JP2010234022A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables even an expert or the like to find fun in a game property. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 is provided with a plurality of variable start pockets controllable to a first form in which the entry of a game ball is difficult and a second form in which the entry of a game ball is easy as compared with the first form. Also, the game machine is provided with a plurality of linked winning pockets to be operated in linkage with the entry of the game ball to the variable start pocket as a trigger. When winning in winning random number determination for turning the variable start pocket to the second form, depending on which of the plurality of variable start pockets the game ball enters, the number of times of operating the linked winning pockets to be operated in linkage is made to vary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a lottery drawing when a game ball enters a start opening.

  Conventionally, a special game (big hit) is provided on the condition that a special symbol is variably displayed on a variable display device when the game ball enters the starting port (starting area), and the display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode. 2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine that controls a game) (so-called first type, a type of gaming machine called a digipachi or the like, hereinafter referred to as “first type”) is known. In addition, the movable member of the special variable prize-winning device (special variable prize-winning device) is changed from a state where the game ball is difficult to win to a state where it is easy to win, A gaming machine that controls a special game (so-called jackpot game) on condition that a game ball that has entered the variable prize-winning device enters a specific area provided in the special variable prize-winning device (so-called second type, feather A type of gaming machine called a thing or the like, hereinafter referred to as “second type”) is known.

  In addition, gaming machines capable of performing a plurality of different types of games in one gaming machine, such as those capable of performing the first type game and the second type game as described above (for example, Patent Document 1). Also, Patent Document 2 is widely known as a so-called type of gaming machine that includes a plurality of starting ports and performs a lottery lottery separately for each starting port into which a game ball has entered.

  The gaming machine as shown in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 is also referred to as a so-called composite type, and is rich in gaming properties such as changing the launching method of the game ball for each gaming state, that is, changing the stroke.

JP 2008-183454 A JP 2008-237434 A

  However, in many of the gaming machines as described above, navigation (or instruction) is performed by voice or display in order to teach the player the optimum stroke. This is to prevent a beginner who is unfamiliar with a game from suffering a disadvantage as compared with an advanced player who is skilled in a game. For this reason, the player has no room for technical intervention by simply following such navigation. Therefore, for the above-mentioned skilled person etc., the game is not interesting.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which even a skilled person or the like can find fun in gaming.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine having a control means for performing a lottery when a game ball is passed to a start gate through which a game ball can pass provided in a game board. A first variable start port that can be controlled to a first mode that is difficult to perform and a second mode that allows easy entry of game balls as compared to the first mode, and the same as the first variable start port In addition, the second variable start port that can be controlled in the first mode and the second mode, a non-actuated state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball, and a game ball entering is more in comparison with the non-actuated state. It is difficult to enter a game ball and a first interlocking winning port that is controllable to an easy operation state and is controlled to the operation state when a game ball enters the first variable start port. A second non-operating state, and an operating state in which a game ball can be easily entered as compared with the non-operating state, and the second variable start A second interlocked prize opening that is controlled to be in the activated state when a game ball enters the game, and there are a plurality of operation patterns in which the first interlocked prize opening and the second interlocked prize opening are in the activated state. The control means executes the winning lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball to the start gate, and when the corresponding lottery is won, the first variable start port and While the second variable start port is controlled to the second mode, the winning lottery is won, and when the game ball enters the first variable start port, the first interlock winning port is activated. A different operation pattern is selected between an operation pattern and an operation pattern in which the second interlocking prize opening is activated when a game ball enters the second variable start port.

  A second invention is a gaming machine according to the first invention, wherein a plurality of operation pattern tables in which different operation patterns are paired among the plurality of operation patterns are provided, and the control means When winning a lottery, one of the plurality of operation pattern tables is selected.

  A third invention is a gaming machine according to the second invention, wherein the plurality of operation patterns are operation patterns having different numbers of operation states.

  A fourth invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the control means wins the winning lottery, and the first variable start port and the second variable start port are When the second mode is reached, the interlock start winning port related to the variable start port where a game ball has entered first is controlled to the operating state.

  The operation pattern of the interlocking prize opening includes an operation pattern in which a game ball can be entered and a game ball that is difficult to enter alternately. The operation pattern to maintain or the operation pattern which combined these operation patterns is included widely.

