JP5181349B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a plurality of types of gaming states.

  In a conventional gaming machine, when a game ball wins in a start winning opening provided on the game board, a symbol change is started in the symbol display device, and when a special symbol (a jackpot symbol) is stopped, a special game ( It is configured to perform control of jackpot). In such special games, the big prize opening provided on the game board is opened to facilitate the winning of the game ball so that the prize ball corresponding to the game ball won in the big prize opening is paid out to the player. It has become.

  In addition, in order to improve the interest of the game, a game state (low probability game state, high probability game state) with different winning probabilities for shifting to a special game, or a game to a predetermined passing area (starting port) A plurality of game states such as a game state (time-short game state, non-time-short game state) with different ease of entry of a ball are provided.

  For example, if the type of jackpot symbol is an odd number, a gaming machine that is in a high-probability gaming state after the jackpot is finished, while if the type of jackpot symbol is an even number, a gaming machine that is in a short-time gaming state after the jackpot is finished is known. (See Patent Document 1). In particular, since it is possible to easily generate a jackpot if it becomes a high probability gaming state, the probability of becoming a high probability gaming state (probability rush rate), it is possible to provide a bias (rensou) to the occurrence of the jackpot, more It is possible to improve the fun of gaming.

JP 2004-33636 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the transition to the high-probability gaming state is determined in accordance with only the jackpot symbol, so that the probability of entering the high-probability gaming state after the end of the special game is constant. For this reason, there is a tendency that the bias to the special game (renso) tends to be constant, and it is difficult to further improve the interest of the game.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further improving the interest of the game by providing a bias in the transition to the special game.

The invention according to claim 1 is provided in the game board, and is provided in the game board, and is provided in the game board, and the start variable winning device that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter. The start variable winning device based on a predetermined probability on the condition that the game ball is detected by the passage detection means and the passage detection means that detects that the game ball has entered the predetermined passage area. On the condition that the start opening determination means for performing a first determination as to whether or not to change to the open state, and the start opening determination means determined to change the start variable prize winning device to the open state. A start variable winning device control means for controlling the start variable winning device in the open state, a start area detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered a start area provided in the start variable winning device, and the start area detecting means By On the condition that a game ball is detected, a special game determination means for performing a second determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player, and that the game ball is detected by the start area detection means. It is determined that the special game is started by the symbol display means for starting the notification symbol variation display for informing the determination result by the special game determination means and the notification symbol is stopped and the special game determination means is determined to perform the special game. And a special game control means for controlling the special game, and a decision to change the start variable prize-winning device to the open state based on a first probability in the first determination of the special game determination means. A first probability gaming state to be performed, a second probability to determine that the start variable winning device is changed to the open state based on a second probability higher than the first probability in the first determination. Stochastic gaming state transition determining means for determining any one of the gaming state and the probability game state determined by the stochastic gaming state transition determining means after the special game control means has finished controlling the special game. Probabilistic gaming state control means for controlling the state,
The probability game state transition determining means is configured to detect the second probability game when the first probability game state is controlled by the probability game state control means when a specific notification symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means. A state is determined, and when the second probability gaming state is controlled by the probability gaming state control means, the first probability gaming state is determined.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the game ball enters a predetermined passing area (ordinary symbol gate) provided on the game board, the start variable winning device (the start opening having a pair of start movable pieces 9b). 9) Whether or not a special game is to be performed when a game ball enters the start area in the start variable winning device is determined (first lottery for normal symbols). The second determination (special symbol jackpot lottery) is performed.
In addition, when a specific notification symbol (specific special symbol) is displayed on the symbol display means (special symbol display device), the first probability gaming state (low probability state of the normal symbol, that is, non-short-time gaming state) is controlled. When the second probability gaming state is controlled, the second probability gaming state (ordinary symbol high probability state, short time gaming state) is determined, and when the second probability gaming state is controlled, the first probability gaming state is determined.

That is, in order to shift to a special game that is advantageous to the player, first, the start variable winning device is changed to the open state by winning the first determination, and then the game ball is placed in the starting area in the start variable winning device. It is necessary to enter and receive the second determination and win in the second determination, and the two determinations of the first determination and the second determination must be won. Here, if the probability game state is the second probability game state, the winning probability of the first determination is improved. Therefore, the start variable winning device is easily changed to the open state, and the game ball is started variable winning. A second determination can be received by entering a start-up area within the device. As a result, if the probability game state is the second probability game state, it is only necessary to win the second determination in order to shift to the special game. When it is necessary to win, it is equivalent to winning one determination, and it is possible to easily shift to the special game as compared with the first probability game state.
Then, when a specific notification symbol is displayed on the symbol display means, the second probability gaming state is determined when the first probability gaming state is controlled, and the first when the second probability gaming state is controlled. Since the probability game state is determined, the rate of transition to the second probability game state changes depending on the probability game state when a specific notification symbol is displayed, and the shift to the special game can be biased. The interest can be further improved.
Further, when the player is elected by the second determination from the first probability gaming state, the player only when a specific notification symbol is displayed on the symbol display means, compared to the case of being elected by the second determination from the second probability gaming state. The second probable gaming state that is advantageous to the game can be easily determined, so that it is possible to give a sense of expectation of the ball at the so-called first hit, and also to reduce the number of hits during the so-called consecutive resort and to balance the gambling be able to.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, when the game ball is detected by the start area detecting unit in a state where the symbol display unit cannot start the display of the variation of the notification symbol, Hold storage means for storing determination information for performing the second determination by the special game determination means up to a predetermined upper limit value, and a probability that the special game is determined to be performed by the second determination Probability setting means for setting a higher probability than a predetermined probability with the upper limit as the denominator and 1 as the numerator.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the game ball enters the starting area in a state where the display of the variation of the notification symbol (special symbol) cannot be started, the determination information for performing the second determination (big hit determination) ( Random number) is stored up to a predetermined upper limit value (4), and the probability of determining that a special game is to be performed by the second determination (probability of jackpot) is a predetermined probability with a predetermined upper limit value as the denominator and 1 as the numerator ( A probability higher than ¼) is set.

As a result, if the game ball enters the start area in the start variable winning device and the second determination is made, the possibility of being determined as a special game (1/4 or more) is significantly increased. For this reason, first, it is possible to create a game mainly based on making the first determination, that is, a game mainly based on whether or not to change the start variable winning device to the open state. The winning probability of the first determination varies depending on the probability gaming state, and the transition rate to the second probability gaming state advantageous to the player also changes depending on the probability gaming state when the second determination is won. The interest of the game can be improved.
In addition, when there is a reserved memory after the end of the special game, which is also in a state where the symbol display means cannot start displaying the notification symbol, even after the special game ends, the determination information (random value) in the reserved memory again. Based on this, the possibility of winning in the second determination is increased, and the shift to the special game can be more biased.
Further, even if the special game is controlled to the first probability game state after the end of the special game, if there is a reserved memory after the end of the special game, the second determination is won again, and the second probability game state is again set. The possibility of being controlled increases. For this reason, even if the transition is made to the first probability gaming state after the end of the special game, the transition is made to the special game again based on the determination information (random number value) stored in the hold memory, and the transition is made to the second probability gaming state. You can keep the expectation that you may.
In particular, it is more desirable that the probability (hit probability) determined to perform the special game by the second determination is approximately 100%.
Note that the above-mentioned “state in which the symbol display means cannot start the variable display of the notification symbol” means that the special game is being controlled (the state where the variable winning device is controlled to be in the open state), or already This means a state in which the change display of the notification symbol is being performed in the symbol display means (during special symbol change).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bias in the transition to a special game, and to further improve the interest of the game.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of the back side of a gaming machine It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a big hit determination table, a win determination table, and a symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of a game state change flag determination table and a jackpot end setting data table. It is a figure which shows an example of a special electric accessory act | operation mode determination table and an open mode determination table. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the big hit determination process in the main control board. It is a figure which shows the special symbol stop process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the jackpot game process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the jackpot game end process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the common figure normal electric power control process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the normal symbol fluctuation | variation process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the normal electric accessory control process in a main control board.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine.

