JP3035030B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine or a slot machine. Specifically, a variable display device having a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information is provided, and a variable display device in which a plurality of predetermined effective combinations are determined is provided. According to the display results of the plurality of variable display units, when a combination of the specific identification information is established on a certain combination effective column of the plurality of combination effective columns,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined gaming value can be given.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming machine of this type, a plurality of variable display sections are arranged in a matrix in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, for example, in a generally known manner. A variable display device in which a plurality of combination effective columns are defined on a diagonal line is provided, and a display result when the variable display device is stopped indicates a specific display on a certain combination effective column among the plurality of combination effective columns. There has been a configuration in which when a combination of identification information is established, a game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player is established. Then, the variable display device is variably displayed, and based on the satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition, for example, the plurality of variable display portions are sequentially stopped at different stop times to perform stop control. There is a configuration in which the display is made so as to gradually approach the establishment of the combination of the specific identification information, and the expectation of the player is gradually increased, and finally the expectation is greatly increased. .

[0003]

However, in this type of conventional gaming machine, a plurality of variable display units are controlled to stop at different stop times, and some of the plurality of variable display units are still variably displayed. Even if the variable display unit that is stopped at the stage where the specific identification information is satisfied satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, the specific identification information It may be difficult for the player to judge from the display result of the stopped variable display section whether the possibility of the combination of the combinations being increased is high, and the expectation of the player may not be able to be increased step by step. There was a disadvantage.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device in which a plurality of variable display units can be controlled to stop at different stop times to more surely expect a player's expectation. The aim is to provide a gaming machine that can be increased.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a variable display device having a plurality of variable display sections capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and a plurality of predetermined effective combinations. When a combination of the specific identification information is established on a certain combination effective column of the plurality of combination effective columns based on a display result of the plurality of variable display units when the variable display device is stopped, a predetermined game is performed. A gaming machine in a state in which a value can be given, wherein the variable display device is variably displayed, and the plurality of variable display portions can be controlled to be stopped at different stop times based on satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition. Variable display control means, at a stage where a part of the plurality of variable display units is still variably displaying, when the stopped variable display unit satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, Satisfies the condition Characterized in that it comprises a viewable means you want the invisible identification information displayed by the variable display portion other than the variable display unit on the variable display unit belongs combinations valid string you are.

[0006]

According to the present invention, by the function of the variable display control means, the variable display device is variably displayed, and a plurality of variable display portions can be stopped at different stop timings based on satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition. Controlled. Further, at the stage where some of the plurality of variable display units are still variably displaying, if the stopped variable display unit satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, the condition is satisfied. Since the variable display sections other than the variable display section on the combination effective column to which the variable display section belongs belong to a state in which the variable display section cannot be visually recognized, the player may be able to establish the combination of the specific identification information on any combination effective row. Can be easily determined from the display result of the stopped variable display section as to whether or not there remains.

[0007]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko game machine will be described as an example of a game. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a coin game machine or a slot machine may be used. Any game machine provided with a variable display device having a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying may be used.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board surface of a pachinko game machine as an example of a ball game machine. When the player operates a hitting operation handle (not shown), pachinko balls stored in a hitting waiting gutter (not shown) are driven one by one into the game area 2 formed on the front surface of the game board 1. . In the game area 2, a variable display device 3 capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information is provided.
a, 10b, and 10c are provided. The pachinko balls that have won in the respective start winning prize openings 10a, 10b, 10c are respectively detected by the start winning prize ball detectors 11a, 11a.
b, 11c (11b and 11c are not shown). Based on the detection signal of the starting winning ball detector,
Each of the symbol display sections 3a, 3b, 3c of the variable display device 3 is variably started. Then, based on the elapse of the predetermined time, the left symbol display unit 3a first stops, and then the middle symbol display unit 3b
Stops, and finally, the right symbol display unit 3c stops, and the display result at the time of the stop is a predetermined identification information (for example, 7
77), the opening and closing plate of the variable winning ball device 4 is opened to set the first state advantageous to the player to a state where a predetermined game value can be given. If a pachinko ball wins in the start winning openings 10a to 10c during the variable display of the variable display device 3, the start winning is stored. After the variable display of the variable display device 3 is stopped, the variable display device 3 is again stored based on the storage. Is variably started. The upper limit of the starting winning memory is set to, for example, "4". The start prize storage count is displayed by the start storage LED 26.

On the other hand, the variable winning prize ball device 4 is in a second state which is disadvantageous for a player who cannot normally enter the opening 7 with the opening 7 closed by the opening / closing plate 5 because the opening 7 is closed. When the opening / closing plate 5 is opened, the pachinko ball enters a first state which is advantageous for the player who can win the opening 7. The first state of the variable prize ball device 4 ends when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls is won or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, whichever is earlier, and the variable state is changed. Winning ball device 4
Switches to the second state. On the other hand, a specific winning opening 8 is formed at a predetermined position in the opening 7, and if a pachinko ball that has won the variable winning ball device 4 wins the specific winning opening 8, the variable winning ball device at that time is formed. After the first state of FIG. 4 is completed and the state is opened, the open / close plate 5 is opened again, and the first state is repeatedly and continuously controlled. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times. The number of times the repetition continuation control is performed, that is, the number of times the opening / closing plate 5 is opened is displayed on the opening number display 25. Further, the number of winning balls that have won the variable winning ball device 4 is displayed by the winning number display 9. 6 in the figure
Is a solenoid for driving the opening and closing plate 5 to open and close.

