JP2010022398A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for performing specific performance when moving game balls from a game ball storage part to a game box and allowing a player to selectively set the special performance in accordance with a game state. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a game ball storage means which stores game balls and has a ball take-out hole which is provided so as to be freely opened/closed for taking out the stored game balls; an open hole detecting means for detecting when the ball take-out hole is opened; and a performance execution means for executing specific performance different from performance for a game when the open hole detecting means detects that the ball take-out hole is opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a game ball storage means that can store a game ball and that is provided with a ball opening hole for taking out the stored game ball so as to be freely opened and closed.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, such as when a game ball has passed a start area provided in a game area in which the launched game ball can roll, the display area of the variable display device Variable display control means is provided for controlling the display of the identification information in a variable manner and for controlling the display of the identification information on which the variable display is performed, and the identification information thus derived is displayed in a predetermined combination (specific display mode). ), A game is made to shift to a jackpot gaming state (a specific gaming state, so-called “hit”) that is advantageous to the player.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, since a large amount (for example, 1500) of prize balls are generated in a short time when the game state shifts to the jackpot gaming state described above, the gaming balls paid out as the prize balls are gaming machines. In some cases, the game ball storage means attached to the container overflows, and it is necessary to transfer the game balls from the game ball storage means to the storage box. In addition to the jackpot gaming state, for example, even when the player ends the game in the gaming machine with the gaming ball remaining in the gaming ball storage means, the player can exchange prizes with the remaining gaming ball. In order to change the gaming machine to be played, it is necessary to transfer the game ball to the storage box, in other words, to remove the game ball from the game ball storage means (so-called ball removal).

  However, when the game ball is transferred from the game ball storage means to the storage box by a predetermined ball removal means, a considerable impact sound is generated due to the collision between the game ball and the storage box. It is difficult for the player to hear the sound, and the impact sound may be uncomfortable as merely annoying noise for other players in the vicinity. Therefore, in order to mitigate the impact sound when the game ball is pulled out from the game ball storage means and transferred to the storage box, an increase in the number of flat plate sheets attached to the bottom plate of the storage box (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

  However, it is not interesting to simply pull out the ball, and even if there is an effect display on the game board at that time, there is no change to the normal effect display that is displayed before the ball is pulled out. I cannot expect improvement. In particular, moving the game ball from the game ball storage means to the storage box, as described above, indicates that there is a prize ball acquisition amount that is a big hit game state and overflows from the game ball storage means. Some players get the feeling that they have won the prize ball with the impact sound in the previous storage box, so they want some kind of production when removing the ball.

On the other hand, depending on the gaming machine, once the player performs the ball removal operation, the ball removal hole provided in the game ball storage means is maintained open, and the ball removal hole is opened. When playing a game without noticing that the ball was not prepared, the ball could fall from the ball hole and scatter. In order to prevent this, a technique has been proposed in which the open / closed state of the ball hole is notified by voice (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2001-137529 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-39788

  However, since the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 simply informs that the ball hole is opened by voice, a production effect cannot be expected at all. Therefore, it does not lead to enhancing the player's gaming interest.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide a gaming machine that enhances the gaming interest by performing a specific effect when a game ball is removed from the game ball storage means and transferred to a storage box. It is said.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a game ball can be stored and a game ball storage means having a ball opening hole that can be opened and closed to extract the stored game ball, and the ball release hole is opened. An opening detecting means for detecting that the ball has been opened by the opening detecting means, and an effect executing means for executing a specific effect different from the game effect when the opening of the ball hole is detected by the opening detecting means. It is characterized by that.

  According to this gaming machine, when the opening detection means detects that the ball hole has been opened, a dedicated effect sound and effect image (in a speaker and a liquid crystal display device attached to the game machine) In other words, since a specific effect is executed, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a new interest at the time of the player's ball removal work, and in particular, by producing a dedicated effect sound, The impact sound generated when the game ball is transferred from the storage means to the storage box can be mitigated from causing the other players in the vicinity to feel annoying as noise.

  A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect, wherein the effect execution means includes effect data storage means for storing a plurality of types of specific effect data for audio output and image display. It is characterized by being.

  According to this gaming machine, since the effect data storage means that stores a plurality of types of specific effect data executed when the ball hole is opened, the effect execution means is included in the effect data storage means, for example. By executing one specific effect data according to the game situation when it is detected that a ball hole has been opened by the player among a plurality of types of stored specific effect data, a specific effect that is fixed each time Instead of being executed, it is possible to execute various specific effects according to the game situation.

  The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 2, in which the player preliminarily selects a specific effect to be executed from among a plurality of types of specific effect data stored in the effect data storage means. It comprises the selection means which can be selected arbitrarily.

  According to this gaming machine, the player can arbitrarily select the specific effect data preferred by the player from the effect data storage means storing a plurality of types of specific effect data by operating the selection means. Therefore, the specific effect executed when the ball punch hole is opened can be adapted to the preference of each player.

  A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising an opening / closing operation means for performing an opening / closing operation of the ball hole, wherein the effect execution means is the opening / closing operation means. Is operated, and the specific effect is executed only while the hole detecting means detects that the ball hole is in an open state.

  According to this gaming machine, since the player operates the opening / closing operation means and the specific effect is executed only when the ball opening hole is opened, the player operates the opening / closing operation means to operate the ball opening hole. Because it is possible to call attention to continuing the game while opening the game ball, for example, when the game ball storage box is not prepared, the game ball is dropped from the game ball storage unit, It is possible to prevent the game balls from being scattered.

  The gaming machine according to claim 5 is a special game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a chance for a player to acquire a prize ball is increased compared to a normal gaming state. Game progress control means for executing a game is provided, and when the specific effect is executed during execution of the special game, the effect execution means changes the specific effect to a predetermined specific effect corresponding to the special game. It is characterized by that.

  According to this gaming machine, during the execution of a special game (so-called jackpot game) by the game progress control means, the player operates the opening / closing operation means to receive a large number of prize balls from the game ball storage section. Since the opportunity to transfer to the storage box increases, the opportunity to execute a specific effect corresponding to the special game by the effect execution means also increases, so that the player can Can enjoy a specific performance according to different special games.

