JP2010172764A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine configured so as to reduce control load on a control board which outputs a command related to deriving and displaying of a variable-probability determination symbol. <P>SOLUTION: Based on an input of a determination-symbol command capable of specifying a determination result, the display control board controls to start the derivation of the determination-symbol as the determination result. Then, on the timing associated with the derivation of the determination result, the display control board controls to let a determination-result-informing means derive the determination result without receiving a command signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, or a slot machine. Specifically, it has variable display means capable of variably displaying specific game information for indicating whether or not to control to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the display result of the specific game information on the variable display means is predetermined. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to the specific gaming state when the specified display mode is achieved.

  In this type of gaming machine, what is generally known in the past can be variably displayed, for example, a plurality of types of hit display symbols for indicating whether or not to control to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player When the display result of the winning / rejecting display symbol in the variable display device is in a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit state) is provided. Some were configured to be controllable. Such a specific gaming state is controlled so that it can be continued for an upper limit of a continuation period (for example, the number of rounds of repeated continuation control) determined when the specific gaming state occurs. Further, in this type of gaming machine, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, after the control of the specific gaming state is finished, it can be controlled to a special gaming state (for example, a probability variation state) advantageous to a player different from the specific gaming state. Met.

  However, in such a conventional gaming machine, for starting the derivation display of the probability variation determination symbol at the start of the output of the signal that is ON for the period for deriving the probability variation determination symbol for informing whether or not the probability variation occurs. In addition to outputting a command, a command related to the derivation display of the probability variation determination symbol and the determination result symbol is output when the command is also output at the end of output for terminating the derivation display of the probability variation determination symbol and the determination result symbol. The control burden on the board becomes large.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a control burden on a board that outputs a command related to derivation display of probability variation determination symbols is reduced.

The present invention described in claim 1
Game control means that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player and can be controlled to a special gaming state advantageous to the player different from the specific gaming state;
Determination result notifying means capable of notifying whether or not to enter the special gaming state by deriving a display result after performing variable display for a predetermined period;
A notification control means capable of controlling the determination result notification means,
The game control means can output a command signal that can specify the determination result to the notification control means only at a timing related to the start of variable display by the determination result notification means,
After the notification control unit performs control to cause the determination result notification unit to start variable display, the notification control unit receives a command signal at a timing related to derivation of the determination result based on a command signal that can specify the determination result. It is possible to control the determination result notifying means to derive the determination result without any problem.

In addition to the configuration of the invention described in claim 1, the present invention described in claim 2
It further comprises variable display means capable of deriving whether to enter the specific gaming state after starting variable display,
The game control means can output a command signal related to the control of the variable display means other than the command signal related to the control of the determination result notifying means at a timing related to the derivation of the determination result.

In addition to the structure of the invention described in claim 1, the present invention described in claim 3
A variable winning ball apparatus that can change from a second state that is disadvantageous to the player to a first state that is advantageous to the player when the specific gaming state occurs;
Variable display means capable of deriving whether to enter the specific gaming state after starting the variable display,
After the variable winning ball apparatus changes from the first state to the second state in relation to the end of the specific gaming state, and before the variable display means starts the next variable display, The determination result is derived.

In addition to the structure of the invention in any one of Claims 1-3, this invention of Claim 4 is
The notification control means can output a determination result deriving signal that can identify that the determination result is derived.

In addition to the structure of the invention in any one of Claims 1-4, this invention of Claim 5 is
When the notification control means notifies that the special gaming state is to be established, a special gaming state in which the period from when the special gaming state is notified until the special gaming state ends can be identified A signal can be output.

In addition to the structure of the invention in any one of Claims 1-5, this invention of Claim 6 is
The notification control means can output a determination effect display-in-progress signal that can identify that the determination result notification means is performing an effect display in the determination process for deriving the determination result.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the period during which the notification control unit performs control for deriving the determination result is Regardless of whether or not a special gaming state is entered.

In addition to the structure of the invention in any one of Claims 1-7, this invention of Claim 8 is
The notification control means includes variable display mode determination means for determining a variable display mode during variable display of the determination result notification means.

[Action]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. By the action of the game control means, it is controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and is controlled to a special game state advantageous to the player different from the specific game state. The determination result notifying means notifies whether or not to enter the special gaming state by deriving a display result after performing variable display for a predetermined period. The determination result notifying means is controlled by the function of the notifying control means. By the action of the game control means, a command signal capable of specifying the determination result is output to the notification control means only at a timing related to the start of variable display by the determination result notification means. The control of the determination result notification means is started by the function of the notification control means, and then a command is issued at a timing related to the derivation of the determination result based on a command signal that can specify the determination result. Control is performed to cause the determination result notifying unit to derive the determination result without receiving a signal.

  According to the present invention described in claim 2, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, whether or not to enter the specific gaming state after starting variable display is derived by the function of the variable display means. The By the action of the game control means, a command signal related to the control of the variable display means other than the command signal related to the control of the determination result notification means is output at a timing related to the derivation of the determination result.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the action of the first aspect of the invention, when the specific gaming state occurs due to the action of the variable winning ball apparatus, the second disadvantageous to the player. The state changes from the above state to the first state advantageous to the player. By the function of the variable display means, it is derived whether or not the specific gaming state is entered after the variable display is started. Then, after the variable winning ball apparatus has changed from the first state to the second state in relation to the end of the specific gaming state, before the variable display means starts the next variable display. In addition, the determination result is derived.

  According to this invention of Claim 4, in addition to the effect | action of the invention in any one of Claims 1-3, the said determination result is derived | led-out by the function of the said alerting | reporting control means. An identifiable determination result deriving signal is output.

  According to the present invention described in claim 5, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the function of the notification control means notifies that the special gaming state is set. If a special gaming state is notified, a special gaming state signal is output that can identify a period from when the special gaming state is notified until the special gaming state ends.

  According to this invention of Claim 6, in addition to the effect | action of the invention in any one of Claims 1-5, the said determination result alerting | reporting means shows the said determination result by the function of the said alerting | reporting control means. A determination effect display in-progress signal that can identify that the effect display of the determination process for deriving is being performed is output.

  According to the present invention described in claim 7, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, in a certain period regardless of whether or not the special gaming state is entered, Control for the notification control means to derive the determination result is performed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the determination result notification is made by a function of a variable display mode determining hand included in the notification control means. A variable display mode during variable display of the means is determined.

  Regarding claim 1, the following effects are obtained. That is, the game control means can output a command signal that can specify the determination result to the notification control means only at a timing related to the start of variable display by the determination result notification means. After performing control to start variable display, based on a command signal that can specify the determination result, control to cause the determination result notifying means to derive the determination result without receiving a command signal at a timing related to derivation of the determination result. It is possible to do. Thereby, if the game control means outputs a command signal that can specify the determination result to the notification control means once only at the timing related to the start of variable display by the determination result notification means, otherwise, the game control means There is no need to output a command signal related to derivation of the determination result at the time of derivation. Therefore, a command signal for starting the derivation of the determination result is output at the start of the derivation of the determination result, and a command signal for ending the derivation of the determination result is also output at the end of the notification of the determination result. As compared with the above, the control burden of the game control means for outputting the command signal related to the derivation of the determination result is reduced.

