JP5767600B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays a symbol on a symbol display device in a variable manner, stops the symbol in a predetermined manner, and generates a predetermined gaming state, and particularly relates to a gaming machine capable of improving the game taste.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known.
The technique described in Patent Document 1 determines a hit / miss when the determination execution condition is satisfied, and when the determination result is determined to be a hit, this symbol is displayed in a hit arrangement, and when the determination result is determined to be a failure, Display this symbol in an array. Further, when displaying the hit arrangement, the pseudo symbol is displayed with the pseudo hit arrangement corresponding to the hit arrangement, and when displaying the outlier, the pseudo design is displayed with the pseudo outlier corresponding to the outlier.
The conventional gaming machine includes a main control board and a plurality of sub control boards, and each sub control board operates based on a control command from the main control board. As typical examples, for example, techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are known.

Japanese Patent No. 2954859 JP 2001-70586 A JP 2003-265806 A

  By the way, some gaming machines such as pachinko machines have a plurality of game states prepared after the jackpot. For example, in the case of a gaming machine with a so-called time-saving function that shortens the time required to change a symbol, if the symbol of the symbol display device is a big hit with an odd number of eyes, the probability of a big hit is higher than normal and the short When a game state consisting of a short-acting state occurs when the function is activated, and the symbol on the symbol display device is a big hit with an even number of eyes, the low-probability state and the short-term function are not activated. A gaming state consisting of a short time non-operating state occurs. That is, as the gaming state after the big hit, a first gaming state consisting of a high probability state and a short time operating state and a second gaming state consisting of a low probability state and a short time non-operating state are prepared.

Such a gaming machine is prohibited from associating a plurality of gaming states with one combination of stop symbols by a rule such as a law. That is, when the symbol is “111” and the big hit, the first gaming state or the second gaming state cannot be selectively generated. Therefore, a player who has been playing a game for a long period of time can predict a gaming state that will occur afterwards from a combination of stop symbols, so there is a problem that there is little unexpectedness and the game taste is reduced.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the taste of the game by solving the problems of the conventional techniques.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is a lottery means for executing a special lottery for determining whether or not to cause a special prize state that is a gaming state in which a special winning opening is opened. And a plurality of first display areas capable of performing variable display and stop display of the first symbol, and a second display area capable of performing variable display and stop display of the second symbol. a performance symbol display means having said provided separately from the presentation pattern display unit, specially for informing whether to rise to corresponding and the prize state symbols displayed on the presentation pattern display unit to the player Based on a special symbol display means for displaying a symbol and the result of the special prize lottery, a first stop mode that is a mode of the first symbol to be stopped and displayed in the plurality of first display areas is determined, Said second table Stop symbol determining means for determining a second stop mode, which is a mode of the second symbol to be stopped and displayed in the area, and the first stop mode and the second stop mode determined by the stop symbol determining unit Display control means for performing stop display of the first symbol in each of the plurality of first display areas and performing stop display of the second symbol in the second display area; A gaming machine equipped with, as the special prize state, at least a first special prize state in which a probability that the next special prize state will occur after the completion of the special prize state is the same probability as before the special prize state; and And a plurality of types of second special prize states in which the probability that the next special prize state will occur after the completion of the special prize state is included, and the second special prize state is included in the second special prize state. When there is a third special prize state in which the opening time of the grand prize opening is extremely shorter than the special prize state, and the stop symbol determining means determines that the special prize state is not caused based on the special prize lottery, As the first stop mode, an irregular mode in which the first symbols that are stopped and displayed in the plurality of first display areas are an irregular combination is created, and the first mode is set as the second stop mode. If it is determined and the third special prize state is determined to be generated based on the special prize lottery, the first stop mode is uneven as in the case where it is determined not to cause the special prize state. And a different stop mode from the case where it is determined not to cause the special prize state to be generated as the second stop mode.

