JP2013099678A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of greatly improving a rendering effect, concerning the game machine with a rendering button.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a maintaining means for maintaining an operation means at either one of a depression position enabling the operation of the operation means by a player, and a non-operation position protruded from the pressing position and having a moving distance before being detected by an operation detection means longer than the pressing position. When the operation means is maintained at the non-pressing position, the operation means is maintained at the pressing position by the maintaining means, based on the detection of the operation of the operation means by the player.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having a plurality of passage areas.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a special symbol is obtained when a predetermined variation display start condition is established, such as a game ball passing through a start area provided in a game area where a launched game ball can roll. Is controlled in a variable manner, and a control for deriving and displaying the special symbol on which the variable display is performed is performed. When the special symbol that is derived and displayed is in a specific display mode, a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player ( The so-called “big hit”) is provided.

  Such a gaming machine is generally provided with a liquid crystal display device for displaying decorative symbols in addition to the special symbol display device for displaying special symbols. That is, the special symbol display device displays the special symbol as a segment to notify whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, while the liquid crystal display device derives and displays the decorative symbol, and the jackpot gaming state by the decorative symbol stop mode Whether or not to shift to is notified. Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device, in addition to the variation of the decorative pattern, stop display, by performing various effect display using various effect images such as reach effect image, background image, and jackpot effect image, I am trying to improve my interest.

  Recently, a technical idea has been proposed in which a production button is provided on the above-described gaming machine and the viewpoint background image data is switched based on the detection of the operation of the production button, thereby greatly improving the production effect ( For example, Patent Document 1).

  According to such a gaming machine, when it is detected that the player has operated the effect button, that is, when the effect button has been pressed, the operation of the effect button is detected, and by releasing the effect button, The operation ends. The effect button is provided with a spring that is urged in a direction repelling the pressing direction, and the urging of the spring returns the button to a state in which the effect button can be pressed when the effect button is not operated. Things are common. Then, when the player operates the effect button, the effect image is changed, so that the player himself can participate in the effect. Therefore, the effect of the effect can be improved.

JP 2006-311920 A

  However, although the effect is improved by pressing the effect button to switch the effect image, the operation of the effect button itself is extremely simple, so the effect of the effect button can greatly improve the effect of the effect. It was difficult.

  In view of such a problem, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine capable of greatly improving the effect of the effect in the gaming machine provided with the effect button.

(1) a game board having a game area in which a game ball can roll;
A game ball passage detecting means provided on the game board for detecting the passage of the game ball;
Lottery means for performing a lottery based on the passage of the game ball detected by the game ball passage detection means;
Effect display means for effect display related to the lottery result by the lottery means;
Operation means operated by a player;
Operation detection means for outputting a detection signal by operation of the operation means;
Display control means for performing control to switch the display mode displayed by the effect display means from the first effect display to the second effect display based on a detection signal from the operation detection means;
As a position at which a player can operate the operation means, a pressed position, a non-pressed position that protrudes from the pressed position and is longer than the pressed position by a movement distance until detected by the operation detecting means, Maintaining means for maintaining the operating means in any of the above,
When the operation means is maintained at the non-pressed position, the operation means is maintained at the pressed position by the maintenance means based on detection of a player operating the operation means. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the invention of (1), it is possible to produce an effect with a high visual effect that the operation means is maintained at the non-pressed position by the maintenance means. Thus, in the gaming machine provided with the effect button, the effect of the effect can be greatly improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to greatly improve the production effect in the gaming machine provided with the production button.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a game board in a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the general view in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part structure of the operation button in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part structure of the operation button in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part structure of the production | presentation button in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the pachinko game machine of one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko gaming machine (also referred to as “digital pachi”) is shown as a preferred embodiment for a gaming machine according to the present invention.

[Composition of gaming machine]
First, an overview of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of the game board 14 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12a formed on the front surface, various components disposed inside the opening 12a in the main body frame 12, and a main body frame. The door 11 is pivotally attached to the front of the door 12 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 2, this door 11 is for closing the opening 12a from the front, and a game is normally performed in the closed state. Further, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 22, a firing handle 26, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the main body frame 12. Further, a speaker 46 is provided on the upper portion of the door 11.

  Inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32, a game board 14 and the like are disposed. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.

  The game board 14 is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having permeability) having permeability. Examples of the transparent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front side thereof in which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by a guide rail 30 (specifically, an outer rail 30a shown in FIG. 4 to be described later) where a game ball, which is an example of a game medium, can roll. A plurality of game nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14. Thus, the game board 14 is an example of a game board on which a game ball rolls.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the transparent member of the game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of an image relating to a game. The display area 32a is disposed so as to overlap all or part of the game board 14 from the back side. In other words, the display area 32a is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to overlap at least all or part of the game area 15 in the game board 14. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so that the display area 32 a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. . In the liquid crystal display device 32, various images such as an effect image for effect and an ornament image for decoration are displayed in the display area 32a. In particular, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, after transitioning to the jackpot gaming state (special gaming state), an effect image for rendering is displayed during execution of the special game.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing a display device such as the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the game board 14, for example, a game nail planting area, a game object such as an accessory, or a decoration member can be enlarged. In addition, the degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14, and forms a space serving as a flow path for game balls in front of (on the front side of) the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a permeable material. In the present embodiment, the spacer 31 is made of a permeable material, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a part of the spacer 31 may be made of a permeable material. Moreover, you may form with the material which does not have permeability | transmittance.

  A protective plate 19 having transparency is disposed on the door 11. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

  The firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable downward and to the left with respect to the main body frame 12. A firing solenoid (not shown) as a driving device is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the firing handle 26 is held by the player's left hand and is turned counterclockwise by a predetermined angle or more, power is supplied to the firing solenoid (not shown) and stored in the upper plate 20. The game balls are sequentially fired on the game board 14 and the game proceeds. A launching device 130 (see FIG. 8) including the firing handle 26, a firing solenoid (not shown), a touch sensor (not shown), and the like is installed on the lower left side with respect to the game board 14. Also, an ashtray 28 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 22 for the convenience of a player who plays while smoking. Thus, unlike the conventional gaming machines, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is provided with the launch handle 26 on the left side and the ashtray 28 on the right side, that is, the left and right sides are opposite. . Further, a launch power increase button 88 (see FIG. 4) and a launch power decrease button 89 (see FIG. 4) are provided in the vicinity of the launch handle 26 in the main body frame 12, for example, by the player's left hand index finger. Pressing the firing power increase button 88 increases the momentum of the game ball to be fired, and pressing the launch power decrease button 89 decreases the momentum of the game ball to be fired. That is, the momentum of the game ball to be launched is adjusted by operating the launch power increase button 88 (see FIG. 4) and the launch power decrease button 89. Further, a launch stop button 27 is provided in the vicinity of the launch handle 26 in the main body frame 12. By operating the firing stop button 27, the game ball can be forcibly stopped even when the firing handle 26 is being operated.

  In addition, an operation button 80 that can be operated by a player is provided on the front surface of the upper plate 20. The operation buttons 80 include a left symbol stop button (hereinafter referred to as “left button”) 80a, a middle symbol stop button (hereinafter referred to as “middle button”) 80b, and a right symbol stop button (hereinafter referred to as “right button”). 80c), which are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. The operation button 80 is used to stop the change display by the rotating reel image 93.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the lower left side of the game board 14, a special symbol display 35, a normal symbol display 33, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d, normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d, and a round number display 51a. -51d are provided.

  The special symbol display 35 is composed of a plurality of 8-segment LEDs. The 8-segment LED is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol change display start condition, that is, a condition that the game ball passes through the start port 25 is satisfied. By turning on / off the 8-segment LED, the symbol is variably displayed as a special symbol (also referred to as first identification information). When a special symbol (for example, a numerical symbol such as “64”, “21”, “50”, etc.) is stopped and displayed as this special symbol, the jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state The gaming state shifts to (special gaming state). When the big hit game state is reached, the shutter 40 (see FIG. 3) is controlled to the open state, and the game ball can be received in the big prize opening 39 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, when a symbol (for example, “-”) other than a specific symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, the normal gaming state is maintained. As described above, a game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and the game state is shifted or maintained according to the result is referred to as a “special symbol game”.

