JP4296467B2 - Combination game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionCombination typeIt relates to gaming machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a general gaming machine, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the launch handle so as to shoot the game ball aiming, for example, toward the left side of the upper center of the game board. Continue to play and continue playing (normal state).
[0003]
In recent years, in such a gaming machine, when a special game condition is established or is established, for example, the game board is changed to “right-handed” that is aimed at an accessory provided on the upper right side of the game board, and the special game There are also models (generally, type 3 gaming machines and arrange ball gaming machines) that perform the game. Also, in other types of gaming machines, depending on the configuration on the surface of the game board (large central device, gauge configuration, etc.), the amount of rotation of the launching handle can be set to the normal state in order to efficiently win the prize winning opening. Some things should be adjusted from
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as mentioned above, in models that require a change to “right-handed” (anomalous strike state) in the progress of the game, the launch handle should be turned fully to the right to satisfy or satisfy the special game conditions. It must be moved and maintained, the operation is cumbersome and difficult to maintain, which leads to pain for the player. In addition, after the big hit, the amount of operation for rotating the firing handle must be adjusted to the normal driving position, which is complicated and a waste ball is generated during the adjustment.
[0005]
Furthermore, game machines that require a change in the game ball driving position according to the progress of the game as described above can be used by beginners who do not know the game content to change the shooting position due to the establishment of special game conditions and irregularities in special games. There is a risk of not being aware of this. Moreover, since it may be disadvantageous for such a beginner, the beginner may refrain from playing.
[0006]
  In view of such circumstances, the present invention is easy to operate and provides comfort to the player.Combination typeAn object is to provide a gaming machine. Another object of the present invention is not disadvantageous for beginners who do not know the game content.Combination typeIt is to provide a gaming machine. Still another object of the present invention is to prevent waste balls.Combination typeIt is to provide a gaming machine. Still another object of the present invention is to satisfy the request as widely as possible regardless of the level of prior knowledge of the unspecified number of players, the difference in preference, the object of suspicion, etc. This is to enable an increase in the market size of this type of gaming machine.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, in the invention described in claim 1,A predetermined number of game balls are placed on a game board having a plurality of entrance areas into which game balls can enter and a prize information display device for displaying prize information related to the entrance of game balls into the entrance areas. A combination formula in which one unit game to be launched is performed, a score is given based on a combination of winning information displayed on the winning information display device during the one unit game, and a winning ball is paid out according to the score.A gaming machine,
  A variable display device that can display a plurality of patterns of identification symbols in the display area, and displays the variation of the identification symbols when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate, and stops the display after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the stop-displayed identification symbol is a specific symbol, the variable entrance is opened, and when a game ball enters the variable entrance, or when the first predetermined number of unit games ends, A variable pitching device that closes the variable pitching entrance, and an accessory that opens the role actuating port that makes it easy to establish a score when a game ball entering the variable pitching entrance enters a specific area Special game state starting means for starting the special game state for enabling the operation port operation gate, and a special game state ending by the second predetermined number of unit games after the special game state is started. Game state end means ,Launching means for launching a game ball on the game board and adjusting the launch force of the game ball according to the amount of operation of the launch handle by the player;A firing force automatic switching means for automatically switching the firing force of the game ball by the launching means,
  The variable entrance, the guide symbol operating gate, the accessory operating port operating gate, and the accessory operating port are arranged at the center, left side, right side, and right side of the game board, respectively.
  The automatic firing force switching means automatically changes to the irregular hit state that adjusts the firing force of the launching means so that the game ball flows down the right side of the game board regardless of the operation amount of the launching handle at the start of the special gaming state. When the second predetermined number of unit games are finished and the special game state is finished, the game ball is automatically switched to the normal hit state in which the launch force of the game ball can be adjusted according to the operation amount of the launch handle.It is characterized by that.
[0008]
  in this way,Automatic firing power switching meansBy automatically adjusting the launch force of the game ball so as to aim at a predetermined area of the game board, a beginner who does not know the game content will be disadvantaged without noticing the change in the aim as the game progresses Can be prevented. Further, it is not necessary to rotate and maintain the launch handle in order to aim at a predetermined area on the game board, and the operation is simple and comfort can be given to the player. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to adjust the firing handle to the normal driving position after the predetermined period, there is no loss of the ball due to the firing adjustment.
[0009]
  The invention according to claim 2Then,The firing force automatic switching means is configured to play a game from when the identification symbol is stopped and displayed at a specific symbol until the game ball enters the variable entrance, or until the first predetermined number of unit games is completed. It is characterized by automatically switching to the second irregular hit state in which the launching force of the launching means is adjusted so that the ball flows down the center of the game board.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrange ball gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a gaming machine) 1 of this embodiment. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, an inner frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a firing handle 7, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. I have. The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1.
[0016]
The middle frame 3 is made of plastic and is fitted inside the main body frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided on the front side of the frame body so as to overlap the front side of the page, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part. .
[0017]
In the upper region of the frame body, although not shown, a prize ball display LED substrate is provided on the left side and an error display LED substrate is provided on the right side. These are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.
[0018]
On the lower plate portion, a launching device unit 10 that constitutes launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20 is disposed. Although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feeding device that supplies game balls to the launching device unit 10, a ball feed count switch that detects game balls supplied to the launching device unit 10, and a launching device A fire ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the unit 10 and a foul ball detection switch for detecting a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the launch device unit 10 are provided. Yes. Furthermore, a speaker (not shown) for generating sound effects corresponding to the gaming state is provided at the left end of the lower plate part.
[0019]
The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the frame body portion of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.
[0020]
An arc-shaped frame decoration lamp lens 4b is provided above the opening 4a. A game effect LED substrate (not shown) is disposed inside the lens 4b. On the frame decoration lamp lens 4b, substantially triangular LED lenses 4c and 4d are provided so as to correspond to the LED substrates provided in the frame body portion of the middle frame 3.
[0021]
The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the lower plate part of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish portion 5 includes a dish outer edge portion 5 a provided with a ball removal button, a game ball lending / returning button, and the like, and a discharge port 5 b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, a speaker surface 5c having a plurality of holes is formed at the left end of the upper plate portion 5 at a position corresponding to the speaker provided on the lower plate portion of the middle frame 3, and a sound volume is formed on the back surface thereof. A switch board (not shown) is provided.
[0022]
The lower pan 6 is provided below the upper pan 5 and includes an ashtray, a ball removal lever, and the like. A discharge port 6 a that discharges the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a firing handle 7 is provided for the player to operate the launcher unit 10. The firing handle 7 is provided with a touch switch 7a for detecting that the player is touching.
[0023]
In the vicinity of the firing handle 7, a firing stop switch 7b and an irregular setting switch 7c are arranged. The launch stop switch 7b is for the player to operate to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball. Further, in this embodiment, in a predetermined game state, the game ball is automatically directed to a predetermined area (right area) on the game board 20 regardless of the amount of rotation (operation amount) of the launch handle 7 by the player. It is configured to perform irregular firing control. The irregular hit setting switch 7c is for the player to release the irregular hit control. The configurations of the firing handle 7 and the launcher unit 10 will be described later.
[0024]
The locking device 8 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3, and locks the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 9 (CR unit) is attached to the left side of the gaming machine 1.