  According to the present invention, the winning lottery is performed with the passing of the game ball to the start gate as an opportunity. When the winning lottery is won, both the first variable start port and the second variable start port are in the second state, and the linked winning port related to the variable start port where the game ball has entered at this time is in the operating state. It is controlled and a prize ball is given. At this time, the operation pattern of the first interlocking prize opening is different from the operation pattern of the second interlocking prize opening. As described above, since the operation patterns are different, the total number of game balls to be entered also changes, so that the prize balls that the player can acquire also increase or decrease. In other words, when the winning lottery is won, the player can acquire a lot of prize balls or there are few prize balls depending on which starting point the player launches the game balls. . Therefore, the number of prize balls that can be obtained by relying on the player's intuition and luck increases or decreases, and even a skilled player can find the game fun.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of Drawing 1, and is a figure showing the opening-and-closing state of a starting mouth. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a figure which shows the main programs stored in ROM of the main control board. It is a figure which shows the main programs stored in ROM of the other board | substrate. It is a figure which shows the main memory area provided in RAM of the main control board. It is a figure which shows the routine process in a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the starting gate passage process in the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which performs the determination of the hit random number by starting gate passage. It is a flowchart which shows the hit game process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation pattern table selected in the operation pattern setting process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the routine process in a sub control board.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a starting port provided in the gaming machine.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2, and an operation handle 3 is rotatably provided at a lower position of the game board 2. The operation handle 3 is provided with a rotation angle detection SW 3a for detecting the rotation angle, and a voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the rotation angle detection SW 3a is provided in the game ball launching mechanism. Applied to the firing solenoid 4a (see FIG. 3). When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 4a, the firing solenoid 4a operates according to the applied voltage, and a game ball is launched with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3.

The game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5 a and 5 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 2, and then falls within the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 6.
The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of normal winning openings 7. Each of the normal winning holes 7 is provided with a normal winning hole detection SW 7a. When the normal winning hole detection SW 7a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls) is paid out. It is.

  A starting gate 9 through which a game ball can pass is provided at a lower position of the game area 6. The start gate 9 is provided with a gate detection SW 9a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection SW 9a detects the passage of the game ball, a normal symbol lottery described later is performed.

  Further, in the game area 6, a first start port 8 is provided on the upper left side of the start gate 9. A second start port 80 is provided on the opposite side of the first start port 8 (a symmetrical position with the start gate 9 in between). Further, a first interlocked prize-winning port 11 is provided at the lower right of the first starting port 8, and a second interlocked prize-winning port 110 is provided at the lower left of the second starting port 80. The start ports 8, 80 and the interlocking winning ports 11, 110 have a first start port detection SW 8a, a second start port detection SW 80a, and a first interlock as detection SWs for detecting the entry of game balls, respectively. A winning opening detection SW 11a and a second linked winning opening detection SW 110a are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the start ports 8, 80 and the interlocking prize winning ports 11, 110 each have a pair of movable pieces 10b, 80b and 11b, 110b, and the pair of movable pieces 10b. 80b and 11b, 110b are maintained in the closed state, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the pair of movable pieces 10b, 80b and 11b, 110b are in the open state. Is controlled to move. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates the pair of movable pieces 10b as an example, but the other movable pieces 80b, 11b, and 110b are similarly controlled to be moved to the first mode and the second mode (not used). (Illustrated). Further, when the start ports 8 and 80 and the interlocking prize-winning ports 11 and 110 are controlled in the first mode, the obstruction member (just above the start-up ports 8 and 80 and the interlocking prize-winning ports 11 and 110) It may be impossible to accept a game ball. On the other hand, when the start ports 8 and 80 and the interlocking prize-winning ports 11 and 110 are controlled in the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 10b, 80b and 11b and 110b function as trays. It becomes easy to enter the game balls into the 80 and the interlocking winning openings 11, 110. In other words, the start openings 8 and 80 and the interlocking winning openings 11 and 110 have almost no opportunity for entering a game ball when in the first mode, and increase the number of opportunities for entering a game ball when in the second mode. Become. Note that the starting port 8, 80 and the interlocking winning ports 11, 110 in which the chance of entering a game ball changes by opening and closing the pair of movable pieces 10b, 80b and 11b, 110b as described above will be described later. The electric chew opening / closing solenoid 10c for opening / closing the pieces 10b, 80b and 11b, 110b is also referred to as an “electric tulip”. In the following, it is referred to as “electric chew” as necessary.
The start ports 8 and 80 are provided with a detection SW for detecting the entry of a game ball. When the detection SW detects the entry of a game ball, a jackpot game described later is performed. Also, when the detection SW 9a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 10 game balls) is paid out.

  At the bottom of the game area 6, there is a discharge port 12 for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the normal winning port 7, the starting ports 8, 80, the linked winning ports 11, 110, and the starting gate 9. Is provided.

In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects.
Specifically, an effect display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 6. Further, an effect lighting device 16 is provided at both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2, and an effect button 17 is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3.