The gaming machine 1 is provided with a gaming board 2 in which a gaming area 6 in which gaming balls flow down is formed, and a glass frame 110 is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the gaming area 6 of the gaming board 2. An operation handle 3 is rotatably provided on the glass frame 110.
When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3 b in the operation handle 3 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3 and transmits a touch signal to the firing control board 106. When the firing control board 106 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 3b, the firing control board 106 permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 3 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 3a connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 3a is applied to a firing solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 4a, the firing solenoid 4a is operated according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is directed toward the game area 6 with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3. Fire.

The game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5 a and 5 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 2, and then falls within the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 6.
The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 7. Each of these general winning ports 7 is provided with a general winning port detecting switch 7a. When this general winning port detecting switch 7a detects the entering of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls) is provided. Will be paid out.

  Further, in the gaming area 6, above the general winning opening 7, a normal symbol gate 8 is provided so as to pass the game ball. The normal symbol gate 8 is provided with a gate detection switch 8a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 8a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol lottery described later is performed. In the present embodiment, the gate detection switch 8a constitutes passage detection means.

Further, a start port 9 is provided on the left side of the game area 6. The start port 9 has a pair of starter movable pieces 9b, and the pair of starter movable pieces 9b are controlled to move between a closed state and a pair of starter movable pieces 9b. When the starting port 9 is controlled in the closed state, the starting port winning restriction member 9d located immediately above the starting port 9 becomes an obstacle, making it impossible to receive game balls. On the other hand, when the start port 9 is controlled to be in the open state, the pair of starter movable pieces 9b function as a receiving tray, and it is easy to enter a game ball into the start port 9. That is, when the start port 9 is in a closed state, it is impossible for a game ball to enter, but when it is in an open state, a game ball can enter.
The start port 9 is provided with a start port detection switch 9a for detecting the entrance of a game ball. When these detection switches detect the entrance of a game ball, the right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later. An acquisition lottery (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”) is performed. Also, when the detection switch 9a detects a game ball entering, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out. In this embodiment, the start port 9 having a pair of start movable pieces 9b constitutes a start variable winning device, and the start port detection switch 9a constitutes a start region detecting means.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a first big prize opening 10 is provided below the center of the game area 6. The first big prize opening 10 also has a pair of first movable pieces 10b like the start opening 9, and the pair of first movable pieces 10b is in a closed state, and the pair of first movable pieces 10b is in a closed state. It is controlled to move to the open state. When the first grand prize opening 10 is controlled in the closed state, the big prize opening prize restricting member 10d located immediately above the first big prize opening 10 becomes an obstacle and accepts game balls. Is impossible. On the other hand, when the first grand prize opening 10 is controlled to the open state, the pair of first movable pieces 10b function as trays, and it is easy to enter the game balls into the first big prize opening 10. Become. That is, when the first big winning opening 10 is also in the closed state, it is impossible to enter the game ball, but when it is in the open state, the game ball can be entered.

Further, a second grand prize opening 11 is provided below the first big prize opening 10. The second grand prize winning port 11 also has a pair of second movable pieces 11b like the first big prize winning port 10, and the pair of second movable pieces 11b are in a closed state and a pair of second movable pieces. The piece 11b is controlled to move to an open state. In addition, when the 2nd big prize opening 10 is controlled to the above-mentioned closed state, the 1st big prize opening 10 located just above the 2nd big prize opening 11 becomes an obstacle, and accepts a game ball. It is impossible. On the other hand, when the second grand prize opening 11 is controlled to be in the open state, the pair of second movable pieces 11b function as trays, and it is easy to enter a game ball into the second big prize opening 11. Become. In other words, the second big winning opening 11 cannot enter the game ball when it is in the closed state, but can enter the game ball when it is in the open state.
Thus, although the start opening 9, the first big winning opening 10, and the second big winning opening 11 have substantially the same shape, the first movable piece 10b and the second movable piece 11b are start movable. The length of the movable piece is longer than that of the piece 9b, and the size of the winning opening when the movable piece is controlled to be in an open state is different.

  When a special game described later is started, either the first movable piece 10b or the second movable piece 11b is opened, and the first movable piece 10b or the second movable piece 11b increases the game ball. It functions as a tray that leads into the winning opening 11, and the game ball can enter the first large winning opening 10 or the second large winning opening 11.

The first grand prize opening 10 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 10a. When the first big prize opening detection switch 10a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball ( For example, nine game balls) are paid out.
Similarly, the second big prize opening 11 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 11a. In this embodiment, the 1st big winning opening 10 which has the 1st movable piece 10b, and the 2nd big winning opening 11 which has the 2nd movable piece 11b comprise a variable winning apparatus.

  In the lower part of the second grand prize opening 11, that is, at the lowermost part of the game area 6, the player enters any of the general prize opening 7, the start opening 9, the first grand prize winning opening 10, and the second grand prize winning opening 11. A discharge port 12 is provided for discharging game balls that have not been played.

In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects.
Specifically, a liquid crystal display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 6. 14 and 15 are provided. Further, an effect lighting device 16 is provided at both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2, and an effect button 17 is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3.

  The liquid crystal display device 13 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the start port 9, the effect symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result is displayed in a variable manner. The effect symbol is, for example, scrolling and displaying three numbers, and stopping the scrolling after a predetermined time, and displaying a specific symbol (number) in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbols, the player is given a high expectation that they may win a jackpot. Furthermore, in order to notify the gaming state, a background image corresponding to the gaming state is displayed.

  The stage effect devices 14 and 15 give the player a sense of expectation according to their operation modes. In the present embodiment, the stage effect device 14 is composed of a movable device in the shape of a person's face, and the bag is used as the stage effect device 15. The stage effect device 14 moves, for example, in the left-right direction or protrudes to the front side of the gaming machine 1. In addition, the production effect device 15 is configured such that the opening degree of the bag is variably controlled. Various expectation feelings are given to the player by the combination of the operation modes of these effect actor devices 14 and 15 and the operations of both effect actor devices 14 and 15.

  In addition, the effect lighting device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light 16a.

  Further, an effect button 17 that can be pressed by the player is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3. For example, the effect button 17 is effective only when a message for operating the effect button 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection switch 17a. When the effect button detection switch 17a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 18 (refer to FIG. 2) including a speaker, and in addition to the above-described effect devices, an effect by sound is also performed. ing.

Below the game area 6, a special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, a special symbol hold indicator 23, and a normal symbol hold indicator 24 are provided.
The special symbol display device 20 notifies a jackpot lottery result that is performed when a game ball enters the start port 9. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is displayed on the special symbol display device 20, thereby notifying the player of the lottery result. ing. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the start port 9, a jackpot lottery will be performed, but this jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time has passed. By the way, the player is notified. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

  Further, the normal symbol display device 21 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8. As will be described in detail later, when the normal symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 21 is turned on, and then the start port 9 is controlled to be open for a predetermined time. Note that this normal symbol also does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8, but the normal symbol display device 21 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Is displayed in a variable manner.

