JP2012157483A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that renders various game effects and reduces an operation load to enhance the interest in a game.SOLUTION: The game machine includes an operation button 210 maintained in an open state and a hold state; a base 232 maintaining the operation button 210 in the hold state; and a rendering button opening device 260 opening the operation button 210 in the hold state when predetermined opening conditions are established. When a rendering button detection switch 301 or a rendering button detection switch 302 is in the hold state, the input of operation instructions is detected. When the switch 301 or 302 is in the open state, the input of operation instructions is not detected. Consequently, in preset specific rendering, the operation button 210 or an operation button 270 can be operated to render various game effects, and the interest in the game can be enhanced without bothering a player with operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that uses a game ball, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that performs an effect display in which a player can be involved in the effect.

  In a conventional gaming machine, when a game ball wins at a start opening provided on a game board, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to shift to a special game state (a big hit game) in which a large number of prize balls can be easily obtained. . In addition, the conventional gaming machine is configured to display the lottery result by a combination of the effect symbols that are stopped and displayed after the effect symbols are variably displayed by the symbol display device.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, when a game ball is won at the start opening, three effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and if the game is selected for transition to a special gaming state, all three are the same after a predetermined time. The effect design is stopped and displayed. In addition, the conventional gaming machine uses the above winning notification method, and when a game ball is won at the start opening, after the change display of the effect symbol is displayed, two effect symbols out of the three effect symbols are stopped and displayed with the same effect symbol. Thereafter, one effect symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time. As a result, in the conventional gaming machine, a reach effect is formed that expects the player to win the transition to the special gaming state, thereby improving the interest of the player.

Furthermore, in order to improve the interest of the player, there has been proposed a gaming machine in which an effect that a character confronts is performed in addition to the above-described variation display of the effect symbol (see Patent Document 1).
In this gaming machine, the player character is selected to display an effect of fighting the first enemy character or an effect of fighting the second enemy character according to the winning probability of the special game state. ing. Thus, the player pays attention to which enemy character comes out.

  Also, in other conventional gaming machines, even if the same enemy character appears, the player's interest is enhanced by, for example, suggesting the winning probability of the special gaming state depending on the attack method of the enemy character or the player character. Some have improved.

Further, there has been proposed a gaming machine in which the effect image as described above is changed by a player's operation to improve the interest of the game (see Patent Document 2).
In this gaming machine, one effect is selected from the first effect group in accordance with the operation of the effect button by the player, and an effect associated with the selected effect is selected from the second effect group. The selected production is executed as the next production. In this gaming machine, since the range of selection of the next effect is limited by the effect selected based on the player's operation, the player will actively participate in the game while considering the future. In addition, the player's awareness of participation in the game is raised and the fun of the game is improved.

Furthermore, a gaming machine has also been proposed in which the player's active operation is promoted to increase the player's awareness of involvement in the game (see Patent Document 3).
In this gaming machine, an operation effective period during which the operation of the effect button is valid is set, and the contents of the effect are changed based on the number of operations of the effect button within the operation effective period. As a result, the continuous operation of the effect buttons is performed to increase the awareness of participation in the game.

JP 2009-082335 A JP 2010-029551 A JP 2004-065378 A

However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, the player can participate in the game only by the act of simply pressing the effect button by the player, the operation becomes monotonous, and the player's consciousness of participation is weakened. In addition, there is a problem that the diversification of game effects is limited and the interest in games cannot be improved.
In addition, in game machines where the operation buttons are operated when the operation buttons become effective after the operation button has been activated, it is necessary to pay attention to the operation timing of the effect buttons. There is a risk that the player may feel inconvenienced in operation.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a conventional problem, and provides a gaming machine that can diversify the game effects and reduce the operational burden and improve the interest of the game. This is the issue.

The invention according to claim 1 is a game board (game board 2) in which a game area (game area 6) in which game balls flow down is formed, and an effect display means (effect display device 31) for displaying an effect image, An effect control means (sub CPU 120a) for controlling display of the effect image displayed on the effect display means, an operation input means (effect button 201) for inputting an operation instruction, and an input of the operation instruction to the operation input means. Operation detecting means for detecting (production button detection switch 301),
The effect control means performs display control of an effect image to be displayed on the effect display means based on the input of the operation instruction detected by the operation detection means, and the operation input means is first movable by the operation instruction. An operation unit (operation button 210) that moves the range and the second movable range, and an operation unit holding unit that holds the operation unit within the second movable range when the operation unit is moved to the second movable range. (Base 232) and an operation portion opening portion (effect button opening device 260) for opening the operation portion held in the second movable range into the first movable range when a predetermined opening condition is satisfied. The operation detecting means detects an input of the operation instruction when the operation unit is in the second movable range, and detects the operation when the operation unit is opened to the first movable range. Entering instructions Characterized by a non-detects.

  With this configuration, an operation unit that moves in the first movable range and the second movable range according to an operation instruction, and an operation unit holding that holds the operation unit in the second movable range when the operation unit is moved to the second movable range. An operation unit opening unit that opens the operation unit held in the second movable range when a predetermined release condition is satisfied, and an operation instruction when the operation unit is in the second movable range. And an operation detecting means for detecting that the input of the operation instruction is not detected when the operation unit is opened to the first movable range, so that the operation unit is operated every time when it is established according to the release condition. An effect and an effect that can be operated in advance can be provided, so that the game effect can be diversified, and the interest in the game can be improved without making the operation bothersome.

The invention according to claim 2 is a specification in which in the gaming machine according to claim 1, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift to a specific game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game based on a predetermined lottery condition. Game lottery means (main CPU 110a),
The operation part opening part is characterized in that the opening condition is established when the specific game lottery means wins the transition to the specific game.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the operation unit opening unit displays an effect image that requests the operation control means to input the operation instruction a plurality of times. When the control is selected, the release condition is satisfied, and the operation input means operates in the first movable range when the operation unit is in the operation instruction detection region in the first movable range. An operation unit moving unit configured to move the operation unit to an instruction non-detection region, and the operation detection unit performs the operation every time the operation unit is moved from the operation instruction non-detection region to the operation instruction detection region. It is detected as a new input of an instruction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, when the operation detection unit is within the second movable range, According to the elapsed time, it is detected that the operation instruction has been input a predetermined number of times.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can diversify the game effects and reduce the operational burden and improve the interest of the game.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the back side of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the whole gaming machine. It is a block diagram of an image control board. It is the top view and sectional drawing which show the production | presentation button in an open state. It is the top view and sectional drawing which show the production | presentation button in a 1st state and a 2nd state. It is the top view and sectional drawing which show the production | presentation button in a 3rd state and a holding state. It is the front view and side view of an effect button opening apparatus. They are the top view and sectional view of the effect button in the first and second drive states of the effect button opening device. It is a figure which shows a big hit determination table and a hit determination table. It is a figure which shows a symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows the variation pattern determination table of a special symbol. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the input control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol memory | storage determination process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the classification of the command transmitted to a production | presentation control board from a main control board. It is a figure which shows the variation production pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the development effect pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the main process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 1 in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the command analysis process 2 in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the effect input control process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the non-priority period process of the effect input control process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the process 1 within the priority period of the effect input control process in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the process 2 within the priority period of the effect input control process in an effect control board. It is a timing chart which shows an operation priority period and each control timing. It is example 1 of an effect display screen in the effect control process using an effect button. It is example 2 of an effect display screen in the effect control process using an effect button. It is a side view showing an operation button in the opened state and the held state of the effect button. It is an expanded view which shows the operation drive part, the operation follower part, and cover in the holding | maintenance state from the open state of a production | presentation button. FIG. 10 is a development view showing the operation drive unit, the operation follower unit, and the cover from the holding state of the effect button to the opened state.

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

(Composition of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 that is attached to an island facility of a game store, and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported by the outer frame 60. Further, the outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which game balls flow down is formed. The game board 2 is made of a transparent plate such as reinforced plastic or polycarbonate. In the glass frame 50, an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6 by being rotated, an audio output device 32 including a speaker, an effect lighting device 34 having a plurality of lamps, An effect button 201 for changing the effect mode by a pressing operation is provided.

  When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3a (see FIG. 3) provided inside the operation handle 3 detects that the operation handle 3 and the player are in contact with each other, and fires. Energization of the solenoid 4a (see FIG. 3) is permitted. Further, when the player rotates the operation handle 3, the firing volume 3b (see FIG. 3) composed of a variable resistor directly connected to the operation handle 3 is also rotated, and the firing volume 3b is turned into the firing control board 160 (see FIG. 3). (3) is varied.

  The launch control board 160 energizes the launch solenoid 4a, which is a rotary solenoid, based on the voltage varied by the launch volume 3b. When the firing solenoid 4a is energized, the launch member directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a rotates, and the game ball stored at the end of the downward slope of the launch rail is launched by the launch member, and the game ball is launched. Will be.

  When the game ball launched as described above rises between the launch rails between the rails 5a and 5b and exceeds the ball return prevention piece 5c, the game ball reaches the game area 6 and then falls in the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 12. Each of these general winning awards 12 is provided with a general winning opening detecting switch 12a (see FIG. 3). When this general winning opening detecting switch 12a detects the winning of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10) Game balls).

Further, the game area 6 is provided with a normal symbol gate 13 that constitutes a normal area through which game balls can pass.
The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, the “normal symbol of the normal symbol” will be described later. "Lottery" is performed.

  In addition, the game area 6 includes a first start port 14 and a second start port 15 that constitute a start area in which a game ball can enter, a first grand prize port 16 in which a game ball can enter, and a second grand prize. A mouth 17 is provided.

  The second starting port 15 has a pair of movable pieces 15b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 15b is maintained in a closed state, and a second state in which the pair of movable pieces 15b are in an open state. The movable control is performed. When the second start port 15 is controlled in the first mode, the first start port 14 located immediately above the second start port 15 becomes an obstacle and does not accept game balls. It is possible. On the other hand, when the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 15b function as a tray, and it is easy to win a game ball to the second start port 15. That is, when the second start port 15 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased.

  Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of the game ball, and the second start port 15 is the second start port for detecting the entrance of the game ball. A detection switch 15a is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entrance of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”) is performed. Is called. Also, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.

  The first grand prize opening 16 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first grand prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a. When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 Game balls).

In addition, the second grand prize winning port 17 is configured by an opening formed in the game board 2. Below the second grand prize opening 17, there is a second big prize opening / closing door 17b that can be erected from the game board surface side to the glass plate side. The second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b is a game board surface. Movement control is performed between an open state standing on the side and a closed state buried in the game board surface.
When the second grand prize opening opening / closing door 17b is erected on the game board surface, it functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, and the game ball enters the second big prize opening 17. It becomes possible. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 17a. When the second big prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

  Furthermore, at the bottom of the game area 6, the player does not enter any of the general winning opening 12, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first major winning opening 16, and the second major winning opening 17. An out port 11 is provided for discharging the game balls.

  In addition, a decoration member 7 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided in the center of the game area 6. An effect display device (LCD) 31 is provided at a substantially central portion of the decoration member 7, and an effect drive device 33 in the shape of a belt is provided above the effect display device 31.

  The effect display device 31 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, three effect symbols 36 for informing a lottery lottery result to be described later are displayed, and a combination of specific effect symbols 36 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed as a jackpot lottery result. A big hit is announced. Furthermore, the effect display device 31 performs effect display by other animation or the like.

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the three effect symbols 36 are scroll-displayed, and the scroll is stopped after a predetermined time, The effect design 36 is stopped and displayed. In addition, by displaying various images and characters, the player is given a high expectation that he may win a big hit.
In the present embodiment, the effect display device 31 constitutes effect display means.

  The effect driving device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation according to the operation mode. The effect driving device 33 performs, for example, an operation in which the belt moves downward or a rotating member at the center of the belt rotates. Various operational feelings are given to the player depending on the operation mode of the effect driving device 33.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described various production devices, the audio output device 32 outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), etc., and produces productions using sound. The illumination direction and the emission color are changed to produce an effect by illumination.

  The effect button 201 can input an operation instruction of the player. The effect button 201 is provided with an effect button detection switch 301 (see FIG. 3), and this effect button detection switch 301 detects an input of an operation instruction from the player. When the effect button detection switch 301 detects the input of the operation instruction, the effect image displayed on the effect display device 31 is changed based on the detection result as described later.

  In the present embodiment, the effect button 201 constitutes an operation input means, and the effect button detection switch 301 constitutes an operation detection means. Details of the effect button 201 and the effect button detection switch 301 will be described later.