  The effect display device 13 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among these, when the game ball passes through the start gate 9, the decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed. The decorative symbol is, for example, that three numbers are scroll-displayed, and the scrolling is stopped after a predetermined time, and a specific symbol (number) is displayed in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the display of the decorative symbols, the player is given a high expectation that they may win a jackpot.

  In addition, the effect lighting device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light 16a.

Further, an effect button 17 that can be pressed by the player is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3. For example, the effect button 17 is effective only when a message for operating the effect button 17 is displayed on the effect display device 13. The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection SW 17a. When the effect button detection SW 17a detects an operation of the player, a further effect is executed in accordance with this operation.
Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 18 (see FIG. 3) formed of a speaker, and in addition to the above-described effect devices, a sound effect is also performed. ing.

A normal symbol display 21 and a hold display 24 are provided below the game area 6.
The normal symbol display 21 is for informing the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the start gate 9. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol indicator 21 is turned on, and then the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 are controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. The Note that this normal symbol is not immediately notified of the lottery result when the game ball passes through the start gate 9, and the normal symbol indicator 21 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Fluctuation is displayed.

In addition, when a game ball enters the start gate 9 during normal symbol variation display or during special games (to be described later), the regular symbol variation display cannot be performed immediately. The right of variable display is reserved. More specifically, the right to display the variation of the normal symbol, which is reserved after the game ball enters the start gate 9, is reserved as reserved (G).
For this hold, the upper limit reserved number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the hold indicator 23. When there is one hold (G), the LED on the left side of the hold indicator 23 is lit, and when there are two holds (G), two LEDs on the hold indicator 23 are lit. When there are three holds (G), the LED on the left side of the hold indicator 23 blinks and the LED on the right side lights. When there are four holds (G), the two indicators on the hold indicator 23 LED blinks.

(Internal structure of control means)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a main control board 101, a sub control board 102, a prize ball control board 103, a lamp control board 104, and an effect control board 105.

  The main control board 101 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 101 includes a CPU 101a, a ROM 101b, and a RAM 101c. The CPU 101a reads out a program stored in the ROM 101b based on an input signal from each detection SW or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards. The RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 101a.

On the input side of the main control board 101, there are a normal winning opening detection SW 7a, a gate detection SW 9a, a first starting opening detection SW 8a, a second starting opening detection SW 80a, a first linked winning opening detection SW 11a, and a second linked winning opening detection SW 110a. Are connected so that a game ball detection signal is inputted to the main control board 101.
Further, an accessory operating device 25 is connected to the output side of the main control board 101. The accessory actuating device 25 includes a pair of a first start opening / closing solenoid 10c and a second start opening opening / closing solenoid 80c that open and close the pair of movable pieces 10b, 80b of the start openings 8, 80, and a pair of interlocking prize winning openings 11, 110. The movable pieces 11b and 110b are configured by a first interlocking prize opening / closing solenoid 11c and a second interlocking prize opening / closing solenoid 110c.
A display device 27 is connected to the output side of the main control board 101. The display device 27 includes the normal symbol display 21 and the hold display 24 described above.

  The sub-control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game or standby. The sub control board 102 includes a CPU 102a, a ROM 102b, and a RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 101 to the sub control board 102. The CPU 102a reads out a program stored in the ROM 101b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 101 or an input signal from the effect button detection SW 17a or the timer, performs arithmetic processing, and based on the processing. The command is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the effect control board 105. The RAM 102c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 102a.

  The prize ball control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The prize ball control board 103 includes a CPU 103a, a ROM 103b, and a RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The CPU 103a reads a program stored in the ROM 103b based on an input signal from the rotation angle detection SW 3a, and controls energization of the firing solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. In addition, a prize ball payout device 26 having a motor or the like for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player is connected to the output side of the prize ball control board 103. Based on the command transmitted from the main control board 101, the CPU 103a reads a predetermined program from the ROM 103b to perform arithmetic processing, and controls the prize ball payout device 26 to pay out a predetermined prize ball to the player. At this time, the RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 103a.

  The lamp control board 104 includes a CPU 104a, a ROM 104b, and a RAM 104c in the same manner as the above boards, and controls lighting of the effect lighting device 16 provided on the game board 2 and changes the light irradiation direction. Drive control for the motor. The lamp control board 104 is connected to the sub-control board 102, and performs the above-described controls based on the command transmitted from the sub-control board 102.

The effect control board 105 is an image CPU 105 a ₁ , an image ROM 105 b ₁ , an image RAM 105 c ₁ , a VRAM 105 d for performing image display control of the effect display device 13, and a sound CPU 105 a ₂ for performing sound output control of the sound output device 18. Voice ROM 105b ₂ and voice RAM 105c ₂ . The effect control board 105 is connected to the sub control board 102 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the effect display device 13 and the audio output device 18 are connected to the output side thereof.

