JP2017221589A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enhancing an interest in games or preventing a decrease in an interest in games by executing a predetermined performance based on a measurement result relating to the number of acquired balls.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a discharge calculation part 221 for calculating the number of discharge balls as a total of game balls discharged from a game area; a putout calculation part 223 for calculating the number of putout balls as a total of winning balls put out following entry into a winning hole provided in the game area; a performance control part 210 for executing a predetermined performance based on the difference number of balls for indicating a difference between the calculated number of discharge balls and the number of putout balls; and a first deletion part 225 for deleting one portion of the game information stored in a RAM 202 with execution of a first operation on power-on as an opportunity. The RAM 202 holds ball number information for indicating at least one of the number of discharge balls, the number of putout balls, and the difference number of balls in deletion by the first deletion part 225.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines represented by pachinko gaming machines perform effects such as informing the number of acquired balls based on game balls acquired in a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit game). The following patent document 1 is illustrated as this type of gaming machine.

  Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine that can execute a first jackpot game in which a large number of acquired balls can be expected and a second jackpot game in which the number of acquired balls is substantially zero or a small amount. Yes. The gaming machine is configured to notify the number of acquired balls during execution of the first jackpot game, but does not notify the number of acquired balls during execution of the second jackpot game machine. This is because even if the number of acquired balls of a big hit game in which the number of acquired balls cannot be expected is reported, there is a possibility that the interest of the player may be reduced.

JP 2010-51759 A

  The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 controls the presence / absence of notification related to the number of acquired balls based on the type of jackpot game with a different number of acquired balls, but considers the game history since the player started the game It is not necessarily included in the content, so it does not necessarily reflect the player's situation at the time of the performance, and there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving the game entertainment or preventing the fall of the game entertainment .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that executes a predetermined effect based on a measurement result related to the number of acquired balls to improve the game entertainment or prevent the game entertainment from being lowered. .

  According to the present invention, a gaming machine that plays a game by driving game balls into a game area formed on the game board, and calculates the number of discharged balls that is the total number of game balls discharged from the game area. A discharge calculating means; a payout calculating means for calculating a payout ball number that is a total of the number of winning balls to be paid out in accordance with winning in a winning opening provided in the game area; and the discharge calculated by the discharge calculating means. Effect control means for executing a predetermined effect based on a difference ball number representing a difference between the number of balls and the number of payout balls calculated by the payout calculation means, and the number of discharged balls and the number of payout balls, or A storage device storing game information including ball number information indicating at least one of the difference ball numbers, and the game information stored in the storage device when the first operation is performed when the power is turned on. First erase to erase part And means, a gaming machine in which the cell count information during erasing by the first erase means, characterized in that it is held in the storage device is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the predetermined effect based on the measurement result regarding the number of acquired balls is performed, and the game machine which aims at the improvement of game entertainment or the fall of game entertainment is provided.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the game board installed in a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol display apparatus arrange | positioned in a gaming machine. It is an overhead view which shows the operation button group with which a game machine is provided, and its periphery. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is an example of the image displayed on an effect display apparatus after powering on a gaming machine. It is an example of the image displayed on an effect display apparatus after powering on a gaming machine. It is an example of the image displayed on an effect display apparatus after powering on a gaming machine. It is an example of the image displayed on an effect display apparatus after powering on a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows one specific example of a predetermined | prescribed effect. It is a figure which shows one specific example of a predetermined | prescribed effect. It is a figure which shows one specific example of a predetermined | prescribed effect. It is a figure which shows one specific example of a predetermined | prescribed effect. It is a figure which shows one specific example of a predetermined | prescribed effect. It is a figure which shows one specific example of a predetermined | prescribed effect. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a process at the time of starting opening | mouth entrance. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a process at the time of an out ball | bowl detection. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a symbol variation start process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” refer to the gaming machine 10 on the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. ) Shall be designated in the state seen from.

<About the outline of the gaming machine 10>
First, an outline of the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 or FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the game board 50 disposed in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine that plays a game ball in a game area formed on the game board 50, and includes a discharge calculation means, a payout calculation means, an effect control means, and a storage An apparatus and first erasing means.

The discharge calculation means is a means for calculating the number of discharged balls, which is the total number of game balls discharged from the game area. In FIG. 7, a discharge calculation unit 221 is illustrated as the discharge calculation means.
Here, the game area is an area upstream of the position where the discharge ball is detected, where the game ball can flow down or roll. In FIG. 2, a game area 50 a provided in front of the game board 50 is illustrated as the game area.
Here, the “position where the discharge ball is detected” is a detection range of the out port switch SW9, and more specifically, the game ball can flow down or roll and is at least downstream of the out port 69. It is an area.
In addition, the flow path (not shown) provided in the side of the out port 69 which concerns on this embodiment merges with each flow path (not shown) from which the game ball which entered the winning prize port flows down. The outlet switch SW9 is provided on the downstream side of the junction of these flow paths. Therefore, the out port switch SW9 can detect not only the game balls discharged from the out port 69 but also the game balls that have entered the all winning ports provided in the game area 50a. That is, the number of discharged balls calculated by the discharge calculating unit 221 can be regarded as being equal to the total number of all game balls that have been driven into the game area 50a.

The payout calculating means calculates the number of payout balls, which is the sum of the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with winning in a winning opening provided in the game area. In FIG. 7, a payout calculating unit 223 is illustrated as the payout calculating means.
Each time a game ball is detected by a count switch (count switch SW1 or the like) provided on the side of each winning mouth, the payout calculating means counts the number of winning balls assigned to the winning mouth corresponding to the detected count switch. Can be sequentially calculated. Here, the number of paid-out balls is, in other words, the total number of winning balls acquired in accordance with the winnings relating to the game played by the gaming machine 10.

The effect control means executes a predetermined effect based on the difference ball number representing the difference between the number of discharged balls calculated by the discharge calculating means and the number of payout balls calculated by the payout calculating means. In FIG. 7, the effect control part 210 is illustrated as an effect control means.
Here, the difference in the number of balls is the difference between the number of discharged balls and the number of paid-out balls calculated as described above. In other words, it is the balance of game balls, and if the number of discharged balls is larger, it is lost. It can be said that it is a situation that is not preferable for the player because there are a lot of game balls. If the number of payout balls is larger, it can be said that this is a preferable situation for the player because there are many acquired game balls.

  Game information is stored in the storage device. Here, the game information is information used to control a game or an effect related to the game by the gaming machine 10, and includes ball number information indicating at least one of the number of discharged balls and the number of balls to be paid out or the number of difference balls. It is out. In FIG. 7, a RAM 202 is illustrated as a storage device.

The first erasure means erases part of the game information stored in the storage device when the first operation is performed when the power is turned on. Further, the ball number information is held in the storage device at the time of erasing by the first erasing means.
Here, the first erasing means is a functional configuration that realizes a process of clearing a part of the game information stored in the RAM 202. In FIG. 7, a first erasing unit 225 is illustrated as the first erasing means.
Here, the first operation is a specific operation that triggers the processing, for example, pressing a RAM clear switch SW10 provided on the main control board 100. When the RAM clear switch SW10 is pressed when the power is turned on, the RAM clear unit 112 deletes the data stored in the RAM 102 and generates a RAM clear signal to transmit the sub control board 200 via the information transmission unit 110. Transmit to. When receiving the RAM clear signal, the first erasing unit 225 clears a part of the game information stored in the RAM 202.
Here, “the first operation is being performed when the power is turned on” can be said in other words that the power is turned on while the first operation is being performed. Note that the RAM clear switch SW10 that receives the first operation according to the present embodiment is provided on the main control board 100, but the board that receives the first operation is not necessarily limited to the main control board 100, and may be another board. May be.