  In the lower right of the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24, a normal A symbol hold indicator 25 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 20 is for notifying a lottery result obtained when a game ball enters the first start port 14, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  Here, the “successful lottery” means that when a game ball enters the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, a special symbol determining random number value is acquired, and the acquired special symbol determining random value is acquired. Is a random number value corresponding to “big hit” or a random number value corresponding to “small hit”. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and the first special symbol display device 20 displays a variation such as blinking of the special symbol, and when the predetermined variation time has passed, the jackpot lottery result The special symbol corresponding to is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying a lottery result of a jackpot that is performed when a game ball enters the second start port 15, and the display mode is the above-described first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, “big hit” means that a right to win a big hit game is obtained in a big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 Say what you did. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. A predetermined time is set for the total opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game, and during this time, the first grand prize port 16 or the second major prize port 17 is set. When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter, one round game is completed. In other words, the “big hit game” is that a game ball enters the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second big prize winning port 17 and the player can acquire a prize ball according to the winning ball. It is a game that can earn.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time.

  Here, “normal symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, and the acquired normal symbol determination random value corresponds to “winning”. This is a process for determining whether or not a random value. The lottery result of the normal symbol is not always notified immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, but the normal symbol display device 22 displays a variation such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld. More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.

  For both of these holds, the upper limit hold number is set to 4, and the hold number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 Lights up. In addition, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 blinks and the right LED is lit, and when there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold. Two LEDs on the display 23 blink. The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.

  The glass frame 50 supports a glass plate that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate is detachably fixed to the glass frame 50.

  The glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism 51 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 1), and the left-right direction with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum. The other end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 1) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 60. The glass frame 50 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate, and can rotate like a door with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 60 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 50, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 50 to the outer frame 60 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 50 is also provided with a door opening switch 133 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 50 is opened from the outer frame 60.

  On the back side of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided. Further, the power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

(Internal structure of control means)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the block diagram of the entire gaming machine 1 in FIG.

  The main control board 110 is a main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and inputs various detection signals from the first start port detection switch 14a, etc., and opens and closes the first special symbol display device 20 and the second big prize opening. The game is controlled by driving the solenoid 17c and the like.

  The main control board 110 includes a one-chip microcomputer 110m including a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c, an input port for main control (not shown), and an output port.

  The main control input port includes a payout control board 130, a general winning port detection switch 12a for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning port 12, and a game ball having entered the normal symbol gate 13. Gate detection switch 13a to detect, first start port detection switch 14a to detect that a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and second start to detect that a game ball has entered the second start port 15 The mouth detection switch 15a, the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a that detects that a game ball has entered the first grand prize opening 16, and the second that detects that a game ball has entered the second grand prize opening 17 A big prize opening detection switch 17a is connected. Various signals are input to the main control board 110 through the main control input port.

  The main control output port includes a payout control board 130, a start opening / closing solenoid 15c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 15b of the second start opening 15, and a first large winning opening opening / closing door 16b. A special winning opening / closing solenoid 16c, a second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c for operating the second winning opening / closing door 17b, a first special symbol display device 20 and a second special symbol display device 21 for displaying special symbols, and a normal symbol. A normal symbol display device 22 for displaying a symbol, a first special symbol hold indicator 23 and a second special symbol hold indicator 24 for displaying the number of reserved balls for a special symbol, and a normal symbol hold indicator for displaying the number of reserved balls for a normal symbol 25. A game information output terminal board 30 for outputting an external information signal is connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.

  The main CPU 110a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 110b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board.

The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program, data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 10) referred to in the jackpot lottery, a symbol determination table (see FIG. 11) for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and a variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 12) for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol. And the like are stored in the main ROM 110b.
Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The main RAM 110c of the main control board 110 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 110a and has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, in the main RAM 110c, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, the normal symbol hold storage area, the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area, the first special hold Design random number value storage area, second special symbol random number value storage area, round game number (R) storage area, number of times released (K) storage area, number of winning games (C) storage area, game state storage area (high Stochastic game flag storage area and short-time game flag storage area), high-probability game count counter, short-time count counter, stop symbol data storage area, production transmission data storage area, special symbol time counter, special game timer counter, and other various storage areas Is provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 30 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 30 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power supply board 170 includes a backup power supply made of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1, and monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 110. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 110a enters an operable state, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 110a enters an operation stop state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. .

  The sub CPU 120a reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 120b based on the command transmitted from the main control board 110, or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 301 and the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on this, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140, the image control board 150, or the effect button opening solenoid 331.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the change pattern designation command indicating the change pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 110, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the content of the received change pattern designation command, produces the effect display device 31, and the sound. Data for causing the output device 32, the effect driving device 33, and the effect lighting device 34 to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the data is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

Through the above process, the sub CPU 120a performs display control of the effect image displayed by the effect display device 31. In particular, the sub CPU 120 a performs display control of the effect image displayed by the effect display device 31 based on the input to the effect button 201. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 120a constitutes an effect control unit.
Further, the sub CPU 120a controls whether or not the input of the operation instruction to the effect button 201 is validated.

The sub ROM 120b of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.
For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 36 to be stopped, and the like are stored in the sub ROM 120b. Has been. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 120c of the effect control board 120 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 120a performs arithmetic processing, and has a plurality of storage areas.
In the sub-RAM 120c, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a priority period flag, a button holding flag, a long press flag, a continuous hit counter, a pseudo continuous hit flag, an achievement count storage area, etc. Is provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided. Details of the priority period flag, the button holding flag, the long press flag, the continuous hitting counter, the pseudo continuous hitting flag, the number of achievements, and the like will be described later.

  The payout control board 130 performs payout control of game balls. The payout control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. Also, the payout control board 130 is connected to a payout ball count detection switch 132 and a door opening switch 133 for detecting whether or not a game ball has been paid out to the input side, and a predetermined amount from the storage portion of the game ball to the output side. A payout motor 131 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a number of prize balls to a player is connected.

  The payout CPU reads out the program stored in the payout ROM based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 132, the door opening switch 133 and the timer, performs arithmetic processing, and based on the processing, the corresponding data Is transmitted to the main control board 110. Further, the payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the prize ball payout device to perform the predetermined processing. The prize ball is paid out to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.

  The lamp control board 140 controls the lighting of the effect lighting device 34 provided on the game board 2 and controls the driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect driving device 33. The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 120.

  The image control board 150 is connected to the production control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the production display device 31 and the audio output device 32 are connected to the output side thereof. The image control board 150 performs image display control in the effect display device 31 and sound output control in the sound output device 32 based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 120. Details of the image control board 150 will be described later.

  The launch control board 160 performs launch control of the game ball. The launch control board 160 has a touch sensor 3a and a launch volume 3b connected to the input side, and a launch solenoid 4a and a ball feed solenoid 4b connected to the output side. The firing control board 160 inputs a touch signal from the touch sensor 3a and performs control to energize the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feed solenoid 4b based on the voltage supplied from the firing volume 3b.

  The touch sensor 3a is provided in the inside of the operation handle 3, and is comprised from the electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch using the change of the electrostatic capacitance by the player touching the operation handle 3. When the touch sensor 3a detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3a outputs a touch signal permitting the energization of the firing solenoid 4a to the firing control board 160. The launch control board 160 is configured not to launch a game ball into the game area 6 unless a touch signal is input from the touch sensor 3a.

  The firing volume 3b is composed of a variable resistor, and a constant voltage (for example, 5V) applied to the firing volume 3b is divided by the variable resistor, and the divided voltage is supplied to the firing control board 160.

  The launching solenoid 4a is composed of a rotary solenoid, and a launching member is directly connected to the launching solenoid 4a. When the launching solenoid 4a rotates, a game ball is launched by the launching member.

  Here, the rotation speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 160. As a result, the number of games played per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, one game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The ball feed solenoid 4b is composed of a linear solenoid, and sends out the game balls in the tray one by one toward a launching member directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the image control board 150, and the configuration of the image control board 150 and image display control will be described.

  The image control board 150 includes an image CPU 150a for performing image display control of the effect display device 31, a control RAM 150b, a control ROM 150c, a CGROM 151, a crystal oscillator 152, a VRAM 153, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 154, and a sound control circuit 155. Yes.

The image CPU 150 a controls the VDP 154 based on the command received from the effect control board 120 and causes the effect display device 31 to display the image data stored in the CGROM 151. The control of the VDP 154 of the image CPU 150a is performed by setting data in a control register (not shown) of the VDP 154 and outputting a display list including drawing control command groups. Further, when the image CPU 150a receives a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 154, the image CPU 150a appropriately performs an interrupt process.
Further, the image CPU 150 a controls the sound control circuit 155 to cause the sound output device 32 to output predetermined sound data based on the command received from the effect control board 120.

  The control RAM 150b is built in the image CPU 150a, functions as a data work area when the image CPU 150a performs arithmetic processing, and temporarily stores data read from the control ROM 150c.

Further, the control ROM 150c stores a control processing program for the image CPU 150a, a display list generation program for generating a display list, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of an effect pattern, animation scene information, and the like.
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. The animation scene information stores information such as weight frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, etc. doing.

  The CGROM 151 stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols 36 and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 31. The CGROM 151 stores image data such as characters for each of a plurality of layers.

  The crystal oscillator 152 outputs a pulse signal to the VDP 154, and divides the pulse signal so as to synchronize with the system clock and the effect display device 31 for the VDP 154 to control by the clock generation circuit of the VDP 154 (not shown). Are generated.

  The VRAM 153 is composed of a high-speed SRAM for writing and reading image data, and is used as a temporary storage area for image display. Further, the VRAM 153 is a display list storage area for temporarily storing the display list output from the image CPU 150a, a decompression storage area for storing data obtained by decompressing image data stored in the CGROM 151, and the like for drawing or displaying an image. The first frame buffer and the second frame buffer are provided.

  The first frame buffer and the second frame buffer are switched between “drawing frame buffer” and “display frame buffer” each time drawing is started.

  The VDP 154 is an image processor controlled by the image CPU 150a. The VDP 154 develops predetermined image data stored in the CGROM 151 in the VRAM 153 and draws the image data in the drawing frame buffer. The VDP 154 reads image data drawn from the display frame buffer of the VRAM 153, generates a video signal (RGB signal or the like) based on the read image data, and outputs the video signal to the effect display device 31.

  The sound control circuit 155 includes a sound CPU that performs sound output control, a sound RAM that functions as a work area, and a sound ROM that stores a large number of predetermined programs and sound data. The sound control circuit 155 reads out a predetermined program from the sound ROM based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 120 by the sound CPU and performs sound output control in the sound output device 32.

  Next, FIGS. 5 to 9 are top views and cross-sectional views of the effect button 201, which will be described. FIG. 5A is a top view showing a state in which the player does not operate the effect button 201, that is, a state in which no force is applied from the outside to the effect button 201 (hereinafter referred to as an open state). FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an opened state of the effect button 201. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the effect button 201 in FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the effect button 201 in FIG. 5B. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the effect button 201 includes an operation button 210, a coil spring 220, a detector storage portion 231, a base 232, and a cover 233, and inputs a player's operation instruction. In the present embodiment, the effect button 201 constitutes an operation input unit.

  Further, the detector storage portion 231, the base 232, and the cover 233 are fastened by set screws (not shown) and are fixed to the gaming machine 1. The effect button 201 has an internal space 240 formed by fastening the detector storage unit 231, the base 232, and the cover 233.

The operation button 210 passes through the hole 233a of the cover 233 and the hole 232a of the base 232 and is accommodated in the internal space 240, and moves between the first movable range and the second movable range in accordance with an operation instruction from the player. In the present embodiment, the operation button 210 constitutes an operation unit.
The first movable range refers to a range in which the operation button 210 can freely move up and down, and the second movable range refers to an operation blade portion 215 (described later) of the operation button 210 that wraps around the lower portion of the base 232. The range that can move in the direction of rotation.

  The operation button 210 includes an operation instruction unit 211, an operation column unit 212, a detected unit 213, an operation rod unit 214, and an operation blade unit 215. The operation instruction unit 211, the operation support column unit 212, and the detected unit 213 are integrally formed in a columnar shape having substantially the same thickness.

  The operation instruction part 211 has a shape in which the outer periphery of the upper surface part is high and the inside is recessed, and a part of the front (front side in the drawing) is low and further protrudes forward. As a result, the operation instruction unit 211 can easily input not only pressing but also a rotation instruction in the plane direction. The cover 233 is also provided with a depression in a part near the outer periphery of the operation instruction unit 211 so that a rotation instruction in the plane direction of the operation instruction unit 211 can be easily input.

  The operation collar 214 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the operation instruction unit 211 and the operation column 212 between the operation instruction unit 211 and the operation column 212. The operation blade part 215 is provided between the operation column part 212 and the detected part 213 so as to protrude outward. In addition, the operation blade portion 215 is provided at two locations, the front and the rear, and is provided for a 180 ° rotation target.

The coil spring 220 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the operation column part 212. Further, the upper part of the coil spring 220 is accommodated in and contacted with a spring receiving part 214 a that is recessed inside the operating rod part 214, and the lower part of the coil spring 220 is in contact with the upper surface of the base 232.
Therefore, the operation button 210 is pushed upward by the coil spring 220 so that the operation instruction part 211 protrudes upward from the hole 233a of the cover 233. On the other hand, when the operation button 210 is pushed upward, the operation collar portion 214 is suppressed by coming into contact with the periphery of the hole 233a at the lower portion of the cover 233 so that it does not jump out of the internal space 240.