[0025]
Next, the configuration of the game board 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the board surface of the game board 20. The game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 20 is provided with a substantially circular game area 21 formed by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23. The game area 21 includes a 16 consecutive entrance (entrance area) 24, a winning symbol display device (winning information display device) 25, left and right entrance (entrance area) 26 and 27, a score display device 28, and a guidance symbol. An operating gate 29, a guide symbol display device (symbol display device) 30, a first accessory operating port 31, a special game device 32, a second accessory guiding device operating gate 36, a second accessory operating port 37, and the like are provided. Yes. The game area 21 is provided with a number of obstacle nails (not shown). It should be noted that each of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left and right entrance openings 26 and 27, the guide symbol operating gate 29, the first accessory operating port 31, the second accessory guiding device operating gate 36, and the second accessory operating port 37, respectively. Is provided with an incoming ball detection switch (not shown) for detecting the incoming or passing of the game ball.
[0027]
The 16 consecutive entrances 24 are provided in a lower region of the game area 21, and 16 entrances are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. The winning symbol display device 25 is provided on the front side of the 16 consecutive ball opening 24 and includes 1 to 16 winning symbols (numeric lamps) corresponding to the respective 16 winning ball entrances. When a player enters any of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the winning symbol on the winning symbol display device 25 corresponding to that entrance is displayed. In addition, after all 16 game balls have entered, a winning symbol confirmation time (0.5 seconds in this example) is set for the player to confirm the winning symbol. In addition, although not shown, each entrance corresponding to at least No. 3, No. 5, No. 11, No. 13, No. 15 winning symbols is a difficult entrance that is difficult to enter directly by obstacle nails. Has been.
[0028]
The left entrance 26 is provided on the upper left side of the 16 consecutive entrance 24, and the right entrance 27 is provided on the upper right side of the 16 entrance entrance 24. In this embodiment, when entering the left entrance 26, the same effect as entering the entrance No. 5 in the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is obtained, and the No. 5 of the winning symbol display device 25 is obtained. The winning symbol is displayed. In addition, when the player enters the right entrance 27, the same effect as the entrance to the 12th entrance in the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is obtained, and the 12th winning symbol is displayed on the winning symbol display device 25. Is done.
[0029]
In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the winning mode is determined (score is established) by combining the winning symbols lighted and displayed during one game, with 16 game balls being fired as a unit game (one game). For example, when four winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed, one point is awarded and a prescribed number (16) of prize balls are paid out per point. In this embodiment, 3 points are given to a continuous combination of predetermined winning symbols (in this example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 13, 14, 15, 16). Is done. However, the maximum number of game balls that can be acquired in one game is 10 times the prescribed number (160).
[0030]
The score display device 28 is provided at the lower center of the sixteen consecutive entrance 26, and the score established during one game is displayed as a payout score.
[0031]
InvitationThe guide design operating gate 29 is provided at the upper left of the game area 21. The guidance symbol display device 30 is, InvitationIt is provided on the lower left side of the guide symbol operating gate 29 and has a plurality (three in this example) of symbol display areas. The guiding symbol display device 30 is configured to be able to display a plurality of patterns of symbols. Specifically, the three symbol display areas of the guiding symbol display device 30 can display numbers 1 to 7, respectively. The guiding symbol display device 30 can be configured by, for example, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix, a liquid crystal (LCD), or the like.
[0032]
The guide symbol of the guide symbol display device 30 starts to change when the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate 29, and after a predetermined time change display, the stop symbol is displayed. The induction symbol variation time during which the induction symbol varies is usually about 1.5 seconds. In addition, a guidance symbol stop display time (usually 0.5 seconds) is set for the player to confirm the guidance symbol after the guidance symbol variation time has elapsed.
[0033]
When the guidance symbol stopped and displayed on the guidance symbol display device 30 is a combination of predetermined winning symbols, the first accessory guidance device (variable pitching device) starts operating after a certain period of time, and the game The first accessory operating port 31 provided in the region 21 is in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter. In this embodiment, a combination of “333” and a combination of “777” is a combination of winning symbols, and other combinations are out of combination. The first accessory guiding device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 described later, and changes the state of the first accessory operating port 31.
[0034]
The first accessory guiding device ends its operation when a ball enters the first accessory operating port 31 during the operation of the accessory guiding device, or when two games or three games are finished, The object operating port 31 is closed.
[0035]
The first accessory operating port 31 is provided near the upper center in the game area 21. The first accessory operating port 31 includes a pair of movable pieces. When these movable pieces are operated to the left and right, the first accessory operating port 31 is opened to facilitate entry. The first accessory operating port 31 operates a first accessory that simultaneously displays four winning symbols in the winning symbol display device 25. When the player enters the first accessory operating port 31, the first accessory is activated and the winning symbols 12, 13, 15, and 16 are turned on. The first accessory ends its operation when the game ends.
[0036]
The first accessory operating port 31 also has a function as a specific entrance that enables entry into the special gaming device 32. The special game apparatus 32 is provided below the first accessory operating port 31.
[0037]
The special game device 32 includes a rotating body 33, a guidance increase device operating region (V zone) 34, and a discharge port 35. The rotating body 33 has a plurality of holes through which game balls can pass. The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 31 passes through one of the holes formed in the rotating body 33.
[0038]
Among the holes formed in the rotating body 33, a specific hole constitutes the induction increasing device operating region 34, and the other holes constitute the discharge port 35. The induction increasing device operation area 34 constitutes a specific area in which the induction increasing device (special game generating device) is operated. The guidance increasing device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and changes a gaming state to generate a special gaming state (a big hit state) advantageous to the player.
[0039]
Specifically, the operation of the induction increasing device activates the second accessory induction device operation gate 36. The operation of the induction increasing device is ended when a predetermined number of 14 games have been completed from the start of the operation, or when a game ball has newly passed through the induction increasing device operation area 34 during operation. The predetermined game state generating means of the present invention is constituted by a guidance increasing device that generates a special game state as a predetermined game state.
[0040]
The second accessory guide device operating gate 36 is provided at the upper right of the game area 21 and starts the operation of the second accessory guide device when a game ball passes. If the game ball passes through the second accessory guidance device operation gate 36 during the operation of the guidance increase device, the second accessory guidance device starts to operate, and the second accessory operation port 37 provided in the game area 21. However, it becomes an open state in which a game ball is easy to enter. The second accessory guiding device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 described later, and changes the state of the second accessory operating port 37.
[0041]
The second accessory operating port 37 is provided on the right side in the game area 21. The second accessory operating port 37 includes a pair of movable pieces, and when these movable pieces operate to the left and right, the second accessory operating port 37 is opened to facilitate entry. The second accessory operating port 37 operates a second accessory that simultaneously displays the four winning symbols on the winning symbol display device 25. When the player enters the second accessory operating port 37, the second accessory is operated and the winning symbols 11, 13, 14, and 15 are lit up.
[0042]
The second accessory operating port 37 also has a function as a score increasing device operating port. When entering the second accessory operating port 37, the score increasing device operates. The score increasing device as a prize mode increasing device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 to be described later, and increases (doubles in this example) the number of prize balls to be paid out per score in the game. The score increasing device ends its operation when the game ends.
[0043]
Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed.
[0044]
In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided. A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. On the downstream side of the ball release lever 107, a case rail ball cut switch 108, a prize ball payout device 109, and a game ball distribution unit 110 are provided in this order.
[0045]
Under the tank rail 106, a back case 111 with a lid that stores the display panel of the guidance symbol display device 30 is provided. A main control board case 112 is provided below the back case 111, a launcher control board case 113 is provided below the main control board case 112, and a payout control board case is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. 118 is provided. In these substrate cases 112, 113, and 118, various control substrates described later are stored. Further, a board surface relay board described later is mounted on the upper right side of the main control board case 112.
