JP2010075222A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that can perform an effective performance. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes a game board comprising a playfield on the front, a display body 81 comprising a display screen 27a on the front, and a central display unit (image display unit) 27 to perform a display on the display screen 27a. A display body 80 is composed of an assembly of a plurality of division bodies 81L and 81R dividable on the basis of a division line B1 whose both ends are two places on the peripheral rim of the display body 80. Relative movement mechanisms (87, 87b, 86a, 89b and the like) that relatively move the plurality of division bodies 81L and 81R are provided so that the gap 81S at one end side of the division line B1 between the contacting parts of the division bodies 81L and 81R that are assembled on the basis of the division line B1 becomes wider than the one at the other end side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and relates to a so-called seven machine, a ball game machine such as a feather, a right object, or an arrangement ball, and a revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  For example, a ball game machine has an outer frame, a main body frame (inner frame) attached to the outer frame so as to be openable, a game board held in the main body frame, and a transparent covering the front part of the game board. A front frame that is mounted on the main body frame in a releasable state while having a plate (usually a glass plate). A portion of the front surface of the game board that the outer rail and the inner rail substantially surround in a substantially circular or elliptical shape is referred to as a game area, and various winning devices (large winning devices, start winning devices, Other winning devices etc.), a ball gate, an image display device, obstacle nails, etc. are provided.

  This type of ball game machine determines whether or not to shift the gaming state of the gaming machine from the normal gaming state to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state) (hereinafter referred to as “winning determination”). And a determination result display means for performing final display of the determination result indicating the result of the determination. When this “judgment result display means” makes a big hit display (display that the result of the determination is a big win), the gaming state of the gaming machine changes from “normal gaming state” to “big hit gaming state” ”. Then, when the gaming state of the gaming machine shifts to the “big hit gaming state”, the state of the “big winning device” changes from an unacceptable state to an acceptable state, or it is difficult to accept a gaming ball. Change from a normal state to an easily acceptable state.

  In this type of gaming machine, when various displays are performed on the display screen of the image display device (for example, determination result confirmation display, etc.), various effects are executed on the display screen. That is, on this display screen, variable display, display for causing a specific character to appear, and the like are executed. In this type of gaming machine, various improvements have been made for the purpose of further increasing the “various displays performed on the display screen”.

For example, a gaming machine has been proposed in which a display screen of an image display device is arranged at the center of a game board, and a first lamp display unit and a second lamp display unit are added to the game board (see Patent Document 1). Reference, hereinafter referred to as “conventional example”). In this conventional example, the first lamp display unit and the second lamp display unit are provided so as to straddle the display screen of the image display device, and through the through hole formed in the game board, along the through hole The light emitting element group arranged and the translucent member arrange | positioned so that a through-hole may be plugged up are provided. In this conventional example, the combination of the screen display of the display screen and the lighting display of the first lamp display unit and the second lamp display unit, “the effect as if a cut is made to the game board (hereinafter, This is called “cutting production”).
Japanese Patent No. 3998594

  However, since this “cutting effect” is merely performed mainly on “screen display performed on the display screen”, it is less fresh and tends to lack power.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a more effective performance.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A game board with a game area on the front side;
An image display device comprising a display unit body provided with a display screen on the front side and performing a game display using the display screen;
A gaming machine comprising
The display unit main body is configured by combining a plurality of division bodies that can be divided on the basis of a dividing line that has two ends of the outer peripheral edge of the display unit main body,
A relative movement mechanism for performing relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies so that an interval between the mating portions of the divided bodies combined on the basis of the dividing lines is wider on the other end side than on one end side of the dividing lines;
Or
A relative movement mechanism that performs relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies is provided so that the plurality of divided bodies relatively move in the vertical direction.

  Here, in this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction close to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate gaming machines. "Rear (that is, a direction away from the player)". Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

  According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, since the display screen is actually cut in front of the player, it is possible to provide a powerful “slashing effect” that is rich in reality. In particular, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, (1) the divided body is relatively moved so that the interval between the mating portions (mating surfaces) is wider on the other end side than on the one end side of the dividing line. , Make the gap between the mating parts of the split body look like a "cutting edge of a blade (Japanese sword, sword, etc.)" or (2) move the split body up and down to make a cutting force (up and down) (Shearing force) can be applied. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention, a more effective performance can be executed.

  Here, the “partition line” can be configured in, for example, a substantially arc shape, a substantially straight line shape, or the like having two ends on the outer peripheral edge of the display unit main body. In particular, if the “partition line” is formed in a substantially arc shape having two ends on the outer peripheral edge of the display unit main body, it is possible to express a “higher reality” cutting edge. Moreover, as "two places of an outer periphery", for example, when a display part main body is provided with a substantially rectangular outer edge shape (front view), (a) Two places of the edge parts which a display part main body opposes, (b) Examples include two positions between adjacent edges, (c) two positions on any one edge, and (d) two vertices facing in the diagonal direction. If “two places on the outer periphery” are provided on opposite edges or provided in a diagonal direction, the total length of the dividing line can be made sufficient, and a “realistic effect” can be realized.

  In the invention of each claim, the number of dividing lines is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more. In other words, the display unit main body may be divided into two, or may be divided into three or more. When two dividing lines are provided, a more effective performance can be performed by drawing the letters “X (X)” of the “alphabet” using the two dividing lines. In addition, even if the number of dividing lines is one, a specific pattern that is substantially linear or substantially strip-shaped that intersects the dividing line is displayed on the display screen, and the “alphabet” “ A character “X (X)” may be drawn.

  The relative movement mechanism includes, for example, a support unit that supports a plurality of divided bodies in a state in which relative movement is possible, and a drive source (an actuator such as a solenoid or a motor) for performing relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies. Can be illustrated. In this case, a transmission means (such as a rack and a pinion) for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive source to the divided body may be provided between the drive source and the predetermined divided body. Further, in the invention of each claim, the “relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies” may be performed by moving all the divided bodies constituting the display unit main body, or one or several of the display unit main body. You may perform by the movement of the division body of (but not all). In the latter mode, the driving force of the drive source is transmitted only to all of the divided bodies constituting the display unit main body that move during the “relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies”. That's fine.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The display unit body is composed of two divided bodies that can be divided on the basis of a dividing line formed along the right-downward tilt direction or the left-downward tilt direction with two ends of the outer peripheral edge of the display unit body as both ends. And the relative movement mechanism is configured so that the distance between the two divided bodies at the other end side is wider than the one end side of the dividing line. Relative movement is performed.

The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
Providing effect control means for effect control including drive control of the drive source constituting the relative movement mechanism and display control of the image display device,
The display control means displays specific line-shaped or strip-shaped specific patterns that draw a path intersecting the dividing line on the display screen, and drives the drive source so as to perform relative movement of a plurality of divided bodies. The relative movement movement control for controlling is performed in the order of the specific picture display control and the relative movement movement control or in the reverse order.

  The invention of claim 3 executes a more effective production by performing the actual division of the display screen and the divided display on the display screen (display of a specific pattern) before and after. Is intended. In particular, as described above, when the character “X (X)” of the “alphabet” is drawn with the gap formed by dividing the display screen and the specific design, a more effective effect is executed. be able to. In addition, the effect control means of the invention of claim 3 and the invention of claim 5 provides that the specific picture display control and the relative movement control are performed on the condition that the specific display (for example, specific reach display) is performed on the display screen. You may go.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A front surface portion of the game board includes an area forming portion in which the game area is provided, and a screen for allowing a predetermined part of the area forming portion to visually recognize the display screen of the display portion main body from the front of the area forming portion. As the visual recognition part,
An outer frame,
A main body frame mounted on the outer frame while holding the game board;
A front frame that is mounted on the front side of the main body frame and includes a viewing window for allowing the game area to be viewed from the front;
With
At least one of the region forming part and the front frame, and provided with a peripheral light emitting member in the vicinity of a virtual extension line extending both ends of the dividing line in the outer edge direction of the front frame,
When the relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies is started, the peripheral light emitting member can sequentially view the virtual extension line and the dividing line from one outer edge of the front frame to the other outer edge of the front frame. A lighting control means for controlling lighting of the peripheral light emitting member is provided.

  According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to execute an effective performance using a wide range of parts of the gaming machine. That is, in the invention of claim 4, a peripheral light emitting member is provided outside the display screen at a part related to the division of the display screen (that is, a part located in the vicinity of the virtual extension line). An effect (light emission display) can be performed using a member. For this reason, the actual division | segmentation of a display screen and the light emission display (lighting) using a peripheral light emission member can be integrated, and a much more effective production can be performed.

The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A front surface portion of the game board includes an area forming portion in which the game area is provided, and a screen for allowing a predetermined part of the area forming portion to visually recognize the display screen of the display portion main body from the front of the area forming portion. It is the visual recognition part,
An outer frame,
A main body frame mounted on the outer frame while holding the game board;
A front frame that is mounted on the front side of the main body frame and includes a viewing window for allowing the game area to be viewed from the front;
Production control means for performing production control including drive control of the drive source constituting the relative movement mechanism and display control of the image display device;
With
The effect control means drives the drive source so as to perform a specific picture display control for displaying a linear or strip-like specific picture that draws a path intersecting the dividing line on the display screen, and a relative movement of a plurality of divided bodies. Relative movement movement control to control the specific picture display control, the relative movement movement control in the order of the reverse or reverse,
A first peripheral light-emitting member that is at least one of the region forming portion and the front frame, and is in the vicinity of a first virtual extension line in which both end portions of the specific pattern extend in the outer edge direction of the front frame. With
A second peripheral light-emitting member that is at least one of the region forming part and the front frame, and is within a range near a second virtual extension line in which both end portions of the dividing line extend in the outer edge direction of the front frame. With
When the specific pattern display control is started, the first peripheral light emitting member can sequentially view the first virtual extension line and the specific pattern from one outer edge side of the front frame to the other outer edge side of the front frame. Preferably, a first lighting control means for controlling lighting of the first peripheral light emitting member,
When the relative movement control is started, the second peripheral light emitting member can sequentially recognize the second virtual extension line and the dividing line from one outer edge of the front frame to the other outer edge of the front frame. Therefore, second lighting control means for performing lighting control of the second peripheral light emitting member,
It is characterized by providing.

  In the invention of claim 5, as in the invention of claim 3, the actual division of the display screen and the division display on the display screen (display of the specific pattern) are performed in succession, and further Perform an effective performance. In addition, an effective performance is executed using a wider range of parts of the gaming machine than the invention of claim 4. That is, outside the display screen, the first peripheral light emitting member is provided in a portion related to the division of the display screen (that is, a portion located in the vicinity of the first virtual extension line). An effect (light emission display) can be performed using the peripheral light emitting member. In addition, a second peripheral light-emitting member is provided outside the display screen at a part to which the specific pattern displayed on the display screen is attached (that is, a part located in the vicinity of the second temporary extension line). An effect (light emission display) can be performed using the second peripheral light emitting member. For this reason, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to integrate the actual division of the display screen and the light emission display (lighting) using the peripheral light emitting members, and to execute a further effective effect.

  In the invention of each claim, “within the vicinity of the virtual extension line (the same applies to the vicinity of the first virtual extension line and the vicinity of the first virtual extension line)” refers to the position on the virtual extension line. As shown in FIG. For example, it is within a range of 33 mm or less (including 0 mm) from the virtual extension line, preferably within a range of 22 mm or less (including 0 mm), particularly preferably 11 mm or less (including 0 mm). A range in the distance can be exemplified.

