this process is completed, the stored number of normal symbols stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is updated so as to decrease by “1”. Then, (02) is set in the normal symbol control flag and the process is terminated.

  In step S107, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (02). If the normal symbol control flag is not (02), the process proceeds to step S111. If the normal symbol control flag is (02), the process proceeds to step S108 to determine whether or not the normal symbol is a hit. If the main CPU 66 determines that the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to the normal electric accessory release process in step S109. On the other hand, when determining that the normal symbol is not a hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (00) for requesting the normal symbol storage check to the normal symbol control flag and ends the processing in step S110.

  In the ordinary electric accessory release process in step S109, the main CPU 66 performs an opening process of the blade member 23 of the ordinary electric accessory (stores the release of the ordinary electric accessory in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Furthermore, according to the gaming state of the gaming table, the opening time of the blade member 23 of the ordinary electric accessory (for example, 3 seconds when the gaming state is the short mode, 0.2 seconds when the gaming state is the normal mode) The release timer is set, the normal symbol control flag is set to (03), and the process is terminated.

  In step S111, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (03). If the normal symbol control flag is not (03), the process proceeds to step S114. If the normal symbol control flag is (03), the process proceeds to step S112 to determine whether the normal electric accessory release timer has timed out (that is, "0"). Then, when the normal electric accessory release timer has not expired, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal electric accessory release timer has timed out, in the normal electric accessory closing process of step S113, the blade member 23, which is an ordinary electric accessory, is closed (normally in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Memorize the closing of the electric accessory). Then, (04) is set in the normal symbol control flag and the process is terminated.

  In step S114, the main CPU 66 clears the normal symbol control flag (that is, sets the value “00” for requesting the normal symbol storage check) and ends the process.

[Normal symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S103 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S121, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol reserve number is “0”. If it is determined that the normal symbol reserve number is “0”, the normal symbol storage check is performed. The process ends. This normal symbol holding number is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, and when it is detected that a game ball has passed through the passing gate 54, the predetermined symbol (for example, “4”) is increased by “1” as an upper limit. When the variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol game ends, “1” is subtracted and the memory is updated. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines that the number of held normal symbols is not “0”, in step S122, the main CPU 66 sets the normal symbol variation timer monitoring request value “01” in the normal symbol control flag, and then proceeds to step S123. Move processing.

  In step S123, a normal symbol hit determination process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 determines the normal symbol per-determining random number extracted when the normal symbol starting region passes (by passing the game ball through the passing gate 54) and the normal symbol per-unit determination stored in the main ROM 68. Refers to the value. Then, as a result of the reference, when the random number value for determination per normal symbol matches the determination value per normal symbol as a result of the reference, the main CPU 66 turns on the winning symbol (for example, the normal symbol display 33, the green LED is turned on (see FIG. 4)). ) Is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. On the other hand, as a result of the reference, if the random value for determination per normal symbol does not match the determination value per normal symbol as a result of the reference, the main CPU 66 provides data indicating an off symbol (for example, the normal symbol display 33, the red LED is lit). Stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Then, the normal symbol display 33 composed of two-color LEDs starts a variable display (for example, blinking green LEDs and red LEDs alternately) by the display control circuit 76 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the general gaming state is the time reduction mode. If the general gaming state is the time reduction mode, in step S126, the main CPU 66 determines that the normal symbol is shorter than the normal mode. The fluctuation stop time (for example, 5 seconds) is set in the normal symbol fluctuation timer, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the gaming state is not the time reduction mode (that is, the probability variation mode or the normal mode), in step S125, the main CPU 66 sets a normal symbol variation stop time (for example, 30 seconds) longer than the time reduction mode in the normal symbol variation timer. To finish this subroutine.

[Sub control circuit main processing]
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 executes the sub-control circuit main process. The sub control circuit main process will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control circuit main process is a process that starts when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission and work area initialization. That is, the sub CPU 206 performs a predetermined initial setting for normally playing the game based on the power being turned on. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 206 that executes step S201 corresponds to an example of an initial setting unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  In step S202, the sub CPU 206 executes random number update processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 updates various random number values positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S203.

  In step S203, the sub CPU 206 executes command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 analyzes various commands (for example, a derived symbol designation command) sent from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60, and executes a process according to the analyzed command.

  In this command analysis process, for example, when a derived symbol designation command is received, the sub CPU 206 temporarily stores it as a “reel rotation drive request” in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. The “reel rotation drive request” stored here is referred to in a reel control process (see FIG. 14) described later, and the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 start to rotate. It becomes. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S204.