[0046]
In the upper right part of the back mechanism panel 102, a fuse box 119, a power switch 120, a power relay board 121, a jackpot, a launcher control, a ball break, a door open, a prize ball, a ball lending frame, etc. A frame external terminal board 122 provided with external connection terminals is provided. A power cable 123 for receiving external power supply is provided on the upper side of the terminal board 122.
[0047]
A connection cable 124 extends upward from the payout control board case 118 and is connected to a prepaid card unit 9 having a power cable 125. Further, a ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism panel 102.
[0048]
Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic control device includes a main control unit (game control unit) 200 and sub-control units 230, 250, 260, and 270 connected to the main control unit 200. . The sub control unit includes a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a voice control unit 250, a symbol control unit 260, and a lamp control unit 270. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 250, 260, and 270 include a payout control board 230a, a voice control board 250a, a symbol control board 260a, and a lamp control board 270a as peripheral control boards. Yes.
[0050]
The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing the processing contents to each sub control unit 230, 250, 260, 270 in one-way format, and each sub control unit 230, 250, 260, 270 Various controls are performed based on the signal. For example, from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, a prize ball payout command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission command for instructing a game start permission, a ball feed permission prohibition command for the operation of the ball feed solenoid, a firing motor Various payout control commands, such as a launch permission prohibition command relating to the operation of, are transmitted.
[0051]
Various voice control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the voice control unit 250. Various symbol control commands such as a winning symbol display command for instructing display of 1 to 16 winning symbols and a winning symbol turn-off command for instructing all symbols to be turned off are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 260. The Various lamp control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the lamp control unit 270.
[0052]
Each control unit 200, 230, 250, 260, 270 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 250, 260, 270 via the power relay board 121. Note that the gaming machine of this embodiment includes a main power supply unit 200 (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. The RAM data of the payout control unit 230 is held.
[0053]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.
[0054]
The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body.
[0055]
In addition, a random number counter for various random numbers used in the gaming machine 1 is set in the RAM 402. The random numbers used in the present embodiment include a random number for determination of success / failure, a random number for symbol display, and the like. The random number for success / failure determination is used to determine whether or not to operate the accessory guiding device when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 (whether or not determination). A winning value for determining whether or not to win is set in advance, and it is determined that the winning or failing random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29 matches the winning value. The random number for symbol display is used to determine a guidance symbol that is stopped and displayed on the guidance symbol display device 30 when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuation gate 29.
[0056]
Further, the RAM 402 has a ball feed counter for counting game balls sent to the launcher unit 10, a launch counter for counting game balls launched by the launcher unit 10, and a ball entering the entrance. A ball entry counter for counting game balls played is set.
[0057]
Returning to FIG. 4, the main control unit 200 includes a frame external terminal board 122, a guide symbol operating gate switch 201, a second accessory guiding apparatus operating gate switch 202, a 16-series switch relay board 203, a board surface relay board 210, a game A frame relay board 220 is connected. The frame external terminal board 122 is connected to a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a tank ball breakage detection switch 104, and the like. The main control unit 200 is connected to an external inspection device (not shown).
[0058]
The guide symbol operation gate switch 201 detects that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29. The second accessory guidance device actuation gate switch 202 detects that the game ball has passed through the second accessory guidance device actuation gate 36. In addition, a 16-continuous ball opening detection switch 204 that detects entry into each of the 16-bullet entry ports 24 is connected to the 16-continuous switch relay board 203. Is transmitted to the main control unit 200.
[0059]
Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 6, to the board surface relay board 210, a left / right entrance port switch 211, an accessory operation port switch 212, a guidance increase device operation region switch 213, and various solenoids 214 are connected.
[0061]
The left and right entrance switches 211 are provided inside the left entrance 26 and the right entrance 27, respectively, and detect the entrance of game balls. The accessory actuating port switch 212 is provided in each of the first accessory actuating port 31 and the second accessory actuating port 37, and detects entry of a game ball. The guidance increase device operation region switch 213 detects passage of a game ball to the guidance increase device operation region 34. These game ball detection switches and position detection switches can be constituted by proximity switches or photo sensors. As the various solenoids 214, there are those that open and close the first accessory operating port 31 and the second accessory operating port 37, respectively, and are constituted by an opening solenoid and a closing solenoid.
[0062]
Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 7, the case relay ball switch 108, the ball feed count switch 221, the firing ball count switch 222, the foul ball detection switch 223, the lower tray full switch 224, the tip detection switch 225, a prize ball counting sensor 226, and a ball lending counting sensor 227 are connected.
[0064]
The case rail cut ball switch 108 detects a broken ball between the tank rail 106 and the prize ball payout device 109. The ball feed count switch 221 counts game balls sent from the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit 10. The firing ball count switch 222 detects a game ball launched by the launching device unit 10. The foul ball detection switch 223 detects a game ball that has returned from the launcher unit 10 and has returned to the lower plate portion 6 without reaching the game area 21. The lower tray full tank switch 224 detects that the lower tray 6 has become full. The tip ball detection switch 225 detects the game ball at the launch position of the launcher unit 10.
[0065]
The prize ball counting sensor 226 counts the number of awarded prize balls, and is composed of a sensor before counting the prize balls and a sensor after counting the prize balls. The ball lending counting sensor 227 counts the game balls lent to the player using the CR unit 9, and is composed of a sensor before ball lending counting and a sensor after ball lending counting.
[0066]
Next, returning to FIG. 4, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the payout control unit 230 includes a CR unit (prepaid card unit) 9, a game frame relay board 220, a memory clear switch board 231, a CR operation board 232, a payout motor sensor board 233, and a launch control board 240. Etc. are connected. The payout control board 230a of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG.
[0067]
The memory clear switch board 231 is a switch board provided with a RAM clear switch for clearing all the various data remaining in the RAM when the power is turned on. The CR operation board 232 is a board for inputting and outputting signals such as ball lending and the number of remaining cards to and from the CR unit 9. The payout motor sensor board 233 is a sensor board for detecting the operation state of the payout motor 234 used for paying out the prize balls.
[0068]
Next, the launch control board 240 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control board 240.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 8, the launch control board 240 is connected to the ball feed solenoid relay board 242, the launch unit 10, the launch stop switch 7b, the irregular setting switch 7c, and the launch handle 7. The launcher unit 10 is for driving a game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21 and operates when the player operates the launch handle 7. Connected to the ball feed solenoid relay board 242 is a ball feed solenoid 243 for feeding game balls stored in the upper plate portion 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit 10.
[0070]
Next, the voice control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the voice control unit 250. The audio control board 250a provided in the audio control unit 250 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports, etc., and a sound generator (not shown). The port is connected to the main control unit 200.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 9, a voice relay board 251 is connected to the voice control unit 250. A volume switch board 252 is connected to the voice relay board 251, and the volume switch board 252 sets the output volume of the speaker 253 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). From the speaker 253, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game.
[0072]
Next, the symbol control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 260. On the symbol control board 260 a provided in the symbol controller 260, as with the voice controller 250, arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor) and the like are provided. It is provided and connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output port.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol control unit 260 is connected to a guide symbol display device substrate 261 that operates the guide symbol display device 30 and a winning symbol display device substrate 262 that operates the winning symbol display device 25. In the symbol control unit 260, the CPU performs display control of the guiding symbol display device 30 and the winning symbol display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM.
[0074]
Next, the lamp control device 270 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating signal input / output in the lamp control unit 270. The lamp control board 270a provided in the lamp control unit 270 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) similar to those of the sound control unit 250, and is connected to the main control unit 200 at an input / output port.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 11, the lamp control unit 270 is connected to a score display lamp board 271, various other LED boards 272, a frame lamp relay board 273, and the like. The score display lamp substrate 271 is used to display a score on the score display device 28. A game effect LED board 274, a prize ball display LED board 275, and the like are connected to the frame lamp relay board 273, and an error display LED board 276 and the like are further connected to the prize ball display LED board 275. These lamps, etc. are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.