  Below the special symbol indicator 35, a normal symbol indicator 33 is provided. The normal symbol display 33 is composed of two display lamps, and these display lamps are alternately lit and extinguished so as to be variably displayed as normal symbols.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d indicate the number of executions of the special symbol variable display held by turning on or off (so-called “start memory”, “number of held balls”, “number of held balls related to special symbols”). indicate. For example, when the execution of the special symbol variation display is held once, the special symbol hold display LED 34a is turned on.

  Below the normal symbol display 33, normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d indicate the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of held balls”, “the number of held balls related to the normal symbols”). indicate. Similar to the special symbol, when the execution of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is held once, the normal symbol hold display LED 50a is turned on.

  On the right side of the special symbol indicator 35, round number indicators 51a to 51d are provided. The round number indicators 51a to 51d display the number of rounds during execution of the special game. The round number indicators 51a to 51d are composed of four dot LEDs, and there are two patterns of lighting and extinguishing for each of the dodd LEDs, so that at least 16 patterns can be displayed (4 of 2). Squared pattern). The round number display 51 may be composed of a plurality of 8-segment LEDs, a liquid crystal display unit, a transmissive liquid crystal display unit, and the like.

  In addition, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind the game board 14 (back side), an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 35 is displayed.

  For example, during the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 35, an identification symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 (also identification information for production. For example, “ Decorative symbols such as “bell” and “watermelon” and character symbols such as “7” and “BAR”) are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 35 is stopped and displayed, and the identification information for presentation is also stopped and displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In addition, when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35, an effect image that allows the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35, a combination of effect identification information displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. It becomes a mode (for example, a mode in which any one of “1” to “9” is all displayed in each of a plurality of symbol rows), and is also pleased with a character image such as “Big hit!” The character image is displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Thus, the liquid crystal display device 32 is an example of effect display means for performing effect display related to the lottery result by the lottery means (main CPU 66).

  As shown in FIG. 3, two guide rails 30 (30a and 30b), stages 55 and 57 passing gates 54a and 54b, a plurality of game nails 13, an ordinary electric accessory 48 forming a start port 25, a shutter 40, a large Game members such as a winning opening 39 and general winning openings 56 a, 56 b, 56 c, 56 d are provided on the game board 14.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game balls are guided by guide rails 30 provided on the game board 14 and moved to the upper part of the game board 14, and the plurality of game nails 13 and the stage 55 provided on the game board 14 are described above. , 57, etc., it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  A stage 55 is provided in the upper part of the game board 14, and a stage 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14.

  The guide rail 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 includes an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b disposed inside the outer rail 30a. The launched game balls are guided by guide rails 30 provided on the game board 14 and moved to the upper part of the game board 14, and the plurality of game nails 13 and the stage 55 provided on the game board 14 are described above. , 57, etc., it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  A warp port 24 is formed at the left end of the stage 55. When a game ball enters the warp port 24, the game ball is guided behind the stage 57 via the first warp path 47 behind the game board 14. The game ball guided behind the stage 57 is discharged to the front side of the game board 14 from a discharge port (not shown) surrounded by the stage 57 and flows down to the game board 14.

  Directly below the outlet (not shown) for discharging from the stage 57 to the front side of the game board 14, an ordinary electric accessory 48 that forms the starting port 25 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 48 includes a pair of blade members provided on both the left and right sides, and the start port 25 is formed by the pair of blade members. Further, the pair of blade members can be switched to a closed state (a state in which passage is difficult) or an open state (a state in which passage is easy) by a start port solenoid 118 (see FIG. 8). It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. Further, when the closed state is reached, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the start opening 25 directly.

  The start opening 25 is provided with a start winning opening switch 116 (see FIG. 8) for detecting winning of a game ball. When a game medium such as a game ball is detected by the start winning port switch 116, it is determined that the game ball has won. When the game ball wins, the special symbol display by the special symbol display 35 is started. Also, if a game ball wins during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of the game ball to the start port 25 is executed until the special symbol during the variation display is stopped and displayed ( Start) is put on hold. Thereafter, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variably displayed suspended special symbol is started. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the special symbol variable display is suspended up to four times. As described above, the start winning port switch 116 is an example of a game ball passage detection unit that is provided on the game board and detects the passage of the game ball.

  In addition, as another condition (start of variable display of a predetermined special symbol), the special symbol is stopped and displayed. That is, every time a predetermined special symbol variable display start condition is satisfied, the special symbol variable display is started.

  Passage gates 54 a and 54 b are provided on both the left and right sides of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passage gates 54a and 54b are provided with passage gate switches 114 and 115 (see FIG. 8) described later. Pass gate switches 114 and 115 detect that the game ball has passed through the pass gates 54a and 54b. When the passing of the game ball is detected by the passing gate switches 114 and 115, the normal symbol display is started on the normal symbol display 33, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol change display is stopped. . In the normal symbol display 33, when the normal symbol display lamp changes from the blinking state to the lighting state, the ordinary electric accessory 48 shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  In the present embodiment, when the ordinary electric accessory 48 is in the closed state, it becomes difficult for a game ball other than the game ball from the upper side to enter the start port 25, and in the open state, the ordinary electric accessory 48. It becomes easy for game balls from right above and right and left sides to enter the start opening 25. As described above, a game in which a normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member varies depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  Similarly to the special symbol variation display, when a game ball passes through the passing gates 54a and 54b during the normal symbol variation display, the passing gate is displayed until the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the normal symbol variation display based on the passing of the game ball to 54a and 54b is suspended. After that, when the normal symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variably displayed normal symbol that has been suspended is started.

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). The shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 35 and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state (first state) where the game ball can be easily received.

  On the other hand, the special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 has an area (not shown) having a count switch 104 (see FIG. 8). The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until it passes or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls at the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball (second state). It should be noted that from the open state (first state) in which the grand prize opening 39 is easy to accept game balls to the closed state (second state) in which the grand prize opening 39 is difficult to accept game balls. This game is called a round game. Accordingly, the shutter 40 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. A round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round and “2” round. For example, the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the shutter 40 driven from the open state to the closed state (second state) is again in the open state on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the open state has passed the count switch 104. Driven by. In other words, it is possible to continue to the next round game on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the opened state of the shutter 40 has passed the count switch 104. A game from the first round game until the end of the (final) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is called a special game or a jackpot game.

  During execution of the special game, the number of rounds (the maximum number of continuous rounds) from the first round number to the last round game when the most round game is continued differs depending on the special symbols that are stopped and displayed. For example, in the present embodiment, when the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is “64”, the maximum number of consecutive rounds is 15 and the special winning opening 39 is opened. When the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35 is “50”, the maximum number of consecutive rounds is two and the special winning opening 39 is opened. The maximum number of continuous rounds is not limited to 2 rounds or 15 rounds. For example, the maximum number of consecutive rounds is selected from the “1” round to the “15” round by lottery by the round number lottery means (the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 (see FIG. 8)). Also good.

  Further, when a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the general winning ports 56a to 56d and the large winning port 39 described above, a number set in advance according to the type of each winning port (for example, general 10 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22 in the case of winning a prize in the winning slot and 15 in the case of winning in the big winning slot.

  Further, when it is determined that a winning is made at the start opening 25 described above, a preset number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device is described as an example of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display means may be a plasma display, a rear projection display, a CRT display, a lamp, or the like.

[Operation button configuration]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the operation button and its periphery. In the present embodiment, the three operation buttons 80, the left button 80a, the middle button 80b, and the right button 80c, are provided. To do.

