JP5277383B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which permits both players and game parlors to have the feeling of satisfaction by preventing Uchidome (bringing a game machine to a stop) from being caused as much as possible by reducing the feeling of disadvantageousness which a player feels through wasteful shooting. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has a game result decision means permitting a decision to be made about whether or not a stopping mode of a varying display game should be made a special stopping mode, a game value decision means to decide on a game value to be granted to the player from among a plurality of kinds of game values when it is decided that the stopping mode of the varying display game should be made the special stopping mode, a game value specification means to recognizably specify a decided game value to the player in a prescribed specification mode, and a detection result storage means to store the result of detection as detection storage when a falling ball detection means detects game balls passing through a specific area of a game area in a specific condition where prescribed monitoring conditions have established during the execution of the varying display game. The game value specification means decides on a specification mode of a decided game value on the basis of a decided game value and storage condition of the detection storage decided by a game value decision means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and in particular, includes a variable display device capable of executing a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner, and the display result of the variable display game in the variable display device is in advance. The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of producing a special gaming state advantageous to a player when a predetermined special result is obtained.

  In a conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a starting area and a display device are provided on a game board in which a gaming area is formed, and a winning of a game ball in the starting area is stored as a starting memory within a predetermined upper limit range. Then, when a variable display game is executed in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed on the display device based on the start-up memory, and the result of the variable display game becomes a predetermined special result mode, the player is given a predetermined What gives game value (generates a big hit state) is known.

  In this type of gaming machine, even if a game ball wins the starting area when the number of starting memories has reached the upper limit, it will be handled as an overflow that is not stored as starting memory, so a somewhat skilled player When the number of memories reaches the upper limit, the launch of the game ball may be stopped (so-called “stopping”) in order to avoid unnecessary hitting.

  As described above, if the stoppage is performed, the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered, which is not preferable for the game hall. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing a player from stopping, a gaming machine has been proposed in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit state is improved by the occurrence of an overflow ball exceeding a certain number (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-024548 A

  Conventionally, the improvement of the probability of occurrence of a big hit state is generally made in accordance with the result of a variable display game whose probability is controlled by a control device. However, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, an overflow ball is generated regardless of the result of the variable display game that is originally set to give a game value (profit) to the player. As a result, the player is in an advantageous state. This is unfavorable because the player will benefit from an uncertain factor of overflow from the game venue side. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the game hall may perform adjustment of the gaming machine (so-called nail adjustment) so as not to generate an overflow ball. If such an adjustment is made, a decrease in the winning rate of the game ball in the starting area will increase the dissatisfaction of the player and cause a customer separation, resulting in a disadvantage to the game hall side. It will lead to things.

  That being said, if there is no sense of profit in the occurrence of the overflow ball, it will be stopped, and eventually it will be in a disadvantageous state for the amusement hall. In addition, the current situation is that the stoppage by the player is highly likely to be performed not only when the above-described overflow may occur, but also when a variation display game with a long variation time is being executed. . Also in this case, the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered, which is not preferable as a game arcade.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and in a situation where stop hitting is likely to be executed, by making the player recognize that it is more advantageous not to stop hit, An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can alleviate the disadvantage that a player feels and prevent the occurrence of stoppages as much as possible, and that can satisfy both the player and the game hall.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1
Start memory means capable of extracting a random number and storing it as a start memory within a predetermined number range based on the passage of the game ball to the start area disposed in the game area;
A variable display game control means for executing a variable display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information in a variable display on a variable display device for a predetermined time based on the start storage stored in the start storage means ;
In the gaming machine capable of generating a special game state that gives a predetermined game value advantageous to the player when the stop mode of the variable display game becomes a predetermined special stop mode,
The random number includes at least a first random number for determining whether or not to generate the special gaming state, and a second random number for determining a type of game value to be given to the player in the special gaming state. Including
Game result determining means capable of pre- determining whether or not the variable display game is to be the special stop mode based on the first random number of the start memory stored in the start storage means;
A game value determining means for predetermining the type of game value given to the Yu technique's in the basis of the second random number stored starting memories to start memory means, the special game state,
Game value specifying means for clearly indicating information indicating the determined game value determined by the game value determining means to the player in a predetermined explicit manner;
A falling ball detection means capable of detecting that a game ball has passed through a specific area provided in the game area;
Monitoring state generating means capable of generating a monitoring state for monitoring the inflow of game balls to the specific area based on the fact that a predetermined monitoring condition is established during the variable display game;
Detection memory means capable of storing the detection result as detection memory based on the fact that the falling ball detection means detects a game ball during the monitoring state ,
The game value specifying means is an explicit mode of information indicating the determined game value in accordance with the type of the determined game value determined by the game value determining means and the storage state of the detection memory stored in the detection storage means. It is characterized by making different .

Here, the “starting area” includes a starting port for giving a starting condition for the special figure variation display game, a starting opening for giving a prize ball together with the starting condition, and a starting gate for giving the starting condition for the normal figure changing display game. . The “special stop mode” is a stop mode called a so-called jackpot combination. “Game value” refers to the number of rounds in which the number of rounds is different, the number of rounds in which the number of rounds is different, the probability fluctuation state that increases the probability of the next big hit after the big hit game ends, It is a short state when increasing. “Explicit mode” refers to the type of stop result mode of the variable display game, the type of notification mode different from the variable display game, and the number of notifications. The “ monitoring state” is a gaming state in which the player is easy to stop, such as a state in which the starting memory number has reached the upper limit value. The “memory state of the detection memory” means the presence / absence of memory and the number of memories.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is detected that a game ball has passed to a specific area provided in the game area in a monitoring state where a predetermined monitoring condition is established during execution of the variable display game, Stored as detection memory. Then, according to the type of the determined game value determined by the game value determining means and the storage state of the detection memory, the explicit mode of the information indicating the determined game value is varied . As a result, when the player continues to play the game so as to maintain the monitoring state, the player can see that the explicit mode of the information indicating the determined game value changes more than when the game is not performed. Above all, it is possible to have a sense of expectation that a valuable game value will be given, and it is advantageous to continue the game (launch operation) to maintain the monitoring state (do not stop) By causing the player to recognize it, it is possible to alleviate the disadvantage that the player feels due to wasted hits and to prevent the occurrence of stop hits as much as possible.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
A monitoring state notification means capable of recognizing to the player that the monitoring state is occurring using a predetermined notification unit;
The notification unit is provided in the vicinity of the specific area .

According to the invention described in 請 Motomeko 2, since the notification unit to recognize whether the monitoring state has occurred in the player is provided in the vicinity of the specific area, the state of the informing section, aimed at a specific region The player can be prompted to fire a game ball. In other words, it is possible to make the player gaze at the influx of game balls into the specific area with a sense of expectation, and to concentrate on the game so that the game balls pass through the specific area. Machine can be realized .

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
When the detection storage is stored in the detection storage means, the game value specifying means first specifies information indicating a game value that is the same value or a low value as the determined game value, and then the detection storage It is characterized in that a promotion effect is executed as to whether or not the game value given to the player is promoted a number of times corresponding to the stored number, and information indicating the determined game value is finally specified .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when there is a detection memory , information indicating the game value that is the same value as or lower than the determined game value is clearly indicated, and then the information indicating the original determined game value is displayed. Since it is clearly indicated, it is possible to make the expectation for the big hit different between the effect executed when there is no detection memory and the effect executed when there is detection memory, and is executed when there is detection memory. It is possible to increase the expectation for the occurrence of the maximum value jackpot for the variable display game. This makes it possible for the player to recognize that it is more advantageous not to stop in order to maintain a monitoring state in which detection memory can be generated, and to maintain a sense of expectation over a long period of time. On the other hand, as information indicating the game value that is specified before the promotion effect is executed, information indicating the game value that is the same value as the original determined game value or lower than the original determined game value is displayed. By changing the information from the original to the information indicating the determined game value, it is possible to prevent any disadvantage from being given to the game hall .

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3,
The game value specifying means executes the promotion effect at a predetermined timing from the start of the variable display game serving as the special stop mode to the end of the special game state generated thereafter .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to control the variable display game and the special game state that are variously deformed, and to enhance the interest of the game .