Further, when the detected portion 213 of the operation button 210 is in the operation instruction detection area in the first movable range, the coil spring 220 detects the operation button 210 in the operation instruction non-detection area in the first movable range. The part 213 is moved. In the present embodiment, the coil spring 220 constitutes the operation unit moving unit.
The operation instruction detection area refers to an area where an effect button detection switch 301 described later can detect the detected part 213 of the operation button 210, and the operation instruction non-detection area refers to the effect button detection switch 301. Is a region where the detected part 213 of the operation button 210 cannot be detected.

Further, the hole 232a of the base 232 is elongated in the front-rear direction so that the operation wing portion 215 of the operation button 210 can pass vertically. On the other hand, when the operation button 210 rotates in the plane direction and the operation wing part 215 spreads in the left-right direction, the operation wing part 215 cannot contact the lower part of the base 232 and cannot pass through the hole 232a of the base 232. Thus, the operation button 210 is prevented from moving upward.
As a result, when the operation blade portion 215 of the operation button 210 is rotated to the lower portion of the base 232, the operation button 210 is held in a pressed state. Details will be described later.

Here, a range in which the operation button 210 is freely movable up and down is referred to as a first movable range, and a range in which the operation blade portion 215 of the operation button 210 is movable in the rotation direction so as to go around the lower portion of the base 232 is a second movable range. That's it.
Therefore, the base 232 holds the operation button 210 within the second movable range when the operation button 210 is moved to the second movable range. In the present embodiment, the base 232 constitutes an operation unit holding unit.

The detector storage unit 231 is provided with an effect button detection switch 301.
The effect button detection switch 301 includes a sending unit 311 that sends a detection signal and a light receiving unit 312 that receives the detection signal. The detection signal transmitted from the transmission unit 311 of the effect button detection switch 301 is received by the light receiving unit 312 of the effect button detection switch 301. Here, the effect button detection switch 301 is, for example, a photosensor, which emits an optical signal from the sending unit 311 and receives light by the light receiving unit 312.

  The sending unit 311 and the light receiving unit 312 are provided between the transmission / reception paths via the internal space 240, and the movable range of the detected part 213 is included on the path.

Furthermore, between the detector storage unit 231 and the base 232, the effect button opening device 260 is provided.
Is provided.
The effect button release device 260 includes a first release drive unit 261 and a second release drive unit 262, and is driven by the effect button release solenoid 331 to move the operation wing part 215 of the operation button 210 held at the lower part of the base 232. Then, the operation button 210 is moved to a position where the base 232 is not present at the top, and the holding of the vertical movement of the operation button 210 is released. In the present embodiment, effect button opening device 260 constitutes an operation unit opening unit.

  The first opening drive unit 261 is in a groove provided in the lower portion of the base 232 and is provided so as to move up and down by being driven by the effect button opening solenoid 331. As a result, the first opening drive unit 261 can push the operation blade part 215 of the operation button 210 moved to the lower part of the base 232 downward. The lower groove of the base 232 is provided radially and in the left-right direction with respect to the operation button 210.

  The second opening drive unit 262 is provided with a groove in the upper part corresponding to the protrusion of the first opening drive unit 261, and is driven to move left and right along the groove by being driven by the effect button opening solenoid 331. It has been. As a result, the second opening drive unit 262 can move the operation blade part 215 of the operation button 210 moved to the lower part of the base 232 to a position where the base 232 is not present at the upper part.

  Hereinafter, description will be made while showing the first state, the second state, and the third state in the middle from the opened state of the effect button 201 to the held state of the effect button 201 in which the pressed state is held. The first state indicates a state where the operation button 210 is operated and the upper part of the operation instruction unit 211 is at the same height as the upper part of the cover 233. The second state indicates a state in which the operation button 210 is further pressed from the first state, and the third state indicates a state in which the operation button 210 is rotated from the second state.

  FIG. 6A is a top view showing the effect button 201 in the first state and the second state. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button 201 in the first state, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button 201 in the second state. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the effect button 201 in the first state and the second state, and FIG. 6E is a cross section taken along line BB of the effect button 201 in the first state and the second state. FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a top view showing the effect button 201 in the third state and the holding state. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button 201 in the third state, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button 201 in the holding state. FIG. 7D is an AA sectional view of the effect button 201 in the third state and the holding state, and FIG. 7E is a BB sectional view of the effect button 201 in the third state and the holding state. is there.

  6B, when the operation button 210 is pressed in the direction of the arrow X1, the coil spring 220 contracts and the detected portion 213 moves downward. The transmission / reception path of the sending unit 311 and the light receiving unit 312 of the effect button detection switch 301 is blocked.

Thereby, reception of the transmission signal from the transmission unit 311 in the light receiving unit 312 is interrupted, and the effect button detection switch 301 outputs a press detection signal of the effect button 201 to the sub CPU 120a of the effect control board 120. .
In other words, the production button detection switch 301 includes a sending unit 311 and a light receiving unit 312, and detects an operation instruction input to the production button 201.

On the other hand, when the pressing of the operation button 210 in the direction of the arrow X1 is released, the detected part 213 is pushed up by the coil spring 220, and the transmission / reception paths of the sending part 311 and the light receiving part 312 are opened. Accordingly, the light receiving unit 312 receives the transmission signal from the transmission unit 311, and the effect button detection switch 301 stops outputting the press detection signal of the effect button 201 to the sub CPU 120 a of the effect control board 120. .
That is, the effect button detection switch 301 can detect the release of an operation instruction to the effect button 201.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the first state, the upper surface of the operation button 210 and the upper surface of the cover 233 have the same height, and resistance is exerted on pushing the operation button 210 further. . In other words, the cover 233 inhibits the input of an operation instruction for moving the operation button 210 from the first movable range to the second movable range, and suppresses the movement of the operation button 210 to the second movable range.

  Further, when the operation button 210 is further pressed from the first state, the coil spring 220 is further contracted to be in the second state as shown in FIG. Between the open state, the first state, and the second state, the direction in which the hole 232a of the base 232 and the operation blade part 215 of the operation button 210 spread out is the same. The operation button 210 can be freely moved up and down through the hole 232a.

  When the operation button 210 is rotated from the first state or the second state as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the operation blade portion 215 of the operation button 210 goes around the lower portion of the base 232.

  As described above, when the pressing force applied to the operation button 210 is released from the third state in which the operation blade portion 215 of the operation button 210 has turned around the lower portion of the base 232, the operation button 210 is pushed up by the coil spring 220. However, the operation blade portion 215 of the operation button 210 comes into contact with the lower portion of the base 232 and the movement of the operation button 210 to the upper portion is restricted.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7C, in the holding state of the effect button 201, even if the pressing force to the operation button 210 is released, the detected portion 213 of the operation button 210 remains below, and the effect button The transmission / reception path from the sending unit 311 of the detection switch 301 to the light receiving unit 312 remains blocked. As a result, the light receiving unit 312 does not receive the transmission signal from the transmission unit 311, and the effect button detection switch 301 maintains the output state of the press detection signal of the effect button 201 for the sub CPU 120 a of the effect control board 120. It has become.

  Further, when the operation button 210 is pushed in from the holding state of the effect button 201 and rotated in the opposite direction, the contact between the operation blade portion 215 of the operation button 210 and the lower portion of the base 232 is released, and the operation blade The unit 215 rotates and enters the open state through the second state, and the transmission / reception paths of the sending unit 311 and the light receiving unit 312 of the effect button detection switch 301 are opened. Accordingly, the light receiving unit 312 receives the transmission signal from the transmission unit 311, and the effect button detection switch 301 stops outputting the press detection signal of the effect button 201 to the sub CPU 120 a of the effect control board 120. .

  Next, the operation of the effect button opening device 260 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the state in which the effect button opening device 260 is not driven is referred to as an undriven state, and the state in which only the first opening driving unit 261 is driven is referred to as a first driving state, and is referred to as a first opening driving. A state in which the second opening driving unit 262 is driven in addition to the unit 261 is referred to as a second driving state.

  FIG. 8A is a front view showing an undriven state of the effect button opening device 260, and FIG. 8B is a side view showing an undriven state of the effect button opening device 260. FIG. FIG. 8C is a front view showing the first drive state of the effect button opening device 260, and FIG. 8D is a side view showing the first drive state of the effect button opening device 260. FIG. 8E is a front view showing the second drive state of the effect button opening device 260, and FIG. 8F is a side view showing the second drive state of the effect button opening device 260.

  FIG. 9A is a top view showing the effect button 201 in the first driving state of the effect button opening device 260. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button 201 in the first driving state of the effect button opening device 260, and FIG. 9C shows the effect button 201 in the first driving state of the effect button opening device 260. It is BB sectional drawing. FIG. 9D is a top view showing the effect button 201 in the second drive state of the effect button opening device 260. 9E is a cross-sectional view showing the effect button 201 in the second driving state of the effect button opening device 260, and FIG. 9F shows the effect button 201 in the second driving state of the effect button opening device 260. It is BB sectional drawing.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the effect button opening device 260 is not driven, the first opening drive unit 261 and the second opening drive unit 262 are the operation blades of the operation button 210. No force is applied to 215.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, and FIG. 9B, the effect button opening solenoid 260 is driven by the effect button opening solenoid 331, and when the first drive state is reached, the first release is performed. When the drive unit 261 is moved downward, the operation blade portion 215 is pressed downward. As a result, the operation button 210 moves downward, and the pressing force due to the reaction from the base 232 against the operation blade portion 215 is released.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 8 (e), 8 (f) and 9 (e), when the effect button opening solenoid 260 is further driven by the effect button opening solenoid 331, and the second driving state is reached, the second state is reached. When the opening drive part 262 is moved in the direction of the operation column part 212, the operation blade part 215 is pressed and a rotational force is applied to the operation button 210. As a result, the operation button 210 rotates, the upper portion of the operation blade portion 215 becomes the hole 232a of the base 232, and the operation button 210 can move upward. When the operation button 210 can be moved upward, the operation button 210 is pushed up by the repulsive force of the coil spring 220, and the operation instruction unit 211 is in an open state in which it protrudes upward from the cover 233.

  Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 110b will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Big hit judgment table)
FIG. 10A-1 and FIG. 10A-2 are diagrams showing a jackpot determination table used for the “hit lottery”. FIG. 10A-1 is a jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device 20, and FIG. 10A-2 is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device 21. is there. In the tables of FIG. 10A-1 and FIG. 10A-2, the winning probabilities are different, but the jackpot probabilities are the same.

Specifically, the big hit determination table is used to determine whether “big hit”, “small hit”, or “losing” based on the probable gaming state and the acquired random number for determining a special symbol.
For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 10 (a-1), in the low probability gaming state, two special symbol determination disturbances “7” and “8”. The number is determined to be a big hit. On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, 20 special symbol determination random numbers “7” to “26” are determined to be big hits.

  Further, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 10 (a-1), the random number value for determining the special symbol is the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state. In the case of four special symbol determination random numbers “50”, “100”, “150”, and “200”, it is determined as “small hit”. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Therefore, since the random number range of the special symbol determination random number value is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the low probability gaming state is 1 / 299.5, and in the high probability gaming state, the big hit The probability to be determined is 10 times up to 1 / 29.9. In the first special symbol display device, the probability of being determined to be a small hit is 1 / 149.75 regardless of whether the game state is a low probability game state or a high probability game state.

(Winning judgment table)
FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a hit determination table used for “ordinary symbol lottery”.
Specifically, the winning determination table is for determining “winning” or “losing” based on the gaming state and the acquired random number for normal symbol determination.

  For example, according to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 10B, it is determined that one normal symbol determination random value of “0” is a win when in the non-time-saving gaming state. On the other hand, when in the short-time gaming state, it is determined that 65535 normal symbol determining random numbers from “0” to “65534” are hit. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.

  Accordingly, since the random number range of the normal symbol determination random number value is 0 to 65535, the probability of being determined to be hit in the non-short-time gaming state is 1/65536, and the probability of being determined to be winning in the time-short gaming state is 65535/65536 = 1 / 1.00002.

(Design determination table)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol.
FIG. 11A is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a big hit, and FIG. 11B is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at a small hit. 11 (c) is a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol in case of a loss.

  Specifically, according to the symbol determination table, when the game ball enters the special symbol display device (the type of the start port from which the game ball has won) and the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 The type of special symbol (stop symbol data) is determined on the basis of the random number value for jackpot symbol or the random number value for jackpot symbol acquired in step (b).

  For example, in the first special symbol display device, when the jackpot, the jackpot symbol random number value is referred to, and if the jackpot symbol random number value is “55”, the stop symbol data is “03” (special symbol 3 (first symbol Determine 2)) per probability variation. Further, in the first special symbol display device, the random number value for the small hit symbol is referred to for the small hit, and if the random symbol value for the small hit symbol is “50”, the stop symbol data is “08” (the special symbol B). (Small hit B)). Further, in the case of a loss, “00” (special symbol 0 (lost)) is determined as stop symbol data without referring to any random value.