  A recess 12 a into which the operation button 80 is loosely fitted is formed on the front side of the upper plate 20 in the main body frame 12. In the present embodiment, since the three operation buttons 80 of the left button 80a, the middle button 80b, and the right button 80c are provided, the three recesses 12a are formed in parallel. A hole 12b is formed at the bottom of the recess 12a. A shaft 81 is erected on the operation button 80. A coil spring 83 is inserted into the shaft 81, and the shaft 81 is inserted into the hole 12b, whereby the operation button 80 is inserted into the recess 12a via the coil spring 83. Is slidable in the front-rear direction. Further, a restriction plate 82 is provided at the end of the shaft 81 located inside the main body frame 12. In addition, an operation button SW 84 is provided at a position facing the regulation plate 82. Further, a restriction solenoid 85 for restricting the position of the operation button 80 and a restriction piece 86 that engages with the restriction plate 82 by being connected to the restriction solenoid 85 are provided inside the main body frame 12. The restriction solenoid 85 is driven by the control of the sub CPU 206 described later, and the restriction piece 86 moves in the sliding direction of the operation button 80, that is, the front-rear direction. In conjunction with the restricting piece 86, the operation button 80 moves in the sliding direction. Thus, the operation button 80 is an example of an operation means operated by the player.

  FIG. 5A shows a state where the regulating solenoid 85 is not driven, and FIG. 5B shows a state where the operation button 80 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 5A. When the operation solenoid 80 is not driven and the operation button 80 is not pressed, the operation button 80 protrudes from the recess 12 a by the urging force from the coil spring 83, and the restriction plate 82 contacts the body frame 12. Accordingly, the operation button 80 is maintained in a state of protruding from the recess 12a. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a non-pressed state. When the operation button 80 is pressed, the restriction plate 82 comes into contact with the operation button SW 84 so that the operation button SW 84 is turned on. Specifically, a conductive member is provided on the surface of the restriction plate 82 facing the operation button SW 84, the operation button SW 84 includes two electrically discontinuous terminals, and the restriction plate 82 is used for the operation button. By contacting SW84, the conductive member electrically connects the two terminals to perform a switch function. As described above, the operation button SW 84 is an example of an operation detection unit that outputs a detection signal by operating the operation unit (operation button 80).

  6A shows a state in which the regulating solenoid 85 is driven, and FIG. 6B shows a state in which the operation button 80 is pressed in the state of FIG. 6A. By driving the restricting solenoid 85, the restricting piece 86 is moved rearward, and in conjunction with the restricting piece 86, the restricting 82 is moved backward to maintain the operation button 80 in the recessed portion 12a. The Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a pressed state. In this state, the regulation plate 82 and the operation button SW 84 are in a separated state. When the operation button 80 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the restriction plate 82 comes into contact with the operation button SW 84, so that the operation button SW 84 is turned on, and the operation button 80 is pressed. By releasing, the regulating plate 82 is separated from the operation button SW 84 and the operation button SW 84 is turned off. In the operation button SW 84, the operation button SW 84 corresponding to the left button 80a is the left button SW 84a, the operation button SW 84 corresponding to the middle button 80b is the middle button SW 84b, and the operation button corresponding to the right button 80c. SW84 may be referred to as right button SW84c. As described above, the left button 80a, the middle button 80b, and the right button 80c are examples of a plurality of operating means. The left button SW 84a, the middle button SW 84b, and the right button SW 84c are examples of operation detection means provided in a plurality corresponding to the operation means (left button 80a, middle button 80b, right button 80c). The restriction plate 82, the restriction solenoid 85, and the restriction piece 86 are examples of movable means for restricting and releasing the movement of the operation means (left button 80a, middle button 80b, right button 80c) by the player's operation. . The operation button 80 is an example of a button member that is actuated by a player's pressing operation. The shaft 81 and the restriction plate 82 are examples of a holding member provided on the button member (operation button 80). The restricting piece 86 is an example of a locking member that engages with the holding member (the restricting plate 82) and holds the button member (the operation button 80) at a predetermined position. The restriction solenoid 85 is an example of a drive unit that drives the locking member (restriction piece 86) to release the engagement state with the holding member (restriction plate 82) and the engagement state with the holding member. . The positions of the operation buttons 80 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are different examples depending on whether the movable means (the restriction solenoid 85 or the like) restricts the operation of the operation means (the operation button 80) and when the restriction is released. is there.

  Whether the operation button 80 is in the pressed state or not pressed is managed by a pressed state flag stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 (see FIG. 8) described later. For example, when the left button 80a is in the pressed state, the left button pressed state flag is set to ON, and when the left button 80a is not pressed, the left button pressed state flag is set to OFF.

  FIG. 7 shows the structure of the effect button 500 and its surroundings. On the upper surface of the upper plate 20 in the main body frame 12, a recess into which the effect button 500 is loosely fitted is formed. A hole is formed in the bottom of the recess. A shaft 510 is erected on the effect button 500. By inserting a coil spring 530 into the shaft 510 and inserting the shaft 510 into the hole, the effect button 500 is moved back and forth through the coil spring 530. It is installed to be slidable in the direction. A restriction plate 520 is provided at the end of the shaft 510 located inside the main body frame 12. Further, an effect button SW 540 is provided at a position facing the restriction plate 520. Further, a restriction solenoid 550 for restricting the position of the effect button 500 and a restriction piece 560 that engages with the restriction plate 520 by being connected to the restriction solenoid 550 are provided inside the main body frame 12. The restriction solenoid 550 is driven by the control of the sub CPU 206, and the restriction piece 560 moves in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction of the effect button 500, that is, the front-rear direction. When the restricting piece 560 moves to the restricting plate 520 side, the restricting piece 560 and the restricting plate 520 come into contact with each other, and the movement of the effect button 500 is restricted. Further, when the restriction piece 560 moves in a direction away from the restriction plate 520, the restriction piece 560 and the restriction plate 520 are separated from each other, the movement restriction of the effect button 500 is released, and the effect button 500 moves in the slide direction. .

  FIG. 7A shows a state in which the production button 500 protrudes from the main body frame 12, and the restriction piece 560 is engaged with the restriction plate 520 as shown by the solid line in FIG. If the effect button 500 cannot be pressed and the restriction piece 560 is not engaged with the restriction plate 520 as indicated by the broken line in FIG. Is possible.

  FIG. 7B shows a state in which the effect button 500 has been pulled into the main body frame 12, and the restriction piece 560 is engaged with the restriction plate 520 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7B. In this case, the pressing operation of the effect button 500 becomes impossible, and the ON state of the effect button SW 540 is held. When the restricting piece 560 is not engaged with the restricting plate 520 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 7B, the effect button 500 is projected from the main body frame 12 by the bias of the coil spring 530, It is possible to press the production button 500. As described above, the effect button 500 is an example of an operation unit operated by the player. The effect button SW 540 is an example of an operation detection unit that outputs a detection signal when the operation unit (the effect button 500) is operated. In addition, the restriction plate 520, the restriction solenoid 550, and the restriction piece 560 are examples of movable means for restricting and releasing the movement of the operation means (the effect button 500) by the player's operation. The effect button 500 is an example of a button member that is actuated by a player's pressing operation. The shaft 510 and the restriction plate 520 are an example of a holding member provided on the button member (the effect button 500). The restricting piece 560 is an example of an engaging member that engages with the holding member (the restricting plate 520) and holds the button member (the effect button 500) at a predetermined position. The restriction solenoid 550 is an example of a drive unit that drives the locking member (restriction piece 560) to release the engagement state with the holding member (restriction plate 520) and the engagement state with the holding member. . Further, the position of the effect button 500 shown in FIG. 7 is an example different between the case where the movable means (the restriction solenoid 550 or the like) restricts the operation of the operation means (the effect button 500) and the case where the restriction is released.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66 as a control means, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as an example of storage means, and a command. An output port 72 is provided. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

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

  In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored, and in addition, various tables referred to when making a big hit determination by random number lottery are also stored. .

