JP4283774B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention executes a display game based on establishment of a predetermined condition during a game, and when a result of the display game is determined in a predetermined specific display mode, a special game state capable of giving a game value to a player is provided. It relates to a game machine to be generated.

  Conventionally known as this type of gaming machine is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. In other words, the gaming machine is provided with a variable display device that fulfills a predetermined condition by winning a game ball to a start winning opening provided on the game board and executes a display game based on the establishment of the predetermined condition. The game has a plurality of types of game contents with different effect displays, and the player himself sets the game contents desired by the player from the plurality of types of game contents, stores the set game contents, A display game has been performed based on the stored game content.

  In addition, a plurality of the game contents can be set, and for each set game content, the player himself / herself sets the number of games (start number) desired by the player, so that the number of games can be set to a predetermined number. When the game content is reached, the next game content is set, and a game with a different game content can be performed. As described above, the player can set a desired game from a plurality of types of games, and can further set the number of games desired by the player for a plurality of types of games. Was a gaming machine.

JP 2004-275445 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 described above, a display game can be performed according to any game content desired by the player among a plurality of types of game content having different effect displays. From the start of the change until the stop is confirmed, the player can finally enjoy the game with only one game content. Therefore, the game is likely to be monotonous, and the player gets tired of the game and cannot fully enjoy the game.

  In addition, the number of games is set for each game content, and when the number of games reaches a set value, the game content becomes the next game content set, and a plurality of different game content can be played. In the game, only the performance according to the game contents being executed can be performed. Therefore, even if a player can play a game with a plurality of game contents, the game contents in each display game are monotonous after all because the same game is repeated until the number of games reaches the set value. Certainly, the player was tired of the game and could not fully enjoy the game.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the problems of the prior art as described above, and in the individual display game, while the effect display based on the game contents set in advance is being performed, By changing to other game contents different from the effect display based on the game content set in the middle, and performing the effect display based on the game content after the change, it is possible to give the player surprise to the effect An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that is possible and can enhance the display interest.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-described object resides in the invention of the following section .
[1] A display game is executed in the variable display device (310) based on the establishment of a predetermined condition during a game, and a game value is given to the player when the result of the display game is determined in a predetermined display mode. In a gaming machine (1) that generates a possible special gaming state,
With respect to the display game, setting means (100) for setting any game content based on a player's operation among a plurality of types of game content with different effect displays;
A game content setting screen display means (3100) for displaying a game content setting screen indicating that the game content is set by the setting means (100) ;
Display control means (3200) for controlling the display game based on the game content set by the setting means (100),
The game content setting screen display means (3100)
The game content setting screen is displayed on the screen of the variable display device (310) on the condition that the variable display device (310) is unchanged.
While the game content setting screen is displayed, a list of a plurality of types of game content that repeats scrolling and stopping is started by the player's first operation on the setting means (100).
The game content in the center of the screen during the display can be arbitrarily set by the player operating the setting means (100) again,
The display control means (3200)
A change means (3220) for changing an effect display based on the game content set by the setting means (100) to an effect display based on another game content during execution of the display game , and the effect of the change. A game content change screen display means (3210) for displaying a game content change screen;
The game content change screen displays a list of a plurality of types of game content, repeatedly displays scrolling and stopping over a predetermined time, and automatically selects any new game content,
The changing means (3220) changes the effect display based on the game content set at the player's will by the setting means (100) to the effect display based on the game content newly selected on the game content change screen. Change without intervention,
Identification information that becomes the specific display mode on condition that the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means (100) is changed to the effect display based on other game contents by the changing means (3220). Among the combinations, the other identification information other than one identification information is a combination that becomes the specific display mode, and the display mode controls a reach mode in which the one identification information is unconfirmed. ).

The present invention operates as follows.
According to the gaming machine (1) described in [1], a display game is executed when a predetermined condition is established during the game, and there are a plurality of types of game contents with different effect displays regarding the display game. Before the display game is started, any game content is first set by the setting means (100). Here, when the setting means (100) is a function of the control means inside the gaming machine (1), the game content is automatically set by the control on the gaming machine (1) side. In the case of external input means operated by the player, the game content is set reflecting the player's intention.

  When the display game is started after the game contents are set in advance, the display control means (3200) controls the execution of the display game based on the game contents initially set by the setting means (100). The During execution of this display game, the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means (100) is changed to the effect display based on other game content by the changing means (3220) of the display control means (3200). Be changed. Here, the changing means (3220) corresponds to the function of the control means inside the gaming machine (1), and the player's intention is not involved in changing the game content by the changing means (3220).

  Thus, while the effect display based on the game content set in advance during the execution of the display game is being performed by the changing means (3220), the effect display based on the set game content is suddenly performed. Is changed to another different game content, and an effect display based on the game content after the change is performed, so that the player can be given an unexpectedness to the effect, and the display interest can be enhanced. Note that the change of the game content by the changing means (3220) can be selectively performed by the control inside the gaming machine (1), and it is not always necessary to change 100% for each display game.

Further, according to the gaming machine (1) described in [ 1 ], the setting means (100) sets any one of a plurality of types of game contents based on the operation of the player. Thereby, the player can select a favorite game content by performing an operation with his / her own intention, and the player can enjoy the game with a feeling of participation.

Furthermore, according to the gaming machine (1) described in [ 1 ], the game content setting screen displaying means (3100) displays a game content setting screen indicating that the game content is set by the setting means (100). indicate. When the setting means (100) is a function of the control means inside the gaming machine (1), this game content setting screen unilaterally notifies the player of the type of game content and the setting result by the control. When the setting means (100) is an external input means that is set based on the player's operation, the content indicates the type of game content to the player and suggests the setting operation.

  In any case, by displaying the game content setting screen, the player can confirm in advance the type of game content or effect display that is initially displayed as the display game is executed. With the start of execution, it is possible to clearly grasp the type of game content or effect display. The game content setting screen is displayed before the execution of the display game and is not directly related to the effect during the execution of the display game, but the game content setting screen display means (3100) May be regarded as one of the functions of the display control means (3200).

Furthermore , according to the gaming machine (1) described in [ 1 ], the game content set by the setting means (100) by the game content change screen display means (3210) of the display control means (3200). During the execution of the display game based on the effect display based on the game content, a game content change screen indicating that the display is changed to the effect display based on other game content is displayed. This game content change screen is a content that displays at least the newly selected game content for the player because the changing means (3220) is a function of the control means inside the gaming machine (1). By displaying such a game content change screen, the player can clearly know the type of new game content that is changed during the execution of the displayed game. In addition, it is possible to enhance the production effect during execution of the display game.

  After the game content change screen is displayed, the change means (3220) displays an effect display based on the game content set by the setting means (100) and the game content newly selected on the game content change screen. Change to the effect display based on. Further, the display control means (3200) continues the display game by the effect display based on the game content changed by the changing means (3220). Since the game content change screen is a kind of effect during execution of the display game, the game content change screen display means (3210) is a function (attribute) of the display control means (3200). You may comprise independently from a control means (3200).

In addition, according to the gaming machine (1) described in [ 1 ], the display control means (3200) displays the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means (100) as the change means (3220). ), A combination in which other identification information except for one identification information becomes the specific display mode among the combinations of identification information in the specific display mode, on the condition that the display is changed to the effect display based on other game contents. Thus, the reach mode in which the one piece of identification information is unconfirmed is displayed.

  In this way, during the execution of the display game, it is determined that the reach mode is displayed when the effect display based on the initially set game content is changed to another game content on the way. In this case, the player can be given an unexpectedness with respect to the effect of the display game, and the player can play the game with a sense of expectation that is a special display mode.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, there are a plurality of types of game contents with different display effects regarding the displayed game, and any game content is set by the setting means, and the set game contents are set by the display control means. Although the execution of the display game is controlled based on the display game, the display unit based on the set game content is changed to the effect display based on the other game content by the changing means during the execution of the display game. In the display game, while the effect display based on the preset game content is being performed, it is suddenly changed to another different game content, and the effect display based on the changed game content is performed. Therefore, it is possible to give the player an unexpectedness with respect to the effect of the display game, and to enhance the display interest.

Further, if the setting means is to set any game content among a plurality of types of game content based on the player's operation, the player can perform any operation by his / her own intention. The content of the game can be selected, and the player can enjoy the game with a feeling of participation.
Further, by displaying a game content setting screen indicating that the game content is set by the setting means, the player can know in advance the type of game content or effect display that is initially performed when the display game is executed. It is possible to reliably grasp the game content or the type of effect display as the display game is started.