  In step S204, the sub CPU 206 executes display control processing. In this process, when the sub CPU 206 receives a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 in the command analysis process, the sub CPU 206 performs image display control such as a decorative symbol according to the derived symbol designation command. This is performed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 executes a sound control process (step S205) for controlling sounds generated from the speakers 46L and 46R and a lamp control process for controlling the light emission of the various decorative lamps 133a and 133b (step S206). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S207.

  In step S207, the sub CPU 206 executes a reel control process. In this process, when the sub CPU 206 receives a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 in the command analysis process, the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3 are received. And the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R is automatically stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time, and the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (that is, the game ball has won the start opening 25) The control is performed to stop the display of the identification information in accordance with the jackpot game lottery result). Further, although details will be described later, when a derived symbol designation command is received from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60, a stop button (5L, 5C) is provided to the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R in rotation by the player. , 5R) to execute the slot game to be stopped. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  Thus, in the sub control circuit main process, after the initial setting process in step S201 is completed, the processes from step S202 to step S207 are repeatedly executed.

[Reel control processing]
Here, in the present embodiment, the reel control process executed in step S207 of the above-described sub control circuit main process (see FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S300, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R built in the reel unit 3 are already rotating. If not, the process proceeds to step S309. Move. On the other hand, if the slot game is rotating, the sub CPU 206 determines in step S301 whether or not the slot game is being executed for the reel unit 3 that is currently rotating. If the slot game is being executed, the process proceeds to step S302. Transfer. On the other hand, if the slot game is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S302, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an operation of the stop buttons 5L, 5C, and 5R by the player is detected by the reel stop signal control circuit 270 (see FIG. 5), and the stop buttons 5L, 5C, and 5R are detected. If no operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S303. If the operation of the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R is detected, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S303, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the reel rotation monitoring timer has timed up (that is, “0”). If the time has not expired, the sub CPU 206 ends the process. If the time is up, the sub CPU 206 executes all reels stop processing in step S304. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 instructs the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5) to stop all reels currently rotating.

  That is, in this embodiment, the lottery result of the big hit game is notified to the player by using the identification information printed on the outer periphery of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3. Even in the case where the slot game is executed by the player, when a predetermined time (for example, the time until the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 (see FIG. 4)) elapses, The rotation operation of the reel unit 3 is forcibly stopped.

  When the all-reel stop process in step S304 is executed, the sub CPU 206 makes a game state in which the reel motor driving / stopping control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5) wins the game with the spinning reel unit 3. The reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (refer to FIG. 5) is notified by the lottery result, so that when the jackpot gaming state is won, the identification information automatically displaying the jackpot gaming state is stopped. In other words, three specific identification information (for example, symbol 80 or symbol 81 (see FIG. 18)) suggesting a big hit game is stopped on the five-line effective line formed on the front surface of the reel unit 3. In this way, control is performed to stop the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot gaming state is not won, the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped from rotation by controlling so as not to stop the identification information indicating the jackpot gaming state. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S308.

  In step S305, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R detected by the reel stop signal control circuit 270 (see FIG. 5) are rotating, the sub CPU 206 stops the rotation. This request is instructed to the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5).

  At this time, if a specific symbol, which is identification information to be established on the valid line, is determined in advance, the sub CPU 206 stops the rotation of the reel with respect to the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5). A specific symbol is also indicated along with the request.

  Thus, the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5) is generally referred to as “retraction control” in the pachislot gaming machine, and performs reel control for assisting so-called “eye-pushing” by the player. That is, a specific symbol is drawn on the effective line in a range of a maximum of four frames, and reel stop control is performed to automatically establish three specific symbols on the effective line. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S306.

  In step S306, the sub CPU 206 determines the type of the stop button 5L, 5C, 5R that has been operated to stop and the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5) in the reel stop process described above. Is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S307.

  In step S307, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not all of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R built in the reel unit 3 have stopped rotating, and all the reels have not stopped rotating. If this occurs (that is, if there is still a rotating reel), the processing of this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if all the reels have stopped rotating, in step S308, the sub CPU 206 resets “reel spinning” and “slot game running” and stores them in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. The “reel spinning” and “slot game running” are internal flags used in this subroutine, and when the sub CPU 206 instructs the reel unit 3 to rotate, “reel spinning” is set. “Reel rotating” is reset when the reel stops rotating. In addition, when a slot game lottery described later is won, “slot game in progress” is set, and when all reels are stopped, “slot game in progress” is reset and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Is. Then, when this process ends, the process of this subroutine ends.