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. Specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 70 include the following.

  The main RAM 70 has a control status flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a reach pattern selection random number counter, a presentation condition selection random number counter, a big prize opening number counter, a big prize opening prize counter, a wait Positioned are a time timer, a special winning opening time timer, data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to special symbols, data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to normal symbols, data for supplying commands to the sub-control circuit 200 described later, variables, and the like. .

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game or the normal symbol game. In the following description, when the control state flag is simply referred to, it indicates the control state of the special symbol game, and when it is referred to as the normal control state flag, it indicates the control state of the normal symbol game.

  The jackpot determining random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a special symbol to be stopped when a special symbol jackpot is determined. The reach pattern selection random number counter is for determining whether or not to perform reach. The production condition selection random number counter is for determining a production variation pattern. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The special prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the special prize opening 39. Note that the timer in this embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The big prize opening number-of-times counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening is opened (so-called round number) in the big hit gaming state. The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the big winning prize during one round and passed the count switch 104. Further, the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is that when the game ball is won at the starting port 25, but the special symbol variation display cannot be executed, the special symbol game is suspended. This indicates the number of times the symbol game is held. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is that when the game ball has passed through the passing gates 54a and 54b, but the normal symbol variation display cannot be executed, the normal symbol game start is reserved, but the It shows the number of times the normal symbol game is held.

  The main control circuit 60 includes an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a system reset signal when the power is turned on, and a command output port 72 for supplying a command to a sub control circuit 200 described later. The initial reset circuit 64 is connected to the main CPU 66. The I / O port 71 serves as a window for transmitting input signals from various devices to the main CPU 66 and output signals from the main CPU 66 to various devices. The command output port 72 serves as a window for transmitting a command from the main CPU 66 to the sub control circuit 200 or the payout control circuit 170.

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the count switch 104, the general winning opening switches 106, 108, 110, 112, the pass gate switches 114, 115, A start winning opening switch 116, a starting opening solenoid 118, a large winning opening solenoid 120, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The count switch 104 is provided in the general area of the special winning opening 39. The count switch 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning opening switches 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning openings 56a to 56d, respectively. The general winning opening switches 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the general winning openings 56 a to 56 d.

  Pass gate switches 114 and 115 are provided in the pass gates 54a and 54b, respectively. The passing gate switches 114 and 115 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the passing gates 54a and 54b, respectively.

  The start port solenoid 118 is connected to a blade member of the ordinary electric accessory 48 provided in the start port 25 via a link member (not shown), and the blade member is responsive to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Is in an open or closed state.

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 4, and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150 that reads information stored in the card.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  In addition, the launching device 130 is provided with devices for launching a game ball such as the launching handle 26, launching solenoid (not shown), and touch sensor (not shown). When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and rotated counterclockwise, a firing solenoid (not shown) is based on the firing strength adjusted by the firing power increase button 88 and the firing power decrease button 89. The game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired onto the game board 14 by a firing solenoid (not shown). Even when the launch handle 26 is rotated, if the launch stop button 27 is pressed, the power supply to the launch solenoid (not shown) is stopped and the launch of the game ball is stopped. The

  Furthermore, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d, normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d, special symbol display 35 (7-segment LED), normal symbol display 33 (display lamp), and the like are connected to the main control circuit 60. ing.

  On the other hand, the sub control circuit 200 is connected to the command output port 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the lamp 132, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Note that the lamp 132 specifically includes a decorative lamp (not shown) that brightly and darkly displays the game board 14.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 as display control means for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 46. And a drive circuit 240 for performing control related to the lamp 132. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60. In addition, the sub control circuit 200 includes an operation button SW 84 (a left button SW 84a, a middle button SW 84b, a right button SW 84c), an effect button SW 500, restriction solenoids 85 and 550, and a lamp ( (Not shown) is connected.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the switching of the position of the operation button 80, that is, the operation of the regulating solenoid 85 by the sub CPU 206.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display that is executed in association with the variable symbol display. In addition, the program ROM 208 stores effect patterns during execution of a plurality of types of jackpot games. The effect pattern during execution of the jackpot game relates to the progress of the effect display executed in connection with the round game in the jackpot game. In addition, an effect block table for determining an effect block to be executed and an established combination distribution table referred to in each effect block are stored.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 uses the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 uses the program ROM 208 as storage means for storing programs, tables, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is a storage medium readable by a computer equipped with a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, and a ROM cartridge, a program, a table, and the like are recorded. May be. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as an alternative to the program ROM 208. Even if these programs are not recorded in advance, they may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM 70 in the main control circuit 60, the work RAM 210 in the sub control circuit 200, and the like. . Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, a stop display mode determining random number counter for determining the stop display mode of identification information, a timer variable for controlling reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the operation button 80 Various variables such as a movable control counter used for production are positioned.

  In this embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as the temporary storage area of the main CPU 66 and the work RAM 210 is used as the temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The drive circuit 240 includes a drive circuit 242 and a decoration data ROM 244 and is connected to the sub CPU 206. The drive circuit 240 controls the light emission of the lamp 132 via the drive circuit 242.

  The display control circuit 250 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, a D / A converter 218 that converts image data as an image signal, and a reset signal when the power is turned on. The initial reset circuit 220 is generated.

  The VDP 212 described above is connected to the sub CPU 206, the image data ROM 216, the D / A converter 218, and the initial reset circuit 220.

  The VDP 212 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying an image on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  In the image data ROM 216, various image data such as special image data, background image data, and effect image data are separately stored. Of course, related image data indicating a related image is also stored. Thus, the image data ROM 216 is an example of effect data storage means for storing a plurality of effect data to be displayed on the effect display means.

  The VDP 212 reads various image data such as background image data and effect image data from the image data ROM 216 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, and generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. The VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores it in the buffer, and supplies it to a D / A converter (not shown) at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter (not shown) converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 so that the liquid crystal display device 32 displays an image.

  The sound control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that performs control related to sound, a sound data ROM 234 that stores sound data of various effect sound effects including BGM, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying sound signals. For example).

  The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the initial reset circuit 220, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speaker 46.

[Main control main processing]
The main control main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S9, initialization setting processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads a startup program from the main ROM 68 in response to power-on, initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 70, or performs a process of returning to a state before power-off. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S10.

  In step S10, initial value random number update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of updating the initial value random number counter. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S11.

  In step S11, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the system timer monitoring timer value is 3. In this process, the main CPU 66 refers to the system timer monitoring timer value stored in the main RAM 70. If the system timer monitoring timer value is 3, the process moves to step S12, and the system timer monitoring timer value is 3. If not, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S12, a system timer monitoring timer reset process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of resetting the system timer monitoring timer stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S13.

  In step S13, timer update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 is a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, and a big prize for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs. Executes processing to update various timers such as mouth open timer. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S14.

  In step S14, a special symbol control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a special symbol control process. The special symbol control process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S15.

  In step S15, normal symbol control processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a random number value in accordance with the detection signals from the pass gate switches 114 and 115, refers to the normal symbol winning table stored in the main ROM 68, and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won. And processing for storing the result of the determination in the main RAM 70 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S16.

  In step S16, a symbol display device control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines the special symbol display 35 and the normal symbol display 33 according to the result of the special symbol control process stored in the main RAM 70 in step S14 and step S15 and the result of the normal symbol control process. And a process of storing a control signal for driving the round number display 51 in the main RAM 70. The main CPU 66 transmits a control signal to the special symbol display 35 in step S19 described later. The special symbol display 35 displays the special symbol in a variable manner and a stop manner based on the received control signal. Based on the received control signal, the normal symbol display 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and stops. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S17.

  In step S17, game information data generation processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of generating a game state command related to game information data to be transmitted to a stand computer or a hall computer (not shown) and storing it in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S18.