The image ROM 105b ₁ stores a large number of image data such as decorative symbols and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 13, and the image CPU 105a ₁ stores a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the sub-control board 102. It reads, reads the predetermined image data from ROM105b ₁ to VRAM105d, the display control of the performance display device 13. The image CPU 105a ₁ executes various image processing such as background image display processing, decorative design display processing, and character image display processing on the effect display device 13, but the background image, decorative design image, and character image The image is superimposed on the display screen of the display device 13.
That is, the decorative design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 105d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

The audio ROM 105b ₂ stores a large amount of audio data output from the audio output device 18, and the audio CPU 105a ₂ reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the sub-control board 102. The sound output control in the sound output device 18 is performed.

(Main programs stored in the ROM of the main control board)
FIG. 4 shows an example of a main program stored in the ROM 101b of the main control board 101 that controls the progress of the game. FIG. 5 shows a sub-control board 102, a lamp control board 104, and an effect control board 105 that control the effects. An example of main programs stored in each ROM is shown. Note that the programs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are only listed as examples of programs that perform characteristic control among the controls in the present embodiment, and other programs are not shown in the progress of the game. Many programs are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a normal symbol processing program 200 is stored in the ROM 101 b of the main control board 101 as a program that functions when the game ball passes through the start gate 9. The ROM 101b also stores a start gate passage time processing program 201, a normal symbol variation processing program 202, and a winning game processing program 203 that function as subprograms of the normal symbol processing program 200. Furthermore, the ROM 101b stores a winning random number lottery program 201a that functions as a subprogram of the start gate passage processing program 201 and a winning random number determination program 202a that functions as a subprogram of the normal symbol variation processing program 202. .

  The ROM 101b stores an output processing program 260 for transmitting commands determined by the above programs to the sub control board 102, the prize ball control board 103, or an external connection device (not shown). The external connection device is, for example, provided adjacent to the gaming machine 1, a ball rental device for lending a gaming ball to the gaming machine 1, or provided above the gaming machine 1, It is a display device that displays the number of jackpots or the like, or a hall computer for grasping the progress of each gaming machine.

(Main programs stored in ROM on other boards)
The ROM 102b of the sub control board 102 stores an effect execution command reception processing program 320 as a program that functions when receiving an effect execution command (described later) transmitted from the main control board 101. The ROM 102b stores an effect random number lottery program 321 and an effect random number determination process program 322 that function as subprograms of the effect execution command reception processing program 320.
Further, the ROM 102 b stores an effect command transmission program 334 for transmitting an effect command determined on the sub-control board 102 to the lamp control board 104 and the effect control board 105.

In addition, the ROM 105b1 of the effect control board 105 stores an effect display device control program 341 as a program that functions when receiving an effect command transmitted from the sub control board 102. Note that a decorative symbol variation display program 342 is stored as a subprogram of the effect display device control program 341. Further, the ROM 105b2 of the sub control board 105 stores a sound output device control program 346 as a program that functions when an effect command transmitted from the sub control board 102 is received.
The ROM 104b of the lamp control board 104 stores an effect lighting device control program 361 as a program that functions when an effect command transmitted from the sub control board 102 is received.

(Main storage area of main control board RAM)
The RAM 101c of the main control board 101 mainly has a storage area shown in FIG. The storage areas listed below are merely examples, and many other storage areas are provided.
The RAM 101c is provided with a normal symbol holding number (G) storage area 400, a normal symbol holding storage area 401, a remaining variation count (J) storage area 407 of a winning gaming state, and a gaming state storage area 410. The game state storage area 410 includes a winning game start flag storage area 410a and an interlocking prize opening operating flag storage area 410b.

(Description of gaming state)
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described. In the present embodiment, the game proceeds in any of the “normal game state” and “winning game state” game states. Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is set to the “normal gaming state”.

In the present embodiment, the “normal game state” means the start port 8, 80 or the linked winning port 11
, 110 are controlled to the first state, and a gaming state in which a gaming ball is controlled to be unable to enter is referred to.