[0076]
Next, the firing handle 7 and the launcher unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0077]
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the structure of the firing handle 7. The firing handle 7 has a base cover 702 attached to a handle base 701 attached to the lower plate 6 so as not to rotate. The base cover 702 includes a firing start switch 703, and a variable resistor 704, a bracket 705, a firing lever 706, and a torsion spring 707 are coaxially attached. The firing lever 706 is formed by integrating a face cover 708 and a cap 709, and is attached to the base cover 702 so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis intersecting the game board surface within a certain angular range. The firing lever 706 is normally biased by the torsion spring 707 so as to be positioned at the firing standby angle position, and when the operating force applied against this is increased, the rotational angle position, that is, the amount of rotation increases, Conversely, the amount of rotation is reduced when the operating force is loosened.
[0078]
In the variable resistor 704, the main body 704b is attached to the base cover 702 by a bracket 705 so as not to rotate, and the shaft 704a is attached to the firing lever 706 via a collar 705 so as to be rotatable. Thereby, the variable resistor 704 changes its resistance value according to the rotation amount (operation amount) of the firing lever 706. That is, it functions as a rotation amount detector that indicates the rotation amount of the firing lever 706 by the indicated resistance value.
[0079]
The firing start switch 703 is provided separately from the variable resistor 704 that detects the turning amount of the firing lever 706, and the turning angle position of the firing lever 706 is set smaller than the position corresponding to the upper limit turning amount described later. It plays a role as a stop detector that detects whether or not it exists at a predetermined stop position (launch stop position that is the origin position). Specifically, the firing start switch 703 is configured by a limit switch (may be a proximity switch). When the firing lever 706 is located at the origin position, the firing start switch 703 is in a non-biased state, but the firing lever 706 is slightly (for example, the origin point). Immediately after turning (approx. 1 ° from the position), it becomes energized.
[0080]
13 is a front view of the firing handle 7 and the launcher unit 10, FIG. 14 is a rear view of the launcher unit 10, and FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the launcher unit 10 and its peripheral control system. It is.
[0081]
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the launcher unit 10 includes a spear 10 a that launches a game ball onto the game board 20, and a launch motor 10 b that rotationally drives the spear 10 a. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the resistance value of the variable resistor 704 is changed by the turning operation of the firing lever 706, and the firing motor control circuit 240b controls the drive circuit 240c by PWM control or the like according to the resistance value. The applied voltage of the firing motor 10b is adjusted via As a result, the firing force of the rod 10a connected to the rotating shaft of the firing motor 10b is adjusted. That is, the greater the amount of rotation of the launch lever 706, the higher the average current level supplied to the launch motor 10b, the stronger the striking force by the kite 10a, that is, the launch force of the game ball, and the amount of rotation of the launch lever 706. The smaller the is, the weaker the launching power of the game ball.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 14, when the firing motor 10b is turned on, the firing motor 10b rotates until the rod 10a hits the upper cushion rubber 10c. Due to the impact, a game ball is launched through the firing ball count switch 222. When the firing motor 10b is turned off, the firing motor 10b is in a free state, and the rod 10a returns to the position of the lower cushion rubber 10d. By turning on the firing motor 10b once, the kite 10a operates once, and fires one game ball.
[0083]
As described above, the present embodiment is configured to perform irregular hit control for firing a game ball toward a predetermined area on the game board 20 in a predetermined game state regardless of the amount of rotation of the launch handle 7. Yes. In the irregular hit control of the present embodiment, when a special gaming state (big hit state) occurs, the right side where the second accessory guidance device operating gate 36 and the second accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 37 are present. It is configured to fire a game ball toward the area.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 15, an irregular hitting resistor 711 for irregular hitting control is provided separately from the variable resistor 704. The resistance value of the irregular hitting resistor 711 is set such that the voltage applied to the firing motor 10b becomes a resistance value that allows the game ball to be launched toward the right region on the game board.
[0085]
Switching between the variable resistor 704 and the irregular hitting resistor 711 is performed by a resistance changeover switch 712. When the resistance changeover switch 712 is connected to the variable resistor 704 side, normal control is performed in which the launching force of the game ball is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the launching handle 7, and is connected to the irregular hitting resistor 711 side. In this case, irregular hit control is performed in which right strike is performed regardless of the rotation amount of the firing handle 7. Thus, the two firing control modes can be switched by the resistance changeover switch 712.
[0086]
Switching of the resistance changeover switch 712 is performed by the irregular hitting control circuit 240d. The irregular hitting control circuit 240d automatically switches between the two launch control modes based on the special game state occurrence end information obtained from the main control board 200a. Specifically, when the special game state has not occurred, the irregular hit control circuit 240d switches the resistance changeover switch 712 to the variable resistor 704 side for normal control, and the special game state has occurred. In this configuration, the resistance changeover switch 712 is switched to the irregular hitting resistor 711 side for irregular hitting control.
[0087]
When the irregular hit setting switch 7c is operated by the player, the irregular hit control circuit 240d does not automatically switch the firing control mode, and always performs normal control. That is, when the irregular hit setting switch 7c is pressed, even if a special gaming state occurs, the irregular hit control circuit 240d does not switch the resistance changeover switch 712 to the irregular hit resistor 711, and the variable resistor 704 side is not switched. Leave connected. Thereby, even when a special gaming state occurs, the player can adjust the firing power of the game ball himself.
[0088]
The release of the automatic switching of the firing mode by the irregular hit setting switch 7c ends when the player finishes the game. The determination of the end of the game is made, for example, when a predetermined time elapses after the launch start switch 703 detects that the launch lever 706 has been returned to the launch stop position (origin position), or when the player uses the touch sensor 7a to 7 can be performed when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that the touch panel 7 is not touched. As a result, when the next player starts a new game, the irregular hit control circuit 240d has returned to the initial state in which the firing control mode is automatically switched, so that the next player may be confused. Absent.
[0089]
The automatic irregular hitting means of the present invention is constituted by an irregular hitting resistor 711 and an irregular control circuit 240d, and the automatic irregular beat canceling means of the present invention is constituted by an irregular hit setting switch 7c.
[0090]
Next, the game confirmation time will be described based on FIG. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a game confirmation time (16 ms in this example) is provided between games. FIG. 16 is an output timing chart of an in-game signal output from the main control unit 200 to the external inspection device. FIG. 16A shows when the power is turned on, and FIG.
[0091]
When the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), a game signal indicating that a game is being played from the main control unit 200 to an external inspection device is output from the test signal terminal until a game result is obtained after the power is turned on. Is output. After the next game, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), an in-game signal is output from the end of the game confirmation time until the game result of the next game is obtained. The time during which no game signal is output is the game confirmation time. Based on this game confirmation time, the external inspection device can clearly grasp the start and end of one game.
[0092]
The game confirmation time is such that all 16 game balls in the previous game have a plurality of entrances (for example, 16 consecutive entrances 24, accessory operation entrances 32 and 37, left and right entrances 26 and 27, guidance After entering / passing into the increase device operating area 34 and the discharge port 35), after the elapse of an interval time of 2 seconds (fixed time) to be described later and / or after elapse of the winning symbol confirmation time of 0.5 seconds described above. This is set when a game result is obtained. For this reason, in addition to the entrance and passage of the 16 game balls to the entrances and the like, each game device provided in the gaming machine 1 (for example, a prize ball payout device 109, an accessory guidance device, a guidance increase device) Etc.) can be clarified, and the division of one game can be completely clarified.