If it is such a structure, when it is determined not to cause a special prize state based on the special prize lottery, an irregular form is created as the first stop form, and the first form is used as the second stop form. decide.
In addition, when it is decided to cause the third special prize state based on the special prize lottery, an irregular form is created as the first stop mode as in the case where it is decided not to cause the special prize state. In addition, a stop mode different from the case where it is determined not to cause the special prize state is selected as the second stop mode.

Therefore, a player who plays a game paying attention to the first symbol appears as if different gaming states occur with the same symbol of the stop symbol. Further, when a large number of game states are prepared, the number of stop symbols of the second symbol may be increased.
Therefore, according to the gaming machine according to the first invention, it is possible to improve the taste of the game.
A gaming machine according to a second invention is characterized in that, in the gaming machine according to the first invention, the release time of the third special prize state is several milliseconds.

A gaming machine according to a third invention is the gaming machine according to the first or second invention, wherein the second stop mode is such that the plurality of types of the second special prize states are identified by a plurality of types of colors. It is possible.
According to the gaming machine according to the third invention, it is possible to further improve the taste of the game.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the combination of the stop pattern of the first symbol and the stop pattern of the second symbol gives the player an unexpectedness, so that it is possible to improve the game taste. Become.

It is the figure which showed typically the front part of the game board surface 102 in a pachinko machine, especially the part required for description. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game control device 200. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a control command. It is a timing chart which shows the input / output timing of a control command. It is a figure which shows the content of the control command output from the main control board. FIG. 12 shows the contents of control commands output from the effect control device 150. It is a figure which shows the aspect of the stop symbol of a production | presentation symbol and a function symbol. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a game state and a stop symbol. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the table 400 for special symbol determination. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the game state determination table 440. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number update process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning switch input process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a stop symbol determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol control process. It is a figure which shows the display screen of the production symbol display apparatus 104. FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 18 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine in which a plurality of symbols are variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 104, as shown in FIG.
First, the configuration of the game board surface 102 in the pachinko machine will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a front portion of a game board surface 102 in a pachinko machine, particularly a portion necessary for explanation.
In FIG. 1, an effect symbol display device 104 that displays the effect symbols independently in three regions is provided at substantially the center of the game board surface 102. The effect symbol display device 104 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum variably displayed by the rotation of a motor, and the like. An effect design composed of symbols and the like is variably displayed. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 104 is a variable display device that can display an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image, and can display various effect symbols on the effect symbol display device 104.

A special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116 is provided above the effect symbol display device 104. The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116 holds the information of each game ball won in the start winning slot 111 or the ordinary electric accessory 112 during the variation of the special symbol for each game ball on the RAM of the main control board. Lights in conjunction with storing in the area, and notifies the number of times that the symbol can be continuously changed.
Above the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116, a winning prize opening 121 is provided for allowing a game ball to be always awarded.

A left shoulder winning port 122 and a right shoulder winning port 123 are provided on the left and right sides of the effect symbol display device 104 so that game balls can always be won, respectively, and the game balls are below the winning ports 122 and 123, respectively. Left sleeve winning opening 124 and right sleeve winning opening 125 are provided.
Below the effect symbol display device 104 is provided a start winning opening 111 that allows a game ball to be always won. When the game ball wins, the start winning port 111 detects the winning of the game ball based on a detection signal of a start winning port switch 131 (not shown) inside the pachinko machine, and the effect symbol display device 104 and the special symbol display device 106 change. Give an opportunity to start displaying. The variation display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is stopped after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and a lottery result notification and effect are performed.

  On the right side of the start winning opening 111, a special symbol display device 106 is provided that displays the special symbols in two regions while independently varying them. The special symbol display device 106 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, and the like, and variably displays a special symbol composed of a plurality of numbers, symbols, and the like. In the present embodiment, the special symbol display device 106 is a two-digit 7-segment LED. Here, the case where the stop symbols of the special symbol display device 106 are in a specific combination is referred to as “special prize state” (bonus), and the “special prize” means that the gaming state pays out a large number of prize balls to the player. The point which transfers to the advantageous state which gives predetermined | prescribed game value, such as. Further, the special symbol corresponds to the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 104.