  With respect to claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the game control means has a command related to the control of the variable display means other than the command signal related to the control of the determination result notifying means at the timing related to the derivation of the determination result. Since the signal can be output, the variable display means can be controlled after the determination result is derived.

  With respect to claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1, after the variable winning ball apparatus changes from the first state to the second state in relation to the end of the specific gaming state, the variable display means Since the determination result is derived before starting the next variable display, the special gaming state continues during the specific gaming state as compared with the case where the determination result is notified before the end time of the specific gaming state. The player can be expected to become.

  With regard to claim 4, in addition to the effect related to any one of claims 1 to 3, the notification control means can output a determination result deriving signal that can identify that the determination result is derived. By receiving the determination result deriving signal, it is possible to confirm outside the gaming machine that the determination result is derived.

  With regard to claim 5, in addition to the effect related to any one of claims 1 to 4, when the notification control means notifies that the special gaming state is set, a notification that the special gaming state is set is given. Since a special gaming state signal that can identify the period from when the special gaming state is ended to the end of the special gaming state can be output, the special gaming state is notified after the special gaming state signal is received by receiving the special gaming state signal. It can be confirmed outside the gaming machine that it is a period until the state ends. As a result, the difference between the period of notification that the special gaming state is actually performed and the period of notification of the special gaming state and the period during which the special gaming state signal is output is detected. It is also possible to find deficiencies in control.

  With regard to claim 6, in addition to the effect related to any one of claims 1 to 5, the notification control means is performing the effect display of the determination process for the determination result notification means to derive the determination result. Since it is possible to output an identifiable determination effect display signal, it is possible to confirm outside the gaming machine that an effect display in the determination result process is being performed by receiving the determination effect display signal. it can.

  With regard to claim 7, in addition to the effects related to any one of claims 1 to 6, the period during which the notification control means performs control for deriving the determination result is irrespective of whether or not the special gaming state is entered. Since it is constant, the control is facilitated as compared with the case where the period during which the notification control means performs the control for deriving the determination result differs depending on whether or not the special gaming state is entered.

  With respect to claim 8, in addition to the effect related to any one of claims 1 to 7, the notification control means includes variable display mode determination means for determining a variable display mode during variable display of the determination result notification means. Therefore, the variable display by the notification result notification means can be produced in various variable display modes, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the game board of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the various board | substrates, a switch, etc. which are related to a game control board. It is a block diagram which shows a display control board and CRT. It is a block diagram which shows the control sharing relationship of the game control board, a display control board, and a variable display apparatus of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control sharing relationship of the game control board, the display control board, and the variable display apparatus of the pachinko gaming machine of other embodiment. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the fluctuation | variation and stop of a probability fluctuation | variation determination symbol. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the fluctuation | variation and stop of a normal symbol and a special symbol. It is a figure which shows the name and content of the command regarding the probability variation determination symbol by a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the name and content of the command regarding the probability variation determination symbol by a probability variation indicator. . It is a timing chart of the signal regarding the probability variation determination symbol by the variable display device. It is a timing chart of the signal regarding the probability variation determination design by the probability variation indicator. It is a timing chart in case a probability fluctuation determination symbol and a determination result symbol are displayed after the big hit round. It is a timing chart in case a probability variation determination symbol and a determination result symbol are displayed before the big hit round. It is a timing chart in case a probability variation determination symbol and a determination result symbol are displayed as the jackpot round progresses. It is a flowchart of the game main process which a game control board performs. It is a flowchart of the game main process which a game control board performs. It is a flowchart of special symbol process processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation pattern of a probability variation determination symbol, and the pattern of a probability variation determination result symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation pattern of a probability variation determination symbol, and the pattern of a probability variation determination result symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation pattern of a probability variation determination symbol, and the pattern of a probability variation determination result symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the variation pattern of a probability variation determination symbol, and the pattern of a probability variation determination result symbol.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine, which is advantageous for a player. A variable display device capable of variably displaying specific game information for indicating whether or not to control to a specific game state, and the display result of the specific game information in the variable display device is in a predetermined specific display mode In this case, all gaming machines that can be controlled to the specific gaming state are targeted.

First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 as an example of a gaming machine has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the rear of the glass door frame 2. A game area 7 is provided in front of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, a variable display unit 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols), a variable display unit 10 using 7-segment LEDs, and a probability variation determination symbol display unit 200 using 7-segment LEDs are provided. A variable display device 8 is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display unit 9 displays various types of information including symbols such as three special symbols such as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol. On the side portions of these variable display devices 8, there are provided pass gates 11 for guiding hitting balls. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the start winning opening 14 through the ball exit 13. In the path between the passage gate 11 and the ball exit 13, there is a gate switch 12 that detects a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. Also, the winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the winning port switch 17. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  An open / close plate 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. In this embodiment, the opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. Of the winning balls led from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball entering one (V pocket) is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. At the bottom of the variable winning ball apparatus 8, a start winning memory display 18 having four display portions for storing and displaying the number of winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14 is provided. In this example, with the upper limit being four, each time there is a start prize, the start prize storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units one by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the lit display unit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning openings 19, 24. Decorative lamps 25 that are lit and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 is provided at the bottom for collecting hit balls that have not won. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided. In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 is provided in the vicinity of one speaker 27 so as to be turned on when the prize ball is paid out, and a ball-out lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the other speaker 27. Is provided. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

  The hit ball fired from the hit ball launching device passes through the hit ball rail and enters the game area 7, and then flows down the game area 7. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passing gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is continuously changed. When the hit ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 17, the special symbol displayed on the variable display unit 9 starts scrolling if the variation of the special symbol can be started. If the special symbol change cannot be started, the start winning memory is temporarily increased. The start winning memory will be described in detail later. The scrolling of the image in the variable display unit 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of images (designs) at the time of stoppage is a combination of jackpot symbols (a combination of symbols with left symbols, middle symbols, and right symbols), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hitting balls wins. Such a period during opening of the opening / closing plate 20 is referred to as a round. When a hit ball enters the specific winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a right to continue is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (maximum 15 times). That is, if a big hit occurs, the opening / closing plate 20 can be opened for a maximum of 16 rounds. In this way, the control in which the opening / closing of the opening / closing plate 20 is continuously repeated according to the generation of the continuation right is referred to as repeated continuation control.

  The probability variation determination symbol display unit 200 variably displays the probability variation determination symbol in the normal state, and stops the probability variation determination symbol at a predetermined timing when a big hit occurs. Here, the probability variation determination symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the probability variation state as the special gaming state is controlled. Further, the probability variation state is a high probability state in which the probability of hitting a jackpot is improved, and is a state advantageous for the player. Further, the special game state refers to a state advantageous to a player that is different from the specific game state. In FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine in which the determination process of whether or not to enter the special gaming state, that is, whether or not to enter the probability variation state and the notification of the determination result are performed by the probability variation determination symbol display unit 200 is shown. The variable display device 8 may notify the determination process and determination result of whether or not a probability variation state occurs, or if it is a notification means that can identify whether or not the player has a probability variation, "○ ”And“ × ”may be used to notify the probability change determination and the determination result by other notification means such as a lamp or a light emitting diode.