With the configuration as described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment can execute a predetermined effect more in line with the player's feelings in view of the balance of the game balls. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the gaming interest and prevent the deterioration compared to conventional gaming machines.
Hereinafter, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the symbol display device 90 disposed in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 4 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation button group provided in the gaming machine 10 and its surroundings.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens forward and backward, and a middle frame (not shown) that holds the game board 50 detachably on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15. And a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side of the game board 50 (medium frame).

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported on the left end side by a hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23.
The front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 disposed so as to cover the game area 50 a, and the game area 50 a and the game board 50 are transparently protected by the transparent member 25.
The front frame 20 includes an upper ball receiving tray 27 and a lower ball receiving tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball receiving tray 27 and the lower ball receiving tray 29 are provided integrally with the front frame 20 so as to be vertically separated.
The front frame 20 is provided with an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29 so that the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a by rotating the operation handle 31. It has become.

A pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34 and 36 of the front frame 20 are formed by a light-transmitting cover, and lighting devices 35 (35a, 35b, and 35c) are disposed therein. Yes. The speaker 33 and the illuminating device 35 can output sound or can be turned on or off in conjunction with effects or error notifications that occur during the game.
The front frame 20 is provided with a push button 37 at the front portion of the upper ball tray 27. The push button 37 can accept a player's operation to switch the effects generated during the game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 by the player.

  Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball removal mechanism 39 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating the ball removing mechanism 39, a bottom surface opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the bottom surface opening.

The effect display device 80 is disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50. The effect display device 80 can display various effects including changes in effect symbols. Here, the “production symbol” is a symbol displayed on the production display device 80 in order to further enhance the interest of the game in the gaming machine 10, and is specifically composed of numbers, pictures, or a combination thereof. .
In general, the player of the gaming machine 10 is intrigued by the fluctuating effect of the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device 80, and the effect display device 80 is arranged at a position that is easily visible to the player. ing.
As the effect display device 80, a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel is housed in a housing case is generally adopted. However, the display device 80 is not limited to this, and various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type are used. Can be adopted.

  In the effect display device 80, an effect symbol is displayed in the approximate center of the display area, and an effect symbol is also displayed on each of the left and right sides of the effect symbol. That is, the effect display device 80 displays effect symbols on “left”, “middle”, and “right”, respectively, and the displayed effect symbols form one or more columns. By scrolling these effect symbols, the effect symbols are variably displayed in the display area of the effect display device 80.

The symbol display device 90 is disposed at a position that is less visible to the player than the effect display device 80, such as the lower right side of the effect display device 80. Further, the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the effect display device 80.
The symbol display device 90 includes a plurality of lamps arranged, and shows various information depending on the arrangement of the lamps that emit light. In this embodiment, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) is used for the lamp. The symbol display device 90 in the present embodiment includes a first special symbol display device 91, a second special symbol display device 92, and a normal symbol display device 93.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first special symbol display device 91 is composed of eight LEDs and is located on the left side of the second special symbol display device 92. The second special symbol display device 92 is composed of eight LEDs and is located on the right side of the first special symbol display device 91. The first special symbol display device 91 and the second special symbol display device 92 display the lottery result (special symbol) of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol by the light emission pattern of the LED.
The normal symbol display device 93 is a lottery result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol (ordinary symbol) by the number of light emission patterns of the LEDs (eg, two) less than the first special symbol display device 91 and the second special symbol display device 92. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display device 90 includes LEDs that are not used for the display of the first special symbol display device 91, the second special symbol display device 92, and the normal symbol display device 93. In addition to the lottery results of the symbol variation game related to the symbol and the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol, information such as the number of random numbers held and the number of rounds of the jackpot game can be displayed.

Here, the “special symbol” is a general term for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.
The “first special symbol” refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the first special symbol display device 91, or a symbol (LED light emission pattern) that can be displayed on the first special symbol display device 91.
The “second special symbol” refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the second special symbol display device 92 or a symbol (LED light emission pattern) that can be displayed on the second special symbol display device 92.
The first special symbol may be abbreviated as “special symbol 1”, and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as “special symbol 2”. The special symbol may be abbreviated as “special symbol”.
In addition, here, the “symbol changing game related to the special symbol” is to indicate a lottery result (a winning / winning lottery result) for releasing the special electric accessory 65 or the special electric accessory 66 (so-called attacker). It means that a specific special symbol is stopped and displayed after the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is variably displayed. In this specification, “execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol” means display of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 (variation display and stop display). ) And the execution of a series of internal processes performed for the display.

Here, the “normal symbol” refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the normal symbol display device 93 or a symbol that can be displayed on the normal symbol display device 93 (light emission pattern of the LED in the normal symbol display device 93). . In the following, a normal symbol may be abbreviated as “common figure”.
In addition, the “symbol changing game related to the normal symbol” is a normal symbol display device 93 for indicating a lottery result (normal lottery result per normal symbol) for releasing the ordinary electric accessory 61 (so-called electric tulip). This means that a specific normal symbol is stopped and displayed after variably displaying. In this specification, “execution of a symbol variation game related to a normal symbol” refers to a display (variation display and stop display) of a symbol variation game related to a normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 93, and for the display. In some cases, it refers to the execution of a series of internal processes.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of lamps arranged in the symbol display device 90 are LEDs, but the type of lamp is not limited to this. The arrangement of the lamps is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and various arrangements can be adopted.

On the front surface of the game board 50, a large number of game nails (not shown), windmills 52, decorative members, and the like are arranged, so that a game area 50a is drawn so that the launched game ball rolls. It is made. Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 provided for guiding the game balls launched by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a are arranged. Has been. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 as viewed from the center of the game area 50a.
Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction in which the game ball is dropped, and is a nail-like one.

  The gaming machine 10 can increase or decrease the launch of the game ball according to the magnitude of the rotation operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operation handle 31. In addition, one of the first flow path X (so-called left-handed) in which the weakly launched game ball rolls and the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed) in which the harder launched game ball rolls are used. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls.

In the game area 50a, various winning holes (for example, a large winning hole 55) are arranged, and behind each winning hole, various switches (for example, a count switch SW7) for detecting a game ball that has entered are arranged. Has been. In the following description, “winning” means that a game ball enters a specific winning opening.
In the present embodiment, the above-described various switches are arranged at positions where the player cannot visually recognize them, and are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In FIG. 2, a main winning port 55, a large winning port 56, a first starting port 57, a second starting port 59, an operation gate 63, and a normal winning port 67 (67a, 67b) are illustrated as main winning ports. The winning award shown here is an example, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

The first start port 57 is arranged at the center lower part (below the effect display device 80) of the game area 50a, and is generally called “navel”.
A count switch SW1 that detects a game ball that has entered is disposed behind the first start port 57.
By detecting the game ball that has entered the first start port 57 with the count switch SW1, a start condition for starting the symbol variation game according to the first special symbol and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. A payout condition is given.
In the present embodiment, the game area 50a enters the first start port 57 when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X rather than when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier. That is, the first start port 57 is provided in the first flow path X mainly on the left side of the game area 50a.

The second start port 59 is arranged on the right side of the game area 50a (the lower right side of the effect display device 80), and the ordinary starter 61 is attached to the second start port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is an open / close member that switches to the second start port 59 in an open state where the game ball can be easily entered or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball. Transitions to either the open state or the closed state. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.
A count switch SW2 that detects a game ball that has entered is disposed behind the second start port 59. By detecting the game ball that has entered the second start port 59 with the count switch SW2, the start condition for the symbol variation game according to the second special symbol and the payout condition for the prize ball are given.
In the present embodiment, the game area 50a enters the second start port 59 when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, rather than when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier. That is, the second start port 59 is provided in the second flow path Y mainly on the right side of the game area 50a.