The gaming machine according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A rear light-emitting member is provided behind the display unit main body at a site that is visible from the front as the plurality of divided bodies move relative to each other.

  In the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the empty space behind the display unit main body is effectively used as the arrangement space for the rear light emitting member. An even more effective presentation can be performed by using the rear light emitting member that appears and disappears with the presence or absence of relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies. For example, the production control means of the invention of claim 3 or claim 5 may be configured to “control light emission of the rear light emitting member so that the rear light emitting member is turned on when relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies is started”. . In this case, since the player can visually recognize the light emitted from the rear light emitting member through the gaps between the plurality of divided bodies, it is possible to perform a more effective performance.

  The “game board” of the invention of each claim is constituted by a plate-like body (veneer board, resin board) or the like. This “game board” includes an area forming portion and an area outside located around the area forming portion. Among these, the front surface portion of the region forming portion is substantially surrounded by a substantially circular shape or a substantially elliptical shape by the outer rail and the inner rail, thereby forming a game region.

  The “display screen” is usually disposed at a position retracted backward from the front surface portion of the region forming portion. In addition, as the “screen visual recognition part” of the invention of each claim, (1) a through part (opening part) that penetrates in the thickness direction of the region forming part, (2) a transparent part that can be seen from the front to the rear, etc. Can be illustrated. Here, in the former (1) “screen visual recognition part (penetration part)”, the display screen is arranged at a position aligned with the penetration part behind the penetration part or inside the penetration part. By doing this, this display screen can be visually recognized from the front of the region forming portion (penetrating portion). In this case, the penetrating portion may be formed in a main body portion (game board main body to be described later) of the game board, but may be formed in an attachment member attached to the main body portion. For example, an attachment hole that penetrates the front and rear surfaces (front and back surfaces) of the game board is provided, and a main accessory (for example, a central device) that incorporates the image display device is incorporated into the attachment hole. Under the present circumstances, you may comprise a screen visual recognition part by the penetration part (opening part) provided in the attachment member which comprises the main accessory. In the latter (2) “screen viewing part (transparent part)”, the display screen can be viewed from the front of the area forming part (transparent part) by disposing the display screen behind the transparent part. Is done. In the latter (2), a part of the region forming part may be a transparent part, or the whole may be a transparent part.

  Examples of the “image display device” in each of the claims include an image display device using a liquid crystal display device. It should be noted that the “image display device” of the invention of each claim is not particularly limited as to whether or not it functions as a determination result display means for performing a deterministic display of a determination result indicating the result of the “correction determination”. That is, (a) the determination result display unit may be configured using a dedicated display device (a display device different from the above-described image display device), or (b) the determination result display unit may be configured as an image display device. You may comprise using. Furthermore, (c) both the dedicated display device and the image display device may function as “determination result display means”.

  In the invention of each claim, the “determination result display” may be performed by, for example, lighting display using a single or a plurality of lamp devices, or a stop symbol of a predetermined identification symbol (a single stop symbol). Alternatively, it may be a combination symbol composed of a plurality of stop symbols). Further, “effect display” may be executed in the “image display device” of the invention of each claim and other display means (determination result display means and the like). As this “effect display”, for example, blinking using a single or a plurality of lamp devices, changing display performed by sequentially lighting a plurality of lamp devices, or using a predetermined identification pattern is performed. The display can be exemplified by a variable display (a variable display whose content is cyclic display of a plurality of identification symbols in sequence). The “identification information” is a symbol displayed on the symbol display device in order to issue information to the player, and is configured by, for example, a figure, a character, a pattern, or a combination thereof. The gaming machine of each invention may use only this symbol (discussed later) as this “identification symbol (identification information)”, or it is a special design symbol (pseudo symbol which will be described later) together with this symbol. May be used.

  As described above, according to the invention of each claim, a gaming machine capable of executing a more effective performance can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each example described below, each specific example in which the invention according to each claim is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2.

  The outer frame 2 is used to support the gaming machine main body H while being fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) configured by a substantially rectangular frame-like body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers the lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably attached to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIG. 1) on the left end side of the outer frame 2. This gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, a main body frame 3, a front frame (glass door frame) 4, an upper plate member 5, The lower plate member 6, the game board 10 (see FIG. 4), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 12) and the like are the main parts.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. A locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3. The locking device 7 is used to lock the main body frame 3 to the outer frame 2 and to lock the front frame 4 and the upper plate member 5 to the main body frame 3.

  The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c. That is, the holding tool 3f is rotatably mounted on the protruding end surface of the protruding portion 3c on the left and right sides of the window portion 3M and on the right and left sides of the window portion 3M. Then, the game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 when the game board 10 is fitted to the protrusion 3c with the front part of the game board 10 facing forward and the projecting end part of the holder 3f is brought into contact with the rear surface part of the game board 10. Is done.

  When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 12) is attached to the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. The visual window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and is opened in a substantially circular shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the game area 11 (see FIG. 4) formed on the board surface of the game board 10. Yes. And the game area | region 11 arrange | positioned behind it when the front frame 4 is closed can be visually recognized from the front by this visual recognition window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder (not shown) for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. Is provided. Speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 14) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the front frame 4, respectively. In the gaming machine 1, speakers SP3 and SP4 (see FIG. 14) are also incorporated in the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22. In the gaming machine 1, sound effects and other sounds (sounds) corresponding to the gaming state are generated using the speakers SP1 to SP4.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 5, when the front frame 4 is closed (that is, when the gaming machine 1 is put into use), a central display device (image described later) The display screen 27a of 27 is arrange | positioned in the approximate center part of the visual recognition window 41a (In FIG. 5, the display screen 27a is illustrated using the dashed-two dotted line D1.). In this embodiment, a virtual reference point G1 is virtually set at the substantially central portion of the display screen 27a, and two virtual connection lines L1 and L2 passing through the virtual reference point G1 are virtually displayed. (Indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 5).

  That is, one of the virtual connection lines (hereinafter referred to as “first virtual connection line”) L1 includes “a location 4UL on the upper left end side of the front frame 4” and “a location 4DR on the lower right end side of the front frame 4”. Are connected to each other through a virtual reference point G1 (in a state of passing through the virtual reference point G1). At this time, one of the part 4UL and the part 4DR constitutes a specific example of “one outer edge side” of the front frame 4, and the other constitutes a specific example of “the other side of the outer edge” of the front frame 4. The other virtual connection line (hereinafter referred to as “second virtual connection line”) L2 includes “the location 4UR on the upper right end side of the front frame 4” and “the location 4DL on the lower right end side of the front frame 4”. Are connected to each other through a virtual reference point G1 (in a state of passing through the virtual reference point G1). At this time, one of the location 4UR and the location 4DL constitutes a specific example of “an outer edge one end” of the front frame 4 and the other constitutes a specific example of the “outer edge other end” of the front frame 4.

  In the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 5, “letter X” of “alphabet” is drawn by the two virtual connection lines L 1 and L 2. In the front frame 4 "at each corner 4UL, 4DR, 4UR, 4DL", two LEDs are disposed on the virtual connection lines L1, L2. Here, in the following description, the LED of “the upper left end portion 4UL of the front frame 4” is the frame upper left LED 4j, the “lower right end portion 4DR of the front frame 4” LED is the frame lower right LED 4k, “ The LED at the upper right end portion 4UR of the front frame 4 is referred to as a frame upper right LED 41, and the LED at the lower left end portion 4DL of the front frame 4 is referred to as a frame lower left LED 4m. Here, a specific example of the “first virtual extension line” is configured by a portion of the virtual connection line L1 excluding a position located in the viewing window 41a, and the inside of the viewing window 41a of the virtual connection line L2. A specific example of the “second imaginary extension line” is configured by a portion other than the portion located at. The frame upper left LED 4j, the frame lower right LED 4k, the region upper left LED 4n described later, and the region lower right LED 4o described later constitute a specific example of the “first peripheral light emitting member” according to the invention of claim 5. . Furthermore, the frame upper right LED 41, the frame lower left LED 4m, the area upper right LED 4p, and the area lower left LED 4q constitute a specific example of the "second peripheral light emitting member" of the invention of claim 5, and the invention of claim 3 A specific example of the “peripheral light emitting member” is configured.

  In the present embodiment, the LEDs (light emitting members) 4j to 4m are arranged on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2 in the “locations 4UL, 4DR, 4UR, and 4DL on each corner side” in the front frame 4. In these places and the game board 10 described later, “LEDs (light emitting members)” may be disposed within the vicinity of the virtual connection lines L1 and L2 (for example, within a range within a distance of 11 mm). . That is, the virtual connection line L2 within the range sandwiched between “a pair of virtual boundary lines h1 and h1” drawn substantially parallel to the virtual connection line L1 on both sides of the virtual connection line L1 or on both sides of the virtual connection line L2. The “light emitting member” may be disposed within a range sandwiched between “a pair of virtual boundary lines h2 and h2” drawn substantially in parallel. In the present embodiment, the front wall (not shown) of the front frame 4 is made of a transparent resin plate, and the LEDs 4j to 4m are disposed behind the front frame 4, so that the light emitted by the LEDs 4j to 4m is emitted from the front frame. 4 A player in front can be visually recognized.

  An upper plate member 5 and a lower plate member 6 are provided in a portion below the front frame 4 in the front portion of the gaming machine main body H. In other words, the upper plate member 5 is disposed below the front frame 4 and includes a receiving port 5b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1 inside the container. A ball lending display board 410 (see FIG. 13) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 14) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and a “ball lending operation unit 5c” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. ”And an operation switch SW.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 6 is disposed below the upper plate member 5. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. An ashtray 6 b is provided at the left end of the lower plate member 6, and a firing handle 9 is provided at the right end of the lower plate member 6. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate member 6, and is opened when the game balls stored in the lower plate member 6 are discharged from the gaming machine 1.

  The firing handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit (not shown). A touch switch 9a for detecting that the player is touching the handle is attached to the launch handle 9, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is provided. It is installed. A prepaid card unit is provided on the left end side of the gaming machine 1 (not shown).

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and various board components (the outer rail 12, the inner rail 13, and the main accessory attached to the game board main body 10A. Device 20 etc.) is mounted. Note that a sheet-like object on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted.

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front surface part of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form.

  In this area forming part 10B (that is, a part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), a main accessory device 20, a normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, a start winning device 17, A lower device 30, a lower left display device 50, a lower right display device 60, four general winning devices 40, 41, 43, 44, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill 19 and the like are arranged. Has been.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and a central display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the site | part except the left end side among the upper half parts of the game area | region 11. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d. And this window part formation hole 21d comprises the substantially rectangular display window 21e by the front view. As shown in FIG. 7, a through hole 10K having a substantially rectangular opening is formed in a substantially central portion of the game board main body 10A, and the through hole 10K communicates with the inside of the inner edge of the display window 21e in the front-rear direction. is doing. This through-hole 10K constitutes a specific example of the screen viewing portion.

  The part extending from the top of the mounting member 21 to the lower end of the right edge is close to the outer rail 12, and the part extending from the top to the upper end of the left edge is mounted so that the upper decorative member 21n protrudes forward. Yes. Further, the left decorative member 21q is mounted on the left edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the stage member 21p is mounted on the lower edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward. . Further, the left decorative member 21q includes a modeled object 21r in which a game ball passage (not shown) is formed. The entrance of this game ball passage opens obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at this entrance and enters the main accessory device 20.