The invention according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The game area includes a variable winning device that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can be received and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be received,
The special gaming state is to convert the variable winning device to the open state a plurality of times across an interval for temporarily converting the variable winning device to the closed state,
The game value specifying means executes the promotion effect at a predetermined number of intervals during the special game state .

With the gaming machine described in 請 Motomeko 5, since the promotion effect in the special game state interval is executed, the player may, when variation winning device is open to thereby winning the game ball, during the interval Can each concentrate on enjoying the promotion.
In addition, since the promotion effect is performed in the middle of the special game state, if the promotion effect is executed in a state in which information indicating the game value lower than the determined game value is first specified, the game value to be given Can appear to have increased from the middle .

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 5 ,
The variable display game includes a game in which the plurality of types of identification information are displayed in a variable manner, temporarily stopped, displayed again in a variable manner, and then stopped.
A plurality of the special stop modes are set by a combination of a plurality of identification information, and each of the plurality of special stop modes is associated with any kind of game value ,
Before Symbol game value emphasizer is a special stop mode is provisionally stopped in the variable display games, setting a special stop mode having a type corresponding to a game value serving as the decision game value and equal value or low-value It is characterized by.

According to the invention described in claim 6, since the information indicating the game value that is clearly indicated to the player as a result of one variation display game changes a plurality of times, it is possible to further increase the player's sense of expectation. it can.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The monitoring state generating means generates the monitoring state based on the start memory reaching the predetermined number during the execution of the variable display game, and only a predetermined period before the variable display game is stopped. The monitoring state is ended .

In conventional gaming machines, when the starting memory reaches a predetermined number, the starting memory overflows, so that the player feels that it is useless to fire more game balls and stops However , according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a monitoring state in which another profit can be obtained on condition that the start memory has reached a predetermined number is generated. Thereby, even if the starting memory reaches a predetermined number, it is possible to prevent the player from stopping as much as possible, and it is possible to increase the operating rate of the gaming machine and avoid the loss of the profit of the game hall. .

In the above invention, the detection storage means may be configured to store the detection storage with an upper limit of a number smaller than the type of game value.

In this way, if there are too many detection memories that can be acquired by the player, it is possible to prevent the effect based on the detection memory from being excessively performed and the effect of the effect to be diminished, and the number of detection memories is reduced. If there are more than the types of game value, the promotion based on the detection memory may cause the promotion effect to a high value game value to be skipped, but the detection memory is stored with the number lower than the number of game values as the upper limit. In this way, it is possible to prevent the promotion effect from being missed as much as possible and to avoid dissatisfaction with the player.

According to the present invention, in a situation where stop hitting is likely to be executed , the player is made to recognize that it is more advantageous not to stop hitting, thereby alleviating the disadvantage felt by the player due to wasted hits. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of stop strikes as much as possible . Further, by changing the explicit mode of the information indicating the game value without changing the determined game value, it is possible to prevent any disadvantage from being given to the game hall. Therefore, there is an effect that both the player and the game arcade is possible to obtain a sense of satisfaction.

It is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine to which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied. It is a front view showing an example of a game board in the gaming machine of the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system provided in the back surface of the game machine of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an example (assembly state) of the center case provided in the gaming machine of the embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the center case provided in the game machine of embodiment. It is front sectional drawing which cut | disconnects the center case provided in the game machine of embodiment by a surface of a perpendicular direction, and shows an internal structure. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of the main process, and FIG. 7B is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process, showing a specific procedure of control performed by the game control device. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the special figure game process performed during the timer interruption process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the start port monitoring process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the prior determination process performed during the starting port monitoring process of FIG. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a variation pattern determination table used in the prior determination process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure game branch process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure normal process performed during the special figure game branch process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure change start process performed during the special figure game branch process of FIG. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating a state in which the effect control device receives a command and the control state transitions. FIG. 16A is a flowchart of the main process, and FIG. 16B is a flowchart of the interrupt process, showing a specific procedure of control performed by the effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the prefetch control process performed by an effect control apparatus. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of a game management process executed during the main process of FIG. 16. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the change start process performed during the game management process of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the time condition of the right acquisition period in the fluctuation | variation period in case a fluctuation | variation pattern is a re-lottery. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the process during a change performed during the game management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the rights state control process performed during the game management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the rank improvement effect process performed in the display control process of the main process of FIG. It is a graph which shows the specific example of the aspect of the variable display game used as a jackpot performed according to the number (1 or 2) of the acquired premier tickets according to a lottery result, and a rank-up effect aspect. In the gaming machine of the embodiment, it is an explanatory diagram showing a specific display progress example of the variation display when the outlier variation display game is executed. In the gaming machine of the embodiment, it is an explanatory diagram showing a first half portion of a progress example of a specific display of the variation display when the hit variation display game is executed. In the gaming machine of the embodiment, it is an explanatory diagram showing the second half of the progress example of the specific display of the variation display when the hit variation display game is executed.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine to which a gaming machine according to the present invention is applied.

  The gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment includes a front frame 101 and a main body frame (outer frame) 102 having a game area in which a game ball as a game medium can flow down on the front surface, and the front frame 101 is hinged to the main body frame 102. Is assembled so that it can be opened and closed. A game board 105 is disposed inside the front frame 101, and a glass frame 104 having a cover glass (transparent member) 115 covering the game board 105 is attached to the front surface of the game board 105. A game area in which a game ball as a game medium can flow down is formed between the glass and the glass. In the game area, a display device for executing a variable display game is provided.

  A decorative device 106 that emits decorative light is provided around the cover glass of the glass frame 104. The decoration device 106 includes a light emitting device including a lamp, an LED, and the like. An illumination unit 107 having a light emitting device is also provided above the glass frame 104. When these light-emitting devices emit light according to a predetermined mode, decorative light emission that enhances the effect of the game and light emission that indicates a game state are emitted.

  Further, an upper plate 109 for supplying game balls to a hitting ball launching device (not shown) is provided on the lower opening / closing panel 108 of the front frame 101, and an operation of the lower plate 111 and the hitting ball launching device is performed on the fixed panel 110 below the opening / closing panel 108. A portion 112 and the like are provided. Further, the upper plate 109 is provided with an effect button (operation means) 113 having a built-in operation switch for allowing the player to intervene in the game control.

  In the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 112, the hitting ball launching apparatus launches the gaming ball supplied from the upper plate 109. Further, when the player operates the effect button 113, a special game (player-participation-type game) in which the player's operation is intervened in conjunction with the display on the display device in the center case can be executed. It has become.

  Next, the game board 105 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 105 of the present embodiment.

  On the surface of the game board 105, a substantially circular game area 51 surrounded by guide rails 55 is formed. In the game area 51, a center case 300 provided with a display device 58 is disposed substantially at the center. The display device 58 is attached to a recess provided in the center case 300 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 300. That is, the center case 300 is formed so as to surround the display area of the display device 58 and to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 58.

  The display device 58 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (CRT). In the area (display area) where the image of the display screen can be displayed, a plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols) and a character that produces a special figure variation display game are displayed. Although there is only one display screen, it can be considered that there are a plurality of (for example, three) variable display areas. In each variable display area, special symbols assigned as identification information are variablely displayed (variably displayed). A special figure variation display game is played. In addition, an image based on the progress of the game (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

  A normal symbol start gate 53 is provided on the left side of the center case 300. On the lower left side and the lower right side of the display area 51, three general winning ports 32 and 33 are arranged, respectively. Also, below the center case 300, an openable / closable ordinary variation winning device 35 having a start winning opening 34 is disposed. Further, a special variable winning device (large winning port) 36 that can be converted into a state in which a game ball is not accepted and a state in which it is easy to accept in accordance with the game result on the display device 58 is disposed below the normal variation winning device 35. ing. In addition, a change indicator 37 for executing a special figure change display game or a common figure change display game is provided outside the game area 51 and in the lower right corner of the game board 105.

