JP2009240666A - Game machine and game medium dispensing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which allows players to play game at ease by eliminating worry about the consumption of a large number of game balls in the game machine offering a plurality of jackpot game states, and to provide a game medium dispensing unit. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 1 sets the normal jackpot, the variable probability jackpot and a minor win as the jackpot mode. In addition, after the subscription to the insurance function, when the normal jackpot or the variable probability jackpot is generated, the insurance function is released. Meanwhile, when the minor win is generated, the insurance function is maintained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine and a game medium lending device provided side by side.

  Game machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines, which are bullet ball machines, are often played for the purpose of increasing or decreasing game balls and medals. In addition to the increase / decrease of such game balls and the like, it is widely practiced to increase the interest of the game to the player by performing effect display on a liquid crystal display device or the like.

  Further, a conventional pachinko gaming machine is known that has a big hit gaming state in which many prize balls can be obtained and a normal gaming state in which there are few opportunities to obtain prize balls. In general, the number of game balls owned by the player in the big hit game state increases, and the number of game balls owned by the player decreases in the normal game state. In this way, the player can enjoy the fun by increasing or decreasing the number of game balls.

  In this pachinko gaming machine, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state when in the normal gaming state, and the identification symbol is displayed in a variable manner during the lottery. When the variation display of the identification symbol becomes a definite display, a notification is made as to whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, and when the variation display changes to the definite display, one variation display is completed.

  By the way, in this kind of pachinko gaming machine, there is a thing that does not have a high probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state, and the normal gaming state may continue for a long time. When the normal gaming state continues for a long time as described above, the game becomes bored and the burden on the player to borrow the game ball increases. In order to prevent the continuation of the normal gaming state over a long period of time, there are known gaming machines with multiple hits in the big hit gaming state and so-called medium hits and small hits with a small number of payout balls in addition to the normal big hit (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Furthermore, if there is no transition to the big hit gaming state for a predetermined period, there is also a gaming machine that shifts to a so-called probabilistic gaming state that easily shifts to the big hit gaming state and promotes the transition to the big hit gaming state to rescue the player It is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, as a general rule, when the balance of the prepaid card is 0, it is not possible to borrow a game ball. However, normally, it shifts to a big hit game state and the game ball remains on the upper plate of the game machine. A game medium lending device that lends game balls based on the value of the prepaid card itself is known only when there is no such card (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In this specific value return determination means, a measure is usually taken to provide relief so as not to cause a situation where a prepaid card is newly purchased even though the game is in a big hit gaming state.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-126031 JP 2000-37515 A JP 2000-254335 A

  However, the so-called medium hits and small hits in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 are set with a small number of payout prize balls. For this reason, although it contributes to prevention of tiredness for the player, there is a problem that it cannot make a great contribution from the viewpoint of preventing loss of the game ball. Further, in the gaming machine disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, medium hits and small hits occur relatively frequently. For this reason, for example, even if the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a relief function in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is unlikely that the game machine will not shift to the big hit gaming state for a long time. Therefore, when there is no transition to the big hit gaming state for a predetermined time, there is a low possibility of receiving a relief of changing to the probability changing gaming state that is easy to shift to the big hit gaming state. As a result, the player is always concerned about spending a large amount of game balls, and there is a problem that it is difficult to play the game with peace of mind.

  In addition, even if an attempt is made to provide the relief function in the gaming medium lending device disclosed in Patent Document 3 in Patent Document 1, since it is generally difficult for big hits to occur, the possibility of receiving relief in the end is low. There was a problem of becoming. As a result, the player is always concerned about spending a large amount of game balls, and there is a problem that it is difficult to play the game with peace of mind.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a plurality of jackpot gaming states in which a player can worry about consumption of a large amount of game balls and can play a game with peace of mind. Another object is to provide a game medium lending device.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention that has solved the above-described problems is provided with a first advantageous state generating means for generating a first advantageous state that is advantageous to a player when a predetermined first advantageous condition is satisfied, and a predetermined first In a gaming machine comprising: a second advantageous state generating means that generates a second advantageous state that is advantageous to the player when the two advantageous conditions are satisfied and has a different advantageous value from the first advantageous state; A gaming state changing means for changing the gaming state from the initial gaming state to the specific gaming state when a predetermined relief preparation condition is satisfied, and a change of the gaming state from the initial gaming state to the specific gaming state by the gaming state changing means A game state storage means for storing specific game state change information, and a state in which the specific game state change information is stored in the game state storage means, and a predetermined relief activation condition is satisfied before the first advantageous state occurs If When a first advantageous state occurs in a state in which specific gaming state change information is stored in the gaming state storage unit and a predetermined value giving unit that gives a predetermined value to the player, the gaming state is set to the initial game. A gaming state initialization determining means for determining to change to a state, and a specification stored in the gaming state storage means when it is determined by the gaming state initialization determining means to change the gaming state to the initial gaming state Gaming state information erasing means for erasing the gaming state change information, gaming state initialization means for changing the gaming state to the initial gaming state when the specific gaming state changing information is erased by the gaming state information erasing means, and gaming state When the second advantageous state occurs when the specific gaming state change information is stored in the storage means, the specific gaming state is maintained.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the specific gaming state change information is stored in the gaming state storage means, and includes a first advantageous state and a second advantageous state as advantageous states (big hit gaming state). Yes. Among these, a predetermined value is given when a predetermined relief activation condition is satisfied before the first advantageous state occurs. Further, when the first advantageous state occurs during the specific gaming state, the gaming state is changed from the specific gaming state to the initial gaming state, but when the second advantageous state occurs, the gaming state is changed to the specific gaming state. I try to keep it in a state. For this reason, even if the second advantageous state occurs in the specific gaming state, a predetermined value is given to the player by the subsequent occurrence of the first advantageous state. Therefore, in a gaming machine provided with a plurality of big hit gaming states, it is possible to eliminate the worry about the consumption of a large amount of game balls and allow the player to play with peace of mind. Moreover, since the first advantageous state occurs, the specific gaming state is changed to the initial gaming state, so that a predetermined value can be prevented from being excessively given to the player.

  Here, the second advantageous state generated by the second advantageous state generating means may be an advantageous state having an advantageous value smaller than the first advantageous state generated by the first advantageous state generating means.

  If the specific gaming state is maintained in an advantageous state having a large advantageous value, a predetermined value is given while receiving the large advantageous value. For this reason, the profit given to the player becomes too large. In this regard, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the advantageous value of the second advantageous state is smaller than the advantageous value of the first advantageous state, so that in the second advantageous state having a small advantageous value, the specific gaming state Will be maintained. For this reason, since the predetermined value is given while receiving a small advantageous value, it is possible to prevent the profit given to the player from becoming too large.

  On the other hand, the gaming medium lending device according to the present invention that has solved the above-described problem has first advantageous state generating means for generating a first advantageous state that is advantageous to the player when a predetermined first advantageous condition is satisfied. And a second advantageous state generating means for generating a second advantageous state that is advantageous to the player when the predetermined second advantageous condition is satisfied and has a different advantageous value from the first advantageous state. Value value reading means that is attached to the gaming machine, reads the value related information stored in the storage medium, and can specify the value based on the value related information read from the storage medium, and is specified by the value reading means In a game medium lending device comprising a game medium lending device for lending a game medium to a player within a range of value, the control state is identified from the initial control state when a predetermined repair preparation condition is satisfied Control state change means for changing to the control state, control state storage means for storing the specific control state change information regarding the change of the control state from the initial control state to the specific control state by the control state change means, and output from the gaming machine Specified in an advantageous state generation signal input means for inputting a first advantageous state generation signal indicating that a first advantageous state has occurred and a second advantageous state generation signal indicating that a second advantageous state has occurred, and a control state storage means When the control state change information is stored and a predetermined relief activation condition is satisfied before the first advantageous state occurrence signal is input to the advantageous state occurrence signal input means, The first advantageous state generation signal is generated by the advantageous state generation signal input means when the specific control state change information is stored in the control state storage means. Control state initialization determining means for determining that the control state is to be changed to the initial control state, and when the control state initialization determining means is determined to change the control state to the initial control state. The control state information erasing means for erasing the specific control state change information stored in the control state storage means, and when the specific control state change information is erased by the control state information erasing means, the control state is set to the initial control state. When the second advantageous state generation signal is input by the advantageous state generation signal input means when the control state initialization means to be changed and the specific control state change information is stored in the control state storage means, the specific control state It is characterized by maintaining.

  In the gaming medium lending device according to the present invention, the gaming machine provided side by side includes a first advantageous state and a second advantageous state as advantageous states (big hit gaming state). Among these, the specific control state change information is stored in the control state storage means, and an advantageous state generation signal is sent to the first advantageous state generation signal input means when the first advantageous state is generated in the game machine provided side by side. A predetermined value is given when a predetermined relief activation condition is satisfied before is input. When the first advantageous state occurs during the specific control state, the control state is changed from the specific control state to the initial control state. When the second advantageous state occurs, the control state is changed to the specific control state. I try to keep it in a state. For this reason, even if the second advantageous state occurs in the gaming machine provided in the specific control state, a predetermined value is given to the player by the subsequent occurrence of the first advantageous state. Therefore, in a game medium lending device provided with a plurality of game machines provided with a big hit game state, it is possible to eliminate a worry about consumption of a large amount of game balls and allow a player to play a game with peace of mind. . Further, since the first advantageous state occurs, the specific control state is changed to the initial control state, so that a predetermined value can be prevented from being excessively given to the player.

  Here, the second advantageous state generated by the second advantageous state generating means in the side-mounted game machine is an aspect in which the advantageous value is smaller than the first advantageous state generated by the first advantageous state generating means. be able to.

  If the specific control state is maintained when the gaming machine provided side by side is in an advantageous state with a large advantageous value, a predetermined value is given while receiving the large advantageous value. For this reason, the profit given to the player becomes too large. In this respect, in the gaming medium lending device according to the present invention, the advantage value of the second advantageous state is smaller than the advantageous value of the first advantageous state, so that it is specified in the second advantageous state having a small advantageous value. The gaming state will be maintained. For this reason, since the predetermined value is given while receiving a small advantageous profit, the advantage given to the player can be prevented from becoming too large.

  According to the gaming machine and the gaming medium renting apparatus according to the present invention, in a gaming machine provided with a plurality of jackpot gaming states, the player is prevented from worrying about the consumption of a large amount of gaming balls and can play the game with peace of mind. Can be done.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
First, the first embodiment will be described. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board shown in FIG.

(Composition of gaming machine)
A pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer frame 2 that is housed and installed in a predetermined installation frame of a game hall (hall). A base door (inner frame) 3 is provided on the front side of the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 2, and a game board 4 shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated in the base door 3. It is. A front door 5 is provided in front of the outer frame 2. The front door 5 covers the front of the game board 4 and is rotatably installed on the front side of the base door 3.

  In addition, when a prepaid card P or the like is inserted into the pachinko gaming machine 1, a card unit 100, which is a game medium lending device configured to lend a game ball in accordance with the balance of the prepaid card, is adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is also attached.

  The front door 5 is provided with a glass plate 5a in a substantially entire area at the center thereof so that the game board 4 inside thereof can be visually recognized. Below the front door 5, a ball lending operation panel 28 having a ball lending operation related button for performing a card return operation of the card unit 100, a lending (ball lending) operation of a game ball, and the like is provided. The ball lending operation panel 28 includes a ball lending button 28a for performing a lending operation, a card discharge button 28b for discharging the prepaid card P inserted in the card unit 100, and a prepaid card P inserted in the card unit 100. A frequency indicator 28c is provided for indicating the remaining balance. Furthermore, an operation button 29 that can be operated by the player is provided. The operation button 29 is operable by the player, and when the player operates the operation button 29, an operation signal is transmitted from the operation button 29 to the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 described later. The operation buttons 29 constitute operation means.

  A dish panel 6 that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2 is installed below the front door 5. On the front side of the tray panel 6, there are an upper ball 6a for receiving a game ball lent out by the card unit 100 and a game ball to be paid out when entering a winning opening described later, and a ball outlet when the upper plate 6a is full. A lower plate 6b for receiving a game ball overflowing inward of 6d and a launch handle 6c provided on the right side of the lower plate 6b are arranged. The upper plate 6a is provided with a game ball detection sensor BS for detecting a game ball placed on the upper plate 6a. The game ball detection sensor BS transmits a game ball detection signal to the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 when a game ball in the upper plate 6 a is detected.

  Furthermore, the upper tray 6a is provided with an inlet opening / closing device 7 (see FIG. 5) provided with an inlet 7A when an operation for taking in a game ball placed on the upper tray 6a is performed. . The intake opening / closing device 7 is provided with a game ball intake shutter 7B that opens and closes the intake opening 7A, and the intake opening 7A is opened when the game ball intake shutter is turned on. In addition, when the game ball take-in shutter is turned off, the take-in port 7A is closed. The intake opening / closing device 7 constitutes a game medium take-in means.

  The intake opening / closing device 7 is provided with an intake ball counting switch 6S (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball taken into the intake port. The take-in ball count switch 6 </ b> S transmits a game ball detection signal to the payout / launch CPU 81 when a game ball taken in from the take-in opening / closing device 7 is detected.