  In addition, as described above, the effect data storage unit in the present embodiment stores a plurality of types of specific effect data, and includes a selection unit that can select a specific effect preferred by the player according to the game state. It is a thing. However, the storage capacity of the storage means (for example, ROM, RAM) provided in the gaming machine is naturally limited, and therefore the number of specific effect data stored in the effect data storage means is limited. Therefore, for a player who likes the gaming machine and enjoys the game for a long time, the possibility of eventually getting bored cannot be prevented, no matter how many specific effects can be selected.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, an optical drive or the like is attached to the gaming machine to reproduce audio data and image data from a CD, BD (Blu-ray Disk) or DVD as a recording medium, and the reproduced audio data And the structure which can set image data as specific production data is desirable.

  According to this configuration, the player can freely set audio data and image data used as specific effects from various storage media (for example, CD, BD, DVD) according to the player's preference. Therefore, the specific effect executed when the ball hole is opened can be customized as an original specific effect that suits each player's preference, and a gaming machine that does not get tired of the player. It becomes possible to provide.

  Further, as the selection means operated by the player, for example, an operation panel is provided at a position where the player on the front of the gaming machine can easily operate, and a plurality of types of specific effect data stored in the effect data storage means are stored. It is desirable that the specific effect data preferred by the player can be selected as the specific effect when the ball hole is opened. Furthermore, the operation panel can also be used as an operation means when the player arbitrarily sets the audio data and image data read from the playback device as a specific effect when the ball hole is opened. .

  According to the present invention, when the game ball is transferred from the game ball storage means to the storage box, the specific effect different from the normal effect is performed, so that it is possible to enhance the game entertainment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, functions of the pachinko gaming machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, in a pachinko game, when a game ball that is launched in response to a user's operation becomes a start prize for performing variable display of a special symbol (for example, 100 5 to 6 game balls will be awarded for each game ball, in other words, the probability that the start prize will be about “5/100” to “6/100” is set) Along with the start winning, a big hit random number for determining whether or not the big win is reached, and a design random number for determining the type of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed in the case of the big win are extracted from the big hit counter for the big hit. In this case, when it is normal time (for example, about “1/300”), it is a big hit with a lower probability than when it is probable (for example, about “1/50” to “1/100”). Determined.

  If it is determined that the game will be a big hit, it will be reached, but if it is determined that it will not be a big game, it will be determined whether or not it will be a reach (reach prize) (for example, about “ Reach with probability of 1/10 "to" 1/20 ").

  Further, when a start winning is made during the variable display operation, a big hit random number or the like is stored in the start storage area for the four reserved balls.

  Various commands indicating whether or not the above-mentioned big hit, the kind of special symbol to be stopped and displayed, whether or not to reach, etc. are output to the effect display means, and the variable display control means is variable in the display. Display.

  On the other hand, the effect display means selects variable display video and effect video based on the received various commands, reads effect data corresponding to the selection result, outputs a display video signal to the display, and generates a sound generator ( Audio signal is output to the speaker. As a result, various images are displayed on the display device, and various sounds are generated on the sound generator. Further, by outputting to the effect display means whether or not the big hit stored in the start storage area described above is lost, it is possible to recognize a win in the start storage area that has not yet been variably displayed, and based on that win Production may be performed.

  In the case of a big hit, the game ball payout control is performed with a higher probability than normal. When the big hit is over, there may be a short time state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, or a probability variation state (probability variation state). In the short-time state, the start winning opening chucker opens and closes, making it easier to start a start than in the normal state, and in the probability changing state, the probability of a big hit in the big hit determination is higher than in the normal case. The time-short state is continued during variable display 50 to 100 times after the big hit, and the probability change state is continued until the next big hit.

  Further, the function of the pachinko gaming machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game is a game in which a game ball is fired in response to a user's operation, and the game ball is controlled to be paid out by various winnings.

  The pachinko game includes a special symbol game using a special symbol and a normal symbol game using a normal symbol. When the special symbol game is a big hit or the normal symbol game is a big win, the possibility that the game ball will win is relatively increased, and the payout control of the game ball is easily performed.

  In addition, for various winnings, special symbol start winning, which is one condition for variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, and normal symbol starting, which is one condition for variable display of normal symbols in a normal symbol game. Winning is also included.

  When there is a special symbol start winning, a random value is extracted from the jackpot determination counter and the symbol determination counter, and each random value is stored.

  On the other hand, when there is a normal symbol start winning, a random value is extracted from the counter for winning determination, and the random value is stored.

  In the special symbol game, first, it is determined whether a condition for starting variable display of the special symbol is satisfied. In this case, it is determined whether or not the random number value is stored by the special symbol start winning described above, and it is determined that the variable symbol display is started on the condition that the random value is stored.

  Then, the random number value extracted from the jackpot determination counter is referenced to determine whether or not to make a big hit. Next, the random number value extracted from the symbol determination counter and the above-described jackpot determination result are referred to, and the stop symbol determination for determining the special symbol to be stopped and displayed is performed.

  Next, a random number value is extracted from the variation pattern determination counter, and the random pattern value, the above-described jackpot determination result, and the above-described stop symbol are referred to, and the variation pattern determination that determines the variation pattern of the special symbol is performed. Done. Next, a random number value is extracted from the counter for determining the production pattern, and the random number value, the above-described jackpot determination result, the above-described stop symbol, and the above-described variation pattern are referred to, and the special symbol is variably displayed. The production pattern to be executed is determined accordingly.

  Then, as a result of the jackpot determination determined as described above, the special display to be stopped, the variation pattern of the special symbol, the effect pattern accompanying the special symbol is referred, and the variable display control for performing display control of the variable symbol special display, Production control for performing a predetermined production is executed.

  Then, when the variable display control and the effect display control are finished, it is determined whether or not a big hit is made. When it is judged that the big hit is made, the big hit game control for performing the big hit game is executed. In this big hit game control, the possibility of various winnings as described above increases. On the other hand, when it is determined that the big hit is not made, the big hit game control is not executed.

  Then, game state transition control for shifting the game state is performed. In this gaming state transition control, the gaming state is managed in a normal time different from the big hit gaming state. For example, in the big hit determination described above, the probability change state that the probability of being determined to be a big hit is increased, or in the variable display of a special symbol or a normal symbol, the variable display time is reduced, or the various game states May be moved to. Then, it is repeatedly determined whether or not to start the variable symbol variable display again.

  On the other hand, in the normal symbol game, first, it is determined whether a condition for starting the variable symbol variable display is satisfied. In this case, it is determined whether or not the random symbol value is stored by the above-described normal symbol start winning, and it is determined that variable symbol display is started on the condition that the random value is stored.

  Then, the random number value extracted from the counter for hit determination is referred to and a hit determination as to whether or not to win is performed. Next, referring to the hit determination result described above, the variation pattern determination for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol is performed.