  In the probability variation determination symbol display section 200 shown in FIG. 1, when the probability variation determination symbol stop display result is “F”, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the probability variation state. On the other hand, when the stop display result of the probability variation determination symbol is “−”, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not controlled in a probability variation state. Thus, in the probability variation determination symbol display unit 200, whether or not the probability variation state is controlled is indicated by whether the probability variation determination symbol stop display result is “F” or “−”.

  Further, whether or not the state is controlled to the probability variation state when a big hit occurs may be indicated by a stop display result of the probability variation determination symbol variably displayed in the variable display unit 9. This probability variation determination symbol is displayed in a stopped state when a big hit occurs.

  Further, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol in the variable display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  The card unit 50 adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a usable indicator 151 indicating whether or not the card unit 50 is usable, and the usable indicator 151 is lit. If it is inside, it is ready for use. Furthermore, the card unit 50 is locked and unlocked with a display 153 that displays which pachinko gaming machine 1 is connected, a prepaid card insertion / discharge port 155, and a front side cover of the card unit 50. And a key hole 156 into which a key for inserting the key is inserted. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 152 denotes a fraction display switch for displaying the fraction of the balance of the inserted card. Reference numeral 154 denotes a card insertion lamp which is lit or blinks when the card is inserted.

  Next, the gaming operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. First, when a player inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion / exit slot 155 and performs a ball lending operation, the card balance recorded on the prepaid card is partially reduced, and only the reduced amount of pachinko balls are supplied. It is dispensed into the dish 3. In this state, when the player turns the hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5, the pachinko balls in the hitting ball supply tray 3 are driven into the game area 7 one by one. If the pachinko ball that is driven into the game area 7 passes through the passing gate 11 and is detected by the gate switch 12, the variable indicator 10 performs a variable display operation, and the display result is a predetermined specific identification. When the information (for example, 7) is obtained, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 constituting the start winning opening 14 is opened for a predetermined time and becomes a first state advantageous to the player.

  On the other hand, if a pachinko ball wins the start winning opening 14, the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 performs a variable display operation, and the display result is determined in a predetermined display mode (for example, specific identification information of 777). ), A specific gaming state (a big hit state) occurs, and the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is opened, which is a first state advantageous to the player. This first state is terminated when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is awarded, whichever comes first, which is disadvantageous for the player. The second state is entered. If the hit ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus 19 in the first state wins the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by the V count switch 22, the end of the first state of that time. After that, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again to be in the first state. The repeated continuation control in the first state can be executed up to 16 rounds.

  In addition, when the variable display unit 9 displays a full rotation reach that is scroll-displayed with the left, middle, and right symbols aligned in a flat pattern, a predetermined effect display is performed. Time reduction control is performed as many times as required. The short time control is a control for deriving and displaying a display result at an early stage by shortening the variable display period of the variable display 10 described above. If the hit ball passes through the passage gate 11 during the variable display of the variable indicator 10, the start passage is stored, and the variable indicator 10 stops and becomes ready for the variable display. The variable display 10 is variably controlled by subtracting “1” from the passage memory. The upper limit of the start pass memory is set to “4”, for example, and the current start pass memory number is displayed by a start pass memory display (not shown).

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
A mechanism plate 36 is provided on the back side of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A ball tank 38 is provided on the upper portion of the mechanism plate 36, and pachinko balls are supplied to the ball tank 38 from above in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. The pachinko balls in the ball tank 38 are supplied to the ball dispensing device through the guide rod 39.

  The mechanism plate 36 has a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display unit 9 via the relay board 30, and a game control board (main control board) 31 covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer or the like. A relay board 33 for relaying signals between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for carrying out payout control of pachinko balls is mounted. ing. Further, on the mechanism plate 36, a hitting ball launching device 34 for launching a hit ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of the motor, a game effect LED 28a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, a probability variation determination symbol display unit 200, an award A ball lamp 51 and a lamp control board 35 for sending a signal to the ball break lamp 52 are installed.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the back. On the back surface of the game board 6, as shown in FIG. 3, a winning ball collective cover 40 is provided for guiding the winning balls that have won the winning holes and the winning ball devices along a predetermined winning path. The winning ball guided by the winning ball collective cover 40 is supplied to a winning ball processing device (not shown) for processing one winning ball. The winning ball processing device is provided with a winning ball detection switch 99 (see FIG. 4), and a detection signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the main control board 31. The main control board 31 generates a prize ball signal for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection signal, the detection signal of the start port switch 17, the detection signal of the V count switch 22, and the detection signal of the count switch 23. Output to the prize ball substrate 37. The prize ball substrate 37 controls the ball dispensing device based on the outputted prize ball signal to perform a control for dispensing a predetermined number of prize balls.

  Specifically, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out for each winning ball for the winning ball that has been won through the opening / closing plate 20, and for each winning ball, for example, for the winning ball that has won the start winning opening 14. Six prize balls are paid out, and the prize balls won through the other prize opening 24 and the winning ball apparatus are controlled so that, for example, 10 prize balls are paid out for each prize ball.

  In order to control the payout of the three types of prize balls, the main control board 31 performs a control operation as follows. If a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 is input, it is determined whether or not there is a detection signal from the start port switch 17 before the input, and if so, the main control board 31 sends a “ A prize ball command signal for giving a prize command of the number of prize balls of “6” is output. On the other hand, when there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 and there is a detection signal from the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 before that, the main control board 31 has a “15” prize ball. A number of prize ball command signals are output to the prize ball substrate 37. Further, when there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99, if no detection signal has been input from any of the start port switch 17, V switch 22 and count switch 23 before that, the main control is performed. The board 31 outputs a prize ball command signal to the prize ball board 37 for giving a command of paying out the number of prize balls of “10”.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main control board 31. 4 also shows a prize ball board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a display control board 80. On the main control board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, and signals from the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23 and the winning ball detection switch 99 are the basic circuit. 53, a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20 according to a command from the basic circuit 53, and lighting of the start memory display 18 It includes a lamp / LED circuit 60 that blinks and drives the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED and the decorative lamp 25.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used for starting the image display of the variable display unit 9, and the fact that the probability variation has occurred. An information output circuit 64 for outputting probability variation information and the like to a host computer such as a hall management computer is included.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 that stores a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 that is used as a work memory, a CPU 56 that performs a control operation according to the control program, and an I / O port 57. Note that the ROM 54 and RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56. Further, the basic circuit 53 is provided with a test signal connector 500 for testing the output state of various signals.

  Further, the main control board 31 includes an initial reset circuit 56 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when power is turned on, and an I / O port 57 that decodes an address signal supplied from the basic circuit 53. An address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the / O port is provided.

  A ball striking device for projecting and hitting a ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

  The probability variation determination symbol display unit 200 of the variable display device 8 is provided on the display control board 80 based on a probability variation determination symbol display control signal among the display control control signals given from the basic circuit 53 to the display control substrate 80. The display is controlled by the control circuit provided. Similarly, the variable display unit 9 and the variable display 10 are controlled by a control circuit provided on the display control board 80.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with a CRT 82 that realizes the variable display unit 9. The display control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in the control data ROM 102. When a strobe signal (interrupt signal) is input from the main control board 31, the display control CPU 101 enters an interrupt operation state, and a display control command is displayed. Capture data. Then, display control of an image displayed on the CRT 82 is performed according to the fetched display control command data. Specifically, a command according to the display control command data is given to the VDP 103. VDP 103 reads necessary data from character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the input data, and stores the image data in the VRAM 87. The image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals (RGB signals), converted into analog signals by the D / A conversion circuit 104, and output to the CRT 82. . Further, the CPU 10 is provided with a test signal connector 100 for testing the output state of various signals.