  The launch handle 6c is for launching a game ball received by the upper plate 6a, and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the plate panel 6. The player operates the launch handle 6c to play a pachinko game. Can proceed. When the firing handle 6c is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise, power is supplied to the firing motor provided on the back side of the firing handle 6c according to the turning angle. Then, the game balls are sequentially fired on the game board 4.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 8 provided on the left side of the game board 4, moves to the upper part of the game board 4, and then advances by collision with a game nail or the like. It flows down toward the lower side of the game board 4 while changing the direction.

  The game board 4 is formed with a game area 4a (see FIG. 2) in which a game ball flows down in a game state, and a number of game nails that change the flow direction of the game ball in the game area 4a. Is provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a start winning opening 9 is provided on the game area 4a on the center line that divides the game board surface to the left and right and slightly below the center in the height direction. Yes. Furthermore, a normal symbol operating gate 10 is provided at a position slightly to the left of the center line and slightly above the center in the height direction. Further, a normal symbol operating gate 10 is also provided at a position slightly on the right side of the center line and slightly above the center in the height direction.

  Furthermore, a large winning opening 11 is provided at a position slightly below the starting winning opening 9, and general winning openings 12a to 12d are provided on the sides of the starting winning opening 9. Further, an out port 14 is provided at the lower end of the central portion of the game area 4a.

  In the start winning opening 9, a game ball can be won. The start winning port 9 is provided with a start winning port switch 9S (FIG. 5). When a game ball wins the start winning port 9, the start winning port switch 9S detects the game ball. When the start winning port switch 9S detects a game ball, the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 extracts a jackpot determining random number value for determining a big hit.

  The normal symbol actuating gate 10 is a passing gate serving as a trigger for extracting a normal hit determination random value on condition that the gaming ball has passed and the gaming ball has passed. When the game state becomes the game state per normal symbol by extracting the random number for determining normal hit, the pair of blades (ordinary electric accessory, tulip) 9a provided in the start winning opening 9 is a predetermined number of seconds. Opening and closing makes it easier to win a prize.

  The jackpot 11 is a so-called attacker-type opening / closing device that performs jackpot determination based on the above-mentioned random number for jackpot determination, and a special symbol as identification information becomes a jackpot display result, and the gaming state becomes a jackpot state. The closed shutter opens and closes in a predetermined manner, and when a game ball enters (wins), a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are used as a winning opening as a trigger to be paid out as a prize ball. ing.

  The general winning ports 12a to 12d are winning ports that serve as triggers for a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 10) to be paid out as winning balls when a gaming ball enters (wins). These general winning ports 12 a to 12 d are provided on the translucent substrate 15.

  The out port 14 receives a game ball that has not entered any of the start winning port 9, the big winning port 11, the general winning ports 12a to 12d, and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the game board 4 includes a translucent substrate 15. The translucent substrate 15 is formed of synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or other transparent member (translucent member). It has a transparent part. Here, the “transparent member” means a member having a light transmittance of 100% or a light transmittance that is high enough to visually recognize the object through the member. Most of the game area 4a of this embodiment is a transparent game area. A game nail is fixed to the translucent substrate 15 with at least a tip embedded therein, and an area formed by the translucent substrate 15 and the glass plate 5a of the front door 5 is a game area 4a. . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a liquid crystal display device 16, which is an effect executing means having a large screen display area 16 a for displaying various image information, is disposed on the back side of the translucent substrate 15. ing. That is, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 is displayed by the player through the part where the game nail in the substantially center of the translucent substrate 15 is not provided and the part where the game nail around it is provided. It can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the decorative design D is variably displayed in the display area 16a. The decorative design D is variably displayed and then fixedly displayed. The decorative design D is displayed largely at the center of the display area 16a. The decorative symbol D is a symbol string composed of a plurality of three-digit numeral strings having three symbol elements in the present embodiment, and has a left symbol DL, a middle symbol DC, and a right symbol DR as symbol elements. The decorative symbol D is configured by a combination of the left symbol DL, the middle symbol DC, and the right symbol DR, which are these symbol elements.

  All of the symbol elements DR, DC, DL in the decorative symbol D are in the order of “0” → “1” → “2” →... → “9” → “0” → “1” →. Sequentially variably displayed at high speed. The decorative symbol D is displayed in a suspended manner in the order of the left symbol DL, the right symbol DR, and the middle symbol DC after the variable display. The left symbol DL, the middle symbol DC, and the right symbol DR are stopped and displayed to be confirmed. In addition, the “variable display” here is a concept that is displayed in a variable manner, for example, “variable display” that is actually changed, “stop display” that is actually stopped, and the like. Is possible.

  On the other hand, in addition to the decorative pattern D, a background image, a character image, and the like are displayed in the display area 16a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has speakers 18L and 18R that output sound effects and voices for notifying the player that a predetermined gaming state has been reached, above the liquid crystal display device 16. As shown in FIG. 4, at the lower part of the game board 4, decorative lamps 19L and 19R for notifying that a predetermined game state is turned on / off in a predetermined pattern, and the card unit 100 described above are lent out. A payout device 85 (see FIG. 5) for paying out the game ball, which becomes a winning ball by winning the game ball and the start winning port 9, the big winning port 11, and the general winning ports 12a to 12d to the upper plate 6a, is provided. .

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 3, it is advantageous to the player and has a high expectation degree to obtain more prize balls than the normal gaming state, and gives the player a specific profit. A main control board 21 having a main control circuit 30 for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous state (a big hit gaming state), a sub control board 22 having a sub control circuit 40 for controlling effects such as video and audio, and a game ball A payout / launch control board 23 provided with a payout / launch control circuit 80 for controlling the payout / launching of power, a power supply unit 24 for supplying power, a power switch 25, and a backup clear switch 26 are arranged.

  An external output terminal plate 27 is provided on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A communication line (not shown) is connected to the external output terminal plate 27 and is connected to the card unit 100. The external output terminal board 27 outputs a symbol determination signal and a big hit signal generated in the main control circuit 30 to the card unit 100. The external output terminal board 27 constitutes a fluctuation display end signal output means.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, four special symbol reservation lamps R1 to R4 for notifying the number of reserved balls are provided at the top of the display area 16a, and two special symbol reservation lamps R1 and R2 on the left side are provided. A special symbol display device 16b, which is a variable display device for displaying the special symbol J and the normal symbol N, is provided between the two special symbol holding lamps R3 and R4 on the right side. The special symbol J is a symbol indicating the result of the determination of whether or not it is a big hit. As the special symbol J, four types of symbols “−”, “H”, “F”, and “T” are displayed. Moreover, the normal symbol N is displayed by the color of the LED lamp arrange | positioned to the side of the display position of the special symbol J. Further, normal symbol holding lamps r1 to r4 are provided between the special symbol display device 16b and the display area 16a. The special symbol display device 16b suspends and displays the special symbol J and the normal symbol N after variably displaying them. The special symbol J and the normal symbol N are variably displayed and then stopped. A fixed display is made by this stop display. The special symbol display device 16b constitutes variable display means.

  Among these special symbols J, “H” and “F” are jackpot special symbols. In particular, “H” is usually a special jackpot special symbol, and “F” is a special jackpot special symbol. In addition, “−” is a special symbol that is off. Further, “T” is a so-called small hit special symbol. Further, as the normal symbol N, the normal symbol is shifted when the LED lamp is lit red, and becomes the normal symbol when it is lit green.

  The decorative symbol D that is stopped and displayed in the display area 16a corresponds to the special symbol J. When the special symbol J is “−” or “T”, the three-digit numeric string is not a double digit. When the special symbol J is “H” and the special symbol J is “H”, the even-numbered three-digit number string (usually big hit symbol) is stopped and the special symbol J is “F”. In some cases, an odd number 3 digit string (probable big hit winning symbol) is stopped and displayed.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing mainly the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the card unit. The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a plurality of components centering on the main control circuit 30, the sub control circuit 40, the payout / launch control circuit 80, and the power supply unit 24 described above. 30, sub-control circuit 40 and payout / launch control circuit 80 are connected to each other, and power can be supplied to each.

(Main control circuit configuration)
The main control circuit 30 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and a main RAM (Random Access Memory) 33. In addition, the main control circuit 30 includes an initial reset circuit 34 and a command output port 35. ing.

  The main CPU 31 inputs a detection signal of a game ball from a count switch 11CS, which will be described later, and operates according to a control program stored in the main ROM 32, so that a pachinko game such as a big hit lottery in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or a prize ball discharge It controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 and transmits various commands to the sub control circuit 40 and the payout / launch control circuit 80 via the command output port 35.

  The main CPU 31 performs transition control between a normal gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player and a jackpot gaming state that is an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the result of the big hit lottery or the digestion of the gaming state. ing. Further, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state based on the detection of the game ball by the start winning opening switch 9S, and winning the big hit lottery is determined from the normal gaming state. This is a predetermined advantageous condition for shifting to the big hit gaming state.

  In addition to the normal game state and the big hit game state, the game state is set to a promising game state that is more advantageous to the player because it is easier to shift to the big hit game state than the normal game state. In the probability variation gaming state, the winning probability of the big hit lottery in the main CPU 31 is set higher than that in the normal gaming state to make it easier to shift to the big hit gaming state. In addition, during the probability variation gaming state, there is a case where a transition to the short-time gaming state may occur. The short-time gaming state shortens the variation time of the normal symbol than the normal gaming state (non-variable shortened gaming state), makes it easier to open the blade 9a of the start winning opening 9, and in some cases sets the probability of winning the normal symbol high. In addition, the blade 9a of the start winning opening 9 can be easily opened to increase the winning ratio to the start winning opening 9.

  The main CPU 31 shifts the gaming state to the probability-changing gaming state after the probability-changing big hit gaming state is completed. Further, after the normal big hit gaming state is ended, the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state. The probable gaming state continues until the next big hit lottery is won. Furthermore, when shifting to the probabilistic gaming state, when shifting to the short-time gaming state, the short-time gaming state is continued until the next big win lottery is won or until a predetermined number of, for example, 100 special symbol variations are displayed. To do. As described above, the main CPU 31 controls which of the gaming states is shifted to. Further, when the main CPU 31 shifts to the probability variation gaming state and the short time gaming state, the main CPU 31 performs control to shorten the variation display time of the special symbol.

  The main ROM 32 stores an insurance plan table shown in FIG. 7A and an insurance return plan determination table shown in FIG. Based on the operation signal transmitted from the operation button 29, the main CPU 31 determines the type of insurance plan participation or insurance return plan. The insurance plan table shown in FIG. 7 (a) includes the number of game balls collected as insurance participation conditions, the ceiling indicating the number of times of display of special symbols as insurance activation conditions, and the insurance contents when the insurance activation conditions are satisfied. The game ball lending amount change rate and the number of game balls returned are stored. Specifically, the set amount is stored as 250 balls (1000 yen). Since the rental amount of game balls is usually 4 yen, a set amount of 1000 yen is set for 250 game balls. Further, the ceiling 600 game (600G), the game ball lending amount change rate is set to 4 to 3 yen, and the number of returned game balls is set to 1/4 of the number of used balls. The number of used balls here means the number of game balls that have been driven into the game board after joining the insurance plan.

  In addition, the insurance return plan determination table shown in FIG. 7 (b) includes the type of insurance return plan, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J when a big hit occurs when counting starts after joining the insurance plan, and the game The number of returned balls (return fee) is stored.

  Specifically, in the return plan A, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J is 0G to 299G when the jackpot is generated after counting is started after joining the insurance plan, and 50 balls are stored as the return fee. . Moreover, in the return plan B, the number of changes in the special symbol J is 300G or more when a big hit is generated after counting is started after joining the insurance plan, and 100 balls are stored as a return fee.

  The main ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 31, and a big hit determination table, a special symbol determination table, a variation pattern table, and the like as permanent data. The main RAM 33 temporarily stores data and programs used when the main CPU 31 operates. The main RAM 33 has five special symbol storage areas, a special symbol storage area (0) to a special symbol storage area (4), and a normal symbol storage area (0) to a normal symbol storage area, in order to control special symbols and normal symbols. Five normal symbol storage areas (4) are provided.

  In the special symbol storage areas (0) to (4), data such as random numbers extracted by the jackpot lottery, the jackpot special symbol determination lottery, and the variation pattern determination lottery are stored. Based on the data stored in the special symbol storage area (0), a big hit determination or the like is performed. The normal symbol storage areas (0) to (4) store data such as random numbers extracted by the normal winning lottery. Based on the data stored in the normal symbol storage area (0), a normal hit determination is performed.

  When the main CPU 31 wins a game ball in the start winning slot 9 and receives a detection signal from the start winning slot switch 9S, the main hit determination random number value for the big hit lottery and the big hit symbol random number value for the big hit symbol determination lottery To extract. As the big hit determination random number value, one big hit determination random number value is extracted from 0 to 229 big hit determination random number values. Also, as the jackpot symbol random number value, one jackpot symbol random number value is extracted from 0 to 99 jackpot symbol random numbers.