The operation gate 63 is disposed above the second start port 59 (on the right side of the effect display device 80). Behind the operation gate 63, a count switch SW4 for detecting a passed game ball is disposed. The actuating gate 63 can be given a starting condition of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol by detecting the game ball that has entered the ball with the count switch SW4.
In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the detection of the count switch SW4 is not included in the prize ball payout condition. That is, even if a game ball enters the operation gate 63 of this embodiment, the prize ball is zero.
Further, the operation gate 63 may be a so-called gate type winning opening in which the passed game ball rolls again in the game area 50a after passing. In this case, passing through the operating gate 63 may also be referred to as “entering ball” in this specification.

The big prize opening 55 is arranged on the lower left side of the second start port 59 (below the effect display device 80). In the opening portion of the big prize opening 55, a special electric accessory 65 that opens and closes by the operation of the solenoid coil SOL1 is arranged.
Behind the big winning opening 55, a count switch SW7 for detecting a game ball entered is arranged. When the count switch SW7 detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 55, a payout condition for the prize ball is given.

The big winning opening 56 is arranged below the second start opening 59 (lower right side of the effect display device 80). A special electric accessory 66 that opens and closes by the operation of the solenoid coil SOL <b> 2 is disposed in the opening of the special winning opening 56.
A count switch SW8 for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed on the side of the big winning opening 56. When the count switch SW8 detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 56, a payout condition for the prize ball is given.

The special winning opening 55 is opened by the opening operation of the special electric player 65 during the big hit game that is won in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, and accordingly, the game ball enters the special winning opening 55. Is acceptable.
The special winning opening 56 is opened by the opening operation of the special electric accessory 66 in the big hit game performed by winning in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, and accordingly, the game ball enters the special winning opening 56. Is acceptable.
In the present embodiment, the special electric accessory 65 and the special electric accessory 66 can be opened in a big hit game caused by either a ball entering the first start port 57 and a ball entering the second start port 59. It is configured as follows. However, the special electric accessory 65 or the special electric accessory 66 can be opened only in a big hit game caused by either a ball entering the first start port 57 or a ball entering the second start port 59. It may be configured.
In the case where a big hit game resulting from either entering the first starting port 57 or entering the second starting port 59 is performed, the player can greatly increase the chance of winning a prize ball. In this embodiment, when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, it is easier to enter the big winning opening 55 or the big winning opening 56 than when rolling from the first flow path X. Various obstacles are placed in the area.

  The normal winning opening 67 (67 a, 67 b) is arranged in the lower left part of the effect display device 80. A count switch SW5 for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed behind the normal winning port 67a. By detecting the game ball that has entered the normal winning port 67a with the count switch SW5, a condition for paying out the winning ball is set. Can be given. A count switch SW6 that detects a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed behind the normal winning port 67b. By detecting the game ball that has entered the normal winning port 67b with the count switch SW6, the payout condition of the winning ball is determined. Can be given.

  As described above, each count switch that detects a game ball that has entered the winning opening is arranged behind each winning opening. Specifically, the count switch SW1 detects a winning of a game ball to the first starting port 57, the count switch SW2 detects a winning of a game ball to the second starting port 59, and the count switch SW4 is an operation gate 63. A game ball winning is detected, the count switch SW5 detects a winning game ball to the normal winning port 67a, a count switch SW6 detects a winning game ball to the normal winning port 67b, and the count switch SW7 The winning of a game ball to the big winning opening 55 is detected, and the count switch SW8 detects the winning of the gaming ball to the big winning opening 56.

The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. A game ball that has been driven into the game area 50a and has not entered any of the above-described winning gates (if the operating gate 63 is a gate type, the game that has passed through the operating gate 63 and has not won another winning port) (Including a sphere) falls into the out mouth 69 and is processed as an out sphere.
Here, the “out ball” is a game ball discharged from the game area 50a.
In the present embodiment, an out port switch SW9 is provided as means for detecting the out ball. The out port switch SW9 is disposed in a flow path (not shown) of game balls that have entered the out port 69 and each winning port. Thereby, the out port switch SW9 detects a game ball dropped into the out port 69 or a game ball inserted into any of the winning ports as an out ball. The out port switch SW9 may output a detection signal every time an out sphere is detected, or may output a detection signal every time a predetermined number of out spheres are detected.

As shown in FIG. 4, an operation button group operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. In addition to the push button 37 described above, the operation button group includes cursor buttons 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d for instructing operations to the upper, lower, left, and right, and a ball lending button 38e that accepts a ball lending operation. , And a return button 38f for receiving a prepaid card return operation.
A movable decorative body 22 that is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27.

<About the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10.
6 and 7 are functional block diagrams showing the main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
In addition, each structure and each function illustrated by FIG.5, FIG.6 and FIG.7 are only what was needed when describing the game machine 10 of this embodiment, The structure and function which are not illustrated here May be added to the gaming machine 10. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the configurations and functions illustrated here, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 includes control boards such as the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 inside the machine, and various functions including the functions shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. This is realized by components electrically connected to the substrate.
More specifically, the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 include a CPU 101 or CPU 201, a RAM 102 or RAM 202, a ROM 103 or ROM 203, and the like. The main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 implement various functions by executing a control program read from the ROM 103 or the ROM 203 by the CPU 101 or the CPU 201 and writing or reading various data in the RAM 102 or the RAM 202.
Although one sub control board 200 is illustrated in FIG. 5, the sub control board 200 may be formed of a plurality of boards. When the sub control board 200 is formed of a plurality of boards, the plurality of sub control boards 200 may be connected in parallel to the main control board 100, or the plurality of sub control boards 200 may be connected to the main control board 100. It may be connected hierarchically.
Moreover, the board | substrate which implement | achieves each function structure is not limited to the board | substrate shown by FIG.6 and FIG.7, You may implement | achieve on the main control board 100 or the sub control board 200, or another board | substrate.

  The main control board 100 controls the game in an integrated manner, and transmits commands to the sub-control board 200 for effects related to the game. The main control board 100 is a board that realizes a function that affects or may affect the game result, and the sub control board 200 is a board that performs various controls in accordance with commands sent from the main control board 100.

In FIG. 6, as main functional configurations realized by the main control board 100, an information transmission unit 110, a special figure holding control unit 115, a general figure holding control unit 116, a special drawing lottery control unit 130, and a game state control unit 140 are shown. The symbol display control unit 150, the variation pattern giving unit 160, the general symbol lottery control unit 170, the normal electric character control unit 180, and the special electric character control unit 190 are illustrated. In addition, in the same figure, an effect control unit 210 is illustrated as a main functional configuration realized by the sub control board 200.
The special symbol lottery control unit 130 controls other components in relation to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol.
The general symbol lottery control unit 170 controls other components in relation to the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.
The gaming state control unit 140 has a function of controlling the big hit game, a function of managing the probability variation state and the variation state, and the function of controlling the granting and releasing (transition to the normal gaming state). The jackpot game is a gaming state in which the special article continuous actuating device continuously activates the special electric accessory 65 or the special electric accessory 66.
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display device 90 to display the special symbol selected as a result of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or the normal symbol selected as the result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.
The variation pattern imparting unit 160 imparts a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating the time from when the symbol display control unit 150 starts the variation display until the stop display is performed in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol. When the variation pattern imparted by the variation pattern imparting unit 160 is transmitted to the effect control unit 210 (sub control board 200) via the information transmission unit 110 to execute a display effect (reach effect or the like) on the effect display device 80. Also used for.
The information transmission unit 110 transmits control information (command) generated in each functional configuration realized by the main control board 100 to a functional configuration (for example, the effect control unit 210) realized on the sub control board 200. To do. The command transmitted by the information transmission unit 110 includes, in addition to the information indicating the above-mentioned variation pattern, the result of special drawing lottery or ordinary drawing lottery, presence / absence of certain variation state, presence / absence of variation state, pending random number Information regarding the execution of the jackpot game may be included.