  In FIG. 5, a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data, and an input for inputting display control command data A buffer circuit 105 is also shown. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, animal, or an image made up of characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the CRT 82.

  Each buffer in the input buffer circuit 105 can pass a signal only in the direction from the main control board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the display control board 80 side to the main control board 31 side. Even if the tampering is added to the circuit in the display control board 80, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main control board 31 side. In this way, transmission of information between the main control board 31 and the display control board 80 is one-way information from the main control board 31 (particularly the basic circuit 53) to the display control board 80 (particularly the display control CPU 101). Since it is performed based on communication, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the unauthorized control operation of the basic circuit 53 on the main control board 31 due to the unauthorized input of data from the display control board 80 side to the main control board 31 side.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a control flow of the game control board 31, the display control board 80, and the variable display device 8 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the following operations are performed. In the game control board 31, probability fluctuation random numbers are obtained and determined, and command data including information on whether or not to enter the probability fluctuation state is output to the display control board 80. Further, in the display control board 80, determination of a stop symbol, determination of a variation pattern, control of variation operation, output of display data, and creation of a test signal relating to a determination symbol are performed, and a display data signal is output. Based on this output data signal, the variable display device 8 displays display data for the purpose of determining probability variation and notifying probability variation. This test signal can be output using the connector 100 provided on the display control board 80 shown in FIG. 5, but is output to the hall management computer via the external output terminal or the like without providing the connector 100. It is good also as such a setting.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a control flow of the game control board 31, the display control board 80, and the variable display device 8 of a modification of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the following operations are performed. In the game control board 31, the probability variation random number is obtained, determined, the stop symbol is determined, and the variation pattern is determined to determine whether or not the probability variation state is set, the stop symbol information, and the variation pattern information. The included command data is output to the display control board. Further, in the display control board 80, the fluctuation operation is controlled, the display data signal is output, and the test signal relating to the determination symbol is generated. Further, based on the display data signal output from the display control board 80, the variable display device 8 displays the display data for the purpose of determining the probability variation and notifying the probability variation.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the fluctuation of the probability fluctuation determination symbol and the stop. As shown in FIG. 8, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the probability variation determination symbol changes from the stopped state to the variation state, a determination result designation command is sent from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Is output only once. The determination result designation command includes a winning designation command “B1H 01H” for designating a change in the design when the lottery in the probability variation state is won, and a change in the design in the case where the lottery in the probability variation state is a defeat. There is a loss designation command “B1H 02H” for designating. The winning designation command “B1H 01H” and the loss selection designation command “B1H 02H” are output only at the timing when the probability variation determination symbol starts to vary, and if a predetermined time (for example, 22 seconds) elapses, the probability variation determination symbol Is stopped and it is determined whether or not the probability changes. Therefore, no command is output at the timing when the probability variation determination symbol changes from the variation state to the stop state.

  From the viewpoint of bit configuration, the winning designation command “B1H 01H” and the winning designation command “B1H 02H” are “00000001” and the winning designation command “B1H 02H” is “00000010”. Thus, in the relationship between the winning designation command and the winning designation command, it is preferable that the positions (digits) where the bit value is “1” do not overlap. If the winning designation command is “00000001” and the unsuccessful designation command is “00000011”, when the winning designation command “00000001” is transmitted from the main board 31 to the display control board 80, the lower two are designated. If noise occurs at the bit position and changes to “00000011”, it is received by the display control board 80 as a selection command. Therefore, when winning is displayed originally, the winning selection is erroneously displayed.

  Therefore, as described above, in the relationship between the winning designation command and the winning designation command, if the position (digit) where the bit value is “1” is configured not to overlap, a bit error caused by noise will occur. It is possible to determine a command (an error in which “1” and “0” at the bit position are reversed and become an incorrect command). Thus, in order to configure the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment so that a bit error command due to noise can be determined, for example, “Pattern 1” of the winning designation command is “01H” = “00000001”, and the winning designation is “Pattern 2” of the command is “02H” = “00000010”, “Pattern 1” of the unsuccessful designation command is “04H” = “00000100”, and “Pattern 2” of the unsuccessful designation command is “08H” = “00001000” What is necessary is just to do.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the special symbol of the variable display device 8 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment or the normal symbol variation of the normal variable display 10 and the stop. As shown in FIG. 9, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the special symbol or the normal symbol starts to change by the change start command (including information for instructing the change time). Thereafter, a fixed symbol designation command for designating “left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol” is output. Then, the change of the special symbol or the normal symbol is stopped by the output of the symbol confirmation command.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where the probability variation determination result is displayed by the variable display operation of the three variable display areas of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol in the variable display device 8 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining commands a, b, c, and d that are output during the variation of the probability variation determination symbol. As shown in FIG. 10, during the variation of the probability variation determination symbol, the variation pattern designation command a for designating the variation pattern, the first symbol designation command b for designating the first symbol to be confirmed and displayed, are confirmed. A second symbol designating command c for designating the second symbol and a third symbol designating command d for designating the third symbol to be confirmed are output in the order of commands a, b, c and d, respectively. The first symbol is the symbol that stops first among the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol. The second symbol is a symbol that stops second among the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol. The third symbol is the symbol that stops last among the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol. In the above case, the probability variation state occurs when the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol match with the same symbol.

  The variation pattern designation command a described above designates the variation pattern winning 1 designation command “B1H 01H” designating the variation time 5000 ms, the variation pattern winning 1 designation command “B1H 02H” designating the variation time 6500 ms, and the variation time 5000 ms. Any one of the fluctuation pattern loss selection 1 designation command “B1H 03H” and the fluctuation pattern loss selection 2 designation command “B1H 04H” for specifying the fluctuation time 6500 ms is selected and output.

  The above-described first symbol designation command b designates the first symbol “1” designation command “B2H 01H” that designates “1” as the designation symbol of the first symbol, and “2” as the designation symbol of the first symbol. The first symbol “2” designation command “B2H 02H”, the first symbol “3” designation command “B2H 03H” for designating “3” as the designation symbol for the first symbol, and “3” as the designation symbol for the first symbol One of the designated first symbol “3” designation commands “B2H 03H” is selected and output.

  The above-described second symbol designation command c designates the first symbol “1” designation command “B3H 01H” that designates “1” as the designation symbol of the second symbol, and “2” as the designation symbol of the second symbol. The second symbol “2” designation command “B3H 02H”, the second symbol “3” designation command “B3H 03H” for designating “3” as the designation symbol of the second symbol, and “3” as the designation symbol of the first symbol One of the designated first symbol “3” designation commands “B3H 03H” is selected and output.

  The above-described third symbol designation command d designates the third symbol “1” designation command “B4H 01H” that designates “1” as the designation symbol of the third symbol, and “2” as the designation symbol of the third symbol. The third symbol “2” designation command “B4H 02H”, the third symbol “3” designation command “B4H 03H” to designate “3” as the designation symbol of the third symbol, and “3” as the designation symbol of the third symbol One of the designated third symbol “3” designation commands “B4H 03H” is selected and output.