In addition, when a game ball enters the start port 9 and cannot be displayed immediately, such as during a special symbol variation display or during a special game described later, the special symbol variation under certain conditions is not possible. The right of variable display is reserved. More specifically, the right to change the display of the special symbol in which the game ball enters and is reserved at the start port 9 is reserved as a reserve.
Each of these reservations has an upper limit reserve number set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the special symbol hold indicator 23, respectively. Note that when there is one hold, one LED is lit, and when there are two holds, two LEDs are lit. Further, when there are three holds, three LEDs are lit, and when there are four holds, four LEDs are lit.

  The glass frame 110 supports a glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110.

  The glass frame 110 is connected to the outer frame 100 via a hinge mechanism portion at one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and the other end side in the left-right direction with the hinge mechanism portion as a fulcrum ( For example, it can be rotated in a direction in which the right side facing the gaming machine is released from the outer frame 100. The glass frame 110 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 111, and can rotate like a door with the hinge mechanism portion as a fulcrum, thereby opening the inner part of the outer frame 100 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame 100 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 110 is also provided with a door opening switch 33 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame 100.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 101, an effect control board 102, a payout control board 103, a power supply board 107, a game information output terminal board 108, and the like are provided. Further, the power supply board 107 is provided with a power plug 50 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

(Internal structure of control means)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control board 101 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 101 includes a main CPU 101a, a main ROM 101b, and a main RAM 101c. The main CPU 101a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 101b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or outputs the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 101a.

  On the input side of the main control board 101, a general winning opening detecting switch 7a, a gate detecting switch 8a, a starting opening detecting switch 9a, a first large winning opening detecting switch 10a, and a second large winning opening detecting switch 11a are connected. The game ball detection signal is input to the main control board 101.

Further, on the output side of the main control board 101, a start opening / closing solenoid 9c for opening / closing a pair of start movable pieces 9b of the start opening 9 and a pair of first movable pieces 10b for the first grand prize winning opening 10 are opened / closed. The first big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 10c to be operated and the second big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 11c for opening / closing the pair of second movable pieces 11b of the second big winning opening 11 are connected and constitute a symbol display device. The special symbol display device 20, the normal symbol display device 21, the special symbol hold indicator 23 constituting the hold indicator, and the normal symbol hold indicator 24 are connected, and various signals are output through the output port. .
Further, the main control board 101 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing a gaming machine in a hall computer or the like of a gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 108.

The main ROM 101b of the main control board 101 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 4 (a-1)) that is referred to when determining whether or not to stop the special symbol variation stop result, whether or not to hit the normal symbol variation stop result Based on the hit determination table (see FIG. 4 (a-2)) referred to when determining the symbol, the symbol determination table (see FIG. 4 (b-1)) for determining the stop symbol at the time of the big hit, and the special symbol A determination table for determining a gaming state change flag (see FIG. 5A), a jackpot end setting data table for determining a gaming state based on the data in the gaming state buffer and the gaming state change flag (FIG. 5 ( b)), a special electric accessory actuating mode determination table (see FIG. 6A) for determining the opening and closing conditions of the first movable piece 10b or the second movable piece 11b, and a special electric accessory release mode determination table (FIG. 6). (Refer to (b)) There has been stored in the main ROM101b. Specific examples of these various tables will be described later with reference to FIGS.
Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing. In this embodiment, the jackpot determination table provided in the main ROM 101b constitutes probability setting means.

The main RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has a plurality of storage areas. The storage areas listed below are merely examples, and many other storage areas are provided.
The main RAM 101c includes a normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, a normal symbol holding storage area, a special symbol holding number (U) storage area, a special symbol storage area, a special symbol variation pattern storage region, a general symbol variation pattern storage region, Remaining fluctuation count (J) storage area of short-time game state, round game count (R) storage area, release count (K) storage area, number of winning games (C) storage area, game status storage area, game status buffer A stop symbol data storage area, a gaming state change flag storage area, and various timer counters are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a special figure special electric processing data storage area, and a general figure normal electric processing data storage area. In the present embodiment, the special symbol storage number (U) storage area and the special symbol storage area provided in the main RAM 101c constitute a storage unit.

  The game information output terminal board 108 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 101 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 108 is wired to the main control board 101 and provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of the game store.

  The power supply board 107 is provided with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and outputs a power interruption detection signal to the main control board 101 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. . More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 101a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 101a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. The effect control board 102 includes a sub CPU 102a, a sub ROM 102b, and a sub RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 101 to the effect control board 102. . The sub CPU 102a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 101b based on the command transmitted from the main control board 101 or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 17a and the timer and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the above, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the image control board 105. The sub RAM 102c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 102a performs arithmetic processing.

The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, an effect mode determination table for determining an effect mode based on an effect symbol designation command received from the main control board, and an effect pattern determined based on the special figure variation pattern designation command and the effect mode received from the main control board An effect pattern determination table for determining the effect, an effect symbol determination table for determining the effect symbol, and the like are stored in the sub ROM 102b. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 has a plurality of storage areas. The storage areas listed below are merely examples, and many other storage areas are provided.
The sub RAM 102c is provided with a command reception buffer, a gaming state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and the like.

The payout control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 103 includes a payout CPU 103a, a payout ROM 103b, and a payout RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 103a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 103b based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 32, the door opening switch 33, and the timer that detect whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 101. The payout control board 103 is connected to a payout motor 31 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. The payout CPU 103a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 103b based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 101, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 31 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 103a.
Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 103, and if a game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game control ball 106 is caused to fire a game ball. Send launch control data to allow that.

When the launch control board 106 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3b and the input signal from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization of the launch solenoid 4a is controlled, and the game ball is launched.
Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played per minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one shot is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The lamp control board 104 controls lighting of the effect lighting device 16 provided on the game board 2 and controls driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor for operating the production actors 14 and 15. The lamp control board 104 is connected to the effect control board 102, and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 102.

  The image control board 105 includes an image CPU, an image ROM, an image RAM, and a VRAM (not shown) for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 13, and an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM. The image control board 105 is connected to the effect control board 102 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the liquid crystal display device 13 and the audio output device 18 are connected to the output side thereof.

The image ROM stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102. Then, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM to the VRAM, and display control in the liquid crystal display device 13 is performed. The image CPU executes various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the liquid crystal display device 13, but the background image, effect symbol image, and character image are displayed on the liquid crystal display. The image is superimposed on the display screen of the device 13.
That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data output from the audio output device 18, and the audio CPU reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102 and Audio output control in the output device 18 is performed.

  Next, details of various tables stored in the main ROM 101b will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4A-1 is a diagram showing a big hit determination table.
FIG. 4A-1 is a jackpot determination table referred to in the special symbol display device 20. Specifically, the jackpot determination table is for determining whether the jackpot is “losing” or not based on the extracted special symbol determination random number.
For example, according to the special symbol display device 20 shown in FIG. 4A-1, 1999 special symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 1998 in the random number range from 0 to 1999 are determined to be big hits.
Accordingly, the special symbol jackpot determination is determined to be a jackpot at almost 100%. However, it is not necessarily close to 100%, and if the probability of jackpot expectation is high, it is not limited to almost 100%. Desirably, when the jackpot probability is ¼ or more, the expectation level that is determined to be a jackpot can be further increased when there are four special symbol hold memories.

4A-2 is a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol display device 21, and FIG. 4A-2 is a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol display device 21. FIG.
Specifically, the hit determination table for the normal symbol display device refers to the gaming state, and includes a non-short-time gaming state determination table and a short-time gaming state determination table. The selected table and the extracted winning table Based on the determination random value, it is determined whether it is “winning” or “losing”.
For example, according to the non-time-saving gaming state determination table in the normal symbol display device 21 shown in FIG. 4A-2, it is determined that one hit determination random number value of “0” is a hit. On the other hand, according to the high-probability random number determination table, it is determined that ten hit random numbers for “0” to “9” are hits. If the random number is other than the above, it is determined as “lost”.
Therefore, since the random number range of the hit determination random number value is 0 to 98, the probability of being determined to be hit in the non-short-time gaming state is 1/99, and the probability of being determined to be hit in the time-short gaming state is 1/9. .9.