  As will be described later, the gaming state and jackpot after the jackpot is determined by the special symbol type (stop symbol data), so the special symbol type determines the gaming state and jackpot after the jackpot. It can be said that.

(Special symbol variation pattern determination table)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of special symbols.

  Specifically, according to the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 12, the special symbol display device to be activated (the type of the start opening where the game ball has won), the jackpot determination result, the special symbol to be stopped, the short-time gaming state Based on the presence / absence, the number of special symbol hold, the reach determination random value, and the special symbol variation random value, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Based on the determined special symbol variation pattern, the special symbol variation time is determined, and a special symbol variation pattern designation command for transmitting the special symbol information to the effect control board 120 is generated. Therefore, it can be said that the “special symbol variation pattern” defines at least the jackpot determination result and the special symbol variation time. In addition, since a reach is always performed when a big hit or a small hit, the reach determination random number value is not referred to when a big hit or a small win. In addition, the random number range for reach determination and the random number value for special figure variation are set to 100 random numbers (0 to 99).

  Further, as a feature of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 12, when the jackpot determination result is lost, the special symbol variation time is set to be easily shortened. For example, when the jackpot determination result is a loss and the number of held balls is 2, if the game is in the short-time game state, the variation pattern 9 (shortening variation) with a variation time of 5000 ms with a probability of 95% based on the random number value for reach determination However, in the non-time-saving gaming state, a variation pattern in which the variation time exceeds 5000 ms is determined. In this manner, the variation time is set to be short when the time-saving gaming state is entered.

(Description of gaming state)
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described. In this embodiment, there are “low probability gaming state” and “high probability gaming state” as the states related to the jackpot lottery, and “non-short-time gaming state” is the state relating to the pair of movable pieces 15b that the second starting port 15 has. And “short-time gaming state”. The state relating to the jackpot lottery (low probability gaming state, high probability gaming state) and the state relating to the pair of movable pieces 15b (non-short-time gaming state, short-time gaming state) can be associated with each other and are independent. You can also. In other words,
(1) “Low probability gaming state” and “Time saving gaming state”
(2) “Low probability gaming state” and “non-temporary gaming state”
(3) “High probability gaming state” and “short time gaming state”
(4) It is possible to provide a “high probability gaming state” and a “non-temporary gaming state”.

  Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a “low probability gaming state” and is set to a “non-short-time gaming state”. Is referred to as a “normal gaming state”.

In the present embodiment, the “low probability gaming state” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, the winning probability of the jackpot is 1 / The game state set to 299.5. On the other hand, the “high probability gaming state” means a gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability is set to 1 / 29.95. Therefore, in the “high probability gaming state”, it is easier to win a jackpot than in the “low probability gaming state”. Note that a high-probability game flag, which will be described later, is set in this high-probability game state, and the high-probability game flag is off in the low-probability game state.
Further, the low probability gaming state is changed to the high probability gaming state after the jackpot game described later is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the “non-short game state” means that, in the normal symbol lottery performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 13, the variation time of the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is 29 seconds. And a game state in which the opening control time of the second start port 15 is set to be as short as 0.2 seconds. That is, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol is drawn, and the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol, but the normal symbol is displayed 29 seconds after the fluctuation display is started. Stop display later. If the lottery result is a win, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for about 0.2 seconds after the normal symbol stop display.

  On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that the normal symbol variation time corresponding to the lottery result is 3 seconds in the normal symbol lottery performed on condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 13. , A game that is set shorter than the “non-short game state”, and the opening control time of the second start port 15 when winning in the win is 3.5 seconds, which is set longer than the “non-short game state” State. Further, in the “non-short game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 1/65536, and in the “short time game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 65535/65536. Is set. At this time, the short-time game flag, which will be described later, is set in the short-time game state, and the short-time game flag is off in the non-short-time game state.

Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the second starting port 15 is more easily controlled to the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball.
Note that the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short-time gaming state” and the “time-short gaming state”.

(Description of jackpot type)
In the present embodiment, there are two types of “big hits”: “long win” that opens the first big winning opening 16 with a long opening time and “short hit” that opens the second big winning opening 17 with a short opening time. One kind of “small hit” is provided. In the present embodiment, the “big hit” and the “small win” are collectively referred to as “special game”.

In the present embodiment, “long win” means that a big win is won and a long win is dealt with in the big win lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15. A game executed when a special symbol is determined.
In “long winning”, the round game in which the first grand prize winning opening 16 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The maximum opening time of the first grand prize opening 16 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29.5 seconds, and if a prescribed number (9) of game balls enter the first big prize opening 16 during this period, Rounds of games are over. In other words, “long win” is a special game that allows a player to acquire a large number of prize balls because a game ball enters the first grand prize opening 16 and a player can acquire a prize ball corresponding to the winning ball. is there.

In this embodiment, “short win” means winning a big hit in the big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 and corresponding to the short win A game executed when a special symbol is determined.
In the “short win”, a round game in which the second grand prize winning opening 17 is opened is performed a total of 15 times. The maximum opening time of the second grand prize opening 17 in each round game is set to a maximum of 0.052 seconds, which is shorter than the firing time (about 0.6 seconds) at which one game ball is launched. Yes. During this time, if a specified number (9) of game balls enter the second grand prize opening 17, one round game is completed, but the opening time of the second big prize opening 17 is extremely short as described above. , Game balls rarely enter. That is, “short win” is a special game in which it is difficult to obtain a prize ball unlike “long win”.

In the present embodiment, “small hit” means that the right to play a small hit game is obtained in the big win lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 A game that is executed in the event of a game.
In the “small win”, the second big prize winning opening 17 is opened 15 times as in the “short win”. At this time, the opening time, opening / closing timing, and opening / closing mode of the second grand prize winning port 17 are the same as the above “short win”, or the player cannot distinguish between “small win” and “short win” or difficult. It is set to approximate to some extent.

  Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 will be described using a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board)
The main process of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 110a, and the main CPU 110a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S10, the main CPU 110a performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 110a reads a startup program from the main ROM 110b and initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 110c in response to power-on.

  In step S20, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the reach determination random value and the special figure variation random value for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol.

  In step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for big hit symbol, the initial random number value for small bonus symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Thereafter, the processes of step S20 and step S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board)
The timer interrupt process of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, in step S100, the main CPU 110a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a to the stack area.

  In step S110, the main CPU 110a updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric accessory, updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the normal power release time counter. A time control process for updating various timer counters is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from a special symbol time counter, a special game timer counter, a normal symbol time counter, and a general electricity open time counter is performed.

In step S120, the main CPU 110a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value.
Specifically, each random number value and random number counter are updated by adding +1. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value in the random number range (when the random number counter makes one revolution), the random number counter is returned to 0, and each random number value is newly updated from the initial random number value at that time. .

  In step S130, as in step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, the initial random number value for small bonus symbol, and the initial random number value for normal symbol determination. Perform numerical value update processing.

In step S200, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 110a includes a general winning opening detection switch 12a, a first large winning opening detection switch 16a, a second large winning opening detection switch 17a, a first starting opening detection switch 14a, a second starting opening detection switch 15a, a gate. It is determined whether or not there is an input to the various switches of the detection switch 13a. If there is an input, input control processing for setting predetermined data is performed. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S300, the main CPU 110a performs a special drawing special electric control process for controlling the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S400, the main CPU 110a performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory.
Specifically, it is first determined whether or not 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, and 1 or more data must be set in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area. If this is the case, the current ordinary power transmission control process is terminated.

  If 1 or more data is set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the data is in the normal symbol holding storage area. The normal symbol determination random numbers stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the normal symbol determination random value already written in the 0th storage unit is overwritten and erased.

  Then, referring to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 10B, whether or not the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol hold storage area is a random value corresponding to “win”. Processing to determine is performed. Thereafter, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is stopped and displayed. If the random number for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start opening 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.

  Here, in the non-short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to 29 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.2 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 3.5 seconds. .

In step S500, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process.
In this payout control process, the main CPU 110a refers to each prize ball counter, generates payout number designation commands corresponding to various winning ports, and transmits the generated payout number designation commands to the payout control board 130. To do.

  In step S600, the main CPU 110a, external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, number of stored Performs data creation for the specified command.

  In step S700, the main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, the first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and the second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in S600.

Further, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 are used to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21 and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing is performed.
Further, command transmission processing for transmitting the command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the effect control board 120 is also performed. The types of various commands transmitted to the effect control board 120 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S800, the main CPU 110a restores the information saved in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 110a.

(Input control processing of main control board)
The input control processing of the main control board 110 will be described using FIG.

In step S210, the main CPU 110a performs a general winning opening detection switch input process.
In this general winning opening detection switch input process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the general winning opening detection switch 12a. If there is no input of a detection signal from the general winning opening detection switch 12a, the process proceeds to the next step.
When a detection signal is input from the general winning opening detection switch 12a, predetermined data is added to and updated in the winning ball counter for the general winning opening, and then the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S220, the main CPU 110a performs a special winning opening detection switch input process.
In this special winning opening detection switch input process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the first large winning opening detection switch 16a or the second large winning opening detection switch 17a. If no detection signal is input from the first big prize opening detection switch 16a or the second big prize opening detection switch 17a, the process proceeds to the next step.

  When a detection signal is input from the first big prize opening detection switch 16a or the second big prize opening detection switch 17a, predetermined data is added to the prize winning ball counter for the big prize opening and updated. After updating by adding 1 to the large winning opening number of balls (C) storage area for counting the game balls won in the large winning opening 16 or the second large winning opening 17, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S230, the main CPU 110a performs a first start port detection switch input process.
In the first start port detection switch input process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a. If no detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a, the process proceeds to the next step.

  When a detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a, first, predetermined data is added to the prize ball counter for the first start port. Then, a first start port winning designation command is generated, and the generated first start port winning specifying command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Next, if the data set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area is less than 4, 1 is added to the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area, and the special symbol determination random value , The jackpot symbol random number value, the jackpot symbol random number value, the reach determination random number value and the special symbol variation random number value are acquired, and the obtained various random number values are stored in the first special symbol random value storage area. After storing in the unit (the 0th storage unit to the fourth storage unit), the processing is moved to the next step.

In step S240, the main CPU 110a performs a second start port detection switch input process.
In the second start port detection switch input process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 15a. If there is no detection signal input from the second start port detection switch 15a, the process proceeds to the next step.

  When a detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 15a, first, predetermined data is added to the prize ball counter for the second start port. Then, a second start opening prize designation command is generated, and the generated second start opening prize designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Next, if the data set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area is less than 4, 1 is added to the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, and the special symbol determination random number value , A jackpot symbol random number value, a small bonus symbol random number value, a reach determination random number value, and a special symbol variation random number value are acquired, and the obtained various random number values are stored in a second special symbol random value storage area. After storing in the unit (the 0th storage unit to the fourth storage unit), the processing is moved to the next step.

In step S250, the main CPU 110a performs gate detection switch input processing.
In this gate detection switch input process, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a. If no detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a, the input control process is terminated.

  When a detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a, a gate passage designation command is generated, and the generated gate passage designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Next, if the data set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area is less than 4, add 1 to the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area to obtain a normal symbol determination random number value. Then, after storing the acquired normal symbol determination random number value in a predetermined storage unit (the 0th storage unit to the fourth storage unit) in the normal symbol holding storage area, the input control process is terminated.

(Special figure special electric control processing of main control board)
With reference to FIG. 16, the special figure special power control process of the main control board 110 will be described.

First, in step S301, the value of the special figure special electricity processing data is loaded, the branch address is referred to from the special figure special electric treatment data loaded in step S302, and if the special figure special electric treatment data = 0, the special symbol memory determination process (step The process proceeds to S310). If the special symbol special power processing data = 1, the process proceeds to the special symbol variation processing (step S320). If the special symbol special power processing data = 2, the special symbol stop processing (step S330) is performed. If special figure special electric processing data = 3, the process moves to jackpot game processing (step S340), and if special figure special electric processing data = 4, the process moves to big hit game end processing (step S350). If special electric processing data = 5, the process moves to the small hit game ending process (step S360).
This “special drawing special electricity processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing as will be described later, so that the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed. .

  In the special symbol memory determination process in step S310, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining a jackpot and determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed. Here, the specific contents of the special symbol memory determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG.

(Special symbol memory judgment processing of the main control board)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 110.

  First, in step S311, the main CPU 110a determines whether one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area.

If one or more data is not set in any of the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area and the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the special figure special electricity processing data = 0. The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while holding.
On the other hand, if one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the process proceeds to step S312.

In step S312, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process.
Specifically, when one or more data is set in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, 1 is calculated from the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. After the subtraction, the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the second special symbol random number storage area are shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, various random values already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, with reference to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 10 (a-2), the random number for special symbol determination stored in the 0th storage unit of the second special symbol random number storage area corresponds to the jackpot. It is determined whether it is a numerical value or a random value corresponding to “small hit”.

