JP2009078105A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving the taste in a big win game by executing a novel performance with a strong impact in the big win game. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board 14 having a game area for rolling game balls, a main control circuit for determining to be a big win or not on condition that a game ball passes through an operation-start hole 25, a large winning hole 39 provided in the upper part of the surface of the game board 14 and, in the big win game state, being opened to allow the entry of the game ball, a count switch for detecting a game ball passing through the large winning hole 39, a performance large winning device 500 provided in the back of the game board 14 and receiving the game ball passing through the large winning hole 39, a putout device for putting out game balls, and a sub control means for controlling to put out the game balls, wherein the sub control means controls to put out prize balls at a putout timing delayed by a time required from receiving a detection signal from the count switch till the game ball passes at least a predetermined area of the performance winning device 500. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In a conventional pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the passing area of the game board, a big hit lottery is performed, and after three pieces of identification information consisting of a plurality of symbols fluctuate, the combination stops according to the result of the big win lottery On the other hand, an effect display using a character image or the like is performed in accordance with the variation of the identification information. Then, when winning a lottery lottery, for example, after all three pieces of identification information are stopped and displayed so as to have the same symbol, the player is operated by repeatedly operating the big winning device and opening the special winning opening repeatedly for a predetermined number of times. To provide many balls.

The big prize device is provided below a region where the game ball rolls on the game board, and is provided with an opening / closing member for opening / closing the big prize opening, a driving device for driving the opening / closing member, and the like. Conventionally, a closing lid is used as an opening and closing member, and a large winning opening is closed with the closing lid, and the upper winning opening is opened by the upper end portion of the closing lid falling down on the front side (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Alternatively, there is a type (Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5) in which petals close and open in a role imitating a tulip.
JP 2003-299803 A JP 2007-14591 A JP 2002-306713 A JP-A-2005-312502 JP 2006-280755 A

  However, the grand prize winning device operates between the game board and the protection plate so as to be able to capture the game ball rolling on the game board. The current situation is low. Actually, there are two types of the big winning device, the type that opens the big winning opening when the upper end of the closing lid falls down on the front side, and the type that closes and opens the role imitating a tulip. It is possible. For this reason, there is a need for a gaming machine that can be installed with a prize-winning device of a novel design.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  (1) It is advantageous for the player if the game ball has a game area in which the game ball rolls, a game board in which the game ball rolls, and a specific area provided in the game area. A gaming state determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a big jackpot gaming state, a big winning device provided at an upper part of a board surface of the gaming board, and in which the gaming ball is opened to be able to enter in the jackpot gaming state; Detecting means for detecting a game ball that has passed through the big winning device and outputting a detection signal; and an effect that is provided behind the gaming board, and that the game ball that has passed through the big winning device enters in the jackpot gaming state A payout device, a payout device for paying out game balls, and a payout control means for driving the payout device based on a detection signal from the detection means to control payout of a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls. Preparation The payout control means pays out a prize ball at a payout timing delayed until a time required for the game ball to pass through at least a predetermined area of the effect winning device after receiving the detection signal from the detection means. A gaming machine characterized by performing control.

  According to the invention of (1), in the big hit game, when the game ball passes through the big winning device, the winning ball payout is not performed, and the timing when it passes through a predetermined area of the effect winning device provided at the rear of the game board. The prize ball is paid out. For this reason, it is shown to the player that the winning ball payout is performed due to the entry into the stage winning device, not the stage winning device, in other words, whether the stage winning device is a big winning device. It becomes possible to look like. Furthermore, since the effect winning device is arranged behind the game board, the effect winning device can be configured using a wide area, and thus the design of the effect winning device can be improved. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the gaming board has transparency in a region facing the winning device for presentation.

  According to the invention of (2), in addition to the invention of (1), since it is possible to visually recognize the appearance of the game ball entering the effect winning device through the game board, for example, By performing an effect using the game ball on the route until the game ball reaches the predetermined area, it is possible to adopt a novel design in which a big hit effect is performed using the game ball. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  (3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), the prize winning device for production includes a storage unit that stores game balls that have passed through the large winning device, and a game ball stored in the storage unit. A discharge unit that switches between a storage state to be held in the storage unit and a discharge state in which the game balls stored in the storage unit are discharged toward a predetermined region of the effect winning device, and a predetermined number of game balls A jackpot game control means for controlling the driving of the big winning device so as to execute a round game to be in an open state a plurality of times until a predetermined time elapses, or the discharge unit is in a storage state or a discharge state. Switching control means for performing control to switch to the state, the switching control means switches the discharging unit to the storage state when the winning device is executing a round game, the round game is finished Sometimes performs control for switching to the discharge state, the dispensing control means, game machine and performs control of the special winning device pays out Shodama after the end of the round game.

  According to the invention of (3), in addition to the invention of (1) or (2), the player is as if a lot of prize balls are being discharged by discharging the game balls stored in the storage section. By making it feel, it is possible to give a player a stronger impact than when paying out a prize ball every time a prize is entered into the big winning device. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  (4) In the gaming machine according to (3), the switching control unit performs control to switch the discharging unit to a discharging state when the big winning device is executing a first round game, and the payout control unit Is a game machine that controls to pay out a prize ball at the payout timing when the large winning device is executing the first round game.

  According to the invention of (4), in addition to the invention of (3), in the first round game at the start of the jackpot game, by performing control for paying out a prize ball in response to winning a prize winning device, for example, Even when the number of game balls owned is small at the time of starting the jackpot game, it is possible to continue the jackpot game by entering the big winning device. Then, by discharging the game balls stored in the storage unit in the subsequent rounds, it becomes possible for the player to feel as if a large amount of prize balls are being paid out. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  (5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein another big winning device is arranged below the big winning device.

  According to the invention of (5), in addition to the inventions of (1) to (4), by using another big winning device when shifting to the big hit game, the big hit game without using the prize winning device for performance is performed. It is also possible to increase the variation of the jackpot game. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of installing a big winning device of a novel design that executes jackpot games of different types.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest in the jackpot game by performing a more innovative and impactful effect in the jackpot game.

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

[Composition of gaming machine]
First, an overview of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of the game board 14 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12a formed on the front surface, various components disposed inside the opening 12a in the main body frame 12, and a main body frame. The door 11 is pivotally attached to the front of the door 12 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 speaker 46 is provided on the upper portion of the door 11.

  Inside the opening 12 a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32, a game board 14, a prize winning device 500 for production, and the like are disposed. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.

  The game board 14 is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having permeability) having permeability. Examples of the transparent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front side thereof in which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by a guide rail 30 (specifically, an outer rail 30a shown in FIG. 4 to be described later) where a game ball can roll. A plurality of game nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 on the game board 14. As described above, the game board 14 is an example of a game board having a game area in which a game ball rolls.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed opposite to the back (back side) of the game board 14 at a predetermined interval. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the transparent member of the game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of an image relating to a game. The display area 32a is disposed so as to overlap all or part of the game board 14 from the back side. In other words, the display area 32a is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to overlap at least all or part of the game area 15 in the game board 14. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so that the display area 32 a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. . In the liquid crystal display device 32, various images such as an effect image for effect and an ornament image for decoration are displayed in the display area 32a. In particular, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, after transitioning to the jackpot game state (specific game state), an effect image for effect is displayed during the execution of the jackpot game.