  FIG. 4B-1 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table of the special symbol display device 20.

The symbol determination table of the special symbol display device 20 determines the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) based on the extracted jackpot symbol random number value.
Furthermore, based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data), an effect symbol designating command is generated as a control command for transmitting information on the special symbol to the effect control board 102. Here, the control command is composed of 1-byte data, and 1-byte MODE data for identifying the control command classification and 1-byte data indicating the contents (function) of the executed control command. It consists of DETA data.

  In addition, as will be described later, a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine a jackpot mode or a gaming state after the jackpot is ended is determined by the type of special symbol (stop symbol data). Although details will be described later, since the jackpot mode is determined corresponding to the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) as shown in FIG. 6A, it can be said that the type of special symbol indicates the jackpot mode.

  FIG. 5A is a game state change flag determination table for determining a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine the game state after the jackpot is ended. FIG. 5B shows a game state buffer and a game state buffer. FIG. 5 is a big hit end setting data table for setting a short-time gaming flag and a remaining variation number (J) of a short-time gaming state based on the gaming state change flag.

  The game state change flag determination table shown in FIG. 5A determines the game state change flag before the jackpot game process (see FIG. 13) based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data).

The big hit end setting data table shown in FIG. 5B is for determining the gaming state after the big hit based on the winning gaming state and the gaming state change flag stored in the gaming state buffer. is there.
5 (a) and 5 (b), the special symbol display device 20 determines that the special symbol 2 (stopped symbol data = 02) is determined and the winning state stored in the game state buffer is determined. Based on the gaming state at the time, the setting of the short-time game flag and the number of short-time games are varied.
Specifically, in the case of special symbol 2 (stop symbol data = 02), 02H is determined as the gaming state change flag. If data indicating that the time-saving gaming flag has not been set (00H: non-time-saving gaming status) is stored in the gaming status buffer, the time-saving gaming flag is set after the big hit and the time-saving gaming status is set. The remaining number of fluctuations (J) is also set to 100. On the other hand, if data indicating that the short-time game flag has been set (01H: short-time game state) is stored in the game state buffer, the short-time game flag is not set after the big hit, and the remaining fluctuation of the short-time game state The number of times (J) is also set to zero.
Thereby, the transition to the short-time gaming state and the remaining number of fluctuations (J) of the short-time gaming state can be changed, and the player can enjoy what the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot is.

  FIG. 6A is a special electric accessory operating mode determination table for determining the operating mode of the special winning opening. The table in FIG. 6A determines the number of operations performed in the jackpot game and the opening mode table of the big prize opening based on the type of special symbol (stop symbol data).

FIG. 6B is an opening mode determination table showing details of the opening mode table of the big prize opening determined in FIG.
Specifically, the number of round games (R), the large winning opening to be operated, the number of times of opening (K), the opening time, and the closing time are stored in association with each other. Here, the release mode determination table of FIG. 6B is characterized in that the big winning opening that operates is different for each round game number of times.

(Description of gaming state)
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described. In the present embodiment, the game progresses in any one of the “time-saving gaming state” and the “non-time-saving gaming state”. Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is set to “non-temporary gaming state”, and this gaming state is referred to as “normal gaming state” in the present embodiment. I will do it.

  In the present embodiment, the “non-short game state” means a game state in which the winning probability of winning is set to 1/99 in a normal symbol lottery performed on condition that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 8. Say.

On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” is a game in which the winning probability of winning is set to 1 / 9.9 in the normal symbol lottery performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 8. A state means a “short-time gaming state”, and the “non-short-time gaming state” has a higher probability of winning a “winning” symbol than a normal symbol.
Furthermore, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is also set to determine a shorter time in the “short time gaming state” than in the “non-short time gaming state”.
Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the starting port 9 is more easily controlled to the open state as long as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball. In the present embodiment, the “short-time gaming state” constitutes the auxiliary gaming state, and the “non-short-time gaming state” constitutes the non-auxiliary gaming state.

(Explanation of hit type)
In this embodiment, one type of jackpot is provided.

In the present embodiment, the “big hit game” refers to a game that is executed when the right to execute the big hit game is acquired in the big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the start port 9. .
In the “big hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 10 or the second big prize opening 11 is opened is performed twice. The opening time of the first grand prize opening 10 or the second big prize opening 11 in each round game is set to a maximum of 6.0 seconds. During this period, a predetermined number of the first big prize opening 10 or the second big prize opening 11 is provided. When one game ball (for example, nine) enters, one round game is completed.
In other words, in the “hit game”, a game ball enters the first grand prize opening 10 or the second big prize opening 11, and the player can acquire a prize ball according to the winning game. In this embodiment, the “big hit game” constitutes a special game.

  Next, the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 will be described using a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board)
The main process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 107, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 101a, and the main CPU 101a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S10, the main CPU 101a performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 101a performs a process of reading a startup program from the main ROM and initializing flags and the like stored in the main RAM in response to power-on.

  In step S20, the main CPU 101a performs an effect random number update process for updating the random number value for special figure fluctuation pattern, the random number value for normal figure fluctuation pattern, the random number value for reach determination, and the like.

  In step S30, the main CPU 101a updates the special symbol determination initial value random number and the jackpot symbol initial value random number. Thereafter, the processes of step S20 and step S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board)
The timer interrupt process of the main control board 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 101, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, in step S100, the main CPU 101a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 101a to the stack area.

  In step S110, the main CPU 101a performs a time control process for updating a special game timer counter such as a process for updating a special symbol variation time counter and a process for updating a special electric accessory release time.

In step S120, the main CPU 101a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, and the hit determination random number value.
Specifically, each random number counter is incremented by 1 to update the random number counter. When the addition result exceeds the maximum value in the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0. When the random number counter makes one round, the random number is updated from the initial random number value at that time.

  In step S130, as in step S30, the main CPU 101a performs an initial value random number update process for updating the random number counter by adding +1 to the special symbol determination initial value random number counter and the jackpot symbol initial value random number counter.

In step S200, the main CPU 101a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 101a performs an input process for determining whether or not there is an input to the switch.
Specifically, when the detection signal from the general winning opening detection switch 7a is received, the general winning opening prize ball counter used for the winning ball is updated.

  In addition, when a detection signal is received from the first grand prize opening detection switch 10a or the second big prize opening detection switch 11a, a big prize opening prize ball counter used for a prize ball, a game ball won in the big prize opening 11 The counter in the storage area (C) storage area for counting the number of winning prizes is counted.

Further, when a detection signal is received from the start port detection switch 9a, the prize ball counter used for the prize ball is updated and “1” is added to the special symbol reservation number (U) storage area to determine the special symbol. The random number value for use and the random number value for jackpot symbol are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in the special symbol storage area.
More specifically, when a detection signal is received from the start port detection switch 9a, the random number values extracted in the vacant storage unit are stored in order from the first storage unit in the special symbol storage area. However, when the detection signal is received from the start port detection switch 9a and the data is already stored in the fourth storage unit of the special symbol storage area, “1” is stored in the special symbol hold number (U) storage area. "Or adding random numbers to the storage unit in the special symbol storage area is not performed.

  Further, when the gate detection switch 8a detects a signal, a random number value for hit determination is extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in the normal symbol holding storage area.