In the present embodiment, the “winning gaming state” is started when the normal symbol lottery is won, the starting port 8, 80 is opened, and a game ball enters the opened starting port. At this time, the linked winning award ports 11 and 110 are controlled to be released a predetermined number of times (see FIG. 12, described later) by the starting opening that has entered the ball. Thereby, in the “winning game state”, it becomes possible for the player to acquire the game ball by entering the game ball into the interlocking prize opening. It should be noted that a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10) are paid out regardless of which game ball enters the start opening 8, 80 and the associated winning opening 11, 110. In this way, in the “winning game state”, compared to the normal game state, a game ball enters the interlocking winning holes 11 and 110, and the player can acquire award balls according to the winning ball. A gaming state in which a ball can be acquired. In the following, “win game” is also referred to as “special game” as necessary.
In the main control board 101, a flag is stored in the gaming state storage area 410 of the RAM 101c so as to grasp which gaming state is the above gaming state.
Further, the change from the normal gaming state to the winning state is a case where “winning” is won as a result of the winning lottery. However, once the “winning” is won and the game state is changed to the above-mentioned gaming state, the normal game is performed when the opening control of either the first interlocking winning port 11 or the second interlocking winning port 110 is performed a predetermined number of times. Return to the state. The “winning” provided in the present embodiment will be described below.

Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 will be described using a flowchart showing the control of the control means 100.
FIG. 7 shows main subroutines executed in the main control board 101, and the CPU 101a repeats all the subroutines shown every 0.004 seconds. It is assumed that the subroutine is executed in the order of starting gate passage processing → normal symbol variation processing → winning game processing → prize ball processing → output processing.

(Starting gate passage processing)
First, the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 reads the start gate passage processing program 201 from the ROM 101b and performs a winning gate passage process shown in FIG.

(Step S101)
The start gate passage time processing program 201 determines whether the gate detection SW 9a has detected a signal, that is, whether or not the game ball has passed the start gate 9. If the start gate detection SW 9a has not detected a signal, that is, if the game ball has not passed the start gate 9, the start gate passing process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

(Step S102)
If it is determined in step S101 that the start gate detection SW 9a is ON, whether or not the normal symbol hold count (G) stored in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area 400 is less than 4 Determine whether. As a result, when the number of normal symbols held (G) is 4, the start gate passing process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

(Step S103)
In the above-described step S102, when the number of reservations (G) is less than 4, "1" is added to the current number of reservations (G) stored in the normal symbol reservation number (G) storage area 400. And remember.

(Step S104)
Next, the CPU 101a reads the winning random number lottery program 201a, which is a subprogram of the start gate passage time processing program 201, and acquires a random number of 1 from random numbers (for example, 0 to 250) prepared in advance. The random number acquired by the winning random number lottery program 201 a is stored in the normal symbol holding storage area 401.

(Step S105)
When each acquired random number is stored in the normal symbol hold storage area 401 in step S104, the start gate passage time processing program 201 sets a hold number (G) increase command.
Thereby, the start gate passage process is completed.

(Normal symbol processing)
When the start gate passage processing is completed as described above, the CPU 101a reads the normal symbol variation processing program 202 from the ROM 101b, and performs the normal symbol processing shown in FIG.

(Step S201)
The normal symbol variation processing program 202 determines whether or not the flag is turned on in the winning game start flag storage area 410a of the RAM 101c. Here, “winning game” means that the first start port 8 or the second start port 80 is controlled to the second mode, or that the first linked winning port 11 or the second linked winning port 110 is operating. It means that there is. Therefore, in this step S101, whether the first start port 8 or the second start port 80 is controlled to the second mode, or whether the first linked winning port 11 or the second linked winning port 110 is operating. It will be judged. When the flag is turned on in the winning game start flag storage area 410a, that is, the first start port 8 or the second start port 80 is controlled to the second mode, or the first linked winning port 11 or When the second interlocking winning opening 110 is in operation, the normal symbol processing is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

(Step S202)
In step S201, when the flag is not turned on in the winning game start flag storage area 410a, that is, the first start port 8 or the second start port 80 is controlled to the first mode and the first interlocking is performed. When the winning opening 11 or the second linked winning opening 110 is not in operation, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol variation display is in progress (in the illustrated variation). If it is already changing, the process of step S208 described later is performed.

(Step S203)
The case where “NO” is determined in both step S201 and step S202 is because the first start port 8 or the second start port 80 is controlled to the first mode and the first interlocked winning port 11 is set. Alternatively, the second interlocking winning opening 110 is not in operation, and the normal symbol fluctuation display is not performed.
In this case, based on the random number stored in the normal symbol holding storage area 401, the normal symbol variation display can be started. However, when no random number is stored in the normal symbol hold storage area 401, that is, when the hold number (G) is “0”, the normal symbol is not displayed in a variable manner. Is determined to be greater than or equal to “1”. As a result, when the number of holds (G) is “0”, the normal symbol processing is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

(Step S204) (Step S205)
In the above step S203, when it is determined that the number of holdings (G) is “1” or more, “1” is subtracted from the value (G) stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area 400. In addition to storing the new number of reservations (G) (step S204), the CPU 101a reads the hit random number determination program 202a, which is a subprogram of the normal symbol variation processing program 202, and stores it in the normal symbol reservation storage area 401. The winning random number is determined (step S205, winning random number determination process). When a plurality of winning random numbers are stored, the winning random numbers are read in the stored order.