The second state of the variable prize ball device 4 may not be a state in which a hit ball cannot be won at all, but may be a state in which a hit ball is difficult to win.

The variable display device 3 includes a drum lamp 22a.
To 22i, and is configured to be able to brightly display the identification information displayed by each of the symbol display sections 3a to 3c by turning on or blinking. Further, the variable display device 3 is provided with a decorative LED 23 and a winning opening 12. In this embodiment, a rotary drum type variable display device is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a digital display device using a segmented or matrix liquid crystal display device, a light emitting diode, electroluminescence, or the like is used. A variable display device may be used, or a variable display may be performed by driving and lighting a plurality of lamps and the like. Further, the number of symbol display sections 3a to 3c is not limited to three, but may be two or four.
There may be more than one. Further, the variable display of the variable display device is stopped by the player's pressing operation of the stop button (not shown), or the elapse of a predetermined time or the pressing operation of the player's stop button, whichever is earlier. Stop control may be performed based on what has been performed.

The game area 2 further includes a windmill lamp 1
8, Winning holes 13, 14, Side ramp 17, Shoulder ramp 1
9 are provided. At the left and right of the variable winning ball device 4, an attacker lamp 21, an attacker LED 24, and a sleeve lamp 20 are provided. In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes a rail decoration lamp, and reference numeral 15 denotes an out port for collecting out balls.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the entire variable display device 3. The variable display device 3 includes a drum decoration unit 43.
It is configured by providing a drum unit 46 at the rear (see FIG. 4). The variable display device 3 is provided with a gold-plated mounting substrate 27, and the variable display device 3 is mounted on the board surface of the game board 1 with the mounting substrate 27. In the figure, 54a, 54b and 54c are each drum 53a,
Drum seals 53b and 53c (see FIG. 3) are attached to the outer peripheral surface, and the identification information displayed by the drum seals 54a to 54c is variably displayed as the drum rotates. In the figure, 56a to 56i are liquid crystal display units,
As will be described later, in the normal variable display state, the light transmission state is established, but when the left symbol and the middle symbol are stopped, a combination of specific identification information (for example, 777) is established by judging from the stopped symbol. If there is a possibility that the liquid crystal display (5) is in a reach state, the liquid crystal display unit (5) other than the liquid crystal display unit on the effective combination row (hit line) where the possibility remains.
6b to 56d and 56f to 56h) are switched to the light blocking state. At the time of this reach, the hit line indicator (the hit line LE corresponding to the effective row in which the possibility remains) is displayed.
D) 58 is lit in the order of left, middle and right in accordance with the stop timing of the right drum 53c, and when a specific combination of identification information (for example, 777) is established, the lit hit line indicator (hit row) (LED) 58 is switched to a blinking state. Note that a combination of specific identification information (for example, 77
When the condition 7) is satisfied, the hit line indicator (hit column LED) 58 that is lit may be lit and moved. In addition,
The hit line display 58 may be constituted by something other than the LED, and the number of effective combinations (hit lines) is not limited to the embodiment (five). Further, the effective combination row (hit line) may not be straight, but may be mountain-shaped or r-shaped. A start memory LED 26 is provided above the liquid crystal display units 56a to 56i, and a cover member decoration 33 subjected to a gold plating process is provided above the start storage LED 26. Decoration LEDs 23 are provided at the left and right positions of the start winning memory LED 26 and at the left and right positions of the winning opening 12. Reference numeral 25 denotes a number-of-openings indicator, and reference numeral 31 denotes a covering member which has traveled forward.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable display device mounted on the game board. Drum decoration unit 43
4 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the front surface of the game board 1 by a mounting board 27 in a mounting opening 1a formed in the game board 1. An upper portion of the drum decoration unit is provided with a cover member 31 bulging to the front side. In the figure, 55a is an inner glass plate and 55b is an outer glass plate. The cover member 31 has a winning opening 12 formed therein.
The winning balls that have won 2 are guided to the winning ball collecting cover 44 through the ball entrance 30 and are collected at a predetermined location. A start storage LED 26 is provided at a position retreated to the back side of the game board below the cover member 31. In this manner, the start memory LED 26 is provided immediately below the cover member 31 bulging forward.
Is provided, it is difficult for extraneous light from a lighting fixture or the like provided on the ceiling or the like to hit the start storage LED 26, thereby preventing the display state of these LEDs from being difficult to see. The start storage LED 26 constitutes an information display unit for displaying predetermined information other than the identification information. In the figure, 37 is a protection plate, 29 is a wiring lead hole,
36 and 38 are LED substrates, and 33 is a cover member decoration.