  In step S300, the main CPU 101a performs a special figure special power control process for controlling special symbols and special electric accessories. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S400, the main CPU 101a performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol and the normal electric accessory. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S500, the main CPU 101a performs a payout control process. In this process, the main CPU 101a checks whether or not a game ball has won the first grand prize opening 10, the second big prize opening 11, the start opening 9, and the general prize opening 7, and if there is a prize, A payout number designation command corresponding to each is transmitted to the payout control board 103.

  In step S600, the main CPU 101a performs data creation processing of external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, special winning opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, and a storage number designation command.

  In step S700, the main CPU 101a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, and the special winning opening opening / closing solenoid data created in S600. Further, in order to turn on the LEDs of the special symbol display device 20 and the normal symbol display device 21, a display device output process for outputting the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 is performed. Further, command transmission processing for transmitting a command set in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 101c is also performed.

  In step S800, the main CPU 101a restores the information saved in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 101a.

  The special figure special electric control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S301, the value of special figure special processing data is loaded, the branch address is referenced from the special figure special processing data loaded in step S302, and if special figure special processing data = 0, special symbol variation processing (step S310). ), The process moves to the special symbol stop process (step S320) if the special figure special process data = 1, and the process moves to the jackpot game process (step S330) if the special figure special process data = 2. If the special figure special electric processing data = 3, the processing shifts to the big hit game end processing (step S340). Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The special symbol variation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S310-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not special figure special electricity processing data = 0. If the special figure special power processing data is not 0, the special symbol variation processing is terminated, and if the special figure special power processing data = 0, the process proceeds to step S310-2.

  In step S <b> 310-2, the main CPU 101 a determines whether or not a special symbol variation display is being performed. If the special symbol variation display is in progress, the process proceeds to step 310-6. If the special symbol variation display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step 310-3.

  In step S310-3, when the special symbol is not changing, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special symbol reservation number (U) is 1 or more. If the number of special symbol hold (U) is not 1 or more, the special symbol variation process is terminated, and if it is determined that the number of special symbol hold (U) is "1" or more, the process proceeds to step S310-4. Move.

  In step S310-4, the main CPU 101a stores a new hold number (U) obtained by subtracting “1” from the value (U) stored in the special symbol hold number (U) storage area.

  In step S310-5, the main CPU 101a performs a shift process on the data stored in the special symbol storage area. Specifically, each data stored in the first to fourth storage units in the special symbol storage area is shifted to the previous storage unit. For example, the data stored in the first storage unit is shifted to the 0th storage unit (determination storage area). At this time, the data stored in the first storage unit is written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area), and the data already written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) is stored in the special symbol hold storage. It will be erased from the area. As a result, the special symbol determination random number value, the jackpot symbol random value, and the small bonus symbol random value used in the previous game are deleted. Further, the stop symbol data used in the previous game is also erased from the stop symbol data storage area.

  In step S311, the main CPU 101a executes jackpot determination processing based on the data written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) of the special symbol storage area in step S310-5.

  Here, the jackpot determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S311-4, the main CPU 101a uses the special symbol determination random number value written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) of the special symbol hold storage area in step S310-5 as shown in FIG. 4 (a-1). Based on the jackpot determination table shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 311-5, the main CPU 101 a determines whether or not the jackpot determination is made as a result of the jackpot determination in step S <b> 311-4. If it is determined to be a big hit, the process proceeds to step S311-6, and if it is not determined to be a big hit, the process proceeds to step S311-12.

In step S311-6, the main CPU 101a determines the jackpot symbol random number value written in the 0th storage unit (determination storage area) of the special symbol reservation storage area in step S310-5, and determines the special symbol type ( Determine the stop symbol data).
Note that the determined special symbol is used to determine a “hit” in the special symbol stop process of FIG. 12, as will be described later, and determines the operating mode of the big winning opening in the jackpot game process of FIG. It is also used to determine a game state change flag that is referred to in order to determine the gaming state after the jackpot end in the jackpot gaming end process of FIG.

  In step S311-7, the main CPU 101a sets the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data storage area.

  In step S311-8, in order to transmit the data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, the main CPU 101a generates an effect symbol designation command corresponding to the special symbol for jackpot and sets it in the transmission buffer.

In step S <b> 311-9, the main CPU 101 a determines a gaming state change flag that is referred to in order to determine a gaming state after the jackpot, based on the stop symbol data and the current gaming state.
Specifically, the game state change flag is determined based on the stop symbol data with reference to the determination table of the game state change flag shown in FIG.

  In step S311-10, the main CPU 101a sets the gaming state change flag determined in step S311-9 in the gaming state change flag storage area.

In step S3111-11, the main CPU 101a determines the gaming state at the time of winning the big hit from the information set in the short-time gaming flag storage area, and sets the gaming state information indicating the gaming state at the time of winning the big win in the gaming state buffer. Specifically, 00H is set if the short-time game flag is not set, and 01H is set if the short-time game flag is set.
Thus, apart from the short-time game flag storage area, the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is set in the game state buffer because the short-time game flag in the short-time game flag storage area is reset during the big hit game. Therefore, when the game state at the end of the jackpot is newly determined based on the game state at the time of winning the jackpot after the jackpot ends, the short-time game flag storage area cannot be referred to. For this reason, by providing a game state buffer for storing game information indicating the game state at the time of winning the big win, apart from the short-time game flag storage area, it is possible to refer to the game information in the game state buffer after the end of the big win Based on the game state at the time of winning the jackpot, the game state after the jackpot can be newly set (such as the short-time game state and the number of short-time games).

  In step S311-12, the main CPU 101a determines a special symbol for loss, and sets the determined stop symbol data for loss in the stop symbol data storage area. In this embodiment, the stop symbol data for losing is “00”.

In step S <b> 311-13, the main CPU 101 a generates an effect designating command corresponding to the special symbol for losing in order to transmit data corresponding to the special symbol to the effect control board 102, and sets it in the transmission buffer.
In this way, the main CPU 101a that performs the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. 11 constitutes a special game determination unit.

When the jackpot determination process is completed as described above, the description is returned to the special symbol variation process shown in FIG. 10 and step S312 is described. In step S312, the main CPU 101a performs a special figure variation pattern selection process.
The variation pattern selection process acquires the random number value for the special figure fluctuation pattern and the random value for reach determination, and based on the determination result of the jackpot, the random value for the special figure fluctuation pattern and the random value for reach determination, the special figure fluctuation pattern To decide. Then, the determined special figure fluctuation pattern is set in the special figure fluctuation pattern storage area.

  In step S313, the main CPU 101a sets a special figure fluctuation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined special figure fluctuation pattern in the transmission buffer. This special figure fluctuation pattern designation command includes at least information related to the determination result of the jackpot or “losing” jackpot, and information related to the variation time of the special symbol and the mode of production (reach with reach or production without reach). have.

  In step S314, the main CPU 101a confirms the gaming state at the start of the change, and sets a gaming state designation command corresponding to the current gaming state in the transmission buffer.

  In step S315, the main CPU 101a starts the special symbol display on the special symbol display device 20. That is, the special symbol display device 20 is blinked.

  In step S316, when the main CPU 101a starts the variation display of the special symbol as described above, the variation time counter (counter value) based on the special symbol variation pattern determined in step S312 is set in the variation time counter. To do. The variation time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in S110.

  In step S310-6, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the variation time set in step S316 has elapsed (whether or not the variation time counter = 0). As a result, if it is determined that the set time has not elapsed, the special symbol variation process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed.

  In step S310-7, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set time has elapsed, in the routine process (big hit determination process) before the special symbol variation process, the steps S311-7, S311-13, The special symbol set in S311-15 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 20. As a result, the jackpot determination result is notified to the player.