  In the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 51. The launched game balls flow down the game area 51 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction changing members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged in various places in the game area 51, and the normal symbol start gate 53 and the general prize opening 32. , 33, the start winning port 34, or the special variable winning device 36, or flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 51 and is discharged from the game area.

  Note that the start winning opening 34 includes a state where the game ball is likely to win and a state where the game ball is difficult to win due to the opening and closing of the normal variation winning device 35. Normally, the normally variable winning device 35 is in a closed state, and the start winning port 34 is in a state where it is difficult for a game ball to win. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 53, a general variation display game is executed. When a win state is generated as a result of the general variation display game, the normal variation prize winning device 35 is converted to an open state and started. The winning opening 34 is in a state where a game ball can easily win.

  The winning of the game ball in the start winning opening 34 is detected by a start opening switch 34a (see FIG. 3). The random number value extracted by the passing timing of the game ball is stored as a start winning memory in the start storage area in the RAM of the game control device 200 (see FIG. 3) for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 4 times). The The stored number of start winning memories is displayed on the starting winning memory number display section of the display device 58. The game control device 200 plays a special figure variation display game on the variation display 37 based on the start winning memory. In parallel with the special figure variation display game, the effect control device 130 changes the decoration special figure variation display game (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified) on the display device 58 based on a command from the game control device 200. A display game).

  Specifically, when a game ball wins at the start winning opening 34, the display device 58 displays the special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers and the like on the left (first special symbol) and on the right (second special symbol). Fluctuation display is started in the order of special symbol) and medium (third special symbol), and an image relating to the special symbol variation display game is displayed. That is, in the display device 58, a decoration special variation display game corresponding to the number of stored start winning memories is performed, and various displays are produced to improve the interest.

  When winning at the start winning opening 34 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the winning random number at the time of winning detection is a winning value), it is specified by the display pattern as a result of the decorative special figure variation display game The result mode (special result mode) is derived and the jackpot state is obtained. Specifically, in the special symbol winning memory display unit of the display device 58, the special symbol winning symbol is stopped at the single-digit special symbol which is a winning symbol, and the display device 58 is stopped in a state where three special symbols are aligned (big hit symbol). To do. At this time, the special variable winning device 36 is converted from a closed state where the special winning opening does not accept the game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to an open state where the game ball is easily received. That is, the special variable winning device 36 is opened widely until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls are won, and during this time, the player is given a privilege that a lot of prize balls can be obtained.

  The winning of the game ball to the special variation winning device 36 is detected by the count switch 36a (see FIG. 4). The passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 53 is detected by the normal symbol start gate switch 53a (see FIG. 3). The normal symbol random number counter value extracted by the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the normal symbol storage area in the game control device 200 as a normal symbol winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to four times). Then, the number of memorized memorable winnings is displayed on a memorized memorized winning number display unit (not shown) of the display device 58.

  When there is a general-purpose winning memory, the game control device 200 starts a general-purpose variable display game in the special figure / normal-color variation display unit 37 based on the general-purpose winning memory. That is, when the passage detection to the normal symbol start gate 53 is performed at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the common figure random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a winning value), the common figure fluctuation display unit 37 The normal symbol displayed on the screen stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 35 is converted so that the entrance to the start winning opening 34 is largely opened for a predetermined time by energizing the solenoid, and the winning probability of the game ball to the starting winning opening 34 is increased.

  In this way, when a game ball is won in the general winning holes 32 and 33, the start winning hole 34, or the special variable winning device 36, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out in the payout control device 120 (FIG. 3), the balls are discharged to the upper plate 109 or the lower plate 111 of the front frame 104.

  Next, a control system provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the control system of the gaming machine 100 includes a game control device 200 as game control means for controlling the variable display game performed on the display device 58 in an integrated manner, and discharge control from the game control device 200. The discharge control device 120 that controls the ball payout device based on the command to discharge the prize balls and the like, and the effect control that controls the effect of the variable display game on the display device 58 based on the effect control command from the game control device 200 And an effect control device 130 as means.

  The game control device 200 includes a game one-chip microcomputer 230 having a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, etc., and an input interface (input I / F) 241, an output interface (output I / F) 242, an external communication terminal 243, etc. It is configured.

  In the gaming one-chip microcomputer 230, the internal CPU 231 includes a control unit and a calculation unit, and performs calculation control, as well as a jackpot determination random number for a special figure variation display game and a jackpot symbol random number for determining a jackpot symbol, Various random numbers such as a variation pattern random number for determining a variation pattern in the variation display game and a hit determination random number in the normal variation display game are also generated.

  In the RAM 233 inside the gaming one-chip microcomputer 230, a storage area for storing a game area winning opening, an ON signal of a detection switch provided in the winning apparatus, a storage area for the various random numbers, and a CPU 231 A work area and the like are provided. The ROM 233 inside the game one-chip microcomputer 230 stores game control programs and control data, and determines the occurrence of a big hit in each special figure variation display game corresponding to the various random numbers described above. A jackpot determination value for determining a jackpot symbol for determining a jackpot symbol, a variation pattern determination value for determining a variation pattern, and the like are stored. In addition, the hit determination value of the common map variation display game and the variation pattern (variation mode) of the common map variation display game are also stored.

  Further, the input interface 241 is connected to a start port switch 34a, a normal start switch 53a, a count switch 36a, a winning port switch 32a,..., 33a,. A frame opening switch 114 for detecting the above is connected. The input interface 241 relays various signals input from these switches and supplies them to the game one-chip microcomputer 230.

  Various control signals and drive signals output from the gaming one-chip microcomputer 230 are output from the output interface 242 via an output port and a driver (not shown), the open / close solenoid 35a of the normal variation winning device 35, and the special variation winning device 36. A signal for outputting information to the special prize opening / closing solenoid 36a, the special figure / common figure display 37 drive control signal, a management device outside the gaming machine, and the like is outputted to the external information terminal 60. Furthermore, a signal output from the game one-chip microcomputer 230 to a game state display 343, a payout control device 120, and an effect control device 130, which will be described later, provided in the center case 300 is also output via the output interface 242. Reference numeral 243 denotes an external communication terminal for testing.

  The effect control device 130 includes an arithmetic processing CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and the like, and also includes a communication interface (communication I / F) 134 and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 135. Also, an image ROM 136 that stores images and video data, a GDP (Graphic Display Processor) 137 as a graphic processor that performs image processing instead of the CPU 131, a sound ROM that stores sound data, and a sound LSI that controls sound output It has.

  The effect control device 130 controls the effect of the game based on various signals and effect control data (such as various commands) received from the game control device 200 via the communication interface 134. In this embodiment, a signal from the effect gate switch 356 provided in the center case 300 is input to the effect control device 130, and the effect control device 130 performs rank-up effect control on the display device 58 based on this signal. Is supposed to do.

  In addition, power is supplied to the game control device 200, the discharge control device 120, and the effect control device 130 from a power supply device (not shown), and the power supply device is externally supplied during a power failure or the like. A backup power supply is provided to enable the power supply even when the power supply is interrupted, and the data stored in the volatile memory of each control device is prevented from being lost during a power failure or the like.

  Further, various control signals output from the CPU 131 are supplied to an output port and a driver (not shown) via the input / output interface 135, and the state notification lamp 357 provided in the speaker 141, the decoration device 106, and the center case 300 is driven to be lit. The Further, detection signals from the effect gate switch 356 provided in the center case 300 and the effect button switch 113a on the front surface of the gaming machine are input to the CPU 131 via the input / output interface 135. The effect control device 130 may be provided with a voice synthesis LSI that generates a control signal related to the control of the voice that drives the speaker 141 instead of the CPU 131.

  Next, an embodiment of the center case 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the center case 300, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the center case 300 is disassembled, and FIG. 6 is a front view showing the internal structure by cutting the center case 300 along a vertical surface. It is sectional drawing.