  FIG. 11 shows a probability variation determination symbol display unit for notifying probability variation when the probability variation determination result display unit 200 as the notification means of the present invention in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment displays the probability variation determination result. It is a figure for demonstrating the commands a and b output during the fluctuation | variation of 200. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, during the variation of the probability variation determination symbol display unit 200, the notification pattern designating command a for designating the notification pattern and the determination result designating command b for designating the winning / losing of the probability variation are output in this order. The

  The notification pattern designation command a is selected and output from a notification pattern 1 designation command “B1H 01H” for designating an operation time of 5000 ms and a notification pattern 2 designation command “B1H 02H” for designating an operation time of 6500 ms. .

  The determination result designation command b includes a winning designation command “B2H 01H” for designating a fluctuation when the result of the probability fluctuation judgment is won and a defeat designation designation command “B2H 02H” for designating the case where the result of the probability fluctuation judgment is lost. Is selected and output.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart of various signals related to the probability variation determination symbol when the probability variation determination symbol is displayed using the variable display device 8. These various signals can be confirmed by a test apparatus or the like via the test signal output connector 100 of FIG. In changing the probability variation determination symbol, first, the first digit symbol variation signal indicating the first symbol shown in FIG. When the first digit symbol changing signal is turned ON, the symbol changing signal shown in FIG. 12D is turned ON. In addition, when the first digit symbol changing signal is turned OFF, the data that can identify the first digit type of the symbol that is confirmed and displayed by the first digit symbol data bit5 to bit0 signals shown in FIG. In addition to the output, data that can identify the color of the first digit of the symbol determined and displayed by the first digit symbol color data bit1 to bit0 signals is output.

  Next, the second-digit symbol changing signal indicating the second symbol shown in FIG. In addition, when the second digit symbol changing signal is turned OFF, the data that can identify the second digit type of the symbol that is finally displayed by the second digit symbol data bit5 to bit0 signal shown in FIG. In addition to the output, data that can identify the color of the second digit of the symbol determined and displayed by the second digit symbol color data bit1 to bit0 signals is output.

  The third digit symbol changing signal indicating the third symbol shown in (c) of FIG. 12 is turned ON. When the third digit symbol changing signal is turned ON, the symbol changing signal shown in (d) of FIG. 12 is turned OFF. In addition, when the first digit symbol changing signal is turned OFF, there is data that can identify the third digit type of the symbol that is confirmed and displayed by the third digit symbol data bit5 to bit0 signal shown in (h) of FIG. In addition to the output, data that can identify the color of the third digit of the symbol that is determined and displayed by the third digit symbol color data bit1 to bit0 signals is output.

  As the third-digit symbol changing signal in FIG. 12C and the symbol changing signal shown in FIG. 12D are turned OFF, the symbol determination signal shown in FIG. 12E is turned ON.

  Furthermore, as shown in (e) of FIG. 12, when the probability variation occurs according to the OFF of the symbol determination signal, the probability variation signal is turned on for a predetermined period as shown in FIG. If not, as shown in FIG. 12 (j), the probability variation signal remains off.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart of various signals related to the probability variation determination symbol when the probability variation determination symbol display unit 200 serving as a notification unit is used to display the probability variation determination. First, in order to create a signal based on a command output from the game control board 31, as shown in FIG. 13B, the timing of the change and stop of the notification means shown in FIG. In addition, the notifying means changing signal that is output while the probability variation determining operation by the notifying means is changing is turned ON and OFF. Next, when the notification means changing signal is turned OFF, the notification means determination signal indicating that the change of the notification means has stopped is turned ON, and is turned OFF after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  With the ON / OFF of the notification means determination signal, as shown in FIG. 13 (d), data relating to the color and type of the probability variation determination symbol that is determined and displayed by the notification means data bit3 to bit0 signals is output. At the same time, in the case of the probability variation, the probability variation signal shown in FIG. 13 (e) is turned on for a predetermined period, but if it is not the probability variation, the probability is changed as shown in FIG. 13 (f). The fluctuation signal remains off. Also, the big hit state signal is turned off after the notification means determination signal shown in FIG. 13C is turned off, and as shown in FIG. 13G, the special symbol is turned off after the big hit state signal is turned off. The fluctuation state signal turns ON.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (i), the probability variation state depends on the falling timing of the probability variation signal of FIG. 13 (e) when the probability varies, that is, the timing at which the notification result indicating the probability variation is displayed. The special gaming state signal that can identify the period from when the notification to the effect to the end of the probability change state is turned ON. This special gaming state signal is a test signal output from the connector 100 provided on the display control board 80.

  The timing at which the special gaming state signal is turned on may be either the timing at which the probability variation signal is turned on or the timing at which it is turned off. In addition, when the special gaming state signal is turned OFF, a command for changing the background color of the variable display unit 9 from the probability changing color indicating that the state is the probability changing state to the normal color indicating the normal state is displayed on the display control board. The timing may be any of the timing at which 80 is received, the timing at which a jackpot screen command shown in FIG. 15D, which will be described later, is received, and the timing at which the probability variation notification means receives a variation command indicating the start of variation of the special symbol. Further, when it is determined to end the probability variation state at the number of times of the special symbol in the probability variation state, the display control board 80 uses the counter to count the number of times of variation of the special symbol, and this count value is When the predetermined value is reached, the special gaming state signal may be turned OFF.

  As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the display control board 80 as the notification control means can identify that the determination result is notified, or the symbol confirmation signal shown in FIG. Since the notification means confirmation signal of c) can be output, it is possible to confirm outside the gaming machine that it is a period in which the determination result is confirmed and displayed by receiving these signals.

  Further, since the display control board 80 can output the probability variation state signal of FIG. 13H that can identify the probability variation state when informing that it is in the probability variation state, this signal can be output. It is possible to confirm outside the gaming machine whether or not the result of the probability variation is displayed by receiving.

  Further, the display control board 80 as the notification control means can identify that the variable display device 8 or the probability variation determination symbol display unit 200 is informing the determination operation for notifying the determination result (d) of FIG. It is possible to output the symbol variation signal of FIG. 13 or the notification means changing signal of FIG. 13B, so that it is a period in which the operation for notifying the determination result is received by receiving these signals. It can be confirmed outside the machine.

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart of an example of informing whether or not there is a probability variation after the big hit round in the variable display device 8. When there is a start prize shown in FIG. 14 (a), when the start switch is turned on and then turned off, a special figure change command is output and the special symbol shown in FIG. 14 (b) starts changing. To do. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed, a special figure confirmation command is output, and with the stop of the variation of the special symbol, a big hit screen command is output and the big hit state shown in FIG.

  Within this big hit state period, 15 rounds of big hit rounds are started at the respective timings as shown in FIG. After the end of the big hit round, that is, after the end of the 15th round, as shown in FIG. 14E, the determination symbol command is output, and the probability variation determination symbol is changed. After that, when there is a next start winning memory, the variation of the special symbol shown in FIG. 14 (b) starts after the stop of the variation of the probability variation determination symbol.

  In the notification of the determination result of the probability variation shown in FIG. 14, after the variable winning device 19 is changed from the opened first state to the closed second state in relation to the end of the specific gaming state, Since the determination result is notified before the variable display device 8 starts the next variable display operation, the big hit state is compared with the case where the determination result is notified before the end time of the probability variation state. It is possible to make the player expect that the probability variation state in which the big hit is likely to occur next is continued continuously.