  In addition, when one or more data is not set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area and one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, Various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol random number storage area after subtracting 1 from the value stored in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area Is shifted to the previous storage unit. Also at this time, various random numbers already written in the 0th storage unit are overwritten and deleted. Then, with reference to the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 10 (a-1), the random number value for special symbol determination stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random number storage area corresponds to “big hit”. It is determined whether it is a numerical value or a random value corresponding to “small hit”.

In the present embodiment, when a game ball is won at the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, a process for acquiring a random number value for determining a special symbol (step S230 or step S240 described above), the acquired special symbol determination The main CPU 110a that performs the process of determining whether the random number value for use is a random value corresponding to “big hit” or a random value corresponding to “small win” (step S312 above) constitutes the specific game lottery means. .
In step S313, the main CPU 110a performs a special symbol determination process for determining the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed.

In this special symbol determination process, when it is determined as “big hit” in the jackpot determination process (step S312), the first special symbol random value storage area is referred to with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. The jackpot symbol (special symbol 1 to special symbol 6) is determined based on the random number value for the jackpot symbol stored in the 0th storage unit. In addition, when it is determined as “small hit” in the big hit determination process (step S312), the 0th memory of the first special symbol random value storage area is referred to with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG. The small hit symbol (special symbol A, special symbol B) is determined based on the random number value for the small bonus symbol stored in the section. If it is determined that the game has been determined to be “lost” in the jackpot determination process (step S312), the lost symbol (special symbol 0) is determined with reference to the symbol determination table shown in FIG.
Then, stop symbol data corresponding to the determined special symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage area.

In step S314, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol variation time determination processing.
Specifically, referring to the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 12, based on the reach determination random number value and the special diagram variation random value stored in the 0th storage unit of the first special symbol random value storage area. Determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. Thereafter, the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, a process of setting a counter corresponding to the determined variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol time counter is performed.

  In step S315, the main CPU 110a sets, in a predetermined processing area, variation display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform special symbol variation display (LED blinking). . As a result, when the variable display data is set in the predetermined processing area, the LED lighting / extinguishing data is appropriately created in step S600, and the created data is output in step S700. Variation display of the special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is performed.

  In step S316, the main CPU 110a sets the special symbol special electricity processing data = 0 to the special symbol special electric treatment data = 1, prepares to move to the special symbol variation processing subroutine, and ends the special symbol memory determination processing.

Again, the description of the special figure special electric control process shown in FIG. 16 will be returned.
In the special symbol variation process of step S320, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol determined in step S314 has elapsed (special symbol time counter = 0), and if it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed, The special symbol variation process of this time is terminated while maintaining the special electric processing data = 1. Note that the special symbol variation time counter set in step S314 is subtracted in step S110.

  If it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol determined in step S313 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21. Thereby, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, and the player is notified of the jackpot determination result.

Also, when the number of time reductions> 0, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number counter and updated. When the number of time reductions = 0, the time reduction game flag is cleared, and when the number of high probability games> 0, 1 When the number of high probability games is 0, the high probability game flag is cleared.
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 1 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 2, preparation is made to move to a special symbol stop processing subroutine, and the special symbol variation processing is terminated.

In the special symbol stop process in step S330, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a “big hit symbol”, a “small bonus symbol”, or a “losing symbol”. Do.
When the jackpot symbol is determined, the data stored in the game state storage area is cleared, and the special chart special power processing data = 2 is set to the special chart special power processing data = 3. The preparation for moving to the subroutine is completed, and the special symbol stop process is terminated.

In addition, when it is determined that the small winning symbol, the data stored in the game state storage area is not cleared, and the special figure special electric processing data = 2 to the special figure special electric treatment data = 5 is set. The special symbol stop process is completed by making preparations for transferring to a winning game process subroutine.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is a lost symbol, the special symbol special electric processing data = 2 is set to special special electric symbol processing data = 0, and the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is prepared for the special symbol stop processing. finish.

In the jackpot game process of step S340, the main CPU 110a determines which jackpot of the long hit or short hit is executed, and performs a process of controlling the determined jackpot.
Specifically, the jackpot release mode is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313.

  Next, in order to execute the determined jackpot opening mode, an opening time corresponding to the type of jackpot is set in the special game timer counter, and the first big winning opening opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big winning opening opening / closing solenoid) is set. 17c) is output to open the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b). At this time, 1 is added to the round game count (R) storage area.

  When a predetermined number of game balls enter during the opening or when the opening time of the big prize opening has elapsed (the number of the big prize opening (C) = 9 or the special game timer counter = 0), The output of the drive data of the big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is stopped, and the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b) is closed. Thereby, one round game is completed. This round game control is repeated 15 times.

  When the 15 round games are completed (round game count (R) = 15), the data stored in the round game count (R) storage area and the number of winning prize entrance (C) storage areas are cleared, The special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 4, preparation is made to move to the big hit game end processing subroutine, and the big hit game processing is ended.

  In the big hit game ending process in step S350, the main CPU 110a determines the probability gaming state of either the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state, and changes the gaming state of either the short-time gaming state or the non-short-time gaming state. Perform the decision process.

Specifically, based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313, the setting of the high probability game flag, the setting of the high probability game number, the setting of the short-time game flag, and the setting of the number of time reductions are performed. Done.
After that, the special symbol special power processing data = 4 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 0, and preparation for moving to the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is made, and the big hit game end processing is ended.

  In the small hit game processing in step S360, the main CPU 110a determines the small hit release mode based on the type of small hit symbol (stop symbol data) determined in step S313.

  Next, in order to execute the determined small hit opening mode, the small hit opening time is set in the special game timer counter, and the driving data of the second big winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is output to output the second big winning prize. The mouth opening / closing door 17b is opened. At this time, 1 is added to the number-of-releases (K) storage area.

When the small winning opening time elapses (special game timer counter = 0), the drive data output of the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped and the second big prize opening / closing door 17b is closed. The opening / closing control of the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b is repeated 15 times.
Then, the opening / closing control of the second grand prize opening / closing door 17b is performed 15 times, or a predetermined number of game balls enter the second big prize opening 17 (the number of times of opening (K) = 15 or the grand prize opening entrance) Number (C) = 9), in order to end the small hit game, the output of the drive data of the second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c is stopped, the number of times of opening (K) storage area and the number of winning winning holes (C) Clear the data stored in the storage area, set special figure special electricity processing data = 5 to special figure special electricity treatment data = 0, and prepare to move to a special symbol memory judgment processing subroutine. The winning game process is terminated.

(Command explanation)
The types of commands transmitted from the main control board 110, which are not described in the flowchart of the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120, will be described with reference to FIG.

  The command transmitted from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120 is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE information for identifying the control command classification and the control command to be executed. And 1-byte DATA information indicating the contents of.

  The “designation designating command” indicates the type of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed, “MODE” is set as “E0H”, and DATA information is set according to the type of the special symbol. Since the special symbol type determines the jackpot type and the high probability gaming state as a result, it can be said that the effect symbol designation command indicates the jackpot type and the gaming state.

  In the effect symbol designation command, when various special symbols are determined and the variation display of the special symbol is started, an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when various special symbols are determined in step S313, and the special symbol variation display is started in step S315, the effect symbol designation command corresponding to the determined special symbol is the effect of the main RAM 110c. Set in the transmission data storage area. Thereafter, the effect designating command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

  The “first special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area, “MODE” is set to “E1H”, and the number of reserved memories DATA information is set according to the above.

  This first special symbol memory designation command is effect-controlled by the first special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is switched. It is transmitted to the substrate 120. Specifically, when the value stored in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area in step S230 or step S312 increases or decreases, the first special symbol store corresponding to the increased or decreased hold storage count. The designation command is set in the transmission data storage area for presentation in the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol memory designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

  The “second special symbol memory designation command” indicates the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area, “MODE” is set to “E2H”, and the number of reserved memories DATA information is set according to the above.

This second special symbol memory designation command is directed by the second special symbol memory designation command corresponding to the number of reserved memories when the number of reserved memories stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area is switched. It is transmitted to the substrate 120. Specifically, when the value stored in the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area in step S240 or step S312 increases or decreases, the second special symbol store corresponding to the increased or decreased hold storage count. The designation command is set in the transmission data storage area for presentation in the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol memory designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.
In the present embodiment, the “first special symbol memory designation command” and the “second special symbol memory designation command” are collectively referred to as “special symbol memory designation command”.

The “design determination command” indicates that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, “MODE” is set to “E3H”, and “DATA” is set to “00H”.
This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed. Specifically, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 in step S320, the symbol confirmation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. The Thereafter, the symbol confirmation command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “power-on designation command” indicates that the gaming machine 1 is powered on, “MODE” is set to “E4H”, and “DATA” is set to “00H”.
The power-on designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. Specifically, when the gaming machine is turned on in step S10, a power-on designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Then, immediately after the power-on designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “RAM clear designation command” indicates that the information stored in the main RAM 110c has been cleared, “MODE” is set to “E4H”, and “DATA” is set to “01H”.
Here, a RAM clear button (not shown) is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1, and when the gaming machine 1 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button, the information stored in the main RAM 110c in step S10 is stored. Cleared.

  The RAM clear designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button. Specifically, when the gaming machine is turned on while pressing the RAM clear button in step S10, a RAM clear designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the RAM clear designation command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “demonstration designation command” indicates that the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is not operating, “MODE” is set to “E5H”, and “DATA” is set to “ 00H ".
This demonstration designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 does not hold the special symbol. Specifically, when one or more data is not set in any of the storage areas of the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area and the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area in step S311. The demonstration designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the demonstration designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

  The “first special symbol variation pattern designation command” indicates the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, “MODE” is set to “E6H”, and various variations DATA information is set according to the pattern.

  The first special symbol variation pattern designation command is a first special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined when the special symbol variation display of the first special symbol display device 20 is started. A designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in step S314 and the variation display of the special symbol is started in step S315, the first special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is started. The variation pattern designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the first special symbol variation pattern designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

  The “variable pattern designation command for the second special symbol” indicates the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21, and “MODE” is set to “E7H”, and various variations DATA information is set according to the pattern.

The second special symbol variation pattern designation command is a second special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined when the special symbol variation display of the second special symbol display device 21 is started. A designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in step S314 and when the variation display of the special symbol is started in step S315, the second special symbol corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is started. The variation pattern designation command is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the second special symbol variation pattern designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.
In the present embodiment, the “first special symbol variation pattern designation command” and the “second special symbol variation pattern designation command” are collectively referred to as a “variation pattern designation command”.

  The “Big Winner Opening Specification Command” indicates the number of jackpot rounds according to various jackpot types, “MODE” is set as “EAH”, and DATA information is set according to the number of jackpot rounds Has been.

  With regard to the special winning opening opening designation command, when the big hit round is started, the big winning opening opening designation command corresponding to the started round number is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, when the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening opening / closing door 17b) is opened in step S340, the big winning opening opening designation command corresponding to the number of rounds to be opened is issued. It is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, in step S700, the prize winning opening release command set in the effect transmission data storage area is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “opening designation command” indicates that various jackpots start, “MODE” is set as “EBH”, and DATA information is set according to the jackpot type.
As for this opening designation command, when various jackpots start, an opening designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, at the start of the jackpot game processing in step S340, an opening designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. After that, the opening designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

The “ending designation command” indicates that various jackpots have ended, “MODE” is set as “ECH”, and DATA information is set according to the jackpot type.
As for the ending designation command, when various jackpots are completed, the ending designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot is transmitted to the effect control board 120. Specifically, at the start of the jackpot game end process in step S350, an ending designation command corresponding to the jackpot type is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the ending designation command set in the effect transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the effect control board 120.

The “gaming state designation command” indicates whether it is a short-time gaming state or a non-short-time gaming state, and “MODE” is set to “EEH”, and if it is a non-short-time gaming state, “DATA” is “ “00H” is set, and “DATA” is set to “01H” in the time saving gaming state.
The gaming state designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 120 when the special symbol variation display is started and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed, corresponding to the gaming state. Specifically, when the variation display of the special symbol is started in the step S315, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 in the step S320, A game state designation command corresponding to the current game state is set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. Thereafter, the gaming state designation command set in the production transmission data storage area in step S700 is immediately transmitted to the production control board 120.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the details of the variation effect pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM 120b will be described.

(Variation production pattern determination table)
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a variation effect pattern determination table for determining the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 in the effect display device 31 and the like.

  The sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern based on the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the effect random number 1 received from the main control board 110. Here, even if the variation pattern designation command has the same special symbol, since the different variation representation pattern can be determined based on the random number for production 1, the number of variation pattern designation commands for the special symbol is reduced. Thus, the storage capacity of the main control board 110 is reduced.