  As a result of the hit determination determined as described above, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is referred to, and variable display control for performing display control for variable symbol normal display and effect control for performing a predetermined effect are executed.

  Then, when the variable display control and the effect display control are finished, it is determined whether or not the winning is achieved. When it is determined that the winning is achieved, the winning game control for performing the winning game is executed. In the winning game control, the possibility of various winnings as described above, in particular, the possibility of special symbol starting winnings in a special symbol game is increased. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning is not made, the winning game control is not executed. Then, again, it is repeatedly determined whether or not to start variable display of normal symbols.

  In this way, in the pachinko game, in addition to various winnings of game balls that are launched in response to user operations, whether or not it will be a big hit in a special symbol game, whether the game state transitions, in a normal symbol game This is a game in which payout control of game balls is easily performed depending on whether or not

  In the present embodiment, the extraction of various random values uses a soft random number method that generates random values by executing a program. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, random numbers are updated at a predetermined cycle. A hard random number system that extracts a random number value from a counter (so-called ring counter) in the random number generator may be used. In this case, it is possible to prevent the same random number value from being extracted in the predetermined cycle by determining the initial value of the random value at a timing different from the predetermined cycle.

[Composition of gaming machine]
An overview of the gaming machine in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko gaming machine (also referred to as “digital pachi”) is shown as a preferred embodiment for a gaming machine according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the pachinko gaming machine 10 fires a glass door 11, a wooden frame 12, a base door 13, a game board 14, a dish unit 21, a liquid crystal display device 32 for displaying an image, and a game ball. The launching device 130, the optical drive 27, a board unit 400 including various control boards, a ball payout unit 500 for giving a game ball as a game value, and the like.

  The glass door 11 described above is pivotally attached to the base door 13 so as to be openable and closable. An opening 11a is formed at the center of the glass door 11, and a protective glass 19 having transparency is disposed in the opening 11a. Moreover, the base door 13 is pivotally attached to the front of the wooden frame 12 described above.

  The dish unit 21 described above functions as a game ball storage unit in the present embodiment, and is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be positioned below the glass door 11. The dish unit 21 is provided with an upper dish 20 above and a lower dish 22 below. The upper plate 20 is formed with an upper payout opening 20a for renting out game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls), so that the storage of game balls in the upper plate 20 is full (that is, overflow). In this case, the game ball is discharged from the lower payout opening 22 a formed in the lower tray 22 and stored in the lower tray 22. Further, the upper plate 20 functions as a game ball storage unit for launching the game region 15 described later.

  When a large number of prize balls are generated by execution of a jackpot gaming state (that is, a specific gaming state) to be described later, and both the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 that are the game ball storage units are full. When the player operates the opening lever 22b provided on the front side wall of the lower plate 22, a ball punching hole 22c provided at the approximate center of the bottom surface of the lower plate 22 is opened, and a game ball installed below the hole 22c is opened. By moving the game ball to a storage box or the like (that is, dropping it), the full state of the game ball in the lower plate 22 can be eliminated.

  An operation panel 90 is disposed above the dish unit 21. As will be described in detail later, the operation panel 90 is an example of operation means that can be operated by the player, and in accordance with the operation, a storage box for game balls installed below the lower plate 22 in the present embodiment. In order to transfer the game ball to the player, the player operates the aperture lever 22b to set a specific effect to be executed in the speakers 46L and 46R and the liquid crystal display device 32 that are executed when the ball release hole 22c is opened. Is for. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 90 includes a cross button 90a, a setting button 90b, and a cancel button 90c that can be operated by the player.

  The launching device 130 described above is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be located on the side of the dish unit 21. The launching device 130 is provided with a launching handle 26 that can be operated by a player, and the pachinko game can be advanced by operating the launching handle 26 by the player. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the firing motor (not shown) according to the rotational angle and stored in the upper plate 20. The played game balls are sequentially launched onto the game board 14.

  The optical drive 27 described above is disposed on the wooden frame 12 so as to be positioned below the launching device 130. Here, the configuration of the optical drive 27 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the optical drive 27. As shown in FIG. 18, the optical drive 27 is for reproducing audio data and image data as specific effects in the present embodiment, and is a recording medium such as a disk 27d (CD, BD (Blu-ray Disk)). (Or DVD) is inserted through the insertion port 27a provided on the front surface of the optical drive 27, and the playback button 27b provided on the front surface of the upper right part of the insertion port 27a is pressed, whereby the sound recorded on the disk 27d is recorded. Data and image data are reproduced. Then, when the player operates the operation panel 90 described above, arbitrary data is set as the specific effect from the reproduced audio data and image data. The inserted disk 27d is ejected to the front surface of the optical drive 27 and can be taken out when the eject button 27c provided on the right side of the reproduction button 27b is pressed. The setting of the specific effect using the operation panel 90 will be described later in detail.

  The game board 14 described above is disposed in front of the base door 13 so as to be located behind the protective glass 19. The game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front surface of which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by the guide rail 30 and the like, in which a game ball can roll. In this way, the game balls launched by the launching device 130 are guided by the guide rails 30 provided on the game board 14 and moved to the upper part of the game board 14, and thereafter, a plurality of game balls provided in the game area 15 are provided. It will fall down below the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction due to the collision with the obstacle nail.

  In the center of the front surface of the game board 14, a start port 44, a shutter 40, and the like are provided. On the condition that a game ball has entered the start port 44, variable display of special symbols will be executed. Further, as will be described in detail later, depending on the result of variable display of this special symbol, a big hit gaming state (so-called “big hit”) that is relatively advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state is obtained. When the big hit game state is reached, the shutter 40 is controlled to be in an open state, and the game ball may be easily received in the big prize opening 39.

  A display area of the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to be visible. Speakers 46L and 46R are disposed above the base door 13.

  A special symbol display device 33 is disposed above the center of the game board 14. The special symbol display device 33 performs variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game. The special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is configured by a single symbol sequence, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by, for example, a plurality of symbol sequences. This special symbol is a symbol made up of numbers and symbols.

  “Variable display” is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner. For example, a “variable display” that is actually displayed in a variable state, a “stop display” that is displayed in a stopped state, etc. It is. In addition, “variable display” can be “derivation display” in which identification information is displayed as a result of a special symbol game. Further, the period from the start of the variable display to the derivation display is referred to as one variable display.

  Further, in the special symbol display device 33, the special symbol is derived and displayed, and the gaming state is changed to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player based on the special display that is derived and displayed. Will be migrated. In addition, when the special symbol derived and displayed is in a non-specific display mode, it does not shift to the big hit gaming state.