  The stage prize winning device 500 is disposed between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32. As will be described in detail later, the stage grand prize winning device 500 has a transport path 510 (see FIG. 5) and a transport path 510 that can temporarily store the game balls won in the first grand prize opening 39 (see FIG. 3). A discharge device 520 (see FIG. 4) for discharging the game ball in a predetermined direction and a machine gun-shaped decorative member 540 (see FIG. 5) for hiding the discharge device 520 (see FIG. 5) so as not to be visible to the player. Is provided.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing a display device such as the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the game board 14, for example, a game nail planting area, a game object such as an accessory, or a decoration member can be enlarged. In addition, the degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

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

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

  The firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12. A firing solenoid (not shown) as a driving device is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the rotational angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is played. It is fired sequentially on the board 14 and the game proceeds. A launching device 130 (see FIG. 6) including the firing handle 26, a firing solenoid (not shown), a touch sensor (not shown), and the like is installed on the lower right side with respect to the game board 14.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the lower left side of the game board 14, a special symbol display 35, a normal symbol display 33, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d, normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d, and a round number display 51a. -51d are provided.

  The special symbol display 35 is composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs. The 7-segment LED is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol change display start condition, that is, a condition that the game ball passes through the start port 25 is satisfied. By turning on / off the 7-segment LED, the symbol is variably displayed as a special symbol (also referred to as first identification information). As will be described in detail later, when the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 6) of the main control circuit 60 detects the passage of the game ball to the start opening 25, the normal game state shifts to the jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player. It is determined whether or not to perform, and the determination result is notified to the player by a special symbol. For example, when a specific symbol (for example, a numerical symbol such as “64”, “21”, “50”) is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, the gaming state shifts to the jackpot gaming state. In the case of this big hit gaming state, the first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 (see FIG. 4) is controlled to be in the open state, and the first big winning port 39 or the second big winning port 41 (see FIG. 4). The game ball is ready to be accepted. On the other hand, when a symbol (for example, “-”) other than a specific 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”.

  Below the special symbol indicator 35, a normal symbol indicator 33 is provided. The normal symbol display 33 is composed of two display lamps, and these display lamps are alternately lit and extinguished so as to be variably displayed as normal symbols.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d indicate the number of executions of the special symbol variable display held by turning on or off (so-called “start memory”, “number of held balls”, “number of held balls related to special symbols”). indicate. For example, when the execution of the special symbol variation display is held once, the special symbol hold display LED 34a is turned on.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d are provided. The normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d display the number of executions of fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of held balls”, “the number of held balls related to the normal symbols”). Similar to the special symbol, when the execution of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is held once, the normal symbol hold display LED 50a is turned on.

  On the left side of the special symbol display 35, round number displays 51a to 51d are provided. The round number displays 51a to 51d display the 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.

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

  For example, during the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 35, an identification symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 (also identification information for production. For example, “ 7 ”is changed and stopped. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 35 is stopped and displayed, and the identification information for presentation is also stopped and displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In addition, when a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35 under the control of the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 6), an effect image that allows the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed on the liquid crystal display device. It is displayed in 32 display areas 32a. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35, a combination of effect identification information displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. A mode, for example, a mode in which all the same symbols are gathered is displayed in a stopped state, and a character image such as “big hit!” Is displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32 together with a character image such as “Big hit!”. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, two guide rails 30 (30 a and 30 b), an obstacle 55, stage 57 passage gates 54 a and 54 b, a plurality of game nails 13, a normal electric accessory 48 that forms a start opening 25, a first Game members such as the shutter 40, the first big prize opening 39, and the general prize winning openings 56a, 56b, 56c, and 56d are provided on the game board 14.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14, and the plurality of game nails 13 and the obstacles provided on the game board 14 described above. 55 and the stage 57 etc., it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

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

  The guide rail 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 includes an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b disposed inside the outer rail 30a. The launched game balls are guided by guide rails 30 provided on the game board 14 and moved to the upper part of the game board 14, and the plurality of game nails 13 and the stage 55 provided on the game board 14 are described above. , 57, etc., it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  A warp port 24 is formed at the left end of the obstacle 55. When a game ball enters the warp port 24, it is guided behind the stage 57 via the warp path 47 behind the game board 14. The game ball guided behind the stage 57 is discharged to the front side of the game board 14 from a discharge port (not shown) surrounded by the stage 57 and flows down the board surface of the game board 14 again.

  Directly below the outlet (not shown) for discharging from the stage 57 to the front side of the game board 14, an ordinary electric accessory 48 that forms the starting port 25 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 48 includes a pair of blade members provided on both the left and right sides, and the start port 25 is formed by the pair of blade members. Further, the pair of blade members can be switched to a closed state (a state in which passage is difficult) or an open state (a state in which passage is easy) by a start opening solenoid 118 (see FIG. 6). It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. In addition, when it is in a closed state, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the start opening 25 directly.

  The start opening 25 is provided with a start winning opening switch 116 (see FIG. 6) for detecting the winning of a game ball. When a game medium such as a game ball is detected by the start winning port switch 116, it is determined that the game ball has won. When the game ball wins, the special symbol display by the special symbol display 35 is started. Also, when a game ball wins during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25 is executed until the special symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed ( Start) is put on hold. Thereafter, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variably displayed suspended special symbol is started. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the special symbol variable display is suspended up to four times.

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

  Passage gates 54 a and 54 b are provided on both the left and right sides of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passage gates 54a and 54b are provided with passage gate switches 114 and 115 (see FIG. 6). Pass gate switches 114 and 115 detect that the game ball has passed through the pass gates 54a and 54b. When the passing of the game ball is detected by the passing gate switches 114 and 115, the normal symbol display is started on the normal symbol display 33, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol change display is stopped. . In the normal symbol display 33, when the normal symbol display lamp changes from the blinking state to the lighting state, the ordinary electric accessory 48 shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  In the present embodiment, when the ordinary electric accessory 48 is in the closed state, it becomes difficult for a game ball other than the game ball from the upper side to enter the start port 25, and in the open state, the ordinary electric accessory 48. It becomes easy for game balls from right above and right and left sides to enter the start opening 25. As described above, a game in which a normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member varies depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

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

  A first big prize opening 39 is formed at the upper part of the stage 55 in the game board 14. The first big winning opening 39 is provided with a first shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front). The first shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received 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. Is done. As a result, the first grand prize opening 39 is in an open state (first state) in which it is easy to accept game balls.

  Further, a second big prize opening 41 is formed in the lower part of the ordinary electric accessory 48 of the game board 14. The second grand prize winning opening 41 is provided with a second shutter 42 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front) thereof. The second shutter 42 is driven so as to be in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol indicator 35 and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state. Is done. As a result, the second grand prize winning opening 41 is in an open state (first state) in which a game ball can be easily received. As described above, the first big prize opening 39 and the first shutter 40, the second big prize winning opening 41 and the second shutter 42 are provided at the upper part of the surface of the game board (game board 14), and the game ball in the big hit game state. Is an example of a large winning device that is opened to allow entry. In addition, the arrangement of the second big prize opening 41 and the second shutter 42 below the first big prize opening 39 and the first shutter 40 is an example of arranging another big prize winning device below the big prize winning device. It is.