Furthermore, by displaying a game content change screen indicating that the display is changed to the effect display based on other game contents during the execution of the display game based on the effect display based on the game contents set by the setting means, the player Can clearly know the type of new game content to be changed during the execution of the display game at the time of the change, and can enhance the effect of the effect during the execution of the display game.

In addition, during the execution of the display game, if the effect display based on the initially set game content is changed to another game content in the middle, it is determined that the reach mode is displayed. It is possible to give the player an unexpectedness with respect to the effect of the display game, and the player can play the game with a sense of expectation as a special display mode.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment that represents the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
1 to 18 show a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a pachinko machine that launches a game ball (hereinafter also simply referred to as “ball”) in a game area 17 formed on the game board 2 to execute a game. Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a card unit (CR ball lending machine) b (see FIG. 3) for lending a gaming ball by inserting a valuable card.

First, an outline of the entire gaming machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine state lamp 422 that notifies the special gaming state by lighting, a glass frame 11 that fixes a front glass covering the gaming board 2, and a game ball launched by the player moves to play a game. It has a game board 2 and the like that are detachable with parts to be advanced. The glass frame 11 is assembled with a decorative lamp or LED.

  Below the glass frame 11, an upper tray 3 for storing balls and prize balls, a lower tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the upper tray 3, and a ball stored in the upper tray 3 are extracted. An upper tray ball removal lever 7, a lower tray ball removal lever 8 for extracting the balls stored in the lower tray 4, and a handle 5 for a player to perform a game ball firing operation are provided. In addition, a push button type external input switch that can be operated by the player himself / herself is provided as a setting means 100 at the front center portion of the upper tray 3. By operating the setting means 100, any one of a plurality of types of game contents can be set for a display game to be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board 2. On the front surface of the game board 2, a guide rail 16 for guiding the fired ball to the game area 17, a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the flow of the game ball guided to the game area 17. ), Various winning awards, a normal symbol operation gate 26, lamps / LEDs as decoration devices, a variable display device 310 for executing display games, and a special symbol display for displaying special symbols corresponding to display games. A device 320, a normal symbol display device 140 for displaying a normal symbol, and the like are provided.

  The various winning ports include a start winning port 21, a right sleeve winning port 22a, a left sleeve winning port 22b, a right dropping winning port 23a, a left dropping winning port 23b, a large winning port 24, and the like. When a game ball wins each winning opening, a winning ball is detected by a switch attached to each winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls assigned to each winning opening are paid out each time a winning ball is detected. The normal symbol operating gate 26 is a passage opening, and no prize ball is paid out even if a game ball passes. In the lowermost part of the game board 2, an out port 29 is provided for discharging a ball that has fallen without entering any of the winning ports in the game area 17 to the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 3, as the switches attached to each winning award port, a starting winning port switch 121, a right sleeve winning port switch 122a, a left sleeve winning port switch 122b, a right dropping winning port switch 123a, and a left dropping winning port switch 123b and the like are installed inside each winning opening. In addition, a count switch 125 is installed inside the special winning opening 24. Further, a normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126 is installed inside the normal symbol operation gate 26.

  When a game ball wins at each winning opening, it is detected by each winning opening switch, and each time it is detected, the next predetermined winning ball assigned to each winning opening is paid out. In the present embodiment, the start winning opening 21 has five pieces, the right sleeve winning opening 22a, the left sleeve winning opening 22b, the right dropping winning opening 23a, the left dropping winning opening 23b, respectively, and the large winning opening 24. Fifteen are assigned.

Next, the main components on the game board 2 will be described in more detail.
The start winning opening 21 is generally called a start chucker, and a pair of movable pieces are swingably provided at both left and right ends of the start winning opening 21. Each movable piece is expanded / contracted by a normal electric accessory solenoid 136. The start winning opening 21 is configured as a normal electric accessory that operates in a contracted state in which the game ball is difficult to win and an expanded state in which it is easy to win, by expanding and contracting each movable piece. Even if each movable piece is in the contracted state, the start winning opening 21 is open to the extent that it is difficult for the ball to win.

  Each movable piece of the start winning opening 21 operates based on the display result of the normal symbol display in the normal symbol display device 140. The normal symbol display device 140 performs normal symbol display by turning on two upper and lower LEDs, and among the two upper and lower LEDs, the upper “◯” type is “hit” and the lower “−” type is “ Is assigned as “out of”. When the result of the normal symbol display corresponds to “winning”, each movable piece of the start winning opening 21 operates from the normal contracted state to the expanded state until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls are won. In addition to the lighting of the LED, as a normal symbol display, a 7-segment display may be used or displayed on a part of the display area of the variable display device 310.

  In the normal symbol display device 140, when the passing of the game ball is detected by the normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126, the right of normal symbol display is acquired, and the normal symbol display is performed based on the right. The normal symbol display starts when the upper and lower LEDs of the normal symbol display device 140 are alternately flashed. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol display starts, and either the upper or lower LED is turned on. The player can visually check the display result. . The normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126 may be constituted by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

  If the passing of the game ball is detected by the normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126 during the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display device 140, the right to display the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 140 is acquired, After the normal symbol display currently in progress is digested, the reserved rights are digested sequentially. The number of reserved symbols for normal symbol display is, for example, an upper limit of four, and is notified by lighting of the normal symbol hold LED 421.

  It is set as a “predetermined condition” for the display game to be executed on the variable display device 310 described below that the ball wins the start winning opening 21. When the winning of the game ball is detected by the start winning port switch 121 inside the starting winning port 21, the right to execute the display game is acquired in the variable display device 310, and the display game is executed based on the right. The start winning port switch 121 may be configured by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor, for example.

  The variable display device 310 includes a liquid crystal unit 311 that forms a display unit, and the liquid crystal unit 311 is related to identification information related to the result of the display game and display display of the display game as various images. Various images (including the background) can be variably displayed. In addition to the liquid crystal unit 311, the variable display device 310 may be configured by employing, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, a drum unit, a 7-segment display, an LED, an organic EL display, and the like. Is possible.

  When a ball is won at the start winning port 21 and a winning of a game ball is detected by the start winning port switch 121, the right of display game in the variable display device 310 is acquired and the display game is executed. In the display game, a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed on the liquid crystal unit 311, and the combination of identification information finally stopped is a specific display mode (hereinafter also referred to as “big hit”) that is a predetermined specific combination. If confirmed, a special game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to the player is generated.

  When the display game is started, the liquid crystal unit 311 basically has a first symbol on the left side, a second symbol on the right side, a third symbol on the center, and various symbols as three identification information in a horizontal row. The identification information is scroll-fluctuated for each column, for example. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of fluctuation, arbitrary identification information is stopped and fixed for each column. Further, during the display game, characters, backgrounds, and the like are appropriately displayed on the liquid crystal unit 311 as various images in accordance with the variable display of the identification information.

  In the present embodiment, regarding the display game, a plurality of types of game contents with different effect displays are prepared in advance, and the setting means 100 allows the player to set any game content based on his / her own intention. In addition, it is set to change to the effect display based on other game contents from the middle based on the control on the gaming machine 1 side during execution of the display game. As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 8, there are three types of game content in the present embodiment, “game content A” in which an effect display with the theme of a slot is performed, and an effect display with the theme of roulette. There are “game content B” to be performed and “game content C” to be displayed with a poker theme.

  In any of the game contents A to C, as a result of the display game, the identification information that has been confirmed to be stopped in the liquid crystal unit 311 is a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all the same types as “333” etc. are aligned). When it becomes, it is determined as a “specific display mode (big hit)”. In addition, before the specific display mode is determined, among the combinations of identification information that becomes the specific display mode, other identification information except for one identification information becomes the combination that becomes the specific display mode, and the one identification information is not yet displayed. The state of being confirmed corresponds to the “reach mode”.

  When the result of the display game is finally determined in the specific display mode, a special game state is set in which the next prize winning opening 24 described below is repeatedly opened and closed a predetermined number of times. On the other hand, if the result of the display game is not finally determined in the specific display mode, it corresponds to the “out-of-display result (out of date)”, and a special gaming state does not occur and a game value is given to the player. Never happen. Note that the identification information used in the display game is not limited to simple symbols such as numbers and symbols of 0 to 9, and for example, information imitating a specific character may be used.