  In step S18, symbol reserved number data generation processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 detects detection signals from the start winning port switch 116 and the pass gate switches 114 and 115 detected in the switch input detection process (FIG. 16, step S46) in the system timer interrupt process described later, The special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d and the normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d are driven based on the update result of the reserved number data stored in the main RAM 70 that is updated in accordance with the execution of the special symbol and normal symbol variation display. The control signal for storing is stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S19.

  In step S19, port output processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of outputting a control signal stored in the main RAM 70 to each port in the above steps. Specifically, special symbol hold display LEDs 34a to 34d (see FIG. 4), normal symbol hold display LEDs 50a to 50d (see FIG. 5), special symbol display 35 (7-segment LED, see FIG. 5), normal symbol display LED power (common signal) for turning on the LED and solenoid power for driving the solenoid are supplied to 33 (display LED, see FIG. 4). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S20.

  In step S20, a storage / game state command control process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether a certain change flag or a short-time state flag is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, and determines that a certain change flag or a short-time state flag is set. Processing for generating a command and transmitting it to the sub-control circuit 200 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S21.

  In step S21, an effect control command output control process is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs output control processing of the effect control command to the sub control circuit 200. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S22.

  In step S22, a payout process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 checks whether or not a game ball has won a prize winning port 39, a starting port 25, and general winning ports 56a to 56d, and if there is a winning, a payout request command corresponding to each. Is transmitted to the launch / payout control circuit 126. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S10.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The main CPU 66 generates a clock pulse every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds), and executes the following system timer interrupt process in response to this. The system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S41, a process for saving each register is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for saving values used in the program being executed stored in each register (storage area) of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S42.

  In step S42, the system timer monitoring timer value is incremented by one. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of incrementing the value of the system timer monitoring timer stored in the main RAM 70 by one. The system timer monitoring timer is a monitoring timer for executing a predetermined process (such as a special symbol control process) on the condition that the timer interrupt process is started a predetermined number of times (three times). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S43.

  In step S43, random number update processing is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 performs a process of updating a random number value such as a jackpot determination random number counter stored in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S44.

  In step S44, an input port reading process is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for reading detection signals from the respective ports. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S46.

  In step S46, a switch input detection process is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 detects a detection signal from each switch such as the count switch 104, the general winning opening switches 106 and 108, the passing gate switches 114 and 115, the start winning opening switch 116, and the like in each predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Process to store data. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, processing for restoring each register is performed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 performs processing for restoring the values saved in step S42 to the respective registers. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

In step S49, an interrupt permission process is performed. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, and the address before the interruption is restored.
Ends this subroutine.

[Special symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S14 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S81 indicate control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Will be executed and the special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

  Note that in steps S72 to S81, which will be described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag, as will be described later. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S72 to step S81 to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined in accordance with a waiting time timer set for each step. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

  In step S73, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management to the control state flag when the control state flag is the value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management. Set the waiting time after confirmation (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S74 is executed after the waiting time after determination has elapsed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S74.

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. When the main CPU 66 is a jackpot, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the jackpot start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S81. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S75.

  In step S75, a jackpot start interval management process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 has a value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, the main winning prize port 39 read from the main ROM 68 is displayed. Is stored in the main RAM 70. Then, in the process of step S19 in FIG. 9, the main CPU 66 reads data for opening the big prize opening 39 stored in the main RAM 70, and sends a signal for opening the big prize opening 39 to the big prize opening solenoid. 120. As described above, the main CPU 66 and the like perform opening / closing control of the special winning opening 39. That is, one round game in which a predetermined advantageous gaming state (a gaming state from the open state where the big winning opening 39 easily accepts the game ball to the closed state where the big winning opening 39 hardly accepts the game ball) is provided a plurality of times. A jackpot game that may be repeated is executed. Further, the game advantageous to the player may be that a variable winning device that can be opened and closed such as the big winning opening 39 is opened.

  Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened in the control state flag, and sets the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S78. Further, the main CPU 66 assigns a predetermined number (for example, “15”) to the round number display counter in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

  In step S77, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the special prize opening number counter when the control status flag is a value (05) indicating the waiting time management before the big prize opening reopening and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. The memory is updated so that “1” is increased. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S78. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S78.

  In step S78, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU 66 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more, and the opening upper limit time ( It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the big prize opening time timer is “0” is satisfied. The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 39 when any of the conditions is satisfied. Then, it is determined whether or not a condition that the special winning opening opening number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum winning opening opening number (the final round) is satisfied. When this condition is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval elapses, the setting of step S80 is performed. On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating the waiting time management before reopening the big winning opening to the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S77 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, jackpot end interval processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the value (07) indicating the end of the special symbol game to the control state when the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S81. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a probability change flag in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 when the probability change state is entered. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time reduction state flag in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 and sets 100 as the time reduction number when the time reduction state is entered. Details of the jackpot end interval process will be described later with reference to FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S81.

  In step S81, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 66 updates the memory (starting storage information) indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol so as to decrease by “1”. To do. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a start memory number designation command indicating that the start memory information is decreased by “1” in a predetermined storage area in the main RAM 70. Then, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the jackpot determination result is out of order when it is not in the jackpot gaming state. By setting “07” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S81 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the big hit gaming state, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Furthermore, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “04” and “05”, thereby performing the processing of steps S78 and S77 shown in FIG. Is executed at a predetermined timing, and the jackpot game is executed. When the jackpot game end condition is satisfied, “04”, “06”, and “07” are set in this order to execute the processing from step S78 to step S81 shown in FIG. 11 at a predetermined timing. The jackpot game will end.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101). If it is determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol memory check, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the control state flag is not a value indicating a special symbol memory check, this subroutine is terminated. To do.

  In step S102, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “0”. If it is determined that the data indicating the number of reserved symbols related to the special symbol is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that the data indicating the reserved number is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S104. Move.

  In step S103, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a variable for supplying a demonstration display command to the sub control circuit 200 in the main RAM 70 in order to perform a demonstration display. By transmitting this demonstration display command to the sub-control circuit 200 in the effect control command output control process of step S21 in FIG. 9, the sub-control circuit 200 displays the demo screen. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S104, a process of setting a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a value indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S105.

  In step S105, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 selects a jackpot determination value stored in the jackpot determination table. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the jackpot determination value. That is, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106. As described above, the main CPU 66 is an example of a lottery unit that performs lottery based on the passage of the game ball detected by the game ball passage detection unit (start winning prize switch 116).

  In the present embodiment, after the jackpot game ends, a large number of jackpot determination values are set in a low probability state in which a predetermined number of jackpot determination values are set for a certain range of random number values, and in a low probability state. Transition to one of the gaming states of the high probability state.

  In step S106, a symbol determination process is executed. In this process, if the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot is determined in step S105, the main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot symbol determining random value extracted at the time of starting winning, and displays the special symbol display based on the jackpot symbol determining random value. A special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the device 35 is determined, and data indicating the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109. If the jackpot is not determined to be a big win (missing), the main RAM 70 stores data indicating the special symbol determined to be the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 35.

  Note that the symbol designation command stored in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 by the process of step S106 is stopped from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S21 of FIG. Supplied as

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a special symbol variation pattern command from the variation pattern table stored in the main ROM 68 based on the special symbol determined in step S106. Specifically, a special symbol variation pattern command corresponding to the special symbol determined in step S106 is selected and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70.

  The special symbol variation pattern command for effect stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S21 in FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

  In step S110, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern for production in a waiting time timer is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the variation time corresponding to the effect variation pattern determined by the process of step S109 from the table, and stores a value indicating the variation time in the waiting time timer. Then, a process of clearing the storage area in which the jackpot determination random number value used for the current variation display is stored is executed (step S111). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Sub control main processing]
The sub control main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1510, initialization processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 reads the activation program from the program ROM 208 and initializes and sets a flag stored in the work RAM 210 in response to power-on. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1520.