[0093]
Further, the game store can be notified of the end of one game. The game store can know that all 16 game balls have been used normally in each game, while knowing that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1 if the game confirmation time has not elapsed. it can. If the game confirmation time does not elapse, the game cannot proceed to the next game, so that the game confirmation time elapses is a proof that one game has been performed normally.
[0094]
In addition, since the game store can know that 16 game balls have been used normally in each game, sales calculation based on the total number of games is possible (in the past, by so-called settlement means). The player was able to advance to the next game without using all 16 game balls in one game, so the number of game balls used by the player was often different for each game. , It was impossible to calculate sales based on the total number of games.)
[0095]
Next, a game ball launching operation in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 shows the signal flow in the launch operation, FIG. 18 shows the content of the signal related to the launch operation, and FIG. 19 shows the content of the launch control command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. 20 to 26 are timing charts showing the timing of the launch operation and the transmission signal.
[0096]
The main control unit 200 receives a ball feed count signal a from the ball feed count switch 221, a shot ball count signal b from the shot ball count switch 222, and a foul ball detection signal c from the foul ball detection switch 223. 220 is input. Then, the main control unit 200 outputs the payout command data d and the payout command strobe e to the payout control unit 230. Based on the payout command data d, the payout control unit 230 sends the firing permission signal f and the ball feed permission. A signal g is output. The payout command data d outputs the firing control command shown in FIG. 19, and the payout command strobe e outputs one pulse every time 1 byte of the payout command data d is output.
[0097]
Next, the game start permission will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the main control unit 200 transmits a game start permission command (85H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230 at the start of the game. Thereby, the launch permission signal and the ball feed permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the launch control unit 240 are turned on, and the launch control unit 240 permits the operations of the ball feed solenoid 243 and the launch motor 10b. At this time, when the player places the game ball in the upper plate and operates the firing handle 7 by hand, the firing device unit 10 starts to operate.
[0098]
Next, the ball feed prohibition will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the main control unit 200 detects that all 16 game balls have been sent to the launch position by the ball feed count switch 221, and sends a ball feed prohibition command (83H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230. ). As a result, the ball feed permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned off, and the firing control unit 240 prohibits the operation of the ball feed solenoid 243.
[0099]
Next, ball feed permission (when a foul ball is detected after the 16th game ball is launched) will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, when the main control unit 200 detects that all 16 game balls have been sent to the launch position by the ball feed count switch 221, the main control unit 200 sends a ball feed prohibition command (83H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230. ). As a result, the ball feed permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned off, and the firing control unit 240 prohibits the operation of the ball feed solenoid 243.
[0100]
Thereafter, when the foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 223, the main control unit 200 transmits a ball feed permission command (83H · 02H) to the payout control unit 230. As a result, the ball feed permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned on, and the firing control unit 240 permits the operation of the ball feed solenoid 243.
[0101]
Next, firing prohibition will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, when the main control unit 200 detects that all the 16 game balls have reached the firing position by the firing ball count switch 222, the main control unit 200 sends a firing prohibition command (84H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230. Send. Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned off, and the firing control unit 240 prohibits the operation of the firing motor 10b.
[0102]
Next, launch permission (when a foul ball is detected after the 16th game ball is launched) will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, when the main control unit 200 detects that all the 16 game balls have come to the firing position by the firing ball count switch 222, the main control unit 200 sends a firing prohibition command (84H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230. Send. Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned off, and the firing control unit 240 prohibits the operation of the firing motor 10b.
[0103]
Thereafter, when the foul ball is detected by the foul ball detection switch 223, the main control unit 200 transmits a ball feed permission command (83H · 02H) and a firing permission command (84H · 02H) to the payout control unit 230. As a result, the launch permission signal and the ball feed permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the launch control unit 240 are turned on, the ball feed prohibition and the launch prohibition are canceled, and the operations of the ball feed solenoid 243 and the launch motor 10b are permitted. .
[0104]
Next, launch permission (when the game ball has returned to the launch position and remains after the 16th game ball has been launched) will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, when the main control unit 200 detects that 16 game balls have been launched by the firing ball count switch 222, the main control unit 200 transmits a firing prohibition command (84H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230. Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned off, and the firing control unit 240 prohibits the operation of the firing motor 10b.
[0105]
After that, when the main control unit 200 detects that the game ball has returned to the launch position and remains, by the launch ball count switch 222, the main control unit 200 transmits a launch permission command (84H · 02H) to the payout control unit 230. . Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned on, and the firing control unit 240 permits the operation of the firing motor 10b. Since ball feeding is prohibited at this time, the ball feeding solenoid 243 does not operate.
[0106]
As a result, the 16th game ball in one game can be reliably launched. Such control is continued until the 16th game ball in one game enters one of a plurality of entrances such as the 16 consecutive entrances 24. This indicates that a predetermined number of game balls can be more accurately controlled in one game. In particular, a gaming device in which all 16 gaming balls enter a game and is activated due to the entering or passing of any of the gaming balls (for example, a prize ball paying device 109, a guide symbol display device 30 or the like). A combination game machine that cannot proceed to the next game unless the operation of (except for the case where the operation of the guidance increasing device or the operation of the accessory guiding device is continued at least until the next game depending on the game situation) In this case, for example, if the number of shots exceeds 16, the main control unit 200 incorrectly recognizes and cannot re-launch, and this causes an error cause that interrupts the game that does not proceed to the next game. Can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rhythmic game with less stress to the player, while it is possible for the game store to suppress a decrease in the operating time of the gaming machine (time that directly affects the sales of the game store) due to the game interruption.
[0107]
Next, the interval function will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) before all the 16 game balls are fired in one game and before proceeding to the next game. As shown in FIG. 26, when the main control unit 200 detects that all 16 game balls have reached the firing position by the firing ball count switch 222, the main control unit 200 starts the interval function.
[0108]
The main control unit 200 transmits a firing prohibition command (84H · 01H) to the payout control unit 230 when the interval function is started. Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 240 is turned off, and the firing control unit 240 prohibits the operation of the firing motor 10b. As a result, the launcher unit 10 stops during the interval function operation. The interval function stops after 2 seconds from the start of operation, and the interval time ends.
[0109]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 27 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU based on a program stored in the ROM of the main control unit 200. 27, after executing the power-on process S100, the game start process S200, the game management process S300, the launch control process S400, the winning symbol process S500, the bonus item process S600, the score increasing device process S700, and the guidance symbol. Each step of the accessory guidance device processing S800 and the guidance increase device processing S900 is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In this embodiment, the reset period is set to 4 ms.
[0110]
The power-on process S100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power-on process is performed when power is turned on and when power is restored after a power failure occurs. First, various settings required when the power is turned on are performed (S101). Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM is permitted.
[0111]
Next, when the RAM clear switch is pressed or when the backup flag (power failure occurrence information) is not set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is turned on and the RAM initialization process is performed. Return (S102, S103, S104). As the RAM initialization processing, initial setting of built-in devices around the CPU is performed, all areas of the RAM are cleared to 0, initial values during normal game are set, and interrupts are permitted. Also, a game start flag is set.
[0112]
On the other hand, if the backup flag is set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is restored when the power is turned off, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power is turned off (S105). (S106). If these checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM are broken, and the RAM initialization process of S104 is performed. When the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed.
[0113]
First, the stack pointer immediately before power-off is restored and the backup flag is cleared. Next, a return setting is made to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the register is returned to the state immediately before the power is turned off. Thereafter, the program is resumed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power is turned off.
[0114]
Next, the game start process S200 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, all the switches other than the RAM clear switch connected to the main control unit 200 are read (S201), the respective switch states are determined, and the detection information is stored (S202).