  Further, the specific display in which the result of the display game is all the same in any of the identification information in the probability variation symbol (for example, odd symbol “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”) When the mode (probability variation jackpot) is determined, a special gaming state with a high probability state occurs. That is, when the specific display mode (probability variation jackpot) arranged in the probability variation pattern is confirmed, the result of the display game is the specific display mode until the next special game state occurs after the special game state generated based on this is completed. The jackpot probability to be fixed at will change to a high probability.

  As described above, a gaming state in which the jackpot probability determined in the specific display mode is higher than that in the normal gaming state (low probability state) is also referred to as a high probability state (or “probability variation state” or “probability variation mode”). It is. In addition, during the high probability state, a time reduction state (or also referred to as “time reduction state” or “time reduction mode”) in which the variation time of the display game in the variable display device 310 is reduced is also set to occur. May be. Furthermore, in the time shortening state in the present embodiment, it may be set so that the fluctuation time of the normal symbol display in the normal symbol display device 140 is also shortened.

  On the other hand, the results of the display game are all the same type in any of the non-probable symbols (for example, even symbols “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”) of the identification information. When the display mode (non-probability variation jackpot) is confirmed, a special game state without a high probability state occurs. Here, when the specific display mode (non-probability variation jackpot) arranged in the non-probable variation pattern is confirmed, after the special game state generated based on this is finished, the next display after the next is limited to a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). You may set so that the fluctuation time in a game and a normal symbol display may be shortened.

  When a ball is won in the start winning slot 21 during execution of the display game or the occurrence of the special game state, a right to execute the display game is acquired as a hold, and a display game currently in progress can be obtained. After it has been completed, the rights that have been put on hold will be consumed. The number of display games held is set to a maximum of four, for example, and the actual number of holds is notified by the special symbol hold LED 420 so that the player can visually confirm. Of course, the configuration of the special symbol hold LED 420 may be omitted, and the number of held balls may be displayed on the variable display device 310.

  In addition, the special symbol display device 320 includes a jackpot determination result that is a source of a display result of a display game executed by the variable display device 310, and a special symbol that can be distinguished from a probability variation jackpot or a non-probability variation jackpot. In accordance with the execution of the display game, the display is changed at the same time. For example, the display game is configured by using a 7 segment LED or the like.

  The special winning opening 24 is generally referred to as an attacker, and by the operation of the special winning opening solenoid 134, an open state in which the game ball is easy to win (first state) and a normal game ball is difficult to win. To the closed state (second state). The door that opens and closes the winning opening of the special winning opening 24 is opened by tilting forward with its lower end as a swing center.

  The special prize opening solenoid 134 operates to open and close the door of the special prize opening 24 when the special gaming state is established. That is, the special winning opening 24 is controlled to open and close so as to form a special game state when the result of the display game is in a specific display mode. Here, the special game state is an open state in which the door of the special winning opening 24 is opened and the game ball is easy to win, and the door is passed by a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10). Is a state in which the number of rounds that are closed and difficult to win is continued up to a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times).

Next, various control boards used for controlling the gaming machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing various control boards and related components used for controlling the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the present embodiment includes a main board 1100, an effect control board 1300, a payout control board 200, a launch control board 600, a power supply board 2700, and the like as control boards.

  The main board 1100 is a control board that controls the gaming machine 1, and the effect control board 1300 is a control board that performs overall control of display of the variable display device 310, lighting control of the decoration lamp, and audio output control. It is. The main board 1100 and the effect control board 1300 constitute a control means as a whole. As shown in FIG. 6, the control means has a game content setting screen display means 3100 and display control as functions related to the basis of the present invention. The display control means 3200 further includes a game content change screen display means 3210 and a change means 3220.

  The game content setting screen display means 3100 is a function for displaying a game content setting screen indicating that the setting means 100 sets game content. The game content setting screen display means 3100 displays the game content setting screen shown in FIG. 7 on the screen of the variable display device 310 on the condition that the variable display device 310 is on standby (when it is not changed). On the other hand, display control that prompts an operation for setting (selecting) any game content is executed. As will be described in detail later, the effect control board 1300 is set to store game content selected based on the operation of the setting means 100 by the player.

  The display control means 3200 is a function for controlling execution of a display game in the variable display device 310. The display control means 3200 first controls the display game based on the game content set by the setting means 100 due to the winning of the ball to the start winning opening 21 described above, and will be described later in the middle of the display game. The display game is set to continue based on the game content changed by the changing means 3220.

  The game content change screen display means 3210 displays a game content change screen indicating that the display is changed to an effect display based on another game content during execution of a display game based on the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means 100. It is a function to display. The game content change screen display means 3210 suggests a change in game content at a predetermined timing as part of the effect pattern during execution of the display game, as shown in detail in FIGS. 9 (4) to (6). The game content change screen is set to be displayed.

  The changing means 3220 is a function for changing the effect display based on the game contents set by the setting means 100 to the effect display based on other game contents during execution of the display game. The changing means 3220 is set to change the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means 100 to the effect display based on the game content newly selected on the game content change screen.

  Unlike the setting by the setting unit 100, the change of the game content by the changing unit 3220 is based on control that does not involve the player's intention, and, as with the derivation of the game content change screen as an effect pattern related to the display game, It is included in a predetermined display control program. Note that the derivation of the game content change screen and the change of the game content do not necessarily have to be executed 100% for every displayed game.

FIG. 4 shows details of the main board 1100.
The main board 1100 operates based on the clock generated by the clock circuit 1110 inside the main board 1100. The CPU 1102 executes timer interrupt processing at regular intervals by inputting an interrupt signal at regular intervals obtained by dividing the clock generated by the clock circuit 1110 by the internal timer 1107 to the CPU 1102. The CPU 1102 performs a series of operations by executing, for each interrupt, a process divided so as to end in a time shorter than the timer setting time interval.

  The start winning port switch 121, the normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126, the right sleeve winning port switch 122a, the left sleeve winning port switch 122b, the right dropping winning port switch 123a, and the left falling winning port switch 123b each detect a ball winning. The input signals from these switches are input to the input interface circuit 1115a.

  Input signals from the count switch 125, the right prize ball detection switch 130a, the left prize ball detection switch 130b, the shot ball break switch 131, the glass frame open detection switch 132, and the overflow switch 133 are input to the input interface circuit 1115b.

  The addresses of the input interface circuits 1115a and 1115b are set in the address space of the CPU 1102 by the memory mapped I / O method. The address select circuit 1113 decodes the address signal output from the CPU 1102 and the read / write control signal in accordance with the system clock output from the CPU 1102 to generate a chip select signal.

  When the input interface circuits 1115a and 1115b are selected by the chip select signal, the input signals from the start winning a prize opening switch 121 and the like are output to the data bus through the input interface circuits 1115a and 1115b. Each input signal on the data bus is specified for each input signal after it has been detected multiple times and chattering prevention processing is performed until the next interrupt processing is executed by an interrupt signal generated at regular intervals. The stored RAM area (RAM 1104) is stored.

  The input signal from the start winning port switch 121 is a five ball ball signal, and from the right sleeve winning port switch 122a, the left sleeve winning port switch 122b, the right dropping winning port switch 123a, and the left dropping winning port switch 123b. Each of the input signals is treated as a prize ball signal of 8 prize balls, and further, the input signal from the count switch 125 is treated as a prize ball signal of 15 prize balls, and the number of prizes detected by each switch is designated. Stored in the RAM area. At the same time, the total number of winning balls is calculated by the CPU 1102 and stored in a designated RAM area. The payout of the switch provided at each winning opening is fixed, but the number of payouts can be changed according to the specifications of the gaming machine.

  In addition, random numbers are acquired for the input signals from the start winning a prize port switch 121 and the normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126, and these values are stored in the random number storage areas of the RAM area. Thus, the game state, game effect, etc. of the gaming machine 1 are set, and data such as the game state, game effect, etc. are sequentially output to each control board. Output data to each control board passes through a buffer 1114 provided in the middle of the data bus, and is further output to the latch circuits 1116a to 1116e through the output data bus. By disposing the buffer 1114 in the middle of the data bus connecting the output latch circuits 1116a to 1116e and the CPU 1102, the bus signal flows in one direction, which is a countermeasure against fraud.