  In step S1520, random number update processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating the random number stored in the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1530.

  In step S1530, command analysis control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for analyzing commands received from the main control circuit 60 and stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 210. Specifically, when a reception command is received from the main control circuit 60, the command data is read. For example, in the case of a variation pattern designation command, a process of selecting an effect block based on the effect block distribution table is performed. If the command is a derived symbol designation command, data corresponding to the designated derived symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to step S1540.

  In step S1540, effect control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs effect control other than the effects of the image display system, the sound output system, the lamp system, and the button system, for example, drive control processing of the movable accessory 600. If this process ends, the process moves to step S1550.

  In step S1550, display control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for display on the liquid crystal display device 32 to the display control circuit 250. In the display control circuit 250, the VDP 212 receives various image data such as background image data, effect image data, and fluctuating speed setting image data based on data for displaying the effect image from the sub CPU 206. And are superimposed on each other and displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. The display control process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1560.

  In step S1560, sound control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for outputting sound to the sound control circuit 230. The sound control circuit 230 reads various sound data such as music data, sound effect data, and voice data from the sound data ROM 234 based on the data for outputting the sound from the sub CPU 206, superimposes the sound, and uses the AMP 236. Amplified and output from the speaker 46. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1570.

  In step S1570, lamp control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for lighting the lamp to the drive circuit 240 in this process. The drive circuit 240 reads various lighting pattern data from the decoration data ROM 244 based on the data for lighting the lamp from the sub CPU 206 and lights the lamp 132. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1580.

  In step S1580, SOL control processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for driving the restriction solenoid 84 to the drive circuit 240 in this process. The drive circuit 240 drives the regulating solenoids 84 and 550 based on data for driving data from the sub CPU 206. Details of this processing will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to step S1510.

[Sub control command reception interrupt processing]
The sub control command reception interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1610, a process for saving the register is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of saving the program being executed stored in each register (storage area). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1620.

  In step S1620, the input command is stored in the reception buffer. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of storing the input command in the reception buffer area of the work RAM 210. In this process, the stored command is analyzed in the process of step S1530 in FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1630.

  In step S1630, a process for restoring the register is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for restoring the program saved in step S1610 to each register. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Further, the sub CPU 206 may interrupt the sub main control process and execute the timer interrupt process even when the sub control main process is being executed. The sub CPU 206 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period, and executes the following timer interrupt process in response to this. The timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1640, a process for saving each register is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for saving values used in the program being executed stored in each register (storage area) of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1650.

  In step S1650, timer update processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of updating the timer value stored in the work RAM 210. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S1660.

  In step S1660, switch input detection processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 detects the operation button SW 84 for detecting the pressing of the operation button 80, that is, the detection signal from the left button SW 84a, the middle button SW 84b, the right button SW 84c, and the pressing of the effect button 500. Processing for detecting a detection signal from the effect button SW 540 is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1670.

  In step S1670, reel control processing is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 can perform a stop operation during automatic stop control for automatically stopping the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c (see FIG. 19) that are variably displayed, or by pressing the operation button 80. Depending on whether control is in progress, the number of sliding symbols is determined, and the symbol display data corresponding to the number of sliding symbols is set in the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1680.

  In step S1680, effect content determination processing is performed. In this process, the sub CPU 206 performs effect content determination processing for determining effect content using the operation button 80 and the effect button 500. The effect content determination process will be described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1690.

  In step S1690, processing for restoring each register is performed. In this processing, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for restoring the value saved in step S1640 to each register. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[SOL control processing]
The SOL control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 1710, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the operation button SW 84 has detected that the operation button 80 has been pressed. If it is determined that the operation button SW 84 has detected that the operation button 80 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1720. If the operation button SW 84 does not determine that the operation button 80 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1770.

  In step S <b> 1720, the sub CPU 206 performs processing to determine whether or not the pressed state flag corresponding to the operation button 80 that has detected the pressed operation is on. If it is determined that the pressed state flag corresponding to the operation button 80 that has detected the pressed operation is ON, the process proceeds to step S1730. If it is not determined that the pressed state flag corresponding to the operation button 80 that detected the pressed operation is ON, the process proceeds to step S1750.

  In step S <b> 1730, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for transmitting a command for driving the restriction solenoid 85 to the drive circuit 240 so that the operation button 80 that has detected the pressing operation is not pressed. The drive circuit 240 that has received this command is driven so that the regulating solenoid 85 is in the state shown in FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1740.

  In step S <b> 1740, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting the pressed state flag corresponding to the operation button 80 that detected the pressed operation to OFF. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S <b> 1750, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for transmitting a command for driving the restriction solenoid 85 to the drive circuit 240 so that the operation button 80 that has detected the pressing operation is in the pressed state. The drive circuit 240 that has received this command is driven so that the regulating solenoid 85 is in the state shown in FIG. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1760.

  In step S <b> 1760, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting the pressed state flag corresponding to the operation button 80 that has detected the pressed operation to ON. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S <b> 1770, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the effect button SW has detected a pressing operation of the effect button 500. If it is determined that the effect button SW has detected that the effect button 500 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1780. If it is not determined that the effect button SW has detected that the effect button 500 has been pressed, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S1780, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the effect button pressing state flag stored in the work RAM 210 is on. If it is determined that the effect button pressed state flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1790. If it is not determined that the effect button pressed state flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1810.

  In step S <b> 1790, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of transmitting a command for driving the restriction solenoid 540 of the effect button 500 to the drive circuit 240 so that the effect button 500 is not pressed. In the drive circuit 240 that has received this command, the restriction solenoid 540 is driven so that the effect button 500 protrudes. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1800.

  In step S <b> 1800, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting the effect button pressing state flag to OFF. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S <b> 1810, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for transmitting a command for driving the restriction solenoid 540 of the effect button 500 to the drive circuit 240 so that the effect button 500 is pressed. In the drive circuit 240 that has received this command, the restriction solenoid 540 is driven so that the effect button 500 is pulled. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1820.

  In step S1820, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting the effect button pressing state flag to ON. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. As described above, the sub CPU 206 controls the restriction of the operation of the operation means (the operation button 80 and the effect button 500) and the restriction release by the movable means (the restriction solenoids 85 and 550) based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition. It is an example of the movable control means which performs.

[Production content decision processing]
The effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1910, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the execution of the block control for executing the effect block selected in step S1530 in FIG. 13 has started. If it is determined that the block control has been started, the process proceeds to step S1920. If it is not determined that the block control has been started, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S1920, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining a winning combination with reference to a winning combination sorting table stored in the program ROM. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S1930.

  In step S1930, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for determining whether or not the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c are in automatic stop control. If it is determined that the automatic stop has occurred, the process proceeds to step S1940. If not determined to be automatic stop, the process proceeds to step S1950.

  In step S1940, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting automatic stop control data corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S1910. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S <b> 1950, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the effect uses the effect button 500. If it is determined that the effect is to use the effect button 500, the process proceeds to step S1960. If it is not determined that the effect uses the effect button 500, the process proceeds to step S1980.

  In step S1960, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the effect button pressing flag is on. If it is determined to be on, this subroutine is terminated. If not determined to be on, the process proceeds to step S1970.

  In step S1970, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting data for turning off the effect button pressing flag in the work RAM 210. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S 1980, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the operation is performed using the operation buttons 80. If it is determined that the operation is performed using the operation button 80, the process proceeds to step S1990. If it is not determined that the operation is performed using the operation button 80, the process proceeds to step S2000.

  In step S1990, the sub CPU 206 performs an operation button effect process. This process will be described later. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S2000, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for setting stop control data corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S1910. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Operation button production process]
The operation button effect processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S2110, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of setting a predetermined value (for example, 3) in a storage area that functions as a stop button movable control counter of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to step S2120.