  The ROM 101b is provided with a table for determining the winning random number (see FIG. 10). The winning random number determination program 202a compares the read random number with the above table to determine whether or not it is a hit. Do. That is, if the read random number is any one of “7”, “33”, “77”, “111”, and “222”, it is determined to be a win, and the other random numbers are determined to be lost. That is, in this embodiment, the normal symbol winning probability is set to about 1/50 (2%).

(Step S206)
A stop symbol is set based on the result of the hit random number determination process in step S205. Specifically, if the result of random number determination processing is determined to be a win, a winning symbol is set, and if it is determined to be lost, a lost symbol is set.
Here, the winning symbol is a symbol that finally turns on the LED in the normal symbol indicator 21, and the lost symbol is a symbol that finally turns off without turning on the LED. The winning symbol set is to store a command to turn on the LED in the normal symbol display 21 in a predetermined storage area, and the lost symbol set is a command to turn off the LED in the normal symbol display 21. Is stored in a predetermined storage area.

(Step S207)
Next, the normal symbol variation processing program 202 sets variation time (variation time setting processing). This variation time is determined based on a variation time table (not shown). For example, in this variation time table, a plurality of different variation times such as 4 seconds, 12 seconds, 30 seconds,... Are provided.

(Step S208)
When the fluctuation time is set as described above, the normal symbol fluctuation processing program 202 starts normal symbol fluctuation display on the normal symbol display 21. In the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display 21 blinks the LED at a predetermined interval, and gives the player an impression as if it is currently being drawn. This normal symbol variation display is continuously performed for the time set in step S207.
The normal symbol variation processing program 202 starts normal symbol variation display and starts time measurement.

(Step S209)
Next, the normal symbol variation processing program 202 determines whether or not the variation time set in step S206 has elapsed. Even when it is determined in step S202 that the change is in progress, it is determined in step S209 whether the change time has elapsed.
As a result, if it is determined that the set variation time has not elapsed, it is necessary to continue the variation display as it is, so the normal symbol processing is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

(Step S210)
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S209 that the set fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol fluctuation processing program 202 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 21. At this time, the normal symbol display unit 21 stops and displays the normal symbol (hit symbol or lost symbol) set by the previous routine processing. As a result, the result of the normal symbol lottery is notified to the player.
When the normal symbol variation processing program 202 stops the variation of the normal symbol, the variation time set in step S207 (variation time setting processing) is reset.

(Step S211) (Step S212)
If the set normal symbol is a winning symbol, in step S212, a flag is set in the winning game start flag storage area 410a, and the normal symbol processing is terminated. As a result, the winning game is started in the winning game process that is a subroutine to be executed next. On the other hand, if the set normal symbol is a lost symbol, the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

(Per game processing)
When the normal symbol processing is completed as described above, the CPU 101a reads the winning game processing program 203 from the ROM 101b and performs the winning game processing shown in FIG.

(Step S301)
The winning game processing program 203 first determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the winning game start flag storage area 410a. If it is determined that the flag is not turned on in the winning game start flag storage area 410a, the winning game process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

(Step S302)
When it is determined in the above step S301 that the flag is turned on in the winning game start flag storage area 410a, the winning game processing program 203 is in a winning game (that is, one of the linked winning prize ports 11, 110 is activated). Middle). If any one of the linked winning prize ports 11 and 110 is already operating (a winning game is being executed), the process of step S312 described later is performed.

(Step S303)
In step S302, if it is determined that none of the linked winning ports 11, 110 are in operation (the winning game has not been executed yet), that is, any of the linked winning ports 11, 110 at the start of the routine processing. If any one of the linked winning prize ports 11 and 110 starts operating (winning game) by the routine processing although it is not in operation (no winning game has been started), the winning game processing program 203 is first started. It is determined whether or not the mouth 8 and the second start port 80 are open.

(Step S304)
When it is determined in step S303 that the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 are not open, the winning game processing program 203 determines that the start port 8, 80 and the linked winning ports 11, 110 An operation pattern is set (operation pattern setting process).

In this operation pattern setting process, the opening time of the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 is set to 4 seconds, and, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of hit game tables (from hit game A table to hit game E). Select one from the table. These five types of winning game tables can be selected at a rate of 1/5.
In this winning game table, when a game ball enters the first start port 8, a predetermined number of times that the first interlock winning port 11 is actuated using this as a trigger, and a game ball enters the second start port 80. In the case of a ball, a predetermined number of times for operating the second interlocking prize opening 110 is determined with this as a trigger. In other words, the first interlocking prize opening 11 is operated in conjunction with the entry into the first start opening 8, and the second interlocking prize opening 110 is operated in association with the entry into the second start opening 80. Will be. For example, in the winning game B table, when the game ball enters the first start port 8, the first interlock winning port 11 is operated 14 times in conjunction with the game ball having entered the second start port 80. In some cases, the second interlocking winning opening 110 is operated 10 times in conjunction with each other.