  Also, based on the fact that the special symbol that has been derived and displayed has become a special display mode among the specific display modes, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state that is advantageous to the player, and the big hit gaming state ends. In such a case, the state will be shifted to the probability variation state.

  On the other hand, based on the fact that the special symbol derived and displayed has become a non-special display mode that is not a special display mode among the specific display modes, the gaming state is shifted to a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player. When the big hit gaming state is finished, the game shifts to the non-probable change state (normal game state). In the probability change state as described above, the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved relative to the normal gaming state.

  Also, depending on the display mode or the like in which these special symbols are derived and displayed, there may be a transition to a shorter time state after the end of the big hit gaming state. In this case, the short state is controlled so that the variable display time for the special symbol or the like is shorter than that in the normal gaming state and the time in which the blade member 48 is in the open state is longer. The possibility of shifting to the gaming state is improved.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 described above has a display area for displaying an image related to a game. The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the opening formed in the game board 14. In the display area of the liquid crystal display device 32, images relating to various games such as decorative symbols, background images related to games, effect images, etc., which are variably displayed in accordance with the variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, are provided in a predetermined manner. Will be displayed.

  In addition, on the liquid crystal display device 32, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol display device 33. When this decoration symbol derivation display is performed and the result of the variable symbol special display on the special symbol display device 33 is a specific display mode, the combination of the plurality of decoration symbols derived and displayed is a specific combination, The gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is used as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. It may be composed of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED (Light Emitting Diode), a segment LED, an EL (Electro Luminescence), plasma, or the like.

  In the game area 15 of the game board 14 described above, various types of accessories are provided. An example of various types of accessory will be described below with reference to FIG. 5, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, a special symbol display device 33 is provided above the center in the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  In addition, a normal symbol display device 35 that performs variable display of normal symbols is provided on the right side of the special symbol display device 33. Also, above the game board 14, special symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d (indicated by reference numeral 34 in FIG. 7) for displaying the number of holds in the special symbol game, and the normal symbol hold for displaying the number of hold in the normal symbol game. A display device 37 is provided.

  In addition, ball passage detectors 54 a and 54 b are provided above the game area 15 of the game board 14. When it is detected that a game ball has passed in the vicinity of the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b, the normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display device 35 is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation display is performed. Is stopped.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, the blade members 48 provided on both the left and right sides of a starting port 44 (to be described later) (so-called normal electric combination, hereinafter referred to as normal electric combination) Is changed from the closed state to the open state, so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 44. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 48 is opened, the blade member 48 is closed so that it is difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 44.

  Further, below the game area 15 of the game board 14, there are provided game ball general winning openings 56 a to 56 d.

  In addition, a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed with respect to the special prize opening 39 is provided below the game area 15 of the game board 14. As described above, when the game state is shifted to the big hit game state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state (first state) in which a game ball can be easily received.

  Further, the shutter 40 is driven to the open state until a predetermined number of game balls pass through the special winning opening 39 or until a predetermined time elapses. In other words, in the open state, when a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied, the big prize opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls (second state). ). Subsequently, the shutter 40 that has been changed from the open state to the closed state is again driven to the open state on condition that the upper limit number of rounds has not been reached.

  A starting port 44 is provided above the shutter 40. When a game ball wins at the starting port 44, a special symbol game, which will be described later, is started, and the state shifts to a variable display state in which the special symbol is variably displayed. As the predetermined variable display start condition, in this embodiment, the main condition is that the game ball has won the start opening 44 (the game ball has passed through the start area). In other words, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied (provided that the game ball has passed through the start area), the special symbol is variably displayed. In the embodiment, the predetermined variable display start condition is that a game ball has won the start opening 44, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used.

  In addition, when a game ball is won at the start opening 44 during the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game, the game ball is won at the start opening 44 until the special symbol at the variable display is derived and displayed. Execution (start) of variable display of the special symbol based is suspended. That is, when the predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied but the predetermined variable display start condition is not satisfied (when the predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied), the predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. The execution (start) of variable symbol special display is suspended. If the special symbol is derived and displayed in a state where the execution of the variable display of the special symbol is suspended, the execution of the variable display of the special symbol that is suspended is started.

  In addition, the special symbol variable display executed when the special symbol is derived and displayed is once. Further, an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the variable symbol variable display is suspended up to four times. Thus, when the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game is held, the special symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d display the number of the hold.

  Similarly, in the normal symbol game, the execution (start) of variable symbol display may be suspended, and when the variable symbol variable display is suspended, the regular symbol hold display device 37 The hold number is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the variable symbol special display and the normal symbol variable display are held up to four times as an upper limit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. The variable display of the special symbol may be suspended with the number of times or multiple times as the upper limit, and may be configured to be suspended without setting the upper limit. Of course, you may comprise so that the variable display of a special symbol may not be suspended.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b, the general winning ports 56a to 56d, the large winning port 39, and the starting port 44 are respectively behind the passing ball sensors 114 and 115, and the general winning ports. The ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the count sensor 104, and the starting winning ball sensor 116 are disposed, and each passing or entering ball is detected. Further, behind the blade member 48 and the shutter 40, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 and a special prize opening solenoid 120 are disposed, respectively, and driven.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko gaming machine 10 mainly includes a main control circuit 60 that controls a game and a sub-control circuit 200 that controls an effect according to the progress of the game.

  The main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM 68 (read only memory), and a main RAM 70 (read / write memory).

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

  The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66, various tables, and the like.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. In the present embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 also includes a reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. An initial reset circuit 64 for generating a reset signal and a serial communication IC 72 for supplying a command to a sub-control circuit 200 described later are provided.

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60.

  For example, various devices that respond to signals from the main control circuit 60 include a special symbol display device 33 that performs variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, and a special symbol that displays the number of reserved special symbol displays in a special symbol game. Symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d, a normal symbol display device 35 that performs variable display of the normal symbol as identification information in the normal symbol game, and a normal symbol hold display device 37 that displays the number of hold of variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol game. The normal electric accessory solenoid 118 that opens the blade member 48 or the closed state, and the large winning opening solenoid 120 that drives the shutter 40 to open or close the large winning opening 39 are connected.