  The stage member 21p constitutes a rolling surface of the game ball by its upper surface portion. This rolling surface is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right ends toward the center. However, the central portion of the rolling surface is a raised portion that slightly rises upward. Further, the stage member 21p is provided with a discharge passage for discharging the game ball on the rolling surface to the outside of the main accessory device 20. The outlet 21u of the discharge passage opens at a position continuous with the central portion behind the central portion of the rolling surface, and the outlet 21v of the discharge passage opens at a position below the central portion. ing.

  In this embodiment, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and entered the main accessory device 20 reaches the left end of the rolling surface, rolls right on the rolling surface, Roll to the left. When the momentum of the game ball is reduced, the game ball passes through the discharge passage and is discharged out of the main accessory device 20 or from the front edge portion of the rolling surface. Discharged outside. Note that a start winning device 17 described later is located immediately below the exit portion 21v.

  The central display device 27 constitutes a specific example of a variable display device, similarly to the lower right display device 60 described later. However, in the central display device 27, effect display (variation display and stop display) is performed in conjunction with the special symbol variation display and stop display in the lower right display device 60. In the present embodiment, the lower right display device 60 constitutes a “variable display device” for displaying the present symbol (specific example is shown), and the central display device 27 is a pseudo symbol (special symbol). Other specific examples of symbols are shown.) Is displayed.

  The display screen 27a of the central display device 27 is used in a variable state, and various symbols can be displayed using the whole or a part thereof. In this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG. 15B, three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d and a background screen display portion 27h composed of other portions may appear. In this case, the three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen 27a. In each of the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d that appear in this manner, the variable display using the “pseudo symbol”, the stop display, and the like are performed. Further, when the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the background screen display portion 27h is displayed by the other part of the display screen 27a. The background screen display unit 27h can display a symbol indicating the background (hereinafter referred to as background symbol) or a symbol indicating the character (hereinafter referred to as character symbol) together with the background screen. . A specific display mode on the display screen 27a will be described later.

  Next, the mechanical structure of the central display device 27 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, the central display device 27 is disposed on the back side of the game board body 10 </ b> A using a base member 88 while constituting a part of the main accessory device 20. The base member 88 has an opening 88a on the front surface portion, and the opening 88a communicates with the through hole 10K and the inside of the inner edge of the display window 21e in the front-rear direction. The central display device 27 includes a display unit main body 81 and a relative movement mechanism 82.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the display unit main body 81 is configured by combining two liquid crystal panels so as to form a substantially rectangular plate-like body as a whole, and the display screen 27a described above is formed on the front surface thereof. Are provided in a substantially rectangular shape (in front view). That is, the display unit main body 81 is configured using the divided bodies 81L and 81R that can be divided on the basis of the dividing line B1 that is inclined downward from the upper edge right end side to the lower edge left end side. In the following description, the divided body 81L positioned on the left side with respect to the dividing line B1 is referred to as a “left divided body 81L”, and the divided body 81R positioned on the right side with respect to the dividing line B1 is referred to as a “right divided body. 81R ". The dividing line B1 is located on the above-described second virtual connecting line L2. As the liquid crystal panels constituting the left divided body 81L and the right divided body 81R, a pair of glass substrates (color filter substrate and array substrate) disposed substantially in parallel with a predetermined interval, and both glass substrates are provided. Examples include a liquid crystal material disposed between them, a pair of deflecting plates disposed outside both glass substrates, a backlight (or a front light), and a driving substrate.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the left divided body 81 </ b> L is fixed to the base member 88 (the game board main body 10 </ b> A) in an inoperable state using a predetermined bracket 88 </ b> K. The display screen 27L (see FIG. 8) formed on the front surface of the left divided body 81L is a portion located on the left side with respect to the dividing line B1 in the entire display screen 27a. Can always view the display screen 27L in the same state through the display window 21e and the through hole 10K.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the right divided body 81 </ b> R is swingable (rotatable) within a range restricted by the guide member 87 while being rotatably supported by the bearing member 86 at the lower left end. Has been. That is, the support shaft 84a is protruded toward the rear at the lower left side lower portion of the right divided body 81R. The support shaft 84 a is supported (supported) in a rotatable state by a bearing member 86 disposed on the bottom 88 b of the base member 88. For this reason, the right divided body 81R is supported so as to be swingable (rotatable) while being provided with a fulcrum J at the lower part on the left end side.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 (a), the support shaft 85a protrudes toward the rear at the upper right end of the right divided body 81R, but the tire 85b is rotatable at the protruding end. It is attached to. The tire 85b can roll in a guide member 87 mounted on the rear wall portion 88c of the base member 88 using a bracket 88d. That is, the guide member 87 constitutes a guide groove 87a having a substantially U-shaped cross section with the front surface portion as an opening. The guide groove 87a draws a substantially arc-shaped path whose center of curvature is disposed obliquely downward to the left, and has both end portions along the path direction as dead ends walls 87b and 87c.

  The range in which the tire 85b rolls in the guide groove 87a is a range until the tire 85b comes into contact with any one of the dead ends 87b and 87c. For this reason, the rotation range of the right split member 81R is restricted by the path length of the guide groove 87a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10A, when the matching portion 811R of the right divided body 81R comes into contact with the matching portion 811L of the left divided body 81L (hereinafter referred to as “original state”). In this case, since the tire 85b comes into contact with one dead end wall 87b in the counterclockwise direction (front view), the right divided body 81R cannot be further rotated counterclockwise.

  On the other hand, in the display unit body 81 in the “original state”, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, when the right divided body 81R is rotated clockwise (front view), the right divided body 81R is aligned. A substantially wedge-shaped gap 81S is formed between the portion 811R and the mating portion 811L of the left divided body 81L (hereinafter, this state of the display unit main body 81 is referred to as a “cut-in state”). In other words, the gap 81S gradually increases as the width along the lateral direction increases upward (towards the upper part of the dividing line B1). However, rotation of the right divided body 81R in the clockwise direction (front view) is within a range until the tire 85b comes into contact with the other dead end wall 87c.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.7 and FIG.11 (b), the arc-shaped rack 86a is mounted | worn in the back surface part of the right division body 81R, and the position below the support shaft 85a. One surface of the rack 86a has a substantially arcuate path with the center of curvature disposed obliquely downward to the left, and an engagement groove 86b is provided on this surface. On the other hand, a drive motor (stepping motor) 89 is mounted on the rear wall portion 88c of the base member 88 using a bracket 88e. A gear 89b attached to the rotation shaft 89a of the drive motor 89 is engaged with the engagement groove 86b of the rack 86a. For this reason, when the display unit main body 81 is in the “original state”, when the drive motor 89 is supplied with a predetermined number of drive pulses and the rotation shaft 89a is rotated forward, the right divided body 81R is rotated clockwise. The display unit body 81 is rotated by a predetermined amount, and the state of the display unit main body 81 shifts to the “cutting state”. On the other hand, when the display unit main body 81 is in the “slipping state”, if a predetermined number of drive pulses are supplied to the drive motor 89 and the rotation shaft 89a is rotated counterclockwise, the right divided body 81R is rotated counterclockwise. The display unit main body 81 changes to the “original state”.

  In the present embodiment, the number of drive pulses supplied to the drive motor 89 is managed by an effect control unit 220A described later. That is, the effect control unit 220A controls driving of a drive motor (stepping motor) 89 as a drive source. Thus, in this gaming machine 1, by rotating the right divided body 81R, the relative movement between the “left divided body 81L” and the “right divided body 81R” is performed. The configuration includes a “support mechanism including a bearing member 86 and a guide member 87”, a “drive mechanism including a drive motor 89”, and a “driving force transmission mechanism including a rack 86a and a gear 89b”.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, in the attachment member 21 and the region forming portion 10 </ b> B, LEDs are located outside the outer peripheral edge of the display screen 27 a and are located on the virtual connection lines L <b> 1 and L <b> 2. Buried. Among these LEDs, “the one located in the upper left of the display screen 27a” is the upper left LED 4n in the area, “the one located in the lower right of the display screen 27a” is the lower right LED 4o in the area, and “the display screen 27a The “located at the upper right” is referred to as the upper right LED 4p in the area, and the “located at the lower left of the display screen 27a” is referred to as the lower left LED 4q in the area. Of these LEDs, a transparent cover is attached to the front surface of the position constituting the game ball passage area so as not to obstruct the passage of the game ball.

  A large number of LEDs 4r are arranged behind the display unit main body 81 and in a portion (that is, behind the gap 81S) that is visible from the front when the display unit main body 81 is in the “cut-off state”. . These LEDs 4r are disposed substantially on the virtual connection line L2. In addition, these LED4r comprises the specific example of a back light emitting member.

  The normal symbol operating gate (ordinary symbol operating port) 16 is disposed in a portion located on the left side of the main accessory device 20 in the game area 11. Further, a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (see FIG. 13) is disposed in the normal symbol operation gate 16. When the “normal symbol variation start condition” is satisfied on the assumption that the game ball passes through the normal symbol actuating gate passage detection switch 16 s, the lower symbol display device 50 (described later) displays the normal symbol variation display ( Specifically, the normal symbol lamp device blinking display) is started. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed after the start of normal symbol fluctuation, the normal symbol is confirmed (lit or extinguished). When the normal symbol hit display (lighted display) is performed, the normal electric accessory 17 (described later) is driven open for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  The start winning device 17 is disposed at a position located directly below the discharge path of the stage portion 21d. The first start winning portion 17a and the second start winning portion 17b are arranged vertically. Among these, the first start winning portion 17a is provided with a pocket shape with an opening, that is, a first start opening opened upward. Since the first start port is located directly below the outlet portion 21v of the discharge passage, the probability that the game ball that has passed through the discharge passage will win the start winning device 17 through the first start port is increased. Yes.

  The second start winning portion 17b is located substantially directly below the first start winning portion 17a and includes an ordinary electric accessory at the entrance side portion. This ordinary electric accessory is a so-called tulip type and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. That is, the second start winning portion 17b includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 13) for operating the pair of blade pieces. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. It becomes.

  Inside the start winning device 17, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 13) for detecting the passage of the game ball through the first start winning portion 17a or the second start winning portion 17b is disposed. . That is, the game ball won in the first start winning portion 17a and the game ball won in the second start winning portion 17b pass through the same passage (not shown) in the start winning device 17, and this passage It is configured to be detected by a start winning detection switch 17s disposed in the middle of the path.

  The lower device 30 is disposed below the start winning device 17. The lower device 30 is composed of a variable winning device (large winning device) 31. The variable winning device 31 includes a mounting plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k is provided with an opening having a substantially band shape in a substantially central portion in a state of passing through the front and back, and the opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is in communication with “a grand prize winning prize winning passage (a passage through which a game ball to be won from the big prize winning opening 31a passes, not shown)”. . The variable winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the large winning opening 31a, a large winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 13) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a large winning opening winning. And a winning ball detection switch 31s (see FIG. 13) provided in the middle of the path of the passage or in the path terminal portion. In the variable winning device 31, when the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the variable winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b is tilted forward with the lower end thereof as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the prize winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guides the game ball which reached | attained the variable winning apparatus 31 to the big winning opening 31a is comprised.

  The lower left display device 50 is arranged on the left side of the variable winning device (large winning device) 31. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower left display device 50 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes a mounting plate 51 that is attached to the front portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 51 is provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 52, a special symbol hold display unit 53, a game state display unit 55, and a normal symbol display unit 56.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 52 is configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a normal symbol” with an upper limit of four. In other words, “the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of reserved balls)” is displayed as the upper limit number of four and undigested games. Each time a ball is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” regarding the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16, but in the normal symbol display unit 56 described later, the passage is not performed. The game ball in which the result of the corresponding lottery result (determined display of the lottery result symbol) and the change display (flashing display using an LED in the present embodiment) preceding this are not made.