  The center case 300 of the present embodiment includes a recessed chamber-shaped enclosure frame 310 having a window portion 311 facing the display surface of the display device 58 on the back wall opened forward, and the inner left upper corner of the enclosure frame 310. A special warp passage 320 disposed so as to meander over the portion, a decorative member 340 disposed from the inner upper left corner of the surrounding frame body 310 to the upper end back portion, and the special warp passage disposed at the inner lower end depth portion of the surrounding frame body 310. 320, a first stage member 350 disposed so as to be continuous with the outlet of 320, a pair of normal warp passages 360A and 360B disposed along both side walls of the surrounding frame 310, and an inner lower end opening side of the surrounding frame 310 And a second stage member 370 disposed on the auxiliary stage component 380 simulating a beam emitting device.

  The surrounding frame 310 includes a mounting plate 312 joined to the surface of the game board along the front opening end, and an armor member 313 formed so as to protrude forward from the upper portion of the opening end to both sides. In addition, notches 314a, 314b, and 314c formed at corresponding positions of the armor member 313 are provided so that the entrances of the special warp passage 320 and the normal warp passages 360A and 360B face each other. Further, the mounting plate 312 is formed with a notch 316 indicating that there is a warp entrance corresponding to the notch 314 a as the entrance of the special warp passage 320.

  The special warp passage 320 has a leading end located at the notch 314a and is gently inclined to the rear, and the introduction passage portion 321 is inclined toward the rear, and is gently inclined along the back wall of the surrounding frame from the introduction passage portion 321 to the right. A redundant passage portion 322 directed toward the left side, a folded passage portion 323 that is folded back from the right end of the redundant passage portion 322 and gently inclined along the inner wall of the surrounding frame body, and directed to the left, and the left end of the folded passage portion 323 And a vertical passage portion 324 extending substantially vertically downward.

  A warp outlet 325 is provided at the lower end of the vertical passage portion 324 to allow the inflowing game ball to flow down toward the first stage member 340. Further, although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, since the folding path portion 323 is disposed so as to cross over the display surface of the display device 58, at least the folding path portion 323 of each path is It is formed of a transparent member so that the screen displayed on the display device (58) is not invisible.

  The decoration member 340 is formed to have an L shape when viewed from above, and the short portion 341 is located at the entrance of the special warp passage 320 and has a boundary between the upper wall and the side wall of the surrounding frame 310. It is arranged from the front to the rear along the part. The decorative member 340 has a lamp 343 built in the short portion 341.

  The built-in lamp 343 of the short portion 341 functions as a game state indicator that is lit when the number of game balls that have jumped into the special warp passage 320 within a predetermined time is equal to or less than a predetermined number. When the game ball jumps into the special warp passage 320, a special right to change the production is given through the production gate 356 as will be described later, and the game becomes interesting. This has the effect of urging the player to operate the operation unit 112 of the ball striking device aiming at the entrance. In other words, it is possible to have the player gaze at the influx of game balls into the specific area with a sense of expectation, and to concentrate on the game so as to make the game balls enter the specific area. Can be realized.

  The first stage member 350 includes a front wall 351, a wavy stage portion 352 formed on the upper portion of the front wall 351 and having a raised center and left and right ends, and an upright standing upright along the front end of the stage portion 352. A communication passage 355 as a specific region that connects the wall 353, a notch portion 354 formed in the center of the stage portion 352 that allows passage of one sphere, and an opening formed in the center of the front wall 351; It includes a gate switch 356 for effect timing detection that is provided in the middle of the passage 355 and detects a game ball that has flowed in through the notch 354.

  Further, the first stage member 350 is incorporated in an elliptical storage recess provided from the center left of the front wall 351, and is a state notification lamp including an LED that is lit while the start winning memory number reaches the upper limit. Overflow lamp 357 and a translucent cover plate 358 covering the front of the lamp. The standing wall 353 is provided with cutouts 353a and 353b corresponding to the lowest positions on both sides of the center portion of the stage portion 352, and the game guided onto the stage portion 352 from the special warp passage 320. Most of the sphere flows into the notch 354 in the center, but a part of the sphere passes through the notches 353a and 353b formed in the standing wall 353 and falls onto the second stage member 370 in front. Has been. With such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game by adding randomness to the progress of the production game by the game ball jumping into the special warp passage 320.

  The normal warp passages 360 </ b> A and 360 </ b> B are each formed in an inverted L shape, the upper horizontal portion 361 is disposed along the side wall of the surrounding frame body 310, and the vertical portion 362 is along the back wall of the surrounding frame body 310. Arranged. A warp inlet 363 is formed at the front end of the horizontal portion 361 so as to face outward, and a warp outlet 364 is formed at the lower end of the vertical portion 362 so as to face inward. The game balls that have flowed into the normal warp passages 360A and 360B are guided so as to flow out onto the wavy second stage member 370 that is slightly raised at the center and the left and right ends.

  Next, an example of control of a variable display game using the center case 300 configured as described above will be described.

  When the starting memory reaches the upper limit value, the overflow lamp 357 is turned on. In this state, while the variable display game is being executed, the game ball that has jumped into the special warp passage 320 flows out onto the first stage unit 350 and flows into the notch 354 in the center, and is detected by the effect gate switch 356. Then, a right to develop (rank up) the jackpot into a high value state is given, and a display in which an icon PT representing a premier ticket appears on the screen of the display device 58 as shown in FIG. Is done. When a plurality of game balls are detected by the effect gate switch during the same variable display game, a plurality of tickets are given, and the acquired tickets are cumulatively displayed on the screen at the lower right.

  When this premier ticket is displayed, if the result of the variable display game is a big hit, the running variable display game is stopped and displayed with a low value jackpot symbol (for example, a normal symbol), and then round At the time of switching, the effect is that the ticket will be promoted from a normal jackpot to a promising jackpot as shown in Fig. 27 (f), or the ticket will be boosted from a 10-round jackpot to a 15-round jackpot as shown in Fig. 27 (h). Do.

  By performing the above-described control, even if the starting memory reaches the upper limit value, a ticket is given when a predetermined condition that the game ball passes a specific area (effect gate) is satisfied, and is executed thereafter. In addition, by performing the production according to the ticket acquired in the special game state, it is possible to make the player recognize that it is more advantageous not to make a stop in a situation where the stop is likely to be executed. The occurrence of strikes can be prevented as much as possible.

  It should be noted that if the above-mentioned profit is actually given to the player, it will be disadvantageous for the game arcade. Therefore, the game value of the rank lower than the rank of the game value corresponding to the random number extracted at the start winning prize is clearly indicated ( (Notification), and by clearly indicating (notifying) that the game value of the rank originally planned by the random number was digested by digesting the ticket on the way, the effect that the player gained only apparently is performed Thus, it is possible to increase the operating rate of the gaming machine without incurring a substantial disadvantage for the game hall.

  Next, a specific procedure of control performed by the game control device 200 will be described. The game control device 200 mainly performs main processing shown in FIG. 7A and timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 7B performed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec) as processing related to the game.

  In the main process, the entire program is controlled. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the main process, the process at the start of the program is first performed. As processing at the start of the program, first, initialization processing at power-on (step S101) is performed, and then power failure recovery processing (step S102) is performed.

  Next, loop processing is performed as main loop processing. In this loop process, first, a process for starting an interrupt timer (step S103) is performed to start a CTC (counter timer circuit). Next, an interrupt prohibition process (step S104) is performed, and an initial value random number update process (step S105) for breaking the temporal regularity of the random number by updating the initial value of a random number such as a jackpot determination random number. Do. Thereafter, processing for permitting an interrupt (step S106) is performed.

  Then, the power failure inspection area of the RAM 233 is checked to determine whether or not a power failure has occurred (step S107). In the power outage inspection area, predetermined check data is set when the power of the gaming machine is cut off due to a power outage, and the check data is not stored in normal times. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not a power failure has occurred by determining the presence or absence of the check data.

  In the determination of whether or not a power failure has occurred (step S107), if a power failure has not occurred (N = No), the process returns to the above-described processing for prohibiting interruption (step S104), and thereafter, the power supply must not be shut off. For example, the determination of whether or not a power failure has occurred (step S107) is repeated from the process for prohibiting interruption (step S4). On the other hand, in the determination of whether or not a power failure has occurred (step S107), if a power failure has occurred (Y = Yes), a power failure process (step S108) is performed.