The drum unit 46 is a winning ball collecting cover 4
4 is attached to the rear side of the drum decoration unit by an attachment boss 45 formed integrally with the drum decoration unit. The drum unit 46
In the drum case 47, three drums 53a, 53b, 5
3c (53a and 53c are not visible in the drawing) is rotatably built therein. Each drum 53a, 53b, 53
c is a drum motor (stepping motor)
It is rotationally driven by 52a, 52b, 52c (52a and 52c are not visible in the drawing). In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a lamp substrate for controlling lighting or blinking of each of the drum lamps 22a to 22i. Each drum 53a, 53
drum seals 54a, 54b, 5
4c (54a and 54c are not visible in the drawing) is attached. A liquid crystal sheet 56 (see FIG. 4) and a transparent drum lens 39 (39b) are disposed on the front side of each of the drums 53a, 53b, 53c.
Through the openings 38a to 38c (see FIG. 4), the player can enlarge and see the symbols drawn on the drum seals 54a to 54c. Symbol display portion 3a including these openings 38a to 38i
A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols) is constituted by the elements 3 to 3c. In the figure, 48 is a case cover, 49 is a drum sensor board, 58 is a hit line indicator (hit row LED), and 50 is a relay board.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the drum decoration unit 43. The drum decoration unit 43 mainly includes the mounting board 27, the cover member 31, the drum lens 39, the liquid crystal sheet 56, and the LED board 38.
On the mounting board 27, a display window 28, a wiring lead hole 29, and a ball entrance 30 are formed. A number-of-openings indicator 25 is provided on the front side of the wiring outlet hole 29. This mounting board 2
The decorative LED 23 is attached from the back side of the player 7 so that the player can visually recognize the decorative LED 23 in this attached state from the front side. On the back side of the mounting board 27, a decorative LED 2 mounted on the LED board 36 is further provided.
3 is attached so that the player can visually recognize the light emitting mode of the decoration LED 23 in the attached state from the front side via the cover member 31. The protection plate 37 is further fixed with screws from the back side of the mounting board 27.

A cover member 31 is mounted on the upper front side of the mounting board 27. The cover member 31 has a display window 32 and a winning opening 12 formed therein.
The winning ball that has won the winning opening 12 in the state of attachment to the ball entrance 3
0. This covering member 3
A cover member decoration 33 in which a display window 34 is formed is attached to the front side of 1. A decorative seal 35 having a non-transparent portion 35a and a transparent portion 35b is attached to the front side of the cover member decoration 33. In the state where the decorative seal 35 is stuck,
The screw for attaching the covering member decoration 33 is made of the non-transparent portion 35.
a so that it is hidden from view from the front side,
The player can visually recognize the opening number display 25 through the display windows 32 and 34 and the transparent portion 35b.

A drum lens 39 is mounted on the display window 28 of the mounting board 27. This drum lens 39 is formed with a left symbol enlarged portion 39a, a middle symbol enlarged portion 39b, and a right symbol enlarged portion 39c. Furthermore, this drum lens 3
9, an LED insertion hole 40 is formed, and a start storage LED 26 provided on an LED substrate 38 attached from the back side of the drum lens 39 is provided in the LED insertion hole 4.
0 is provided.

On the back side of the drum lens 39, a liquid crystal sheet 56 is provided. The liquid crystal sheet 56 is provided with liquid crystal display units 56a to 56i, and based on a control signal given through a wiring 57, the liquid crystal display unit 56a
A predetermined liquid crystal display unit among the liquid crystal displays a to 56i is controlled to a light transmitting state or a light blocking state.

On the further back side of the liquid crystal sheet 56, LE
A D board 38 is provided. The LED board 38 has a plurality of openings 38a to 38i. When the LED board 38 and the liquid crystal sheet 56 are mounted on the mounting board 27, the positions of the plurality of openings 38a to 38i and the positions of the liquid crystal display sections 56a to 56i match. The LED board 38 is provided with a plurality of hit line indicators (hit column LEDs) 58, and as described above, lights up when a combination of identification information (eg, 777) at the time of reach or a big hit is established. Or flashing.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal sheet. The liquid crystal display portion 56a (-56i) of the liquid crystal sheet 56 includes a number of transparent polymer capsules 61, and a liquid crystal 62 is sealed in the capsules 61. A transparent conductive film 60 is provided on the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display units 56a (to 56i), and a plastic film 59 is provided on the front and back surfaces of the transparent conductive film 60. When a voltage is not applied between the two transparent conductive films 60 sandwiching the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal sheet 56 having this structure, as shown in FIG.
Are irregularly arranged and the light incident on the liquid crystal sheet 56 is diffused by the liquid crystal 62, so that the liquid crystal sheet 56 is in an opaque state. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the transparent conductive film 60, as shown in FIG.
Light incident on the liquid crystal sheet 56 is transmitted as it is. Therefore, when no voltage is applied, it becomes opaque,
When a voltage is applied, it becomes transparent, and can control and dimming each.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in a pachinko gaming machine. The microcomputer 71 of the pachinko gaming machine has a function of controlling operations of various devices described below. For this reason, the microcomputer 71 is constituted by, for example, an LSI of several chips,
It includes an MPU 72 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a ROM 73 storing operation program data of the MPU 72, and a RAM 74 capable of writing and reading necessary data.

Further, the microcomputer 71 receives an input signal, provides input data to the MPU 72, and receives an output of data from the MPU 72 and outputs it to the outside, a power-on reset circuit 77, and a clock generation circuit 78. , A pulse dividing circuit (reset pulse generating circuit) 79, an address decoding circuit 80, and a sound generator 76.

The pulse dividing circuit 79 divides the frequency of the clock signal supplied from the clock generating circuit 78 and applies a reset pulse to the MPU 72 periodically (for example, every 2 msec). The address decode circuit 80 decodes the address data from the MPU 72, and
4. A chip selector signal is given to the input / output circuit 75 and the sound generator 76, respectively.

In this embodiment, the ROM 73 is a programmable ROM 73 which can rewrite its contents, that is, change the program data stored in the MPU 72 when necessary. The MPU 72 provides control signals to various devices in response to the input of each control signal described below in accordance with the program data stored in the ROM 73.