  Since there are data in the 5 starting ball opening RAM areas, the left and right sleeve winning opening switches, the 8 left and right winning opening switch, the 15 winning ball RAM areas, and the 15 counting switch RAM areas, the CPU 1102 receives each winning ball. The 8-bit award ball data set to the number is sequentially output to the latch circuit 1116a through the data bus and the output data bus. In synchronization with this, an interrupt signal for the payout control board 200 and a control signal for the strobe signal are output to the latch circuit 1116c through the data bus and the output data bus.

  When the chip select signal decoded by the address decoding circuit 1113 controlled by the memory mapped I / O is sequentially output to the latch circuit 1116a and the latch circuit 1116c, the 8-bit prize ball data is interrupted to the latch circuit 1116a. The control signal of the signal and the strobe signal is latched by the latch circuit 1116c, and the output signal composed of the 8-bit parallel prize ball output signal, the interrupt signal, and the 2-bit control signal of the strobe signal is given to the payout control board 200. Output as data.

  The payout control board 200 to which the winning ball data is input controls the ball discharging mechanism to discharge the number of winning balls corresponding to the input winning ball data. The discharged prize balls are detected by the right prize ball detection switch 130a and the left prize ball detection switch 130b, input to the input interface circuit 1115b and taken into the CPU 1102, and the number of prize balls is managed. The detection signal is also output to the payout control board 200.

  Based on these detection signals, the number of prize balls actually paid out is calculated by the CPU 1102, the value is subtracted from the stored data in the RAM area, and the data of the number of prize balls is updated in real time. An output signal is output to the latch circuit 1116d for each set number of winning prize balls, and is output to the outside in synchronization with the chip select signal of the address decode circuit 1113, and for management via the frame external output terminal board 800. It is output to a computer (not shown) or the like.

  When random number values are stored in the RAM area in which random number values corresponding to the input signals of the start winning a prize switch 121 and the normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126 are stored, the normal symbol display device 140 and the variable display device 310 are stored. The type of game effect (effect pattern) is determined immediately before the start of the display game, and the determined effect pattern is transmitted to the effect control board 1300 related to the effect, and the generated data is stored in the RAM area.

  When random numbers related to normal symbols are stored, display control data for executing normal symbol display of the normal symbol display device 140 is generated, and the display control data is output from the CPU 1102 to the latch circuit 1116e through the data bus. The Each time a chip select signal is output from the address decoding circuit 1113, the normal symbol display device 140 performs normal symbol display for a certain period of time.

  When the result of acquiring the random number value related to the normal symbol is a win, the braking data of the normal electric accessory solenoid 136 for expanding each movable piece of the start winning opening 21 is output from the CPU 1102 to the latch circuit 1116e. At the same time, in response to the chip select signal from the address decode circuit 1113, the latch circuit 1116e outputs the signal for a certain period of time to control the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 136. Thereby, the start winning opening 21 is in an expanded state, and a state in which the ball is likely to win is generated.

  When random numbers related to the start winning award 21 are stored, in order to cause the variable display device 310 to perform a display game, data related to each stop symbol that defines the effect pattern and the corresponding stop symbol on the effect control board 1300 Are sequentially output as effect output data to the latch circuit 1116b in time series, and the effect control board 1300 is controlled to execute the display game. In addition, the lighting effect and the sound effect of the LED / lamp are also executed synchronously.

  When the gaming state is the special gaming state, the control data of the big prize opening solenoid 134 is output to the latch circuit 1116e, and the chip select signal from the address decoding circuit 1113 is input to the latch circuit 1116e. As a result, the control data of the special prize opening solenoid 134 is output from the latch circuit 1116e, the special prize opening solenoid 134 is driven, the special prize opening 24 is opened and closed, and the ball can be guided to the special prize opening 24.

  The winning balls are counted by the count switch 125 arranged in the big winning opening 24. When the total count of the data counted by the count switch 125 reaches a predetermined quantity, the output data of the latch circuit 1116e is changed, the special winning opening solenoid 134 is deactivated, and one round is completed. Thereafter, if the upper limit number of rounds has not yet been reached, the jackpot round will continue further.

  When power is supplied to the main board 1100, a reset signal is supplied from the power board 2700, and each device on the main board 1100 is reset. Thereafter, the system reset signal becomes inactive, and each device transitions to the active state. When the system reset signal changes to the inactive state, the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 1101 becomes inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time due to delay processing by the clock synchronization / delay circuit 1111. As a result, the one-chip microcomputer 1101 enters an operating state, and the operating state of the main board 1100 is maintained. Thereafter, initial setting of the one-chip microcomputer 1101 is performed.

  When the power supply externally supplied from the gaming machine is unstable, a power failure detection signal is supplied from the power supply board 2700 to the NMI (non-maskable interrupt) 1105 of the one-chip microcomputer 1101, and the one-chip microcomputer 1101 performs a save operation for each storage area. Done. Specifically, after detecting the winning ball detection data for a certain period of time, the power failure processing determination data is stored in the RAM area to protect the RAM 1104. That is, as the power supply voltage decreases, the backup power supply DC5VBB is supplied from the power supply board 2700 to the RAM 1104, and the storage state of the RAM 1104 is maintained.

  When power is next supplied, the one-chip microcomputer 1101 performs power failure recovery processing upon recognizing that power failure processing has occurred based on the presence or absence of power failure processing determination data. If the RAM initialization signal is active during initialization, the CPU 1102 detects data in the I / O port 1106 and initializes the RAM area.

  A signal for detecting a ball breakage by the shot ball break switch 131 and a signal for detecting a ball clogging of the award ball in the lower tray 4 of the gaming machine 1 by the overflow switch 133 are sent to the one-chip microcomputer 1101 through the input interface circuit 1115b and the data bus. Is taken in. After the data conversion, these signals are output from the latch circuit 1116a to the payout control board 200 with the same configuration as the prize ball output data. The outputs of the latch circuits 1116a to 1116e are unidirectional and take an irreversible output form.

Next, the effect control board 1300 shown in FIG. 5 will be described.
The production control board 1300 is mainly composed of a variable display device 310 installed on the gaming board 2, blinking of various LEDs / lamps such as a gaming machine status lamp 422, sound effects on the speaker 510, voice, abnormal state of the gaming machine 1 The control regarding the warning sound etc. for notifying is performed.

  The effect control board 1300 has a clock transmitter 1316 for operating the microcomputer 1301, a control RAM 1311 for temporarily storing information acquired by executing the effect control, and an effect control for executing the effect control based on the control information. It has a control ROM 1310 storing a control program, acquires control information through an input interface 1314 for inputting control information from the main board 1100, and executes a game effect based on the acquired information.

  The microcomputer 1301 operates based on the clock generated by the clock generator 1316, and control information from the main board 1100 is input to the PIOa 1306 a and PIOj 1306 j in the microcomputer 1301 through the input interface 1314, and is variably displayed based on the input information. An effect by the device 310, an effect by light from various lamps / LEDs, an effect by sound, and the like are executed according to the procedure of the program stored in the control ROM 1310.

  The reset signal from the power supply board 2700 is input from the power supply board 2700 to the microcomputer 1301 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and the microcomputer 1301 is reset according to the control procedure stored in the control ROM 1310. At the same time, the effect control board 1300 is set to be initialized.

  Further, the setting means 100 is connected to the effect control board 1300. A signal related to the game content setting from the setting means 100 is input to the PIOh 1306h, and the microcomputer 1301 stores the game content set by the setting means 100 in the control RAM 1311 which is a storage means via the buffer 1312. Further, the image data relating to the effect display of the three types of game contents is stored separately in the image data ROM 1322 of the image processing section described below.

  The effect control board 1300 includes an image processing unit, a lamp / LED drive circuit unit, and an audio control unit. First, the image processing unit is a part that produces an effect on the variable display device 310, and the microcomputer 1301 gives a specific instruction to the image control IC 1320 based on a control signal from the main board 1100. The image control IC 1320 operates and controls on the basis of the clock signal of the clock generator 1316.

  The image control IC 1320 obtains the image data in the image data ROM 1322 according to the control information from the microcomputer 1301, the game content information set by the setting means 100, the game content information changed by the changing means 3220, and the like. Then, a specific video signal is generated and output to the variable display device 310. 5 does not show a VRAM that is an area for temporarily storing image data generated by the image control IC 1320, pallet (color) information, or the like. However, the image control IC 1320 includes an image control with a built-in VRAM. It consists of IC.