  In the power failure process (step S108), first, a process for prohibiting interruption is performed. Then, processing for turning off all output ports is performed, and processing for clearing the power failure inspection area is performed. Further, after performing the process of saving the power failure recovery inspection area check data in the power failure recovery inspection area, performing the process of calculating the checksum when the RAM 233 is powered off and performing the process of prohibiting access to the RAM 233 Wait for the power to turn off.

  As described above, by saving the power failure recovery inspection area check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power interruption, the information stored in the RAM 233 before the power interruption is correctly backed up. Can be determined when the power is turned on. Immediately after the occurrence of a power failure, the backup power supply supplies power that can execute the processing when the power failure occurs.

  Next, timer interrupt processing by the CPU 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7B, in the timer interrupt process, first, a process of saving register data (step S1) is performed. Next, various sensors (normal start gate switch 53a, count switch 36a, winning port switches 32a, 33a,..., Center case passing gate switch 326, effect gate switch 356, upper plate effect button switch 113a, glass frame opening Based on input processing for processing input from the switch 114) and output data set in various processing, actuators such as solenoids (large winning opening solenoid 36a, general power switching solenoid 35a, flow-down regulating solenoid 331) and the like / An output process (step S2) for performing an output process for controlling the driving of the normal display 37, the center case gaming status display 343, and the start winning memory overflow lamp 357 is performed.

  Next, a command transmission process (step S3) for outputting the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 40, etc., and a jackpot determination random number for determining a hit of the special figure variable display game are updated. Random number update process 1 (step S4) is performed. Subsequently, an initial value random number such as a winning symbol for determining a winning symbol of the special symbol variation display game or the common symbol variation display game is updated (step S5), and the decorative special symbol variation display game executed in the display device 58 is performed. The fluctuation pattern random number or the like for determining the fluctuation pattern is updated (step S6).

  Subsequently, a winning port for monitoring whether or not a signal is input from the start port switch 34a, the general winning port switches 32a and 33a, and the count switch 36a (whether or not a signal indicating detection of a game ball is input). A switch monitoring process (step S7) and an error monitoring process (step S8) for monitoring the detection signal are performed.

  After that, based on the detection signals of the start winning opening switch and the general map start gate switch, the special map game process (step S9) related to the special map variable display game by the special map / general map display 37 and the display device 58, the general map variable display game. The usual game process (step S10) is performed. Subsequently, a segment LED editing process (step S11) that is provided in the gaming machine 100 and performs a process related to the segment LED that displays various information related to the game is performed. Then, after the external information editing process (step S12) for performing a process for setting a signal to be output to the external management device to the output buffer and the process for declaring the interruption end (step S13), the saved register data is restored. (Step S14), an interrupt permission process (step S15) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 shows the procedure of the special game process executed in step S19 during the timer interrupt process.

  In the special figure game process, after executing the start port monitoring process S50, the special figure game process number is acquired (step S60), and the special figure game branching process S70 and the special figure variation control process S90 are executed. The special figure game branching process S70 is a process of allocating processes according to process numbers, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The special figure fluctuation control process S90 is a process for controlling the special figure fluctuation game performed in the special figure / common figure display 37.

  Next, an example of a specific procedure of the start port monitoring process executed in step S50 during the special figure game process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In this process, first, it is determined whether or not the switch 34a of the start port 34 provided at the center below the center case 300 is turned on (step S51). If it is determined that it is not turned on, the process exits the start port monitoring process and returns to the special game process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the start port switch 34a is on, the process proceeds to the next step S52 to acquire the start memory number from the RAM 233, and in step S53, the start memory number is the upper limit number (for example, 4). It is determined whether or not the number has reached. If the upper limit is not reached, the start memory is updated (+1) in the next step S54, and various random values such as a big hit random number, big hit stop design random number, production random number (variation pattern random number) are stored in the storage area. After executing the start storage process (step S55) stored in the storage area corresponding to each start storage, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, after setting so that the memory | storage number command which notifies the starting memory | storage number to the production | presentation control apparatus 130 is set, a prior determination process (step S57) is performed. If it is determined in step S53 that the start memory number has reached the upper limit, the process jumps to step S58 to set an overflow command for notifying the effect control device 130 of the overflow and sets the start port. Returning to the special game process of FIG. In this embodiment, there is one starting port, but in a gaming machine having a plurality of starting ports, it may be configured to store the total number of winning prizes for each starting port.

  FIG. 10 shows a detailed procedure of the preliminary determination process executed in step S57 during the start port monitoring process of FIG.

  In this pre-determination process, first, the starting memory number stored in the RAM is acquired in step S571, and in the next step S572, the latest storage area in the starting memory area is obtained based on the starting memory number, and the big hit from that area is determined. Get a random value. Thereafter, a probability state flag indicating whether the current gaming state is a probability variation state in which a jackpot is likely to occur or a normal probability state is acquired, and a determination value (determination table) corresponding to the probability state is set (step) S573, S574).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the random number acquired in step S572 is a big hit using this determination value (step S575). Here, when it is determined that it is not a big hit, the advance determination table at the time of losing is set as a determination table in the next step S576, and then the process proceeds to step S578, and when it is determined that the big hit is determined in step S575, the process proceeds to step S577. Thus, the big hit prior determination table is set as the determination table, and the process proceeds to step S578.

  Here, the off-time table is a table in which the selection probability of “no reach” is set to be relatively high as shown in FIG. 11A, and the big hit table is “no reach” as shown in FIG. 11B. This is a table in which selection probability of a plurality of reach fluctuations is set. Note that the variation pattern in each table of FIG. 11 used in the preliminary determination stage is a roughly divided variation pattern, and the variation pattern is further divided into the determination table used at the start of actual variation. .

  In step S578, an effect random number value (variation pattern random number) is acquired from the latest storage area in the start storage area based on the start storage number. Then, using the acquired random number and the table set in step S576 or S577, a prefetch effect command designating the fluctuation pattern (outline) is determined, and then the prefetch effect command is transmitted to the effect control device 130. Thus, the pre-determination process is exited (steps S579 and S580).

  FIG. 12 shows the procedure of the special figure game branching process executed in step S70 during the special figure game process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the special figure game branching process examines the above-mentioned process number provided to reasonably advance the control process, and distributes the process according to the process number. When “0” is “0”, special figure routine processing (steps S71 and S72) is performed, and when the process number is “1”, special figure change start processing (steps S73 and S74) for starting the special figure change game is performed. Note that the special figure routine processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Further, when the process number is “2”, the special symbol changing process (steps S75, S76) for performing control such as updating the changing symbol or changing the symbol again after temporarily stopping the symbol, the process number is “3”. In this case, special figure display processing (steps S77 and S78) for setting a final symbol stop timing in the special figure variation game is performed. When the stop symbol is an off symbol, the process number is set to “0” at the end of the special figure display process, and the special figure game branching process of FIG. 12 is exited.

  Further, when the processing number is “4”, when the big hit occurs, the sound effect, the light emission drive of the lighting unit 107, and the special variable prize winning device 36 (big prize opening) are opened multiple times with a predetermined interval (for example, 1 second) interposed therebetween. Fanfare / interval processing (steps S79 and S80) for performing operation processing, etc. When the processing number is “5”, the special winning opening open processing (steps S81 and S82), and when the processing number is “6”, the special variable winning A big winning opening remaining ball process (steps S83, S84) for determining whether or not a winning ball remains in the device 36. When the process number is "7", the lighting of the big winning opening solenoid and the lamp is stopped and the generation of the sound effect is stopped. The big hit end processing (steps S85 and S86) for clearing the big hit flag and the like is performed.

  Next, an example of a specific procedure of the special figure routine process executed in step S72 during the special figure game branching process of FIG. 12 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In the special figure routine processing, first, it is determined whether or not the start memory in the RAM, that is, the start winning memory for the start winning port 31 is “1” or more (step S721). When the start memory is “1” or more, the process proceeds to step S722, and the jackpot random number value of the earliest memory in the start memory area is read (obtained) from the RAM. Further, a probability state flag indicating whether the current gaming state is a probability variation state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a normal probability state is acquired, and a determination value (determination table) corresponding to the probability state is set (step) S723, S724).