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart of an example of informing whether or not there is a probability variation before the big hit round starts in the variable display device 8. When there is a start prize shown in FIG. 15 (a), a special symbol change command is output by turning OFF after the start switch is turned ON, as shown in FIG. 15 (b). The fluctuation starts. After that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol confirmation command is output, and after the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped, the determination symbol command is output after a delay, and as shown in FIG. The variable display device 8 starts to change. When the variation stops at a predetermined time after the variation of the variable display device 8 as the probability variation determination notification means starts, as shown in FIG. After reaching the state, the big hit state ends when a predetermined time elapses.

  FIG. 16 is a timing chart of an example of informing whether or not there is a probability variation during the big hit round. Information indicating whether or not the change shown in FIG. 16A changes from the change shown in FIG. 16A to the stop based on the confirmation command for stopping the change of the special symbol, and the probability change state is delayed after the stop of the change of the special figure. After the jackpot signal is turned on based on the probability variation / non-probability variation jackpot start screen command including, a special symbol variation is started again based on the variation start command after a predetermined time has passed and the jackpot state is reached. By outputting only the probability variation / non-probability variation big hit start screen command, the determination result of the probability variation is notified, that is, the command for ending the probability variation is not main force. In addition, during the period of the big hit state shown in FIG. 16B, a round starts based on the 1st to 16th round screen commands, and each of the 1st to 16th rounds ends by the interval command. A big hit round of 1 to 16 rounds is performed at predetermined intervals.

  In addition, the jackpot start screen command notifies whether or not the probability changes on the display screen during a round or an interval. In addition, on the big hit end screen, a display result indicating whether or not the probability change is derived is derived.

  In the notification of the probability variation determination symbol and the determination result symbol shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the display control board 80 as the notification control unit determines the determination result as the determination result according to the input of the determination symbol command that can specify the determination result. After the control for notifying the determination symbol is started, control for ending the notification of the determination result is performed without receiving a command signal for ending the notification of the determination result. Therefore, at the start of the variation of the symbol as the determination result, a command for starting the variation of the symbol as the determination result is output, and at the end of the variation of the symbol as the determination result, the variation of the symbol as the determination result is terminated. As compared with the case of outputting a command for causing the control to be performed, the control burden on the game control board 31 for outputting a command signal related to the notification of the determination result is reduced.

  Further, the game control board 31 has other commands related to the control of the gaming machine other than the determination symbol command at the timing related to the end of the variation of the symbol as the determination result, that is, the special symbol variation of FIG. In order to output the command, the big hit screen command of FIG. 15 (d), the one round screen command of FIG. 16 (c), etc., the command is issued at the end time of the determination result in order to output other commands related to the control of the gaming machine. Since it is not necessary to output, the control burden of the game control board 31 that outputs other command signals related to the control of the gaming machine is reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the period during which the display control board 80 as the notification control means performs the control for notifying the determination result is constant regardless of whether or not the probability variation state occurs. Compared with the case where the period for performing the control for notifying the determination result of the display control board 80 differs depending on whether or not the state changes to the probability variation state, it is possible to externally confirm that the determination result is notified. It becomes easy.

  17 and 18 are flowcharts showing game control main processing and interrupt processing executed by the basic circuit 53. FIG. 17 shows a game control main process, and FIG. 18 shows an interrupt process. This interrupt process is executed once every 2 msec, for example.

  In the game control main process, first, before entering the step SA (hereinafter simply referred to as “SA”) 1, the stack pointer is set. This is a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer. Next, initialization processing is performed by SA1. In the initialization process, it is determined whether or not an error is included in the RAM 55. If an error is included, the RAM 55 is initialized and various flags are initialized. Further, in the initialization process, a process of setting a timer interrupt time (for example, 2 msec) that defines timing for executing an interrupt process described later in the CPU 56 is performed. As a result, the timing for defining the execution timing of the first interrupt process after reset due to power-on or the like is started.

  Next, a display random number update process for determining a fixed symbol (scheduled stop symbol) is performed by SA2. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the fixed symbol of the special symbol in the variable display of the variable display device 8 is determined based on the random number (count value of the random counter). In SA2, the display random number for determining the stop symbol is updated. Next, at SA3, it is determined whether there is a timer interrupt. If there is no timer interrupt, the process returns to SA2, and the display random number update process is repeatedly executed by an infinite loop of SA2 and SA3.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, the timer interrupt process is executed every timer interrupt time (for example, 2 msec) defined in the initialization process, timer interrupt is set by SB1, and interrupt permission is set by SB2. Made. As a result, if NO is determined in SA3 of FIG. 17, the process proceeds to SA4, no timer interruption is set, and the processes of SA4 to SA14 are executed.

  In SA4, the state of the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, etc. is input, and processing for determining whether or not each winning port or variable winning ball device has been won is performed. When a start winning is detected by the start port switch 17, a start storage process is executed in this switch process. Specifically, when the start winning switch is detected by the start port switch 17, the count value of the random counter for jackpot determination is extracted at that timing, and the extracted value is stored in the specific symbol determination bank for starting storage. The As a result, the start memory is stored. The special symbol determination banks for starting memory are composed of four banks, bank 0 to bank 3, and a maximum of four starting memories can be made by these four banks. Therefore, when a start winning is detected and there is a memory in all the banks, the start winning is invalidated.

  Next, error processing is performed in SA5. This error process is a process in which various abnormality diagnosis is performed by a self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is generated if necessary according to the result.

  Next, it progresses to SA8 and a random number update process is made. This is a process of updating each random counter indicating various determination random numbers used for game control. Specifically, it is a random 1 counter update process.

  Next, it progresses to SA7 and the update process of a display symbol random number is performed. This process is the same as the process of SA2, and is specifically a process of updating random 2-1, random 2-2, and random 2-3.

  Next, it progresses to SA8 and a special symbol process process is made. In this special symbol process, one of a plurality of types of processing is selected and executed according to the value of the special symbol process flag. The value of the special symbol process is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Next, the normal symbol process is performed by SA9. In this normal symbol process, a corresponding process is selected according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the normal symbol variable display 10 by 7-segment LED in a predetermined order, and is updated during each process.

  Next, it progresses to SA10 and a special symbol command process is performed. This special symbol command process is a process in which the basic circuit 53 transmits the above-described special figure display command data to the display control board 80. Next, the process proceeds to SA11, where normal symbol command processing is executed. This normal symbol command processing is processing in which the basic circuit 53 transmits command data for controlling the display of the normal symbol variable display 10 by 7-segment LED to the lamp control board 35.

  Next, it progresses to SA12 and an information output process is made. This information output process is a process for outputting the above-described probability variation information, jackpot information, and starting information via the information output circuit 64 to the outside. Next, the process proceeds to SA13, and processing for outputting a control signal for exciting and controlling the solenoids 16 and 21 to the solenoid circuit 59 is performed. Next, it progresses to SA13 and a prize ball process is made. This prize ball process is a process for the basic circuit 53 to send a prize ball number signal and a prize ball possible signal to the prize ball substrate 37 and issue a prize ball payout command. After SA14, the process proceeds to SA2 again to perform processing.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the special symbol process. The special symbol process is a subroutine executed in SA8 of FIG. 18. In practice, a process for displaying a special symbol divided into a plurality of processes branches depending on a flag for selecting a process. Although it is programmed to be executed, in order to facilitate the explanation, the plurality of processes are collectively described using one flowchart.