  On the other hand, the first big prize opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the first shutter 40 has an area (not shown) having a first count switch 104 (see FIG. 6). There is a region (not shown) having a second count switch 105 (see FIG. 6) in the second big prize opening 41 provided on the back side (rear side). Until a predetermined number (for example, 10) passes through the area having the first count switch 104 and the second count switch 105 (see FIG. 6) or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or 0.5 seconds) elapses. The first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 is driven to the open state. Then, when a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls to the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 is satisfied. Is driven to a closed state where it is difficult to accept a game ball. As a result, the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game ball (second state). It should be noted that the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 is a game from the open state (first state) in which the first grand prize opening 39 or the second grand prize opening 41 is in a state where it is easy to accept the game ball. A game up to a closed state (second state) in which it is difficult to accept a ball is called a round game. Accordingly, the first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. A round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round and “2” round. For example, the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 driven from the open state to the closed state (second state) receives the game received in the first big prize port 39 or the second big prize port 41 in the opened state. On the condition that the ball has passed through the first count switch 104 or the second count switch 105, it is driven again to the open state. That is, the game ball received by the first big prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 in the opened state of the first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 has passed the first count switch 104 or the second count switch 105. You can continue to the next round game on the condition. Note that a game from the first round game to the end of the (final) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is called a specific game or a jackpot game.

  During execution of the jackpot game, the number of rounds (the maximum number of continued rounds) from the first round number to the last round game when the most round game is continued differs depending on the special symbols that are stopped and displayed. For example, in the present embodiment, when the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is “64”, the maximum number of continuous rounds is 15 and the first grand prize opening 39 is opened. When the symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is “50”, the maximum number of consecutive rounds is two and the second big prize opening 41 is opened. The maximum number of continuous rounds is not limited to 2 rounds or 15 rounds. For example, the maximum number of continuous rounds is selected from “1” to “15” rounds by lottery by the round number lottery means (the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 6)). Also good.

  In addition, when a game ball wins or passes through the above-described general winning ports 56a to 56d, the first grand winning port 39, or the second large winning port 41, a number set in advance according to the type of each winning port ( For example, 10 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22 in the case of winning a prize in the general winning slot and 15 in the case of winning in the big winning slot.

  Further, when it is determined that a winning is made at the start opening 25 described above, a preset number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  In addition, the game ball that has passed through the first grand prize winning port 39 is placed on the left side of the game board 14 by the discharge device 520 installed on the back side of the decorative member 540 through the conveyance path 510 that constitutes the large winning device 500 for production. To be discharged. The launched game balls are collected by a collection device (not shown) provided at the lower part of the game board 14 and sent to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[Configuration of the grand prize winning device for production]
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the stage prize winning device 500. The stage prize winning device 500 includes a conveyance path 510, a guide path 512, a discharge device 520, and a decoration member 540 (see FIG. 3). These members are arranged on the back side (rear side) of the game board 14. According to the present embodiment, as described above, the gaming board 14 is configured by a member having transparency as a whole, so that the stage prize winning device 500 can be visually recognized through the gaming board 14. Thus, the game board 14 is an example of a game board having transparency in a region facing the prize winning device for performance. The effect winning device 500 is an example of an effect winning device that is provided behind the game board and receives a game ball that has passed through the winning device (first winning port 39) in the big hit gaming state. .

  Is a substantially L-shaped cylindrical member that guides the game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening 39 to the discharge device 520, and is configured by a member having permeability. Moreover, the conveyance path 510 has a length that allows a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls to be stored. Then, the game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening 39 opened in the big hit gaming state is sent to the conveyance path 510, guided laterally by the conveyance path 510, and further guided downward to the guide path 512. Sent to one end. The movement of the game ball in the conveyance path 510 is visible to the player because the conveyance path 510 is configured by a permeable member.

  The guide path 512 is a member that has a function of holding a game ball at one end (for example, a recess) and guides the game ball to the left side. The other end of the guide portion is disposed on the back side of the muzzle portion of the machine gun-shaped decorative member 540.

  The discharge device 520 is disposed at one end of the guide path 512, and a collision member 514 that strikes a game ball held at one end of the guide path 512 in the lateral direction and the collision member 514 on the one end side of the guide path 512. A spring member 516 that constantly biases, an engagement member 518 that moves the collision member 514 in a direction against the biasing direction of the spring member 516, and an effect drive motor 530 that rotates the engagement member 518 are provided.

  When the stage drive motor 530 is driven, the engagement member 518 rotates, the engagement member 518 engages with the collision member 514, and the collision member 514 is pressed in a direction against the biasing direction of the spring member 516. As a result, the collision member 514 moves and the spring member 516 is compressed. Further, when the engagement member 518 rotates, the engagement state between the engagement member 518 and the collision member 514 is released, the spring member 516 returns to the original state, and the collision member 514 is pressed by the spring member 516 and guided. Move to one end of Here, if a game ball exists at one end of the guide path 512, the collision member 514 collides with the game ball, and the game ball is launched laterally through the guide path 512. At this time, the player visually recognizes that the game ball comes out from the muzzle portion of the machine gun-shaped decorative member 540. After a game ball is launched, if a game ball exists on the guide path 512, it is dropped and held at one end of the guide path 512. Note that the game ball launched by the discharge device 520 does not return to the board surface of the game board 14 again. Further, although details will be described later, a prize ball is paid out for the winning to the first winning opening 39 so as to substantially coincide with the timing when the game ball is launched by the discharging device 520. For this reason, it seems to the player that the winning ball payout is performed based on the entering into the large winning device 500 for performance. In this way, the production-use prize winning device 500 is stored in the storage part (conveyance path 510) for storing the game balls that have passed through the prize winning apparatus (first grand prize winning port 39) and in the storage part (conveyance path 510). A storage state in which the game ball is held in the storage unit (a state in which the discharge device 520 is not driven) and a discharge state in which the game ball stored in the storage unit is discharged toward a predetermined area (the left side of the game board 14) of the effect winning device It is an example of a winning device for performance having a discharge unit (guide path 512 and discharge device 520) that switches to any one of the discharge device 520 being driven).

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is described as an example of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display means may be a plasma display, a rear projection display, a CRT display, a lamp, or the like.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66 as a control means, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as an example of storage means, and a command. An output port 72 is provided. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

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

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

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

  The main RAM 70 includes a control state flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a reach pattern selection random number counter, an effect condition selection random number counter, a grand prize opening number counter, and a first big prize winning prize counter. To supply a command to the second big prize winning prize counter, a waiting time timer, a special winning opening time timer, data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to special symbols, data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to normal symbols, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. Data, variables, etc. are positioned.

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game or the normal symbol game. In the following description, when the control state flag is simply referred to, it indicates the control state of the special symbol game, and when it is referred to as the normal control state flag, it indicates the control state of the normal symbol game.