  The special symbol hold display section 53 is also configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a special symbol” with an upper limit of four. That is, “the number of game balls that have been won in the start winning device 17 but are still undigested (ie, the number of reserves)” is displayed as the upper limit number of 4 and every time an undigested game ball is digested "The number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)" is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” related to the special symbol has been won in the start winning device 17, but the special symbol display unit 61 described later displays the result of the pass / fail determination associated with the passage. A game ball that is not displayed (determined display of the determination result symbol) and the variable display that precedes it.

  In the present embodiment, “a determination that is executed by the main controller 200A on the condition that the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, that is, the normal electric accessory 17d (second The determination as to whether or not the start winning portion 17b) should be opened is referred to as “winning lottery”. Further, “determination executed by the main control unit 200A under the condition that the game ball wins the start winning device 17, that is, whether or not the variable winning device (large winning device) 31 is allowed to be opened ( A specific example in which the game state of the gaming machine is changed from a normal game state in which the variable prize apparatus 31 is kept closed to a special game state in which the variable prize apparatus 31 is opened and closed) is “whether or not determination”. Constitute.

  In the normal symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53, the number of holds is displayed in the same manner. That is, turning off the two LEDs indicates that the “hold number” is “zero”. Further, by turning on one LED and turning off one LED, the “holding number” is “1”. Further, by turning on two LEDs, it is shown that the “holding number” is “2”. Further, by blinking one LED and turning on one LED, the “holding number” is “3”. Further, by blinking the two LEDs, it is shown that the “holding number” is “4”.

  The gaming state display unit 55 is configured by using two LEDs 55a and 55b, and is used to display the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1. That is, by turning off the two LEDs 55a and 55b, it is displayed that “the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state”. In addition, one LED 55a is turned on and the other LED 55b is turned off to display that "the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a probability change gaming state". Furthermore, one LED 55a is turned off and the other LED 55b is turned on to display that “the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a short-time gaming state”.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the normal gaming mode to the probability changing mode, the probability changing means (the probability is that the probability of making a big hit determination in the determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined is set high). Means) and an opening extension means (means for increasing the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17e or setting the number of times of opening a large number). When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the probability change mode to the time reduction mode, the probability change means stops operating, and the time reduction means (means for setting the variation time of the special symbol or the normal symbol short) operates. To start. Further, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is returned from the probability changing mode to the normal gaming mode, the time shortening means and the opening extension means stop operating. In this embodiment, when the probability changing means is operated, the probability changing means, in addition to “highly set the probability that a big hit determination is made in the determination of whether or not a special symbol is won”, To set the value short. That is, it can be said that the “probability change mode” executed by the gaming machine 1 is a mode that also executes the time reduction mode. However, in the present embodiment, only when the time shortening means and the opening extension means are in operation after the probability variation mode is canceled, the “time reduction mode” is referred to.

  The lower right display device 60 is arranged on the right side of the variable winning device (large winning device) 31. As shown in FIG. 6B, the lower right display device 60 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a special symbol display unit 62 and a big hit mode display unit 63.

  The special symbol display unit 62 is configured by using “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” arranged in a substantially oval shape, and “game ball winning to the start winning device 17 (hereinafter referred to as“ start winning ”). The display of the result of the success / failure determination associated with “)” is executed through the variable display (in the present embodiment, lighting display using a plurality of LEDs). That is, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the execution time of the “variable display preceding the display of the result regarding the determination of success / failure” comes, “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” are sequentially turned on. Specifically, in the “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” arranged in a substantially oval shape, the “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” are lit along the direction of circling the substantially oval shape. Content

  More specifically, when a predetermined LED (for example, LED 62a) is turned on, the remaining LEDs (for example, LEDs 62b to 62g) are turned off. When this LED (for example, LED 62a) is turned off, only one LED (for example, LED 62b) adjacent in the direction of circling the substantially oval shape is turned on. And the variable display of the special symbol display part 62 is performed by changing LED which will be in a lighting state sequentially along the direction which circulates substantially oval shape. When this variable display (hereinafter referred to as “circular display using the LEDs 62b to 62g”) is executed and the execution time of “display of the result related to the determination on whether or not the special symbol is reached” is reached, the special symbol display unit 62 displays the special symbol. The stop display (definite display) is executed. The game result displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 (result of determination of success / failure) and the result of game displayed on the central display device 27 (result of determination of success / failure) match.

  The big hit mode display unit 63 is configured by using two LEDs 63a and 63b. The jackpot mode display unit 63 is mainly used to display “the type of jackpot when the result regarding the determination on whether or not the special symbol is a jackpot”. In other words, when the big symbol display is not performed in the special symbol display unit 62, the two LEDs 63a and 63b are turned off. When the special symbol display unit 62 performs a big hit display, any of the LEDs 63a and 63b is turned on to display the type of the big hit.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the two general winning devices 40 and 41 are integrated with the mounting plate 51 constituting the lower left display device 50, and the remaining two pieces as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The general winning devices 43 and 44 are integrated with a mounting plate 61 constituting the lower right display device 60. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, and 44, winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, and 44s (see FIG. 13) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged.

  Returning to FIG. 4, a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above, and below the game board 10. Is provided with an outlet 18. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again. On the other hand, the foul ball preventing member 15 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 13.

c. Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on the large back pack 102, and the back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. Yes.

  The back pack 102 includes a prize ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a prize ball payout device 109 for paying out prize balls, and a main control board case in which a main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A is stored. The launcher control board case 130 storing the launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, the payout control board case 118 storing the payout control board 240 for controlling the prize ball payout apparatus 109, and the main control board 200. A relay terminal board that relays and various switches is mounted.

  The award ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The prize ball tank 105 and the prize ball payout device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. Further, in FIG. 12, a ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a replenishment ball breakage detection switch is provided on the downstream side of the tank rail 106.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub control units (220A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured using the main control board 200 and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 240A, 260A) I have.

  The sub-control unit is configured using (a) an effect control board 220 and “the effect of controlling various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc. It is configured using a control unit 220A, (b) a payout control board 240, and a payout control part 240A that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, and (c) a launch control board 260. And a launch control unit 260A that controls the launch of the game ball.

  The control board (200, 220, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A) is a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and various programs and data executed by the CPU. ROM in which the CPU is stored, the RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, the peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the peripheral device, and the clock for the CPU to perform operations are output Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs CPU, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 13 and 14 indicate the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 13, for the “control board other than the main control board 200”, the mounted CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like are not shown.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) receives game ball detection signals from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start winning detection switch 17s, the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s, etc. After determining whether or not it is related to the basic progression and winning ball, the effect control unit 200A (effect control board 220), the payout control part 240A (payout control board 240), the launch control part 260A (launch control board 260), etc. Toward this, various commands to be described later are output. The main control unit 200A is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball launched from the launcher unit. The main control unit 200A directly controls these operations by outputting a signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the special prize opening solenoid 31c, the lower left display device 50, the lower right display device 60, and the drive motor 88. is doing.

  When the effect control unit 220A receives various commands from the main control unit 200A, the effect control unit 220A analyzes the content of the command and performs the game effect according to the result. That is, an effect display control board 222 for driving the central display device (liquid crystal display device) 27 and an amplifier board 224 for driving the speakers SP1 to SP4 are connected. In addition, the effect control unit 220A performs a game effect by outputting a drive signal to a decoration drive board 226 that drives various decoration boards such as “boards on which various LEDs 4b to 4h are mounted”. An operation signal from the operation switch SW is input to the effect control unit 220A via the effect button board 228.

  The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5e or the return switch 5f provided on the tray door body 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device via the relay terminal board.

  When the main control unit 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m, whereby the prize ball is paid out. The paid-out prize balls are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A. Further, the payout control unit 240A outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) toward the launch control unit 260A under the control of the main control unit 200A. The launch control unit 260A performs various controls for launching the game ball in response to the launch permission signal.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the effect control unit 220A (effect control board 220) will be described. As described above, the effect control unit 220A (the effect control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228.

  As described above, when the production control unit 220A receives various production commands from the main control unit 200A, the production control unit 220A interprets the content of the command, and (a) the specific display content on the central display device 27, (B) The sound effect output from the speaker SP, and (c) the specific mode of lighting or blinking of the various LEDs and the lamps 4b to 4f are determined. Next, the drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the central display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A, and the effect symbols are displayed in a variable stop state. At this time, the data stored in the effect display ROM 27r built in the effect display control board 222 or the central display device 27 is used for some data such as the character symbols and background symbols to be displayed.

  In addition, sound effects are output from the speakers SP1 to SP4 by outputting an audio signal to the amplifier board 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation stop display. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of the various LEDs 4b to 4h from the decorative drive board 226, “LEDs (light emitting members) disposed on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2” In addition to “4j to 4r”, lighting / flashing operations and the like of various lamps (LEDs 4b to 4h, etc.) are controlled. In addition, a drive motor (stepping motor) 89 is connected to the effect control unit 220A via a decorative drive board 226. That is, the effect control unit 220A constitutes a specific example of effect control means.

  When the player operates the operation switch SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the effect control unit 220A. The production control unit 220A is configured to reflect the operation result in various production contents including the central display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Special Symbol Display Mode As described above, in this gaming machine 1, there are two types of display, a fixed display indicating the result of the determination of success / failure and an effect display (fluctuation display) performed before this fixed display. It is executed simultaneously in the symbol display device (lower right display device 60 and central display device 27). Here, the special symbol (special symbol indicated by turning on and off the LEDs 62a to 62g) displayed on the lower right display device 60 (that is, the special symbol display unit 62) is “main symbol”. In the gaming machine 1, the display mode (at least “stop symbol” and “variation time”) is determined in the “main control unit 200A (described later)” that governs the basic progression of the game.

  On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the central display device 27 is a “pseudo symbol”, and “an effect control unit 220A for controlling a game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A (described later). ) "Determines the variation mode and the stop symbol. Usually, this “pseudo symbol” is displayed for the same amount of time as this symbol, and the “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)” of this “pseudo symbol” stop symbol is the stop symbol of this symbol. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)”.

  Next, the display mode of these special symbols will be described. First, in the lower right display device 60, every time a display execution condition as a result of the determination is established, the “special symbol display unit 62” of the lower right display device 60 is used to start the variable display of this symbol. When this variable display period elapses, stop display (definite display) of this symbol is executed. And, there are the following modes for the stop display of this symbol.

i) Big hit Stop display (definite display) of this symbol is performed by turning on two LEDs as shown in the column in FIG. 16B, or 3 symbols as shown in the column in FIG. This is a case where the LED is turned on. In addition, the stop symbol that triggers the jackpot (a symbol that is displayed when two or three LEDs are turned on) is referred to as a “hit symbol”. The game state is a special game state (big hit state), and a special game (big hit game) is executed. When the gaming state of the gaming machine becomes a special gaming state, the big winning opening 31a of the big winning device 31 is opened to a state where the winning is easy, and a profit accompanied with a large amount of prize balls is given to the player.