  Subsequently, using this determination value, it is determined whether or not the random number acquired in step S722 is a big hit random number (step S725). If it is determined that the game is a jackpot, a flag indicating a jackpot is set in the next step S726, and then the jackpot symbol random number in the earliest storage of the corresponding memory digestion area is acquired (step S727). Thereafter, a stop symbol is set based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number (step S728).

  Then, in the next step S729, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a symbol corresponding to the probability variation. If the symbol is a probability variation symbol, the probability state flag is set in step S730, and the process proceeds to step S731. If it is not a probability variation symbol, the process proceeds to step S731 without setting a flag. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S725 that the game is not a big hit, a lost symbol is set in step S732, and then the process proceeds to step S731.

  Further, when there is no start memory in the determination of step S721, it is determined whether or not a flag indicating that a customer waiting demonstration display is performed by jumping to step S733 is set, and when the flag is set, Without doing anything, the special figure is left out of normal processing. If the flag is not set, the customer wait demonstration display flag is set in step S734, and then a command for instructing the effect control device 130 to perform the customer wait demonstration display is set. The special figure routine is exited (step S735).

  Next, an example of a specific procedure of the special figure change start process executed in step S74 in the special figure game branching process of FIG. 12 following the special figure normal process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To do.

  In the special figure variation start process, it is first determined whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S741). Here, when it is determined that the big hit flag is not set, in the next step S742, an out-of-run table is set as the variation pattern determination table, and then the process proceeds to step S744, and the big hit flag is set in step S741. If it is determined that there is a hitting table as a variation pattern determination table in step S743, the process proceeds to step S744. As described above, the table used here is a table in which the variation pattern is subdivided compared to the table shown in FIG. 11, and the hit table is a normal variation table as in FIG. The selection probability is set to be relatively high, and the hit-hour table is set to have a plurality of special reach fluctuation selection probabilities without normal fluctuations as in FIG.

  In step S744, the random number for presentation in the earliest storage (starting storage of the storage digestion area) in the start storage area in the RAM is acquired, and in the next step S745, the variation pattern corresponding to the random number for presentation is used in the determination table. Then, setting is performed such that a command for designating the selected variation pattern is transmitted to the effect control device 130 (step S746). Thereafter, a setting is made to transmit a symbol designating command corresponding to the stop symbol (step S747), the start winning storage area is shifted (step S748), the special figure starting memory number is subtracted (step S749), A transmission command is set (step S750), and the special figure variation start process is terminated. If there are a plurality of types of jackpots, the symbol designation command setting in step S747 is “out”, “per normal 5R”, “per normal 10R”, “per normal 15R”, “per probable 5R”, It is preferable to set and transmit a command that can identify “per probability variation 10R” and “per probability variation 15R”.

  Next, control by the effect control device 130 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the control by the control effect control device 130 is all executed according to commands from the game control device 200, and the effect control device 130 initializes the inside when the power is turned on. Later, the system waits for a command, and thereafter performs processing according to the type of command received. Commands sent from the game control device 200 to the effect control device 130 include a power-on command, a power failure recovery command, a customer waiting demo command, a variation pattern command, a prefetch effect command, a special figure hold number command, a fanfare command, a round number command, There are interval commands and ending commands.

  The control process performed by the control effect control device 130 is the same as the game control device 200, as shown in FIG. 16A and the main process shown in FIG. 16A and in FIG. 16B performed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec). It is divided into timer interrupt processing.

  In the main process, as shown in FIG. 16A, an initialization process at power-on (step S21) and a timer activation process (step S22) for starting various timers are performed, followed by a main loop process. In this loop process, a main command analysis process (step S23) for analyzing and determining the main command from the game control device 200 received in the interrupt process, a game management process (step S24) for controlling the progress of the variable display game, Display control processing (step S25) for performing display control for causing the display device 58 to execute display in accordance with the progress of the game, display for waiting for a demonstration on the display device 58, etc., and sound effects such as fanfare when the speaker 141 is driven to hit a big hit When a sound control process to be generated (step S26), a decoration control process (step S27) for lighting the decoration device 106 in a desired pattern, or an error command such as frame open detection or ball discharge abnormality from the game control device 200 is received. Error monitoring processing (scanning) that executes processing in the event of an abnormality such as lighting the decoration device 106 -Up S28), repeatedly executes the random number update process for updating the random number or the like for directing (step S29).

  In the timer interrupt process of FIG. 16B, the timer update process (step S31), the input process (step S32) for processing input from sensors such as the effect gate switch 356, the effect button switch 113a on the upper plate, and the state An output process (step S33) for performing an output process for drive control of the notification lamp (overflow lamp) 357 and the like, and a command reception process (step S34) for receiving a command from the game control device 200 are performed.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a specific procedure of the prefetch effect control process executed in the main command process S23 in the main process of FIG.

  In this pre-reading effect control process, it is determined whether or not the received command is a memory number command. If the command is a memory number command, the memory number in the start memory number area provided in the RAM 133 is updated according to the command. (Steps S231 and S232). If it is determined in step S231 that the command is not a stored number command, the process jumps to step S233. In step S233, it is determined whether or not the received command is a pre-reading effect command. If the command is a pre-reading effect command, it is further determined whether or not the command is a command for instructing a predetermined reach such as a special reach SP2. Is determined (step S234).

  When it is not the special reach SP2, the process proceeds to step S235, and the change flag of the memory display corresponding to the current start memory number is set. By setting this change flag, it is possible to perform processing such as changing the display color of the corresponding startup storage display in the display control processing S25 during the main processing, for example. If it is determined in step S234 that it is the special reach SP2, the process proceeds to step S236, and it is determined whether or not the start memory number is larger than “2”. If it is greater than “2”, the process proceeds to step S237 to set the continuous notice flag. On the other hand, when the starting memory number is smaller than “2”, the process proceeds to step S235, and the change flag of the memory display corresponding to the current starting memory number is set. In step S237, the continuous notice flag is set.

  Next, an example of a specific procedure of the game management process executed in step S24 in the main process of FIG. 16A will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  When this process is started, it is first determined whether or not the process number provided to reasonably advance the control process is “0” (step S241). An area for storing the process number can be provided in the RAM 133 or the register of the CPU 131. Note that the default value of the process number, that is, the process number set by the initialization by the initialization process S21 of the main process in FIG. 16A is “0”.

  If it is determined in step S241 that the process number is not “0”, the process jumps to step S243, and if it is determined that the process number is “0”, the process starts from step S242 and then proceeds to step S243. In step S243, it is determined whether or not the process number is “1”. When it is determined that the process number is not “1”, the process jumps to step S245, and when it is determined that the process number is “1”, the process number is changing. After executing step S244, the process proceeds to step S245.

  In step S245, it is determined whether or not the process number is “2”. When it is determined that the process number is not “2”, the process jumps to step S247, and when it is determined that the process number is “2”, the pattern stop process S246 is performed. Is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S247. In step S247, it is determined whether or not the process number is “3”. If it is determined that the process number is not “3”, the process jumps to step S249, and if it is determined that the process number is “3”, the fanfare / interval process S248 is performed. Is executed and then the process proceeds to step S249.

  In step S249, it is determined whether or not the process number is “4”. If it is determined that the process number is not “4”, the process jumps to step S251. If it is determined that the process number is “4”, the big prize opening is open. After executing step S250, the process proceeds to step S251. In step S251, it is determined whether or not the process number is “5”. If it is determined that the process number is not “5”, the process jumps to step S253, and if it is determined that the process number is “5”, the winning ball remaining ball After executing step S252, the process proceeds to step S253.

  In step S253, it is determined whether or not the process number is “6”. When it is determined that the process number is not “6”, the process jumps to step S255, and when it is determined that the process number is “6”, the big hit end process S254 is performed. After execution, the process proceeds to step S255. In step S255, the right state control process is executed to exit the game management process and return to the main process. It should be noted that during the execution of the variable display game (in the case of jackpot), which is a feature of the present invention, the display control indicating the game rank up by the premier ticket given to the player is performed from the fanfare / interval process of step S248 to step S252. What is necessary is just to carry out somewhere until the winning prize remaining ball processing (between #A).