  The main CPU 31 extracts the data of the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random value extracted from the special symbol storage area (0) to the special symbol storage area (4) in the main RAM 33 with the smallest number of the special number. Store in the symbol storage area. However, if data is already stored in the special symbol storage area (4), the extracted data such as the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value are discarded. Subsequently, the jackpot determination and the jackpot special symbol determination are performed based on the data stored in the special symbol storage area (0). After the jackpot determination and the jackpot special symbol determination are finished, the special symbol storage area (0) The data stored in the special symbol storage area (1) to (4) is transferred to the special symbol storage area having a smaller number. Further, the main RAM 33 is provided with a transmission buffer for transmitting various commands such as a variation pattern command to the sub-control circuit 40 and various commands such as a symbol stop command and a jackpot start command to the payout / launch control circuit 80. Yes.

  The big hit lottery in the main CPU 31 is performed according to the following procedure. The main CPU 31 refers to the jackpot determination random number stored in the special symbol storage area (0) in the jackpot determination table, and determines whether it is a “hit” or “out of game”. In the case of big hit, it is determined whether it is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “small hit”.

  Subsequently, a jackpot symbol determination lottery is performed. The big hit symbol determination lottery in the main CPU 31 is performed in the following procedure. When the result of the big win lottery is a big hit, the main CPU 31 refers to the special symbol determination table for the big bonus symbol random value stored in the special symbol storage area (0), and stops the symbol value data and the stopped symbol (special symbol). To decide. Here, when determining the stop symbol, it is determined whether the big hit is “normal big hit”, “probability big hit”, or “small hit”.

  Further, the main CPU 31 determines a special symbol designation command at the time of special symbol determination lottery. The special symbol designation command determined here includes information on the gaming state, and when transitioning to the jackpot gaming state, the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state, the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state ends, the jackpot Information on the number of time savings after the game state is ended is included. The main CPU 31 sets the special symbol designation command determined here in the transmission buffer in the main RAM 33.

  Further, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 10 and receives the detection signal from the operating gate switch 10S, the main CPU 31 extracts a normal hit determination random number value for the normal hit lottery. As the normal hit determination random value, one normal hit determination random value is extracted from 0 to 14 normal hit determination random values. The main CPU 31 stores the extracted random number value for normal hit determination in the normal symbol storage area of the youngest number in which no data is stored in the normal symbol storage area (0) to the normal symbol storage area (4) in the main RAM 33. Remember. However, when the data is already stored in the normal symbol storage area (4), the extracted data of the random number value for determining the normal hit is discarded. Subsequently, the normal hit determination is performed based on the data stored in the normal symbol storage area (0), and after the normal hit determination is completed, the data stored in the normal symbol storage area (0) is erased. The data stored in the symbol storage area (1) to the normal symbol storage area (4) is transferred to the normal symbol storage area having a younger number.

  In the normal hit determination, whether or not the normal hit is determined by the extracted random number for determining the normal hit and whether or not the current gaming state is the short-time gaming state. When the random number value for normal hit determination extracted during the non-time-saving gaming state is “13”, it is determined as normal hit, and when the random number value for normal hit determination is other than that, it is determined as lost. On the other hand, when the random number value for normal hit determination extracted during the short-time gaming state is “7”, it is determined to be lost, and when the random number value for normal hit determination is other than that, it is determined to be normal hit. If it is determined that the winning is normal, the main CPU 31 opens the blade 9a in the start winning opening 9 for a predetermined time. The opening time of the blades 9a of the start winning opening 9 is 0.2 seconds in the non-short game state and 3 seconds in the short time game state. Further, the main CPU 31 performs display control for variably displaying the special symbol J and the normal symbol N.

  The main CPU 31 transmits various commands such as a special symbol designation command and a variation pattern command set in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 33 from the command output port 35 to the sub-control circuit 40. Further, various commands such as a symbol stop command and a jackpot start command are transmitted to the payout / firing control circuit 80. The initial reset circuit 34 outputs a reset signal to the main CPU 31 when the power is turned on. With this reset signal, the main CPU 31 executes processing from the beginning of the control program.

  The main control circuit 30 is connected to each switch including the count switch 11CS. The count switch 11CS measures the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 11, and outputs a detection signal indicating the measurement result to the main control circuit 30. The general winning opening switch 12S outputs to the main control circuit 30 a detection signal of a game ball won in each of the general winning openings 12a to 12d. The operation gate switch 10 </ b> S outputs a detection signal of the game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 10 to the main control circuit 30. The start winning port switch 9 </ b> S outputs a detection signal of a game ball won in the start winning port 9 to the main control circuit 30.

  The start opening solenoid 9L opens and closes a pair of blades 9a and 9a provided in the start winning opening 9, and the large winning opening solenoid 11L opens and closes a shutter provided in the large winning opening 11. The backup clear switch 26 clears backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like according to the operation of the operator.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the start winning port switch 9S detects the winning of the game ball and transmits a detection signal, and the main control circuit 30 receives the detection signal, the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 The above jackpot lottery and the jackpot special symbol lottery are performed. As a result of the big hit lottery and the big hit special symbol lottery, when the normal big hit, the probability variation big hit, or the small hit is determined, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. However, the small hit is a big hit that is less advantageous to the player than the normal big hit or the probable big hit.

  When the main CPU 31 shifts the gaming state to the big hit gaming state, the main CPU 31 changes the big winning opening 11 from the closed state to the opened state. In addition, when a predetermined opening time, for example, 30 seconds elapses after the grand prize opening 11 is changed to the open state, or a predetermined number of, for example, 10 game balls have been won to the big prize opening 11. Sometimes, round control is performed to close the special winning opening 11.

  In addition, the main CPU 31 receives 30 game balls when the grand prize opening 11 is open, and when the big prize opening 11 is closed, or when 30 seconds have elapsed since the grand prize opening 11 is opened. In this case, control is performed in a standby state in which the special winning opening 11 is closed until the interval before the special winning opening 11 is opened next time. In addition, while the big symbol lottery based on the detection signal transmitted from the start winning opening switch 9S and the special symbol J for displaying the result of the big bonus special symbol lottery are being displayed, a maximum of four detection signals are held. Then, the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 are turned on according to the number of holdings.

  Furthermore, when the result of the big hit lottery is out of control, the open / close control of the big winning port 11 is not performed, but when the big hit is won, the open / close control of the big winning port 11 is performed. In the open / close control of the big prize opening 11, the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 11 is controlled to the determined number of rounds, with one opening / closing operation of the open / closed state of the big prize opening 11 as one round. Here, when the big hit is the probability big hit or the normal big hit, the round control is performed 15 times (15 rounds), and when the big hit is the small hit, the round control is performed twice (2 rounds).

  Further, when the main control circuit 30 receives the detection signal from the operation gate switch 10S, the main control circuit 30 performs the above normal winning lottery. While the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol N for notifying the result of the normal winning lottery based on the detection signal transmitted from the operation gate switch 10S is being performed, a maximum of four detection signals are held, and the hold The normal symbol holding lamps r1 to r4 are turned on according to the number.

(Sub-control circuit configuration)
The sub-control circuit 40 inputs a command from the main control circuit 30 and performs control necessary for effects such as variable display of identification symbols, reach effects, and notice effects using the liquid crystal display device 16 according to the input commands. The predetermined image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16. The sub-control circuit 40 also performs control necessary for producing an effect by sound output using the speakers 18L and 18R and an effect by blinking display using the decorative lamps 19L and 19R.

  The sub-control circuit 40 is mainly composed of a sub-CPU 41, has a sub-ROM 42, a sub-RAM 43, and a command input port 48, and has an image control circuit 50, an audio control circuit 60, and a lamp control circuit 70. Yes.

  The sub CPU 41 executes processing in accordance with a program stored in the sub ROM 42 in accordance with a command input from the main control circuit 30 and operates the image control circuit 50, the sound control circuit 60, and the lamp control circuit 70. The sub ROM 42 stores a program executed by the sub CPU 41 and permanent data.

  The sub RAM 43 is provided with a work area for temporarily storing data and programs used when the sub CPU 41 operates. Further, the sub RAM 43 has a reception buffer for storing various commands such as a special symbol designation command and a variation pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, and a table storage area in which the selected effect table is temporarily set. Etc. are provided.

  The sub ROM 42 stores a decorative symbol determination table for determining the decorative symbol D. The sub CPU 41 determines the decorative symbol D by referring to the special symbol designation command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 in the decorative symbol determination table. Further, the sub ROM 42 stores an effect table for determining the effect contents when the decorative symbol D is displayed in a variable manner. The sub CPU 41 refers to the change pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 in the effect table, and determines the content of the effect when the decorative symbol D is displayed in a variable manner.

  The sub CPU 41 variably displays the determined decorative design D and performs display control from the change display to the stop display. The sub CPU 41 causes the liquid crystal display device 16 to display display contents corresponding to the effect data determined with reference to the effect table stored in the sub ROM 42.

(Configuration of image control circuit)
The image control circuit 50 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 51, a D / A converter 52, an initial reset circuit 53, and image data ROMs (image storage means) 54a and 54b. The VDP 51 forms an image corresponding to the content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 determined by the sub CPU 41, and outputs the formed image to the D / A converter 52. The D / A converter 52 performs D / A conversion on the image data output from the VDP 51, outputs an analog signal obtained by the conversion to the liquid crystal display device 16, and displays an image. The initial reset circuit 53 receives the reset command from the sub CPU 41 and executes processing for returning the VDP 51 to the initial state. The image data ROM 54a stores image data (image data) indicating decorative symbols, special symbols, characters, backgrounds, etc., and the image data ROM 54b stores image data for displaying various image data on the liquid crystal display device 16. Is remembered. The VDP 51 reads image data corresponding to the decorative symbols and special symbols output from the sub CPU 41 from the image data ROMs 54a and 54b, and causes the liquid crystal display device 16 to display images such as symbols based on the image data.

(Configuration of voice control circuit)
The audio control circuit 60 includes a sound source IC 61, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as “AMP”) 62, and an audio data ROM 63. The sound source IC 61 generates an audio signal using audio data stored in the audio data ROM 63 in accordance with an instruction from the sub CPU 41. The AMP 62 amplifies the audio signal generated by the sound source IC 61 to an appropriate level, supplies the amplified audio signal to the speakers 18L and 18R, and outputs the audio. The sound data ROM 63 stores data (sound data) such as music, sound, and sound effects used for the notice effect, reach effect, jackpot effect, and the like.

(Configuration of lamp control circuit)
The lamp control circuit 70 uses the decoration data ROM 71 that stores decoration data indicating the blinking pattern of the decoration lamps 19L and 19R and the decoration data stored in the decoration data ROM 71 according to the instruction from the sub CPU 41. , 19R, and a drive circuit 72 for blinking.

(Configuration of payout / launch control circuit)
The payout / firing control circuit 80 is configured with a payout / firing CPU 81 as the center, and has a payout / firing ROM 82, a payout / firing RAM 83, and an input / output port 84. The payout / launch CPU 81 inputs a command from the main control circuit 30 via the input / output port 84, and performs various processes according to the input command. If the command input here is a payout command, the payout number of game balls is determined based on the payout command. The payout / launch CPU 81 transmits the determined game ball payout signal to the payout device 85 via the input / output port 84 to cause the game balls to be paid out with the determined number of payouts.

  Also, the payout / firing control circuit 80 is connected to a take-in ball counting switch 6S. The payout / launch CPU 81 counts the number of game balls taken in from the take-in opening / closing device 7 based on the detection signal transmitted from the take-in ball counting switch 6S. The payout / launch CPU 81 constitutes a game medium number counting means. The intake opening / closing device 7 constitutes game medium collecting means for collecting game media counted by the payout / release CPU 81. Further, the payout / launch CPU 81 determines the number of game balls to be lent based on the game ball rent signal transmitted from the card unit 100. The payout / launch CPU 81 transmits the determined game ball lending signal to the payout device 85 via the input / output port 84, thereby lending the determined number of game balls.

  The payout / launch ROM 82 stores a program executed by the payout / fire CPU 81 and permanent data. The payout / launch RAM 83 is provided with a work area for temporarily storing data and programs used when the payout / fire CPU 81 operates. Further, the payout / launch RAM 83 stores a reception buffer for storing various commands such as a symbol stop command and a jackpot start command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, and an insurance preparation control state signal transmitted to the card unit 100. A transmission buffer and the like are provided.

  Here, the payout / launch RAM 83 stores an insurance game state flag as specific game state specifying information that can specify a specific game state and an insurance game state flag as special game state specifying information that can specify a special game state. The specific game state specifying information is included in the specific game state change information. The payout / launch RAM 83 constitutes a game state storage means.

  In addition, the payout / launch RAM 83 is provided with a game number counter for counting the number of times the symbol stop command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is received and a rental game ball counter for counting the number of lent game balls. The payout / launch CPU 81 counts the number of end times of the variable symbol display of the special symbol J using a game number counter provided in the payout / fire RAM 83. The payout / firing CPU 81 constitutes a variable display end number counting means.