The microcomputer 71 receives the following signals as input signals.

The hit ball is the starting winning opening 10a, 10b, 10c
And the starting winning ball is the starting winning ball detector 11a,
11b (see FIG. 1), the detection signal is sent to the microcomputer 71 via the detection circuit 81.
Is input to If the pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 4 wins the specific winning area 8 (see FIG. 1) and is detected by the specific winning ball detector (V switch) 90, the detection signal is sent via the detection circuit 81. Is entered. When a winning ball that has been won in the variable winning ball device 4 is detected by the winning number detector (10 count switch) 91, a detection signal is input via the detection circuit 81. A reference position provided on a drum rotated by each of the stepping motors 52a to 52c is detected by a drum sensor 49a, 49b, 49c provided on a drum sensor substrate 49, and a reference position detection signal is transmitted via a detection circuit 81. Is entered.

The microcomputer 71 outputs a control signal to the following devices. Stepping motors (drum motors) 52a to 52c via a motor drive circuit 82
To output a rotation control signal. A solenoid excitation control signal is output to the solenoid 6 via the solenoid drive circuit 83. The drum lamp 22a is transmitted via the lamp driving circuit 84.
To 22i and the decorative lamps 16 to 21 respectively. Display control signals are sent to the start winning storage display 26, the winning line display (hit column LED) 58, the decorative LEDs 23 and 24, the winning number display 9, and the opening number display 25 via the segment / LED drive circuit 85, respectively. Is output. The liquid crystal sheet 56 via the LCD drive circuit 86
To output a control signal. Speaker 8 via amplifier 87
8 to output a sound generation control signal.

The control circuit 70 includes a power supply circuit 89 which is connected to an AC 24 V AC power supply and generates a plurality of types of DC voltages.

FIGS. 8 to 19 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.
Shows a flowchart of a main program, and FIGS. 9 to 19 show flowcharts of a subroutine program.

The main routine program shown in FIG. 8 is executed, for example, once every 2 msec. This execution is started in response to a reset pulse generated once every 2 msec by the pulse dividing circuit 79 in FIG. First, step S
A stack setting process is performed by 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as S), and it is determined by S2 whether or not a RAM error has occurred. This determination is made by reading the contents of the predetermined address of the RAM 74 shown in FIG. 7 and checking whether or not the value is equal to the predetermined value. At the time of the program runaway or immediately after the power is turned on, the data stored in the RAM 74 is undefined, so the answer to the determination is NO, and the control proceeds to S3. In S3, initial data is written to the RAM 74. Thereafter, the control proceeds to S8. Since the initial data is written in S3, when the main routine is executed thereafter, the answer to the determination in S2 is YES, and the control directly proceeds to S4.

In S4, a process of outputting predetermined data to the input / output circuit (I / O) 75 is performed, and the process proceeds to S5. S
At 5, it is determined whether or not a 10-count drum error has occurred. The 10-count error is to determine whether or not the above-described occurrence has occurred in the winning number detector 58 or the specific winning ball detector 57 as a result of the check in S27 and S28 described later. The drum error means a case where the rotating drum stops on the way or a case where the rotation cannot be controlled. When such an error occurs,
The process directly proceeds to S7 without performing the process process in S6, and a switch input process for inputting detection signals from various detectors is performed. On the other hand, if there is no 10-count drum error, the process proceeds to S6 and then proceeds to S7. Next, in S8, a process of updating the count values of the random 1 counter and the random 2 counter is performed. The random 1 counter and the random 2 counter are used to determine whether or not the display result when the variable display device 3 is stopped is to be a combination (for example, 777) of specific identification information that causes a big hit. The 1 counter is for a primary lottery described later, and the random 2 counter is for a secondary lottery described later. Also, random 2
As will be described later, the counter is also used to determine a stop symbol when a big hit is determined. Next, S9
And the number of resets is “0”, “4”, “1, 2,
3, 5, 6, 7 "is determined. The number of resets means the number of resets in accordance with the periodic reset pulse issued from the pulse frequency dividing circuit 79. Each time the reset is performed, the number of steps is increased by one from "0", and after reaching "7". The value becomes “0” by being further advanced. If the number of resets is "0", the process proceeds to S10, where sound data is output from the speaker 88. If the number of resets is "4", the process proceeds to S12,
A process of selecting an output data table and setting each data of a hit column LED, LCD, and drum lamp is performed.
The data of the set LED / LCD / drum lamp is output from the input / output circuit 75 by the input / output circuit 13. Based on the output data, as described above, the line indicator (hit column LED) 58 and the liquid crystal display units 56a to 56a
56i, the display of the drum lamps 22a to 22i is controlled. On the other hand, the number of resets is “1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7”
In any case, the process proceeds to S11, and the decoration LE
Each data of D and lamp is set, and the set data is output from the input / output circuit 75 in S13.