  The jackpot determining random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a special symbol to be stopped when a special symbol jackpot is determined. The reach pattern selection random number counter is for determining whether or not to perform reach. The production condition selection random number counter is for determining a production variation pattern. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The special prize opening time timer is for driving the first shutter 40 or the second shutter 42 and measuring the time for opening the first special prize opening 39 or the second special prize opening 41. Note that the timer in this embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The first grand prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the first big prize opening 39 is opened (so-called round number) in the big hit gaming state. The first grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the first big prize winning opening 39 during one round and passed the first count switch 104. The second grand prize opening number-of-times counter indicates the number of times the second big prize opening 41 is opened (so-called round number) in the big hit gaming state. The second grand prize opening prize counter indicates the number of game balls that have won the second big prize opening 41 and passed the second count switch 105 during one round. Further, the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is that when the game ball is won at the starting port 25, but the special symbol variation display cannot be executed, the special symbol game is suspended. This indicates the number of times the symbol game is held. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is that when the game ball has passed through the passing gates 54a and 54b, but the normal symbol variation display cannot be executed, the normal symbol game start is reserved, but the It shows the number of times the normal symbol game is held.

  The main control circuit 60 includes an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a system reset signal when the power is turned on, and a command output port 72 for supplying a command to a sub control circuit 200 described later. The initial reset circuit 64 is connected to the main CPU 66. The I / O port 71 serves as a window for transmitting input signals from various devices to the main CPU 66 and output signals from the main CPU 66 to various devices. The command output port 72 serves as a window for transmitting a command from the main CPU 66 to the sub control circuit 200 or the payout / launch control circuit 126.

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first count switch 104, the second count switch 105, and the general winning opening switch 106, 108, 110, 112 are used. , Passing gate switches 114 and 115, start winning port switch 116, starting port solenoid 118, first large winning port solenoid 120, second large winning port solenoid 121, and backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The first count switch 104 is provided in a general area in the vicinity of the first big winning opening 39. The first count switch 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area in the first big winning opening 39. As described above, the first count switch 104 is an example of a detecting unit that detects a game ball that has passed through the big winning device (the first big winning port 39 and the first shutter 40) and outputs a detection signal.

  The second count switch 105 is provided in a general area in the vicinity of the second big winning opening 41. The second count switch 105 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area in the second grand prize winning opening 41.

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

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

  The start port solenoid 118 is connected to a blade member of the ordinary electric accessory 48 provided in the start port 25 via a link member (not shown), and the blade member is responsive to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Is in an open state or a closed state.

  The first big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the first shutter 40 shown in FIG. 4, and drives the first shutter 40 in accordance with the drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66, so that the first big prize opening 39 is set. Open or closed.

  The second big prize opening solenoid 121 is connected to the second shutter 42 shown in FIG. 4, and drives the second shutter 42 in accordance with the drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66, so that the second big prize opening 41 is set. Open or closed.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150 that reads information stored in the card.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130. Thus, the payout device 128 is an example of a payout device for paying out game balls.

  In addition, the launching device 130 is provided with devices for launching a game ball such as the launching handle 26, launching solenoid (not shown), and touch sensor (not shown). When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise, power is supplied to a firing solenoid (not shown) based on the firing strength adjusted by the amount of rotation of the firing handle 26. The game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired onto the game board 14 by a firing solenoid (not shown). Even when the launch handle 26 is rotated, if a launch stop button (not shown) is pressed, power supply to the launch solenoid (not shown) is stopped, and the game ball Launch is stopped.

  Furthermore, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d, normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d, special symbol display 35 (7-segment LED), normal symbol display 33 (display lamp), and the like are connected to the main control circuit 60. ing.

  On the other hand, the sub control circuit 200 is connected to the command output port 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the lamp 132, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Note that the lamp 132 specifically includes a decorative lamp (not shown) that brightly and darkly displays the game board 14.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that signals can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 as display control means for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 46. And a drive circuit 240 for performing control related to the lamp 132. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game based on a command from the main control circuit 60. The sub-control circuit 200 is connected to an effect drive motor 530. The effect drive motor 530 is driven and controlled by the sub CPU 206, and the effect prize winning device 500 connected to the effect drive motor 530 operates. To do.

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

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

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display that is executed in association with the change display of the special symbol. In addition, the program ROM 208 stores effect patterns during execution of a plurality of types of jackpot games. The effect pattern during execution of the jackpot game relates to the progress of the effect display executed in connection with the round game in the jackpot game.

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

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables such as a stop display mode determining random number counter for determining the stop display mode of identification information, a timer variable for controlling reach effect time, and an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern Etc. are positioned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The VDP 212 reads various image data such as background image data and effect image data from the image data ROM 216 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, and generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. The VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores it in the buffer, and supplies it to a D / A converter (not shown) at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter (not shown) converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 so that the liquid crystal display device 32 displays an image.

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

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

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

  In step S9, initialization setting processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads a startup program from the main ROM 68 in response to power-on, initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 70, or performs a process of returning to a state before power-off. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S10.

  In step S10, initial value random number update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of updating the initial value random number counter. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S11.

  In step S11, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the system timer monitoring timer value is 3. In this process, the main CPU 66 refers to the system timer monitoring timer value stored in the main RAM 70. If the system timer monitoring timer value is 3, the process moves to step S12, and the system timer monitoring timer value is 3. If not, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S12, a system timer monitoring timer reset process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of resetting the system timer monitoring timer stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S13.

  In step S13, timer update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub-control circuit 200, the first big prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 that is opened when a big hit occurs. Processing for updating various timers such as a big prize opening time timer for measuring the opening time is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S14.

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

  In step S15, normal symbol control processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a random number value in accordance with the detection signals from the pass gate switches 114 and 115, refers to the normal symbol winning table stored in the main ROM 68, and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won. And processing for storing the result of the determination in the main RAM 70 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S16.

  In step S16, a symbol display device control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines the special symbol display 35 and the normal symbol display 33 according to the result of the special symbol control process stored in the main RAM 70 in step S14 and step S15 and the result of the normal symbol control process. And a process of storing a control signal for driving the round number display 51 in the main RAM 70. The main CPU 66 transmits a control signal to the special symbol display 35 in step S19 described later. The special symbol display 35 displays the special symbol in a variable manner and a stop manner based on the received control signal. Based on the received control signal, the normal symbol display 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and stops. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S17.

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

  In step S18, symbol reserved number data generation processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 detects detection signals from the start winning port switch 116 and the pass gate switches 114 and 115 detected in the switch input detection process (FIG. 8, step S46) in the system timer interruption process described later, The special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d and the normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d are driven based on the update result of the reserved number data stored in the main RAM 70 that is updated in accordance with the execution of the special symbol and normal symbol variation display. The control signal for storing is stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S19.

  In step S19, port output processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of outputting a control signal stored in the main RAM 70 to each port in the above steps. Specifically, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d (see FIGS. 3 and 6), normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d (see FIGS. 3 and 6), special symbol display 35 (7 segment LED, FIG. 3, 6), the normal symbol display 33 (display LED, see FIGS. 3 and 6) is supplied with LED power (common signal) for turning on the LED and solenoid power for driving the solenoid. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S20.