  However, among the “big hits”, as shown in the column in FIG. 16C, when the three LEDs are turned on, the determination result is “big hit” and “probability fluctuation” The result of the determination of whether or not to perform (hereinafter also referred to as “probability determination”) also indicates “winning”. On the other hand, among the “big hits”, as shown in the middle column of FIG. 16B, when the two LEDs are turned on, the determination result is “big hit”. The result of indicates that it is “out”. Hereinafter, the result of the success / failure determination is “a big hit and the result of the probability variation determination is also a win”, which is referred to as “the probability variation hit (or probability variation big hit)”. The case where the result of the probability variation determination is a loss is referred to as “normal hit (or normal big hit)”.

ii) Disengagement As shown in the middle column of FIG. 16A, when one LED is lit on the “special symbol display portion 62”, the result of the determination is “disappear”. That is, it is indicated that the result of the determination is not “big hit”. In this case, the result of “probability determination” is also off.

iii) Pseudo symbol (directing symbol)
Also in the central display device 27, each time a display execution condition for the result of the determination (determination result symbol) is satisfied, the pseudo symbol variation display is started on the display screen 27a. When the variable display period elapses, pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed. At this time, the pseudo symbol stop display also displays the result of the determination as to whether or not it is the same as the stop symbol of the main symbol.

  On the display screen 27a of the central display device 27, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), when the pseudo symbol variation display is started, three pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d appear, and each pseudo symbol display unit In 27b to 27d, variable display using “pseudo symbols”, stop display, and the like are performed. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. Consists of repeated “circular display”. Further, when the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d start the variable display, the background screen display unit 27h is displayed by other parts of the display screen 27a. And on this background screen display part 27h, a background design can be displayed or a character design can be displayed with this background screen.

  The confirmed symbols (determination result symbols) that are confirmed and displayed in the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d have the modes shown in the right columns of FIGS. That is, “stop symbol indicating determination (determination result symbol)” in the right column of FIG. 16 (a) and stop symbol indicating determination of big hits shown in the right columns of FIGS. 16 (b) and (c) (determination result symbol) ”. There is. Among these, the “stop symbol indicating a big hit” is configured by arranging three “numbers” of “1” to “9”. However, if this “big hit” is a probability variation, odd numbers are aligned, and if it is a normal hit, even numbers are aligned.

  Although the display content of the pseudo symbol that is confirmed and displayed on the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d matches the display content of the main symbol that is determined and displayed on the special symbol display portion 62, in the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d, During the period from the start of the change to the stop, the flashing effect display is executed rather than the special symbol display unit 62. That is, the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d perform a so-called “reach effect” or a so-called “re-lottery effect”. In this embodiment, when reach display is performed on the left and right pseudo-symbol display units 27b and 27d, a “special effect” described later is executed under a predetermined condition.

  In addition, the display mode of the special symbol display unit 62 is not limited to that illustrated in this embodiment. For example, the special symbol display unit 62 is configured to display two or three or more special symbol display areas (identification information display areas) as in the central display device 27. And also in this special symbol display part 62, you may perform reach production in the middle of a variable display.

(4) Overview of Variation Effect Game and Jackpot Game In variation effect game, when effect display is performed in a normal mode (hereinafter referred to as “normal effect”) and when it is performed in a special mode (hereinafter referred to as “special effect”). ) Hereinafter, after describing the outline of the “variable effect game performed in the normal effect”, the characteristic part of the “variable effect game performed in the special effect” will be described.

  Here, at the time of execution of the “normal effect”, the above-described effect control unit 220A (effect control board 220) performs a normal mode on various lamps (4b to 4h, etc.) disposed on the front frame 4. “Lighting control” is performed. Further, during the execution of the “special effect”, the above-described effect control unit 220A (effect control board 220) performs special operations on the LEDs (light emitting members) 4j to 4r disposed on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2. The “lighting control” of the aspect is performed. In addition, “lighting control” in the normal mode applied to the lamps means that each lamp is turned on in accordance with the purpose (big hit notification, winning notification, error notification, etc.) without giving any superiority or inferiority. Lighting control that causes

a. In the case of a normal performance When a start winning is generated and the “display execution condition” regarding the result of the determination of success / failure is satisfied, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, lighting display is started on the special symbol display units 62 a to 62 g of the lower right display device 60. At the same time, in the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d of the central display device 27, the variation effect display using the pseudo symbols is started. Then, after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol stop symbol is fixedly displayed on both the special symbol display units 62a to 62g and the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d. In this normal performance, the LEDs 4j to 4r arranged on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2 are controlled so as to maintain the light-off state. Hereinafter, a description will be given of different points for each type of stop symbol of the special symbol (for each result of the determination of success / failure) in the variation effect display related to the normal effect.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, when a final display indicating that the result of the determination is “out” is made using the “special symbol stop symbol”, at this point, “one start prize is awarded. In this case, the big hit game is not executed. In FIG. 17, “out-of-call display without reach effect (so-called“ normally out ”)” is illustrated, but as “out-of-display”, “display with reach effect (so-called“ out of reach ”)” may be executed. it can. In the case of “outgoing reach”, a special effect described later can be executed under a predetermined condition.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when using a “special symbol stop symbol” and performing a definitive display indicating that the result of the success / failure determination is “normal jackpot”, “reach indication” is displayed during the change of the special symbol. Done. In addition, after “reach display” is performed, “big hit display” is performed. When this “big hit display” is made, after executing “shift display for shifting to big hit” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the big hit state, and the big hit game is started. When shifting to the big hit state, unit driving is performed on the opening / closing plate 31b (opening / closing member). In this “unit drive”, the position of the opening / closing plate 31b (opening / closing member) is changed from the position of closing the big prize opening 31a (hereinafter referred to as “closed position”) to the position of opening the big prize opening 31a (hereinafter, “ The position of the opening / closing plate 31b (opening / closing member) is changed to the closing position after the opening position is maintained for a first time (for example, a time selected from 20 seconds to 30 seconds). It is constituted by “opening / closing operation of the opening / closing plate 31b (opening / closing member)”.

  When this “unit drive” is executed a total of 15 times with a predetermined interval time in between, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is returned from the big hit gaming state to the normal gaming state. Thus, the “variable effect game and jackpot game started due to one start winning prize” is completed. Then, after the “big hit gaming state resulting from the normal big hit, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is maintained in the normal gaming mode.

  As shown in FIG. 19, even when a final display indicating that the result of the success / failure determination is “probability variation jackpot” is made using the “special symbol stop symbol”, the “reach indication” is displayed during the variation of the special symbol. Is performed. Then, after performing the “reach display”, the “big hit display” is performed, and the variable effect game is ended. This “hit game based on probability variation jackpot” is executed in the same manner as the above-mentioned “hit game based on normal dynamic jackpot”. After the “big hit gaming state resulting from the probability fluctuation big hit” is finished, the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the normal game mode to the probability fluctuation mode.

b. In the case of special effects Next, characteristic parts of the special effects will be described with reference to FIGS. The following explanation will be given by taking “when the probability variation is a big hit” as an example, but the following explanation can also be applied to “when the result of the determination is wrong” and “when the big hit is normal”.

  In this “variable effect game performed in a special effect” (hereinafter simply referred to as “special effect”), when “display execution condition (display execution condition of determination result symbol)” related to the result of the determination of success / failure is satisfied, FIG. As shown in the above, “Like display is started in the special symbol display portions 62a to 62g, and the variable effect display using the pseudo symbols is started in the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d. In addition, various types of lamps (4b to 4h, etc.) disposed on the front frame 4 are subjected to normal “lighting control” and LEDs 4j to 4r disposed on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2. Is controlled so as to maintain the light-off state.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, “reach display” is performed during the change of the special symbol as in the case of the normal performance. However, in this “special effect”, simultaneously with the “reach display”, the effect control unit 220A described above starts the “lighting control” of the special mode and the LEDs 4j disposed on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2. ˜4r are turned on sequentially. Specifically, after various lamps (4b to 4h, etc.) arranged on the front frame 4 and the LEDs 4j to 4r are turned off simultaneously (a1), first, along the first virtual connection line L1 , LED 4k, 4o, 4n, and 4j, "the effect of gradually causing the display light to appear upward (hereinafter referred to as" rise lighting effect ")" is performed. In the “rising lighting effect”, first, the LEDs 4k, 4o on the lower right side of the display screen 27a are moved from “positions further downward along the first virtual connection line L1” to “first virtual connection line”. The lamps are lit in the order of “the one located on the upper side along L1” (a2).

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, in the display screen 27a, the specific pattern Z1 is moved upward along the first virtual connecting line L1 from the portion positioned further downward along the first virtual connecting line L1. Appear toward the site located at. Then, in the upper left of the display screen 27a, the LEDs 4n and 4j on the first virtual connection line L1 are moved from "positions further downward along the first virtual connection line L1" to "first virtual connection line". The lamps are lit in the order of “the one located on the upper side along the line L1” (a3).

  When this “rise lighting effect” is completed, an “effect that causes the display light to gradually appear downward (hereinafter referred to as“ down lighting effect ”)” is performed along the second virtual connection line L2. . In this “down lighting effect”, first, the LEDs 4l and 4p on the second virtual connection line L2 are positioned “above the second virtual connection line L2 on the upper right side of the display screen 27a. From “things” to “things located further downward along the second virtual connecting line L2” (a4).

  Thereafter, when the state of the display unit main body 81 is moved from the “original state” to the “cut-in state”, the display screen 27a is in a state of being torn, and the matching unit 811R of the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L are obtained. The above-described gap 81S is formed between the first and second matching portions 811L (a5). In addition, in this way, the LED 4r behind the display unit body 81 is in a lighting state in time with the appearance of the gap 81S. These LEDs 4r are also lit in the order of "one located further upward along the second virtual connection line L2" to "one located further downward along the second virtual connection line L2". Let

  Next, on the lower left side of the display screen 27a, 4q and 4m on the second virtual connection line L2 are moved from “positions located further upward along the second virtual connection line L2” to “second virtual connection line”. When the lighting is performed in the order of “the lower one along the line L2,” the “down lighting effect” is completed.

  Thus, when the “down lighting effect” is completed, the lighting states of the LEDs 4j to 4r on the first virtual connection line L1 and the second virtual connection line L2, the display state of the specific pattern Z1, and the display unit main body The 81 “cutting state” is maintained for a predetermined waiting time (for example, 0.8 seconds). At this time, “X letter (alphabet)” appears on the front side of the gaming machine 1. Then, when the rising lighting effect and the falling lighting effect are sequentially performed in this way, the player gives an “impression that the entire gaming machine 1 has been torn while drawing the letter X (alphabet)”. receive. In addition, when the letter X (alphabet) is formed, the display screen 27a is actually torn, so that a strong impact is given to the player.

  When the standby time elapses, along the first virtual connection line L1, an “effect that causes the display light to gradually disappear upward (hereinafter referred to as“ rising and extinguishing effect ”)” and a second virtual connection. Along the line L2, “an effect that causes the display light to gradually disappear downward (hereinafter referred to as a“ falling light-off effect ”)” is performed in this order. In this “rising and extinguishing effect”, as shown in FIG. 22, first, on the lower right side of the display screen 27a, the LEDs 4o and 4k existing on the first virtual connection line L1 are connected to the “first virtual connection line L1. The light is extinguished in the order of “the lower one along the first line” to “the higher one along the first virtual connecting line L1” (a6). Further, on the display screen 27a, the specific pattern Z1 is lost along the first virtual connection line L1 from the portion located on the lower side toward the portion located on the upper side. Then, in the upper left of the display screen 27a, the 4n and 4j existing on the first virtual connection line L1 are changed from "the lower one along the first virtual connection line L1" to "first. Are turned off in the order of “positioned further upward along the virtual connection line L1” (a7).