Then, the program proceeds to S14, in which a prize storage area storing process is performed, and the process proceeds to S15, in which a random 1 counter, a random 2 counter, and a random 3 counter are updated. The processing in S15 is performed within the time (2 msec) reset by the pulse dividing circuit 79.
The processing up to 14 is performed, and the processing is performed using the reset waiting time which is the remaining time. Therefore, S1 to S14
Since the processing time up to is random, the processing time in S15 is also random, and as a result of the update processing in S15, the count values of the random 1, counter 2, and random 3 counters take random values. become.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for the process processing shown in S6. S1
In step 6, it is determined what value the process flag is set to. This process flag is described later in S48, S54, S53, S59, S65, S
68, S72, S74, S76, S80, S81 and the like are set to respective values, and are necessary for controlling the pachinko gaming machine while maintaining a predetermined control time. The program executed as shown in FIG. 9 differs depending on the value of the process flag.
In the case of "0", the normal processing in S17 is performed,
In the case of "1", the random 2 counter check processing in S18 is performed, in the case of "2", the big hit symbol setting processing in S19 is performed, and in the case of "3", S2 is executed.
20 is performed, and if "4", drum rotation start processing is performed in S21. If "5, 6", drum rotation processing is performed in S22, and "7, 8". In the case of, the big hit check processing in S23 is performed, and in the case of "9, 10", S2
Processing during opening by 4 (9 before V winning, 10 after V winning) is performed, and in the case of "11, 12", processing after opening by S25 (11: no V winning, 12: V winning). Is performed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the switch input process shown in S7. By S26, a process of inputting detection signals of various detectors from the switch port of the input / output circuit 75 is performed.
Next, in S27, an error check of the 10-count switch (winning number detector 91) is performed. This 10
The count switch error check refers to a case where the winning number detector 91 is disconnected, short-circuited, or a ball is jammed, and the detection output of the winning number detector 91 is output for a predetermined time (for example, 2.9).
An error occurs if the value is derived continuously for more than 2 seconds). Next, in S28, an error check of the V switch (specific winning ball detector 90) is performed. This V-switch error check is also a check for disconnection or short-circuit of the specific winning ball detector 90, and an error occurs when a detection signal from the specific winning ball detector 90 is derived for a predetermined time (for example, 2.9 seconds) or more. Become. Next, in S29, it is determined whether or not there is a 10-count drum error. This judgment S
27, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality as a result of the check in S28, and it is also determined whether or not there is a drum error described in S5. If there is a 10-count drum error, the subroutine program is terminated as it is, but if not, the process proceeds to S30, where it is determined whether the start switch has been turned ON. In the case of the present embodiment, there are three types of start switches, that is, start winning ball detectors 11a, 11b, and 11c. Each of the detectors is activated while the switch input processing subroutine program is executed a plurality of times. Judge one by one. Then, when it is determined that the start switch is ON, the process proceeds to S32, and it is determined whether it is the ON determination timing. If the pachinko ball wins the starting winning opening and the starting winning ball is detected by the starting winning ball detector, a detection pulse having a predetermined pulse width is derived from the starting winning ball detector. Each time the subroutine of the switch input process is executed during the time of the pulse width of, the determination of YES is continuously performed in S30. Each time the ON counter corresponding to the start winning ball detector determined to be ON is counted up,
If the count value reaches a predetermined value (for example, “3”), YES is determined in S32. On the other hand, there are cases where the starting winning ball detector is momentarily turned ON due to noise due to static electricity or the like. In such a case, the starting winning ball detector outputs a pulse signal whose pulse width is almost zero. . S3 according to the output timing
If a determination of 0 is made, a determination of YES is made in S30, and the corresponding ON counter is incremented by "1". However, at this time, even if the value of the ON counter becomes “1”, NO is determined in S32 because the value of the ON counter is not the predetermined value (for example, “3”). When the subroutine program of the switch input process is executed next time (after 2 msec), the detection pulse detected from the starting winning ball detector due to noise has already fallen. At S30, a determination of NO is made, and at S31, the value of the corresponding ON counter is cleared to "0". Thus, even if the instantaneous pulse signal is output from the starting winning ball detector due to the noise, S32
Is determined as NO, so that the start winning ball detector does not determine that the starting winning ball has been detected, and there is an advantage that erroneous determination due to noise can be prevented.

Next, if YES is determined in S32, the process proceeds to S33, in which it is determined whether or not the start winning memory is maximum (for example, 4). Proceeds to S35 because there is no room to store any more, but if it is not the maximum, there is still room to store, so the process proceeds to S34 to add "1" to the start storage number, and A process of adding "1" to the winning number is performed. Next, in S35,
A determination is made as to whether all startup checks have been completed. As described above, since there are three types of starting winning ball detectors, it is determined in S35 whether all three types of starting winning ball detectors have been checked, and the checking is still finished. If there is a start winning ball detector that has not been performed, the process proceeds to S30 again, and a check is performed. Then, YES is determined in S35 at the stage when all the start winning ball detectors have been checked.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the hit column data set shown in S12. By S36, as described above, 10 counts
It is determined whether or not a drum error has occurred. If yes, the process proceeds to S38, where data is set for an alarm, and data for turning off the solenoid 6 is set. Said S
4 output. The data at the time of the alarm includes data for generating a warning sound from the speaker 88, data for making all the liquid crystal display portions 56a to 56i of the liquid crystal sheet 56 opaque, and the like. When the solenoid is O
Since the data to be flipped is set and output, the open / close plate 5 of the variable winning ball device 4 is closed, and the second state is disadvantageous for the player.