The “variation effect pattern” is a specific effect mode in effect means (effect display device 31, audio output device 32, effect drive device 33, effect illumination device 34) performed during the change of the special symbol. Say. For example, in the effect display device 31, a background display mode, a character display mode, and a change mode of the effect symbol 36 displayed by the change effect pattern are determined.
In addition, “reach” in the present embodiment refers to a state in which a part of the combination of the effect symbols 36 informing that the transition to the special game is stopped and the other effect symbols 36 are performing the variable display. . For example, when the combination of the three-digit effect symbol 36 of “777” is set as the combination of the effect symbols 36 for informing the transition to the jackpot game, the two effect symbols 36 are stopped and displayed at “7”. The state where the remaining effect symbols 36 are performing variable display.

When the sub CPU 120a determines the variation effect pattern, the sub CPU 120a transmits an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation effect pattern to the image CPU 150a of the image control board 150.
Specifically, the production pattern designation command is composed of 2 bytes of data for 1 command, 1 byte of MODE data for identifying the control command classification, and 1 byte indicating the contents of the control command to be executed. Data. Further, as the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the change effect pattern, “MODE” is set to “A1H” in the case of the change effect pattern based on the change pattern of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20, and the second special When the variation effect pattern is based on the variation pattern of the special symbol in the symbol display device 21, “MODE” is set as “B1H”, and “DATA” is set according to the identification number of the variation effect pattern.

  Although illustration is omitted, in addition to the effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the variable effect pattern, the MODE setting value is changed, and “effect pattern specifying command corresponding to the demo effect pattern (MODE = 01H)”, "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit start effect pattern (MODE = 0H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to jackpot effect pattern (MODE = 03H)", "Effect pattern designation command corresponding to hit end effect pattern ( Various effect pattern designation commands such as “MODE = 04H)” are transmitted to the image control board 150.

  Next, the details of the developed effect pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM 120b will be described with reference to FIG.

(Development effect pattern determination table)
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a development effect pattern determination table for determining a development effect pattern to be shifted from the variation effect pattern according to the operation result of the player's effect button 201.

The sub CPU 120a determines the developed effect pattern at the end of the operation of the effect button 201 based on the change effect pattern and the effect random number value 2.
As shown in FIG. 20, the development effect pattern determination table may have different probabilities of effects selected depending on the result of the jackpot lottery.

Specifically, when A1H01H (variation effect pattern 1; at the time of winning the jackpot) is selected as the effect pattern designation command, the oval effect (development effect pattern 1a) is selected with a probability of 80/100, and 20 A dango effect (development effect pattern 1b) is selected with a probability of / 100.
On the other hand, when A1H08H (fluctuation effect pattern 8; lost) is selected as the effect pattern designation command, the oval effect (development effect pattern 8a) is selected with a probability of 20/100, and the probability of 80/100 The dango production (development production pattern 8b) is selected.

  Further, when A1H02H (variation effect pattern 2; at the time of winning the big hit) is selected as the effect pattern designation command, an oval effect (development effect pattern 2a) is selected, and A1H09H (variation effect) as the effect pattern designation command. When the pattern 9 (when lost) is selected, the dango effect (development effect pattern 2b) is selected.

Accordingly, the player may recognize that the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is high if the oval effect is displayed, and that the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is low if the dango effect is displayed. it can. That is, it can be said that the oval production has a high reliability of winning, and the dango production has a low reliability of winning.
Furthermore, the development effect pattern determination table also has a development effect pattern determination table for the auto mode. The auto mode will be described later.

  Next, processing executed by the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 will be described.

(Production control board main processing)
The main process of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S1000, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 120b and initializes and sets a flag stored in the sub RAM 120c in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1100.

  In step S1100, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect random number update process. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of updating random numbers (effect random number value, effect design determining random value, effect mode determining random value, etc.) stored in the sub RAM 120c. Thereafter, the process of step S1100 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of production control board)
The timer interrupt process of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG.
Although not shown in the figure, a clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (2 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the effect control board 120, a timer interrupt processing program is read, and the timer of the effect control board is read. Interrupt processing is executed.

  First, in step S1400, the sub CPU 120a saves the information stored in the register of the sub CPU 120a to the stack area.

  In step S1500, the sub CPU 120a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the effect control board 120.

  In step S1600, the sub CPU 120a performs command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 120a performs a process of analyzing a command stored in the reception buffer of the sub RAM 120c. A specific description of the command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. Thereafter, the received command is analyzed in step S1600.

  In step S1700, the sub CPU 120a checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 301, and performs effect input control processing related to the effect button 201. Specific description of the effect input control process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S1800, the sub CPU 120a performs data output processing for transmitting various data set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c to the lamp control board 140 and the image control board 150.

  In step S1900, the sub CPU 120a restores the information saved in step S1400 to the register of the sub CPU 120a.

(Command analysis processing of production control board)
The command analysis processing of the effect control board 120 will be described using FIG. 23 and FIG. Note that the command analysis process 2 shown in FIG. 24 is performed subsequent to the command analysis process 1 shown in FIG.

In step S1601, the sub CPU 120a checks whether there is a command in the reception buffer, and checks whether the command has been received.
If there is no command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 120a ends the command analysis process, and if there is a command in the reception buffer, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1610.

In step S1610, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a demo designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a demonstration designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1611, and if not the demonstration designation command, moves the process to step S1620.

In step S1611, the sub CPU 120a performs a demo effect pattern determination process for determining a demo effect pattern.
Specifically, the demonstration effect pattern is determined, the determined demonstration effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined demonstration effect pattern is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. The data based on the demonstration effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1620, sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a special symbol storage designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1621, and if it is not a special symbol storage designation command, moves the process to step S1630.

  In step S1621, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the special symbol storage designation command to determine the display number of the special figure hold image on the effect display device 31, and displays the special figure display corresponding to the determined display number of the special figure hold image. A special symbol memory number determination process for transmitting a number designation command to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 is performed.

In step S1630, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect designating command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1631, and moves to step S1640 if it is not an effect designating command.

In step S1631, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect symbol determination process for determining an effect symbol 36 to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 31 based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command.
Specifically, the effect designating command is analyzed, the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 36 is determined according to the presence / absence of jackpot and the type of jackpot, and the determined effect symbol data is stored in the effect symbol storage area In addition, in order to transmit the effect symbol data to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140, information indicating the effect symbol data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

  In step S1632, the sub CPU 120a acquires one random value from the effect mode determination random value updated in step 1100, and based on the acquired effect mode determination random value and the received effect designating command, An effect mode determination process for determining one effect mode from a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal effect mode and a chance effect mode) is performed. Further, the determined effect mode is set in the effect mode storage area.

In step S1640, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1641 and moves the process to step S1650 if it is not the variation pattern designation command.

  In step S1641, the sub CPU 120a acquires one random number value from the effect random number value updated in step 1100, and sets the acquired effect random number value, the received variation pattern designation command, and the effect mode storage area. Based on the effect mode being performed, a variation effect pattern determination process for determining one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns is performed.

  Specifically, in the case of the normal effect mode, one variation effect pattern is determined based on the acquired random number for effect, the determined variation effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and the determined variation effect pattern is determined. Is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140, data based on the determined variation effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c. Thereafter, the effect display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive device 33, and the effect illumination device 34 are controlled based on the effect pattern. Note that the variation mode of the effect symbol 36 is determined based on the variation effect pattern determined here.

In step S1650, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a symbol confirmation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1651, and moves to step S1660 if the command is not the symbol confirmation command.

  In step S1651, the sub CPU 120a transmits data based on the effect symbol data determined in step S1641 in order to stop display the effect symbol 36 and stop instruction data for stopping display of the effect symbol in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c. The effect symbol stop display process to be set is performed.

In step S1660, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a gaming state designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1661, and moves to step S1670 if the command is not a gaming state designation command.

  In step S1661, the sub CPU 120a sets data indicating the gaming state based on the received gaming state designation command in the gaming state storage area in the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1670, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an opening designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1671. If not, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1680.

In step S1671, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern.
Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening designation command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit start effect pattern is stored in the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control board 140, data based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.

In step S1680, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a special winning opening opening designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big prize opening release designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1681, and if not, it moves the process to step S1690.

In step S1681, the sub CPU 120a performs a jackpot effect pattern determination process for determining a jackpot effect pattern.
Specifically, the jackpot effect pattern is determined based on the big prize opening opening designation command, the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined jackpot effect pattern is stored in the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control board 140, data based on the determined jackpot effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

In step S1690, the sub CPU 120a checks whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is an ending designation command, the sub CPU 120a moves the process to step S1691, and ends the command analysis process if it is not an ending designation command.

In step S1691, the sub CPU 120a performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern.
Specifically, a hit end effect pattern is determined based on the ending designation command, the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and information on the determined hit end effect pattern is stored in the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the control board 140, data based on the determined winning end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c.
When this process ends, the command analysis process ends.

(Production control board production input control processing)
The effect input control process of the effect control board 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 29 shows a timing chart representing the operation priority period and each control timing, and FIGS. 30 and 31 show examples of effect display screens.
25 to 28 are provided with a holding priority mode and a holding non-priority mode of the effect button 201, and when the holding non-priority mode is selected, when the effect for continuous hitting input is performed and the big hit lottery is won. If the effect button 201 is pressed in advance, a flowchart of the effect input control process in the case where the player is returned to the non-operation input state and the player's operation input is performed is shown. The operation priority period is a period that immediately affects the effect display by a predetermined operation of the effect button 201.

Details of the effect input control process will be described later, but an outline will be described first.
As shown in FIG. 29, when the effect button 201 is operated after entering the operation priority period, an effect display corresponding to the operation of the effect button 201 is immediately performed. For example, in the case of the normal operation, the effect display is performed at the timing when the effect button 201 is operated, and in the case of the continuous hitting operation, the effect display is performed at the end of the predetermined continuous hitting.

  Further, in the case of holding operation, the effect display is performed at the timing when the effect button 201 is operated. In the present embodiment, when the effect button 201 is in the holding state at the time of repeated hitting effects, the display is performed every predetermined time. The number of pseudo-hit times is counted, and the effect display is performed when the number of achievements is reached. Note that when the effect button 201 is kept in the continuous hit effect, the effect display may be performed immediately. The number of achievements refers to the number of presses of the effect button 201 necessary for switching the effects in the selected effect, that is, the designated number of consecutive hits.

  As shown in FIG. 30, when the operation priority period is entered, a display prompting the operation of the effect button 201 is performed, and when the effect button 201 is operated, a dango or oval effect display is performed. Here, when the jackpot is not won, the probability of displaying a dango is high, and when the jackpot is won, the probability of displaying a small format is high. For this reason, the player can make a jackpot suggestion by a small-format effect display.

  In addition, when the production button 201 is prioritized to be held, if the production button 201 is held in advance before entering the operation priority period, the production display corresponding to the operation of the production button 201 immediately after entering the operation priority period. Is done. Here, as shown in FIG. 31, when the effect button 201 is in the holding state, when the operation priority period is entered, a display for prompting the operation of the effect button 201 is not performed, and an oval or a thousand box is displayed. An effect display is performed.

  For example, when the effect button 201 is pressed longer than a predetermined long press determination time before the operation priority period, or when a holding operation is performed, the holding state is entered and the operation priority period is entered. At the same time, effect display is performed. Also, when the effect button 201 is operated in a time shorter than the long press determination time (normal operation) before the operation priority period and not in the holding operation, the holding state is not entered, and the operation priority period is set. There will be no effect display.

  Note that the probability of selecting an oval or a thousand box may correspond to the probability of selecting an oval, but it is possible to make a reliable jackpot suggestion by making it closer to a jackpot. it can. Further, any one of dango, oval, and thousand boxes may be selected and displayed. A specific example of display control will be described later.

  Furthermore, when the presentation button 201 is not prioritized, even if the presentation button 201 is in the holding state before entering the operation priority period, the presentation button 201 is released as soon as the operation priority period is entered, and the presentation button 201 The effect display corresponding to the operation 201 is not performed. Thereafter, effect display is performed in accordance with the operation of the effect button 201.

  For example, when the effect button 201 is pressed longer than a predetermined long press determination time before the operation priority period, or when a holding operation is performed, the holding state is set. When entering, the effect button 201 is released, and a non-detection state is entered.

Details of the effect input control process will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The priority period flag described below indicates whether it is within the operation priority period or outside the operation priority period. The value during the operation priority period is set to “1”, and the priority period flag is outside the operation priority period. The value is set to “0” to determine that the operation has shifted from outside the operation priority period to within the operation priority period.
The button holding flag indicates whether or not the effect button 201 is maintained in the holding state. The holding state value is “1” and the non-holding state value is “0”. is there.

  Further, the long press flag is used to determine whether or not the effect button 201 has been pressed, indicates whether or not the effect button 201 was at the detection position, the value of the state at the detection position is set to “1”, and the detection position The value of the state that did not exist is set to “0”. Then, if the value of the long press flag remains “1” for a predetermined long press determination time, it is determined that the long press is held, the value of the button holding flag is set to “1”, and the effect button 201 is held. Recognize a state.

  Furthermore, the auto mode is a mode for continuing the holding state of the effect button 201. If the effect button 201 is held before the operation priority period, an effect mode in which the effect display is started at the same time as the operation priority period starts. That is.