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

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

  In step S22, a payout process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 checks whether or not a game ball has won the first grand prize opening 39, the second big prize opening 41, the start opening 25, and the general prize winning openings 56a to 56d. In this case, a payout request command corresponding to each is transmitted to the payout / firing control circuit 126. The payout process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S10.

[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 main CPU 66 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds), and executes the following system timer interrupt process in response to this. The system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S41, processing for saving each register is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for saving values used in the program being executed stored in each register (storage area) of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S42.

  In step S42, the system timer monitoring timer value is incremented by one. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of incrementing the value of the system timer monitoring timer stored in the main RAM 70 by one. The system timer monitoring timer is a monitoring timer for executing a predetermined process (such as a special symbol control process) on the condition that the timer interrupt process is started a predetermined number of times (three times). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S43.

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

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

  In step S46, a switch input detection process is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 detects detection signals from the switches such as the first count switch 104, the second count switch 105, the general winning opening switches 106 and 108, the passing gate switches 114 and 115, and the starting winning opening switch 116. Then, a process of storing each data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

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

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

[Switch input detection processing]
The switch input detection process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In step S50, a prize ball related switch check process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 checks whether or not the detection signals from the first count switch 104, the second count switch 105, the general winning port switches 106, 108, 110, 112, and the starting winning port switch 116 are received. When the detection signal is received, a process of adding 1 to the prize ball counter corresponding to the first count switch 104, the second count switch 105, the general prize opening switches 106, 108, 110, 112, and the starting prize opening switch 116 is performed. Do. Details of this processing will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to step S52.

  In step S52, a special symbol related switch check process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of checking whether or not a detection signal from the start winning a prize opening switch 116 has been received. When a detection signal is received from the start winning a prize opening switch 116, it is determined whether or not the number of holds is an upper limit (for example, four), and a jackpot determination random number value for a special symbol game and a jackpot symbol determination random value Are extracted and stored in a special symbol storage area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to step S54.

  In step S54, a normal symbol related switch check process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of checking whether or not the detection signals from the pass gate switches 114 and 115 have been received. Further, when the detection signals from the pass gate switches 114 and 115 are received, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is an upper limit (for example, four), and a random number value for determining the hit of the normal symbol game is extracted. A process of storing in the normal symbol storage area of the RAM 70 is performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Prize ball related switch check processing]
The prize ball-related switch check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S60, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the start winning port switch 116 has detected a game ball. If it is determined that a game ball has been detected, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S61. If it is not determined that a game ball has been detected, the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S61, the main CPU 66 performs a process of adding 1 to the value of the start opening prize counter. If this process ends, the process moves to step S62.

  In step S62, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the first count switch 104 has detected a game ball. If it is determined that a game ball has been detected, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S63. If it is not determined that a game ball has been detected, the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S63, the main CPU 66 performs a process of adding 1 to the value of the first grand prize winning ball counter. If this process ends, the process moves to step S64.

  In step S64, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the second count switch 105 has detected a game ball. If it is determined that a game ball has been detected, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S65. If it is not determined that a game ball has been detected, the process proceeds to step S66.

  In step S65, the main CPU 66 performs a process of adding 1 to the value of the second big prize winning ball counter. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S66.

  In step S66, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the general winning opening switch 106, 108, 110, 112 has detected a game ball. If it is determined that a game ball has been detected, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S67. . If it is not determined that a game ball has been detected, the process proceeds to step S66.

  In step S67, the main CPU 66 performs a process of adding 1 to the value of the general winning opening prize ball counter. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Special symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S14 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S81 indicate control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Will be executed and the special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

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

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

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

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

  In step S75, a jackpot start interval management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 has the value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, the main CPU 66 reads the first big winnings read from the main ROM 68. Data for opening the mouth 39 or the second grand prize winning opening 41 is stored in the main RAM 70. Then, in the process of step S19 in FIG. 7, the main CPU 66 reads data for opening the first big prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 stored in the main RAM 70, and the first big prize opening 39 or A signal for opening the second grand prize opening 41 is supplied to the first big prize opening solenoid 120 or the second big prize opening solenoid 121. As described above, the main CPU 66 and the like perform opening / closing control of the first big prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41. That is, a predetermined advantageous gaming state (the first grand prize winning port 39 or the second grand prize winning port 41 is difficult to accept the game ball from the open state where the first grand prize winning port 39 or the second grand prize winning port 41 easily accepts the game ball. A jackpot game that is likely to be repeated a plurality of times in one round game in which a game state up to a closed state) is provided is executed. Further, the game advantageous to the player may be that a variable winning device that can be opened and closed, such as the first grand prize winning port 39 or the second grand prize winning port 41, is opened.

  Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special winning opening open timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S78. Further, the main CPU 66 assigns a predetermined number (for example, “15”) to the round number display counter in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

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

  In step S78, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is open, the first big prize winning prize counter or the second big prize winning prize counter is “10” or more. It is determined whether or not the condition that the upper limit time for opening has passed (the big winning opening opening time timer is “0”) is satisfied. The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the first big prize winning port 39 or the second big prize winning port 41 when any one of the conditions is satisfied. Then, it is determined whether or not a condition that the special winning opening opening number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum winning opening opening number (the final round) is satisfied. When this condition is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval elapses, the setting of step S80 is performed. On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating the waiting time management before reopening the big winning opening to the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S77 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80. In this way, the main CPU 66 executes the big winning device (the first big winning opening 39 and the first winning mouth 39 and the second winning game) so as to execute the round game in the open state until the predetermined number of game balls have entered or released for a predetermined time. This is an example of a jackpot game control means for performing control for driving one shutter 40).

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

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

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the jackpot determination result is out of order when it is not in the jackpot gaming state. By setting “07” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S81 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the big hit gaming state, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Furthermore, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “04” and “05”, thereby performing the processing of steps S78 and S77 shown in FIG. Is executed at a predetermined timing, and the jackpot game is executed. When the jackpot game end condition is satisfied, “04”, “06”, and “07” are set in this order to execute the processing from step S78 to step S81 shown in FIG. 11 at a predetermined timing. The jackpot game will end.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101). If it is determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol memory check, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the control state flag is not a value indicating a special symbol memory check, this subroutine is terminated. To do.

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

  In step S103, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a variable for supplying a demonstration display command to the sub control circuit 200 in the main RAM 70 in order to perform a demonstration display. By sending this demonstration display command to the sub-control circuit 200 in the effect control command output control process of step S21 in FIG. 7, the sub-control circuit 200 displays the demo screen. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

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

  In step S105, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects a jackpot determination value stored in the jackpot determination table. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the jackpot determination value in the special symbol determination table (see FIG. 13). That is, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106. As described above, the main CPU 66 is an example of a game state determination unit that determines whether or not the game ball is shifted to the jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the game ball passes through the specific area (starting port 25) provided in the game area. It is.

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

  In step S106, a symbol determination process is executed. In this process, if the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot is determined in step S105, the main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot symbol determining random value extracted at the time of starting winning, and determines the special symbol based on the jackpot symbol determining random value. A special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is determined with reference to the table (see FIG. 13), and data indicating the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. According to the determined special symbol, the contents of the jackpot game and the contents of the game state after the jackpot game are also determined if the jackpot. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109. If the jackpot is not determined to be a big win (missing), the main RAM 70 stores data indicating the special symbol determined to be the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35.