Next, when it is determined that there is no 10-count drum error, the process proceeds to S37, and according to the value of the process flag, the hit column LED, LC of the corresponding address.
D, data for controlling the drum lamp are set, and the set data is output in S13. The contents of the set data are stored in the variable display device 3.
Is variably displayed (process flag = 5), all the drum lamps 22a to 22i are turned on, and the hit column LED
The data for turning on and off the 58 and the decorative LEDs 23 and 24 and setting all the hit LCDs (liquid crystal display units 56a to 56i) to the transparent state are set. Also, in the case of the reach time (process flag = 6), the drum lamps on the hit line (combination effective column) where there is a possibility that a specific combination of identification information is established blink, and the other drum lamps are turned on. It is turned off, and the hit row LED 58 is sequentially turned on in synchronization with the stop timing of the right drum, and a hit row LCD (liquid crystal display) on a remaining hit line (combination effective row) where there is a possibility that a specific combination of identification information is established. ) Is set to a transparent state, and data for setting the other hit columns LCD to an opaque state are set. In a stage (process flag = 8) after the combination of the specific identification information is established and before the variable winning ball device 4 is opened, the drum lamp 2
2a to 22i are controlled in the same manner as in the case of the above-mentioned reach, and the hit row LED 58 on the hit line (combination effective row) in which the combination of the specific identification information is established blinks.
Data for controlling the CDs (liquid crystal display units 56a to 56i) in the same manner as in the above-described reach is set.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the winning storage area storing process shown in S14. In S39, it is determined whether or not the starting winning number is “0”. This start winning number is determined by the S3
4, the value is incremented by "1", and the value is decremented by "1" by S41 described later. If the starting winning number is "0", the subroutine program is terminated as it is, but if there is a starting winning number, the process proceeds to S40, and the values of the random 1 counter and the random 2 counter are stored in the corresponding area of the winning storage area. The storing process is performed. The start prize storage area has an area for storing the count value of the random 1 counter and an area for storing the count value of the random 2 counter, and also stores the value of each random 1 counter and the random 2 counter in accordance with the number of start prize storage. It has a plurality of areas for storing values. Next, the process proceeds to S41, in which a process of subtracting "1" from the start winning number is performed. Then, the process proceeds to S39, and the processes in S40, 41 are repeated until the starting winning number becomes "0". By this prize storage area storing process, the value of the random 1 counter and the value of the random 2 counter corresponding to the start prize are stored in the respective prize storage areas.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the normal processing shown in S17. S4
According to 2, it is determined whether or not there is a winning memory.
The winning memory is incremented by "1" at S34 and decremented by "1" at S55 described later. If there is no winning storage, the process proceeds to S43, where the primary lottery flag is set to "out", and the subroutine program ends as it is. On the other hand, if there is a winning memory, S4
Proceeding to 4, the count value of the random 1 counter stored in the area 1 of the winning storage area and the current count value of the random 1 counter are added, and it is determined whether or not a hit has occurred based on the result. It is. Area 1 of the winning storage area is an area storing the oldest count value among the count values stored in S40, and the determination in S44 is performed based on the oldest count value. In this step S44, the oldest count value and the current count value of the random 1 counter are added, and the first lottery is determined based on the addition result. The randomness is further improved as compared with the case where the determination is made based only on the count value of the random 1 counter stored in the area 1. Next, the process proceeds to S45, where it is determined whether or not the result of the primary lottery has been won.
The process proceeds to S, where the primary lottery flag is set to “out”, and the process proceeds to S48. On the other hand, if it is determined that a hit has occurred, S47
To set the primary lottery flag to "hit" and S48
Proceed to. In S48, a process of setting the process flag to “1” is performed. As a result, the random two counter check process shown in S18 is performed next.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the random 2 counter check process shown in S18. At S49, it is determined whether or not the primary lottery flag is "hit". If not, the process proceeds to S53. On the other hand, if it is "hit", the process proceeds to S50, the value of the random 2 counter stored in the area 1 of the winning storage area is determined, and the result of the secondary lottery determination is a hit in S51. A determination is made as to whether the If it is determined that the game has been lost, the process proceeds to S52, and the primary lottery flag is set to “missed”.
And the process proceeds to S53. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning is the result of the secondary lottery, the process proceeds to S54, the big hit symbol number is set based on the value of the random 2 counter of the area 1 of the winning storage area, and the process flag is set to "2".
Is performed, and the process proceeds to S55. In S53, a process of setting the process flag to “3” is performed. In S55, a process of subtracting "1" from the start winning storage number is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S56, in which a process of shifting the winning storage area is performed. As described above, the prize storage area has a plurality of areas for storing a plurality of count values corresponding to the number of start prizes, the oldest count value is stored in area 1, and the next oldest count value is stored. The value is stored in area 2, and the next oldest count value is stored in area 3. In S56, the count value stored in area 1 is erased, the count value stored in area 2 is shifted to area 1 and stored, and the count value stored in area 3 is changed to area 2 , And the count value stored in the area 4 is shifted to the area 3 and stored.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the subroutine program of the big hit symbol set shown in S19, which is executed when the process flag is set to "2", that is, when it is determined that the second lottery result has been hit. Is done. At S57, the big hit symbol corresponding to the big hit symbol number is set based on the big hit symbol number (see S54). Next, the process proceeds to S58, in which the hit column data is set, and a process of setting the big hit flag to “reach” or “big hit” is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S59, and a process of setting the process flag to “4” is performed. As a result, in the next process, the process proceeds to S21 in FIG. 9, and the drum rotation start process is performed.