  In the “decreasing extinguishing effect” performed following the “rising extinguishing effect”, first, the LEDs 4l and 4p existing on the second virtual connection line L2 are displayed in the “second virtual connection state” on the diagonally upper right side of the display screen 27a. The lamps are turned off in the order of “the one located further along the line L2” to “the one located further along the second virtual connecting line L2”. Further, the state of the display unit body 81 is returned from the “cut-in state” to the “original state”, and the LED 4r behind the display unit body 81 is turned off (a8). Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the LEDs 4q and 4m existing on the second virtual connection line L2 are positioned on the upper side along the second virtual connection line L2 at the lower left of the display screen 27a. From “thing” to “thing located further down along the second virtual connecting line L2” (a9). When the execution time of the fluctuation effect display (hereinafter referred to as “fluctuation time”) elapses after the “falling off / lighting effect”, the big hit display similar to the case of the “normal effect” is performed (a10).

(5) Transmission of command The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs various controls in order to realize the above-described “variable effect display” and the like. When this control is executed, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 (main control board 200) to the effect control unit 200A (effect control board 220). Next, how the command is transmitted will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The main control unit 200 and the effect control unit 200A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. Of these, one bit is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining eight bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200 to the effect control unit 200A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the effect control unit 200A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200 by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

  Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200 (main control board 200) to the effect control unit 200A (effect control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. That is, there are (A) a change pattern designation command (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) an information designation command (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. The variation pattern designation command is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol.

(6) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200 The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A performs the following control (game control). That is, the CPU 201 starts the game control of the gaming machine 1 when the predetermined control preparation start process is finished.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, the normal symbol game process (S150), the ordinary electric game game process (S200), the special symbol game process (S400), the special electric game game process (S900), etc. are repeatedly executed. Yes. Since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 15 is about 4 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  The above-mentioned CTC (counter / timer circuit) is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by CTC, various random numbers are updated and various game balls are detected. For example, processing for detecting the state of the switch is performed. In the game control shown in FIG. 25, the normal symbol game process (S150), normal electric power generation is performed while generating various interrupts and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice each time the control goes around. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S400), and a special electric accessory game process (S900) are performed. During these processes, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the effect control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

a. Prize ball payout process The CPU 101 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S10). That is, the state of the start winning detection switch 17s is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start winning detection switch 17s has already been stored on the RAM 202, the payout signal is output by designating an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information. .

  When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (front payout switch 109a and rear payout switch 109b) for detecting the payout game balls. While detecting each one, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed.

b. Normal Symbol Game Start Determination Process Next, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not to start the normal symbol game process (S150) (S100). If the CPU 201 determines that the normal symbol game is to be started while repeating the game control process of FIG. 25 (S100: YES), the normal symbol game process (S150) described below is started. When the symbol variation start condition is established for the stop symbol indicating the result of the pass / fail lottery performed due to the passage of the normal symbol operating gate 16, a positive determination is made in the processing of S100.

c. Normal Symbol Game Processing When the normal symbol game processing (S150) is started, the normal symbol display unit 56 of the lower left display device 50 starts normal symbol variation display. When the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 25, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. In this stop display, the winning symbol when the result of the above-mentioned lottery determination is successful (the content is that the lamp device 56a constituting the normal symbol display unit 56 is turned on), and the result of the lottery determination is unacceptable. In some cases, the symbols are out of place (the content is that the lamp device 56a constituting the normal symbol display unit 56 is turned off).

  When the CPU 201 determines that “the symbol has been removed from the normal symbol display section 56 and the execution time of the stop display has elapsed” while repeating the game control processing of FIG. 25, the normal symbol game processing (S150) is performed. Terminate. On the other hand, when the CPU 201 determines that “the symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 56 and the execution time of the stop display has elapsed” while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 25, the normal electric accessory 17d. The normal symbol game process (S150) is terminated. In this gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory 17d operates, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c provided therein is driven, and a pair of wing pieces of the second start winning portion 17b constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d. Is rotated outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

d. Ordinary Electric Power Game Game Processing If the CPU 201 determines that the normal electric game object 17d is in operation while repeating the game control process of FIG. 25 (S190; YES), the normal electric game game process (S200) is performed. Start. When the CPU 201 determines that the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d has passed a predetermined time while repeating the game control process of FIG. 25, the CPU 201 stops the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d, and The game process is terminated. When the normal electric accessory 17d stops operating, the pair of blade pieces of the second start winning portion 17b returns to the “upright normal state”. However, the CPU 201 may be the start winning device 17 (the first start winning 17a or the first start winning 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is opened. .)), It is determined that a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls have entered, and even if the predetermined time (opening time is not set), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped. Then, the ordinary electric game game process is terminated.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory game process (S200), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game process is started (S300). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (S300; NO), the special symbol game process (S400) is skipped, and conversely, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is started. (S300; YES), special symbol game processing (S400) is performed.

e. Special symbol game start determination process The special symbol game start determination process is a process for determining whether or not to perform a special symbol game process (S300). This special symbol game start determination process will be described with reference to FIG. Even when it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, processing related to the number of special symbols held is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start winning device 17 (S302). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether “the start winning detection switch 17s has detected the passage of the game ball” or not, thereby performing the process of S302.

  When a winning to the start winning device 17 has occurred (S302; YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more (S304). Here, data of the special symbol reservation number is written in a predetermined address (the special symbol reservation number memory 202b in FIG. 20) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S304, this address is stored in this address. The set data is read, and it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more. If the number of reserved special symbols has not reached 4 (S304; NO), the number of reserved special symbols is incremented by one (S306), and a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is successful is obtained (generated / read). The random number value is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 (the special symbol determination random number memory 202a in FIG. 20) (S307), and the process proceeds to S310.

  Here, the display of the number of reserved special symbols that is performed in accordance with the addition of the number of reservations in S306 and the subtraction of the number of reservations in S752 described later will be described. That is, in the “special symbol hold display section 53” shown in FIG. 31 (a), if the number of reserved special symbols is 4, two LEDs blink, and if the number of reserved special symbols is 3, One LED blinks and the other LED lights. Further, if the number of reserved special symbols is two, two LEDs are turned on. If the number of reserved special symbols is one, one LED is turned on and the other LED is turned off. Furthermore, if the number of reserved special symbols is zero, the two LEDs are turned off.

  The determination of success / failure is performed based on the random number (random number value) for determination of success / failure stored in S307, but the random number for determination of success / failure may be generated by software by a program for generating random numbers. Hardware may be generated using a dedicated IC for generating random numbers. Further, the special symbol success / failure determination random number memory 202a (see FIG. 31) stores the read determination random number value in the shift memory format in the time series of the start winnings. The special symbol success / failure determination random number memory 202a includes four storage areas of "area 0", "area 1", "area 2", and "area 3" as shown in FIG. 31 (c). . The random number for determination can be stored in the order of “area 0”, “area 1”, “area 2”, and “area 3”. That is, the determination random number value stored at the oldest timing is stored in “area 0”. Further, the number of random numbers for determination (that is, the specific number) that can be simultaneously stored in the special symbol determination random number memory 202a is limited to the number of areas. Furthermore, when the number of random numbers for determination currently occurring is below a specific number, there is an empty area in which random numbers for determination are not stored. Each time “special symbol variation display” corresponding to each determination random value is executed, the stored data of “area 0” (the determination random number value, the oldest one) is cleared. , “Region 1”, “Region 2”, “Region 3”, each of the stored data (only when it exists and when it exists in all of the regions 1 to 3, and in the region 1 and region 2) In some cases, there are cases where it exists only in the region 1 and there are cases where it does not exist in all of the regions 1 to 3).

  In the process of S304, if it is determined that the number of special symbols held has reached 4 (S304; YES), the process proceeds to S310 without performing the process of S305 or S307.

  When the process related to the special symbol hold is completed in this way, it is determined whether or not the “big hit gaming flag” is set (S310). That is, it is determined whether or not the “hit game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203)” is operating, in other words, whether or not “hit game” is being executed ( S780 in FIG. 28).

  If the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines in the process of S310 that the “big hit game flag” is set (S310; YES), the special game (that is, the big hit game) is started again. In order to avoid this, it is determined that the special symbol game is not started (that is, S300; YES). On the other hand, when the “big hit game flag” is not set (S310; NO), it is determined that the special symbol game is started (S300; YES).

  In step S300 of the game control process shown in FIG. 25, whether or not to start a special symbol game is determined as described above. If it is determined that the special symbol game is to be started (S300; YES), the special symbol game process (S400) described below is started (S320).

f. Special Symbol Game Processing FIGS. 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game processing (S400). When the special symbol game process (S400) is started, it is first determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S404). That is, it is determined whether or not the “variable display using blinking display of the lamp device” is being executed in the special symbol display sections 62a to 62g (S404).

  If the special symbol is not fluctuating (S404; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet fluctuated, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the fluctuating display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S410). If the special symbol is not variably displayed and is not within the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S410; NO), whether or not the number of special symbols held is “0”. Is determined (S500). Here, as described above, the number of special symbol reservations is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 (special symbol reservation number memory 202b). In the process of S500, the data of the number of special symbol reservations stored in this address is stored. Is determined to be “0”.

  If it is determined by the processing of S500 that the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S500; NO), the special symbol determination processing (S600) is performed. Start. This special symbol determination processing (S600) is performed as follows in accordance with FIG. In this success / failure determination job (S600), a process of determining “correct / determined” and determining a “symbol (definite symbol) to be determined and displayed after a special symbol change” is performed. In this special symbol success / failure determination job (S600), first, in S605, the oldest first special symbol determination random number value stored from the special symbol appropriateness determination random number memory 202a is read, and the process proceeds to S610. Next, in S610, the big hit number (winning judgment value) is read from the big hit number memory 482a in the ROM 203 and compared with the special symbol success / failure random number value (S620 or S625). The big hit determination is made, and the big hit processing (S650) is performed. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that there is a detachment, and detachment processing (processing after S680) is performed.

  However, prior to determining whether or not the game machine 1 is in a high probability state, whether or not the probability change transition flag is set, that is, whether or not the game mode of the game machine 1 is the probability variation mode. If it is determined (S615) and it is not in a high probability state (when the probability variation transition flag is not set) (S615; NO), this determination is made using the “data table at low probability” (S615). S620). On the other hand, when the gaming machine 1 is in a high probability state (when the probability variation transition flag is set) (S615; YES), this determination is made using the “data table at the time of high probability” ( S625).

  In the big hit process (S650), as shown in FIG. 30, first, the process proceeds to S652, where a winning symbol (this symbol for indicating a winning symbol is displayed on the special symbol display units 62a to 62g). This is determined by the number of lamp devices.) The determined design random number is read, and the read random number value is stored in the winning design number memory 202e (see FIG. 31) (S654). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning design determination random number read in S605 and the winning number for determining the probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probable changing winning number”) match (S660). If they do not match (S660; NO), the selection is lost (normal winning), and the process directly proceeds to S668. On the other hand, if the two match (S660; YES), the winning (probability variation) is determined, and after setting the “probability variation flag” (S662), the process proceeds to S668.

  In S668, the “big hit flag (flag indicating that the big hit determination result is a win)” is set in the special symbol determination result memory 202i. In the present embodiment, the S660 process, that is, the lottery (probability variation determination) related to “probability variation (probability variation)” is performed using a random number for determining “big hit symbol” (per symbol determination random number). However, the determination regarding the probability variation may be performed using a random number used for the jackpot determination, or may be performed using a random number dedicated to the probability variation regarding the probability variation.

  On the other hand, in the detachment process, the main symbol is removed in S680 and determined in the same manner by the main symbol determination random number, and the determined random number value is out and stored in the main symbol number memory 202f (S682). In S690, the “exclusion flag” is set in the special symbol determination result memory 202i. The “outgoing flag” is a flag indicating that the determination result is “outside”.