The effect control unit 210 receives control information (commands) generated by various functional configurations realized by the main control board 100 via the information transmission unit 110, and mainly relates to a symbol variation game and a big hit game related to special symbols. The effect display is displayed on the effect display device 80. For example, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to perform variable display or stop display of the effect symbol during execution of the symbol variation game.
The effect control unit 210 can also control the lighting (flashing) effect by the lighting device 35 or the sound effect by the speaker 33, and arouses the player's interest by combining these effect display, lighting effect, sound effect, and the like. can do. Further, the effect control unit 210 can variably switch various effects according to the player's operation received by the push button 37.

<Special drawing lottery>
Hereinafter, the functional configuration related to the special drawing lottery will be described in detail.

The special figure hold control unit 115 acquires and holds the random number M1 when the start condition including at least the winning of the first start port 57 is satisfied. Further, the special figure holding control unit 115 acquires and holds the random number M2 when the starting condition including at least the winning of the second starting port 59 is satisfied.
More specifically, the special figure holding control unit 115 acquires the random number M1 when the winning of the first starting port 57 is detected by the count switch SW1 and other starting conditions are satisfied, and the random number M1 is stored in the dedicated storage area. Store (hold). Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M2 when the winning of the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW2 and other start conditions are satisfied, and stores the random number M2 in a dedicated storage area (hold). Let The other start conditions include, for example, the fact that the upper limit number of the random number M1 or the random number M2 has not been reached.
The reserved upper limit number of the random number M1 or the reserved upper limit number of the random number M2 is determined in advance, and in this embodiment, four are set as the reserved upper limit number for each of the random number M1 and the random number M2. However, the upper limit number of each hold is not limited.
Hereinafter, on the condition that the winning of the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59 is detected as one condition, to execute some processing thereafter, “the winning of the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59 is performed. In some cases, the expression “executes some processing as an opportunity” is performed. Therefore, even if the winning is detected, the certain process is not necessarily executed.

The special figure hold control unit 115 distinguishes and holds the random number M1 acquired when the first starting port 57 is awarded and the random number M2 obtained when the second starting port 59 is awarded.
In addition, the success / failure lottery unit 131 described later is configured to perform the success / failure lottery using the random number M2 first when both the random number M1 and the random number M2 are held. Such processing may be referred to as priority processing in the following description.

The priority processing is realized by control by the special figure hold control unit 115.
The special figure hold control unit 115 reads the held random number M1 or random number M2 at a predetermined period when the control relating to the symbol variation game relating to the special symbol or the control relating to the jackpot game is not performed. At this time, the special figure hold control unit 115 preferentially reads the random number M2, and reads the random number M1 when the random number M2 cannot be read (when the held random number M2 is zero). By such control, the random number M2 is read preferentially over the random number M1. The random number read by the special figure hold control unit 115 is used by a success / failure lottery unit 131 (to be described later) to perform a success / failure lottery. As a result, the random number selection unit 131 also preferentially processes the random number M2 over the random number M1.

  The special figure hold control unit 115 may monitor the number of random numbers that are held. In this case, the special figure hold control unit 115 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 150 to display the number of random numbers being monitored on the symbol display device 90 or display the command on the effect display device 80. As described above, a command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110.

The special symbol lottery control unit 130 is a functional unit that performs processing related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, and includes a success / failure lottery unit 131, a special symbol selection unit 132, and the like.
The success / failure lottery unit 131 performs a success / failure lottery of the big hit game using the random number M1 or the random number M2 acquired by the special figure hold control unit 115. In other words, the success / failure lottery unit 131 (the success / failure determination means) determines whether or not the game ball is detected by the count switch SW1 and the count switch SW2 as at least one condition.
As described above, the count switch SW1 and the count switch SW2 are start detection means for detecting a game ball won at a start port (first start port 57, second start port 59) provided in the game area 50a. is there.

The special figure selection unit 132 selects a special symbol based on the result of the success / failure lottery performed by the success / failure lottery unit 131.
The special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 132 is displayed by the first special symbol display control unit 151 or the second special symbol display control unit 152 described later during the execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol. It is displayed on the device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92.

<Regular drawing lot>
Hereinafter, the functional configuration related to the general drawing lottery will be described in detail.

  The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 is a functional unit that manages a symbol variation game related to a normal symbol, and includes an open lottery unit 171 and a universal symbol selection unit 172. Further, the ordinary electric combination control unit 180 is a functional unit that controls the ordinary electric combination 61.

When the winning of the actuating gate 63 is detected by the count switch SW4, the usual holding control unit 116 acquires the random number M3 and stores (holds) it in a dedicated storage area. Here, the random number M3 is a random number used for the lottery by the open lottery unit 171. The upper limit number of holdings, which is the upper limit number of the random numbers M3 that can be held, is determined in advance, and in this embodiment, the upper limit number of holdings is set to four.
The general symbol hold control unit 116 reads the random number M3 held in a predetermined cycle when the general symbol lottery control unit 170 is not performing control related to the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.

  The general hold control unit 116 monitors the number of random numbers M3 that are held. Further, the general symbol hold control unit 116 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 150 to display the number of the random number M3 being monitored on the symbol display device 90, or display it on the effect display device 80. As described above, a command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110.

The open lottery unit 171 performs an open lottery to determine whether or not to change the ordinary electric accessory 61 to the open state, using the random number M3 read from the general-purpose hold control unit 116. Note that the winning probability of the lottery performed by the open lottery unit 171 is lower in the normal gaming state than in the variable state, and is higher in the variable state than in the normal gaming state. ing.
When the lottery by the open lottery unit 171 is won, the ordinary electric role control unit 180 operates the solenoid coil SOL4 to open the ordinary electric combination 61 under a predetermined opening condition.

  The normal symbol selection unit 172 selects a normal symbol based on the lottery result by the open lottery unit 171 and transmits the selected normal symbol to the symbol display control unit 150 (ordinary symbol display control unit 153). It is displayed on the display device 93. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display device 93 corresponds to winning and one to defeat, and the normal symbol display control unit 153 emits either one according to the normal symbol selected by the universal symbol selecting unit 172. Let

  The normal electric role control unit 180 controls the normal electric combination 61 so that the time taken for the open state increases per unit time when the change state is given by the change control unit 142. That is, the control of the ordinary electric power control unit 180 varies due to the provision of the variable state by the variable control unit 142 described later.

<About game state control>
The game state control unit 140 is a function for controlling the big hit game, the probability change state, and the shortage state, and includes a probability change control unit 141, a shortage control unit 142, and a big hit control unit 145.

Here, the “probability change state” means that the winning probability of the big win winning / losing lottery by the winning / raising lottery unit 131 is higher than the normal gaming state.
In addition, the “variable state” means that at least one of the following is performed.
(I) The winning probability of the open lottery of the ordinary electric accessory 61 becomes higher than the normal gaming state.
(Ii) The opening time per time of the ordinary electric accessory 61 is extended from the normal gaming state.
(Iii) The number of times that the ordinary electric accessory 61 is released is increased from the normal gaming state in response to the winning of the opening lottery of the ordinary electric accessory 61.
(Iv) The fluctuation display time per time in the normal symbol display device 93 is shortened.

The probability change control unit 141 gives a probability change state when at least a part of the big hit game executed by the big hit control unit 145 is completed.
The probability variation control unit 141, when the end condition of the probability variation state is established in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, or when the jackpot game is won in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol executed in the probability variation state, Transition from the probable state to the normal gaming state.
The end condition of the probability variation state in this embodiment is that the symbol variation game related to the special symbol 100 times is performed after the transition to the probability variation state.