  First, it is determined whether or not the start port switch 17 has been detected (whether or not a start prize has been detected) (S1). If there is no detection, the process proceeds to S4, which will be described later. It is determined whether or not the value (= 4) has already been reached (S2). If the start memory number has reached the maximum value, the start prize is not stored, but if the start memory number has not reached the maximum value, the start prize is stored in the storage area of the RAM 55 (S3). ). At this time, the jackpot determination random number and the probability variation determination random number are also extracted, and the extracted value is also stored.

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is a change start time (S4). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the start memory exists, the previous special symbol variation has ended, and whether or not a big hit has occurred. Here, “meeting big hit” means a period from when the display result of the special symbol becomes a big hit until the above-mentioned repeated continuation control ends.

  If it is the start time of variation, the big hit determination random number stored when the start winning is generated is read and it is determined whether or not it is a big hit determination value (S5). When the value is a jackpot determination value, it is determined in advance that the variable display result is a jackpot, and when the value is other than that, it is determined in advance that the variable display result is to be lost. When a probability change flag, which will be described later, is set and the gaming state is in a probability variation state, the big hit determination value increases and the big hit probability is improved.

  If it is determined that the variable display result is out of place (NO in S5), the left, middle and right off symbols are set on the basis of the random number value for determining the outlier (S8). More specifically, the type of the definite symbol designation command to be output to the display control board 80 is determined. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S9 described later.

  When it is determined in S5 that a big hit is made, a big hit flag is set (S6) and a big hit symbol is determined (S7). More specifically, the type of a definite symbol designation command for designating a probability variation symbol is determined.

  After the type of the fixed symbol designation command is determined in either S7 or S8, the type of the special symbol variation command is determined (S9), and then the determined special symbol variation command is transmitted to the lamp control board 35 and the voice. Settings for sending to the control board 70 and the display control board 80 are made (S10). It should be noted that, based on the contents set here, a special figure variation command is sent to the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80 in the output process (not described). When the special figure change command is received on the display control board 80 side, the variable display device 8 starts changing the special symbol. Further, when the special figure variation command is received by the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70, a game effect (lamp control, voice control) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern is performed.

  Next, a setting for sending the fixed symbol designation command set in S7 or S8 is made (S11). In addition, based on the contents set here, a fixed symbol designation command is sent to the display control board 80 in the output process (the description is omitted). On the display control board 80 side, the scheduled stop symbol is determined based on this fixed symbol designation command.

  Next, the timer T1 for measuring the variable display time is started (S12), and the process is temporarily ended. Thereafter, when the special symbol process is executed again after the interruption time (0.002 seconds) has elapsed, it is determined in S4 that it is not the fluctuation start time, and subsequently, whether the fluctuation time (variable display time) ends or not. Is determined (S13). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the timer T1 whose time has been started in S12 has expired.

  If the timer T1 has not expired, the process proceeds to S17 to be described later. However, after the special symbol process is executed several times, it is determined in S13 that the variable time (variable display time) is over. Then, the setting for sending the special figure confirmation command to the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80 is made (S14). Based on the contents set here, a special figure confirmation command is sent to the display control board 80 in the output process (the description is omitted). The display control board 80 stops the variation of the special symbol based on this special figure confirmation command.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set (S15). If the big hit flag is not set, the display result of the variable display device 8 is out of order, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit flag is set, the probability variation flag set during the probability variation state is once cleared (S16), and then the big hit processing is executed (S18). In the big hit processing, the above-described repeated continuation control is executed. Also, settings are made to send a big hit command to the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, and the display control board 80.

  Thereafter, when the big hit process is exited and the special symbol process is executed again, NO is determined in S4 and S13, and it is determined in S17 whether the big hit round is in progress. If the big hit round is still in progress, the big hit processing is continuously executed. If not, the fluctuation of the probability change notification means configured by the variable display device 8 or the probability change determination symbol display unit 200 is performed. It is determined whether or not it is a start time (S19). If it is time to start the probability change notification means variation, it is determined whether or not the probability variation has been won (S20). As a result, if the probability change is a win, a probability change notification is determined (S21), and if the probability change is a failure, a non-probability notification is determined (S22), and a probability change notification command for notifying either the probability change or the non-change probability is issued. It is sent out (S23).

  After that, when the special symbol process is executed again after the interruption time (0.002 seconds) has elapsed, it is determined that the change start time is not reached in S4, and it is not the end of the change time (variable display time) in S13. In step S19, it is determined that the probability change notification means is not started. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the timer T2 whose time has been started in S24 has expired. If the timer T2 has not expired, the process proceeds to S25 described later, but after the special symbol process is executed several times, it is determined in S19 that the variable time (variable display time) has ended. Then, a probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation state is set is set (S26), and a background color command for specifying the background symbol of the variable display unit 8 for indicating that the probability variation state is established is transmitted. It is set (S27).

  The background color command is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 before the start of the next special symbol change after the big hit. The background color command is a command for causing the display control board 80 to perform control for changing the background color of the variable display unit 9 to a probable color indicating that the state is in the probability variation state. Based on this background color command, the background color of the variable display unit 9 changes to become a probable color, but a command for returning the background color of the variable display unit 9 from the probable color to the normal color is received from the game control board 31. When output to the display control board 80, control is performed in the display control board 80 to change the background color of the variable display section 9 from the probability change color to the normal color, and the background color of the variable display section 9 changes to change from the probability change color to the normal color. Return to color.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the variation pattern of the probability variation determination symbol and the pattern of the probability variation determination result symbol that is derived and displayed after the last round of jackpot on the variable display device 8. First, as shown in FIG. 20A, from the state in which the previous variable display operation is completed and stopped at the stop symbol “1, 2, 3”, as shown in FIG. Start variable display operation. When the variable display operation ends and the symbol stops at the stop symbol “7, 7, 7”, “big hit” shown in FIG. 20D is displayed. Thereafter, a big hit round is entered. For example, when the first round, which is the opening period of the first big prize opening, starts and five game balls enter the big prize opening and become 5 counts, ( As shown in e), “Round 1” and “Count 5” are displayed on the variable winning ball apparatus 8. After that, when the big hit round ends without puncturing (when the number of game balls to be won in the big winning opening is less than the prescribed number during one opening), the big hit final round is entered. As shown in 20 (f), “last time” and “count 3” are displayed. Then, after the big hit round is finished, probability variation determination is performed as shown in (g) of FIG. 20, and if “win” is derived and displayed as shown in (h) of FIG. In order to display that the state has been reached, as shown in (i) of FIG. 20, the background color of the stop symbol “7, 7, 7” changes, and then the variable display operation is started again.