  Further, for example, when the game ball passes through the area of the big winning opening 39, the count sensor 104 that supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60, and when the game ball passes through each of the general winning openings 56a to 56d. When a game ball passes through the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112 and the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b, which supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60, the predetermined detection signal is sent to the main control circuit 60. When the game ball wins the passing ball sensors 114 and 115 and the start opening 44 supplied to the game, the start winning ball sensor 116 that supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60, backup data at the time of power interruption, etc. A backup clear switch 124 that is cleared in accordance with the operation of the administrator is connected.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150. Further, a lending operation unit 82 is connected to the card unit 150, and an operation signal is supplied to the card unit 150 in accordance with the operation.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. The payout / firing control circuit 126 supplies power to the firing motor according to the turning angle when the launching handle 26 is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise. Control to fire the ball.

  Further, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 controls the display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, the control relating to the sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R, the decoration lamp 132 (not shown), etc. in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Control.

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

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, a sound control circuit 230 for performing control related to sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R, and a decorative lamp. A lamp control circuit 240 for controlling the lamp including the above, and an optical drive control circuit 260 for controlling the optical drive 27 for reproducing a recording medium on which audio data and image data are recorded. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

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

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 and the program ROM 208 are used as the storage means for storing programs, tables, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and a storage medium that can be read by a computer provided with control means. Any other form may be used, for example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  The work RAM 210 stores various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 is a circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 32, and includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP), an image data ROM that stores data for generating various image data, A frame buffer for buffering image data, a D / A converter for converting image data as an image signal, and the like are included.

  The display control circuit 250 is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with data supplied from the sub CPU 206. In response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, the display control circuit 250 displays various image data such as decorative design image data, background image data, and production image data indicating a decorative design on the liquid crystal display device 32. The image data to be stored is temporarily stored in the frame buffer.

  Then, the display control circuit 250 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing, whereby an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the display control circuit 250 performs control to display an image related to the game on the liquid crystal display device 32.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals, and the like.

  The sound source IC controls sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R. The sound source IC selects one sound data from a plurality of sound data stored in the sound data ROM in accordance with a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206. The sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the audio signal and generates audio from the speakers 46L and 46R.

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a decoration data ROM storing a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns, and the like.

  The optical drive control circuit 260 performs control to reproduce music data and image data from a recording medium (CD, BD, DVD, etc.) inserted in the optical drive 27.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when various buttons (cross button 90a, setting button 90b, and cancel button 90c (see FIG. 3)) provided on the operation panel 90 are operated by the player, the sub-signal is detected as a predetermined detection signal. When the button detection sensor 201 supplied to the control circuit 200 and the player operates the opening lever 22b of the lower plate 22 to open the ball punching hole 22c of the lower plate 22, the sub-control circuit 200 is used as a predetermined detection signal. The opening detection sensor 202 supplied to is connected.

[Game machine operation]
The processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and FIGS. 12 to 17 below. Moreover, the state transition of the special symbol control process performed with the pachinko machine 10 is demonstrated using FIG.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization (step S11). As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 10, the main CPU 66 executes special symbol control processing relating to the progress of the special symbol game, the special symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display device 33, and the decorative symbols. (Step S15).

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes normal symbol control processing relating to the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device 35 (step S16). Then, the main CPU 66 executes a symbol display device control process for performing display control of variable display such as a special symbol and a normal symbol in accordance with the result of executing the special symbol control process and the normal symbol control process (step S19).

  As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process is completed, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, and the symbol display device control process are repeatedly executed.

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

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process so as to increase the count values of the big hit determination random number counter, the big hit symbol determination random number counter, etc. by “1” (step S42). Then, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of the game ball to the start port 44 or the like (step S43). The main CPU 66 includes various timers such as a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, and a big winning opening opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening 39. Update processing is executed (step S44). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S46).

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a command output process for supplying various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (step S47). Then, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126 (step S49). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

[Special symbol control processing]
The special symbol control process in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the numerical value drawn on the side of each process indicates a control state flag corresponding to each process, and one step corresponding to the numerical value is executed according to the numerical value of the control state flag. The special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 66 executes a process of loading a control state flag (step S71).

  In each process described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and allows any one of the processes to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step.

  Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special symbol memory check process (step S72). As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 checks the number of holdings when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a holding number. , Derived special symbol, variation pattern of special symbol, etc. are determined. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined this time has elapsed, the special symbol variation time management process described later is set to be executed.

  On the other hand, when there is no reserved number, the main CPU 66 performs a demo display process for displaying a demo screen.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special symbol variation time management process (step S73). In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management to the control state flag when the control state flag is the value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management. Set the waiting time after confirmation to the waiting time timer. In other words, after the waiting time after the determination, the special symbol display time management process described later is set to be executed.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special symbol display time management process (step S74). In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed, the big hit start interval management process described later is set to be executed. That is, the main CPU 66 performs control to shift to the big hit gaming state (specific gaming state) advantageous for the player when a predetermined game transition condition is established. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 66 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of a gaming state transition control unit.

  On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, the special symbol game end process described later is set to be executed.

  If the main CPU 66 determines that it is a big hit, it executes a big hit start interval management process (step S75). In this processing, the main CPU 66 has a value (03) indicating that the control state flag indicates the big hit start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed, Based on the data read from the ROM 68, the variables positioned in the main RAM 70 are updated. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special winning opening open timer. That is, it is set to execute a process for opening a special prize opening which will be described later.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special winning opening opening process (step S76). In this process, when the control state flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU 66 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is a predetermined number or more, and the opening upper limit time (large). It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the winning opening opening time timer is “0” is satisfied (a predetermined closing condition is satisfied).

  The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 39 when any of the conditions is satisfied. Then, the main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets the extra ball remaining ball monitoring time in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time for monitoring the remaining balls in the big prize opening has elapsed, it is set to execute the monitoring process for the residual balls in the big prize mouth described later.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process (step S77). In this process, the main CPU 66 indicates that the control state flag is a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the winning game mouth, and when the remaining winning ball monitoring time in the winning game mouth has elapsed, It is determined whether or not the condition that the number of times of release is equal to or greater than the maximum value (the final round) is satisfied.

  When this condition is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed, the jackpot end interval processing described later is set to be executed.

  On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating the waiting time management before reopening the big winning opening in the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening described later is set to be executed.

  When the main CPU 66 determines that the special winning opening opening number counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum winning opening release number maximum value, the main CPU 66 executes waiting time management processing before the special winning opening reopening (step S78). In this processing, the main CPU 66 sets the special winning opening opening number counter when the control status flag is a value (06) indicating the waiting time management before the big winning opening reopening and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. The memory is updated so that “1” is increased. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, the above-described process for opening the special winning opening is set to be executed again.