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

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a special symbol variation pattern command from the variation pattern selection table stored in the main ROM 68 based on the special symbol determined in step S106. Specifically, a special symbol variation pattern command corresponding to the special symbol determined in step S106 is selected and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  The special symbol variation pattern command for effect stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S21 in FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

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

[Special symbol determination table]
The special symbol determination table stored in the main ROM 68 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows a special symbol determination table stored in the main ROM 68. In the low probability state, when the jackpot random number value is 7 and the jackpot symbol random number value is 0 to 4, the left symbol of the jackpot symbol is 6, the symbol of the right symbol is 4, the symbol designating command z0 is selected, the content is the jackpot, special The drawing lottery is in a high probability state, the number of rounds is 15R, the opening time is 30 seconds, indicating that the usual figure change will continue until the first big prize opening is opened and the next jackpot lottery is won (so-called probability change) 15R jackpot). In the low probability state, when the jackpot random number value is 7 and the jackpot symbol random number value is 5 or 6, the left symbol of the jackpot symbol is 5, the right symbol is 0, the symbol designation command z1 is selected, the content is a jackpot, special The drawing lottery is in a high probability state, the number of rounds is 2R, the opening time is 0.5 seconds, and it shows that the regular figure change continues until the second big prize opening is opened and the next jackpot lottery is won ( So-called sudden change, abbreviated for short). In the low probability state, when the jackpot random number value is 7 and the jackpot symbol random number value is 7-9, the left symbol of the jackpot symbol is 2, the symbol of the right symbol is 1, the symbol designation command z2 is selected, the content is a jackpot, special The drawing lottery is in a low probability state, the number of rounds is 15R, the opening time is 30 seconds, and the opening of the first grand prize opening and the continuation of the usual figure change is 100 rotations. In the case of a low probability state, when the jackpot random number value is other than the above, the symbol designation command z3 is selected, indicating that the content is out of place.

  In the case of a high probability state, when the jackpot random number value is 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, and the jackpot symbol random number value is 0 to 4, the jackpot symbol left symbol is 6, right symbol is 4, symbol design command z0 is It is selected, the content is a big win, the special drawing lottery is in a high probability state, the number of rounds is 15R, the opening time is 30 seconds, and the figure change will continue until the first big winning opening is opened and the next jackpot lottery is won (So-called probability variation 15R jackpot). In the case of a high probability state, when the jackpot random number value is 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and the jackpot symbol random number value is 5, 6, the jackpot symbol left symbol is 5, the right symbol is 0, and the symbol designation command z1 is It is selected, the content is a big win, the special drawing lottery is in a high probability state, the number of rounds is 2R, the opening time is 0.5 seconds, the opening of the second big prize opening, until the next jackpot lottery wins It shows that it will continue (so-called sudden probability change, abbreviated for short). In the case of a high probability state, when the jackpot random number value is 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, and the jackpot symbol random number value is 7 to 9, the jackpot symbol left symbol is 2, the right symbol is 1, symbol design command z2 is Selected, the content is a big win, the special drawing lottery is in a low probability state, the number of rounds is 15R, the opening time is 30 seconds, the opening of the first big prize opening, the continuation of the universal figure change is 100 rotations Yes. In the case of a high probability state, when the jackpot random number value is other than the above, the symbol designation command z3 is selected, indicating that the content is out of place. Thus, the main CPU 66 is an example of a game state determination unit that determines a game state after the end of the jackpot game when it is determined to shift to the jackpot game state.

[Payout process]
The payout process executed in step S22 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S900, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the value of the starting opening prize ball counter is greater than 0. If it is determined that the value is greater than 0, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S910. If it is not determined that the value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S920.

  In step S910, the main CPU 66 sets a prize ball command (returns three) to the transmission buffer (main RAM 70) and performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the start opening prize ball counter. If this process ends, the process moves to step S980.

  In step S920, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the value of the first grand prize winning ball counter is greater than 0. If it is determined that the value is greater than 0, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S930. If it is not determined that the value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S940.

  In step S930, the main CPU 66 performs a prize ball command setting process. The prize ball command setting process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to step S980.

  In step S940, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the value of the second grand prize winning ball counter is greater than 0. If it is determined that the value is greater than 0, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S950. If it is not determined that the value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S960.

  In step S950, the main CPU 66 sets a prize ball command (returns 15) in the transmission buffer (main RAM 70) and performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the second big prize mouth prize ball counter. If this process ends, the process moves to step S980.

  In step S960, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the value of the general winning opening prize ball counter is greater than 0. If it is determined that the value is greater than 0, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S970. If it is not determined that the value is greater than 0, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S970, the main CPU 66 sets a prize ball command (return 10) in the transmission buffer (main RAM 70), and performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the general prize opening prize ball counter. If this process ends, the process moves to step S980.

  In step S980, the main CPU 66 performs a process of transmitting a prize ball command to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Here, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not a delay flag (step S1020 in FIG. 15) is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When the delay flag is set, a process of transmitting a prize ball command to the payout / launch control circuit 126 is performed at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the time when the first count switch 104 detects the game ball. In the present embodiment, as the predetermined time, only the time from when the first count switch 104 detects the game ball to when the game ball passes through the conveyance path 510 and reaches one end of the guide path 512 is the predetermined time. A prize ball command is transmitted at a delayed timing. After the prize ball command is transmitted, processing for clearing the delay flag is performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. In this way, the main CPU 66 drives the payout device (payout device 128) based on the detection signal from the detection means (first count switch 104), and performs payout control for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls. It is an example of a control means. The main CPU 66 receives the detection signal from the detection means (the first count switch 104) and requires the game ball to pass through at least a predetermined area of the effect winning device (the effect winning device 500). It is an example of the payout control means which performs control which pays out a prize ball at the payout timing delayed until time.

[Prize ball command setting processing]
The prize ball command setting process executed in step S930 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 1010, the main CPU 66 performs a process of determining whether or not it is the first round or the final round based on the value of the special winning opening opening number counter stored in the main RAM 70. If it is determined that the current round is the first round or the last round (15 rounds), the process proceeds to step S1020. If it is not determined that the current round is the first round or the last round (15 rounds), the process proceeds to step S1030.

  In step S <b> 1020, the main CPU 66 performs a process for setting a delay flag in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to step S1040. In this way, the main CPU 66 pays out the winning ball at the payout timing (delayed payout timing) when the big winning device (the first big winning opening 39 and the first shutter 40) is executing the first round game. It is an example of the payout control means which performs the control to issue.

  In step S1030, the main CPU 66 performs a process of determining whether or not one round game has ended. If it is determined that one round game has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1040. If it is not determined that one round game has ended (during the round game), this subroutine is ended. As described above, the main CPU 66 is an example of a payout control unit that controls the payout device (the first big payout opening 39 and the first shutter 40) to pay out the prize balls after the round game is completed.

  In step S1040, the main CPU 66 sets a prize ball command (return 15) in the transmission buffer (main RAM 70), and performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the first big prize winning prize ball counter. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

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

  In step S1510, initialization processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 reads the activation program from the program ROM 208 and initializes and sets a flag stored in the work RAM 210 in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1520.