  Furthermore, when an insurance command is transmitted from the main control circuit 30, the payout / launch CPU 81 changes the gaming state from the initial gaming state where the insurance is not subscribed to the specific gaming state where the insurance is subscribed. The payout / launch CPU 81 constitutes a game state changing means. Further, the payout / launch CPU 81 counts the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J after joining the insurance. When the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J reaches the predetermined ceiling number (600 times), the gaming state is changed from the specific gaming state to the special gaming state in which relief by insurance is activated.

  In addition, the payout / launch CPU 81 sets the insurance preparation game state flag that is set when a big hit start command is transmitted from the main control circuit 30 when the insurance preparation game state flag or the insurance game state flag is set. Alternatively, the insurance game state flag is canceled. Then, the gaming state is changed to the initial gaming state.

  In addition, when the special symbol J changes to the big hit game state before the number of fluctuations reaches the ceiling number, the payout / launch CPU 81 uses a game number counter after the insurance preparation game state flag is established as a specific value. It decides to return the game ball having a return fee according to the counted number of changes in the special symbol J to the player, and outputs a payout signal to the payout device 85. The payout / launch CPU 81 constitutes a specific value determining unit and a specific value return determining unit. Further, the payout / launch CPU 81 outputs a payout signal to the payout device 85 and cancels the insurance preparation game state flag when a game ball is paid out from the payout device 85. The payout / launch CPU 81 constitutes game state information erasing means.

  In addition, when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J reaches the number of ceilings, the payout / launch CPU 81 lowers the rental unit price of the game balls rented out by the card unit 100 from the normal rental unit price and corresponds to the insurance plan. An insurance gaming state signal serving as a special lending unit price change signal to be changed to the lending unit price (3 yen) is output to the card unit 100. The payout / launch CPU 81 outputs an insurance gaming state signal to the card unit 100 via a signal line SL connected between the input / output port 84 and the input / output port 114 of the card unit 100.

  Further, the payout / launch CPU 81 determines the number of game balls to be lent based on the game ball rent signal transmitted from the card unit 100. The payout / launch CPU 81 transmits the determined game ball lending signal to the payout device 85 via the input / output port 84, thereby lending the determined number of game balls.

  The payout device 85 is provided with a counting switch for counting the number of payout game balls, a payout solenoid for paying out game balls, and a payout status monitoring device for monitoring the payout status. The payout device 85 pays out the number of game balls corresponding to the payout signal when the payout signal is output from the payout / launch CPU 81. The payout device 85 constitutes a specific value return means. The counting switch transmits the counted number of paid game balls to the payout / launch control circuit 80. In addition, the payout status monitoring device transmits an error signal to the payout / launch control circuit 80 when the payout of the game ball stops due to a ball jam or the like.

  The launching device 86 includes a rotation angle sensor that detects the rotation angle of the launching handle 6c and a launching motor that operates a hammer. The rotation angle sensor transmits a rotation angle signal based on the detected rotation angle to the dispensing / firing control circuit 80. Further, the payout / firing CPU 81 calculates the current value of the current supplied to the firing motor based on the rotation angle signal transmitted from the rotation angle sensor. The payout / firing CPU 81 supplies the current of the calculated current value to the firing motor in the launching device 86, and causes the launching device 86 to launch a game ball toward the game area 4a on the game board 4.

  The power supply unit 24 supplies power to the sub control circuit 40, the main control circuit 30, and the payout / launch control circuit 80 under the control of the payout / fire control circuit 80.

(Structure of card unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, the card unit 100 is determined to be a bill insertion slot 101 into which a bill can be inserted, a coin insertion slot 102 into which a coin can be inserted, a prepaid card insertion slot 103 into which a prepaid card can be inserted, and a bag. Thus, a coin return port 104 for returning a coin that could not be accepted is formed. A player can receive a loan of game balls necessary for a game by inserting a predetermined amount of money (banknotes or coins) or a game recording medium. In addition, as a prepaid card, an IC card, a magnetic card, etc. can be assumed.

  Further, the card unit 100 is provided with a card insertion lamp 104a, status display lamps 104b and 104c, and a warning lamp 104d controlled by the card unit CPU 111 in the card unit control circuit 110 shown in FIG. The card insertion lamp 104a is composed of a green light emitting diode, and emits light when the prepaid card P is inserted into the prepaid card slot. The first status display lamp 104b is made of a yellow light emitting diode and emits light in a state where coins can be inserted. Further, the second status display lamp 104c is composed of a red light emitting diode, and emits light in a state where a bill can be inserted. Note that, for example, when a clogging of money (banknotes or coins) or a reading error of the prepaid card P occurs, the card unit CPU 111 causes the warning lamp 104d to emit light.

  Further, the card unit 100 is provided with a card unit control circuit 110 shown in FIG. The card unit control circuit 110 is configured around a card unit CPU 111, has a card unit ROM 112 and a card unit RAM 113, and has an input / output port 114 in addition. The card unit 100 also includes a card reader / writer 105, a money insertion detection sensor 106, a money identification machine 107, and a card insertion detection sensor 108.

  The card unit CPU 111 writes a balance in the prepaid card P based on detection information output from the money insertion detection sensor 106 and a lending signal transmitted from the payout / launch control circuit 80 in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The card unit ROM 112 stores a program for performing various processes in the card unit CPU 111.

  The card unit RAM 113 temporarily stores data and programs used when the card unit CPU 111 operates. The input / output port 114 is connected to the payout / launch control circuit 80 and the ball lending operation panel 28 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and inputs a jackpot signal, a symbol determination signal, and the like. The input / output port 114 constitutes an advantageous state generation signal input means and a fluctuation display end signal input means. Further, the input / output port 114 is connected to a hall computer (not shown) via a unit controller (not shown).

  The card reader / writer 105 reads the information written in the prepaid card P inserted from the prepaid card slot 103 and stores the read information in the card information storage area in the card unit RAM 113. Further, the card reader / writer 105 writes various information including predetermined balance information into the prepaid card P inserted from the prepaid card insertion slot 103 in accordance with a command of the card unit CPU 111.

  The coin insertion detection sensor 106 detects a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 101 or a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 102. The coin discriminator 107 identifies the bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 101 and the authenticity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 102 according to the detection information by the money insertion detection sensor 106. The card insertion detection sensor 108 detects the prepaid card P inserted into the prepaid card insertion slot 103.

  In such a configuration, when the prepaid card P is received by the card unit 100 through the prepaid card insertion slot 103, the card reader / writer 105 controlled by the card unit CPU 111 based on the detection signal of the card insertion detection sensor 108. Prepaid card record information such as the card ID and balance information of the prepaid card P is read. Then, the prepaid card recording information read at this time is transmitted from the input / output port 114 of the card unit 100 to the hall computer via a unit controller (not shown) together with a unit ID unique to the card unit 100.

  The hall computer detects the record information recorded on the prepaid card P based on the prepaid card record information transmitted from the card unit 100, and stores the detected balance together with the card ID. Further, when the prepaid card recording information is transmitted from the card unit 100, the stored card ID and balance information are collated, and the balance information is transmitted to the card unit 100 when the collation is matched.

  When the card unit 100 receives the balance information via the input / output port 114, the card unit 100 stores the balance information in the card unit RAM 113. Then, the card unit CPU 111 directly writes the balance information stored here into the prepaid card P by the card reader / writer 105 or calculates the remaining frequency based on the balance information by the processing program stored in the card unit ROM 112, and the remaining frequency Is written into the prepaid card P by the card reader / writer 105. The storage frequency stored as the balance information corresponds to, for example, 100 yen, and for example, 25 game balls are lent out with a value of 1 frequency.

  In addition, when a prepaid card P is accepted, when a predetermined amount of money is inserted into the bill insertion slot 101 or the coin insertion slot 102, based on the detection signal of the money insertion detection sensor 106 controlled by the card unit CPU 111. Thus, the authenticity of the money is identified by the money discriminator 107. At this time, when the currency discriminating machine 107 identifies the currency as a currency, the currency coin is returned from the coin return slot 104 and the currency banknote is returned from the banknote insertion slot 101.

  On the other hand, when the money is identified as authentic, the balance information as the valuable value related information of the identified money is added to the balance information of the currently accepted prepaid card P, and the addition result is the card unit. It is updated and stored in the RAM 113. The new balance information added and updated in the card unit RAM 113 is transmitted to the hall computer by the card unit CPU 111.

  When the balance information is stored in the card unit RAM 113, a balance display signal is output from the input / output port 114 of the card unit 100 to the ball lending operation panel 28 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 based on the balance information. Then, the 7-segment LED of the remaining frequency indicator 28c emits light by the balance display signal, and the balance is displayed in units of frequencies. For example, if the remaining frequency is “30”, “30” is displayed on the remaining frequency display 28c.

  Further, the card unit 100 is provided with a display monitor 109 for displaying various information. The display monitor 109 can selectively display a game method, a game history, a predetermined advertisement, a television image, and the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided therewith.

  The card unit 100 includes an input device 121. The input device 121 includes, for example, a touch button 122 (see FIG. 1) that is displayed on the display monitor 109 and can be operated by the player. The input device 121 is connected to the card unit CPU 111 and transmits an operation signal based on the operation of the touch button 122 to the card unit CPU 111.

(Explanation of ball rental processing)
Next, the ball lending process performed by the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 100 will be described. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on and communicable with the card unit 100, the payout / launch control circuit 80 enters a lending standby state, and the payout / launch CPU 81 receives a PRDY signal (LOW) via the input / output port 84. READY signal) is output to the card unit 100 in the card unit 100. This PRDY signal is output to the card unit CPU 111 in the card unit 100. In this state, when the ball lending button 28 a is operated, the card unit CPU 111 outputs a BRDY signal (LOW READY signal) to the payout / launch control circuit 80 from the input / output port 114.

  At this time, the card unit CPU 111 outputs a BRQ signal (LOW rental request signal) from the input / output port 114 to the payout / launch control circuit 80. Here, when the payout / launch control circuit 80 detects LOW of the BRDY signal in a state where the BRDY signal is low, the payout / fire control circuit 80 checks whether or not the game ball can be paid out from the payout device 85. If payout is possible, an EXS signal (LOW payout preparation signal) is output to the card unit 100.

  The card unit CPU 111 of the card unit 100 that has detected the LOW of the EXS signal changes the BRQ signal from LOW to HIGH, and outputs a ball lending command to the payout / launch control circuit 80. Then, the payout / launch control circuit 80 that detects HIGH of the BRQ signal outputs a payout signal to the payout device 85, and based on this, payout device 85 pays out 25 gaming balls (one number of times). Is called.

  When the payout of 25 game balls is completed, the payout / launch control circuit 80 changes the EXS signal from LOW to HIGH to output a ball lending completion signal to the card unit CPU 111 in the card unit 100. At this time, the card unit CPU 111 that detected HIGH of the EXS signal subtracts and updates one frequency from the remaining frequency “30” stored in the card unit RAM 113. At the same time, the updated remaining frequency “29” is displayed on the remaining frequency display 28 c of the ball lending operation panel 28.

  Specifically, when the balance information is updated and stored in the card unit RAM 113, a balance display signal is sent from the input / output port 114 of the card unit 100 to the ball lending operation panel 28 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 based on the updated balance information. Is output. Then, the 7-segment LED of the remaining frequency indicator 28c emits light by the balance display signal, and the balance is displayed in units of frequencies. For example, if the updated remaining frequency is “29”, “29” is displayed on the remaining frequency indicator 28c.

  The card unit 100 repeats the ball lending process as described above for the amount of game ball lending desired. When the ball lending process is completed, the ball lending signal is output to the payout / launch control circuit 80 by changing the BRDY signal from LOW to HIGH. This completes the ball lending process.

(Operation details of pachinko machines)
Next, among the operation contents of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the procedure of the control processing by the main control circuit 30 and the sub control circuit 40 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart (main flowchart) showing an operation procedure of main control processing repeatedly executed by the main control circuit 30 after the power is turned on.

(Operation procedure of main control processing)
As shown in FIG. 8, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the power is turned on, the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 30 starts main control processing, performs initial setting processing (S1), and then performs timer update processing ( S2). In the timer update process, the waiting time timer is updated. Subsequently, a special symbol control process is performed (S3).

  The special symbol control process is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the special symbol control process is started, first, a control state flag is loaded (S21). This control state flag is a flag indicating the state of the special symbol game using the variable display image of the symbol on the liquid crystal display device 16, and data for determining which of the subsequent steps the main CPU 31 executes is included. Is set.

  Next, a special symbol memory check process is performed. In the special symbol memory check process, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is data “00” indicating the special symbol memory check. If the data is not “00”, the process is terminated. If the data is “00”, it is determined whether or not the starting memory number exceeds 0. If the starting memory number does not exceed 0 and is 0, a demo display process is performed. Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if the starting memory number is not “0”, data “01” indicating special symbol variation time management is set in the control state flag. Thereafter, the starting memory number is decremented by 1, the data stored in the special symbol memory area is transferred, and a jackpot determination process is further performed. Then, a special symbol determination process and a variation pattern determination process are performed, the random number value stored in the start area (0) is cleared, a waiting time timer is set, and then the special symbol memory check process is terminated.