  The image correction IC 1321 corrects and outputs the input image signal (analog R, G, B signals, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals) from the image control IC 1320 for the variable display device 310. The power generation circuits 1324a to 1324f supply DC13V, 23V, -5V, 3.3V, and 2.5V to the image processing unit based on the power supply from the power supply board 2700, thereby performing image control IC 1320 and image correction. The IC 1321 is driven.

  In addition, the lamp / LED drive circuit unit is a part that produces an effect by light. Based on the control information from the main board 1100, the lamp / LED and the solenoid installed on the gaming machine 1 and the game board 2 are concrete. The LED drive circuits 1400a to 1400c and the drive circuit 1401 are used to perform a typical effect. Under the control of the CPU 1302, the control signals are output to the LED drive circuits 1400a to 1400c and the drive circuit 1401 through the PIOb to e1306b to e (parallel I / O), and each drive circuit operates the decoration LED, the lamp, and the solenoid.

  Furthermore, the voice control unit is a part that produces a sound effect, and the microcomputer 1301 performs a specific effect on the speaker 510 installed in the gaming machine 1 based on control information from the main board 1100. Control information is output to the voice control IC 1500. The voice control IC 1500 divides the clock signal of the clock generator 1316 by the frequency divider 1317 and uses it as an operation clock of the voice control IC 1500. Further, according to the control information of the microcomputer 1301, the audio data in the audio data ROM 1501 is obtained, a specific audio signal is generated, and output to the speaker 510.

  The CPU 1302 outputs sound control information to the sound control IC 1500 through the PIOf to g1306f to g (parallel I / O). The PIOF 1306f outputs data, and the PIOF 1306g outputs a control signal (chip select, read, write, etc.). The voice control IC 1500 acquires the data in the voice data ROM 1501 based on the control information from the microcomputer 1301 and converts it into a voice signal.

  In addition, pseudo sounds, sound effects, and the like are generated and output by a transmitter built in the voice control IC 1500. The audio signal from the audio control IC 1500 is adjusted by the filter 1502 to remove noise components other than audio, output to the amplifier 1503, amplified to a voltage level at which the speaker can be driven by the amplifier 1503, and output from the speaker 510 as sound. The

Hereinafter, the operation of the gaming machine 1 will be described.
First, details of display on the variable display device 310 will be described.
FIG. 7 shows an example of the game content setting screen. The game content setting screen display means 3100 displays the game content setting screen shown in FIG. 7 on the screen of the variable display device 310 on the condition that the variable display device 310 is in a standby state (not changed). Display control is executed to prompt the player to set (select) any game content.

  That is, on the game content setting screen, a list of a plurality of types of game content A to C is displayed as shown in FIGS. 7 (1) to (5) by the player's first depressing operation of the setting means 100. The list is repeatedly scrolled horizontally and stopped. At the same time, the name of the game content (in the display column) at the center of the screen is displayed at the top left of the screen, and a message or the like prompting the player to push down the setting means 100 is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Is displayed.

  The player can arbitrarily set the game content (display field) at the center of the screen during the display by the pressing operation of the setting means 100. By displaying such a game content setting screen, the player can know in advance the type of game content or effect display that is initially performed in accordance with the execution of the display game, and the game content with the start of execution of the display game. In addition, it is possible to reliably grasp the type of effect display.

  When any game content is set by the player, a signal related to game content setting is output from the setting means 100 to the effect control board 1300. In this way, in the gaming machine 1, the player can select a favorite game content related to the display game by operating the setting means 100 with his / her own intention, so that the player has a feeling of participation, and more. Have fun playing games.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of effect display for each game content. There are three types of game contents in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 (1), “game contents A” in which an effect display based on the slot is performed, and as shown in FIG. 8 (2), roulette. There is “game content B” in which the effect display with the theme of “game content” is performed, and “game content C” in which the effect display with the theme of poker is performed as shown in FIG. For each game content, not only different image data such as characters and backgrounds to be displayed in conjunction with the variable display of the identification information, but also the effect pattern for specifying the display mode in the display game may be different. Good.

  9 and 10 show a specific display process during the execution of the display game. First, in FIG. 9 (1), based on the player's operation by the setting means 100, among the three types of game content, “game content B” with the theme of roulette is set. The unit 311 displays a demonstration screen (initial state) with a roulette as a background image. Then, when a ball wins the start winning opening 21 during the game, as shown in FIG. 9 (2), the identification information (first symbol and second symbol) scrolls on the left and right sides of the roulette background image.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9 (3), when the background image of the roulette changes during the display game, as shown in FIG. 9 (4), the liquid crystal unit 311 has another game content. A game content change screen indicating that the display is changed to the effect display based on is displayed. The game content change screen is controlled by the game content change screen display means 3210. As shown in FIG. 9 (5), a list of three types of game content is scrolled and stopped in a horizontal direction for a predetermined time. repeat.

  The game content change screen is similar to the game content setting screen, but the game content change screen does not reflect the player's operation by the setting means 100, and is based on the control on the gaming machine 1 side. Thus, any game content is automatically selected. In FIG. 9 (6), in the game content change screen, the “game content A” where the effect display of the slot is displayed is stopped at the center of the screen, and the game content A is selected as a new game content. It shows the state that was done. By displaying such a game content change screen, the player can clearly know the type of new game content that is changed during the execution of the displayed game. In addition, it is possible to enhance the effect of presentation during execution of the display game.

  Thereafter, under the control of the change means 3220, during the display game, the effect display based on the game content B set by the setting means 100 is based on the game content A newly selected on the game content change screen. Changed to production display. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 (7), the display game by the effect display based on the game content A changed by the change means 3220 is continued by the control of the display control means 3200.

  As described above, during the execution of the display game, while the effect display based on the preset game content is being performed, other games different from the effect display based on the set game content suddenly. Since the content is changed and the effect display based on the game content after the change is performed, it is possible to give the player an unexpectedness to the effect, thereby enhancing the interest in display.

  FIG. 9 (8) shows a state in which the identification information that has been scrolled and fluctuated on the left and right sides of the screen is stopped after the effect display based on the changed game content. As shown in FIG. 9 (8) to FIG. 10 (9), other identification information (first) excluding one identification information (third symbol) from among the combination of identification information in a specific display mode that is a big hit. The state in which the symbol and the second symbol) are a combination (the same type) that is the specific display mode, and the one identification information (the third symbol) is unconfirmed is the reach mode.

  Here, as an effect pattern of the display game, the midway change of the game content may be associated with the derivation of the reach mode. That is, in the display game by the display control means 3200 on the condition that the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means 100 has been changed by the change means 3220 to the effect display based on another game content. Display control is performed so as to derive the reach mode.

  In this way, during the execution of the display game, it is determined that the reach mode is displayed when the effect display based on the initially set game content is changed to another game content on the way. In this case, the player can be given an unexpectedness with respect to the effect of the display game, and the player can play the game with a sense of expectation that is a special display mode. However, when there is a change in the game contents, the reach probability of derivation of the reach mode does not necessarily need to be 100%, and may be set to a high probability that the association can be clearly recognized.

  FIGS. 10 (10) to 10 (13) show a state in which a special display suggesting that there is a high possibility of becoming the specific display mode is displayed together with the derivation display of the reach mode. Yes. Although various forms are conceivable as the special display, it is possible to enhance the production effect in relation to the derivation of the reach mode by the production such as changing the background image to a completely different one as illustrated. The reach mode to which such a special display is added is distinguished from a general reach mode (normal reach) and can be recognized as a reach mode (special reach) that is more likely to be the specific display mode than normal reach. .

  As an effect pattern of the display game, an intermediate change of the game content may be associated with the derivation of the special display. That is, in the display game by the display control means 3200 on the condition that the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means 100 has been changed by the change means 3220 to the effect display based on another game content. Instead of the normal reach, display control may be performed so as to derive a special reach to which the special display is added.

  In this way, during the execution of the display game, a special indication that suggests that there is a high possibility that the effect display based on the initially set game content is likely to be a specific display mode at the time when it is changed to another game content in the middle. When the derivation of the display is determined, the player can have unexpectedness with respect to the effect of the display game, and the player can enjoy the game with a sense of expectation that becomes a special display mode. It is also possible to enhance the display interest by special display. Of course, even if there is a change in the content of the game, the derivation probability of the special reach does not necessarily have to be 100%, and may be set to a high probability that the association can be clearly recognized.