  In step S309, the sub CPU 206 determines whether there is a reel rotation drive request for the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3, and if there is a reel rotation drive request. Shifts the processing to step S311. On the other hand, if there is no reel rotation drive request, this subroutine is terminated.

  The “reel rotation drive request” determined in step S 309 is the sub control circuit main process when the derived symbol designation command is transmitted from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200. This is analyzed in the command analysis process (see FIG. 13) in step S203 and temporarily stored as a “reel rotation drive request” in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. In addition, the derived symbol designation command includes a lottery result of a jackpot game that is drawn in response to a winning of a game ball at the start opening 25 (that is, whether the jackpot game is “winned” or “lost”). Furthermore, the special symbol change time in the special symbol display 35 (see FIG. 4) is also included.

  In step S311, the sub CPU 206 first determines whether or not to execute the slot game with a predetermined lottery probability (for example, 1/10). If the slot game lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S313. On the other hand, if the lottery of the slot game is won, in step S312, the sub CPU 206 sets “slot game in progress” as an internal flag and temporarily stores it in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210.

  When the “slot game in progress” flag is set, an operation of the stop buttons 5L, 5C, and 5R by the player is accepted, and the slot game is started to be executed.

  In step S313, the sub CPU 206 instructs the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5) to request the rotational drive of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3. To do.

  Further, in step S314, the sub CPU 206 sets a reel rotation time monitoring timer and temporarily stores it in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. As described above, the reel rotation monitoring timer is linked to the special symbol change time in the special symbol display 35 (see FIG. 4), and the reel unit 3 in this embodiment plays the lottery game lottery result. When it is used as an effect display means for informing the user, the reel motor drive / stop control circuit 260 (see FIG. 5) is automatically instructed to stop the rotation of the reel when the above-described special symbol variation time elapses. It will be.

  Even when the slot game is executed, the special symbol change time is set in the reel rotation monitoring timer.

  Finally, in step S315, the sub CPU 206 sets an internal flag “reel rotating” and temporarily stores it in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the change in the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (that is, the winning of the big hit game) is caused to rotationally drive the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R built in the reel unit 3. The player can be notified in a predetermined stop mode after a predetermined time has elapsed. The reel stop control process in the notification process is performed in accordance with the timing of the stop operation of the stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R targeting predetermined identification information on the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R. A reel stop control (so-called “pull-in control”) similar to that of the gaming machine is used. Therefore, by performing such reel stop control, it is possible to execute a slot game that allows the player to perform a stop button operation equivalent to playing a pachislot machine.

[Big prize opening control process]
Here, the special winning opening operation control process executed in step S42 of the special symbol control process (see FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG. The special prize opening operation control process is an example of a process performed as a part of the special prize apparatus control process. The special prize control waiting process (step S38) or the large prize opening process in the special symbol control process shown in FIG. It supplements a part of the process such as the winning opening closing process (step S45), and there is an overlapping part in the description.

  That is, in this big winning opening operation control process, when a lottery process is performed as a game ball enters the start opening 25 and a big hit gaming state is entered, a gaming state such as the number of times of the round game is played. Accordingly, the shutter 40 of the first grand prize opening 39 arranged on the game board 14 and the receiving part 41b and the discharging part 41c in the second big prize opening 41 which is a special prize winning device are operated according to a predetermined operation pattern. It is.

  In the first step S400 in the big prize opening operation control process, as the game condition A, for example, the number of round games is an even number or the lottery process is followed. A game condition for determining the big winning opening 41) is set in advance, and it is determined whether or not this condition is met. If the game being executed at this time satisfies the game condition A, the process proceeds to step S405. If not, the process proceeds to step S401, which is the next condition determination.

  In step S405, after the processing for operating the shutter 40 to open the first big prize opening 39 according to a predetermined operation pattern set in advance corresponding to the game condition A, the present subroutine is terminated.

  In a series of steps S401 to S404 of the special winning device control process that is a case where the gaming condition A is not satisfied, when a predetermined number of gaming balls are stored in the storage unit 41a of the second large winning port 41 that constitutes the special winning device, Alternatively, when the opening time of the receiving portion 41b reaches a predetermined time, the storage portion 41a is closed via the receiving portion 41b and the discharge portion 41c provided at the bottom of the storing portion 41a is opened. .