  After the special symbol memory check process is completed, a special symbol variation time management process is performed (S23). The special symbol variation time management process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the special symbol variation time management process, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is data “01” indicating the special symbol variation time management process (S31).

  As a result, when the control state flag is not data “01” indicating the special symbol variation time management process, the special symbol variation time management process is terminated. On the other hand, if the control state flag is data “01” indicating the special symbol variation time management process, it is determined whether or not the waiting time timer set in the special symbol storage check process is 0 (S32). As a result, if it is determined that the waiting time timer is not 0, the special symbol variation time management process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the waiting time timer is 0, the data “02” indicating the special symbol display time management process is set in the control state flag, and the symbol stop command and the fluctuation are stored in the transmission buffer in the main RAM 33. A symbol determination signal which is a display end signal is set (S33). Thereafter, a post-confirmation waiting time (0.75 seconds) corresponding to the time after the special symbol variation time is confirmed is set in the waiting time timer (t) (S34), and the special symbol variation time management process is terminated.

  Returning to the flow shown in FIG. 9, when the special symbol change time management process is completed, the special symbol display time management process is performed (S24). The special symbol display time management process is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in the special symbol display time management process, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is data “02” indicating the special symbol display time management process (S41). As a result, if it is determined that the control state flag is not “02”, the special symbol display time management process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data indicating the control state flag is “02”, it is determined whether or not the waiting time timer (t) corresponding to the waiting time after determination set in step S34 is 0 ( S42). As a result, if the waiting time timer (t) is not 0, the special symbol display time management process is terminated. On the other hand, if the waiting time timer (t) is 0, it is determined whether or not the result of jackpot determination in the special symbol memory check process is a jackpot (S43).

  When it is determined that the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit, data “07” indicating the special symbol game end process is set in the control state flag (S44). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the time-short state change frequency counter is 0 (S45). Here, if it is determined that the short-time state fluctuation number counter is 0, the special symbol display time management process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the short-time state variation count counter is not 0, the time-short state variation count counter is decremented by 1 (S46), and it is determined whether or not the short-time state variation count counter is 0 (S46). S47). Here, if it is determined that the short-time state fluctuation count counter is not 0, the special symbol display time management process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the short-time state variation number counter is 0, the gaming state flag is cleared and a normal gaming state command corresponding to the normal gaming state is set (S48).

  If it is determined in step S43 that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the big hit flag, the big winning opening opening number counter, the gaming state flag, and the short time state change number counter are cleared (S49). Then, data “03” indicating the big hit start interval process is set in the control state flag (S50). Thereafter, a time corresponding to the big hit start interval time (for example, 5 seconds) is set in the waiting time timer (t) (S51), and a big hit start command and a big hit signal are set in the transmission buffer in the main RAM 33 (S52). The jackpot type information is added to the jackpot start command. The big hit type information is information indicating whether the big hit type is a probable big hit, a normal big hit, or a small hit.

  Then, the upper limit data on the number of times of winning the prize winning opening is set (S53). The big opening opening number upper limit data is set to 15 (round) R if the big hit determined in step S43 is a probable big hit or a normal big hit, and is set to 2R if the big hit is a small hit. . After that, the special prize opening number display LED pattern flag is set (S54). The big winning opening opening number display is set to 15 (round) R when it is a probable big hit or normal big hit, and is set to 2R when it is a big big hit. Thus, the special symbol display time management process is terminated.

  Returning to the flow shown in FIG. 9, when the special symbol display time management process is completed, the jackpot start interval management process is performed (S25). In the jackpot start interval management process, when the control state flag is data “03” indicating the jackpot start interval management process, the waiting time timer (t) set in the special symbol variation time management process (S24) becomes zero. Judge whether or not. As a result, when the waiting time timer (t) is 0, 1 is added to the operation number counter of the special electric accessory, and data “04” indicating that the special winning opening is being opened is set in the control state flag. After that, the upper limit time for opening the special electric accessory is set in the special electric accessory opening time timer, and the jackpot start interval process is ended.

  After the big hit start interval management process is completed, a special winning opening opening process is performed (S26). In the big prize opening opening process, when the control status flag is data “04” indicating the big prize opening opening process, the big prize opening prize counter for counting the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 11 is displayed. It is determined whether the count number is equal to or greater than the maximum winning number (8). If the count number is not equal to or greater than the maximum winning number, a big hit start interval management process (S25) or a waiting time management process before the big winning opening reopening ( It is determined whether or not the special electric accessory release time timer set in S27) is "0". As a result, when the special electric accessory opening time timer is not “0”, the special winning opening opening process is terminated.

  In addition, when it is determined that the count number of the winning prize counter is equal to or greater than the maximum winning number, or when it is determined that the winning prize opening time timer is “0”, the winning prize closing process is performed. To close the special winning opening 11. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count number of the operation number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum operation number. If the operation number counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum operation number, the waiting time for the interval display time between rounds ( 2.040 seconds) is set in the waiting time timer (t), and the data “05” indicating the waiting time management processing before reopening the big prize opening is set in the control state flag, and the process during opening the big winning opening is ended. To do.

  On the other hand, when the operation number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum operation number, the waiting time of the big hit end interval display time is set in the waiting time timer (t), and the data “06” indicating the big hit end interval processing is displayed in the control state flag. Is set, and the process during opening of the big prize opening is completed.

  When the process during opening of the big prize opening is completed, the waiting time management process before reopening the big prize opening is performed (S27). In the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening, when the control status flag is data “05” indicating the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening, it is set in the processing for opening the big winning opening (S26). It is determined whether or not the waiting time timer (t) is “0”. When the waiting time timer (t) is “0”, 1 is added to the operation number counter of the special electric accessory. Then, data “04” indicating that the special winning opening is being opened is set in the control state flag. Subsequently, the opening upper limit time of the special electric accessory is set in the special electric accessory opening time timer, and the waiting time management process before reopening the big prize opening is ended.

  When the waiting time management process before reopening the big prize opening is completed, the big hit end interval process is performed (S28). In the big hit end interval process, when the control state flag is data “06” indicating the big hit end interval process, the waiting time timer (t) corresponding to the big hit end interval set in the big prize opening opening process (S26) Whether or not the waiting time timer (t) is not “0”, the jackpot end interval processing is terminated. When the waiting time timer (t) is “0”, the control state flag is set to “07” indicating the special symbol game end process, and the big hit end interval process is ended.

  When the big hit end interval process is completed, a special symbol game end process is performed (S29). In the special symbol game end process, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is data “07” indicating the special symbol game end process. If the control state flag is not the data “07”, the special symbol game end process is performed. finish. On the other hand, when the control state flag is data “07”, data “00” indicating the special symbol storage check process is set in the control state flag. In this way, the special symbol game end process ends. When the special symbol game end process ends, the special symbol control process ends.

  When the special symbol control process is completed in this way, the flow returns to the flow shown in FIG. 8, and the normal symbol control process is performed (S4). In the normal symbol control process, control regarding the normal symbol N displayed on the symbol display device 16b is performed. When the normal symbol control process is started, the normal symbol control state flag is read, and the normal symbol variation time and the stopped normal symbol are monitored according to the flag. When the stopped normal symbol is a normal winning symbol, a variable indicating the opening / closing of the blade 9a is stored in the main RAM 33, and the normal symbol control processing is terminated.

  Then, a symbol display device control process is performed (S5). In the symbol display device control processing, display control of variable display such as the special symbol J and the normal symbol N shown in FIG. 5 is performed based on the result of the special symbol control processing in step S3 and the normal symbol control processing in step S4.

  Subsequently, game information data generation processing is performed (S6). In the game information data generation process, an output signal from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall computer (not shown) is generated. Thereafter, a symbol reservation number data generation process is performed (S7). In the symbol reserved number data generation process, data corresponding to the special symbol reserved number and the normal symbol reserved number in the start storage area that increase or decrease in the special symbol control process (S3) and the normal symbol control process (S4) are respectively generated. Following the symbol reservation number data generation processing, port output processing is performed (S8). In the port output process, the opening control of the blades 9a at the special winning opening 11 and the starting winning opening 9 determined in the special symbol control process (S3) and the normal symbol control process (S4) is performed.

  Subsequently, a winning mouth related command control process is performed (S9). In the winning mouth related command control processing, control based on the big hit gaming state start command set in the special symbol control processing is performed. When the winning mouth related command control processing is completed, the storage / game state command control processing is performed (S10). In the memory / game state command control process, control based on the game state command set in the special symbol control process is performed. When the memory / game state command control process is completed, the command output control process is performed (S11). In the command output control process, each command set in the transmission buffer in the main RAM 33 is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 40. When the command output control process is completed, the process returns to the timer update process (S2). Thereafter, step S2 to step S11 are repeatedly executed.

  In the main control circuit 30, the random number used in the main control process is updated mainly on the condition that the interrupt permission flag is set together with the main control process described above. Performs system timer interrupt processing that interrupts control processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the system timer interrupt control process.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 starts the system timer interrupt process, the program address data and the like being executed in the main control process stored in the storage area (register) in the memory are temporarily saved. (S56), random number update processing is performed (S57). In the random number update process, the main CPU 31 performs a process of updating the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol determination random value. When the random number update process is completed, a switch input detection process is performed (S58).

  In the switch input detection process, a prize ball related switch input check, a special symbol game related switch input check, and a normal symbol related switch input check are performed. In the special symbol game related switch input check, the output of the detection signal of each of the count switch 11CS and the start winning opening switch 9S is checked, and if there is an output from the starting winning opening switch 9S, the start memory number counter is less than 4 The following processing is performed. In addition, when the starting memory number counter is 4 or more, a random number is stored as a starting memory up to 4 when a game ball is won in the starting winning opening 9 during variable display or big hit, so the following processing is performed. Not performed.

  Then, the jackpot determination random number value is extracted from the jackpot determination random number counter, and the jackpot symbol random number value is extracted from the jackpot symbol determination random number counter. The extracted jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value are stored in the main RAM 33, and these random numbers are used for the jackpot determination and the jackpot symbol determination process in the special symbol storage check process in step S22. This completes the switch input detection process.

  When the switch input detection process is completed, a timer update process is performed (S59). In the timer update process, the waiting time timer is updated. After the timer update process, a game information output process is performed (S60). In the game information output process, an output signal from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall computer (not shown) is generated and output. Then, based on the data stored in the main RAM 33, port output processing is performed by controlling ON / OFF of each solenoid and motor (S61), and then command output for outputting various commands is performed (S62). . In command output, various commands such as those set in the transmission buffer are transmitted from the command output port 35 to the sub-control circuit 40.

  Subsequently, a lamp control process (S63) and a payout process (S64) are performed. In the lamp control process, a lamp blinking command is output to the sub-control circuit 40. In the payout process, a prize ball command including data indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout device 85. After the payout process is completed, an insurance decision process is performed (S65). The insurance determination process will be described later. After that, the saved registers such as the program address data of the main control process are restored (S66), the main control process is resumed from the point where it was interrupted (saved), and the system timer interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, insurance determination processing will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the insurance determination process. As shown in FIG. 13, in the insurance determination process, it is determined whether or not the insurance button is turned on (S71). Whether or not the insurance button is turned on is determined by whether or not an operation signal is transmitted from the operation button 29. As a result, when it is determined that the insurance button is not ON, the insurance determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the insurance button is ON, an insurance command is set in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 33 (S72), and the insurance determination process is terminated.

(Operation procedure of payout / launch control circuit)
Next, the operation of the payout / firing control circuit 80 will be described. The payout / launch control circuit 80 receives the command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 to perform ball lending control, prize ball control, and the like. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the payout / launch control main process repeatedly executed by the payout / launch control circuit 80.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the payout / launch CPU 81 first performs a predetermined initialization process in performing the payout / launch control main process (S81). Next, it is determined whether 1 ms has passed (S82). If it is determined that 1 ms has passed, the process returns to step S81. If it is determined that 1 ms has not elapsed, command analysis processing is performed (S83), followed by ball lending control processing (S84). The command analysis process and the ball lending control process will be described later.

  When the ball lending control process is completed, a prize ball control process is performed (S85). In the prize ball control process, a prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is paid out. Subsequently, a frame switch detection process is performed (S86). In the frame switch detection process, a process based on signals output from various switches in the frame is performed. When the frame switch detection process is completed, an error process is performed (S87). In the error process, when an error occurs in each process, a process for displaying the fact is performed.

  In addition, the payout / launch CPU 81 performs a command interrupt process in order to receive various commands such as a symbol stop command and a jackpot start command from the main control circuit 30 during the execution of the main process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of command interrupt processing. As shown in FIG. 15, in the command interrupt process, when the payout / launch control circuit 80 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, the protection register is first saved (S91). Next, the command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is stored in the reception buffer in the payout / launch RAM 83 (S92). Subsequently, the register is restored (S93). Thus, the process upon receiving the command ends.

  Next, the command analysis process (S83) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of command analysis processing. As shown in FIG. 16, in the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is stored in the reception buffer (S101). As a result, if the command is not stored in the reception buffer, the command analysis process is terminated.