  In step S1520, random number update processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating the random number stored in the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1530.

  In step S1530, command analysis control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for analyzing commands received from the main control circuit 60 and stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 210. Specifically, when receiving a reception command from the main control circuit 60, the command data stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 210 is read, and the contents of various effects are determined based on the contents designated by the command data. Do. Details of this processing will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to step S1540.

  In step S1540, display control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 updates data to be transmitted to the display control circuit 250 in order to perform display on the liquid crystal display device 32. In the display control circuit 250, the VDP 212 receives various image data such as background image data, effect image data, and fluctuating speed setting image data based on data for displaying the effect image from the sub CPU 206. And are superimposed on each other and displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. If this process ends, the process moves to step S1550.

  In step S1550, a sound control process is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for outputting sound to the sound control circuit 230. The sound control circuit 230 reads various sound data such as music data, sound effect data, and voice data from the sound data ROM 234 based on the data for outputting the sound from the sub CPU 206, superimposes the sound, and uses the AMP 236. Amplified and output from the speaker 46. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1560.

  In step S1560, lamp control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for lighting the lamp to the drive circuit 240 in this process. The drive circuit 240 reads various lighting pattern data from the decoration data ROM 244 based on the data for lighting the lamp from the sub CPU 206 and lights the lamp 132. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1570.

  In step S1570, effect control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process for controlling other effects other than the display system, the sound system, and the lamp system. For example, control for driving the production drive motor 530 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1520.

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

  In step S1610, a process for saving the register is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of saving the program being executed stored in each register (storage area). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1620.

  In step S1620, the input command is stored in the reception buffer. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of storing the input command in the reception buffer area of the work RAM 210. In this process, the stored command is analyzed in the process of step S1530 in FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1630.

  In step S1630, a process for restoring the register is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for restoring the program saved in step S1610 to each register. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Command analysis control processing]
The command analysis control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 1710, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for determining whether a command is received from the main control circuit 60 with reference to the reception buffer. If it is determined that a command has been received from the main control circuit 60, the process proceeds to step S1720. If it is not determined that a command has been received from the main control circuit 60, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S <b> 1720, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for reading and analyzing the received command from the main control circuit 60. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1730.

  In step S1730, processing for determining whether or not 15 rounds are a big hit is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not 15 rounds are big hit based on the read command. If it is determined that the game is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1750. If it is not determined that it is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1780.

  In step S1750, processing for determining whether the first round or the fifteenth round is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether the first round or the 15th round. If it is determined that the first round or the 15th round, the process proceeds to step S1770. If it is not determined that the first round or the 15th round (2nd to 14th rounds), the process proceeds to step S1760. As described above, the sub CPU 206 puts the discharging unit (the guide path 512 and the discharging device 520) into the discharging state when the large winning device (the first big winning port 39 and the first shutter 40) is executing the first round game. It is an example of the switching control means which performs control to switch.

  In step S1760, a process for determining whether or not the round game is to be ended is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 reads out a command indicating that the main control circuit 60 satisfies a round game end condition (10 winnings, or 30 seconds of release) from the reception buffer, so that one round game is performed. The process of determining whether or not has been completed. If it is determined that the round game is to end, the process proceeds to step S1770. If it is not determined that the jackpot game will end, this subroutine ends. In this way, the sub CPU 206 switches the discharging unit (the guide path 512 and the discharging device 520) to the storage state when the big winning device (the first big winning port 39 and the first shutter 40) is executing a round game, It is an example of the switching control means which performs control which switches to a discharge state when a round game is complete | finished.

  In step S1770, processing for driving the discharge device 520 is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating data in the work RAM 210 so as to drive the discharge device 520 in step S1570 shown in FIG. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. As described above, the sub CPU 206 is an example of a switching control unit that performs control for switching the discharge unit (the guide path 512 and the discharge device 520) to the storage state or the discharge state.

  In step S <b> 1780, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting effect data corresponding to the received command in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Based on these data, various effects are executed in the processing from step S1540 to step S1570 in FIG. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Game board in jackpot game]
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the game board during the jackpot game. In the first round in the 15 round jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 19, the first grand prize winning port 39 is opened, the character image 91 for informing the number of rounds, the identification symbol 94 used for the jackpot notification, etc. are displayed on the liquid crystal display. It is displayed in the display area of the device 32. It is a condition for winning a prize ball to operate the launch handle 26 and win a game ball in the first big prize opening 39 during the big hit game. Here, since the delay flag (step S1020 in FIG. 18) is set in the first round, the first grand prize opening 39 enters the ball by the processing in step S980 in FIG. The award ball is paid out after a predetermined time from when the first count switch 104 provided in the vicinity of has detected a game ball. Further, in the first round, since the stage winning prize device 500 is operating during the round game, the game ball is placed in the stage winning prize apparatus 500 at a timing substantially coincident with the timing of paying out the prize ball. The ball enters and is fired on the left side of the game board 14. As a result, the player feels that the prize ball is paid out when the game ball enters the production big prize device 500. In addition, since the entire game board 14 is based on a permeable member, a state in which a game ball enters the production grand prize winning device 500 and a state in which the production grand prize winning device 500 is firing a game ball are shown. It becomes visible. In the present embodiment, the game balls are awarded to the first grand prize opening 39 in the first round, so that the payout timing is slightly delayed, but the winning balls are successively given according to the balls entered into the first big prize opening 39. Since the payout is executed, even if there are few balls at the time of the big hit, if it is possible to enter the first big winning opening 39, it is possible to surely digest the first round and the second and subsequent rounds Can be surely digested. Further, FIG. 19 illustrates the first round, but the same prize ball payout is also executed in the fifteenth round. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time for which the prize ball payout is executed after the 15th round is completed.

  In the 2nd to 14th rounds, for example, at the beginning of the 10th round game, as shown in FIG. 20, the first grand prize opening 39 is opened. On the other hand, the process of step S1760 shown in FIG. As a result, during the round game, the production grand prize winning device 500 does not perform the launch operation, so that the game balls that have entered the first big prize opening 39 during the round game are stored in the transport path 510. . In addition, during the round game, the first big prize opening addition counter is added, but since the prize ball command is not set by the process of step S1030 shown in FIG. 15, no prize ball payout is executed.