The opening time of the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 is a time for controlling the pair of movable pieces 10b and 80b of the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 in the second mode. It is.
As for the operation of the interlocking prize winning holes 11, 111, one opening time (that is, a predetermined time for controlling the pair of movable pieces 11b, 110b to the second mode) is 4 seconds, and the interval is 1 second. ing. This interval refers to the time from when each pair of movable pieces 11b, 110b returns from the second mode to the first mode until it becomes the second mode again. For example, when the first interlock winning opening 11 is operated 14 times in the winning game B table, [first opening time (4 seconds) + interval (1 second) +... + 14th opening time ( 4 seconds)], and the opening time 4 seconds × 14 times + interval 1 second × 13 times = 69 seconds is the operating time of the first interlocking winning opening 11.

(Step S305)
When the operation patterns of the start ports 8 and 80 and the linked prize winning ports 11 and 110 are set in step S304, the winning game processing program 203 operates (opens) both the start ports 8 and 80. That is, the winning game processing program 203 starts energizing the first start opening / closing solenoid 10c and the second start opening / closing solenoid 80c. As a result, the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 are opened and controlled in the second mode.
Further, the winning game processing program 203 starts measuring time at the same time as the energization of the first start opening / closing solenoid 10c and the second start opening / closing solenoid 80c is started.

(Step S306)
Next, the winning game processing program 203 determines whether or not the opening time set in step S304 has elapsed. If “NO” is determined in step S303 and the processing in steps S304 to S305 is performed in the routine processing, it is always determined “NO” in step S306, and the processing in the next step S307 is performed. Will be done.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S303 that the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 are being opened, the opening time set in the routine process before the routine process has elapsed. May be judged. However, even if the first start port 8 and the second start port 80 are already open at the start of the routine process, the set open time has not elapsed ("NO" in step S306). Then, the process of the next step S307 is performed.

(Step S307)
If it is determined in step S306 that the set release time has not elapsed, the winning game processing program 203 determines whether or not a predetermined number (for example, one) of game balls has entered. . If it is determined that a predetermined number of game balls have not entered, the hit game process is terminated.

(Step S308)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that a predetermined number of game balls have been entered, the winning game processing program 203 ends the operation of the start ports 8 and 80. That is, the energization of the first start port opening / closing solenoid 10c and the second start port opening / closing solenoid 80c is stopped, and both the start ports 8, 80 are set to the first state.

(Step S309)
Next, the winning game processing program 203 determines whether or not there is a ball entering the first starting port 8. In the present embodiment, when a game ball is launched aiming at the first start port 8, the second start port 80 is arranged at a position where it is impossible or difficult to enter the second start port 80. (See FIG. 1). Therefore, when the player is aiming at one of the start openings and launching a game ball, the possibility that the game ball will enter only one of them is very high. However, there is a possibility that a game ball may be directed to both start ports, for example, a game ball is launched in the vicinity of the “attack No. 1” logo “T” or “K” drawn in FIG. When there is a game ball, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter both of the start ports 8 and 80. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the start opening that previously entered the ball is set as an effective start opening (that is, “YES” in step S309).

(Step S310)
If it is determined in step S309 that a ball has entered the first starting port 8, the winning game processing program 203 starts the operation of the first interlocked winning port 11 according to the operation pattern set in step S304. .

(Step S311)
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that there is no entry at the first start port 8 (the effective start port is not the first start port), the winning game processing program 203 further sets the second start port 80. It is determined whether or not there has been a ball entering.

(Step S312)
If it is determined in step S311 that a ball has entered the second starting port 80, the winning game processing program 203 starts the operation of the second interlocked winning port 110 according to the operation pattern set in step S304. .

(Step S313) (Step S314)
Next, the winning game processing program 203 determines whether or not the operation of the linked prize opening has ended (step S313). If it is determined that the operation of the linked prize opening has ended, the flag turned ON in the winning game start flag storage area 410a is turned OFF (step S314), and the winning game process is ended.