  If the command is stored in the reception buffer, it is determined whether the received command is a symbol stop command (S102). As a result, if the received command is a symbol stop command, a game counter addition process is performed (S103), 1 is added to the game number counter, and the process proceeds to step S104. If the received command is not a symbol stop command, the process proceeds to step S104.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the received command is a big hit start command (S104). As a result, if the received command is a big hit start command, the big hit flag is set (S105), and the process proceeds to step S106. If the received command is not a big hit start command, the process directly proceeds to step S106. Subsequently, insurance command analysis processing is performed (S106), and the command analysis processing is terminated. The insurance command analysis process will be described later.

  Next, the ball lending control process will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the ball lending control process. As shown in FIG. 17, in the ball lending control process, it is determined whether there is a game ball lending signal output from the card unit 100 (S111). As a result, when it is determined that there is no game ball lending signal, the ball lending control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a game ball lending signal, a game ball lending process is performed (S112). In the game ball lending process, a lending signal that causes the payout device 85 to lend a game ball is output. Thereafter, the number of game balls lent out is added to the loan counter (S113), and the ball rental control process is terminated.

  Next, the insurance command analysis process (S106) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure of insurance command analysis processing. As shown in FIG. 18, in the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an insurance command (S121).

  As a result, if the received command is not an insurance command, the received command is a payout command, so payout data corresponding to the received command is set in the payout / launch RAM 83 (S122), and insurance control processing is performed (S122). S124), insurance command analysis processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the received command is an insurance command, an insurance plan flag is set in the payout / launch RAM 83 (S123). Thereafter, insurance control processing is performed (S124), and insurance command analysis processing is terminated.

  Next, insurance control processing will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of insurance control processing. As shown in FIG. 19, in the insurance control process, first, an insurance participation process is performed (S131). Following the insurance subscription process, an insurance execution process is performed (S132), followed by an insurance cancellation process (S133). Hereinafter, each processing procedure will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of insurance purchase processing. As shown in FIG. 20, in the insurance joining process, it is determined whether or not the insurance preparation game state flag set in step S154 in the premium collection process described later is set (S141). As a result, if it is determined that the insurance preparation game state flag is set, the process proceeds to step S145. On the other hand, if it is determined that the insurance preparation game state flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the insurance game state flag set in the game ball return process in step S164 described later is set (S142). .

  As a result, when it is determined that the insurance gaming state flag is set, it is determined whether or not the insurance plan flag set in the insurance command analysis process in step S106 is set (S143). As a result, when the insurance plan flag is not set, the insurance joining process is terminated. If the insurance plan flag is set, the insurance fee collection flag is set (S144).

  Then, the insurance plan flag stored in the payout / launch RAM 83 is cleared (S145). Thereafter, insurance fee collection processing is performed (S146), and insurance subscription processing is terminated.

  Next, insurance fee collection processing will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of insurance premium collection processing. As shown in FIG. 21, in the insurance fee collection process, it is determined whether an insurance fee collection flag is set in the payout / launch RAM 83 (S151). As a result, when it is determined that the insurance premium collection flag is not set, the insurance premium collection processing is terminated as it is.

  When it is determined that the insurance fee collection flag is set, the intake port 7A is opened by the intake port opening / closing device 7, and the number of game balls placed on the upper plate 6a is captured. Here, the number of game balls taken in from the intake opening / closing device 7 is counted based on the detection signal output from the take-in ball counting switch 6S, and whether the number of taken-in balls is 250 or more. It is determined whether or not (S152).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of balls to be taken in is 250 balls or more, the inlet 7A of the inlet opening / closing device 7 is closed, and the taking-in of the game balls is finished. A game ball is collected (S153). Thereafter, an insurance preparation game state flag is set (S154).

  Subsequently, the game number counter is cleared and the rental game ball counter is cleared (S155). Thereafter, the insurance premium collection flag is cleared (S156), and the insurance premium collection processing is terminated. Also, when the number of receiving balls is not 250 or more, the insurance fee collection flag is cleared (S156), and the insurance fee collection processing is terminated.

  Next, the procedure of insurance execution processing will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of insurance execution processing. As shown in FIG. 22, in the insurance execution process, it is determined whether or not the insurance preparation game state is set (S161). As a result, when it is determined that the insurance preparation game state flag is not set, the insurance execution process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the insurance preparation game state flag is set, it is determined whether or not the count value of the game number counter is 600 times or more (S162). As a result, when it is determined that the count value of the game number counter is not 600 times or more, the insurance execution process is terminated as it is.

  When it is determined that the count value of the game number counter is 600 times or more, a return execution flag is set (S163). Thereafter, a game ball return process is performed (S164), and the insurance execution process is terminated.

  Next, the game ball return process will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the game ball return process. As shown in FIG. 23, in the game ball return process, it is determined whether or not a return execution flag is set (S171). As a result, when it is determined that the return execution flag is not set, the game ball return process is terminated.

  If it is determined that the return execution flag is set, game balls corresponding to ¼ of the count number of the lending counter are returned (S172). For this purpose, a predetermined payout signal to be transmitted to the payout device 85 is set in a transmission buffer in the payout / launch RAM 83.

  Then, the insurance game state flag is set (S173), and the insurance preparation game state flag is cleared (S174). Thereafter, an insurance game state signal for transmission to the card unit 100 is set in the transmission buffer (S175), the return execution flag is cleared (S176), and the game ball return process is terminated.

  Next, insurance cancellation processing will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of insurance cancellation processing. As shown in FIG. 24, in the insurance cancellation process, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag set in step S105 shown in FIG. 16 is set (S181). As a result, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is not set, the insurance cancellation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is set, it is determined whether or not the type of jackpot is a jackpot with reference to the jackpot type information added to the jackpot start command (S182). As a result, when it is determined that the type of jackpot is a jackpot, the insurance cancellation process is terminated as it is.

  If it is determined that the type of jackpot is a probable jackpot or a normal jackpot, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is an insurance preparation gaming state (S183). As a result, when it is determined that the current gaming state is the insurance preparation gaming state, it is determined whether or not the count value of the game number counter is not less than 0 and not more than 299 (S184).

  As a result, when the count value of the game number counter is not less than 0 and not more than 299, a process of returning 50 game balls is performed (S185). On the other hand, when the count value of the game number counter exceeds 300 times, a process of returning 100 game balls is performed (S186). Thereafter, the insurance gaming state related flag is cleared (S187). The insurance gaming state related flags cleared here include an insurance gaming state flag and an insurance preparation gaming state flag.

  If it is determined in step S183 that the current state is not the insurance preparation gaming state, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the insurance gaming state (S188). As a result, when it is determined that the state is not the insurance gaming state, the insurance gaming state related flag is cleared (S187), and the insurance cancellation processing is ended.

  The card unit CPU 111 in the card unit 100 performs signal input processing when inputting a signal transmitted from the payout / launch control circuit 80 in the pachinko gaming machine 1. This signal input process will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure of signal input processing in the card unit.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the signal input process performed by the card unit CPU 111 in the card unit 100, an insurance gaming state signal is transmitted from the payout / launch control circuit 80 in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the insurance gaming state signal is turned ON. It is determined whether or not (S201). As a result, if it is determined that the insurance game signal is not ON, the process proceeds to step S204.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the insurance gaming state signal is ON, an insurance control state flag is set (S202). Then, the game ball lending unit price is changed from 4 yen to 3 yen (S203).

  Subsequently, a big hit signal is transmitted from the main control circuit 30 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 via the external output terminal board 27, and it is determined whether or not the big hit signal is ON (S204). As a result, if the big hit signal is not ON, the signal input process is terminated as it is. If the jackpot signal is ON, the insurance control state flag is turned OFF (S205), the gaming ball lending unit price is set to 4 yen (S206), and the signal input process is terminated.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the player can acquire a large amount of game balls when shifting to the big hit gaming state. However, if the player does not shift to the big hit gaming state, the game ball is lost. As described above, an insurance function is provided to reduce the loss of the game ball in the player when the game is not shifted to the big hit game state.

  Further, if the game is shifted to the big hit game state before the relief by the insurance function is activated, it is considered that the game balls collected when the insurance is taken out may be lost. In the present embodiment, measures are taken to reduce such loss. Also, if the insurance is canceled when the type of jackpot is a small jackpot, the player has a disadvantage that the insurance is canceled without obtaining a large amount of game balls. In case of remedy. In the following, explanation will be given on the joining of the insurance function, the activation of the insurance function, and the cancellation of the insurance function.

  In the display area 16a of the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a demonstration screen in which the decorative symbol D shown in FIG. 4 is not displayed is displayed, a “rescue pay function description” screen is displayed as shown in FIG. Is displayed. On the rescue pay function explanation screen, the character M is displayed and the rescue pay as an insurance function is explained. On the rescue pay function explanation screen, the message “It's okay if you get stuck! If you join the rescue pay, it will be saved. Let's try it. Push the selection button!” Is displayed to the player. Thus, the presence of the insurance function is notified, and the operation of the operation button 29 is prompted. Here, when the operation button 29 is not operated for a certain period of time, the display is switched to the demonstration screen display. When the demonstration screen display continues for a certain period of time, the rescue pay function explanation screen is displayed again. Thereafter, these displays are repeated until the operation button 29 is operated while the rescue pay function screen is displayed, or until the variation display of the decorative symbol D is started.

  Here, when the player operates the operation button 29 while the rescue pay function explanation screen is displayed, the rescue pay function explanation second screen is displayed as shown in FIG. On the second screen for explaining the rescue pay function displayed in the display area 16a, a method for joining the insurance plan and the content of the relief (privilege) by the insurance are displayed. Specifically, “Payment of 250 insurance balls. After paying 600, the rescue function is activated when the payment is completed. In addition, as a privilege, “lending ball unit price of 3 yen (1 ball) after rescue is activated and 1/4 return of game balls used after rescue is activated” is displayed.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26 (c), a rescue pay function explanation screen is displayed in the display area 16a when the game is shifted to the big hit gaming state before the rescue is activated. On the rescue pay function explanation screen, “When a big hit occurs, the rescue pay function will be canceled. The message “100 balls returned” is displayed. This message informs the player that a part of the subscription fee will be returned when the game is shifted to the big hit gaming state before the relief by the insurance function is activated.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 27A, a rescue pay subscription screen is displayed in the display area 16a. On the rescue pay display screen, the character M is displayed together with the same message as shown in FIG. 26 (a), and the letter “Do you want to join the rescue pay? Encourage participation.

  Then, when the player operates the operation button 29 and the insurance fee is collected, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the display area 16a displays “rescue pay set”, and the insurance plan. Informs the player that he has joined On the other hand, when the operation button 29 is not operated for a certain period of time, the screen is switched to the demonstration screen.

  After joining the insurance plan, as shown in FIG. 27 (c), while the decorative symbol D is being variably displayed, the remaining 600G until the rescue pay set rescue is activated is generated in the lower corner of the display area 16a. The message “50 balls will be returned.” Is displayed. Thus, the number of changes in the special symbol J required until the insurance function is activated and the number of game balls to be returned when a big hit occurs before the insurance function is activated are notified.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 28 (a), while the decorative symbol D is being displayed, the number of times the special symbol J has been changed until the insurance function is activated, and the state is shifted to the big hit gaming state before the insurance function is activated. The number of game balls returned when the game is played is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area 16a. In the example shown in FIG. 28 (a), a message “100 balls returned to the rescue pay when 50G is a big hit is displayed.

  Assume that in the next variation display after the variation display shown in FIG. 28A, a big hit symbol is displayed as the decorative symbol D as shown in FIG. At this time, in the lower right corner of the display area 16a, a message is displayed "100 balls will be returned if 49G is big hit to rescue pay". Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), a “big hit” character is displayed in the center of the display area 16a to notify the player of the transition to the big hit gaming state. At this time, in the lower right corner of the display area 16a, a message "100 hit big hits will be returned" is displayed. In this manner, the player is notified that a part of the game ball is returned, and 100 game balls are returned.

  Thereafter, the game state shifts to the big hit game state, and as shown in FIG. 29A, the character “medium jackpot” is displayed in the center of the display area 16a and the big winning opening 11 is won in the lower right corner of the display area 16a. The number of acquired game balls acquired by doing so is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 29A, it is displayed that 1000 game balls have been acquired.

  Then, when the big round winning opening 11 is opened for 15 rounds and the big hit gaming state is finished, as shown in FIG. 29 (b), the character "End of big hit" is displayed in the center of the display area 16a. The number of acquired game balls acquired by the big hit game state is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area 16a. In the example shown in FIG. 29B, it is displayed that 1500 game balls have been finally acquired.

  When the big hit gaming state is completed, as shown in FIG. 29 (c), the variation display of the decorative symbol D is started. At this time, since the insurance function is canceled, there is no display regarding the insurance function in the display area 16a.

  Here, when shifting to the jackpot gaming state, if the type of jackpot is a probable jackpot or normal jackpot, the insurance function is canceled, but if the jackpot type is a jackpot, the insurance function is canceled. Maintained without being. In the following, the flow will be described. As shown in FIG. 30 (a), while the decorative symbol D is being displayed, the number of times the special symbol J has changed until the insurance function is activated and the jackpot gaming state is entered. In the example shown in FIG. 30A in which the number of game balls to be returned is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area 16a, a message “100 balls are returned when 50G is a big hit until the rescue pay is displayed.