FIG. 16 shows a subroutine program for a lost symbol set (see S23) which is executed when the process flag is set to "3" in S53, that is, when the result of the primary lottery or the secondary lottery is determined to be a loss. It is a flowchart shown. By S60, random 3
A lost symbol is set based on the count value of the counter, the process proceeds to S61, it is determined whether the set left symbol and the middle symbol are the same symbol, and if not, the process proceeds to S65. The process proceeds, but when the symbols are the same, that is, when the reach state is reached, the process proceeds to S62, where the hit row data is set, and the big hit flag is set to "reach". Next, the process proceeds to S63, where it is determined whether or not the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are equal. If they are not equal, the process proceeds to S65. "1" is added and forcedly displaced, and the symbols are controlled so as not to be a combination of specific identification information. Next, in S65, the process flag is set to “4”. As a result, in the next process, the process of starting the drum rotation shown in S21 is performed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the subroutine program for starting the rotation of the drum shown in S21. At S66, processing for initializing the motor control area is performed. This motor control area indicates the number of times the reference position of each drum rotated by the stepping motors 52a, 52b, 52c has been detected by the drum position detector 49.
This is an area for storing the count values and the like counted based on the detection outputs of a, 49b, and 49c, and the stored value of this area is initialized in S66. Next, proceed to S67,
Based on the number of winning storages (see S34 and S55), a selection is made as to whether to set the next drum rotation time to the standard mode or the shortened mode. When the number of stored prizes is equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, “2”), the shortening mode is selected, and when the number is less than the predetermined value, the standard mode is selected. The fact that the winning memorized number is equal to or more than the predetermined value means that the variable control of the variable display device 3 cannot keep up with the increase of the hitting start of the ball, and the winning memorized number exceeds the predetermined value. In such a case, Is
The time required for the variable display control is shortened by reducing the rotation time of the drum, and the variable display is efficiently performed, whereby the number of winning storages is controlled to be efficiently consumed. Next, S6
Proceeding to 8, the process flag is set to "5". As a result, in the next process, the drum rotation process of S22 is performed.

FIG. 18 is a subroutine program of the drum rotation processing shown in S22. At S69, control processing of stepping motors 52a to 52c is performed. This stepping motor control process is based on the standard mode or the shortening mode selected in S67. When the standard mode is selected, the stepping motor is rotated for a relatively long time and then left and right.
The stepping motor is controlled to stop while providing a time difference in the order of middle and right. On the other hand, when the shortening mode is selected, after a relatively short time has elapsed since the start of the rotation of the stepping motor, the respective stepping motors are controlled to stop in the order of left, middle, and right while providing a time difference. As described above, when the standard mode is selected, a relatively long time elapses after the variable start, the stop condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the subsequent stop control. However, the shortened mode is selected. In this case, a predetermined stop condition is satisfied after a relatively short time has elapsed since the variable start, and the process shifts to stop control of the variable display device. By S66 to S69, variable display control means for variably displaying the variable display device and stopping and controlling the plurality of variable display portions at different stop times based on satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition is configured. Next, the program proceeds to S70, in which it is determined whether or not the left and middle portions of the rotating drum are rotating. If the rotating drum is still rotating, the subroutine program is terminated. On the other hand, when the rotation of the left drum and the rotation of the middle drum are stopped, the process proceeds to S71, and it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to “reach”. The big hit flag is set in S58 or S62.
If the process flag is set to "reach", the process proceeds to S72, and after the process flag is set to "6", the process proceeds to S7.
Proceed to 3. On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set to "reach", the process directly proceeds to S73. If the big hit flag is set to "reach" in a state where the left drum and the middle drum are stopped, data for controlling the hit row LCD at the time of the reach described in S37 is set. As a result, of the hit column LCDs (liquid crystal display portions 56a to 56i), only the liquid crystal display portion on the hit line (combination effective column) which has a possibility that a specific combination of identification information is established becomes transparent, The other liquid crystal display parts are in an opaque state, and the variable display parts other than the remaining hit lines, which are likely to establish a specific game state combination, cannot be visually recognized based on the display result of the stopped variable display part. Shielded. With the liquid crystal sheet 56 having the shielding function and the LCD drive circuit 86, when a part of the plurality of variable display units is still variably displaying, the identification is performed by judging from a display result of the stopped variable display unit. The variable display units other than the variable display units on the effective combination columns that have the possibility that the combination of the pieces of identification information are established are shielded so that they cannot be visually recognized.

Then, the program proceeds to S73, in which it is determined whether or not all the drums have stopped.
The process proceeds to step S4, where the process flag is set to "7", the process timer is set to a delay time, and the process proceeds to step S75. The outgoing delay time is about 1 second, and S7 described later during this set delay time.
7 makes a NO determination and keeps all drums in a stopped state, during which time the player can be confirmed to be off. In S75, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is "big hit". If it is not "big hit", the subroutine program is ended as it is. If it is "big hit", S7 is executed.
The process proceeds to step 6, where the process flag is set to "8" and the process timer is set to the time before the initial release. The time before the first opening is about 4 seconds. During the set time before the first opening, the determination of NO is made in S77 described later, during which the drum is kept stopped, and the variable winning ball device 4 is operated. Control for driving control to the first state is delayed.