[0115]
Next, various random numbers such as a random number for determination of success / failure and a random number for symbol display are updated (S203). Specifically, the value of the random number counter set in the above-described RAM is incremented by 1 between an initial value (for example, 0) and a predetermined value (for example, 255). When the value of the random number counter exceeds a predetermined value, the initial value is restored.
[0116]
Next, prize ball control in S204 to S212 is performed. First, when each of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24 is checked by the 16 consecutive entrance port switch 204 and a game ball enters the 16 consecutive entrance 24 and a winning combination is obtained. Corresponding score information is stored in the RAM (S204, S205). Next, it is determined whether the ball is full or full by the case rail ball switch 108 and the lower tray full tank switch 224 (S206).
[0117]
If the winning ball is not stopped because the ball is full or full, a payout disable designation command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S207, S208). When the award ball is not in a full or full state, a payout enable designation command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S209, S210). If there is saved score information, a prize ball command corresponding to the score is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S211 and S212).
[0118]
Next, the game management process S300 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the game is started based on the game start flag (S301). As a result, if it is time to start the game, the setting at the time of starting the game is performed (S302), and the process returns. As setting at the start of the game, processing such as confirmation, setting or clearing is performed for various flags and timers necessary for starting the game.
[0119]
On the other hand, if it is not at the start of the game, the ball feed is first monitored by the ball feed count switch 221 (S303). When the ball feed count switch 221 is on, the ball feed counter is incremented by one. When the ball feed counter reaches 16 or more, a ball feed prohibition command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and the ball feed is terminated.
[0120]
Next, the shot ball is monitored by the shot ball count switch 222 (S304). When the firing ball count switch 222 is on, the firing counter is incremented by one. When the firing counter reaches 16 or more, a firing prohibition command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and 16 firings are completed.
[0121]
Next, the foul sphere is monitored by the foul sphere detection switch 223 (S305). Specifically, when the foul ball detection switch 223 is on, the ball feed counter and the launch counter are decremented by one.
[0122]
Next, the entrance is monitored by the 16 consecutive entrance switch 204 (S306). Each entrance of the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is checked by the 16 entrance entrance switch 204, and when a game ball enters the 16 entrance entrance 24, the entrance counter is incremented by one. When the number becomes 16 or more, it is determined that 16 balls have been entered.
[0123]
Next, the game end check process of S307 to S314 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained, that is, whether or not a unit game (one game) has ended. A game result is obtained if all of the following requirements are met.
[0124]
That is, it is determined that 16 game balls have been launched by the launch counter (S307), it is determined that the interval time has passed (S308), and it is determined by the entrance counter that all 16 game balls have been entered (S309). It is determined that the symbol confirmation time has elapsed (S310), it is determined that the operation of the guidance symbol display device 30 has been completed (S311), and the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 31 is guided guidance device activation region 34. Alternatively, when it is determined that the game has passed through the discharge port 35 (S312) and it is determined that payout of the acquired game ball (prize ball) has been completed (S313), it can be determined that a game result has been obtained.
[0125]
As a result, when it is determined that a game result is obtained, that is, it is determined that the unit game (one game) has ended, the game end flag is set to 1 as a game end process, and the process returns (S314). If it is determined that any of the above requirements is not satisfied, the process returns. When the game end flag is set to 1, a game result is obtained, and the in-game signal shown in FIG. 16 is turned OFF for 16 ms. Therefore, a game confirmation time is set, and after the time has elapsed, the next game can be started.
[0126]
Next, the launch control process S400 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined by referring to the launch counter whether or not the number of effective firing balls is less than 16 (S401). As a result, when the number of effective firing balls is less than 16, the ball feed solenoid 243 is operated (S402).
[0127]
Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by the tip ball detection switch 225 (S403). If a game ball is detected, the firing motor 10b is operated (S404). At this time, in the normal control mode in which the resistance changeover switch 712 is switched to the variable resistor 704 side, the firing force of the firing motor 10b is adjusted according to the turning amount of the firing handle 7 by the player. Further, in the irregular hit control mode in which the resistance changeover switch 712 is switched to the irregular hit resistance 711 side, the game ball is moved to the ball game board 20 by the launch motor 10b regardless of the amount of rotation of the launch handle 7 by the player. Fired in the upper right area.
[0128]
Next, the winning symbol process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained by the game end flag (S501). As a result, if it is determined that a game result is obtained, a winning symbol turn-off command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 260 as a setting at the end of the game (S501, S502). Then return.
[0129]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the game result is not obtained, it is determined whether or not the game is being played (S503), and it is determined whether or not 16 balls have been entered by the ball counter (S504). It is determined whether or not there is an incoming ball at each of the 16 entrance balls 24 by the 16 entrance ball switch 204 (S505). As a result, if the game is in progress and there is a game at the entrance before completing 16 entrances, a winning symbol display command corresponding to each entrance is sent to the design control unit 260, and a return is made. (S506). Otherwise, return as is.
[0130]
Next, the accessory game process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (S601). As a result, when the game is not in progress, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when the game is in progress, the first combination processing of S602 to S607 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the first accessory is operating (S602).
[0131]
As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory is not operating, the first accessory operating process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not 16 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter (S603), and it is determined whether or not there is an entrance to the first accessory operating port 31 by the accessory operating port switch 212. (S604). As a result, when there are 16 game balls that have not been entered, if there is an entry in the first accessory operating port 31, the operation of the first accessory is started (S 605). Move on to 2 character processing. In other cases, the process proceeds to the second accessory processing as it is. The winning symbols of 12, 13, 15, and 16 are lit up by the operation of the first combination.
[0132]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the first accessory is in operation, a first accessory operation end process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained by the game end flag (S606). As a result, when it is determined that the game result is obtained, the operation of the first accessory is finished and the process proceeds to the second accessory processing (S607). On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result is not obtained, the process proceeds to the second accessory processing as it is.
[0133]
Next, the second accessory processing of S608 to S613 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the second accessory is operating (S608).
[0134]
As a result, when it is determined that the second accessory is not operating, the second accessory operating process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not 16 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter (S609), and it is determined whether or not there is an entrance to the second accessory operating port 37 by the accessory operating port switch 212. (S610). As a result, when it is determined that there is a ball in the second accessory operating port 37 in a state where 16 game balls have not entered, the operation of the second accessory starts and returns (S611). ). Otherwise, return as is. The winning symbols of 11, 13, 14, and 15 are turned on by the operation of the second character.
[0135]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the second accessory is in operation, a second accessory operation end process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained by the game end flag (S612). If it is determined that the game result is obtained, the operation of the second accessory is finished and the process returns. (S613). On the other hand, if the game result is not obtained, the process returns as it is.
[0136]
Next, the score increasing device processing S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress. If it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process directly returns (S701). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is in progress, it is determined whether or not the score increasing device is operating (S702).
[0137]
As a result, when it is determined that the score increasing device is not in operation, the score increasing device operating process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not 16 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter (S703), and enters the second accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 37 by the accessory operating port switch 212. It is determined whether or not there is a ball (S704). As a result, when it is determined that 16 game balls have not entered the second accessory operating port 37, the operation of the score increasing device is started and the process returns (S705). Otherwise, return as is.
[0138]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the score increasing device is in operation, a score increasing device operation end process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained by the game end flag (S706), and when it is determined that the game result is obtained (when the game is finished), the operation of the score actuating device is activated. And return (S707). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game result is not obtained, the process directly returns.
[0139]
Next, the guidance increasing device process S800 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (S801). As a result, if it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process returns as it is.