The change control unit 142 gives a change state when the big hit game executed by the big hit control unit 145 is completed.
The change control unit 142 shifts from the normal game state to the change state at the end of all jackpot games, and in the symbol change game related to the special design in which the end condition of the change state is satisfied, the normal game from the change state Transition to the state.
The variable state in the present embodiment has an end condition that the symbol variation game related to 100 special symbols is performed after the shift to the variable state. In the present embodiment, since a change state is given at the end of all jackpot games, the change is made until the number of symbol change games related to special symbols executed after the end of each jackpot game reaches 100 times. State is maintained.

  If the probability variation control unit 141 and the variation control unit 142 are arranged, the following can be said. In other words, the probability change control unit 141 and the change control unit 142 (game state control means) have a probability change state and a change state (advantageous) advantageous to the player triggered by at least a part of the big hit game executed by the big hit control unit 145. (Game state).

The jackpot control unit 145 is a functional unit that executes a jackpot game due to winning of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol. In other words, the big hit control unit 145 (big hit control means) executes the big hit game when the winning lottery part 131 (win / fail judgment means) determines the winning. Specifically, the jackpot game in the present embodiment is executed as follows.
First, when a winning game is won by the winning / losing lottery unit 131, a special symbol corresponding to the big winning game is selected by the special symbol selecting unit 132, and the selected special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display. After being stopped and displayed on the device 92 (after the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is finished), the big hit control unit 145 starts the big hit game.
When the big hit game is started, the big hit control unit 145 issues a command regarding the opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game to the effect control unit 210. The effect control unit 210 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) according to the command of the big hit control unit 145. In addition, it is preferable to encourage the player to launch a game ball into the second flow path Y toward the big prize opening 55 and the big prize opening 56 by, for example, recommending the player to make a right strike at the opening stage.
After the opening effect is completed, a round game in which the grand prize opening 55 or the grand prize opening 56 is opened is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of times (number of rounds) as an upper limit. In the round game, the special winning opening 55 is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, once). Also, after a specified number of game balls have entered the opened grand prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56, or after a prescribed time (round game time) has elapsed, the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 is closed. The round game ends.
After the end of the round game, the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 is closed for a predetermined time (interval time), and the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 is opened again with the start of the next round game.

The jackpot control unit 145 transmits a command including the number of rounds, round game time, interval time, and the like as control information to the special power control unit 190 in order to perform control as described in the previous stage.
Special electric role control unit 190 opens special electric accessory 65 or special electric accessory 66 in accordance with the command received from jackpot control unit 145.
The special electric role control unit 190 monitors the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 55 during one round game based on the detection of the count switch SW7 while the special electric role item 65 is opened. ing. Then, when the number of winning game balls being monitored reaches the upper limit, the special electric role control unit 190 activates the solenoid coil SOL1 to close the special electric role item 65.
Alternatively, the special electric role control unit 190 determines the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 56 during one round game while the special electric accessory 66 is opened based on detection of the count switch SW8. Monitoring. Then, when the number of winning game balls being monitored reaches the upper limit number, the special electric role control unit 190 activates the solenoid coil SOL2 to close the special electric role item 66.

The big hit control unit 145 issues a command related to the effect during the round game to the effect control unit 210 (sub control board 200). The effect control unit 210 executes the round effect according to the command of the big hit control unit 145.
When the prescribed number of rounds is over, the jackpot control unit 145 issues a command regarding the ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110. The effect control unit 210 executes an ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the command of the jackpot control unit 145, and the jackpot control unit 145 ends the jackpot game.

<About symbol display and effect display>
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display device 90 to display a special symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or a normal symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.

The effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display an effect display related to the symbol variation game and the big hit game mainly related to the special symbol. In particular, regarding the execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to execute the effect display in accordance with the variation time of the special symbol by the symbol display device 90. In other words, the effect control unit 210 executes the symbol variation game related to one special symbol in the symbol display device 90 and one effect display in the effect display device 80 in association with each other in principle.
However, in the case where an effect display having continuity is performed over a symbol variation game related to a plurality of special symbols, or to a symbol variation game related to one special symbol, a plurality of variations are set as one set. There is a case where an effect display is performed. The former representative example is an effect display called a so-called continuous effect, and the latter representative example is an effect display called a so-called pseudo-continuous effect.

In order to ensure the correspondence between the symbol variation game related to the special symbol described above and the effect display, the variation pattern providing unit 160 determines the variation pattern.
More specifically, the variation pattern assigning unit 160 determines a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating the time at which the special symbol varies in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, and the variation pattern is determined as the symbol display control unit 150 and the effect. This is transmitted to the control unit 210. The symbol display control unit 150 displays the symbol variation game related to the special symbol according to the transmitted variation pattern, and the effect control unit 210 displays the effect display according to the transmitted variation pattern. Guarantee sex.

  In the above description, it has been described that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern imparting unit 160 includes at least variation time information. In addition to this, the variation pattern may include information indicating whether the reach effect is to be performed or to be broken.

  FIG. 7 illustrates an information transmission unit 110 as a main functional configuration realized by the main control board 100, and an effect control unit 210, information management as the main functional configuration realized by the sub control board 200. Part 220 is illustrated.

The information transmission unit 110 receives a detection signal indicating that a game ball has entered each winning opening from each count switch shown in FIG. 7 and a detection signal indicating that an out ball has been detected from the outlet switch SW9. Detection information corresponding to the detection signal is notified to the sub-control board 200 as a command.
Note that the information transmission unit 110 outputs a command including detection information indicating that a game ball has entered each winning opening each time a winning ball is detected.
In addition, the information transmission unit 110 outputs a command including detection information indicating that an out ball has been detected each time the out port switch SW9 detects 10 out balls. That is, the detection information included in the command can be said to be information indicating the number of discharged balls for ten.

The information management unit 220 includes a discharge calculation unit 221 that calculates the number of discharged balls and a payout calculation unit 223 that calculates the number of payout balls based on the notified detection information.
The number of discharged balls calculated by the discharge calculating unit 221 and the number of paid-out balls calculated by the payout calculating unit 223 are stored in the RAM 202 and sequentially updated to the latest information.

  The information management unit 220 has a functional configuration capable of erasing game information stored in the RAM 202, and has a first erasing unit 225, a second erasing unit 227, and a third erasing unit 229 triggered by different conditions. doing.

The third erasure unit 229 (third erasure unit) erases part of the game information stored in the RAM 202 (storage device) when the power is turned off. The ball number information is held in the RAM 202 at the time of erasure by the third erasure unit 229. That is, the ball number information is not erased by the third erasure unit 229.
The RAM 202 is configured to be able to retain stored information even when power supply to the gaming machine 10 is interrupted. This may be realized by the power from the backup power supply device that starts supplying in response to the interruption of the power supply, or may be realized by the RAM 202 including a nonvolatile memory.

The first erasure unit 225 erases a part of the game information stored in the RAM 202 when the RAM clear signal is received. The ball number information is held in the RAM 202 at the time of erasure by the first erasure unit 225. That is, the ball number information is not erased by the first eraser 225.
As described above, the RAM clear signal is transmitted from the main control board 100 (RAM clear unit 112) to the sub control board 200 (first erase) when the gaming machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch SW10. Part 225).