  In step S317, the main CPU 101a sets 1 to the special symbol special electric processing data, shifts the processing to the special symbol stop processing shown in FIG. 12, and ends the special symbol variation processing. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a and the special symbol display device 20 that perform the processes of step S315 and step S310-7 for variably displaying and stopping the special symbol in the special symbol display device 20 constitute symbol display means.

  The special symbol stop process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S320-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not special figure special electricity processing data = 1. If the special figure special electricity processing data is not 1, the special symbol stop process is terminated. If the special figure special electricity treatment data is 1, the process proceeds to step S320-2.

  In step S320-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area. The case where the flag is turned on in the time-short game flag storage area is a case where the current game state is the time-short game state. If the flag is turned on in the time-short game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S320-3. If the flag is turned off in the time-short game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S320-10.

  In step S320-3, when the current gaming state is the short-time gaming state, the main CPU 101a subtracts "1" from (J) stored in the remaining number of fluctuations (J) storage area of the short-time gaming state. The calculated value is stored as a new remaining fluctuation count (J).

  In step S320-4, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the remaining number of fluctuations (J) = 0. If the remaining fluctuation count (J) = 0, the process proceeds to step S320-5. If the remaining fluctuation count (J) = 0 is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S320-6.

  In step S320-5, when the remaining number of changes (J) = 0, the main CPU 101a turns off the flag stored in the short time game flag storage area. Note that the remaining variation number (J) becomes “0” means that the special symbol variation display in the short-time gaming state is performed a predetermined number of times and the short-time gaming state is ended.

  In step S320-6, the main CPU 101a confirms the current gaming state and sets a gaming state designation command in the transmission buffer.

  In step S320-7, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is a big hit. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area is that of a jackpot symbol (stop symbol data = 01 to 03?). If it is determined that the jackpot symbol is determined, the process proceeds to step S320-9. If the symbol is not determined to be a jackpot symbol, the process proceeds to step S320-8.

  In step S320-8, the main CPU 101a sets 0 to the special symbol special electric processing data, and moves the processing to the special symbol variation processing shown in FIG.

  In step S320-9, the main CPU 101a sets 2 to the special figure special electric processing data, and shifts the processing to the jackpot game processing shown in FIG.

  In step S320-10, the main CPU 101a resets the gaming state and the number of working hours. Specifically, the data in the short-time game flag storage area and the remaining fluctuation count (J) storage area of the short-time game state is cleared.

  In step S320-11, the main CPU 101a sets a symbol determination command in the transmission buffer. When this process ends, the special symbol stop process ends.

  The jackpot game process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S330-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not special figure special electricity processing data = 2. If it is not special figure special power processing data 2, the jackpot game processing is terminated, and if special figure special power processing data = 2, the process proceeds to step S330-2.

  In step S330-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether an opening command has already been transmitted. If it is determined that the opening command has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S330-3. If it is determined that the opening command has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S330-6.

In step S330-3, the main CPU 101a determines the release mode determination table according to the stop symbol data.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the release mode determination table (FIG. 6B) is determined according to the stop symbol data. In this embodiment, there is only one type of release mode determination table. However, a plurality of release mode determination tables may be provided, and a single release mode determination table may be determined according to stop symbol data. Good.

  In step S330-4, the main CPU 101a sets an opening command in the transmission buffer according to the stop symbol data.

  In step S330-5, the main CPU 101a sets the opening time in the special game timer counter in accordance with the stop symbol data. The special game timer counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110.

  In step S330-6, when the main CPU 101a determines that an opening command has already been transmitted, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is currently being opened. If it is determined that it is currently opening, the process proceeds to step S330-7, and if it is determined that it is not currently opening, the process proceeds to S330-13.

In step S330-7, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a preset opening time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the special game timer counter = 0, and when the special game timer counter = 0, it is determined that the opening time has elapsed. Further, as will be described later, it is determined in step 330-13 that the special prize opening is being closed, and it is also determined whether or not the closing time set in step S330-21 has elapsed. Note that the closing time is also determined by whether or not the special game timer counter = 0 as in the opening time.
As a result, if the set time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is terminated, the next subroutine is executed, and if the set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S330-8.

  In step S330-8, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set time has elapsed, the main CPU 101a clears the winning prize opening number (C) storage area.

  In step S330-9, the main CPU 101a adds "1" to the current round game count (R) stored in the round game count (R) storage area and stores it. If it is determined that the opening is currently in progress and the set opening time has elapsed, nothing is stored in the round game count (R) storage area. That is, since no round game has been performed yet, “1” is stored in the round game count (R) storage area.

  In step S330-10, the main CPU 101a adds “1” to the current number of times of release (K) stored in the number of times of release (K) storage area and stores it.

  In step S330-11, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (FIG. 6B) determined in step S330-3 and refers to the round game count stored in the round game count (R) storage area. Based on (R), either the first winning prize opening 10 or the second second winning prize opening 11 is determined to be operated, and energization of the determined winning prize opening opening solenoids 10c and 11c is energized. Starting, the first movable piece 10b or the second movable piece 11b is opened.

  In step S330-12, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (FIG. 6) determined in step 330-5, and based on the current number of round games (R) and the number of releases (K). The opening time of the big winning opening 11 is set in the opening timer counter. The release timer counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110.

  In step S330-13, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the special winning opening is being closed. If it is determined that the special prize opening is being closed, it is determined in step S330-7 whether the closing time has elapsed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special winning opening is not closed, the process proceeds to step S330-14.

  In step S330-14, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not it is currently ending. Ending here refers to processing after all preset round games have been completed. Therefore, if it is determined that the current ending is in progress, the process proceeds to step S330-25, where it is determined whether or not the ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that the current ending is not currently performed, the process proceeds to step S330-15. Processing is transferred to.

  In step S330-15, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set release time has elapsed (whether or not the release timer counter = 0). If the set opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S330-17. If the set opening time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S330-16.

In step S330-16, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the value of the big winning opening entrance counter (C) has reached a predetermined number (9).
Here, if the set opening time has not elapsed and the winning prize opening counter (C) has not reached the predetermined number, the long hit game process is terminated as it is, If the number of the winning counters (C) has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S330-17, and the big winning opening is closed.

  In step S330-17, the main CPU 101a has entered a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls into the big winning opening 11 when the set opening time has elapsed or even within the set opening time. In this case, energization of the large winning opening / closing solenoids 10c and 11c of the open large winning opening is stopped. As a result, the big prize opening is closed.

  In step S330-18, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the number of times of opening (K) is the maximum number of times of opening per round. If the number of releases (K) is the maximum number of releases per round, the process proceeds to step S330-19. If the number of releases (K) is not the maximum number of releases per round, step S330-21 is performed. Move processing to.

  In step S330-19, the main CPU 101a clears the release count (K) storage area.

  In step S330-20, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area is the maximum. If the number of round games (R) is the maximum, the process proceeds to step S330-22, and if the number of round games (R) is not the maximum, the process proceeds to step S330-21.

  In step S330-21, the main CPU 101a refers to the release mode determination table (FIG. 6B) determined in step 330-5 to determine the current round game number (R) and release number (K). Based on this, the closing time of the special winning opening 11 is set in the special game timer counter.

  In step S330-22, the main CPU 101a resets the round game number (R) stored in the round game number (R) storage area.

  In step S330-23, the main CPU 101a sets an ending command in the transmission buffer for transmitting to the effect control board 102 in accordance with the stop symbol data.

  In step S330-24, the main CPU 101a sets the ending time in the ending timer counter according to the stop symbol data. The ending timer counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110.