[0140]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is in progress, it is determined whether or not the guidance increasing device is operating (S802). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance increase device is not in operation, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device activation region 34 by the guidance increase device activation region switch 213 (S803). As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the guidance increasing device operating area 34, the process returns as it is.
[0141]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guidance increasing device operating region 34, the guidance increasing device is operated (S804). The special gaming state is generated by the operation of the induction increasing device, and the second accessory induction device operation gate 36 is activated.
[0142]
Next, it is determined whether or not the irregular hit setting switch 7c is pressed (S805). If not, the resistance changeover switch 712 is switched to the irregular hit resistance 711 side by the irregular hit control circuit 240d. The strike control is started (S806). If the irregular setting switch 7c is pressed, the process returns as it is.
[0143]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance increasing device is in operation, a guidance increasing device activation end process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device activation region 34 by the guidance increase device activation region switch 213 (S807), and it is determined whether or not 14 games have ended since the activation of the guidance increase device. (S808). As a result, when the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 34 or when 14 games have been completed since the operation start of the guidance increase device, the operation of the guidance increase device is stopped (S809). The special gaming state is ended by stopping the guidance increasing device, and the second accessory guidance device operating gate 36 becomes invalid. Further, the irregular hit control circuit 240d switches the resistance changeover switch 712 to the variable resistor 704 side to end the irregular hit control (S810), and returns. Otherwise, return as is.
[0144]
Next, the guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing S900 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, it is determined whether or not the first accessory guide device is operating (S901). As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is in operation, a first accessory guiding device termination process shown in S914 to S916 described later is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is not in operation, it is determined whether or not the guiding symbol is changing (S902).
[0145]
As a result, when it is determined that the guiding symbol is changing, the process proceeds to the changing time elapsed determination process shown in S908 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol is not changing, it is determined whether or not it is during the guide symbol stop display time (S903).
[0146]
As a result, when it is determined that it is during the stop display time of the guidance symbol, the process proceeds to a stop display time elapsed determination process shown in S911 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not during the guide symbol stop display time, it is determined by the guide symbol operation gate switch 201 whether or not the game ball has passed the guide symbol operation gate 29 (S904).
[0147]
As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the guidance symbol actuating gate 29, the process proceeds to a second accessory guidance device process shown in S917 to S924 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29, a guide symbol determination is made (S905).
[0148]
Here, the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for success / failure determination corresponds to a preset hit value (S9051). The random number for success / failure determination is acquired from the random number counter at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29.
[0149]
As a result, if it is determined that the value of the random number for success / failure determination is a win, a hit stop symbol displayed on the guidance symbol display device 30 at the time of win is set (S9052), and a hit expected flag is set. (S9053), it returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the random number for determination of success / failure is not a hit, a disconnection stop symbol displayed on the guidance symbol display device 30 at the time of disconnection is set (S9054), and the process returns. The winning stop symbol and the disengagement stop symbol displayed on these guidance symbol display devices 30 are determined using a symbol random number for symbol display.
[0150]
Next, returning to FIG. 36, the variation time of the guidance symbol displayed on the guidance symbol display device 30 is set (1.5 seconds in this example) (S906), and a predetermined symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 260. Then, the variation of the guiding symbol is started (S907).
[0151]
Next, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol variation time has elapsed (S908). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance symbol variation time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to a second accessory guidance apparatus process shown in S917 to S924 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol variation time has elapsed, the guide symbol is stopped and the guide symbol stop display time (0.5 seconds in this example) is set (S909, S910).
[0152]
Next, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol stop display time has elapsed (S911). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance symbol stop display time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to a second accessory guidance apparatus process shown in S917 to S924 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance symbol stop display time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol is a combination of winning symbols (S912).
[0153]
As a result, when it is determined that the guidance symbol is not a winning symbol combination, the process proceeds to a second accessory guidance device process shown in S917 to S924 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol is a combination of winning symbols, the operation of the first accessory guide device is started and the first accessory operating port 31 is opened (S913).
[0154]
Next, when it is determined in S901 that the first accessory guiding device is in operation, a first accessory guiding device termination process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a ball has entered the first accessory operating port 31 (S914), and it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained twice (S915). As a result, when it is determined that the ball has entered the first accessory operating port 31 or the game result is obtained twice or three times, the operation of the first accessory guiding device is stopped (S916). . As a result, the first accessory operating port 31 is closed.
[0155]
Next, the second accessory guiding apparatus process shown in S917 to S924 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the second accessory guide device is operating (S917).
[0156]
As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is operating, a second accessory guiding device termination process shown in S922 to S924 described later is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second accessory guiding device is not in operation, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the second accessory guiding device operating gate 36 by the second accessory guiding device operating gate switch 202. Determination is made (S918).
[0157]
As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the second accessory guidance device operation gate 36, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game balls have passed the second accessory guidance device operation gate 36, it is determined whether or not 16 balls have been entered by the entrance counter (S919), and the score increasing device is operating. It is determined whether or not (S920).
[0158]
As a result, when the 16-ball entry is not completed and the score increasing device is not in operation, the operation of the second accessory guiding device is started and the second accessory operating port 37 is opened ( S921). Otherwise, return as is.
[0159]
Next, when it is determined in S917 that the second accessory guiding device is in operation, a second accessory guiding device termination process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a ball has entered the second accessory operating port 37 (S922), and it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained (S923). As a result, when it is determined that a ball has entered the second accessory operating port 37 or a game result has been obtained, the operation of the second accessory guiding device is stopped (S924). As a result, the second accessory operating port 37 is closed.
[0160]
Next, the power interruption occurrence processing S1000 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power cut-off generation process is performed when a non-maskable interrupt occurs due to a power cut due to a power failure or the like.
[0161]
First, the used register is saved in the RAM, and the value of the stack pointer is saved (S1001, S1002). Next, in order to confirm the remaining number of prize balls of the prize ball payout device, the prize ball counting sensor 226 is monitored for a predetermined time (84 ms in this example), and the accessory action port switches 212 of the accessory action ports 32 and 33 are used. The game balls passing through are monitored for a predetermined time (in this example, 84 ms) (S1003, S1004). Next, a checksum is calculated and stored, and a backup flag is set in the RAM (S1005, S1006). Next, access to the RAM is prohibited, and infinite loop processing is performed until a system reset occurs (S1007). The RAM data is compensated by a backup power supply unit (not shown). If a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100.
[0162]
As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the special gaming state occurs, the firing force of the firing motor 10b is adjusted so as to automatically aim at a predetermined region (right region) of the game board 20. Therefore, the game ball can easily enter the second accessory guide device operating gate 36 and the second accessory operating port 37. In addition, when a special game state occurs, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the first accessory operating port 31 and disappearing in the middle of the special game state. In this way, when the aim on the game board 20 changes with the progress of the game, the firing power of the launch motor 10b is automatically adjusted regardless of the amount of rotation of the launch handle 7, thereby reducing the game content. It can prevent a novice unfamiliar from receiving a disadvantage without noticing a change in the target.
[0163]
In addition, it is not necessary to rotate and maintain the firing handle 7 to the right side in order to make a right turn when a special gaming state occurs, and it is not necessary to adjust the firing handle 7 to the normal driving position after the end of the big hit. There is no loss of ball due to adjustment. Furthermore, since the progress of the game during the big hit can be accelerated and the variation in the game time for each player can be suppressed, the operating rate of the gaming machine (the number of fires per unit time) can be improved.