  In step S2120, the sub CPU 206 determines whether any one of the operation button pressing state flags stored in the work RAM 210, that is, the left button pressing state flag, the middle button pressing state flag, or the right button pressing state flag is on. Processing to determine is performed. If it is determined that any one of the operation button pressing state flags is on, the process proceeds to step S2130. If it is not determined that any one of the operation button pressing state flags is on, the process proceeds to step S2150.

  In step S2130, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of transmitting a command for driving the restriction solenoid 85 to the drive circuit 240 so that the operation button is pressed. The drive circuit 240 that has received this command drives the restriction solenoid 85 to press the operation button. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S2140.

  In step S <b> 2140, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for turning off the stop button pressing state flag that is currently on in the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S2170.

  In step S2150, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of transmitting a command for driving the restriction solenoid 85 to the drive circuit 240 so that the operation button is not pressed. The drive circuit 240 that has received this command drives the restriction solenoid 85 to put the operation button in a non-pressed state. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S2160.

  In step S2160, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of turning on the stop button pressing state flag that is currently turned off in the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S2170.

  In step S2170, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the stop button movable control counter of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S2180.

  In step S2180, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for determining whether or not the time limit has elapsed based on the value of a predetermined storage area of the work RAM 210 that functions as the time limit timer. If it is not determined that the time limit has elapsed, this subroutine is terminated if it is determined that the time limit for shifting the processing to step S2190 has elapsed.

  In step S2190, the sub CPU 206 performs a process of determining whether or not the value of the stop button movable control counter of the work RAM 210 is zero. If it is not determined that the value of the movable control counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S2120. If it is determined that the value of the movable control counter is 0, this subroutine is terminated.

[Description of display screen]
The display screen will be described with reference to FIGS. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, three rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c constituting the pseudo slot machine are displayed. Here, among the three rotating reel images 93a, 93b, 93c, in particular, the left rotating reel image 93a is the left reel image 93a, the central rotating reel image 93b is the middle reel image 93b, and the right rotating reel image 93c is the right reel image. It may be called 93c. In the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c, a plurality of (for example, 21) decorative symbols 94 are determined in a predetermined display order. Specifically, as the type of each symbol, each symbol of red 7, blue 7, white 7, BAR, watermelon, bell, red cherry, blue cherry or replay is arranged. When the sub CPU 206 receives a start winning command based on the winning detection of the start winning port switch 116 from the main control circuit 60, the three rotary reel images 93a, 93b, 93c are rotated from top to bottom. The three consecutive decorative symbols 94 are stopped and displayed in each of the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c. That is, the decorative symbols 94 are visually recognized by the player in a state of being arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix.

  The left button 93a corresponds to the left reel image 93a, the middle button 80b corresponds to the middle reel image 93b, and the right button 80c corresponds to the right reel image 93c. When the automatic stop control is not being performed, the left button 80a and the middle button 80b are provided. By the stop operation of the right button 80c, the left reel image 93a, the middle reel image 93b, and the right reel image 93c are stopped and displayed. Then, when the display is stopped in a state where three specific decorative symbols 94, for example, “7” are arranged in any of the three horizontal rows and the two diagonal rows, it is notified that the game is shifted to the big hit game. In addition, in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a notification image 95 that notifies the winning combination is displayed.

  During the automatic stop control, the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c are automatically changed and stopped regardless of the operation of the operation button 80. When the automatic stop control is not being performed, the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c are stopped and displayed based on the operation of the operation button 80. Further, the position of the operation button 80 is switched when the operation button SW 84 is turned on by the operation of the operation button 80. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, it is assumed that all the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c are variably displayed and the operation buttons 80 protrude from the main body frame 12. At this time, the left button 80a is pressed, the left button SW 84a transmits a detection signal to the sub CPU 206, and the sub CPU 206 performs control to stop and display the rotating reel image 93a based on the detection signal. At this time, the sub CPU 206 performs drive control of the restriction solenoid 85, and positions the engagement position between the restriction plate 82 and the restriction piece 86 on the far side as shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 20, the left button 80a is moved into the recess 12a and maintained in a state of being pulled into the main body frame 12. Similarly, when the middle button 80b and the right button 80c are pressed to stop and display the rotating reel images 93b and 93c, the middle button 80b and the right button 80c are maintained in the state of being pulled into the main body frame 12. When the operation of the rotary reel images 93a, 93b, 93c is performed while the operation button 80 is pulled into the main body frame 12, the operated operation button 80 is maintained in a state of protruding from the main body frame 12. . In this way, the sub CPU 206 uses the first effect display (variable display) as the display mode displayed by the effect display means (the liquid crystal display device 32) based on the detection signal from the operation detection means (start winning port switch 116). ) To the second effect display (stop display). Further, the sub CPU 206 performs control for variably displaying the decorative symbol on the effect display means (the liquid crystal display device 32) based on the passage of the game ball detected by the game ball passage detecting means (start winning port switch 116). In addition, a decorative design is displayed on the basis of a detection signal from an operation detection means by an operation of any one of a plurality of operation means (left button 80a, middle button 80b, right button 80c). It is an example of a display control means for performing control to stop display on the means. Further, the sub CPU 206 controls driving of the driving means (restricting solenoid 85) based on the detection signal from the operation detecting means (operation button SW 84), whereby the holding member (restricting plate 82) and the locking member (restriction). This is an example of the movable control means that engages the piece 86) and holds the position of the pressed button member (operation button 80).

  FIG. 21 to FIG. 24 show the operation of the operation buttons in the special effect. First, as shown in FIG. 21, after starting the variable display of the rotating reel images 93a, 93b, 93c, the left button 80a, By performing the operation of the middle button 80b and the right button 80c three times, the rotation reel images 93a, 93b, and 93c are stopped and displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, when a notification image 95 indicating that a watermelon is a winning combination is displayed, the left button 80a is maintained in a pressed state by pressing the left button 80a three times in succession. Here, when the “watermelon” is pressed at least once at the time when it is stopped and displayed three times, the rotating reel image 93a including the watermelon is stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. Thereafter, similarly, as shown in FIG. 22, by pressing the middle button 80b and the right button 80c three times each, the pressing is performed at the timing when “watermelon” is stopped and displayed at least once in the three pressings. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 23, the display is stopped so that the watermelons are aligned. Further, if the “watermelon” is not pressed at the timing when it is stopped and displayed, the watermelon is displayed so as not to be aligned as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, if the player does not switch to the pressed state in the operation of the operation button 80, the player can increase the chance to stop displaying the specific decorative symbol 94 by continuously pressing the operation button 80. The operation of pressing the button 80 can be enjoyed. Thus, by controlling the operation button 80 to be pressed in accordance with the number of times the operation button 80 is pressed or the elapse of the time limit, the number of times the operation button 80 can be pressed and the time when the operation button 80 is pressed can be said. It is possible to give a sense of tension.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of an effect using the effect button 500. When the rotating reel image 93 fluctuates and is stopped and displayed, three specific decorative symbols 94, for example, watermelons are aligned on the active line. Then, a display that allows the player to select a reach effect is performed. Specifically, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a character image 96 that prompts an operation of the effect button 500 “Press the button!”, Three types of character images 97 indicating the types of reach effects, and three types of characters. A cursor image 98 is displayed so as to surround any of the images 96 and to sequentially switch the enclosed character images 96. That is, the sub CPU 206 transmits data for displaying an effect image for selecting the reach effect shown in FIG. 25 to the display control circuit 250. The display control circuit 250 performs processing for selecting data based on data from the sub CPU 206 from a plurality of types of effect data and displaying the data on the liquid crystal display device 32. As described above, the sub CPU 206 selects the effect data from the plurality of effect data stored in the effect data storage means based on the result of the lottery by the lottery means (main CPU 66), and produces the effect on the effect display means. It is an example of the display control means which performs control to display.