Furthermore, the pseudo continuous hit flag is a state for automatically counting the number of repeated hits by holding operation or long pressing of the effect button 201, that is, whether or not the pseudo continuous hit is being performed. The value of the state that is in the middle is set to “1”, and the value of the state that is not in the pseudo continuous hit is set to “0”.
Furthermore, the repeated hit counter stores the number of times that the effect button 201 has been pressed or pseudo repeated hits have been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the effect input control process, first, in step S1710, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not it is an operation priority period. If it is not the operation priority period, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1720, and if it is the operation priority period, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1750.

  In step S1720, the sub CPU 120a performs processing outside the priority period, which is processing outside the operation priority period, and ends the effect input control process. Details of the non-priority period processing will be described later.

  In step S1720, the sub CPU 120a performs processing within the priority period, which is processing within the operation priority period, and ends the effect input control process. Details of the processing within the priority period will be described later.

Next, details of the non-priority period processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 26, in the non-priority period processing, first, in step S1721, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the priority period flag is “0”. If the value of the priority period flag is not “0”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1722, and if the value of the priority period flag is “0”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1723.

  In step S1722, the sub CPU 120a sets the priority period flag to “0” assuming that the priority period is out of the priority period, and proceeds to step S1723.

  In step S1723, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the button holding flag is “1”. If the value of the button holding flag is not “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1724. If the value of the button holding flag is “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1736.

  In step S <b> 1724, the sub CPU 120 a determines whether there is an input of a detection signal of the effect button 201 from the effect button detection switch 301. When there is no detection signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1725, and when there is a detection signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1728.

  In step S1725, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the long press flag is “0”. If the value of the long press flag is not “0”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1726. If the value of the long press flag is “0”, the sub CPU 120a ends this out-of-priority period process.

  In step S <b> 1726, the sub CPU 120 a sets “0” to the long press flag because the detection signal is not input before the long press is determined. Next, in step S1727, the sub CPU 120a finishes counting the long press determination time, and ends the non-priority period processing.

  On the other hand, when the value of the button holding flag is not “1” and the detection signal is input (YES in step S1724), in step S1728, the sub CPU 120a determines that the value of the long press flag is “1”. It is determined whether or not there is. If the value of the long press flag is not “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1729. If the value of the long press flag is “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1731.

  In step S1729, the sub CPU 120a sets the long press flag to “1” because the value of the long press flag is not “1” while the detection signal is input. Next, in step S <b> 1730, the sub CPU 120 a starts measuring the long press determination time, and ends the processing outside the priority period.

  On the other hand, if there is an input of a detection signal and the value of the long press flag is “1” (determined as YES in step S1728), it is considered that the pressing operation of the effect button 201 is continuing, so step S1731 is performed. The sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the long press determination time has elapsed. If the long press determination time has elapsed, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1732, and if the long press determination time has not elapsed, the sub CPU 120a ends the non-priority period processing.

  In step S1732, the sub CPU 120a sets “1” to the button holding flag because the long press determination time has elapsed. Next, in step S1733, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect mode update process and ends the out-of-priority period process. For example, in the case of holding priority, the auto mode is set as the effect mode.

  On the other hand, when the value of the button holding flag is “1” (YES in step S1723), in step S1736, the sub CPU 120a determines whether there is an input of an undetected signal of the effect button 201. . If there is an undetected signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1737, and if there is no undetected signal input, the sub-CPU 120a ends the non-priority period processing. If an undetected signal of the effect button 201 cannot be input from the effect button detection switch 301, it may be determined whether or not the detection signal has been input.

  In step S1737, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” to the button holding flag. Next, in step S1738, the sub CPU 120a performs an effect mode update process and ends this out-of-priority period process. For example, if the production mode is the auto mode, the auto mode is canceled.

Next, details of the processing within the priority period will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the priority period processing, first, in step S1751, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the priority period flag is “1”. If the value of the priority period flag is not “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1752. If the value of the priority period flag is “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1771.

  In step S1752, the sub CPU 120a sets “1” for the priority period flag, assuming that the priority period is outside the priority period, and proceeds to step S1753.

  In step S1753, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the button holding flag is “1”. If the value of the button holding flag is not “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1754, and if the value of the button holding flag is “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1762.

  In step S 1754, the sub CPU 120 a determines whether or not there is an input of a detection signal of the effect button 201 from the effect button detection switch 301. If there is no detection signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1755, and if there is a detection signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1758.

  In step S1755, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not an effect for performing repeated hitting input (hereinafter referred to as repeated hitting input effect) is selected. If the consecutive hit input effect is selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1756, and if the consecutive hit input effect is not selected, the sub CPU 120a ends the processing within the priority period.

  In step S1756, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” in the repeated hit counter as an initial process of the repeated hit input effect. Next, in step S1757, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” in the pseudo continuous hitting flag, and ends the processing within this priority period.

  On the other hand, when the value of the button holding flag is not “1” and a detection signal is input (YES in step S1754), in step S1758, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the continuous hit input effect is selected. Determine. If the consecutive hit input effect is selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1759. If the repeated hit input effect is not selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1769.

  In step S1759, the sub CPU 120a sets “1” to the continuous hit counter. Next, in step S1760, the sub CPU 120a sets “1” in the pseudo continuous hitting flag. Thereby, the sub CPU 120a recognizes that automatic continuous hitting is in progress. Next, in step S1761, the sub CPU 120a starts measuring the pseudo continuous hitting time and ends the processing within this priority period. For example, the sub CPU 120a stores the current time as the pseudo continuous time counting start time.

  On the other hand, if the value of the button holding flag is “1” (YES in step S1753), in step S1762, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the auto mode is set. When the sub CPU 120a is in the auto mode, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1769, and when not in the auto mode, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1763.

  In step S1763, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the continuous hitting input effect is selected. If the consecutive hit input effect is selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1765. If the repeated hit input effect is not selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1764.

  In step S1764, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the big hit lottery is won. The sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1767 if the big win lottery is won, and proceeds to step S1769 if the big hit lottery is not won.

On the other hand, if the sub CPU 120a determines in step S1763 that the repeated strike input effect is selected, in step S1765, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” in the repeated strike counter.
Next, in step S1766, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” in the pseudo continuous hitting flag.

Next, in step S1767, the sub CPU 120a returns the effect button 201 to the open state, and ends the processing within the priority period. Specifically, the sub CPU 120 a drives the effect button opening solenoid 331, moves the operation wing 215 of the effect button 201 from the lower part of the base 232 to the lower part of the hole 232 a of the base 232, and moves the operation button 210 from the cover 233. Make it protrude.
Next, in step S1768, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” to the button holding flag, and ends the processing within this priority period.

Then, if it is determined in step S1758 that the continuous hitting input effect is not selected, if it is determined in step S1762 that the auto mode is selected, or if the sub CPU 120a has not won the big win lottery in step S1764. In step S1769, with reference to the developed effect pattern determination table, the developed effect pattern is selected by lottery based on the already determined effect pattern designation command and effect random number 2. The effect random number 2 may be the effect random number updated in step S1100, but may be acquired in step S1769.
Next, in step S1770, the sub CPU 120a sets the determined development effect pattern in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c, and ends the processing within the priority period.

  On the other hand, when the value of the priority period flag is “1” (determined as YES in step S1751), in step S1771, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the repeated input effect is selected. If the consecutive hit input effect is selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1773, and if the repeated hit input effect is not selected, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1772.

  In step S1772, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not there is an input of a detection signal of the effect button 201 from the effect button detection switch 301. If there is an input of a detection signal, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1783, and if there is no input of a detection signal, the sub CPU 120a ends the processing within this priority period.

  In step S 1773, the sub CPU 120 a determines whether there is an input of a detection signal of the effect button 201 from the effect button detection switch 301. If there is a detection signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1777, and if there is no detection signal input, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1774.

  In step S1774, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the pseudo continuous hitting flag is “1”. If the value of the pseudo continuous hit flag is “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1775. If the value of the pseudo continuous hit flag is not “1” (when it is “0”), the sub CPU 120a is within the priority period. The process ends.

  In step S1775, the sub CPU 120a sets “0” to the pseudo continuous hitting flag. Next, in step S1776, the sub CPU 120a ends the pseudo continuous hitting time, and ends the processing within this priority period. That is, if the detection signal is interrupted during automatic continuous hitting, the sub CPU 120a clears the pseudo continuous hitting flag and stops automatic continuous hitting.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1773 that there is an input of a detection signal, in step S1777, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the pseudo continuous hit flag is “1”. If the value of the pseudo continuous hit flag is “1”, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1780. If the value of the pseudo continuous hit flag is not “1” (when “0”), the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1778. To do. That is, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not automatic continuous hitting is continued. If automatic continuous hitting is continued, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1780, and if automatic continuous hitting is started, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1778.

In step S1778, the sub CPU 120a sets the value of the pseudo continuous hitting flag to “1”. Thereby, the sub CPU 120a recognizes that automatic continuous hitting is in progress.
Next, in step S1779, the sub CPU 120a starts measuring the pseudo continuous hitting time, and proceeds to step S1781.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 120a determines in step S1777 that the pseudo continuous hitting flag is “1”, in step S1780, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the pseudo continuous hit interval has passed a predetermined time since the last update of the continuous hit counter. judge. If the predetermined pseudo consecutive hit interval has elapsed, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1781, and if the predetermined pseudo consecutive hit interval has not elapsed, the sub CPU 120a ends the processing within this priority period.

In step S1781, the sub CPU 120a adds “1” to the consecutive hit counter and proceeds to step S1782.
Next, in step S1782, the sub CPU 120a determines whether or not the value of the continuous hit counter is equal to or greater than the number of achievements determined by the current performance. If the value of the counter hit counter is equal to or greater than the number of achievements, the sub CPU 120a proceeds to step S1783, and if the value of the counter hit counter is not equal to or greater than the number of achievements, the sub CPU 120a ends the processing within this priority period.

In step S1783, the sub CPU 120a refers to the developed effect pattern determination table, and draws and determines the developed effect pattern based on the already determined effect pattern designation command and effect random number value 2. The method for obtaining the production random number value 2 is the same as in step S1769.
Next, in step S1784, the sub CPU 120a sets the determined development effect pattern in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120c, and ends the processing within the priority period.

Here, the development effect pattern lottery processing in step S1769 and step S1783 will be described.
As described above, the development effect pattern determination table (see FIG. 20) used in the development effect pattern lottery process may differ in the probability of the effect selected depending on the result of the jackpot lottery.
For example, a case where A1H01H or A1H08H is selected as an effect pattern designation command will be described. When variable effect pattern 1 (when winning a big hit) is selected, an oval effect is selected with a probability of 80/100. The dango production is selected with a probability of 20/100. On the other hand, when the variation effect pattern 8 (when lost) is selected, the oval effect is selected with a probability of 20/100, and the dango effect is selected with a probability of 80/100.

  Further, the case where A1H02H or A1H09H is selected as the production pattern designation command will be described. When the variation production pattern 2 (at the time of winning the big hit) is selected, the oval production is selected, and the variation production pattern 9 ( When “Lose” is selected, dango production is selected.

  Accordingly, the player may recognize that the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is high if the oval effect is displayed, and that the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is low if the dango effect is displayed. it can. That is, it can be said that the oval production has a high reliability of winning, and the dango production has a low reliability of winning.

  Furthermore, in the auto mode, the case where A1H01H or A1H08H is selected as the production pattern designation command will be described. When the variable production pattern 1 (when the big hit is won) is selected, the carton box has a probability of 95/100. An effect is selected and an oval effect is selected with a probability of 5/100. On the other hand, when the variation effect pattern 8 (at the time of losing) is selected, the thousand-hull box effect is selected with a probability of 5/100, and the dango effect is selected with a probability of 95/100.

  As a result, the player can recognize that there is a possibility of winning the jackpot lottery with a higher probability than the case of the oval effect if the thousand box effect is displayed. That is, it can be said that the Thousand box production is a production with higher reliability than the oval production.

  In the present embodiment, in the auto mode, the effect in the operation priority period is displayed as an effect different from the normal effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect as in the normal case May be displayed. In this case, the same effect as the above gaming machine can be obtained.

Further, the effect to be displayed may be switched depending on the value of the button holding flag, that is, the holding state of the effect button 201 and whether or not it is in the auto mode.
Further, depending on the value of the button holding flag and whether or not it is in the auto mode, the effects to be displayed outside the operation priority time may be switched respectively. In these cases, the same effects as those of the gaming machine described above can be obtained, and further diversification of production can be performed.

  Further, FIG. 32 to FIG. 34 show a configuration example of the effect button 202 in a form different from the effect button 201 shown in FIGS. Detailed description of the same configuration and operation as the effect button 201 shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 will be omitted.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of the operation button 270 in the effect button 202. FIG. 32A is a side view of the operation button 270 when the effect button 202 is open, and FIG. 32B is a side view of the operation button 270 when the effect button 202 is held.
Further, the effect button 202 is provided with an effect button detection switch 302, and this effect button detection switch 302 detects an operation instruction of the player input to the effect button 202.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the effect button 202 includes an operation button 270, a coil spring 221, a detector storage portion 234, a base 235, and a cover 236, and inputs a player's operation instruction.