  In the variation display next to the variation display shown in FIG. 30A, it is assumed that a small hit symbol is displayed as the decorative symbol D as shown in FIG. At this time, in the lower right corner of the display area, a message is displayed that “If you hit a 49G hit to rescue pay, you will return 100 balls”. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 30 (c), a “small hit” character is displayed in the center of the display area 16a to notify the player of the transition to the big hit gaming state due to the small hit. At this time, in the lower right corner of the display area 16a, the message “Return pay to 49G when the big hit is 100 balls returned” is displayed as it is.

  Thereafter, the game state shifts to the big hit gaming state, and as shown in FIG. 31A, the letters “meeting small hits” are displayed in the center of the display area 16a, and the big winning opening 11 is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area 16a. The number of acquired game balls acquired by winning is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 31A, it is displayed that 100 game balls have been acquired.

  Then, when the big winning opening 11 of 15 rounds is opened and the big hit gaming state is finished, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), the characters “End of small hit” are displayed in the center of the display area 16a. The number of acquired game balls acquired by the big hit gaming state is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area 16a. In the example shown in FIG. 31A, it is displayed that 100 gaming balls have been finally acquired.

  When the big hit gaming state is completed, as shown in FIG. At this time, since the insurance function is not cancelled, it is left as it is, and a message of “100 balls returned when 49G hit big to rescue pay” is displayed in the lower right corner in the display area 16a.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J reaches the ceiling number of 600 times before shifting to the big hit gaming state, the relief is activated, and the rental unit price Changes are made. The rental unit price after the relief is activated is lower than the rental unit price before the relief is activated. The pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs to the card unit 100 a signal that lowers the lending unit price for lending gaming balls. For this reason, even if it does not shift to the jackpot gaming state, the special lending unit price of the game ball is lower than the normal lending unit price because the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J reaches the ceiling number corresponding to the insurance plan. It becomes. Therefore, even for a player who cannot borrow a large number of game balls before shifting to the big hit gaming state, it is possible to provide relief for the long-lasting normal gaming state. Inequality can be eliminated.

  In addition, when the number of changes in the special symbol J reaches the number of ceilings, the game balls are partially returned to the player when shifting to the big hit gaming state. For this reason, since it is not always possible to collect all of the game balls for joining the insurance plan from the player, it is possible to promote the player to join the insurance plan in which relief is activated.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the insurance plan is canceled when a part of the gaming ball is returned to the big hit gaming state. For this reason, since a part of the game ball is not returned each time the game shifts to the big hit game state, it is possible to prevent the player from being given excessive profits.

  Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the jackpot gaming state includes a probabilistic big hit, a normal big hit, and a small hit. Among these, if a probable big hit or a normal big hit occurs while joining the insurance plan, the relief by the insurance function is activated, but if the small hit occurs, the relief by the insurance function is not activated. I have to. For this reason, even if a small hit occurs while joining the insurance plan, a part of the game ball is returned to the player due to the subsequent occurrence of a probable big hit or a normal big hit. Therefore, in a gaming machine provided with a plurality of big hit game states such as a promising big hit, a normal big hit, and a small hit, the player can worry about consumption of a large amount of game balls and can play a game with peace of mind. Can do. Further, since the insurance function is canceled when the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit occurs, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being excessively returned to the player.

  Further, if the insurance function is maintained when a probable big hit or a normal big hit occurs, the game ball is returned while receiving a great advantageous value. For this reason, the profit given to the player becomes too large. In this regard, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present invention, the insurance function is maintained in the case of a small hit by returning a part of the game ball when a probability big hit or a normal big hit occurs. Become. For this reason, since the game ball is returned at the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit while receiving the game ball by the small hit, the profit given to the player can be prevented from becoming too large. .

  Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the premium is returned when shifting to the big hit gaming state before reaching the number of ceilings, the one with a larger number of fluctuations increases the return fee. . For this reason, even if it does not shift to the big hit gaming state for a long time and relief is not performed by the insurance function, the number of game balls to be returned increases as the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J increases. Therefore, more game balls can be returned to the player when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J increases without shifting to the big hit gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to further promote the participation of the insurance function for the player. Further, the return fee increases as the number of fluctuations increases, so that the player can be remedied for a player different from the remedy by the insurance function.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in the relief method when relief by the insurance plan is activated. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences.

  FIG. 32A shows an insurance plan table stored in the card unit ROM 112, and FIG. 32B shows an insurance return plan determination table. As shown in FIG. 32 (a), in the insurance plan table according to the present embodiment, as the insurance contents when the prepaid card P collecting memory frequency and the insurance triggering condition as the insurance joining conditions are satisfied, The loan amount change rate and the return frequency are stored. In addition to the game ball change rate, the return frequency is stored as the insurance content when the insurance activation condition is satisfied and relief is activated. Thus, in the present embodiment, the insurance content is performed by adding the memory frequency to the prepaid card P inserted into the card unit 100 instead of returning the game ball.

  Specifically, the set amount is stored as 10 degrees (1000 yen). Since the rental amount of game balls is usually 4 yen, a set amount of 1000 yen is set for 250 game balls. Also, the ceiling 600 game (600G), the game ball lending amount change rate is set from 4 yen to 3 yen, and the return game frequency is set to 1/4 of the usage frequency.

  Further, in the insurance return plan determination table shown in FIG. 32 (b), the return frequency to the prepaid card P is stored instead of the number of game balls returned in the above embodiment. Specifically, 2 times are stored in the return plan A, and 4 times are stored in the return plan B.

  In addition, the card unit RAM 113 in the card unit 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with a game number counter for counting the number of games in the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided therewith. The main CPU 31 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 also stores a symbol determination signal when storing the symbol stop command in the transmission buffer in the main RAM 33. The main CPU 31 transmits the stored symbol determination signal and the jackpot signal stored in the main RAM 33 to the card unit control circuit 110 in the card unit 100 when shifting to the jackpot gaming state.

  Next, insurance purchase processing performed by the card unit control circuit 110 will be described as characteristic processing in the present embodiment. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a procedure of insurance purchase processing. As shown in FIG. 33, in the insurance joining process, it is determined whether or not the insurance preparation control state flag is set (S301). As a result, when it is determined that the insurance preparation control state flag is set, the insurance plan flag is cleared (S308), and the insurance joining process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the insurance preparation control state flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the insurance control state flag is set (S302).

  As a result, when it is determined that the insurance control state flag is set, the insurance plan flag is cleared (S308), and the insurance joining process is terminated. If it is determined that the insurance control state flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the insurance plan flag is set (S303). As a result, when the insurance plan flag is not set, the insurance plan flag is cleared (S308), and the insurance joining process is terminated.

  If the insurance plan flag is set, it is determined whether or not the card balance of the prepaid card P inserted into the card unit 100 remains more than 10 times (S304). As a result, when it is determined that there are no more than 10 times, the insurance plan flag is cleared (S308), and the insurance joining process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that 10 degrees or more remain, 10 degrees is collected from the prepaid card P inserted into the card unit 100 as a fee (S305). Thereafter, the game number counter and the usage number counter are cleared (S306). Then, the insurance preparation control state flag is set (S307), the insurance plan flag is cleared (S308), and the insurance joining process is terminated.

  Next, insurance execution processing performed by the card unit CPU 111 in the card unit 100 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the procedure of insurance execution processing. As shown in FIG. 34, in the insurance execution process, it is first determined whether or not the count value of the game number counter is 600 times or more (S311). As a result, when it is determined that the count value of the game number counter is not 600 times or more, the insurance execution process is terminated as it is. When it is determined that the count value of the game number counter is 600 times or more, it is determined whether or not the insurance preparation control state flag is set (S312).

  As a result, when the insurance preparation control state flag is set, after the insurance preparation control state flag is set, ¼ of the usage number of the prepaid card P used in the card unit 100 is returned (S313). ). The usage frequency at this time is the count number of the usage frequency counter. Further, the usage frequency is returned by writing the memory frequency in the prepaid card P inserted in the card unit 100. Then, the insurance preparation control state flag is cleared (S314). Subsequently, the insurance control state flag is set (S315), the game ball lending unit price is changed from 4 yen to 3 yen (S316), and the insurance execution process is terminated.

  Next, signal input processing in the card unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 35, in the signal input process, a symbol determination signal is transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 1, and it is determined whether or not the symbol determination signal is ON (S321). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol determination signal is ON, 1 is added to the game number counter (S322). If it is determined that the symbol determination signal is not ON, the process proceeds to step S323 as it is.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ball lending process is being executed (S323). If it is determined that the ball lending process is being executed, it is determined whether the insurance preparation control is being performed (S324). As a result, when it is determined that the insurance preparation control is being performed, 1 is added to the usage frequency counter (S325). If it is determined in step S323 that the ball lending process is not executed, or if it is determined in step S324 that insurance preparation control is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S326 as it is.

  Subsequently, a big hit signal is transmitted from the main control circuit 30 in the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the external output terminal board 27, and it is determined whether or not the big hit signal is ON (S326). As a result, if the big hit signal is not ON, the signal input process is terminated as it is. When the big hit signal is ON, signal determination processing is performed to determine whether the big hit signal is due to a probable big hit, a normal big hit, or a small hit. Whether or not the big hit signal is due to the probability big hit or the normal big hit or the small hit is determined based on the length of the transmission time of the big hit signal. When the big hit signal is transmitted longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that the big hit signal is due to probability variation big hit or normal big hit, and when it is shorter than the predetermined time, it is determined that the big hit signal is due to the small hit.

  Subsequently, as a result of the signal determination process in step S327, it is determined whether or not the transmitted big hit signal is due to the small hit (S328). As a result, when it is determined that the transmitted big hit signal is not due to the small hit, but is due to the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit, the signal input processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmitted jackpot signal is due to the jackpot, insurance premium return processing is performed (S329). The insurance premium return process will be described later. Thereafter, the insurance control state related flag is cleared (S330), and the signal input process is terminated.

  Next, insurance premium return processing will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the procedure of insurance premium return processing. As shown in FIG. 36, in the insurance premium return process, it is determined whether or not the current control state is the insurance control state (S331). As a result, when it is determined that it is not the current insurance control state, the premium return process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current control state is the insurance control state, it is determined whether or not the count value of the game number counter is not less than 0 and not more than 299 (S332). As a result, when the count value of the game number counter is not less than 0 and not more than 299, a process of returning the game ball twice is performed (S333), and the insurance premium return process is terminated. On the other hand, when the count value of the game number counter exceeds 300 times, a process of returning the game ball four times is performed (S334), and the insurance premium return process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, insurance is added and activated by the card unit 100. This is different from the point that the insurance function is added and activated by the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment. ing. Hereinafter, insurance function subscription and activation in the present embodiment will be described.

  The display monitor 109 in the card unit 100 normally displays a “rescue pay function explanation” screen as shown in FIG. On the rescue pay function explanation screen, the character M is displayed and the rescue pay as an insurance function is explained. On the rescue pay function explanation screen, the message “It ’s okay if you get stuck! If you join the rescue pay, it will be saved. Let's try it. On the other hand, the presence of the insurance function is notified, and the operation of the touch button 122 is prompted.

  Here, when the player operates the touch button 122, a rescue pay plan selection screen is displayed on the display monitor 109 as shown in FIG. On the rescue pay plan function explanation screen displayed on the display monitor 109, a method for joining the insurance plan and the contents of the relief by the insurance (privilege) are displayed. Specifically, as a method of enrollment, “Pay 10 insurance premiums. After paying, if 600, the rescue function is activated. You can receive the following benefits” is displayed. In addition, as a benefit, “lending ball unit price of 3 yen (1 ball) after rescue is activated, after 1/4 rescue is activated, ¼ return of usage” is displayed.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 37 (c), the display area 16a displays a rescue pay function explanation screen in the case where the game is shifted to the big hit gaming state before the rescue is activated. On the rescue pay function explanation screen, “When a big hit occurs, the rescue pay function will be canceled. A message saying “Let's feel free to join 4 times!” Is displayed. This message informs the player that a part of the subscription fee will be returned when the game is shifted to the big hit gaming state before the relief by the insurance function is activated.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 38A, a rescue pay subscription screen is displayed on the display monitor 109. On the rescue pay display screen, the character M is displayed together with the same message as shown in FIG. 37 (a), and the letter “Do you want to join the rescue pay? Encourage participation.

  Then, when the player operates the operation button 29 and the insurance fee is collected, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the display monitor 109 displays the change display count of the special symbol J until the relief is activated as “G”. "Is displayed as a unit. In the example shown in FIG. 38 (c), “600G until rescue is activated” is displayed, and it is informed that the relief is activated when the special symbol J is variably displayed 600 times. In addition, the contents of relief when the rescue pay is activated are also displayed.