  Further, the light emitting element built in the effect button 500 is caused to emit light, and the restriction solenoid 550 (see FIG. 7) is driven to release the engagement state between the restriction plate 520 and the restriction piece 560. As a result, when the effect button 500 is pulled into the main body frame 12, the effect button 500 comes out of the main body frame 12. When the player presses the effect button 500, the cursor image 98 is stopped and displayed on one of the three types of character images 97, and the reach effect corresponding to the character image 97 on which the cursor image 98 is stopped is executed. The In this way, the sub CPU 206 controls the movable means (the restriction solenoid 540) based on the presentation data selected by the display control means (sub CPU 206) (effect data for allowing the player to select a reach presentation). It is an example of a means.

  On the other hand, in the effect button 500, when the effect button SW 540 outputs a detection signal, the restriction solenoid 550 (see FIG. 7) is driven, and the restriction plate 520 and the restriction piece 560 are engaged. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the effect button 500 is maintained in a state of being drawn into the main body frame 12. When the player does not press the effect button 500, the cursor image 97 is automatically stopped and displayed, and the reach effect corresponding to the character image 96 where the cursor image 97 is stopped is executed. On the other hand, in the effect button 500, when the cursor image 97 stops, the restriction solenoid 550 (see FIG. 7) is driven to engage the restriction plate 520 with the restriction piece 560. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, the effect button 500 is maintained in a state of protruding from the main body frame 12 and in a state where the effect button 500 cannot be pressed.

  Therefore, when a specific condition is satisfied, the player can perform an effect with an impact because the effect button 500 protrudes from the main body frame 12 and moves. The willingness to operate the production button 500 can be aroused. Furthermore, since the production button 500 protrudes, it becomes possible to have the interactive property of hitting the popping button.

  The operation button 80 and its peripheral configuration described above and the effect button 500 and its peripheral configuration are merely examples for explaining the present embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the operation button 80 may be provided with a mechanism that restricts the movement of the effect button 500 shown in FIG. 7, and conversely, the effect button 500 is provided with a mechanism that restricts the movement of the operation button 80 shown in FIG. Also good.

  Note that the effects using the operation buttons 80 and the effect buttons 500 described above are merely examples for explaining the present embodiment. For this reason, it can also be used for other effects. For example, as an effect using the operation button 80 having the mechanism shown in FIG. 7, the left button 80a, the middle button 80b, and the right button 80c corresponding to the left reel image 93a, the middle reel image 93b, and the right reel image 93c are pressed and stopped. In the production to be performed, usually, if the second pressing operation is performed, the third is locked in the pressed state, but if all the operation buttons 80 can be pressed without being locked, the jackpot reliability is high. You may give game nature.

  Further, in the effect button 500 having the mechanism shown in FIG. 5, the control is held in the pressed state when pressed once, and is returned to the non-pressed state when pressed again, so that the rotation reel image 93 in the pressed state is controlled. Points are accumulated by the number of times of change, and when the player re-presses or returns to the non-pressed state by the control of the sub CPU 206, the points are consumed, so that a reach effect with high jackpot reliability can appear, or during a jackpot game A special performance may appear.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control means (sub CPU 206) controls the movable means (regulator solenoids 85, 550) based on the fact that a predetermined condition is satisfied. As a result, when the movable means is moved, the operation means is restricted or released. Therefore, for example, when the operation means (the operation button 80, the effect button 500) is restricted in a pressed state. An effect with a high visual effect that the operating means protrudes and can be pressed by releasing the regulation, or an impacting effect that restricts the operation of the operating means while the player is operating the operating means. be able to. Thus, in the gaming machine provided with the effect button, the effect of the effect can be greatly improved.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of operation means (left button 80a, middle button 80b, right button 80c) are provided, a combination of operation of a plurality of operation means and restriction and release of a plurality of operation means. By doing so, it becomes possible to perform more various productions. For example, from among a plurality of operation means, the operation means used for stopping and displaying the decorative symbol is specified, or the operation means that is the target of the stop operation is projected so that the operation means used for the stop operation cannot be operated. It becomes possible to do. Thus, in the gaming machine provided with the effect button, the effect of the effect can be greatly improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the movable control means (sub CPU 206) controls the locking member based on the detection signals from the operation detection means (operation button SW84, effect button SW540), thereby controlling the button member ( The operation button 80 and the effect button 500) are held. Thus, even if the player is troublesome to operate the button member, the operation detecting means maintains the state in which the pressing operation of the button member is detected, so that the operation of the button member is less likely to be troublesome. At the same time, the choices of the pressing operation by the player can be increased, so that the interest in the game can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, based on the lottery result by the lottery means (main CPU 66), the effect data is selected and selected from the plurality of effect data stored in the effect data storage means (image data ROM 216). Based on the effect data, the movable means (restricting solenoids 85 and 550) are controlled. As a result, the success or failure of the movable means varies depending on the selected presentation data. For example, when the presentation data with a high expectation level for big hits is selected, the movable means is controlled to further improve the presentation effect. Can be made.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the restriction of the operation means (left button 80a, middle button 80b, right button 80c) is released, the operation means is moved and the position of the operation means is changed. The production effect can be improved, and the production effect can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine called a seven machine or a digipachi has been taken as an example. It may be a pachinko gaming machine provided with both a pachinko gaming machine referred to as “Hanemono” and a pachinko gaming machine referred to as “Hanemono”.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. That is, the present invention mainly includes a game board having a game area in which a game ball can roll, a game ball passage detection means provided on the game board for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the game ball passage detection. Based on the fact that the passing of the game ball is detected by the means, a lottery means for performing lottery, an effect display means for displaying effects related to the lottery result by the lottery means, an operating means operated by the player, and the operation An operation detection means for outputting a detection signal by operation of the means, and a display mode displayed by the effect display means based on the detection signal from the operation detection means, from the first effect display to the second effect display. Display control means for performing switching control, movable means for restricting and releasing movement of the operation means by the player's operation, and based on the fact that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the movable means And a movable control means for controlling the operation of the operation means and controlling the release of the restriction. A game board, a game ball passage detection means, a lottery means, an effect display means, an operation Specific configurations of the means, the operation detection means, the display control means, the movable means, the movable control means, and the like can be appropriately changed.

  It should be noted that the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 14 Game board 25 Start port 26 Launch handle 27 Launch stop button 32 Liquid crystal display device 33 Normal symbol display 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d Special symbol hold display LED
35 Special symbol display 39 Grand prize opening 40 Shutter 48 Ordinary electric accessory 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
68 Main ROM
70 Main RAM
80 Operation buttons 84 Operation button SW
85 Regulating solenoid 104 Count switch 106, 108, 110, 112 General winning opening switch 116 Starting winning opening switch 118 Starting opening solenoid 120 Large winning opening solenoid 126 Launching / dispensing control circuit 130 Launching device 200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM
216 Image data ROM
240 Drive control circuit 250 Display control circuit 500 Effect button 540 Effect button SW
550 Regulatory solenoid

Claims (1)

A game board having a game area in which a game ball can roll;
A game ball passage detecting means provided on the game board for detecting the passage of the game ball;
Lottery means for performing a lottery based on the passage of the game ball detected by the game ball passage detection means;
Effect display means for effect display related to the lottery result by the lottery means;
Operation means operated by a player;
Operation detection means for outputting a detection signal by operation of the operation means;
Display control means for performing control to switch the display mode displayed by the effect display means from the first effect display to the second effect display based on a detection signal from the operation detection means;
As a position at which a player can operate the operation means, a pressed position, a non-pressed position that protrudes from the pressed position and is longer than the pressed position by a movement distance until detected by the operation detecting means, Maintaining means for maintaining the operating means in any of the above,
When the operation means is maintained at the non-pressed position, the operation means is maintained at the pressed position by the maintenance means based on detection of a player operating the operation means. A gaming machine characterized by that.

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