  FIG. 10 (14) shows a state in which the result of the display game is confirmed to be stopped in the specific display mode through the special reach derivation display. In this way, if the stop information is confirmed with all three pieces of identification information lined up in the same type, a special game state in which the big winning opening 24 repeatedly opens and closes a predetermined number of times will occur. Become. In the illustrated example, the even number game “0”, which is a non-probable variation symbol, is a non-probability variation jackpot that is all of the same type, so that a special gaming state without the high probability state occurs.

  Further, FIG. 11 shows a display process by another effect pattern in the display game. The display process shown in FIGS. 11 (1) to 11 (3) is the same as that shown in FIGS. 9 (1) to 9 (3), but as shown in FIG. 11 (4). In addition, at the time when the game content change screen is displayed on the liquid crystal unit 311, in this effect pattern, the lower side of any game content (display column) from the list of game content on the game content change screen. A predetermined identifier (letters “Lucky” in the figure) is added to. In FIG. 11 (4), the identifier is added below the game content A corresponding to the slot, and the game content A is specified in advance by the identifier.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11 (5), the list of three types of game contents repeats scrolling and stopping in a horizontal direction for a predetermined time, and accordingly, the identifier is also placed below the game contents A. It will move at the same time in the added state. In FIG. 11 (6), in the game content change screen, the game content A to which the identifier is added is stopped at the center of the screen, and the game content A is selected as a new game content. Is shown.

  In such a game content change screen, first, a display for specifying any game content from a list of game content by a predetermined identifier is performed, and then a new game content is selected from the list. Is displayed. Here, when the game content specified in advance by the identifier satisfies the condition that it is selected as new game content, the display control means 3200 determines the result of the display game in the specific display mode.

  That is, in FIG. 11 (7), the display game by the effect display based on the game content A changed by the changing means 3220 is continued, and in FIG. Through the same flow as the gaming process shown in FIGS. 10 (9) to 10 (14), the result of the display game is eventually displayed and controlled so as to be fixed in the specific display mode.

  As described above, when the game content specified in advance by the identifier satisfies the condition that the game content is selected as new game content, the display control means 3200 controls the display game result as a specific display mode. Therefore, the player can enjoy the effect display until the specific display mode is confirmed.

  Furthermore, in the display process shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 described above, the original game content is changed to another game content by the changing means 3220 while the left and right first and second symbols are changing in any case. Although the display example to be described has been described, the changing unit 3220 may control the game content to be changed midway by the changing unit 3220 at a predetermined timing according to the display state during execution of the display game. At the time of the change, the game content change screen is displayed by the game content change screen display means 3210.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining during the symbol variation until the symbol variation stops after the variation of the identification information (design) starts in the display game. FIG. 12 (a) shows that a game ball is won at the start winning opening 21, and the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol start to change at the same time, in the order of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol. The case where the fluctuation stops is shown. In FIG. 12B, the start of symbol variation starts in the order of the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol. Although not shown, there are cases where all symbols stop simultaneously, two symbols stop simultaneously, or two symbols start simultaneously.

  When the changing means 3220 changes the original game content to another game content, the timing of the change will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. For example, the time point A in FIG. 12A is when all the symbols start to change simultaneously, and the time point A in FIG. 12B is the time when only the first symbol starts changing. If the game content is changed at the timing, there is no meaning of setting the game content by the setting means 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the time when the second symbol at time B in FIG. In, the game content is controlled to be changed at a predetermined timing.

  For example, at the time point B in FIG. 12B, the game content change screen may be displayed and the game content may be changed, or the third symbol may be changed as at time C in FIG. 12B. When the change starts, the game content change screen may be displayed and the game content may be changed. Further, the present invention is not limited to the time when the change of the symbol is started. In addition, for example, in FIG. 12A and FIG. The game content change screen may be displayed and the game content may be changed at a certain time D or at a time E when the second symbol is stopped.

  Further, as a reach mode in the display game, the change means 3220 may be controlled to change the original game content to another game content at a predetermined timing in the reach mode. FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining from the start to the end of the reach mode after the change of the symbol is started in the display game. FIG. 13A shows the start of the reach mode when the first symbol and the second symbol are stopped and the third symbol is still fluctuating. FIG. 13 (b) shows the end of the reach mode at the time when the change of the third symbol stops after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the reach mode.

  The change means 3220 may control the original game content to be changed to another game content at an arbitrary timing during the reach period from the start to the stop of such reach mode. For example, by displaying the game content change screen at the start of the reach mode and changing the game content during the reach period, it is possible to notify the player that there is a possibility of a big hit. As described above, by associating a change in game content with a predetermined timing corresponding to the display state, the player is notified to some extent whether or not the game content has been changed, and the display game is more effectively produced. It becomes possible to do.

Next, details of specific operations in the gaming machine 1 will be described.
First, the special symbol game process corresponding to the display game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is executed by the main substrate 1100. When the game is started by the player and the handle 5 shown in FIG. 1 is rotated, game balls are launched one by one into the game area 17 on the game board 2. In FIG. 14, when a game ball wins in the start winning opening 21 (step S101; Y), it is detected by the start winning opening switch 121, and a detection signal is output to the main board 1100 shown in FIG. Based on this detection signal, it is first determined whether or not the number of reserved balls, which is the number of rights currently reserved, is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 4) (step S102).

  If the number of held balls is not less than the predetermined value (step S102; N), the right due to the establishment of the predetermined condition is abandoned without being held, but if the number of held balls is less than the predetermined value (step S102; Y). Then, the number of reserved balls related to the right is incremented (step S103), and a random number storage area corresponding to the number of reserved balls is calculated (step S104). Then, a jackpot determination random number is acquired (step S105), and the jackpot determination random number is stored in the random number storage area (step S106). Further, the jackpot symbol random number is acquired (step S107), and the jackpot symbol random number is also stored in the random number storage area (step S108).

  The reserved ball number data is transmitted from the main board 1100 to the effect control board 1300 (step S109). When the production control board 1300 receives the number of reserved balls data, one special symbol holding LED 420 is turned on, and one is turned off when the display game is started. In the present embodiment, the special symbol holding LED 420 is configured to display the number of held balls, but as described above, the number may be displayed on the variable display device 310.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (step S110). As will be described later, if the jackpot determination random number matches any one of the predetermined jackpot determination values, the jackpot determination is made and the jackpot flag is set to ON. If the jackpot flag is ON (step S110; Y), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing in the display game (step S111), while the jackpot flag is not ON (step S110; N). The process is terminated as it is.

  If the special symbol is not changing (step S111; N), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is being displayed (step S112), and if the special symbol is changing (step S111). Y), the process proceeds to the determination as to whether or not the variation time of the special symbol shown in FIG. 15 has elapsed (step S120). If it is not during the stop symbol display time (step S112; N), it is determined whether or not there is a number of reserved balls at the current time (step S113). If it is during the stop symbol display time (step S112; Y), The process proceeds to determination of whether or not the display time of the stop symbol shown in FIG. 15 has elapsed (step S123).

  In the determination of the presence or absence of the number of held balls (step S113), if the number of held balls is not “0” (step S113; Y), it is determined whether or not a high-probability state is being generated (probability changing function is activated). If it is determined (step S114) and there is no number of reserved balls and is “0” (step S113; N), the process is terminated as it is. If the probability variation (probability variation) function is in operation (step S114; Y), the jackpot determination is performed based on the high jackpot probability in the high probability state (step S115), and if the probability variation function is not in operation (step S114; N). ), The jackpot determination is performed based on the low jackpot probability in the low probability state (step S116). Thereafter, the stop symbol information setting process shown in FIG. 16 is executed (step S117), and further the fluctuation start time process shown in FIG. 17 is executed (step S118).

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, in the determination of whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (step S120), when the variation time has elapsed (step S120; Y), a symbol stop command is transmitted ( In step S121), a stop symbol display time is set (step S122), and it is determined whether or not the stop symbol display time has passed (step S123). On the other hand, when the variation time of the special symbol (identification information) has not elapsed (step S120; N), the process is terminated as it is.

  In the determination of whether or not the stop symbol display time has elapsed (step S123), if the stop symbol display time has elapsed (step S123; Y), the jackpot determination random number matches one of the predetermined jackpot determination values. Whether or not it is a big hit (step S124). On the other hand, if the stop symbol display time has not elapsed (step S123; N), the process is terminated as it is. Note that the jackpot determination in step S124 is performed by the main substrate 1100.