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a specific procedure of the change start process executed in step S242 during the game management process of FIG.

  In this variation start process, first, in step S421, it is determined whether or not a command (a variation pattern command and a stop symbol designation command) that is a variation start condition has been received. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S422. In step S422, it is determined whether the result of the variation display game is a big hit or miss based on the received stop symbol designation command, and a specific variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern command is selected using the corresponding selection table. Set. Next, it is determined whether the set fluctuation pattern is reach fluctuation or normal fluctuation (step S423). If it is not reach change, the process jumps to step S425. If it is reach change, the right acquisition period flag indicating that the ticket is in the acquisition period is set in step S424, and the process proceeds to step S425. This right acquisition period flag is referred to in the ticket acquisition process in the right state control process of FIG. 23 described later.

  In step S425, after setting the variation time according to the variation pattern set in step S422, the stop symbol is set according to the stop symbol designation command as value addition information (step S426). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the set symbol is a big hit symbol. If the symbol is not a big hit symbol, the procedure jumps to step S429. If the symbol is a big hit symbol, the big hit flag is set in the next step S428 and the procedure proceeds to step S429. In step S429, the fluctuation start flag is set, and in the next step S430, the process number is updated to “1” and the change start process is exited.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether the variation pattern set in step S423 is a reach variation or a normal variation. However, it is determined whether a so-called continuous notice is being executed. A right acquisition period flag may be set. Thereby, the player can know that the variation display game being executed is the reach variation or that the continuous advance notice is in progress by the appearance of the ticket.

  In addition, the right acquisition period is from the start of change to the end of change in a variable display game (including a game that performs so-called temporary stop and re-change) in which a re-lottery is not performed in one change period. As shown in FIG. 20, in the variation display game in which the re-lottery is performed during the fluctuating period, when the first half, the middle term, and the second half are divided, before the re-lottery is started after the fluctuating symbols are temporarily stopped. It is desirable to configure so that the change pattern can be set between the previous period and the middle period. Here, the re-lottery is an apparent re-lottery (on the display screen), and the re-lottery (re-acquisition of random numbers) is not actually performed inside the control device. Therefore, for the control device, “re-lottery” is “re-variation”.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of a specific procedure of the changing process executed in step S244 during the game management process of FIG.

  In this changing process, first, an update process for changing the display position of the symbol including the re-lottery change is performed (step S441). Next, it is determined whether or not it is the end timing of the right acquisition period (step S442). If it is not the end timing, the process jumps to step S449. If it is the end timing, the process proceeds to the next step S443, where the right acquisition period flag is cleared, and then it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S444).

  If the big hit flag is not set, the process jumps to step S449. If the big hit flag is set, it is determined in the next step S445 whether or not the value of the rank-up counter is larger than “0”. The rank-up counter is a counter that is incremented when the game ball passes through the effect gate in step S560 in the flowchart of FIG. When the value of this counter is 1 or more (1 or 2 in this embodiment), it means that a premium ticket is given to the player.

  If it is determined in step S445 that the value of the rank-up counter is not larger than “0”, the process jumps to step S449. If it is determined that the value of the rank-up counter is larger than “0”, the next step S446 is shown in FIG. With reference to such a resetting table, setting data corresponding to the lottery result (usually per five rounds) as the value assignment information, the variation pattern, and the value of the rank-up counter (ticket number) is acquired. Then, after performing internal information setting (step S447) so that variable display is performed in the display control process during the main process based on the setting data, a symbol update mode change process (step S448) is performed. This symbol update mode change process is a process for adjusting the number of symbol updates, the variation time value (variation speed), etc. so that the variation display game can be accommodated within a predetermined time when the stop symbol is changed. is there.

  Thereafter, in step S449, it is determined whether or not the remaining fluctuation time is “0”. When the remaining variation time is “0”, the symbol is stopped at a predetermined stop symbol in the next step S450, and after confirming the game result, the process number is updated to “2” and the process during variation is started. Exit.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of a specific procedure of the right state control process executed in step S255 during the game management process of FIG.

  In this right state control process, it is first determined whether or not a change start flag is set (step S441). If the variation start flag is not set, the process jumps to step S554. If the variation start flag is set, the rank-up counter is cleared in the next step S552, and further the variation start flag is cleared in step S553. Proceed to step S554. The reason why the rank-up counter is cleared in step S552 is to prevent the rank-up right (premier ticket) acquired during a certain variable display game from being carried over to the next variable display game. In the first place, this right is provided in order to prevent stopping, and if the right can be carried over, the effect is reduced. By erasing the detection memory that is a rank-up right for each variable display game, it is possible to more effectively suppress the stop by the player.

  In step S554, it is determined whether or not the right acquisition period flag is set. If the right acquisition period flag is set, it is determined in the next step S555 whether or not the starting storage number is an upper limit value (for example, four). If it is the upper limit value, the state notification lamp 357 is turned on (lighted) to notify that it is a state in which a rank-up right can be acquired (step S556). Thereafter, in step S557, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the effect gate switch 356 provided in the center of the stage of the center case 300.

  If there is no detection signal, the process skips steps S558 to S561 and exits from the right state control process. If there is a detection signal, the value of the rank-up counter at that time is acquired in the next step S558, and the value is It is determined whether the upper limit value (“2” in this embodiment) has been reached (step S559). If the upper limit value has been reached, steps S560 to S561 are skipped and the right state control process is skipped. If the upper limit value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S560 to update (+1) the value of the rank-up counter. A right acquisition display flag indicating that the rank-up right has been acquired is set, and the right state control process is exited (step S561).

  This right acquisition display flag is referred to, for example, in the display control process S25 in the main process of FIG. 16A, and is used to display an icon representing a premium ticket on the screen of the display device 58. In step S557 of this flowchart, the presence of a detection signal from the effect gate switch 356 is used to determine that the game ball passes through the effect gate during the variable game. The rank-up right generation condition may be that the start winning is generated (the overflow command is received from the game control device 200) in the state where the memory overflows, that is, the start memory number is the upper limit value. Even if it does in this way, the effect which suppresses that a player will stop will be acquired when the start memory | storage number reaches an upper limit.

  Further, after setting the right acquisition period flag in step S424 in FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the flag is set in step S554 in FIG. 22, and it is determined that the flag is set, and further in step S555. If it is determined that the starting memory number is the upper limit value, the state notification lamp 357 is turned on (lighted) in step S556, thereby allowing the player to recognize that the right acquisition period has started. Further, it is determined in step S442 in FIG. 21 that the right acquisition period has ended, the right acquisition period flag is cleared in step S443, and then it is determined in step S554 in FIG. 22 whether or not the flag is set. If it is determined that the flag is not set, the state notification lamp 357 is turned off (turned off) in step S562, so that the player can recognize that the right acquisition period has ended. Accordingly, the monitoring state for monitoring the inflow of the game ball to the specific area is generated in a recognizable manner by the player by the change start process of FIG. 19, the changing process of FIG. 21, and the right state control process of FIG. A monitoring state generating means is configured. By providing such monitoring state generating means, it is possible to cause the player to gaze at the expectation of the inflow of game balls to the specific area, and to concentrate on the game so as to make the game balls to the specific area. And an amusing gaming machine can be realized.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of the procedure of rank-up effect processing based on the rank-up right (premier ticket) acquired by the player.

  In this process, first, in step S571, it is determined whether or not the value of the rank-up counter is “0”, and if it is not “0”, it is determined whether or not it is a rank-up timing (step S572). Here, the rank-up timing is suitable for round switching during a special gaming state (during an interval in which the special variable winning device is temporarily closed). Therefore, if it is determined in this step S572 that it is a rank-up timing, the process proceeds to step S573, and settings for executing a rank-up effect are performed. Based on the information set in this process, for example, a rank-up effect as shown in FIG. 27 is executed in the display control process S25 in the flowchart of FIG. Thereafter, the value of the rank-up counter is subtracted (-1) to exit from the rank-up effect process.