  In step S330-25, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set ending time has elapsed. If it is determined that the set time has elapsed, in step S330-26, the main CPU 101a 3 is set in the processing data, and the processing shifts to the jackpot game end processing shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S330-25 that the set time has not elapsed, the jackpot game process is terminated as it is. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the jackpot game process shown in FIG. 13 constitutes a special game control means.

  The jackpot game end process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S360-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not special figure special electricity processing data = 3. If the special figure special power processing data is not 3, the jackpot game end processing is terminated. If the special figure special power processing data is 3, the process proceeds to step S360-2.

  In step S360-2, the main CPU 101a loads the gaming state change flag set in the gaming state change flag storage area in step S311-10 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer.

  In step S360-3, referring to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 5B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-2 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming flag is stored. Whether or not to set the short-time game flag in the area is processed. For example, when the game state change flag is 02H, if the game information in the game state buffer is 00H, the time-short game flag is set in the time-short game flag storage area, but if the game information in the game state buffer is 01H The time-short game flag is not set in the time-short game flag storage area. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the process of step S360-3 that performs the process of whether or not to set the short-time game flag constitutes the probability game state transition determining means.

  In step S360-4, with reference to the jackpot end setting data table shown in FIG. 5B, based on the gaming state change flag loaded in S360-2 and the gaming information in the gaming state buffer, the short-time gaming state A predetermined number of times is set in the remaining fluctuation number (J) storage area. For example, if the game state change flag is 02H and the game information in the game state buffer is 00H, the remaining change count (J) of the time-short game state is set to 100 in the storage area, but the game in the game state buffer If the information is 01H, 0 is set in the remaining change count (J) storage area of the short-time gaming state.

  In step S360-5, the main CPU 101a confirms the gaming state and sets a gaming state designation command in the transmission buffer.

In step S360-6, the main CPU 101a sets 0 in the special figure special electricity processing data, and shifts the processing to the special symbol variation process shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the processing of S360-3 for setting the short-time game flag, S320-5 for clearing the short-time game flag, and S320-10 constitutes the probability game state control means.

  The ordinary power transmission control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S401, the value of the ordinary map electric power processing data is loaded, and the branch address is referenced from the loaded ordinary electric power processing data in step S401. The process is moved to (Step S410), and if the ordinary power / general power process data = 1, the process is moved to the ordinary electric accessory control process (Step S420). Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  The normal symbol variation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S410-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the ordinary power transmission processing data = 0. If the ordinary map / electric power processing data = 0 is not satisfied, the normal symbol variation processing is terminated, and if the special figure / electric power processing data = 0, the processing proceeds to step S410-2.

  In step S410-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the normal symbol variation display is being performed. If the normal symbol variation display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S410-16, and if the normal symbol variation display is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S410-2.

  In step S410-3, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the normal symbol hold count (G) stored in the normal symbol hold count (G) storage area is 1 or more when the normal symbol variation display is not being performed. To do. When the number of holds (G) is “0”, the normal symbol variation display is not performed, so the normal symbol variation process is terminated. If the number of holds (G) is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S410-4.

  In step S410-4, if the main CPU 101a determines in step S410-3 that the number of retained ordinary symbols (G) is “1” or more, it is stored in the ordinary symbol retained number (G) storage area. A new hold number (G) obtained by subtracting “1” from the stored value (G) is stored.

  In step S410-5, the main CPU 101a performs a shift process on the data stored in the normal symbol reservation storage area. Specifically, each data stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit is shifted to the previous storage unit. At this time, the data stored in the previous storage unit is written into a predetermined processing area and is erased from the normal symbol holding storage area.

  In step S410-6, the main CPU 101a determines the winning random number value stored in the normal symbol holding storage area. When a plurality of winning random numbers are stored, the winning random numbers are read in the stored order. Then, with reference to the hit determination table of the normal symbol display device of FIG. 4A-2, it is determined whether or not it is a win based on the gaming state and the random number for win determination. For example, according to the hit determination table shown in FIG. 4 (a-2), one random number value of “0” among the hit random numbers from “0” to “98” is hit in the non-short game state. If it is determined that the game is in the short-time gaming state, it is determined that 10 random numbers from “0” to “9” are winning, and the other random numbers are determined to be lost. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the process of step S410-6 for performing a hit determination constitutes a start / open determination unit.

  In step S410-7, the main CPU 101a refers to the result of determination of the winning random number in step S205. If the winning determination is made, the main CPU 101a sets the winning symbol in step S410-8 and determines that it is lost. In this case, a lost symbol is set in step S410-9.

  In step S410-10, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not a flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area. When the flag is turned on in the short-time game flag storage area, the game state is in the short-time game state, and when the flag is not turned on, the game state is in the non-short-time game state. Is the time. When the flag is turned on in the time-short game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S410-11, and when the flag is not turned on in the time-short game flag storage area, the process proceeds to step S410-12.

In step S410-11, the main CPU 101a performs a process for determining a normal time variation pattern for a short-time gaming state with reference to a normal time variation pattern determination table for a short-time gaming state (not shown).
Specifically, with reference to the common figure variation pattern determination table for the short-time gaming state, one common figure is selected from a plurality of types of common figure variation patterns based on the random number value for hit determination and the random number value for the common figure variation pattern. Determine the variation pattern. Then, the determined general map variation pattern is set in the general map variation pattern storage area.
The “normal pattern variation pattern” indicates information related to at least the variation time of the normal symbol and the winning result of the normal symbol.

In step S410-12, the main CPU 101a refers to a not-shown non-time-short game state general-purpose change pattern determination table and performs a short-time game state normal-use change pattern determination process.
Specifically, it is the same as step S410-11 above, but the types of the common figure variation pattern determination table to be referred to are “common figure variation pattern determination table for short-time gaming state” and “non-short-time gaming state universal table”. It differs from the “figure variation pattern determination table”. In particular, the “common figure variation pattern determination table for short-time gaming state” is configured to determine a normal time variation pattern for a shorter time than the “normal figure variation pattern determination table for non-short-time gaming state”. ing.

  In step S410-13, the main CPU 101a sets a general variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined general variation pattern in the transmission buffer. This general pattern variation pattern designation command has at least information related to the determination result of “winning” and “losing” and information related to the variation time of the normal symbol.

  In step S410-14, when the main CPU 101a determines the normal fluctuation pattern as described above, the main CPU 101a sets the fluctuation time (counter value) based on the determined normal fluctuation pattern in the normal fluctuation time counter. Note that the usual time variation counter is subtracted every 4 ms in S110.

  In step S410-15, the main CPU 101a starts normal symbol fluctuation display on the normal symbol display device 21. The normal symbol variation display is to flash the LED at a predetermined interval in the normal symbol display device 21 and give the player an impression as if it is currently being drawn. This normal symbol variation display is continuously performed for the time set in step S410-14. When this process ends, the normal symbol variation process ends.

  In step S410-16, if the main CPU 101a determines in step S410-2 that the normal symbol variation display is being performed, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set variation time has elapsed. That is, the set normal time change counter is subtracted every 4 ms, and it is determined whether the normal time change counter is zero. As a result, if it is determined that the set variation time of the normal symbol has not elapsed, it is necessary to continue displaying the variation as it is, so the normal symbol variation process is terminated and the next subroutine is executed. .

  In step S410-17, when the main CPU 101a determines that the set fluctuation time has elapsed, the main CPU 101a stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 21. At this time, the normal symbol display device 21 stops and displays the normal symbol (winning symbol or lost symbol) set by the previous routine processing. As a result, the result of the normal symbol lottery is notified to the player.