  In addition, a message is displayed that says “If a big hit occurs, it will be returned twice.” In this way, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J required until the insurance function is activated and the number of memories returned when a big hit occurs before the insurance function is activated are notified.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 39 (a), while the decorative symbol D is being displayed in the display area 16a of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the number of changes in the special symbol J and the jackpot gaming state until the insurance function is activated. The privilege contents when the transition is made are displayed on the display monitor 109. Furthermore, the lower level of these displays on the display monitor 109 displays the memory count returned when the game is shifted to the big hit gaming state before the insurance function is activated. In the example shown in FIG. 39 (a), “current big hit is displayed as a return of 4 times.

  Assume that a jackpot symbol is displayed as the decorative symbol D in the variation symbol next to the variation symbol shown in FIG. At this time, in the lower part of the display monitor 109, a message “4 times will be returned if the current big hit” is displayed. Next, as shown in FIG. 39 (c), a message “4 times returned” is displayed together with the characters “Big hits are occurring” in the lower part of the display monitor 109, and stored together with the transition to the big hit gaming state. Inform the player that part of the frequency will be returned.

  Thereafter, the game state is changed to the big hit game state, and as shown in FIG. Then, when the big round winning opening 11 of 15 rounds is opened and the big hit gaming state is ended, as shown in FIG. The insurance function that ends the big hit gaming state is canceled. At this time, as shown in FIG. 40 (c), characters “Rescue Pay Subscription Accepted” are displayed, prompting the player to join the insurance function again.

  Also in this embodiment, the insurance function is canceled when the jackpot type is a probable big hit or a normal jackpot, but the insurance function is canceled when the jackpot type is a small jackpot. Maintained without. Hereinafter, the flow will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 41 (a), the number of changes in the special symbol J until the insurance function is activated and the privilege content when the game is shifted to the jackpot gaming state are displayed on the display monitor 109. Suppose that

  In the next variation display of the variation display shown in FIG. 41 (a), as shown in FIG. 41 (b), when the display monitor 109 displays “4G return when 49G is big hit until rescue activation”. Assume that a small hit symbol is displayed as the decorative symbol D. In this case, you are. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), a character “Now having a small hit” is displayed in the lower part of the display monitor 109 to notify the player of the transition to the big hit gaming state due to the small hit. At this time, the display monitor 109 displays the number of changes in the special symbol J until the insurance function is activated and the contents of the privilege when the insurance function is activated as it is.

  Then, when the big winning prize opening 11 of 15 rounds is opened and the big hit gaming state is finished, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, in the display area 16a of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the display of variation of the decorative symbol D is started again. At this time, since the insurance function is not cancelled, it remains as it is, and as shown in FIG. 42 (c), the display monitor 109 displays the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J until the insurance function is activated and the insurance function is activated. The benefits are displayed as they are.

  As described above, in the card unit 100 according to the present embodiment, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided in the side, when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J reaches the number of ceilings of 600 before shifting to the big hit gaming state, relief is performed. Is activated and the rental unit price is changed. The rental unit price after the relief is activated is lower than the rental unit price before the relief is activated. The pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs to the card unit 100 a signal that lowers the lending unit price for lending gaming balls. For this reason, even if it does not shift to the jackpot gaming state, the special lending unit price of the game ball is lower than the normal lending unit price because the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J reaches the ceiling number corresponding to the insurance plan. It becomes. Therefore, even for a player who cannot borrow a large number of game balls before shifting to the big hit gaming state, it is possible to provide relief for the long-lasting normal gaming state. Inequality can be eliminated.

  Further, when the game state is changed to the big hit game state before the number of times the special symbol J changes to the ceiling number, a part of the collected memory frequency is returned to the player. For this reason, it is not always possible to collect all the memory frequencies for joining the insurance plan from the player, so that the player can be promoted to join the insurance plan in which relief is activated.

  Further, in the card unit 100 according to the present embodiment, the insurance plan is canceled when the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided with the card unit shifts to the big hit gaming state and a part of the memory frequency is returned. For this reason, every time the game state shifts to the big hit gaming state, a part of the memory frequency is not returned, so that it is possible to prevent an excessive profit from being given to the player.

  Furthermore, in the card unit 100 according to the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided side by side includes a promising big hit, a normal big hit, and a small hit as the big hit gaming state. Among these, if a probable big hit or a normal big hit occurs in the pachinko machine 1 attached when joining the insurance plan, relief by the insurance function is activated, but if a small hit occurs, The relief by the insurance function is not activated. For this reason, even if a small hit occurs when joining the insurance plan, a part of the memory count is returned to the player due to the subsequent occurrence of a probable big hit or a normal big hit. Therefore, in a gaming machine provided with a plurality of big hit game states such as a promising big hit, a normal big hit, and a small hit, the player can worry about consumption of a large amount of game balls and can play a game with peace of mind. Can do. Further, since the insurance function is canceled when the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit occurs, it is possible to prevent the player from returning the memory count excessively.

  Further, if the insurance function is maintained when a probable big hit or a normal big hit occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the memory count is returned while receiving a great advantageous value. For this reason, the profit given to the player becomes too large. In this regard, in the card unit 100 according to the present invention, the insurance function is maintained in the case of a small hit by returning a part of the memory frequency when a probability big hit or a normal big hit occurs. . For this reason, since the player will receive a memory count at the time of a probable big hit or a normal big hit while receiving a game ball by a small hit, the profit given to the player can be prevented from becoming too large. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the insurance premium is returned when the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to the big hit gaming state before reaching the ceiling number, the person who has a large number of fluctuations increases the return fee. For this reason, even if it does not shift to the big hit gaming state for a long time and relief is not performed by the insurance function, the number of game balls to be returned increases as the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J increases. Therefore, more game balls can be returned to the player when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol J increases without shifting to the big hit gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to further promote the participation of the insurance function for the player. Further, the return fee increases as the number of fluctuations increases, so that the player can be remedied for a player different from the remedy by the insurance function.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, it is defined that the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches 600 as a condition for the insurance to be activated, but other numbers may be used. It is also possible to set a plurality of insurance plans and determine the number of ceilings and the content of relief appropriately for each. Alternatively, a plurality of return values can be set corresponding to a plurality of insurance plans. Furthermore, when a plurality of insurance plans are set, it is possible to adopt an aspect in which these insurance plans can be joined in duplicate.

  In addition, as a condition for the insurance to be activated, other items that allow the number of times the special symbol fluctuates to reach a predetermined number can be set. Specifically, after joining the insurance, if the number of game balls launched exceeds a predetermined number, the number of times that the game ball has passed a predetermined passing area in the gaming area 4a reaches a predetermined number of times, the pachinko gaming machine For example, the time when the game is continued exceeds a predetermined time. Also, these items can be combined as appropriate. In this case, since the conditions for insurance relief are diversified, it is possible to contribute to improving the fun of the game.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the relief by the insurance function at the time of joining the insurance function in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the return of the game ball, the return of the memory count to the prepaid card P inserted in the card unit 100 is returned. It can also be. Alternatively, relief by the insurance function at the time of joining the insurance function in the card unit is the return of the memory frequency, but it is also possible to return the game ball in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the premium is returned when shifting to the big hit gaming state before reaching the ceiling number, the person with a large number of fluctuations increases the return fee. It is possible to adopt a mode in which a smaller number increases the return fee.

  In the above-described embodiment, normal big hits and probability variation big hits are defined as the first advantageous state, and small hits are prescribed as the second advantageous state. However, the advantageous state may be other than these aspects. For example, the first advantageous state can be a positive hit, the second advantageous state can be a normal big hit, the first advantageous state can be a positive big hit, and the second advantageous state can be a short hit big hit. Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment, the second advantageous state may be an advantageous state having a smaller advantageous value than the first advantageous state, and the first advantageous state may be an advantageous state having a smaller advantageous value than the second advantageous state. it can.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is used as a gaming machine, but, for example, a swivel gaming machine (pachislot gaming machine) can also be used. In this case, the game medium is a medal (coin).

1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1 from the back side. It is a front view of the game board shown in FIG. It is a block block diagram which mainly shows the internal structure of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block block diagram of a card unit. (A) is a figure which shows an insurance plan table, (b) is a figure which shows an insurance return plan determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main control process repeatedly performed by the main control circuit after turning on a power supply. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special symbol fluctuation | variation time management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special symbol display time management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a system timer interruption control process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance determination process. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a payout / launch control main process repeatedly executed by a payout / fire control circuit 80; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a command interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a ball lending control process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance control process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance joining process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance premium collection process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance execution process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a game ball return process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an insurance cancellation | release process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the signal input process in a card unit. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the display area in a pachinko game machine in the case of insurance joining procedure. It is a figure which shows the image following FIG. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the display area after joining insurance and until relief by insurance starts. It is a figure which shows the image following FIG. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the display area in a pachinko game machine when insurance is not canceled by small hits. It is a figure which shows the image following FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the insurance plan table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (b) is a figure which shows the insurance return plan determination table which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the insurance joining process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the insurance execution process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the signal input process in the card unit of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the premium return process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the display monitor in a card unit in the case of insurance joining procedure. It is a figure which shows the image following FIG. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on the display monitor after subscribing by insurance after subscribing to insurance. It is a figure which shows the image following FIG. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a display monitor when insurance is not cancelled | released by a small hit. It is a figure which shows the image following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 4 ... Game board, 7 ... Game ball detection switch, 9 ... Start winning opening, 9S ... Start winning opening switch, 11 ... Grand prize opening, 16 ... Liquid crystal display device, 16a ... Display area, 21 ... Main control board 22 ... Sub control board 29 ... Operation button 30 ... Main control circuit 31 ... Main CPU 40 ... Sub control circuit 41 ... Sub CPU 50 ... Image control circuit 60 ... Audio control circuit 70 ... Lamp control circuit, 80... Discharge / launch control circuit, 100... Card unit, 110.

Claims (4)

First advantageous state generating means for generating a first advantageous state advantageous to the player when a predetermined first advantageous condition is satisfied;
Second advantageous state generating means for generating a second advantageous state that is advantageous to the player when the predetermined second advantageous condition is satisfied and has a different advantageous value from the first advantageous state;
In a gaming machine equipped with
A gaming state changing means for changing the gaming state from the initial gaming state to the specific gaming state when a predetermined relief preparation condition is satisfied;
Game state storage means for storing specific game state change information relating to a change of the game state from the initial game state to the specific game state by the game state change means;
When the specific game state change information is stored in the game state storage means and a predetermined relief activation condition is satisfied before the first advantageous state occurs, A predetermined value giving means for giving value;
A game state initialization determination that determines to change the gaming state to the initial gaming state when the first advantageous state occurs when the specific gaming state change information is stored in the gaming state storage means Means,
Gaming state information erasing means for erasing the specific gaming state change information stored in the gaming state storage means when the gaming state initialization deciding means decides to change the gaming state to the initial gaming state. When,
A game state initialization unit that changes a gaming state to the initial gaming state when the specific gaming state change information is erased by the gaming state information erasing unit;
A gaming machine that maintains the specific gaming state when the second advantageous state occurs when the specific gaming state change information is stored in the gaming state storage means.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second advantageous state generated by the second advantageous state generating means is an advantageous state having an advantageous value smaller than the first advantageous state generated by the first advantageous state generating means. . A first advantageous state generating means for generating a first advantageous state that is advantageous to the player when the predetermined first advantageous condition is satisfied, and a player that is satisfied when the predetermined second advantageous condition is satisfied. And a second advantageous state generating means for generating a second advantageous state that is different from the first advantageous state and has a different advantageous value.
Value reading means capable of reading the value related information stored in the storage medium and identifying the value based on the value related information read from the storage medium;
A game medium lending unit for performing a process of lending a game medium to a player within a range of the valuable value specified by the value reading unit;
In a game medium lending device comprising:
Control state changing means for changing the control state from the initial control state to the specific control state when a predetermined repair preparation condition is satisfied;
Control state storage means for storing specific control state change information relating to the change of the control state from the initial control state to the specific control state by the control state change means;
Advantageous state generation signal input means for inputting a first advantageous state generation signal indicating that the first advantageous state output from the gaming machine has occurred and a second advantageous state generation signal indicating that the second advantageous state has occurred. When,
The specific control state change information is stored in the control state storage means, and a predetermined relief activation condition is satisfied before the first advantageous state generation signal is input to the advantageous state generation signal input means. A predetermined value giving means for giving a predetermined value to the player,
When the first advantageous state generation signal is input by the advantageous state generation signal input unit when the specific control state change information is stored in the control state storage unit, the control state is changed to the initial control state. Control state initialization determining means for determining to change;
Control state information erasure means for erasing the specific control state change information stored in the control state storage means when the control state initialization decision means decides to change the control state to the initial control state. When,
Control state initialization means for changing the control state to the initial control state when the specific control state change information is erased by the control state information erasure means;
The specific control state is maintained when the second advantageous state generation signal is input by the advantageous state generation signal input unit when the specific control state change information is stored in the control state storage unit. A gaming machine characterized by   The second advantageous state generated by the second advantageous state generating means in the game machine provided side by side is an advantageous state having a smaller advantageous value than the first advantageous state generated by the first advantageous state generating means. 3. The game medium lending device according to 3.

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