The second eraser 227 (second eraser) is stored in the RAM 202 (storage device) when the third operation is performed in a state where the specific image is displayed on the effect display device 80 (display device). Erase all game information. At this time, the second eraser 227 erases the ball number information from the RAM 202. That is, the ball number information is erased by the second erasure unit 227.
Here, the specific image is a screen displayed on the effect display device 80 by performing the second operation after the power is turned on, and is, for example, the image DR3 shown in FIG.
Here, the second operation is an operation for displaying the specific image on the effect display device 80. For example, the operation according to the display IN12 displayed on the image DR1 shown in FIG. 8 and the image DR2 shown in FIG. This is an operation for selecting the display IN25 displayed on the screen.
Here, the third operation is an operation that triggers erasure by the second erasure unit 227, and is, for example, an operation of selecting the display IN36 displayed on the image DR3 shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, an embodiment in which the second erasure unit 227 erases all of the game information stored in the RAM 202 will be described. However, the second erasure unit 227 has a part of game information stored in the RAM 202 ( For example, the present invention may be implemented by an embodiment that deletes only the ball number information).

  The operation related to erasure by the second erasure unit 227 will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 are examples of images displayed on the effect display device 80 after the gaming machine 10 is powered on.

When the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display the image DR1 shown in FIG. 8 over a predetermined period.
In the display IN11, “When the remaining XX seconds have elapsed, the display shifts to the demo screen” is shown. Here, “remaining XX seconds” means the remaining time of a predetermined period in which the image DR1 is displayed, and is counted down every second. The “demonstration screen” is a screen displayed in a standby state.
The display IN12 indicates that “If the buttons in the left and right directions are pressed simultaneously, the setting screen is displayed”. Here, the “left / right button” refers to the cursor buttons 38c and 38d. The “setting screen” is a screen on which the image DR2 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

When an operation suitable for the display IN12 is performed, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display the image DR2 shown in FIG.
In the image DR2, a display IN23 indicating a cursor, displays IN24 to IN26 indicating three selectable menus, and a display IN27 indicating that the menu selection is ended are displayed.
The display IN24 is a display for aligning the cursor when the “ECO mode” is selected. Here, the “ECO mode” is a menu for selecting whether or not to shift to a state in which power consumption is suppressed when a predetermined time has elapsed since entering the standby state.
The display IN25 is a display for aligning the cursor when “sub data erase” is selected. Here, “sub-data deletion” is a menu for selecting whether or not to delete the game information stored in the RAM 202.
The display IN26 is a display for aligning the cursor when “RTC setting” is selected. Here, “RTC setting” is a menu for selecting whether or not to set a real-time clock. The gaming machine 10 in which the real-time clock is set can keep ticking time by battery backup even when the power is turned off.
The display IN27 is a display for aligning the cursor when the menu selection is terminated. When the menu selection is finished, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display a demonstration screen.
The display IN22 indicates that "Move the cursor with the up and down buttons". Here, “vertical buttons” refer to the cursor buttons 38a and 38b. The “cursor” is the display IN23.
The display IN21 indicates that “It will be decided by a push button”. Here, the “push button” is the push button 37. “Determine” is to select a menu indicated by the display on which the cursor is placed.

When “sub data deletion” is selected during the display of the image DR2, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display the image DR3 shown in FIG.
In the image DR3, a display IN33 indicating a cursor, a display IN34 indicating alerting when sub-data is deleted, a display IN35 indicating whether or not the sub-data is deleted, and a display IN36 are displayed.
The display IN34 indicates a warning that the gaming machine 10 will return to the factory-shipped state when the sub-data is erased.
The display IN35 is a display for aligning the cursor when the sub data is not deleted. The display IN36 is a display for aligning the cursor when deleting the sub data. Immediately after “sub data erase” is selected during display of the image DR2, as shown in FIG. 10, the cursor is positioned on the display IN35. This is to prevent the sub-data from being accidentally erased by continuously pressing the push button 37.
The display IN32 has the same contents as the display IN22.
The display IN31 has the same contents as the display IN21.

When the deletion of the sub-data is selected during the display of the image DR3 (when the game information is deleted by the second deletion unit 227), the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display the image DR4 shown in FIG. Is displayed.
The display IN41 indicates that the sub data has been erased and the gaming machine 10 has returned to the factory default state. That is, the second erasure unit 227 erases all of the gaming states stored in the RAM 202.
The display IN42 indicates that when the push button 37 is pressed, the effect display device 80 returns to the state where the image DR2 is displayed.

The effect control unit 210 executes a predetermined effect based on the difference ball number representing the difference between the number of discharged balls calculated by the discharge calculating unit 221 and the number of paid-out balls calculated by the payout calculating unit 223.
The predetermined effects executed by the effect control unit 210 will be specifically exemplified below.

The effect control unit 210 may display a numerical value indicating the difference ball number in the display area of the effect display device 80. The numerical value may be displayed during the execution of the symbol variation game, or may be displayed in a state where the symbol variation game is not performed (standby state). The numerical value may be passively displayed according to the player's operation, and is automatically displayed (pop-up when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the number of difference balls exceeds a predetermined value)). ).
Further, the effect control unit 210 may output a specific sound corresponding to the number of difference balls from the speaker 33, or may cause the lighting device 35 to emit light with a specific light emission pattern corresponding to the number of difference balls.

The effect control unit 210 can execute the predetermined effect of the first effect mode (special mode) when the difference ball number exceeds the predetermined value, and the second effect mode when the difference ball number is equal to or less than the predetermined value. The predetermined effect can be executed. That is, the effect control unit 210 can execute a predetermined effect in which the effect mode changes based on whether or not the difference ball number exceeds a predetermined value.
Here, the first effect mode and the second effect mode need only be perceived by the player as relatively different effects, and the contents thereof are not particularly limited.
In this way, when the difference ball number derived based on the data (ball number information) that is not erased by turning off the power or clearing the RAM exceeds a predetermined value, the effect control unit 210 performs a predetermined effect in a special mode. It is possible to notify the player of the gaming machine that has maintained the advantageously adjusted state for a long time.

A specific example of the predetermined effect suitable for the above example is shown in FIGS.
In the predetermined effect performed by the effect control unit 210, a warrior general appears as a character related to the effect. Then, the production control unit 210 executes a predetermined production so that the territory of the Sengoku warlord increases as the number of difference balls increases, and a predetermined performance such that the territory of the Sengoku warlord decreases as the number of difference balls decreases. Execute.
For example, when the difference ball number is zero, the effect image DR5 shown in FIG. In the effect image DR5, the shaded portion A1 indicates the territory.
Then, when the difference ball number reaches 1,000, the effect image DR6 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the effect display device 80. In the effect image DR6, the shaded portion A2 indicates the territory. As you can see by comparing the shaded area A2 and the shaded area A1, the territory has increased by one country.
When the number of difference balls is less than 1,000 after the number of difference balls reaches 1,000, the effect image displayed on the effect display device 80 is returned from the effect image DR6 to the effect image DR5.
That is, according to the above example, when the predetermined value is 1,000, displaying the effect image DR6 is the predetermined effect of the first effect mode, and displaying the effect image DR5 is the second effect mode. It is a predetermined production.

If the game progresses well and the number of difference balls increases smoothly, the territory can gradually expand.
The effect image DR7 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the effect display device 80 when the difference ball number reaches 10,000. In the effect image DR7, the shaded portion A3 indicates the territory. As can be seen by comparing the shaded portion A3 and the shaded portion A1, the territory has increased by ten countries. That is, when 1000 pieces are set to the predetermined value, the effect control unit 210 executes the predetermined effect so that the region indicating the territory increases by one country each time the difference ball number increases by the predetermined value.

  Note that the timing and period when the effect image DR5, the effect image DR6, or the effect image DR7 is displayed on the effect display device 80 by the effect control unit 210 are not particularly limited. For example, when the symbol variation game is being executed, it may be always displayed on the effect display device 80, or displayed on the effect display device 80 only for a predetermined period determined based on the timing when the difference ball count exceeds a predetermined value. May be.