[0164]
In addition, for a game store, during the occurrence of a special game state, it is a period during which expenditure increases because it is easy for a player to obtain a high score. In the present embodiment, a predetermined number of specific unit games (14 games) until the special game state disappears while the special game state is generated can be quickly digested. Thereby, the game store side can shorten the time when expenditure increases, and can improve the sales amount of the game store.
[0165]
In addition, since the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes the irregular hit setting switch 7c, a player who does not like automatic adjustment of the launching force of the game ball by irregular hit control operates the irregular hit setting switch 7c. The hitting control is turned off, and the shooting force of the game ball can be manually adjusted according to the operation amount of the shooting handle 7 even when the special gaming state occurs.
[0166]
(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an arrangement ball gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to other types of gaming machines. For example, it can be suitably used for a third type gaming machine having a gaming board 800 shown in FIG. The third type gaming machine operates as follows.
[0167]
When the game ball wins the normal electric accessory operating port 801, the entrance of the specific winning port (winning port related to the normal electric accessory) 802 is expanded. When the game ball that has won the special winning opening 802 passes through the special device operation determination symbol gate 803, the special device operation determination symbol display device 804 is operated, and the game ball is stopped at the special device operation region guiding unit 805. When the symbol for operating the special device is displayed on the special device operation determination symbol display device 804, the stopped game ball is guided to the special device operation area 806, and when the other symbols are displayed, Guide to exit 807.
[0168]
When the game ball passes the special device operation area 806, the special device is activated. When the game ball wins the third type starting port 808 while the special device is operating, the third type special electric accessory is operated and the big winning port 809 is opened. The special device operates until 16 game balls win the third type starting port 808 or until a new game ball passes through the special device operation area 806.
[0169]
As described above, in the third type gaming machine, it is advantageous to aim at the third type starting port 808 and the big winning port 809 arranged in the right region of the game board 800 when the special device is operated. For this reason, even in the type 3 gaming machine, when the special device is activated, the firing force of the firing motor is automatically adjusted so that the right region of the game board 800 is automatically aimed regardless of the amount of rotation of the firing handle. By doing so, the same effect as in the case of the arrange ball game machine described in the above embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine such as a first type or a second type.
[0170]
In the above-described embodiment, the irregular hitting control for automatically adjusting the launching force of the game ball is started simultaneously with the occurrence of the special game state (predetermined game state). You may comprise so that irregular hitting control may be performed according to the state of an area | region. For example, after the special gaming state has occurred, when the second accessory guiding device operating gate 36 is passed (when the second accessory operating port 37 is ready to enter the ball), or the second accessory guiding device operating gate. The irregular beating control may be started when 36 becomes effective.
[0171]
In the above-described embodiment, the game ball is adjusted so as to be driven into the right area of the game board 20 by the automatic irregular hitting means. However, if the game ball is an area where it is advantageous for the game to progress, the game is particularly effective. The right area of the board 20 is not limited.
[0172]
Further, in the above embodiment, it is configured to automatically adjust the firing force of the game ball during the occurrence period of the predetermined game state (special game state) that is relatively advantageous to the player. It is configured to automatically adjust the launching force of the game ball so that the game ball is driven into a predetermined area where the predetermined game state can be generated on the game board during the possible occurrence period. May be. Thereby, it is possible to easily generate the predetermined game state during the period in which the predetermined game state can be generated.
[0173]
In the above embodiment, the player ends the game when a predetermined time elapses after the launch lever 706 is returned to the firing stop position or when a predetermined time elapses after the player stops touching the firing handle 7. However, the game end of the player may be determined under other conditions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a combination gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the game board.
FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the gaming machine.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic control device.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a CPU of a main control unit.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various game devices connected to the game frame relay board.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control board.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the voice control board.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control board.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the lamp control board.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a firing handle.
FIG. 13 is a front view of a firing handle and launcher unit.
FIG. 14 is a rear view of the launcher unit.
FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a launcher unit and its peripheral control system.
FIG. 16 is a timing chart of signals output from the main control unit to the external inspection device.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a signal flow in a launch operation.
FIG. 18 is a chart showing the contents of signals related to a launch operation.
FIG. 19 is a chart showing a launch control command transmitted from the main control unit to the payout control unit.
FIG. 20 is a timing chart when a game start permission is given.
FIG. 21 is a timing chart when ball feeding prohibition is performed.
FIG. 22 is a timing chart when ball feeding permission is performed.
FIG. 23 is a timing chart when launching is prohibited.
FIG. 24 is a timing chart when launching permission is performed.
FIG. 25 is a timing chart when launching permission is performed.
FIG. 26 is a timing chart when the interval function is performed.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a main job of the main control unit.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing power-on processing.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a game start process.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a game management process.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a firing control process.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a winning symbol process.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an accessory game process.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a score increasing device process.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing guidance increase device processing;
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing;
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing;
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing guidance symbol success / failure determination processing;
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing power-off generation processing.
FIG. 40 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a game board of the third type gaming machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine (combination-type game machine), 10 ... Launching device unit, 20 ... Game board, 24 ... 16 consecutive entry entrance (entrance area), 25 ... Winning symbol display device (winning information display device), 29 ... Guide symbol operation gate, 31 ... Guide symbol display device (symbol display device), 32 ... First accessory operating port, 33 ... Rotating body, 34 ... Induction increase device operating region, 36 ... Second accessory guide device operating gate, 37 ... second accessory operating port, 200 ... main control unit (variable pitching device, special game generating device, prize mode increasing device), 230 ... payout control unit, 250 ... voice control unit, 260 ... design control unit, 270 ... lamp control unit.

Claims (2)

A predetermined number of game balls on a game board provided with a plurality of entrance areas into which game balls can enter and a prize information display device for displaying prize information related to the entrance of game balls into the entrance areas A combination type gaming machine that performs a one-unit game that shoots, gives a score based on a combination of winning information displayed on the winning information display device during the one-unit game, and pays out a winning ball according to the score Because
A variable display device capable of displaying a plurality of patterns of identification symbols in a display area, and causing the game ball to pass through the guidance symbol operation gate to display the identification symbols in a variable manner, and to stop display after a lapse of a predetermined time;
When the identification symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device is a specific symbol, the variable entrance is opened, and when a game ball enters the variable entrance, or the unit of the first predetermined number of times A variable pitching device that closes the variable pitching slot when the game is over;
A special gaming state in which a function operating port operating gate for opening a function operating port that facilitates establishment of the score is enabled when a game ball that has entered the variable entrance has entered a specific area. Special gaming state starting means for starting
A special game state ending means for ending the special game state by ending the second predetermined number of unit games after the special game state is started;
Launching means for firing the game ball on the game board and adjusting the launch force of the game ball according to the operation amount of the launch handle by the player;
Firing force automatic switching means for automatically switching the firing force of the game ball by the launching means;
With
The variable entrance, the guiding symbol operating gate, the accessory operating port operating gate, and the accessory operating port are arranged at the center, left side, right side, and right side of the game board, respectively.
The firing force automatic switching means is
Regardless of the amount of operation of the launch handle at the start of the special game state, the game ball automatically switches to an irregular hit state that adjusts the launch force of the launch means so as to flow down the right side of the game board,
When the second predetermined number of unit games are finished and the special game state is finished, automatically switching to a normal hit state in which the launch force of the game ball can be adjusted according to the operation amount of the launch handle. A unique combination game machine. The firing force automatic switching means is configured to wait until a game ball enters the variable entrance, or until the first predetermined number of unit games ends after the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol. 2. The combination type according to claim 1, wherein the game ball is automatically switched to a second irregular hitting state in which the firing force of the launching means is adjusted so that the game ball flows down the center of the game board during the period of time. Gaming machine.

Images