  In the determination of whether or not the jackpot is made (step S124), if the jackpot is not determined (step S124; N), then whether or not the probability variation function is in operation (occurrence of a high probability state). (Step S125), on the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot (step S124; Y), the jackpot flag is set to ON (step S133) as described later.

  Subsequently, if the probability variation function is in operation (step S125; Y), it is determined whether or not the number of variations of the special symbol has been completed by a predetermined number of times (step S131). Is completed for a predetermined number of times (step S131; Y), the operation of the probability variation function is stopped (step S132). If not completed (step S131; N), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation function is not in operation (step S125; N), it is determined whether or not the time shortening function for shortening the special symbol variation time (that is, the display game variation time) is in operation (step S126). ). Here, if the time shortening function is not in operation (step S126; N), the process is ended as it is, and if the time shortening function is in operation (step S126; Y), the special symbol is set for the preset number of times. It is determined whether or not the variation has been completed (step S127).

  If the variation of the number of times that the special symbol is set in advance has not been completed (step S127; N), the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation of the preset number of special symbols is completed (step S127; Y), the operation of the time shortening function for shortening the special symbol variation time (that is, the variation time of the display game) is stopped (step S128). ), The operation of the time shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol display in the normal symbol display device 140 is also stopped (step S129).

  Further, in the normal symbol display time shortening state, the operation of the function of extending the time for opening each movable piece of the start winning port 21 which is a normal symbol changing character in the expanded state is also stopped (step S130). As described above, in the present embodiment, when the result of the normal symbol display is hit in conjunction with the operation of the fluctuation time reduction function in the normal symbol display, each movable piece of the start winning opening 21 is temporarily expanded. The operation time is also extended (for example, 0.5 seconds → 1.7 seconds).

  Further, in the above-described determination of whether or not the jackpot (step S124), if the jackpot is determined (step S124; Y), the jackpot flag is set to ON (step S133), and the probability variation function is activated (step S133). It is determined whether or not a high probability state is occurring (step S134). At this time, if the probability variation function is in operation (step S134; Y), the operation of the probability variation function is stopped (step S135), and if the probability variation function is not in operation (step S134; N), the special symbol. It is determined whether or not the time shortening function for shortening the variation time (that is, the variation time of the display game) is in operation (step S139). Here, if the time shortening function is not in operation (step S139; N), the processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the time shortening function is in operation (step S139; Y), the special symbol variation time (that is, the display game variation time) is the same as the processing following the stop of the operation of the probability variation function (step S135) described above. ) Is stopped (step S136), and the operation of the time reduction function for the normal symbol display device 140 is also stopped (step S137). Further, in the normal symbol display time shortening state, the operation of the time extending function for opening each movable piece of the start winning opening 21 to the expanded state is also stopped (step S138).

  Next, stop symbol information setting processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 16 is executed by the main board 1100. In this process, first, a random number storage area corresponding to the number of reserved balls is calculated (step S140), and when the jackpot determination random number corresponds to a jackpot that generates a special gaming state (step S141; Y), the jackpot It is determined whether the symbol random number corresponds to a probability variation jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) constituting a probability variation jackpot (step S142). On the other hand, when the jackpot determination random number does not correspond to the jackpot (step S141; N), the stop symbol for losing constituting the detachment display mode is set in the stop symbol storage area (step S145).

  When the jackpot symbol random number corresponds to the probability variation jackpot symbol (step S142; Y), the probability variation stop symbol of the probability variation jackpot symbol is set in the stop symbol storage area (step S143). On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol random number does not correspond to the probability variation jackpot symbol (step S142; N), the low probability stop symbol out of the non-probability variation jackpot symbol is set in the stop symbol storage area (step S144).

  Next, variation start processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 17 is executed by the main board 1100. In this process, first, a fluctuation pattern random number is acquired (step S150). Here, if the jackpot determination random number acquired previously corresponds to the jackpot (step S151; Y), it is determined whether or not a high probability state is being generated (probability variation function is activated) (step S151). S152). If the probability variation function is in operation (step S152; Y), the variation pattern corresponding to the operation of the probability variation function / time reduction function and corresponding to the jackpot is determined (step S153). A variation pattern is determined (step S160).

  If the probability variation function is not in operation (step S152; N), it is determined whether or not a time reduction state is being generated (time reduction function is in operation) (step S154). Here, if the time shortening function is in operation (step S154; Y), the variation pattern corresponding to the probability variation function / time shortening function in operation and corresponding to the jackpot is determined (step S153). A variation pattern in the display game is determined (step S160). On the other hand, if the time reduction function is not in operation (step S154; N), the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the non-operation of the probability variation function / time reduction function and corresponding to the jackpot is determined (step S155), A variation pattern in the display game is determined (step S160).

  Further, in the jackpot determination (step S151) described above, even when the jackpot determination random number does not correspond to the jackpot (step S151; N), it is determined whether or not a high probability state is being generated (probability changing function operation). Judgment is made (step S156). If the probability variation function is in operation (step S156; Y), the variation pattern corresponding to the operation of the probability variation function / time reduction function and corresponding to the deviation is determined (step S157). A variation pattern in the display game is determined (step S160).

  Further, if the probability variation function is not in operation (step S156; N), it is determined whether or not a time shortening state is being generated (time-short function operation) (step S158). Here, if the time shortening function is in operation (step S158; Y), the variation pattern corresponding to the operation of the probability variation function / time shortening function and corresponding to the deviation is determined (step S157). A variation pattern in the display game is determined (step S160). On the other hand, if the time reduction (time reduction) function is not in operation (step S158; N), the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the non-operation of the probability variation function / time reduction function and corresponding to the deviation is determined (step S159). Then, the variation pattern in the current display game is determined (step S160).

  As described above, when any variation pattern is determined (step S160), the variation start time data relating to the stop symbol is read (step S161), and the variation start time data relating to the variation pattern is read (step S162). As these data are read out, the data stored in the first-in first-out format in the random number storage area is shifted one by one (step S163), and then the number of reserved balls related to the right to execute the display game is decremented (step S164). ). Subsequently, a variation time associated with the variation pattern is set (step S165), and variation start time data is transmitted to the effect control board 1300 (step S166).

  Next, the jackpot game process in the special game state will be described along the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 18 is executed by the main board 1100. First, in the determination of whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (step S170), if the jackpot flag is ON (step S170; Y), then whether or not the time before opening the jackpot 24 has elapsed It is determined whether or not (step S171). If the jackpot flag is not ON (step S170; N), the process is terminated as it is.

  When the time before the opening of the special winning opening 24 has elapsed (step S171; Y), an increment is performed with respect to the predetermined number of continuous operations (number of rounds) of the special winning opening 24 (step S172). Then, a jackpot symbol command is transmitted (step S173), a round operation command is transmitted (step S174), and the big prize opening 24 is opened to the first state (step S175).

  If the special winning opening 24 is open to the first state (step S176; Y), whether a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed (step S177; Y), or whether the predetermined winning number ( For example, when 10 balls are won (step S177; N, step S178; Y), an instruction to close the special winning opening 24 to the second state is output (step S179), and an interval command is transmitted (step S180). ).

  On the other hand, if the special winning opening 24 is not open to the first state (step S176; N), if the number of continuous operations (number of rounds) is still less than the upper limit value (step S181; Y), continuous operation is performed. The number of times (round number) is incremented (step S182). Then, a jackpot symbol command is transmitted (step S183), a round operation command is transmitted (step S184), and the big prize opening 24 is opened to the first state (step S185).

  When the number of continuous operations (number of rounds) reaches the upper limit (step S181; N), an ending command is transmitted (step S191), and the jackpot flag is turned off (step S192). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the jackpot mode is a probability variation jackpot (step S186). If the probability variation is a big hit (step S186; Y), the operation of the probability variation function is started (step S187), and the operation of the time reduction function related to the display game is also started (step S188).

  On the other hand, when it is a non-stochastic fluctuation big hit (step S186; N), only the operation of the time shortening function is started (step S188). Subsequently, the operation of the time shortening function relating to the normal symbol display is also started (step S189). Furthermore, in the normal symbol display time shortening state, the operation of the time extending function for opening each movable piece of the start winning opening 21 to the expanded state is also started (step S190).