Next, another specific example of the predetermined effect suitable for the above example is shown in FIGS.
The predetermined effects shown in the examples shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 are executed with the transition to the big hit game, the probability change state or the short change state, and can be executed until the big hit game or the advantageous game state is completed. At this time, in the effect display device 80, a predetermined effect with a battle as a motif is performed, and when the difference ball number exceeds a predetermined value, a state that the own army is dominant (first effect mode) is represented, When the number of difference balls is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it indicates that the own arm is inferior (second effect mode).
In other words, the effect control unit 210 can execute the predetermined effect of the first effect mode (special mode) triggered by at least one of the start of the big hit game or the transition to the advantageous game state.
In this way, the effect control unit 210 executes a predetermined effect in a special mode triggered by a game state advantageous to the player, such as a big hit game state or an advantageous game state, so that the effect of the effect can be enhanced.

More specifically, when a value corresponding to the number of prize balls that can be obtained in one big hit game is set as the predetermined value, the first (based on the time when the RAM 202 is cleared by the second erasing unit 227 ( The case where the effect control unit 210 executes a predetermined effect triggered by the start of the first (hit) jackpot game will be described below.
First, at the start of the predetermined effect, the effect image DR8 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the effect display device 80. In the effect image DR8, a character CA1 that is an enemy general general and a character CA2 that is an enemy general general are shown.
In the above case, the number of difference balls during execution of the big hit game does not exceed a predetermined value, so that the effect image DR9 shown in FIG. In the effect image DR9, the number of enemy troops (the cavalry who raised the shaded flag) is drawn more than the number of own forces (the cavalry who raised the plain flag). That is, the predetermined effect on which the effect image DR9 is displayed is an aspect of the predetermined effect of the second effect aspect.
The predetermined effect is also executed in an advantageous game state (probability change state and change state) after the big hit game is finished. In the advantageous gaming state, the number of difference balls gradually decreases although it is slower than the normal gaming state. Therefore, the predetermined effect displayed on the effect display device 80 remains in an inferior mode (second effect mode).
It is assumed that the second big hit game is won in the middle of the advantageous game state, and the number of difference balls exceeds a predetermined value during execution of the big hit game. At this time, the effect image DR10 shown in FIG. In the effect image DR10, the number of the own army (the cavalry who raised the plain flag) is drawn more than the number of the enemy forces (the cavalry who raised the shaded flag). That is, the predetermined effect on which the effect image DR10 is displayed is an aspect of the predetermined effect of the first effect aspect.

As described above, when a value corresponding to the number of prize balls that can be obtained in one big hit game is set as the predetermined value, at least the predetermined effect (first effect) in which the army is dominant at the time of execution of the first big hit game (Predetermined effect of aspect) is not executed.
If the army is dominant from the beginning, a situation in which the inferior is rebounded and becomes dominant is not born, and the effect of the predetermined performance is not suitably exhibited. In order to prevent such a situation, it is preferable to set the predetermined value as described above.

In order to achieve the same effect as described above, the following configuration may be adopted. That is, the effect control unit 210 may limit the execution of the predetermined effect based on the difference ball number when the number of jackpot games executed after the reference time is equal to or less than the predetermined number. Here, the reference time is preferably a timing determined by clearing the difference ball number by the second erasing unit 227.
Here, “restricting execution of a predetermined effect based on the number of difference balls” means one of the following.
(I) When the big hit game is not more than the predetermined number of times, the predetermined effect based on the difference ball number is not executed at all.
(Ii) When the big hit game is less than or equal to the predetermined number of times, some of the effect modes that can be executed as the predetermined effect based on the difference ball number (for example, the effect modes shown in FIGS. 15 to 17) are not executed.
(Iii) The predetermined effect that is executed based on the difference ball number when the big hit game is less than or equal to the predetermined number of times is the predetermined effect that is executed based on the difference ball number when the big hit game exceeds the predetermined number of times. It is less conspicuous than the aspect (the appearance of the production is limited).

Furthermore, the following examples are given as the predetermined effects suitable for the above example.
If the number of difference balls is positive (exceeding zero), a video where a specific character praises the player flows, or uptempo bonus music (or bonus video) flows, etc. May be improved.
Or, if the number of difference balls is negative (below zero), a game in which a specific character encourages the player or a special music (or special video) of healing is played A decrease in interest may be prevented.

As described above, since the predetermined effect is performed based on the difference ball number updated for a while from the reference time (at the time of clearing by the second erasing unit 227), the effect control unit 210 performs the game at the time of execution. A predetermined effect can be executed in an effect mode suitable for the situation, and a higher effect can be achieved.
In addition, it is preferable that the player himself can execute the clearing process of the difference ball number by the second erasing unit 227 according to the present embodiment at an arbitrary timing. This is because it is possible to realize the production control more suited to the situation of the player.

<About various processing procedures>
Next, processing procedures for the various processes described above will be described with reference to FIG. 18, FIG. 19, or FIG. In addition, since the description may be made by touching each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, please refer to these drawings as appropriate.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a process at the time of starting entrance into the ball. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of out-sphere detection processing. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the symbol variation start process.
Note that the processing procedures illustrated in these flowcharts do not limit the processing procedure of the present invention and the execution timing thereof. For this reason, when carrying out the processing relating to the present invention, the plurality of processing procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents, and some or all of the execution timings of the plurality of processing overlap each other. Also good.
Each process illustrated in FIG. 18, FIG. 19, or FIG. 20 is a main process necessary for describing the present invention, and does not indicate all processes executed by the gaming machine 10.

First, the process at the time of entering the starting opening will be described. Here, the “starting-port entering process” is a series of processing executed after a game ball enters the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59.
Until the ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW1 or the count switch SW2 (NO in step S102), the processing after step S104 is not performed and is on standby.
Further, even when a ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), if the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 reaches the upper limit (in step S104). YES), the process after step S106 is on standby without being performed.

When a ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102) and the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S104). The number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 is added (step S106). Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M1 or the random number M2 and holds it in a dedicated storage area (step S108).
That is, affirmation in step S102 and negation in step S104 mean establishment of a start condition for starting the symbol variation game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

  A command including a series of processing results from step S102 to step S108 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the sub-control board 200 (step S110), and the start-entry ball entry processing is terminated.

Next, a processing procedure of out-ball detection time processing will be described. Here, the “out ball detection process” is a series of processes executed by the main control board 100 when an out ball is detected by the out port switch SW9.
Until an out ball is detected by the out port switch SW9 (NO in step S402), the process goes to a standby state without performing the processing after step S404. When an out ball is detected by the out port switch SW9 (YES in step S402). The detected number of out balls is incremented (step S404).
If the number of out balls detected is less than the predetermined number of output conditions (for example, 10 balls) (NO in step S406), the processing after step S408 is not performed and the process waits.
When the number of out spheres detected reaches the number of output conditions (for example, 10 balls) (YES in step S406), a command including out sphere detection information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the sub-control board 200 (step S408). ) After the number of out spheres detected is initialized (step S410), the out sphere detection time process is terminated.

As described above, the out-ball detection information included in the output command is used to execute a predetermined effect based on the number of difference balls.
Of the processing at the time of out ball detection, step S402, step S404, step S406, and step S410 may be performed by the out port switch SW9, and step S408 may be performed by the information transmission unit 110. In this case, the out port switch SW9 outputs a detection signal every time a predetermined number (output condition number) of out balls is detected.
Further, the out-ball detection time process may be performed by the information transmission unit 110. In this case, the out port switch SW9 outputs a detection signal every time an out sphere is detected, and the information transmission unit 110 detects an out sphere every time a predetermined number of output spheres are detected. Output a command containing information.