Next, when the process flag is set to "7" or "8", the big hit check processing in S23 is performed.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the big hit check processing in S23.
In S77, it is determined whether or not the process timer has expired. When the process timer has expired, the process proceeds to S78, in which output data for turning off the stepping motor is set. The stepping motors 52a-5
2c turns off. Next, in S79, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is "big hit".
If it is not "big hit", the process proceeds to S80, the process flag is set to "0", and the normal process of S17 is started again. On the other hand, the big hit flag is "big hit"
If so, the process proceeds to S81, where the V winning flag is cleared, the process flag is set to "9", the release time (30 seconds) is set in the process timer, and the release counter is set to "1". Processing is performed. The V winning flag is set when a pachinko ball wins in the specific winning area 8 and is detected by the specific winning ball detector 90. When the V winning flag is set, it is variable. After the first state of the winning prize ball device is completed, the repetitive continuation control for driving and controlling the variable winning prize ball device to the first state again is performed. The number of times of the repetition continuation control is counted up by the opening number counter, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value (for example, “16”), control is performed so that the repetition continuation control is not performed any more. Further, in S81, the opening time (30 seconds) is set in the process timer, so that the solenoid 6 is excited for a maximum of 30 seconds and the open / close plate 5 of the variable winning ball device 4 is opened for a maximum of 30 seconds. In the meantime, if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls wins in the variable winning ball device and is detected by the winning number detector 91, the excitation of the solenoid 6 is stopped at that point and the opening / closing plate 5 is closed. I do.

FIG. 20 is a front view showing another example of the variable display device. The variable display device 100 uses a dot matrix LED. Variable display device 10
The plurality of 0 symbol display units 102a to 102i are constituted by dot matrix LEDs 101. Then, at the time of the reach described above, as shown in (B),
Judging from the display result of the variable display unit in the stopped state, switching to a state in which the variable display units other than the variable display unit on the effective combination column where there is a possibility that a specific combination of identification information is established does not display the identification information. Can be In this switching control, for example, when it is determined in S71 that the big hit flag is set to “reach”, the combination of the specific identification information is established based on the display result of the variable display unit in the stopped state. Hit column (combination effective column)
Data indicating nothing is set for the dot matrix LEDs of the variable display units other than the upper variable display unit, and control is performed so that the set data is output in S13.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing still another example of the variable display device. The variable display device 110 uses a liquid crystal display, and a plurality of symbol display portions 112a to 112i are configured by a segment LCD 111. (A) shows a state in which only the left symbol is stopped and the middle symbol and the right symbol are variably displayed. In (B), the left symbol and the middle symbol are stopped, and only the right symbol is displayed. Is variably displayed. In (B), “7” and “7” are arranged diagonally on a diagonal line in a state where the left symbol and the middle symbol are stopped, and the reach state described above is established. During this reach,
As shown in (B), a combination effective column (a hit column on a diagonally diagonal line descending to the right) that is left from a possibility that a specific combination of identification information is determined based on the display result of the variable display unit in the stopped state. Control is performed so that the display of the variable display units other than the upper variable display unit disappears.

The control at the time of reach in the variable display device using the liquid crystal display shown in FIG.
When the determination of 71 is made, the variable other than the variable display unit on the effective combination column is determined based on the display result of the variable display unit in the stopped state, and there is a possibility that the combination of the specific identification information remains. What is necessary is just to set data that does not display anything on the display unit and control it to output it in S4.

In the variable display devices 100 and 110 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, instead of turning off the display of the predetermined variable display section at the time of the reach to make the identification information invisible, the predetermined variable display section is not used. May be made invisible so that the identification information is not visible. The microcomputer 71 and the dot matrix LED 101
Alternatively, the segment LCD, or the S37, the LCD drive circuit 86, and the liquid crystal sheet 56 constitute the invisibility disabling means in the present invention.

[0053]

According to the present invention, when a part of a plurality of types of variable display sections is still variably displaying, it is possible that a player may establish a combination of the specific identification information on which combination effective column. It can be easily determined from the display result of the stopped variable display unit whether there is any remaining, and the sense of expectation due to the stepwise approach of the combination of specific identification information that causes the display state of the variable display device to be a big hit. Can be surely tasted by the player.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming area of a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is an overall front view of the variable display device.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable display device in an assembled state.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a structure of a drum decoration unit provided in the variable display device.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of a liquid crystal sheet used in the variable display device.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of a liquid crystal sheet used in the variable display device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main routine for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for process processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a switch input process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a hit column data set process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a winning storage area storing process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a normal process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a random 2 counter check process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a big hit symbol setting process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a lost symbol setting process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a drum rotation start process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine program of a drum rotation process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of a jackpot check process.

FIG. 20 is an overall front view showing another example of the variable display device.

FIG. 21 is an overall front view showing still another example of the variable display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 is a variable display device, 3a, 3b and 3c are symbol display units, 2
2a to 22i are drum lamps, 58 is a hit line display, 56 is a liquid crystal sheet, 56a to 56i are liquid crystal display units,
86 is an LED drive circuit, 71 is a microcomputer,
4 is a variable winning ball device, 2 is a game area.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A variable display device having a plurality of variable display portions capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, a variable display device having a plurality of predetermined combination effective columns provided, and when the variable display device is stopped. According to the display results of the plurality of variable display units in the above, when a combination of the specific identification information is established on a certain effective combination of the plurality of effective combinations, a predetermined game value can be given. A gaming machine, wherein the variable display device is variably displayed, and variable display control means capable of controlling stop of the plurality of variable display portions by changing stop timings based on satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition; and In the stage where a part of the variable display section is still variably displaying, if the stopped variable display section satisfies the condition for establishing the combination of the specific identification information, the variable variable section satisfies the condition. Display unit belongs Characterized in that it comprises a viewable means you want the invisible identification information displayed by the variable display portion other than the variable display unit on the combined effective column, the gaming machine.