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described. However, the gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko machine, and a smart ball game machine, an arrangement ball game machine, The present invention can be similarly applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines.

  In the above embodiment, three types of game contents for display games are prepared. Of course, the types of game contents are not limited to three types, and only two types or four or more types are prepared. Also good. Of course, the game content or effect display is not limited to the above-mentioned general game content such as slots, but other configurations such as TV animation, famous comics or movies are also used as motifs. Also good.

  Further, the image data related to the effect display of the three types of game contents has been described as being partitioned and stored in one image data ROM 1322 in the effect control board 1300, but a plurality of types of image data are separately stored. An image data ROM corresponding to storage means for storing the image data may be provided. When the player selects and sets the game content using the setting means 100, the image data corresponding to the set game content is selected from the plurality of image data ROMs and switched to the effect display corresponding to the image data.

  By using such a ROM switching method, the image control IC 1320 can control a plurality of image data ROMs without distinction. In other words, all image data of a plurality of image data ROMs can be handled in the same address space, and the same control method can be used for the control of the image control IC 1320. When the microcomputer 1301 controls the image control IC 1320, only the image data can be easily changed regardless of the same control method.

  In the above embodiment, the setting means 100 is configured as a push-button type external input switch. However, for example, the player can play a game ball to a predetermined winning opening such as the start winning opening 21 while the standby screen is displayed. It is possible to set the game content by winning a prize, or a sensor is provided at a position on the guide rail 16 of the game board 2 where the game ball hits with the handle 5 being right-handed. The game content can be set by hitting, or a touch sensor can be provided on the screen of the liquid crystal unit 311.

  Further, the setting means 100 may be configured as a function of a control means inside the gaming machine 1 without being an external input means that can be set based on the player's operation. In this case, the game content setting screen is a content that unilaterally displays the type of game content and the change result by the control to the player, similarly to the game content change screen.

  In addition, when the game content change screen appears, it is not always necessary to change the game content. For example, the game content change screen is controlled to change with a certain probability, or the game content change screen appears. If the game content change screen does not appear, the probability is determined in advance, and if the game content change screen does not appear, there is no change in the game content, and if the game content change screen appears, the game content is always changed. May be.

  In the embodiment, the game content setting screen is displayed before execution of the display game, and is not directly related to the effect during execution of the display game. The screen display unit 3100 is provided separately from the display control unit 3200, but may be configured as a function (attribute) included in the display control unit 3200. Further, since the game content change screen is a kind of effect during the execution of the display game, the game content change screen display means 3210 is provided as a function (attribute) included in the display control means 3200. May be provided separately from the display control means 3200.

  Further, as the display control related to the display game, the timing at which the display game is started may be set so as to notify the player that an effect of changing the game content is performed in the display game. . In this case, since it is known in advance that the display content will be changed, the player can expect the subsequent effect display and the possibility of winning the jackpot.

  In addition, by delaying the timing at which the first symbol in the display game stops, the player is notified that there will be an effect that the game content will be changed in the display game, and that there is a high possibility that the game will be a big hit. May be set. Further, the game content may be changed so that the player is notified of the possibility of a big hit in the display game. With these effects, the player can expect the possibility of a big hit.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the main board 1100 is configured such that display game control, lamp / LED lighting control, and audio output control are performed intensively by a single effect control board 1300. However, the other control boards are divided into three control boards: a display control board, a lamp control board, and a sound control board, or divided into two control boards: a display control board and a sound / lamp control board. May be.

It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which expands and shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole circuit structure of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the main board | substrate which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the presentation control board which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the various functions with which the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows the game content setting screen in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the multiple types of game content regarding the display game in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific display process regarding the display game in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the continuation of the display process shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another concrete display process regarding the display game in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining during the symbol variation until the symbol variation stops after the symbol variation starts for the display game in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart explaining the start time of a reach mode, and an end time after a change of a symbol starts about a display game in a gaming machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol game process in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the stop symbol information setting process in the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the fluctuation | variation start process in the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the jackpot game process in the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Upper saucer 4 ... Lower saucer 5 ... Handle 7 ... Upper saucer ball release lever 8 ... Lower saucer ball release lever 11 ... Glass frame 16 ... Guiding rail 21 ... Start prize opening 22a ... Right sleeve Winning entrance 22b ... Left sleeve winning entrance 23a ... Right dropping winning entrance 23b ... Left dropping winning entrance 24 ... Large winning entrance 29 ... Out exit 100 ... Setting means 121 ... Start winning entrance switch 122a ... Right sleeve winning entrance switch 122b ... Left sleeve Winning prize switch 123a ... Right dropping prize opening switch 123b ... Left dropping prize opening switch 125 ... Count switch 126 ... Normal symbol display device operation gate switch 130 ... Prize ball detection switch 130a ... Right prize ball detection switch 130b ... Left prize ball detection switch 131 ... Shoot ball break switch 132 ... Glass frame open detection switch 133 ... Overflow Over switch 134 ... special winning opening solenoid 136 ... ordinary electric won game solenoid 140 ... normal symbol display device 310 ... variable display device 311 ... LCD unit 320 ... special symbol display device 420 ... special symbol reserved LED
421 ... Normal symbol hold LED
422 ... Gaming machine status lamp 510 ... Speaker 1100 ... Main board 1101 ... One-chip microcomputer 1102 ... CPU
1103 ... ROM
1104 ... RAM
1105 ... NMI
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1106 ... I / O port 1107 ... Internal timer 1108 ... Reset 1109 ... Communication 1110 ... Clock circuit 1111 ... Clock synchronization / delay circuit 1112 ... Isolation input / output circuit 1113 ... Address decode circuit 1114 ... Buffer 1115a, 1115b ... Input interface circuit 1116a ... Latch circuit 1116b ... Latch circuit 1116c ... Latch circuit 1116d ... Latch circuit 1116e ... Latch circuit 1117 ... Output terminal for verification 1300 ... Production control board 1301 ... Microcomputer 1302 ... CPU
1303 ... CRC
1304 ... Timer 1305 ... RAM
1307 ... RESET
1308 ... System clock 1310 ... Control ROM
1311 ... Control RAM
1312: Buffer 1313 ... Buffer 1314 ... Input interface 1315 ... Switch 1316 ... Clock generator 1317 ... Divider 1320 ... Image control IC
1321 ... Image correction IC
1322 ... Image data ROM
1323... Clock generators 1324 a to 13 f... Power generation circuit 1400 a.
1400b ... LED drive circuit b
1400c ... LED drive circuit c
1401 ... Drive circuit 1500 ... Audio control IC
1501 ... Audio data ROM
1502 ... Filter 1503 ... Amplifier 3100 ... Game content setting screen display means 3200 ... Display control means 3210 ... Game content change screen display means 3220 ... Change means

Claims (1)

When a display game is executed on the variable display device based on the establishment of a predetermined condition during the game, and the result of the display game is determined in a predetermined specific display mode, a special game state capable of giving a game value to the player is displayed. In the gaming machine to be generated,
Regarding the display game, among a plurality of types of game contents with different effect displays, setting means for setting any game content based on the player's operation ;
A game content setting screen display means for displaying a game content setting screen indicating that the game content is set by the setting means;
Display control means for controlling the display game based on the game content set by the setting means,
The game content setting screen display means includes:
On the condition that the variable display device is unchanged, the game content setting screen is displayed on the screen of the variable display device,
While the game content setting screen is displayed, a list of a plurality of types of game content that repeats scrolling and stopping is started by the player's first operation on the setting means.
The game content that is in the center of the screen during the display can be arbitrarily set by the player operating the setting means again,
The display control means includes
During execution of the display game, a change means for changing the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means to an effect display based on another game content, and a game content change screen indicating the change are displayed. Game content change screen display means to
The game content change screen displays a list of a plurality of types of game content, repeatedly displays scrolling and stopping over a predetermined time, and automatically selects any new game content,
The changing means includes an effect display based on the game content set by the player's will by the setting means, and an effect display based on the game content newly selected on the game content change screen, Change without
Of the combinations of identification information to be the specific display mode, 1 is provided on the condition that the effect display based on the game content set by the setting means is changed to the effect display based on another game content by the changing means. A gaming machine , wherein the other identification information except for one identification information is a combination of the specific display mode, and display control is performed for a reach mode in which the one identification information is unconfirmed .

Images