  When the main CPU 66 determines that the big prize opening number counter is equal to or larger than the maximum value for the big opening number, the big hit end interval process is executed (step S79). In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game to the control state when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, the special symbol game end process described later is set to be executed.

  The main CPU 66 performs control to shift to a probability variation state when the big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol, and performs control to shift to the normal gaming state when the big hit symbol is a non-probability variation symbol. Become.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special symbol game ending process when the big hit gaming state is ended or is lost (step S80). In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the data indicating the number of holdings (starting storage information) to be decreased by “1”. Then, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, the special symbol storage check process described above is set to be executed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, in the special symbol control process, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the big hit determination result is lost in the case of not being in the big hit gaming state. By sequentially setting “08”, the special symbol memory check process, special symbol change time management process, special symbol display time management process, and special symbol game end process shown in FIG. 10 are executed at a predetermined timing. Become.

  Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the big hit gaming state, The special symbol memory check process, the special symbol variation time management process, the special symbol display time management process, and the big hit start interval management process shown in FIG. 10 are executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Become.

  Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flags in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby releasing the big winning opening shown in FIG. The middle processing, the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process, and the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening are executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit game is executed.

  When the big hit game is executed and the end condition of the big hit game state is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are set in this order, so that FIG. The big winning opening opening process, the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process, the big hit end interval process, and the special symbol game end process are executed at predetermined timings, and the big hit gaming state is ended.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The special symbol memory check process in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101). When the main CPU 66 determines that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of holds is “0” (step S102). On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, the main CPU 66 ends the present subroutine.

  If the main CPU 66 determines that the data indicating the reserved number is “0”, the main CPU 66 executes a demo display process (step S103). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that the data indicating the number of holds is “0”, the main CPU 66 executes a process of setting a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as the control state flag ( Step S104).

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a big hit determination process (step S105). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the high probability flag, and selects one jackpot determination table from a plurality of jackpot determination tables having different numbers of jackpot determination values (hit determination values) based on the read high probability flag. .

  As described above, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value, that is, when the gaming state is in a probable variation state, the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved as compared with the normal time. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the jackpot determination random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the selected jackpot determination table. That is, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a special symbol determination process (step S107). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the jackpot symbol random value extracted at the time of starting winning, determines the special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random value and the result of the jackpot determination described above, and determines the special symbol. Data indicating a symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. In addition, when the main CPU 66 determines the special symbol as a special display mode (a display mode in which the jackpot symbol becomes a probability variation symbol), the main CPU 66 performs control to shift to the probability variation state.

  The data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33. As a result, the special symbol is derived and displayed on the special symbol display device 33. Further, the data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 as a derived symbol designation command. As a result, in the sub control circuit 200, the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a variation pattern determination process (step S109). In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a variation pattern distribution table for determining a variation pattern based on the special symbol determined as described above. The main CPU 66 determines a variation pattern based on the rendering condition selection random number extracted from the rendering condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern distribution table, and stores the variation pattern in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The main CPU 66 determines the variation display mode (in particular, the variation display time) of the special symbol based on the data indicating such a variation pattern.

  The data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33. As a result, the special symbol display device 33 variably displays the variation pattern determined by the special symbol. Further, the data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 as a variation pattern designation command. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command.

  Then, the main CPU 66 sets the variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer (step S110), and executes processing for clearing the storage area used for the current variation display (step S111). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Normal symbol control processing]
The normal symbol control process of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in FIG. 13, the numerical value drawn on the side of each process indicates a normal symbol control state flag corresponding to those steps, and one numerical value corresponding to the numerical value of the normal symbol control state flag corresponds to that numerical value. Steps are executed and the normal symbol game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, a process of loading a normal symbol control state flag is executed (step S121). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the normal symbol control state flag.

  In the process described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the normal symbol control state flag. The normal symbol control state flag indicates the game state of the normal symbol game, and enables one of the processes to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step.

  Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a normal symbol storage check process (step S122). In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (00) indicating the normal symbol storage check, the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol, and if there is a reserved number, the main CPU 66 makes a hit determination or the like. Do. Then, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating normal symbol variation time monitoring in the ordinary symbol control state flag, and sets the variation time determined in this processing in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the variation time determined this time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation time monitoring process described later is set to be executed.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes normal symbol variation time monitoring processing (step S123). In this processing, the main CPU 66 sets the normal symbol control state flag to a value (01) indicating normal symbol variation time monitoring, and when the variation time has elapsed, the main CPU 66 sets the value (02) indicating normal symbol display time monitoring to the normal symbol. The control state flag is set, and the post-confirmation waiting time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, after the waiting time after the determination, the normal symbol display time monitoring process described later is set to be executed.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes normal symbol display time monitoring processing (step S124). In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a hit when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (02) indicating normal symbol display time monitoring and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. When the main CPU 66 is successful, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating that the normal electric accessory is released to the normal symbol control state flag. That is, it sets so that the normal electric accessory release process mentioned later may be performed.

  On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating the end of the normal symbol game when it is not a win. That is, it sets so that the normal symbol game completion | finish process mentioned later may be performed.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a normal electric accessory release process (step S125). In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (03) indicating that the normal electric accessory is released, the main CPU 66 has a condition that there is a predetermined number of start winnings during the opening of the normal electric accessory. It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the electric accessory release time timer is “0” is satisfied.

  The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to bring the blade member, which is an ordinary electric accessory, into a closed state when any of the conditions is satisfied. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating the end of the normal symbol game to the normal symbol control state flag. That is, it sets so that the normal symbol game completion | finish process mentioned later may be performed.

  Then, the main CPU 66 executes a normal symbol game end process (step S126). In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value (04) indicating the end of the normal symbol game, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol so as to decrease by “1”. The main CPU 66 updates the normal symbol storage area in order to perform the next normal symbol variation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a normal symbol storage check. That is, it sets so that the process which loads the normal symbol control state flag mentioned above may be performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

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

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, the sub CPU 206 executes an initial setting process such as RAM access permission and work area initialization (step S301). Then, the sub CPU 206 executes random number update processing for updating random number values of various random number counters positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S302).

  As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 15, the sub CPU 206 analyzes the received command and executes a command analysis process corresponding to the analyzed command (step S303). Then, the sub CPU 206 executes display control processing for performing image display control in the liquid crystal display device 32 (step S304). Then, the sub CPU 206 executes a sound control process for controlling sounds generated from the speakers 46L and 46R (step S305) and a lamp control process for controlling light emission of various lamps (step S306).