The operation button 270 can be moved in the vertical direction. In the same way as the effect button 201 described above, the effect button 202 allows the transition to the holding state by pushing the upper surface of the operation button 270 to a position lower than the upper surface of the cover 236. In other words, the effect button 202 is not shifted to the holding state unless the upper surface of the operation button 270 is pushed to a position lower than the upper surface of the cover 236.
The operation button 270 includes a columnar operation drive unit 271 and an operation follower 272 that extend in the vertical direction, and can be operated independently.

  The operation driving unit 271 is directly pressed by the player and can be moved up and down. The operation follower 272 is pressed by the player via the operation drive unit 271 and can move up and down, and can rotate about an axis (vertical axis) extending in the movable direction at the center of the columnar shape.

  Further, the operation driven portion 272 is provided with a flange on the outer periphery (the outer periphery of a driven outer cylinder portion 274 described later), and a coil spring 221 is provided between the flange of the operation driven portion 272 and the base 235. . Thereby, the operation follower 272 is pressed upward. Further, even if the operation driving unit 271 is provided with a flange on the outer periphery and is pressed upward from the operation follower 272, the flange contacts the lower part of the cover 236, and the operation button 270 comes off the cover 236. Is preventing.

  Further, the operation drive unit 271 has a tip portion having a saw-tooth shape with one slope being steeper than the other slope on the outer periphery of the lower end. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that six sawtooth teeth are provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the operation drive unit 271.

  In the operation driven portion 272, a driven inner cylinder portion 273 and a driven outer cylinder portion 274 are integrally formed. The driven inner cylinder part 273 has substantially the same thickness as the operation drive part 271, and one slope on the outer periphery is sharper than the other slope so that the upper end part coincides with the lower end part of the operation drive part 271. It has the shape-shaped front-end | tip part.

  The driven outer cylinder portion 274 is slightly thicker than the driven inner cylinder portion 273 and has a tip portion having a saw-like shape with one inclined surface extending along the outer periphery of the driven inner cylinder portion 273. In this saw-like shape, every other tip extends long, and the protruding portion 274a of the driven outer cylindrical portion 274 is aligned with the protruding portion 273a of the driven inner cylindrical portion 273. On the other hand, the other convex part 274b of the driven outer cylinder part 274 is provided with a step difference from the convex part 273b of the driven inner cylinder part 273.

  Furthermore, the cover 236 covers the operation button 270 so as to surround the outer periphery, and a fitting groove is formed on the inner periphery thereof. The fitting groove formed in the cover 236 has a shape in which one inclined surface is vertical and every other tip is deeply carved, and the fitting groove formed in the cover 236 has a shape of the tip of the driven outer cylindrical portion 274 of the operation driven portion 272. It matches the shape. Therefore, the concave portion 236a of the fitting groove whose tip is deeply cut coincides with the convex portion 274a of the driven outer cylindrical portion 274, and the concave portion 236b of the other fitting groove matches the convex portion 274b of the driven outer cylindrical portion 274. Thus, the driven outer cylinder portion 274 is fitted in the fitting groove of the cover 236.

  32 (c) and 32 (d), the vertical directions of the fitting grooves of the operation drive unit 271, the operation follower unit 272, and the cover 236 in the opened state and the held state of the effect button 202 are made to coincide with each other independently. The figure represented is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 32 (c), in the opened state of the effect button 202, the position of the convex part 274a of the driven outer cylinder part 274 of the operation driven part 272 and the concave part 236a of the fitting groove of the cover 236 coincide with each other. The position of the convex part 274b of the outer cylinder part 274 and the concave part 236b of the fitting groove are in the same state. Therefore, the operation button 270 is in the uppermost position.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32D, in the holding state of the effect button 202, the position of the convex portion 274a of the driven outer cylinder portion 274 of the operation driven portion 272 and the concave portion 236b of the fitting groove of the cover 236 coincide. Is in a state. Therefore, the operation follower 272 is held without being moved upward from this position. Therefore, the operation button 270 is held at a position lower than the open state.

  Furthermore, the effect button 202 is provided with an effect button opening solenoid (not shown) between the cover 236 and the collar of the operation follower 272. This effect button release solenoid is moved when a predetermined condition is established, and pushes the operation follower 272 downward from the holding state to shift to the open state.

  33 and 34 are exploded views of the operation driving portion 271 and the driven inner cylinder portion 273 of the operation driven portion 272, and the fitting groove of the cover 236 and the driven outer cylinder portion 274 of the operation driven portion 272, respectively. The operation of the effect button 202 from the open state to the holding state and from the holding state to the open state will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 33A, in the opened state of the effect button 202, the position of the convex part 274a of the driven outer cylinder part 274 of the operation driven part 272 and the concave part 236a of the fitting groove of the cover 236 coincide. The position of the convex part 274b of the driven outer cylinder part 274 and the concave part 236b of the fitting groove coincide with each other. Therefore, as described in FIG. 32C, the operation button 270 is at the uppermost position.

  When the operation driving unit 271 is pressed from this open state, the convex portion 271a and the convex portion 271b at the tip of the operation driving unit 271 are moved to the convex portion 273a and the convex portion 273b of the driven inner cylindrical portion 273 of the operation driven portion 272. Press. At this time, since the convex part 274a of the driven outer cylinder part 274 of the operation driven part 272 and the concave part 236a of the fitting groove of the cover 236 are fitted, the force in the rotational direction of the driven outer cylinder part 274 is suppressed, The operation follower 272 is pushed straight down.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), when the operation driven portion 272 is pushed down to the lowest position, there is no need to suppress the rotational force of the driven outer cylinder portion 274. At this time, the upper surface of the operation drive unit 271 is pushed down below the upper surface of the cover 236. Further, the operation follower 272 is constantly applied with an upward force by the coil spring 221.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the operation driven portion 272 is configured such that the convex portion 273 a and the convex portion 273 b of the driven inner cylinder portion 273 rotate along the convex portion 271 a and the convex portion 271 b of the operation driving portion 271. While moving upward (upper left in the figure).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 33 (d), when the pressing force to the operation drive unit 271 is released, the operation is continued until the convex portion 274a of the driven outer cylinder portion 274 is positioned at the concave portion 236b of the fitting groove. The follower 272 rises. By the way, since the convex portion 274a of the driven outer cylinder portion 274 cannot be raised any further by the concave portion 236b of the fitting groove, the operation button 270 is pressed as shown in FIGS. 32 (b) and 32 (d). It is held in the signal detection state. Therefore, after the operation button 270 is pushed down to the lowest position from the open state, the effect button 202 is held in the detection state of the press signal even if the pressing force is released.

  Thus, in the holding state of the production button 202, the position of the convex part 274a of the driven outer cylinder part 274 of the operation driven part 272 and the position of the concave part 236b of the fitting groove of the cover 236 are in agreement.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 34A, when the operation driving unit 271 is pressed from the holding state of the effect button 202, the convex portion 271 b of the operation driving unit 271 is moved to the driven inner cylinder 273 of the operation driven unit 272. The convex part 273a is pressed. At this time, since the convex part 274a of the driven outer cylinder part 274 and the concave part 236b of the fitting groove are fitted, the rotational force of the driven outer cylinder part 274 is suppressed, and the operation driven part 272 is straight down. Pushed down.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), when the operation driven portion 272 is pushed down to the lowest position, there is nothing to suppress the rotational force of the driven outer cylinder portion 274. Further, as described above, the operation follower 272 is constantly applied with an upward force by the coil spring 221.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 34 (c), the operation follower 272 is upward (upper left in the figure) while the convex part 273a of the driven inner cylinder part 273 rotates along the convex part 271b of the operation drive part 271. Move to.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 34 (d), when the pressing force to the operation driving portion 271 is released, the operation driven is continued until the convex portion 274a of the driven outer cylinder portion 274 reaches the position of the concave portion 236a of the fitting groove. The part 272 rises. As a result, the effect button 202 returns to the open state. Therefore, the effect button 202 is returned to the undetected state of the pressing signal if the pressing force is released after the operation button 270 is pushed to the lowest position from the holding state.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the operation button 210 or the operation button 270 that is maintained in the open state and the holding state, and the base 232 that holds the operation button 210 or the operation button 270 in the holding state. And an effect button opening device 260 for releasing the operation button 210 or the operation button 270 from the holding state to the open state when a predetermined opening condition is satisfied, and the effect button detection switch 301 or the effect button When the detection switch 302 is in the holding state, the input of the operation instruction is detected. When the detection switch 302 is in the open state, the input of the operation instruction is not detected. The button 210 or the operation button 270 can be operated, and the game effects can be diversified. , It is possible to improve the interest in the game to not feel the burden of the operation.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the effect button release solenoid 331 wins the jackpot, the effect buttons 201 and 202 are returned to the open state. It is possible to produce effects, to diversify the game effects, and to improve the interest of the player in the game without making the user feel bothered by the operation.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect button opening solenoid 260 is operated by the effect button release solenoid 331 during the effect for the continuous hit input, and the effect buttons 201 and 202 are returned to the open state, so Can be directly input to the player, and it is not necessary to return the operation buttons 210 and 270 to the open state by the player at the time of continuous hitting, so that the game effects can be diversified and the troublesome operation is not felt. It is possible to improve the interest of the player in the game.

  Furthermore, since the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment detects that the operation instruction is input a predetermined number of times according to the elapsed time when the effect buttons 201 and 202 are in the holding state, the operation button 210, By moving the 270 to the holding position, it is possible to input repeatedly without pressing the operation buttons 210 and 270 many times, and it is possible to diversify the game effects and to make the game without feeling troublesome. It is possible to improve the interest in the game of the person.

  In this embodiment, the holding state is ensured by the rotation holding type for the effect button 201 and the knock type for the effect button 202, but the present invention is not limited to this, but other methods such as a heart cam type, for example. The holding state may be set by such a method. In this case, the same effect as the above gaming machine can be obtained.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention has the effect of diversifying the game effects and reducing the operation burden and improving the interest of the game, and the player can produce the effects. It is useful as a gaming machine or the like that performs an effect display that can be involved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Game board 6 Game area | region 13 Normal symbol gate 14 1st start opening 15 2nd start opening 16 1st grand prize opening 17 2nd big prize opening 31 Production display device 32 Audio | voice output device 33 Production drive device 34 Production Lighting device 36 Production design 110 Main control board 110a Main CPU
110b Main ROM
110c Main RAM
120 Production control board 120a Sub CPU
120b Sub ROM
120c sub RAM
140 Lamp control board 150 Image control board 201, 202 Production buttons 210, 270 Operation buttons 211 Operation instruction section 212 Operation support section 213 Detection section 214 Operation rod section 215 Operation blade section 220, 221 Coil springs 231, 234 Detector storage section 232, 235 Base 233, 236 Cover 260 Production button opening device 261 First release drive unit 262 Second release drive unit 271 Operation drive unit 272 Operation driven unit 273 Driven inner tube unit 274 Driven outer tube unit 301, 302 Effect button detection switch 331 Production Button Open Solenoid

Claims (4)

A game board in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed;
Effect display means for displaying effect images;
Effect control means for controlling display of effect images to be displayed on the effect display means;
An operation input means for inputting an operation instruction;
Operation detecting means for detecting input of the operation instruction to the operation input means;
With
The effect control means performs display control of an effect image to be displayed on the effect display means based on the input of the operation instruction detected by the operation detection means,
The operation input means includes an operation unit that moves in the first movable range and the second movable range according to the operation instruction, and the operation unit is moved to the second movable range when the operation unit is moved to the second movable range. An operation portion holding portion that is held in the inside, and an operation portion opening portion that opens the operation portion held in the second movable range within the first movable range when a predetermined opening condition is satisfied,
The operation detection means detects an input of the operation instruction when the operation unit is in the second movable range, and detects the operation instruction when the operation unit is opened to the first movable range. A gaming machine characterized by undetected input. A specific game lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to shift to a specific game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game based on a predetermined lottery condition;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit opening unit establishes that the opening condition is established by winning the transition to the specific game by the specific game lottery means. The operation part opening part is the establishment of the opening condition that the display control of the effect image requesting the input of the operation instruction a plurality of times is selected by the effect control means,
The operation input means is an operation unit moving unit that moves the operation unit to an operation instruction non-detection region within the first movable range when the operation unit is in an operation instruction detection region within the first movable range. Have
2. The operation detection unit detects the operation instruction as a new input every time the operation unit is moved from the operation instruction non-detection area to the operation instruction detection area. 2. The gaming machine according to 2.   The operation detection unit detects that the operation instruction is input a predetermined number of times according to an elapsed time when the operation unit is within the second movable range. The gaming machine according to claim 3.