  In step S410-18, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set normal symbol is a winning symbol. If the set normal symbol is a winning symbol, the main CPU 101a determines in step S410-19 that the normal symbol is normal. Fig. Ordinary power processing data = 1 is set, and the processing is shifted to the normal electric accessory control processing. If the set normal symbol is a lost symbol, the normal symbol variation processing is terminated as it is.

  The normal electric accessory control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S420-1, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the ordinary power transmission processing data = 1. If the ordinary power transmission process data is not 1, the normal electric utility control process is terminated. If the ordinary power transmission process data is 1, the process proceeds to step S420-2.

  In step S420-2, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the time-saving game flag is turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area.

  In step S420-3, if the main CPU 101a determines that the time-saving game flag is ON in the time-saving game flag storage area, that is, if the current gaming state is the time-saving gaming state, the main power release time counter Set a counter corresponding to 5.8 seconds.

In step S420-4, when the main CPU 101a determines that the time-saving game flag is not turned on in the time-saving game flag storage area, the main CPU 101a sets a counter corresponding to 0.2 seconds to the public power open time counter.
Here, the normal power release time is a time for controlling the pair of startable movable pieces 9b of the start port 9 to be in an open state. In addition, the public power open time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in step S110.

  In step S420-5, the main CPU 101a starts energizing the start port opening / closing solenoid 9c. As a result, the start port 9 is opened and controlled to be opened.

  In step S420-6, the main CPU 101a determines whether or not the set public power open time has elapsed. That is, the normal power open time counter is subtracted every 4 ms, and it is determined whether or not the normal power open time counter = 0.

  In step S420-7, when it is determined that the set normal power release time has elapsed, the main CPU 101a stops energization of the start opening / closing solenoid 9c. As a result, the start port 9 returns to the closed state, and it is impossible to enter the game ball again.

  In step S420-8, the main CPU 101a sets the ordinary figure normal electricity processing data = 0 and shifts the processing to the ordinary symbol variation process of FIG. 16, and the ordinary electric accessory control process ends. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 101a that performs the processing of the ordinary electric accessory control process of FIG. 17 constitutes the start variable winning device control means.

Next, the outline of the effect control board 102 will be briefly described.
The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. More specifically, a special figure variation pattern designation command, a common figure variation pattern designation command, an effect symbol designation command, a gaming state designation command, a symbol confirmation command, an opening command, an ending command, etc. received from the main control 101 are received. Processing corresponding to each command is performed, and corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the image control board 105 based on the processing.

  Next, the outline of the image control board 105 and the lamp control board 104 will be briefly described.

  When controlling the liquid crystal display device 13 on the image control board 105, the voice CPU reads the voice output device control program from the voice ROM based on the received command for presentation, and outputs the voice in the voice output device 18. Control. When an effect command is transmitted from the effect control board 102 to the image control board 105, the image CPU reads a program from the image ROM and displays an image on the liquid crystal display device 13 based on the received effect command. Control.

  In the lamp control board 104, the effect agent device operation program is read based on the received effect command, and the operation of the effect agent devices 14 and 15 is controlled. Also, the effect control device 104 performs the effect based on the received effect command. The lighting device control program is read, and the lighting device for effect 16 is controlled.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the short-time gaming state, since the winning probability of the normal symbol is improved, the starting movable piece 9b of the starting port 9 is easily changed to the open state, and the game The ball can be awarded to the starting port 9 and a special symbol lottery can be received. As a result, in the short-time gaming state, in order to shift to the jackpot game, it suffices to win a special symbol lottery, so it is necessary to win two lotteries. It is equal to the sufficient amount, and it is possible to easily shift to the big hit game as compared with the non-time-saving game state.
When the special symbol 2 is displayed, the non-short game state is determined when the non-short game state is controlled, and the non-short game state is determined when the short-time game state is controlled. When the symbol is displayed, the rate of transition to the short-time gaming state changes, and it is possible to provide a bias in the transition to the jackpot game, thereby further enhancing the interest of the game.
In addition, when the special symbol lottery is won from the non-short-time gaming state, the short-time gaming state is more easily determined only when the special symbol 2 is displayed than when the special symbol lottery is won from the short-time gaming state. In addition, the so-called first hit can give a sense of expectation of the ball, and the number of hits in the so-called villa can be reduced to achieve balance with gambling.

Furthermore, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is extremely high (1999/2000), and the special symbol lottery is almost determined to be a big win. It is possible to create a gameability mainly based on a lottery of whether or not to change the 9 startable movable pieces 9b to the open state.
And the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery varies depending on the gaming state, and the rate of transition to the short-time gaming state also changes depending on the gaming state when the special symbol lottery is won, so that the interest of the game can be further improved. .
In addition, if there is a holding memory after the end of the jackpot game, even after the jackpot game ends, the possibility of winning in the special symbol lottery again based on the special symbol determination random number value in the holding memory increases, There can be a bias in the transition to a bigger hit game.
In addition, even if the game is controlled to the non-time saving game state after the jackpot game ends, if there is a holding memory after the jackpot game ends, the special symbol lottery is won again and the game is controlled again to the time-saving game state. The possibility increases. For this reason, even if the game is shifted to the non-time saving game state after the jackpot game is over, the game may shift to the jackpot game again based on the special symbol determination random number value in the holding memory, and may shift to the time-saving game state. The expectation that there is no can be maintained.

9 Start port 9a First start port detection switch 9b Start movable piece 9c Start port open / close solenoid 9d Start port prize restricting member 9d
10 first grand prize opening 10a first big prize opening detection switch 10b first movable piece 10c first big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 10d large prize opening prize restricting member 10d
11 Second Grand Prize Port 11a Second Grand Prize Port Detection Switch 11b Second Movable Piece 11c Second Large Prize Port Opening and Closing Solenoid 101 Main Control Board 101a Main CPU
101b Main ROM
101c Main RAM

Claims (2)

A variable start prize device that is provided on the game board and can be changed between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
Passage detection means for detecting that a game ball has entered a predetermined passage area provided in the game board;
Start / open determination means for making a first determination as to whether or not to change the start variable winning device to the open state based on a predetermined probability on condition that a game ball is detected by the passage detection means; ,
Start variable variable award device control means for controlling the start variable winning device to the open state on the condition that the start variable determination device is determined to be changed to the open state by the start opening determination unit;
A start area detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered a start area provided in the start variable winning device;
Special game determination means for performing a second determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player, on the condition that a game ball is detected by the starting area detection means;
On the condition that a game ball is detected by the start area detection means, the symbol display means for starting the change display of the notification symbol to notify the determination result by the special game determination means, and to stop display the notification symbol;
Special game control means for controlling the special game on the condition that the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed;
In the first determination of the special game determination means, a first probability gaming state in which it is determined to change the starting variable prize-winning device to the open state based on a first probability, and in the first determination, the first determination in the first determination A probability gaming state transition determining means for determining a probability gaming state of any one of a second probability gaming state that is determined to change the starting variable prize-winning device to the open state based on a second probability higher than a probability;
Probability gaming state control means for controlling the probability gaming state determined by the probability gaming state transition determining means after the special gaming control means ends the special gaming control means,
The probability gaming state transition determining means is
When a specific notification symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means, the second probability gaming state is determined when the first probability gaming state is controlled by the probability gaming state control means, and the probability gaming state A gaming machine, wherein the first probability gaming state is determined when the second probability gaming state is controlled by a control means. Determination information for performing the second determination by the special game determination unit when the game ball is detected by the start area detection unit in a state where the symbol display unit cannot start the variable display of the notification symbol is predetermined. Holding storage means for storing up to an upper limit value;
Probability setting means for setting a probability determined to perform the special game by the second determination to be higher than a predetermined probability using the predetermined upper limit as a denominator and 1 as a numerator. The gaming machine according to claim 1

Images