  Further, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the sub CPU 206 performs a specific effect that is executed when the opening of the ball punching hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected by the player's operation. A specific effect setting process for selecting (Step S307). Further, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 18, a ball removal that activates a specific effect performed using the liquid crystal display device 32 or the speakers 46 </ b> L and 46 </ b> R when the opening of the ball removal hole 22 c is detected. A hole opening detection process (step S308) is executed. When this process ends, the process is transferred again to the random number update process.

  Thus, in the sub control circuit main process, after the initial setting process is completed, the ball hole opening detection process is repeatedly executed from the random number update process.

[Command analysis processing]
The command analysis process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not there is a received command depending on whether or not the command is stored in the command buffer (step S311). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that there is no received command, the sub CPU 206 ends this subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that there is a received command, the sub CPU 206 reads command data from a command buffer positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (step S312). Subsequent processing will be described in detail below.

  If it is determined that there is a reception command, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received based on the read command data (step S313). If the sub CPU 206 determines that the variation pattern designation command has been received, the sub CPU 206 executes an effect pattern determination process for determining various effect patterns, such as a decoration pattern variation pattern and an image effect pattern for displaying a background image (step). S315). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, when determining that the variation pattern designation command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the derived symbol designation command has been received based on the read command data (step S314). If the sub CPU 206 determines that the derived symbol designation command has been received, the sub CPU 206 executes a derived ornament symbol determination process for determining a decorative symbol to be derived and displayed based on the derived symbol designation command (step S316), and this subroutine. Exit.

  On the other hand, when determining that the derived symbol designation command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 sets the effect control data corresponding to the received command (step S317), and ends this subroutine. Specifically, when the sub CPU 206 receives a jackpot start pending command, the sub CPU 206 displays an image indicating that the transition to the jackpot gaming state is pending.

[Specific effect setting processing]
The subroutine executed in step S307 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the special symbol (identification information symbol) indicating the lottery result of the special symbol game is variably displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 ( Step S321). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the special symbol (identification information symbol) is being variably displayed, this sub-routine ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol (identification information symbol) is not being variably displayed, various buttons (cross button 90a, setting button 90b, and cancel button 90c (see FIG. 3)) provided on the operation panel 90 are played. It is determined whether or not the user has operated (step S322). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the button operation by the player has not been performed, the sub CPU 206 ends the present subroutine.

When the sub CPU 206 determines that the button operation by the player has been performed,
It is determined whether or not a recording medium (CD, BD, DVD) is inserted in the optical drive 27 (step S323). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that a recording medium is not inserted in the optical drive 27, the process proceeds to step S325.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that a recording medium is inserted into the optical drive 27, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the inserted storage medium is a video disc (for example, BD or DVD) (step S1). S324). In this process, when the sub CPU 206 determines that the storage medium inserted in the optical drive 27 is not a video disk, the sub CPU 206 shifts the process to step S326 on the assumption that a music disk (that is, a CD) is inserted. . On the other hand, if it is determined that a video disc is inserted, the process proceeds to step S327.

  In the process of step S325, the sub CPU 206 displays a list of music data and image data stored in advance in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 (see FIG. 19A). In this state, the selected arbitrary data is set as a specific effect according to the operation of various buttons provided on the operation panel 90 by the player. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In the process of step S326, the sub CPU 206 displays a list of music data recorded on the music disk in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 (see FIG. 19B). In this state, the selected arbitrary data is set as a specific effect according to the operation of various buttons provided on the operation panel 90 by the player. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In the process of step S327, the sub CPU 206 displays a list of image data recorded on the video disc in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 (see FIG. 19C). In this state, the selected arbitrary data is set as a specific effect according to the operation of various buttons provided on the operation panel 90 by the player. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, in the specific effect setting process executed in the sub-control circuit 200, the special symbol (identification information symbol) indicating the lottery result of the special symbol game is not variably displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. If a music disc is set in the optical drive 27 in accordance with the operation of various buttons provided on the operation panel 90 by the player, a plurality of music data recorded on the music disc is recorded. Arbitrary music data can be set as a specific effect. When a video disc is set in the optical drive 27, any video data can be set as a specific effect from video data including a plurality of moving images recorded on the video disc. If no disc is set in the optical drive 27, any data can be set as a specific effect from a plurality of music data and image data stored in advance in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  Hereinafter, the setting of the specific effect in the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a specific effect setting screen displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In the present embodiment, when no disc is set in the optical drive 27, as shown in FIG. 19A, a list of a plurality of music data and image data stored in advance in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is displayed. When a music disc is set in the optical drive 27, as shown in FIG. 19B, a list of a plurality of music data recorded on the music disc and a video disc in the optical drive 27 are stored. If it is set, as shown in FIG. 19C, a list of image data including a plurality of moving images recorded on the video disc is selected by the player in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. It is displayed as a setting screen for possible specific performance data.

  While the setting screen is displayed, when the player operates various buttons (cross button 90a, setting button 90b, and cancel button 90c (see FIG. 3)) provided on the operation panel 90, for example, a cross by the player In response to the operation of the button 90a, as shown in FIG. 19, the arrow mark and the shaded portion scroll up and down and left and right to indicate that music data or image data set as a specific effect has been selected. .

  When the setting button 90b is pressed in a state where the player has selected the specific effect data (that is, the data is displayed with an arrow mark and a shaded portion), the selected specific effect data is set as the specific effect. Will be. At this time, the specific effects in the present embodiment can be set according to two kinds of game states of “normal time” and “big hit time”, and the selection of “normal time” and “big hit time” is also specified. Similarly to the effect data, as shown in FIG. 19, in accordance with the operation of the cross button 90a by the player, the shaded portion scrolls up and down to display the selected gaming state.

  In the present embodiment, in the setting screen shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the speaker provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a state where music data or image (video) data is selected. When the selected specific effect data is music data, the selected music is output from 46L and 46R, and when the selected specific effect data is image data, the sound accompanying the selected image is output.

  Further, in the setting screen shown in FIG. 19C, a dedicated image display area 84 is provided in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 to display the selected image data, and from the speakers 46L and 46R. It is configured to output sound accompanying the video. As a result, the player can select the setting of the specific effect in the present embodiment by actually hearing with the ear or confirming with the eyes, so that the setting of the specific effect is easy for the player. Is possible.