  In this first step S401, it is determined via the main CPU 66 whether or not the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 41a has reached a specified value. That is, when the number of game balls counted through the first count sensor 104 attached to the second grand prize winning port 41 is equal to or less than a specified value, the process proceeds to step S402 for determining the opening time of the receiving unit, and the specified value is reached. When it has reached, the process proceeds to step S403 where the second big prize opening driving process is performed.

  In step S402, the opening time of the receiving unit stored in the storage unit (for example, a predetermined area of the main RAM 70) of the main control circuit 60 is acquired via an opening timer for measuring the opening time in the receiving unit 41b. It is determined whether or not the specified time has been reached. Here, when the opening time of the receiving unit 41b is the specified time, the process proceeds to the second large winning opening driving process of step S403, and when this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to the standby process of step S404.

  In step S404 when the conditions for the number of stored game balls and the receiving unit opening time are not satisfied, for example, a standby process for displaying a prescribed effect image, the number of stored game balls, and the like on the liquid crystal display device 32 can be executed. . Note that this subroutine can be terminated without executing this processing.

  In the second big prize opening driving process of step S403 following the steps S401 and S402, the special prize device control means such as the second big prize opening solenoid 121 for operating the receiving unit 41b and the solenoid for operating the discharging unit 41c are used. The storage part 41a is closed, and the discharge part 41c provided at the bottom of the storage part 41a is opened.

  And the data of the said number of stored game balls and the receiving part open | release time memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the main control circuit 60 are cleared, the measurement by a 1st count sensor and an open | release timer is started again, and this subroutine is complete | finished.

  By executing this special prize opening operation control process, for example, a big prize opening (first big prize opening 39 or second big prize opening 41) to be opened in the next round game or the like is appropriately set and the second big prize opening is set. When a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage section 41a of the winning opening 41, or when the opening time of the receiving section 41b reaches a predetermined time, the second large winning opening 41 is closed and stored in the storage section 41a. The game balls are discharged from the discharging unit 41c to the winning unit 41d.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the storage portion 41a of the second large winning opening 41, which is a special winning device, is formed in a measuring cylinder shape made of a transparent member, and includes such a special winning device. By providing one or a plurality of winning openings on the game board, the operation mode of the big winning opening in the jackpot game can be made unique, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 that can be enjoyed by a game beginner can be provided.

  Further, since the first grand prize winning port 39 and the second grand prize winning port 41 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction along the area where the game ball flows down, the game ball is launched aiming at the start port 25 in the normal game. Even if either the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 is activated when the game shifts from the hit state to the jackpot game, either It is easy to win a game ball at the big prize opening. Therefore, it is not necessary for the player to bother to change the firing strength of the game ball between the normal game and the jackpot game, and the operation amount of the firing handle may be kept constant. Therefore, when transitioning from normal games to jackpot games, even beginners of pachinko games do not need to hurry to change steering wheel operations, and can win many prize balls while enjoying special games. Become.

(Modification)
Hereinafter, modifications of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to a modification. In the following description, components having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 ′ in this modification is configured to substitute the rotation operation of the reel (reel unit 3) using the display of the liquid crystal display device 32 as shown in FIG. 22. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 ′ according to the modified example includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12 a formed on the front surface, various components disposed in the opening 12 a of the main body frame 12, and the front of the main body frame 12. And a door 11 that is pivotally attached to be freely opened and closed. 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. Further, a stop button unit 5 including stop buttons 5L, 5C, 5R is provided in the approximate center of the upper plate 20.

  Inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32 as a display means for displaying an image, a game board 14, a spacer 31 and the like are disposed. Hereinafter, since various components (not shown) other than the spacer 31 and the liquid crystal display device 32 are the same in configuration and function as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  A liquid crystal display device 32, which is an example of display means for displaying an effect image relating to a game, is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween. Note that although the entire game board 14 is formed of a light-transmitting material, the light-transmitting material may be used for a part of the game board 14. In that case, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the translucent member of the game board 14.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of an image related to the game. The display area 32a is the whole or a part of the spacer 31 and the game area 15, or the whole of the game area outer area 16. Or it can be visually recognized from the player side through a part.

  The game-related image displayed in the display area 32a is a display image of identification information similar to that of the rotary reel of the pachislot machine (slot machine) displayed on the front surface of the reel unit 3 in the above-described embodiment. It refers to various images such as decorative images for decoration.

  That is, in the modified example shown in FIG. 22, instead of a rotating reel similar to a pachislot machine (slot machine), a liquid crystal display device 32 is used and an image simulating a rotating reel at a predetermined position in the display area 32a. The identification information is displayed.