Next, the process procedure of the symbol variation start process will be described. Here, the “symbol variation start process” is a series of processes performed when a symbol variation game with a special symbol is started.
First, the special drawing lottery control unit 130 determines whether or not a change start condition is satisfied (step S202). Here, the “variation start condition” means (i) that the symbol variation game with the special symbol is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, (ii) that the big hit game is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, (Iii) There may be one or more reserved memories at the time of determination in step S202.
When the determination in step S202 is negative (NO in step S202), the process after step S204 is not executed, and the symbol variation start process ends.

When the determination in step S202 is affirmative (YES in step S202), the success / failure lottery unit 131 reads the random number M1 or the random number M2 held in the special figure hold control unit 115 (step S204).
In step S <b> 204, the success / failure lottery unit 131 may read the random number M <b> 1 or the random number M <b> 2 in the order stored in the special figure hold control unit 115, or may read one with priority over the other.

Each determination process is executed when a random number is read in step S204 (step S206).
Here, the processing included in step S206 specifically includes at least the above-mentioned lottery selection by the lottery selection unit 131 and the selection of special symbols by the special figure selection unit 132. In addition, a determination process such as (i) whether or not a variable state is given, (ii) whether or not to stop the effect design at the reach eye, and (iii) whether or not to perform a specific effect is performed in step S206. It may be included in the processing.

Then, the special figure hold control unit 115 identifies the number of random numbers M1 or M2 that are held at that time (step S208). Thereby, the number of remaining random numbers excluding the random number read in the symbol variation game executed in this processing procedure is specified as the reserved number.
The variation pattern assigning unit 160 determines a variation pattern using the processing result in step S206 and the number of holds specified in step S208 (step S210).

  A command including a series of processing results from step S202 to step S210 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the sub-control board 200 (step S212), and the symbol variation start process ends. The command includes various information for enabling the sub-control board 200 to determine whether or not the symbol variation game is executed, the gaming state, etc., for example, information indicating a variation pattern, the number of holds, the presence or absence of a probability variation state, a variation state This includes the presence or absence of.

<Modification of the present invention>
So far, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, so long as the object of the present invention is achieved. Various modifications, improvements, etc. are also included.

In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment in which the ball number information is erased from the RAM 202 at the time of erasure by the second erasure unit 227 has been described.
For example, in the gaming machine that erases the ball number information from the RAM 202 in the process of erasing the game information triggered by other conditions (for example, erasure by the first erasure unit 225 or erasure by the third erasure unit 229), May be implemented.

  In the above description of the embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption of the functional configuration illustrated in each drawing. Therefore, each component of the gaming machine of the present invention does not have to be individually independent, but a plurality of components are formed as one member, and one component is formed of a plurality of members. That a certain component is a part of another component, a part of a certain component overlaps a part of another component, and the like.

  A plurality of flowcharts are used in the description of the above embodiment. These flowcharts include a plurality of steps described in order. However, the description order does not limit the order and timing of executing the plurality of steps to the one mode illustrated. For this reason, when carrying out the present invention, the order of the plurality of steps can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents, and even if some or all of the execution timings of the plurality of steps overlap each other. Good.

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) A game machine that plays a game by driving a game ball into a game area formed on the game board, and calculates a discharge number that is the total number of game balls discharged from the game area. A payout calculating means for calculating a payout ball number that is a total of the number of winning balls to be paid out in accordance with a winning at a winning opening provided in the game area, and the number of discharged balls calculated by the discharge calculating means. , Effect control means for executing a predetermined effect based on the difference ball number representing the difference between the payout ball number calculated by the payout calculation means, the discharge ball number and the payout ball number, or the difference ball number A storage device that stores game information including ball number information indicating at least one of the game information and a part of the game information stored in the storage device when the first operation is performed when the power is turned on. First erasing means for erasing; Provided, the game machine, wherein the cell count information is retained in the storage device at the time of erasing by the first erase circuit.
(2) A display device that displays a specific image by performing a second operation after power-on, and the storage that is triggered by a third operation that is performed while the specific image is displayed on the display device A game according to (1), further comprising: a second erasure unit that erases part or all of the game information stored in the device, wherein the second erasure unit erases the ball number information from the storage device. Machine.
(3) The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the effect control means is capable of executing a specific effect in a special mode when the difference ball number exceeds a predetermined value.
(4) It comprises a game state control means for making a transition to an advantageous gaming state advantageous to the player, triggered by at least a part of the big hit game executed by the big hit control means, and the effect control means is adapted to start or favor the big hit game (3) The gaming machine according to (3), wherein the predetermined effect in the special mode can be executed with at least one of the transition to the gaming state as an opportunity.
(A) a third erasure unit that erases a part of the game information stored in the storage device when the power is turned off, and the ball number information is stored in the storage device at the time of erasure by the third erasure unit; The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4).

10 gaming machine 15 outer frame 20 front frame 21 hinge mechanism 23 cylinder lock 25 transparent member 27 upper ball tray 29 lower ball tray 31 operation handle 32 upper frame portion 33 speaker 34 left right frame portion 35 lighting device 37 push buttons 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d Cursor button 38e Ball lending button 38f Return button 39 Ball removal mechanism 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55, 56 Big prize opening 57 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Item 63 Actuating gate 65, 66 Special electric accessory 67 (67a, 67b) Normal winning opening 69 Out port 80 Production display device 90 Symbol display device 91 First special symbol display device 92 Second special symbol display device 93 Normal symbol display device 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
110 Information transmission part 112 RAM clear part 115 Special figure reservation control part 116 Universal figure reservation control part 130 Special figure lottery control part 131 Successful lottery part 132 Special figure selection part 140 Game state control part 141 Probability change control part 142 Shortening control part 145 Big hit control unit 150 Symbol display control unit 151 First special symbol display control unit 152 Second special symbol display control unit 153 Normal symbol display control unit 160 Fluctuation pattern giving unit 170 General drawing lottery control unit 171 Open lottery unit 172 General symbol selection unit 180 Normal power control unit 190 Special power control unit 200 Sub control board 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
210 Production control unit 220 Information management unit 221 Discharge calculation unit 223 Discharge calculation unit 225 First erasing unit 227 Second erasing unit 229 Third erasing unit SOL1, SOL2, SOL4 Solenoid coils SW1 to SW8 Count switch SW9 Out port switch SW10 RAM clear Switch X 1st flow path Y 2nd flow path DR1-DR4 Image DR6-DR10 Production image

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that plays a game by driving a game ball into a game area formed on a game board,
A discharge calculating means for calculating the number of discharged balls that is the total number of game balls discharged from the game area;
A payout calculating means for calculating a payout ball number that is a total of the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with a winning at a winning opening provided in the game area;
Effect control means for executing a predetermined effect on the basis of a difference ball number representing a difference between the number of discharged balls calculated by the discharge calculating means and the number of payout balls calculated by the payout calculating means;
A storage device for storing game information including ball number information indicating at least one of the discharged ball number and the payout ball number or the difference ball number;
First erasure means for erasing a part of the game information stored in the storage device when a first operation is performed at power-on,
The gaming machine characterized in that the ball number information is held in the storage device at the time of erasing by the first erasing means. A display device that displays a specific image by performing a second operation after turning on the power;
Second erasure means for erasing a part or all of the game information stored in the storage device when a third operation is performed in a state where the specific image is displayed on the display device; Prepared,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second erasure unit erases the ball number information from the storage device.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect control means is capable of executing a special effect in a special mode when the difference ball number exceeds a predetermined value. Game state control means for making a transition to an advantageous gaming state advantageous to the player triggered by at least a part of the jackpot game executed by the jackpot control means;
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the effect control means is capable of executing the predetermined effect in the special mode triggered by at least one of a start of a big hit game or a transition to an advantageous game state.

Images