[Bullet hole detection processing]
The subroutine executed in step S308 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the opening of the ball punching hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected (step S331). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the opening of the ball removal hole 22c has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S333.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the opening of the ball punching hole 22c is detected, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is executing a big hit game (step S332). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the current gaming state is executing a jackpot game, the process proceeds to step S335. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current gaming state is not executing the jackpot game, the process proceeds to step S334.

  In the process of step S <b> 333, when the request for executing the specific effect is stored in the predetermined area of the work RAM 210, the sub CPU 206 resets the request for executing the specific effect and stores it in the predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Update. In this process, when the request to execute the specific effect is reset, the execution of the specific effect that is executed when the opening of the ball punching hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected is stopped, and the normal effect is returned. become. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In the process of step S334, the sub CPU 206 sets a request for executing a specific effect during the normal game, and stores it in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. In this process, when a request for executing a specific effect is set, a specific effect during a normal game that is executed when the opening of the ball removal hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected is executed. . Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In the process of step S335, the sub CPU 206 sets a request for executing a specific effect during the execution of the jackpot game and stores it in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. In this process, when a request for executing a specific effect is set, the specific effect during execution of the jackpot game executed when the opening of the ball punching hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected is executed. It becomes. Then, when this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In the processing of step S334 and step S335, the request to execute the specific effect of “normal time” or “big hit” stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 is the sub-control circuit main processing (FIG. 14). Display) in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with a specific effect of “normal time” or “big hit time” set by the player in the specific effect setting process. Will be.

  Further, when the request for executing the specific effect stored in the predetermined area of the work RAM 210 is reset in the process of step S333, this is also the display control of the sub-control circuit main process (see FIG. 14). Reference is made in the processing (step S304), and the specific effect is switched to the normal effect.

  Hereinafter, the specific effect executed when the opening of the ball removal hole 22c in the present embodiment is detected will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a normal effect and a specific effect displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 in the normal gaming state. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a normal effect and a specific effect displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 in the jackpot gaming state.

  In the normal effect in the normal game state in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20A, an identification information image 80 for notifying the player of the lottery result of the jackpot game in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is displayed. A message image 81 for displaying and changing is displayed. In this state, when the opening of the ball hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected, the “normal” specific effect set in the specific effect setting process described above is executed. That is, in the specific effect in the normal game state, as shown in FIG. 20B, in addition to the identification information image 80 and the message image 81, the specific effect image 83 is displayed, and the ball punching hole 22c is displayed to the player. It is notified that the opening has been detected. And from the speakers 46L and 46R provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, music related to the specific effect of “normal time” set in the specific effect setting process is output.

  On the other hand, in the normal performance in the jackpot game state, as shown in FIG. 21A, three identification information images 80 for notifying the player of the lottery result of the jackpot game are displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. A message image 81 for displaying the number of rounds of the jackpot game is displayed. In this state, when the opening of the ball punching hole 22c provided in the lower plate 22 is detected, the specific effect of “big hit” set in the specific effect setting process described above is executed. That is, in the specific effect in the jackpot gaming state, as shown in FIG. 21B, in addition to the identification information image 80 and the message image 81, the specific effect image 83 is displayed, and the ball hole 22c is displayed to the player. It is notified that the opening has been detected. And from the speakers 46L and 46R provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the music related to the specific effect of “big hit” set in the specific effect setting process is output.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a player moves a game ball stored from the lower plate 22 which is a game ball storage unit to a game ball storage box installed therebelow, When it is detected that the ball hole 22c provided in the tray 22 is opened, a special specific effect is executed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the speakers 46L and 46R to notify the player of the opening of the ball hole 22c. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a gaming machine with a new interest at the time of the player's ball removal work, and in particular, by producing a dedicated production sound, from the game ball storage means to the storage box It is possible to mitigate the impact sound generated when the game ball is transferred from being caused to be annoying to other nearby players as noise.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of specific effects that are executed when the ball punching hole 22c is opened are provided, allowing the player to arbitrarily select and set the pachinko gaming machine 10 Since different specific effects are executed in accordance with the gaming state, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a specific effect that does not get tired for the player.

  In the present embodiment, the specific effect is executed using the liquid crystal display device 32 and the speakers 46L and 46R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, for example. The specific effect can also be executed by a light emitting mode such as a plurality of decorative lamps.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the dish unit 21 comprised of two upper and lower game ball storage parts of the upper dish 20 and the lower dish 22 is used as the game ball storage part. There is provided a pachinko gaming machine provided with a single game ball storage unit in which the lower plate 22 is integrated. Of course, such an integrated game ball storage unit is also equipped with a ball removal device. The present invention can be applied as long as it has a configuration in which the hole 22c is provided and the game ball is dropped into a storage box for the game ball installed below the hole 22c.

  In this embodiment, the optical drive 27 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and a recording medium (CD, BD, DVD) or the like is inserted from the outside so that music data and images ( Video) data can be set, for example, a dedicated connection means (for example, USB connection) is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 so that the optical drive 27 is connected only when a specific effect is set. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit is configured to include a plurality of control circuits including the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub control circuit 200 The main control circuit 60 may be configured as one board.

  In the embodiment described above, a pachinko game machine called a so-called digipachi was taken as an example. It may be a machine.

  Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the main functions in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the pachinko game performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an external view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game board in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the control process performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the optical drive incorporated in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the setting screen of the specific effect performed in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the specific effect performed at the normal time in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the specific effect performed at the time of big hit in the pachinko gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines 27 Optical drive 32 Liquid crystal display device 44 Start port 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
90 Operation panel 200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU

Claims (5)

Game ball storage means capable of storing a game ball and having a ball release hole provided to be openable and closable for extracting the stored game ball;
An opening detecting means for detecting that the ball hole is opened;
When the opening detection means detects that the ball hole has been opened, an effect execution means for executing a specific effect different from the game effect,
A gaming machine comprising:   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect executing means includes effect data storage means for storing a plurality of types of specific effect data for audio output and image display.   3. A selection unit that allows a player to arbitrarily select a specific effect to be executed from a plurality of types of specific effect data stored in the effect data storage unit. Game machines. An opening / closing operation means for opening / closing the ball hole,
The production execution means
4. The specific effect is executed only while the opening / closing operation means is operated and the opening detection means detects that the ball hole is in an open state. The gaming machine described in Crab. A game progress control means for executing a special game in which a player has a chance to win a prize ball when compared with a normal game state when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The said effect execution means changes the said specific effect into the predetermined specific effect corresponding to the said special game, when performing the said specific effect during execution of the said special game. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

Images