  In FIG. 24, as the big hit (game value) as the lottery result, “normally per 5R”, “per normal 10R”, “per normal 15R”, “per probability variation 5R”, “per probability variation 10R”, “per probability variation 15R” ”Is prepared, and in addition, depending on the number of Premier Tickets earned (one or two), there are some types of variation patterns that may or may not include a re-lottery. The specific example of the aspect of the change display game used as a big hit and the rank-up effect aspect is shown. Although not shown in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, when the lottery result is out, even if a premier ticket is acquired, as shown in FIG. Display control is performed so that the ticket icon disappears.

  FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 show how the game progresses when the original hit is “per probability 15R” and there are two lotteries during the change and two tickets are acquired within a predetermined period. Show. In this case, in the variable display game, the re-lottery display of FIG. 26 (c) is started from the temporary stop with the normal symbol of FIG. 26 (b), and in the scene of FIG. When this embodiment is applied, what should be generated clearly indicates “per 10R”, which is lower in value than the original “per 15R”, as shown in FIG. After finishing the variable display game, at the time of the third round change in the special game state, the rank up time appears as shown in FIG. 27E, and one premier ticket is digested as if "Is performed as if it was ranked up (" f "in FIG. 27). After that, when the fifth round is switched, the rank-up time appears again as shown in FIG. 27 (g), and one more premier ticket is consumed to obtain “+5 rounds”. An effect (FIG. 27h) is performed as if it was ranked up.

  As described above, when the present embodiment is applied and the above-described effect control is performed, the variable display game and the big hit control which are variously modified can be performed, and the interest of the game is enhanced. It is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special stop mode, and it is advantageous for the player to continue to win the premier ticket without stopping. It can be made to recognize, and it can prevent the occurrence of a stoppage as much as possible.

  In addition, by displaying the game value that is lower to the player than the original determined game value as the game value specified before the execution of the re-variation effect, the game value is changed to the original determined game value. Therefore, it is possible to realize a gaming machine in which both the player and the game hall can obtain satisfaction. Furthermore, when a plurality of detection memories are stored as a plurality of rank-up rights, and a plurality of detection memories are stored, the game value is different from the determined game value determined based on the start winning (for example, probability variation 15R jackpot) By specifying the determined game value (probable 15R jackpot with high value for the player) after clearly indicating the number of detected memories (for example, the normal 10R jackpot or the probable 10R jackpot having low value for the player), one fluctuation display Since the game value given to the player as a result of the game changes (ranks up) a plurality of times, the player's sense of expectation can be further enhanced.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example and is not restrictive. For example, in the above-described embodiment, there are six types of jackpots, and there are cases where there are some types of fluctuation patterns that include re-lottery during fluctuation and those that do not include re-lottery. Of course, the present invention can be applied to the case where the number of types is less than 6, and the case where the number is more than 6 types. Further, the rank-up right (premier ticket) that can be acquired by the player is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

  If there are too many detection memories that can be acquired by the player, the effect based on the detection memory is excessively performed and the effect is diminished. However, by limiting the number of detection memories, the effect can be improved. It is possible to prevent fading, and if the number of detected memories is greater than the type of game value, the promotion based on the detected memory will cause the promotion effect to a high value game value to be lost, but the type of game value By storing the detection memory with the smaller number as the upper limit, it is possible to prevent the promotion effect from becoming idle as much as possible, and to avoid dissatisfaction with the player.

  In the embodiment, the number of acquired rights is indicated by displaying a plurality of tickets. However, the color of the ticket may be changed from, for example, silver to gold. Further, the right may be represented by an icon (for example, a medal) other than the ticket. Further, in the above embodiment, the jackpot rank is increased by digesting the acquired ticket, but the rank display of the variable display game is increased by digesting the acquired ticket, for example, the upgrade from normal reach to special reach or change without re-drawing You may comprise so that a display game may be upgraded to the variable display game with a re-lottery.

  In the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and other games using a gaming ball such as an arrangement ball gaming machine or a sparrow ball gaming machine. It is also applicable to the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 101 Front frame 102 Main body frame 103 Hinge 104 Glass frame 105 Game board 106 Decoration apparatus 107 Illumination unit 108 Opening and closing panel 109 Upper plate 110 Fixed panel 111 Lower plate 113 Production button (operation means)
115 Cover glass (transparent material)
32 General prize opening 33 General prize opening 33 Ordinary variable prize winning equipment 34 Start prize opening (starting area)
35 Regular variation winning device 36 Special variation winning device 37 Special figure / multi-purpose display device 39 Out port 51 Game area 53 General-purpose starting gate 58 Display device (variable display device)
120 payout control device 130 presentation control device 200 game control device 230 game microcomputer 233 RAM (appropriate result storage means)
300 Center case 310 Enclosure frame 320 Special warp passage (ball flow down)
355 communication path (specific area)
356 Production gate switch (falling ball detection means)
340 Decoration member 350 First stage member (ball flow down)
360 Normal warp passage 370 Second stage member

Claims (7)

Start memory means capable of extracting a random number and storing it as a start memory within a predetermined number range based on the passage of the game ball to the start area disposed in the game area;
A variable display game control means for executing a variable display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information in a variable display on a variable display device for a predetermined time based on the start storage stored in the start storage means ;
In the gaming machine capable of generating a special game state that gives a predetermined game value advantageous to the player when the stop mode of the variable display game becomes a predetermined special stop mode,
The random number includes at least a first random number for determining whether or not to generate the special gaming state, and a second random number for determining a type of game value to be given to the player in the special gaming state. Including
Game result determining means capable of pre- determining whether or not the variable display game is to be the special stop mode based on the first random number of the start memory stored in the start storage means;
A game value determining means for predetermining the type of game value given to the Yu technique's in the basis of the second random number stored starting memories to start memory means, the special game state,
Game value specifying means for clearly indicating information indicating the determined game value determined by the game value determining means to the player in a predetermined explicit manner;
A falling ball detection means capable of detecting that a game ball has passed through a specific area provided in the game area;
Monitoring state generating means capable of generating a monitoring state for monitoring the inflow of game balls to the specific area based on the fact that a predetermined monitoring condition is established during the variable display game;
Detection memory means capable of storing the detection result as detection memory based on the fact that the falling ball detection means detects a game ball during the monitoring state ,
The game value specifying means is an explicit mode of information indicating the determined game value in accordance with the type of the determined game value determined by the game value determining means and the storage state of the detection memory stored in the detection storage means. A gaming machine characterized by having different numbers. A monitoring state notification means capable of recognizing to the player that the monitoring state is occurring using a predetermined notification unit;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is provided in the vicinity of the specific area . When the detection storage is stored in the detection storage means, the game value specifying means first specifies information indicating a game value that is the same value or a low value as the determined game value, and then the detection storage claim game value granted only to the player a number of times corresponding to the number of stored executes the promotion effect of whether to promote, characterized in that demonstrates the information indicating the final the determined game value 1 Or the gaming machine of 2. The game value specifying means executes the promotion effect at a predetermined timing from the start of the variable display game serving as the special stop mode to the end of the special game state generated thereafter. 3. The gaming machine according to 3. The game area includes a variable winning device that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can be received and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be received,
The special gaming state is to convert the variable winning device to the open state a plurality of times across an interval for temporarily converting the variable winning device to the closed state,
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the game value specifying means executes the promotion effect at a predetermined number of intervals during the special gaming state . The variable display game includes a game in which the plurality of types of identification information are displayed in a variable manner, temporarily stopped, displayed again in a variable manner, and then stopped.
A plurality of the special stop modes are set by a combination of a plurality of identification information, and each of the plurality of special stop modes is associated with any kind of game value ,
Before Symbol game value emphasizer is a special stop mode is provisionally stopped in the variable display games, setting a special stop mode having a type corresponding to a game value serving as the decision game value and equal value or low-value The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein: The monitoring state generating means generates the monitoring state based on the start memory reaching the predetermined number during the execution of the variable display game, and only a predetermined period before the variable display game is stopped. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the monitoring state is terminated .

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