  After the round game of 10 rounds, as shown in FIG. 21, an effect image 96 between round intervals is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32, and the first grand prize opening 39 is closed. The processing of step S1760 shown in FIG. 18 causes the stage prize winning device 500 to perform a firing operation after the round game ends, and the game balls stored in the transport path 510 during the round game are on the left side of the game board 14. Fired. Here, it is desirable that the game balls are fired by the effect grand prize winning device 500 (discharge device 520) at a speed at which all can be discharged during the big hit round interval. Thereby, it is possible to shift to the next round game in a state where there is no game ball on the transport path 510. Further, after the round game is over, a prize ball command is set by the process of step S1030 shown in FIG. 15, and prize ball payout is executed until the first big prize opening addition counter becomes zero. Thereby, since the execution of the prize ball payout and the start of the launch operation of the production grand prize winning device 500 substantially coincide with each other, the player launches the game ball to the production big prize winning device 500, It feels like a prize ball is paid out.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to what was mentioned above. For example, the game state (probability change, time reduction) may be notified, for example, by synchronizing the launch of the game ball by the production grand prize winning device 500 and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 32. In addition, the configuration of the production grand prize winning device 500 is not limited to that described above, and the prize ball payout is executed by delaying the timing of prize ball payout and the game ball passing through the production grand prize winning device 500. As long as it can be seen as such, there is no particular configuration question. In the embodiment described above, in the 2nd to 14th rounds, the payout is executed after the end of the round game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning ball payout may be executed at a slightly earlier timing. For example, the prize ball payout may be executed when, for example, seven game balls enter the first big winning opening 39 or when the opening time has passed 25 seconds. Further, according to the present embodiment, the transport path 510 is formed in a substantially L shape, but the configuration of the transport path 510 is not limited to a substantially L shape. For example, by forming it in a spiral shape, it is possible to entertain the player that the game ball flows down while drawing a spiral.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the case of two rounds of big hit (suddenly probable change), the second grand prize winning opening 41 is opened, so that when a game ball enters the stage grand prize winning device 500, 15 rounds. Although limited to jackpots, the present invention is not limited to that described above. For example, in a 15-round jackpot, either the first grand prize opening 39 or the second big prize opening 41 is selected, and when the second big prize opening 41 is selected, The prize ball payout may be executed at the timing when the game ball enters.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the jackpot game, when the game ball passes through the big winning device (the first big winning port 39 and the first shutter 40), the prize ball is not paid out and the game is played. A prize ball is paid out at a timing when a predetermined area of a prize winning device for production (large prize winning device for production 500) provided behind the board is passed. For this reason, it is shown to the player that the winning ball payout is performed due to the entry into the stage winning device, not the stage winning device, in other words, whether the stage winning device is a big winning device. It becomes possible to look like. Furthermore, since the effect winning device is arranged behind the game board, the effect winning device can be configured using a wide area, and thus the design of the effect winning device can be improved. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to visually recognize a game ball entering the stage winning device (the stage winning prize device 500) via the game board. For example, a predetermined area of the stage winning device is provided. By performing an effect using the game ball on the route until the game ball arrives, it is possible to adopt a novel design of performing a jackpot effect using the game ball. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the game balls stored in the storage unit (conveying path 510) are discharged to make the player feel as if a large amount of prize balls are being paid out, so that a large winning device ( It becomes possible to give a player a stronger impact than when paying out a winning ball every time a winning is made to the first big winning opening 39 and the first shutter 40). In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in the first round game (first round) at the start of the jackpot game, the winning ball is paid out in accordance with the winning to the big winning device (the first big winning opening 39 and the first shutter 40). By performing the control to be performed, for example, even when the number of game balls owned is small at the time of starting the jackpot game, it is possible to continue the jackpot game by entering the big winning device. Then, by discharging the game balls stored in the storage unit in the subsequent rounds, it becomes possible for the player to feel as if a large amount of prize balls are being paid out. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a large winning device with a novel design can be installed.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when another big winning device (the second big winning port 41 and the second shutter 42) is used when shifting to the jackpot game, the winning device for production (the big winning device for production 500). It is also possible to play a jackpot game without using, and the variation of the jackpot game can be increased. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of installing a big winning device of a novel design that executes jackpot games of different types.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. That is, the present invention mainly relates to a game board having a game area where a game ball rolls, and whether the game ball transitions to a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player when the game ball passes through a specific area provided in the game area. A game state determining means for determining whether or not, a big winning device provided at an upper part of the board surface of the gaming board and opening the game ball so as to be able to enter in the jackpot gaming state, and a game ball that has passed through the big winning device Detecting means for detecting a game signal, and an effect winning device provided at the rear of the gaming board for receiving a game ball that has passed through the big winning device in the jackpot gaming state, and a game ball A payout device for paying out, and a payout control means for driving the payout device based on a detection signal from the detection means to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls, the payout control means, in front Control is performed to pay out a prize ball at a payout timing delayed until a time required for the game ball to pass through at least a predetermined area of the effect winning device after receiving the detection signal from the detection means. The specific configurations of the game board, the game state determining means, the big winning device, the detecting means, the effect winning device, the payout device, the payout control means, and the like can be changed as appropriate.

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

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the principal part structure of the large winning device for presentation of 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 a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the special symbol determination table used in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view of the game board surface in the jackpot game of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view of the game board surface in the jackpot game of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view of the game board surface in the jackpot game of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machine 14 Game board 25 Start port 26 Launch handle 32 Liquid crystal display device 33 Normal symbol display 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d Special symbol hold display LED
35 Special symbol display 39 First big prize opening 40 First shutter 41 Second big prize opening 42 Second shutter 48 Normal electric accessory 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
68 Main ROM
70 Main RAM
94 Identification symbol 104 First count switch 105 Second count switch 106, 108, 110, 112 General winning port switch 116 Starting winning port switch 118 Starting port solenoid 120 First large winning port solenoid 121 Second large winning port solenoid 126 Dispensing / Launch Control Circuit 130 Launch Device 200 Sub Control Circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM
240 drive control circuit 250 display control circuit 500 large winning device 510 for production 510 conveyance path 512 guide path 520 discharge device 540 decorative member

Claims (5)

A game board having a game area in which a game ball rolls;
Game state determining means for determining whether or not to shift to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player when the game ball passes through a specific area provided in the gaming area;
A large winning device that is provided on an upper surface of the game board and that is opened so that a game ball can enter in the jackpot gaming state;
Detecting means for detecting a game ball that has passed through the award winning device and outputting a detection signal;
A prize-winning device for performance that is provided behind the game board and into which a game ball that has passed through the grand prize-winning device in the jackpot gaming state enters;
A payout device for paying out game balls;
A payout control means for driving the payout device based on a detection signal from the detection means, and for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls,
The payout control means pays out a prize ball at a payout timing delayed until a time required for the game ball to pass through at least a predetermined area of the effect winning device after receiving the detection signal from the detection means. A gaming machine characterized by performing control.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming board has transparency in a region facing the winning device for presentation. The effect winning device includes a storage unit that stores the game balls that have passed through the large winning device, a storage state that holds the game balls stored in the storage unit in the storage unit, and a game ball that is stored in the storage unit. A discharge unit that switches to any one of the discharge states for discharging toward a predetermined area of the stage winning device;
Further, a jackpot game control means for controlling the driving of the big winning device so as to execute a round game to be in an open state a plurality of times until the predetermined number of game balls have entered or released for a predetermined time,
Switching control means for performing control to switch the discharge unit to a storage state or a discharge state,
The switching control means performs control to switch the discharging unit to a storage state when the grand prize winning device is executing a round game, and to switch to a discharging state when the round game is finished,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the payout control means performs a control for the prize winning device to pay out a prize ball after the round game is completed. The switching control means performs control to switch the discharging unit to a discharging state when the big winning device is executing a first round game,
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the payout control means performs control for paying out a prize ball at the payout timing when the large winning device is executing a first round game.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein another big winning device is arranged below the big winning device.

Images