  In addition, as a variation of the effect of the probability variation determination shown in FIGS. 20F and 20G, the three variable display units as shown in FIG. 20J start the variable display operation. Then, if it is “7, 7, 7”, the probability variation state continues for 100 variable display operations, and although not shown, after the three variable display units start the variable display operation, “3, 3 , 3 ”, the probability variation state continues for 50 variable display operations, and in other cases, the probability variation determination and the notification of the result of determination of the probability variation may be used.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a probability variation determination symbol variation pattern and a probability variation determination result symbol pattern that are derived and displayed before the final round of jackpot on the variable display device 8. As shown in FIG. 21 (a), after starting the variable display operation, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), it stops at “7, 7, 7” and shown in FIG. 21 (c). In this way, “big hit” is derived and displayed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21 (d), a message indicating that “probability variation determination!” Is in progress, and the state shown in FIG. 21 (e) is changed to the state shown in FIG. 21 (f). The screen fluctuates so that the person holding the card reverses the placard, and it is displayed that the placard has a high probability, that is, the probability fluctuation state. Then, after one round of big hit shown in (g) of FIG. 21 starts, the game proceeds to the final round shown in (h) of FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the variation pattern of the probability variation determination symbol and the pattern of the probability variation determination result symbol that is derived and displayed before the final round of the big hit on the variable display device 8. Until shown in FIGS. 22A to 22D, the same operation as that shown in FIGS. 21A to 21D is performed. After that, as shown in FIGS. 22E to 22H, the three symbols perform variable display operation, and the result of the probability variation number is displayed from the first digit, and the third digit is derived and displayed. The probability variation determination and the probability variation determination result notification that the number of probability variation is determined at the time are performed, and then the big hit round is entered as shown in (i) of FIG.

  FIG. 23 shows a variation pattern and probability variation determination of a probability variation determination pattern in which probability variation determination is gradually performed during the big hit round in the variable display device 8 and it is determined whether or not the probability variation will occur after the last round of big hit. It is a figure which shows an example of the pattern of a result symbol. First, as shown in (a) of FIG. 23, when “Count 3” is reached in “Round 1”, the target used for the dart is derived and displayed, and as shown in (b) of FIG. “If it is 30 points, the probability change” is displayed. Then, as shown in (c) of FIG. 23, when “count 5” is reached in “round 2”, the dart arrow is stuck in any position of the target. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23D, the current score, for example, “1 point”, and some more points until the probability change, for example, “29 points” are displayed.

  Thereafter, if the big hit round continues and “count 3” is reached in “round 3”, a dart on two sides is pierced by the target as shown in FIG. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23 (f), the current score, for example, “4 points”, and some more points until the probability change, for example, “26 points” are displayed. Then, as shown in (g) of FIG. 23, after the current score, for example, “29 points”, and several more points until the probability change, for example, “1 point”, are displayed (h) in FIG. ), The dart stabs the target in the “final round” and “Kiwadoi!” Is displayed. Then, as shown in (i) of FIG. 23, after the target of the part where the dart is stabbed is enlarged and the score is determined, as shown in (j) of FIG. 23, “probability change determination” and “until next time” After the message “Continue!” Is displayed, the variable display operation is started again as shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the probability variation state is shown as an example of the special game state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the special game state includes the following items including the probability variation state. You may use together. (1) A gaming state in which time reduction control is performed to shorten the variation time from the start of normal symbol variation until the display result is derived and displayed. (2) Normal symbol to improve the probability of occurrence of a normal symbol. Gaming state in which the hit probability improvement control is performed, (3) gaming state in which the variation time reduction control is performed to shorten the variation time from the start of the change of the special symbol until the display result is derived and displayed, (4) start A gaming state in which a control for increasing the number of times of opening the pair of left and right movable pieces 15 (electric tulips) provided in the winning opening 14 is performed, and (5) an opening time extension control for extending the opening time of the movable piece 15. Game state to be performed.

  In addition, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Specific examples of means for solving problems]
(1) The main board 31 constitutes game control means that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player and can be controlled to a special game state advantageous to the player different from the specific game state. .

  A determination result notifying means capable of notifying whether or not to enter the special gaming state by deriving a display result after performing variable display for a predetermined period by the variable display device 8 or the probability variation determination symbol display unit 200. It is configured.

  The display control board 80 constitutes notification control means that can control the determination result notification means.

  The game control means is a command signal that can specify the determination result to the notification control means only at a timing related to the start of variable display by the determination result notification means (determination symbol command of FIG. 14 (e), FIG. (c) judgment graphic command, probability variation / non-probability variation big hit start screen command) in FIG. 16 (d) can be output, and the notification control means performs control to cause the determination result notification means to start variable display. Based on the command signal that can specify the determination result, it is possible to perform control for causing the determination result notifying means to derive the determination result without receiving a command signal at a timing related to the derivation of the determination result. (S19 to S27 in FIGS. 6, 7, and 19).

  (2) The variable display device 8 constitutes a variable display means capable of deriving whether or not the specific gaming state is entered after the variable display is started.

  The game control means can output a command signal related to control of the variable display means other than a command signal related to control of the determination result notification means at a timing related to derivation of the determination result.

(The command signal related to the control of the variable display means other than the command signal related to the control of the determination result notifying means is determined by the probability change determination after the end of the big special round shown in FIG. When notifying the result, it is a special figure change command, and when notifying the result of the probable change determination before the start of the big hit round after the special symbol change shown in FIG. (In the case of notifying the result of the probability variation determination during the big hit round shown in FIG. 16C, it is a variation start command.)
(3) The variable winning ball apparatus 19 constitutes a variable winning ball apparatus that can change from a second state that is disadvantageous to the player to a first state that is advantageous to the player when the specific gaming state occurs. ing.

  The variable display device 8 constitutes a variable display means capable of deriving whether or not the specific gaming state is entered after the variable display is started.

  After the variable winning ball apparatus changes from the first state to the second state in relation to the end of the specific gaming state, and before the variable display means starts the next variable display, The determination result is derived (FIGS. 14 (b), (c), (d) and FIG. 16).

  (4) The notification control means can output a determination result deriving signal that can identify that the determination result is derived ((e) of FIG. 12 and (c) of FIG. 13).

  (5) When the notification control means notifies that the special gaming state is set, the notification control means can identify a period from when the special gaming state is notified until the special gaming state ends. A game state signal can be output (FIG. 13 (i)).

  (6) The notification control means can output a determination effect display in-progress signal capable of identifying that the determination result notification means is performing an effect display in the determination process for deriving the determination result (FIG. 12). (D) and FIG. 13 (b)).

  (7) A period during which the notification control means performs control for deriving the determination result is constant regardless of whether or not the special gaming state is entered (S19 to S27 in FIGS. 14 to 16 and FIG. 19). ).

  (8) The notification control means includes variable display mode determination means (S9) for determining a variable display mode (FIG. 10A) during variable display of the determination result notification means.

  8 variable display device, 19 variable winning ball device, 31 main board, 80 display control board, 200 probability variation determination symbol display section.

Claims (1)

Game control means that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player and can be controlled to a special gaming state advantageous to the player different from the specific gaming state;
Determination result notifying means capable of notifying whether or not to enter the special gaming state by deriving a display result after performing variable display for a predetermined period;
A notification control means capable of controlling the determination result notification means,
The game control means can output a command signal that can specify the determination result to the notification control means only at a timing related to the start of variable display by the determination result notification means,
The notification control means receives the command signal at a timing related to the derivation of the determination result based on a command signal that can specify the determination result after performing control to cause the determination result notification means to start variable display. A game machine capable of performing control to cause the determination result notifying means to derive the determination result without any problem.

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