  When the operation of the linked prize opening is started in step S310 and step S312, the winning game processing program 203 turns on the flag in the linked prize opening operating flag storage area 410b. And the process in the said step S313 shall be performed only when this interlocking prize opening operating flag is set to ON. In other words, if the interlocked prize opening operating flag is not ON, the process in step S313 is not performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S313. Therefore, if it is determined in step S311 that there is no ball entering the second start port 80, that is, if no game ball has entered either of the start ports 8, 80, the process in step S313 is performed. Is not performed, and the winning game flag is turned OFF in the next step S314. That is, in the winning game, when the game ball does not enter either the first starting port 8 or the second starting port 80, the linked winning port is not activated and the winning game is ended. Cannot be acquired.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the winning game, the operation pattern (number of operations) of the linked winning ports 11, 110 differs depending on which start port 8, 80 the player hits the game ball. Therefore, the number of prize balls that can be acquired by the player will increase or decrease. Therefore, the number of prize balls that can be obtained by relying on the player's intuition and luck increases or decreases, and even a skilled player can find the game fun.

  When the winning game process is completed as described above, the CPU 101a reads a prize ball processing program from the ROM 101b, and performs a process of paying out a predetermined prize ball according to the detection signal of each detection SW (award ball process, FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, detailed description of the prize ball processing is omitted. When the winning ball process is completed, the CPU 101a finally reads the output process program 260 and executes the output process. Then, the output processing program 260 transmits each command to the sub control board 102.

  The contents determined in each subroutine process are transmitted to the external device as a command. Examples of the external device include a display device installed above the gaming machine 1. This display device notifies the player of various information such as the total number of lottery wins, the number of wins for the jackpot, or the number of wins with a high probability jackpot, and in order to notify the player of such information, The output processing program 260 transmits necessary information to the external device as a command.

  As described above, in the main control board 101, the CPU 101a reads out each main program and subprogram, and executes all the processes described above every 0.004 seconds.

  Next, processing in the sub control board 102 when each command is transmitted from the main control board 101 will be described. Each command transmitted from the main control board 101 is stored in the RAM 102 c of the sub control board 102. The CPU 102a of the sub control board 102 goes to see whether or not the command is stored in the RAM 102c, for example, every 0.004 seconds, and controls the effect based on each stored command. FIG. 13 shows main subroutines executed in the sub-control board 102, and the CPU 102a repeatedly performs command reception processing → command transmission processing.

Based on the received command, the CPU 102a reads the effect execution command reception processing program 320 and the winning game command reception processing program 330 from the ROM 102b, and executes the command reception processing. The commands transmitted from the main control board 101 include a hit game start command, a win game end command, and the like (not shown), in addition to the pending number increase command. Based on these commands, the sub-control board 102 transmits an effect command based on the command to the lamp control board 104 or the effect control board 105. In this way, the effect commands from the sub-control board 102 to the performance control board 105 is transmitted, the image CPU 105a ₁ reads out the program from the image ROM105b _1, the performance display device 13 based on the presentation commands received Control image display.

2 gaming area 8 winning gate 9 first starting port 10 second starting port 11 large winning port 11c large winning port opening / closing solenoid 101a CPU

Claims (4)

A gaming machine provided with a control means for performing a lottery triggered by the passing of a game ball to a start gate through which a game ball can pass provided on the game board,
A first variable start port that is controllable in a first mode in which a game ball is difficult to enter and a second mode in which a game ball is easier to enter than the first mode;
A second variable start port that can be controlled in the first mode and the second mode in the same manner as the first variable start port;
It is possible to control the non-actuated state where it is difficult to enter the game ball and the actuated state where the game ball can be easily entered compared to the non-actuated state. A first interlocked prize-winning opening that is controlled to the above-described operating state upon entering a ball;
It is possible to control the non-actuated state where it is difficult to enter the game ball and the actuated state where the game ball can be easily entered compared to the non-actuated state. A second interlocking prize opening that is controlled to the operating state upon entering a ball,
A plurality of different operation patterns are included in the operation pattern in which the first interlocking prize opening and the second interlocking prize opening are in operation.
The control means includes
The winning lottery is executed in response to the passing of the game ball to the start gate, and the first variable start port and the second variable start port are controlled to the second mode when the corresponding lottery is won. on the other hand,
The winning lottery is won, and an operation pattern in which the first interlock winning port is activated when a game ball enters the first variable start port, and a game ball enters the second variable start port Accordingly, the game machine is characterized in that an operation pattern different from the operation pattern in which the second interlocking winning opening is in an operation state is selected. Among the plurality of operation patterns, a plurality of operation pattern tables in which different operation patterns are paired are provided,
The control means includes
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the winning lottery is won, one of the plurality of operation pattern tables is selected.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of operation patterns are operation patterns having different numbers of operation states. The control means includes
When the winning lottery is won and the first variable start port and the second variable start port are in the second mode, the game ball that has entered the game ball earlier is related to the variable start port. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interlocking start winning opening is controlled to the operating state.

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