  As described above, after performing the special symbol success / failure determination process (S600), the process of setting the special symbol variation pattern, that is, the variation pattern designation command (CHP) is performed (S700). Although detailed description of this process is omitted, in this process, setting of the variation pattern of the special symbol (processing for setting the variation time, etc.) according to the stop symbol determined in the special symbol success / failure determination process (S600). Execute.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the variation pattern of the special symbol, after outputting the “variation pattern designation command (CHP)” to the effect control substrate 220 (S740), the special symbol stop information designation signal (CJS) Is output (S744), and the special symbol variation display (flashing display) is started in the “special symbol display units 62a to 62g” of the lower right display device 60 (S748). Further, a process of subtracting 1 from the number of special symbol reservations is performed (S752). Here, the variation pattern designation command (CHP) output in S740 is a signal for designating a variation pattern set in the special symbol variation pattern setting process in S700, and is an effect display control board via the effect control board 220. 222 is transferred. Further, the special symbol stop information designation signal (CJP) output in S744 is a signal for designating a special symbol stop symbol (a stop symbol such as a big hit symbol, a normal loss symbol, a reach failure symbol, etc.), It is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the effect control board 220.

  The variation pattern designation command (CHP) and the special symbol stop information designation signal (CJS) are output toward the effect control board 220 together with the strobe signal, as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU mounted on the effect control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU on the effect control board 220 side receives each designation signal and receives the designation signal. Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as a probability variation symbol, whether or not the reach effect is performed, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The time during which the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner can be determined. Further, by analyzing the special symbol stop information designation signal, it is possible to know whether the special symbol stops at the probability variation symbol or further stops at the off symbol.

  The CPU 220a mounted on the effect control board 220 determines an effect mode in the effect display device 27 based on these pieces of information, and then outputs a pseudo-design display control signal to the effect display control board 222. Performs symbol change / stop display. Further, based on the variation time (variation pattern designation command) of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. Then, the effect control board 220 controls the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined content.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the special symbol stop symbol as described above and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation signal corresponding to these, The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 27 is ended, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the “processing of S404” immediately after starting the special symbol game processing (S400) (S404; YES), the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are already present. It is considered that the change of special symbols has been started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S756). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S756; NO), the special symbol game process (S400) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S756; YES), the pseudo-design production stop designation signal (CZE) that is variably displayed on the production display device 27 toward the production control board 220. And the special symbols that are variably displayed (flashing display) in the “special symbol display portions 62a to 62g” are stopped and displayed (S760). The effect stop designation signal (CZE) is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the effect control board 220. Then, after setting the display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol on the effect display device 27 (S772), it is determined whether or not the set display time has elapsed (S776).

  If it is determined in S776 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S776; NO), the special symbol game process (S400) is terminated as it is, and the game control process shown in FIG. 25 is resumed. . On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S776; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display is a display indicating a big hit (that is, a big hit symbol) (S778 in FIG. 28).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S778, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets a “big hit gaming flag” (S780). By setting the “big hit gaming flag”, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. The details will be described with reference to another figure. By setting the “big hit game flag” (that is, when the big hit game execution means starts operating), the special symbol game process (S400) is exited. When returning to the game control process of FIG. 25, the special electric accessory game process is started, and the special game state is started. Prior to the processing of S780, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits “a jackpot start effect designation signal (CIS) toward the effect control board 220. This jackpot start effect designation signal (CIS) is the effect control. This is transferred from the board 220 to the effect display control board 222, whereby an effect display (fanfare display) for notifying the player of the start of the big hit game is performed on the central display device 27.

  By the way, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability changing function and the time-shortening function do not work while the “big hit game flag” is set (that is, when the big hit game execution means is in operation). For this reason, if the “big hit gaming flag” is set in the process of S780, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state (the gaming state when the big hit gaming flag is set) is being probabilistic (S782). If the probability change is in progress (S782; YES), since the probability change function (probability changing means) and the time reduction function (time reduction means) are operating, these functions (means) are stopped (S790). On the other hand, if the current gaming state (the gaming state at the time of setting the big hit gaming flag) is not changing reliably (S782; NO), it is confirmed whether or not the time is short (S786). (S786; YES), the time reduction function (time reduction means) is stopped (S788).

  Further, in this embodiment, when the probability is changing (S782; YES) or when the time is short (S786; YES), the function of extending the normal electric accessory opening time (opening extension means) is also working. Therefore, in the process of S792, the extension function (open extension means) of the ordinary electric accessory release time is also stopped (S792), and then the special symbol game process (S400) shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. Return to 25 game control processing. On the other hand, if the game state when the big hit game flag is set in the process of S780 is neither sure change nor short time (S786; NO), the special symbol game process (S400) is exited and the game control process is resumed. .

  If a negative determination is made in the process of S778, that is, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the “special symbol display units 62a to 62g” is “disappearing symbol” (S778; NO), the following processing is performed. Do. First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S794). When a positive determination is made in the process of S794 (S794; YES), “After the gaming machine 1 shifts to the probability change state currently being executed, the process of S778 is executed without obtaining a positive determination. The number of special symbol fluctuations (cumulative number) "is counted (incremented) (S796). When the number of fluctuations (cumulative number) has not reached the upper limit number (four times in this embodiment) (S798; NO), the probability variation state is maintained and shown in FIGS. Exit the special symbol game process and return to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the number of fluctuations (cumulative number) has reached the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (S798; YES), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 changes the game mode of the gaming machine 1 to the probability change game mode. After shifting to the short time mode (S800, S802), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 25 is resumed.

  If it is determined in the process of S794 that the current gaming state is not being changed (S794; NO), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is running short (804). When a positive determination is made in the process of S804 (S804; YES), “After the gaming machine 1 shifts to the currently running time reduction state, the process of S778 is executed without obtaining a positive determination. The number of special symbol fluctuations (cumulative number) "is counted (incremented) (S806). If the number of fluctuations (cumulative number) has not reached the upper limit number (for example, 46) (S808; NO), the special symbol game shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. Exiting the process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the number of fluctuations (cumulative number) counted in the processing of S808 has reached the upper limit number (for example, 46 times) (S808; YES), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 changes the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1. Return to normal mode from the short-time mode (S810), and further, after stopping the function for extending the normal electric accessory release time (open extension means) (S812), exit the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. Returning to the game control process of FIG.

g. When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeats the game control process of FIG. 25 and determines that the “big hit game flag” is set (S880; YES), the special electric accessory game process The electric accessory game process is started (S900), and a so-called “big hit game (special game)” is realized. That is, the processing of S900 is processing as “special game state generating means”. The “special electric accessory” in the present specification means an accessory provided with a large winning opening 31d, and in this embodiment, the variable winning device 31 corresponds. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is opened, the game ball enters with high probability.

  If the CPU 201 repeatedly opens and closes the big winning opening 31d while further repeating the game control process of FIG. 25, the “big hit game (special game)” is ended. In other words, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state), the main control unit 200A drives the big prize opening solenoid 31c to bring the open / close plate 31b in the standing posture into the forward leaning posture and close it. The big winning opening 31a that has been in the state is changed to the open state, and the big hit game is started. The opened big winning opening 31a is once closed when a predetermined opening time (30 seconds in this embodiment) elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of game balls enter. When the predetermined closing time elapses, the open state is resumed. A game from when the special winning opening 31a is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) are consumed, the “big hit game (special game)” ends, the big hit game ends, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state. Returned to

  When the big hit game ends, the big hit game flag is canceled. If the jackpot related to the terminated jackpot game is “ordinary hit”, the special electric accessory game process (S900) is terminated as it is, but if it is “probable hit”, the probability variation function (probability variation means) Then, after the operation of the normal electric accessory release time extension function (open extension means) is started, the special electric accessory game process (S900) is ended.

(7) Symbol Variation Related Process Hereinafter, the “symbol variation related processing” performed by the effect control unit 220A (the CPU of the effect control board 220 constituting the effect control unit 220A) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 32, this symbol variation related process is started when the effect control unit 220A (effect control board 220) receives the change pattern designation command (CHP) (S1005; YES). That is, when the production control unit 220A receives the variation pattern designation command (S1005; YES), the production control unit 220A transfers the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) to the production display control unit 222A (production display control board 222). Then, the central display device 27 starts the variable display of the pseudo symbol and the background symbol (S1010). At this time, a “variation time timer T1” for managing (specifying) the variation time of pseudo symbols (end time of variation effect display) is set (S1010).

  When the production control unit 220A receives the “information designation command” (S1020; YES), the “production control process” is performed (S1100). In this effect control process (S1100), as shown in FIG. 33, first, based on the received “information designation command”, the result of the determination as to whether or not the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) has executed is determined. It is determined whether or not it is a big hit (S1105).

  When it is determined that the game is a big hit (S1105; YES), the “effect display execution mode” is selected and specified (S1110). The processing of S1110 is executed based on the type of variation pattern designation command (CHP) received in S1005, and (1) “Pseudo symbol display mode (for example, pseudo symbol display) executed in the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d”. (2) Whether or not to execute special effect processing, (3) When executing a special effect, its mode (timing to start execution, special The execution time of the production process is specified. For example, this specification may be performed by selecting predetermined data from random number lottery (performed by the effect control unit 220A) from “a plurality of data prepared in advance for specifying the mode”. Good. In S1110, a “reach timer T2” for managing “time to start reach display (hereinafter referred to as“ reach time ”)” is set.

  When the “execution mode of the effect display” specified in S1110 is “not scheduled to execute the special effect” (S1120; NO), the normal effect is executed (S1620), and the effect control process (S1100) is terminated. Then, the process returns to the “symbol fluctuation related process” of FIG. On the other hand, when the “execution mode of the effect display” specified in S1110 is “something scheduled to execute the special effect” (S1120; YES), after executing the “special effect” shown in FIG. 34 (S1200). Then, the effect control process (S1100) is terminated, and the process returns to the “symbol fluctuation related process” of FIG.

  In the “special effect process”, the end time of the “second start timer T3” for managing (specifying) the start time of the special effect (the rising lighting effect) is set to “at the time of reach”, and “rising and extinguishing is turned off”. The end time of the “third start timer T4” for managing (specifying) the end time of the “second start timer T3” for managing (specifying) the start time of the “effect” is indicated after the end of the reach display. The predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “after reach”) ”is set (S1205). Thereafter, when the “reach timer T2” ends (at the same time the second start timer T3 also ends) (S1210; YES), “reach display” is executed by the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d, and the front frame The normal “lighting control” is performed on the various lamps (4b to 4h, etc.) disposed in FIG. 4, and the LEDs 4j to 4r disposed on the virtual connection lines L1 and L2 are turned off. After that, (S1212), the rising lighting effect is performed (S1215, S1220, S1225, S1230, S1235). That is, the LEDs 4j to 4r disposed on the virtual connection line L1 are turned on and the special pattern Z1 is displayed.

  When the ascending lighting effect is completed, the descending lighting effect is then performed (S1240, S1245, S1250, S1255, S1260). That is, the LEDs 4j to 4r disposed on the virtual connection line L2 are turned on, and the state of the display unit main body 81 is shifted to the “cutting state”. Then, when the rising lighting effect and the falling lighting effect are sequentially performed in this way, the player says, “Impression that the gaming machine 1 as a whole is cut while drawing the letter X (alphabet)”. Receive.