  The spacer 31 is also formed of the above-described member having translucency, but in order to improve the visibility of the liquid crystal display device 32, a hole having a size corresponding to at least the game area 15 of the game board 14 is used. A portion 31a is formed.

  As described above, in the modified example, display means such as the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided behind the translucent area of the game board 14. For example, a game area such as an area where the game nail 13 is planted, an accessory, or a decorative member is provided. Since the region where the members are provided can be increased, the degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

  Further, since the pachinko gaming machine 10 'according to the modified example does not include the actual reel unit 3, there is an advantage that the number of components to be configured is smaller than that of the present embodiment.

  According to the embodiment described above, a big prize opening including a special prize winning device is provided on the game board, and the big prize opening that is activated for each big hit game or every round of the big hit game can be changed. Furthermore, it is possible to make an operation mode in which a plurality of special prize-winning devices, a normal big prize opening, and the like are linked to each other, thereby making the jackpot game more interesting. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the operation mode of the special winning device in the jackpot game is dynamic and unique and can be easily enjoyed even by a beginner.

  The following gaming machines are realized by the above embodiment. The game area 15 where the game ball rolls is provided with a game board 14 provided with a special winning device (for example, a second large winning port 41) that is opened in a special gaming state, and the special winning device is provided to be freely opened. A receiving portion 41b that can receive a game ball rolling in the gaming area, a storage portion 41a that can store a plurality of game balls that have entered from the receiving portion, and a storage portion 41a that can be opened and closed and is stored in the storage portion. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) including a discharging unit 41c that can discharge the played game balls downward and a winning unit 41d that receives the gaming balls discharged from the discharging unit.

  When a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage unit 41a, or when the opening time of the receiving unit 41b has reached a predetermined time, the special winning device control for closing the storage unit and opening the discharge unit 41c A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) provided with means (for example, a special symbol control process (see FIG. 9)).

  The storage unit 41a is provided with a scale 41e capable of visually counting the number of game balls stored, and a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10).

  In addition to the special prize apparatus (second grand prize opening 41), the apparatus further includes another special prize apparatus (first grand prize opening 39 '), and the special prize apparatus (second grand prize opening 41) is provided with the other A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10 ') disposed at an upper position relative to the special prize-winning device (first grand prize opening 39').

  Note that the gaming machines described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable configurations resulting from the present invention, and the gaming machines according to the present invention are those described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to. For example, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the game board 14 is provided with a grand prize opening (the first big prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41) that is opened while the jackpot gaming state is being executed. However, the number and the shape of the big winning openings can be appropriately changed as long as the jackpot game can be executed. Furthermore, although the shape of the storage part in the special prize-winning device is a graduated cylinder, the shape and the like can be appropriately changed as long as the shape operates as a big prize opening.

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 in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is various determination tables referred in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the system timer interruption process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol memory | storage check process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol control process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol memory | storage check process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the sub control circuit main process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel control process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the special winning opening operation control process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the reel unit in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a notch figure of the reel of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a symbol arrangement drawing of the reel of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the special prize device of one embodiment of the present invention. It is side sectional explanatory drawing of the special prize-winning apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement form of the special prize-winning apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the pachinko game machine in the modification of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 10 'Modified pachinko machine 14 Game board 60 Main control circuit 200 Sub control circuit 39 1st grand prize opening 39' The 1st big prize opening of a modification (special prize device)
39a storage part 39b receiving part 39c discharging part 41 2nd big prize opening (special prize winning device)
41a storage unit 41b receiving unit 41c discharging unit 41d winning unit 41e scale 121 second big winning port solenoid (special winning device control means)

Claims (4)

In the game area where the game ball rolls, it is provided with a game board provided with a special winning device that opens in a special game state,
The special winning device is:
A receiving portion that is provided so as to be freely opened and that can receive a game ball rolling in the game area;
A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of game balls entered from the receiving unit;
A discharge part which is provided so as to be freely opened and closed, and which allows the game ball stored in the storage part to be discharged downward;
A prize winning section that accepts the game balls discharged from the discharging section;
A gaming machine comprising:   When a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the storage unit, or when an opening time of the receiving unit reaches a predetermined time, the storage unit is closed and the special winning device control means for opening the discharge unit is provided. The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit is provided with a scale capable of visually counting the number of game balls stored.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another special prize device different from the special prize device, wherein the special prize device is disposed at an upper position relative to the other special prize device. The gaming machine according to any one of?

Images