  As described above, when the “down lighting effect” is completed, the “third start timer T4” is finished (S1270; YES), and the up / down lighting effect is executed (S1315, S1320, S1325, S1330, S1335). ). Thereafter, the descending / extinguishing effect is executed (S1340, S1345, S1350, S1355, S1360), the “special effect process” is terminated, and the process returns to the “design variation related process” in FIG.

  Also in the case where it is determined that the determination result of the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is “out” based on the “information designation command” received in the process of S1020 (S1105; NO). Then, “execution mode of effect display” is selected and specified (S1600). The processing of S1600 is executed based on the type of variation pattern designation command (CHP) received in S1005, and (1) “Pseudo symbol display mode (for example, pseudo symbol display) executed in the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d”. (2) Whether or not reach display can be performed, (3) When performing reach display, (3) When performing reach display, special effects are provided. Whether or not to execute (4) When executing a special effect, the mode (timing to start execution, execution time of special effect processing, etc.) is specified. If it is determined in S1600 that “reach display should be executed”, “reach timer T2” is set.

  In the process of S1600, “when the reach display is not executed (S1610; NO), the normal effect is executed, the effect control process (S1100) is terminated, and the process returns to the“ symbol variation related process ”of FIG. . On the other hand, in the process of S1600, “when reach display is to be executed (S1610; YES), the process proceeds to S1120. Thereafter, the process of S1200 is executed (S1120; YES) or a normal effect is performed. Execute (S1120; NO).

  After the effect control process (S1100) and after returning to the “symbol variation related process”, when the effect control unit 220A (effect control board 220) receives the symbol stop command (S1700; YES), the pseudo symbol and the background symbol Change stops (S1710). At this time, the “variation time timer T1” is also ended (S1710).

(8) Advantages of the embodiment According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the display screen 27a is actually cut in front of the player, so that a realistic and powerful “cutting effect” is performed. Can do. In particular, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the interval 81S between the mating portion 811R of the right divided body 81R and the mating portion 811L of the left divided body 81L is other than one end side (lower end side) of the dividing line B1. Relative movement is caused between the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L so that the end side (upper end side) is wider. For this reason, the gap 81S between the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L can be seen as if it is a “cutting edge of a blade (Japanese sword, sword, etc.)”. Therefore, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a more effective performance. Moreover, in this embodiment, the player can give the player an impression that the entire gaming machine 1 is torn along the letter X (alphabet). It will be big.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

  That is, in the present embodiment, only the right divided body 81R of the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L is rotated to cause relative movement between the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L. Relative movement may be caused between the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L by rotating only the divided body 81L or rotating both the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L.

  Further, in the invention of each claim, as in Modification 1 shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the divided bodies 81A and 81B constituting the display unit main body 80 may be relatively moved in the vertical direction. . In the first modification, the divided bodies 81A and 81B can be relatively moved up and down to make it appear as if cutting force (shearing force) is applied up and down. In this case, for example, solenoids 85A and 85B can be used as a drive source for the relative movement mechanism.

  Furthermore, in the invention of each claim, the number of divided bodies constituting the display unit main body 80 may be three or more. For example, as shown in Modification 2 shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B, the display unit body 80 includes four divided bodies 81R, 81L, 81U, and 81D. Then, the four divided bodies 81R, 81L, 81U, 81D are moved in four directions, and the letter X (alphabet) is drawn by the gap 88T formed between the four divided bodies 81R, 81L, 81U, 81D. May be. In this case, the gap 88T is arranged at the center of the above-mentioned “character of X composed of the first virtual connecting line L1 and the second virtual connecting line L2,” and on the first virtual connecting line L1 (neighboring range). And the second virtual connecting line L2 (may be in the vicinity range), and the LED is arranged at a position located outside the display screen 27a, or the LED is arranged behind the gap 88T. Or both. In this case, for example, solenoids 85R, 85L, 85U, 85D and the like can be used as a drive source for the relative movement mechanism.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a mode in which the divided bodies (the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L) constituting the display unit main body 80 are rotated is illustrated. In the first and second modified examples, the display unit main body 80 is configured. The mode of translating the divided bodies 81A, 81B, 81R, 81L, 81U, and 81D has been illustrated. However, as in the third modification shown in FIG. Rotation and translation may be applied to the body 81L). For example, the right divided body 81R can be translated while being rotated by translating the bracket 80G that rotatably supports the right divided body 81R in a direction away from the right divided body 81R. In this case, the “cutting effect” can be performed in a more flashy state (a state where the cut end becomes larger).

  Further, as in Modification 4 shown in FIG. 38, in the special effect, (a) an effect mode (hereinafter referred to as “movement effect”) that causes relative movement between the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L; (B) An effect mode (hereinafter referred to as “picture effect”) in which the specific pattern Z2 is displayed on the display screen 27a without causing a relative movement between the right divided body 81R and the left divided body 81L. May be executed. For example, the production control unit 220A may perform random number lottery or the like, and alternatively execute the movement production and the design production. Furthermore, the reliability of the preliminary announcement effect (reliability on which the big hit display is made on the display screen 27a) may be different depending on which of the movement effect and the picture effect is displayed. Specifically, the reliability may be high (for example, 100%) when the movement effect is performed, and the reliability may be low (for example, 10%) when the pattern effect is performed.

  In the present embodiment and each modified example, vibration can also be applied to the divided body constituting the display unit body using a relative movement mechanism. In this case, the so-called “hot effect (effect indicating that there is a high possibility that a big hit display is made on the display screen 27a)” can be performed using the vibration of the divided body. Further, the display unit main body 81 may repeat the state change between the “original state” and the “cut-in state” a plurality of times. Then, depending on the number of repetitions, the reliability of the preliminary announcement effect that has been performed in advance may be indicated, or “hot production” may be displayed.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows a game board in the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows a front frame in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. (A) is a schematic front view of a lower left display apparatus, (b) is a schematic front view of a lower right display apparatus. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a center display apparatus. It is a schematic front view of the main accessory device (the state of the display unit main body is the original state). It is a schematic front view (a state of a display part main part is a cutting state) of a main accessory device. (A) is a schematic rear view of the display part main body of an original state, (b) is a schematic rear view of the display part main body of a cutting state. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structural member of a relative displacement mechanism. It is a back view which shows the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic controller which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic controller which concerns on the Example of this invention. (A) is a schematic front view which shows a special symbol display part in the Example of this invention, (b) is a schematic front view which shows the display screen of a central display apparatus in the Example of this invention. (A)-(c) is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of the stop symbol of this symbol and the stop symbol of a pseudo symbol in the gaming machine which concerns on a present Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change effect game performed with the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the variation production game and jackpot game which are performed with the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the variation production game and jackpot game which are performed with the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the special effect performed by the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the special effect performed by the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the special effect performed by the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the special effect performed by the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process in the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing special symbol game start determination processing in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a special symbol success / failure determination job in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention; It is a flowchart for demonstrating the jackpot process in the special symbol success / failure determination job. (A) is explanatory drawing of a main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention, (b) is the various machines stored in the built-in RAM of the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typical examples, such as memory, (c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the random symbol memory for special symbol determination in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a symbol variation related process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an effect control process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing a special effect process. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 1. FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification example 3; It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 4. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
3; body frame,
4; front frame,
4j, 4k, 4n, 4o; LED (first peripheral light emitting member),
4l, 4m, 4p, 4q; LED (second peripheral light emitting member, peripheral light emitting member),
4r; LED (rear light emitting member),
41a; viewing window
10: Game board,
10B; region forming part,
11: Game area,
27; Central display device (image display device),
27a; display screen,
L1, L2; virtual connection lines,
G1: virtual reference point.
81R; right divided body (divided body),
81L; left divided body (divided body),
811R, 811L; mating part,
220A; production control unit (production control means).

Claims (6)

A game board with a game area on the front side;
An image display device comprising a display unit body provided with a display screen on the front side and performing a game display using the display screen;
A gaming machine comprising
The display unit main body is configured by combining a plurality of division bodies that can be divided on the basis of a dividing line that has two ends of the outer peripheral edge of the display unit main body,
A relative movement mechanism for performing relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies so that an interval between the mating portions of the divided bodies combined on the basis of the dividing lines is wider on the other end side than on one end side of the dividing lines;
Or
A gaming machine comprising a relative movement mechanism for performing relative movement of a plurality of divided bodies so that the plurality of divided bodies move relatively in the vertical direction.   The display unit body is composed of two divided bodies that can be divided on the basis of a dividing line formed along the right-downward tilt direction or the left-downward tilt direction with two ends of the outer peripheral edge of the display unit body as both ends. And the relative movement mechanism is configured so that the distance between the two divided bodies at the other end side is wider than the one end side of the dividing line. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein relative movement is performed. Providing effect control means for effect control including drive control of the drive source constituting the relative movement mechanism and display control of the image display device,
The display control means displays specific line-shaped or strip-shaped specific patterns that draw a path intersecting the dividing line on the display screen, and drives the drive source so as to perform relative movement of a plurality of divided bodies. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relative movement control for controlling is performed in the order of the specific picture display control and the relative movement control. A front surface portion of the game board includes an area forming portion in which the game area is provided, and a screen for allowing a predetermined part of the area forming portion to visually recognize the display screen of the display portion main body from the front of the area forming portion. As the visual recognition part,
An outer frame,
A main body frame mounted on the outer frame while holding the game board;
A front frame that is mounted on the front side of the main body frame and includes a viewing window for allowing the game area to be viewed from the front;
With
At least one of the region forming part and the front frame, and provided with a peripheral light emitting member in the vicinity of a virtual extension line extending both ends of the dividing line in the outer edge direction of the front frame,
When the relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies is started, the peripheral light emitting member can sequentially view the virtual extension line and the dividing line from one outer edge of the front frame to the other outer edge of the front frame. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a lighting control unit that performs lighting control of the peripheral light emitting member. A front surface portion of the game board includes an area forming portion in which the game area is provided, and a screen for allowing a predetermined part of the area forming portion to visually recognize the display screen of the display portion main body from the front of the area forming portion. It is the visual recognition part,
An outer frame,
A main body frame mounted on the outer frame while holding the game board;
A front frame that is mounted on the front side of the main body frame and includes a viewing window for allowing the game area to be viewed from the front;
Production control means for performing production control including drive control of the drive source constituting the relative movement mechanism and display control of the image display device;
With
The effect control means drives the drive source so as to perform a specific picture display control for displaying a linear or strip-like specific picture that draws a path intersecting the dividing line on the display screen, and a relative movement of a plurality of divided bodies. Relative movement movement control to control the specific picture display control, the relative movement movement control in the order of the reverse or reverse,
A first peripheral light-emitting member that is at least one of the region forming portion and the front frame, and is in the vicinity of a first virtual extension line in which both end portions of the specific pattern extend in the outer edge direction of the front frame. With
A second peripheral light-emitting member that is at least one of the region forming part and the front frame, and is within a range near a second virtual extension line in which both end portions of the dividing line extend in the outer edge direction of the front frame. With
When the specific pattern display control is started, the first peripheral light emitting member can sequentially view the first virtual extension line and the specific pattern from one outer edge side of the front frame to the other outer edge side of the front frame. Preferably, a first lighting control means for controlling lighting of the first peripheral light emitting member,
When the relative movement control is started, the second peripheral light emitting member can sequentially recognize the second virtual extension line and the dividing line from one outer edge of the front frame to the other outer edge of the front frame. Therefore, second lighting control means for performing lighting control of the second peripheral light emitting member,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:   6. The rear light emitting member is provided at a position behind the display unit main body and visible from the front along with the relative movement of the plurality of divided bodies. The gaming machine described in 1.

Images