On the right side of the special symbol display device 106, there is provided a game state display device 109 for notifying the state of the pachinko machine such as during a big hit (during a special prize state) or during a symbol variation time shortening control (so-called short time). The gaming state display device 109 is a display device made up of LEDs, for example, and notifies the gaming state by lighting or flashing.
A normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117 is provided below the start winning opening 111. The normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117 stores information on each game ball that has passed through the operation gates 113 and 114 during fluctuation of the normal symbol in a holding area for each game ball on the RAM of the main control board. It lights in conjunction and notifies the number of times that the normal symbol can be changed continuously.

Below the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 117, a normal symbol display device 108 is provided for displaying the normal symbol consisting of a one-digit number from “0” to “9” while varying it. The normal symbol display device 108 is, for example, a 7 segment LED.
Actuating gates 113 and 114 are provided on both the left and right sides of the normal symbol display device 108 so that the game ball can always pass therethrough. When the game ball passes, the operation gates 113 and 114 detect the passage of the game ball by the detection signal of the internal operation gate switch, and give an opportunity to start the variable display of the normal symbol display device 108.

  Below the normal symbol display device 108, when the symbols displayed in the three areas of the production symbol display device 104 become a big hit symbol under normal conditions, the game is opened in a predetermined pattern. A grand prize opening 115 is provided to allow a ball to be awarded. When the special symbol display device 106 has a specific combination of stop symbols (that is, when it becomes a special prize), the special prize opening 115 is opened / closed on the entire surface of the special prize opening 115 in the subsequent special prize state. The member performs opening and closing operations. During the occurrence of the special prize state, the opening / closing member opens almost horizontally and accepts a large number of game balls. When a game ball wins, the big prize opening 115 counts the number of game balls won by a detection signal of a big prize opening switch 132 (not shown) inside the pachinko machine, and pays out the prize ball when winning. The opening of the special winning opening 115 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, ten predetermined winning prize winning numbers, for example) are won. One opening of the big prize opening 115 is called a round. The round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues until the maximum round.

  Each of the left and right sides of the grand prize winning hole 115 is provided with a left falling prize winning hole 126 and a right falling prize winning hole 127 that allow a game ball to be always awarded. When the number displayed on the normal symbol display device 108 is in a specific state in a state, a normal electric accessory 112 is provided that is open in a predetermined pattern and allows a game ball to be won. When the game ball wins, the ordinary electric accessory 112 detects the game ball winning by the detection signal of the winning port switch inside the pachinko machine, and gives an opportunity to start the variable display of the special symbol display device 106.

An out port 110 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the above winning ports or the like is provided below the ordinary electric accessory 112 and below the game board surface 102.
Note that, hereinafter, a gaming state in which the probability of entering the special prize state after completion of the special prize state is higher than normal is referred to as “probability variation state”, and a gaming state other than the special prize state and the probability variation state is referred to as “normal state”.

Next, the configuration of the game control device 200 in the pachinko machine will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game control device 200.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 200 is mainly composed of a main control board 210 (main control unit), an effect control device 150 (effect control unit), and a symbol control device 152 (effect symbol display control unit). Consists of two control units. In order to prevent fraud, etc., each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board for each function, and can be directly or indirectly connected to transmit data to each other or in one direction. The main control board 210 transmits a control command and controls the entire game in accordance with a random number generated internally based on the detection of the game ball by winning at the start winning opening 111, and also displays the special symbol display device 106. Control directly.

The effect control device 150 transmits a control command (second control command) for controlling the symbol control device 152 in accordance with a control command (first control command) transmitted from the main control board 210, and a game Control of blinking of lamps provided in the area and the like and output control of sound output from the speaker of the pachinko machine.
The symbol control device 152 controls the effect symbol display device 104 in accordance with a control command (second control command) transmitted from the effect control device 150.
The main control board 210 includes a CPU 220, a ROM 230, a RAM 240, an input port 250 and an output port 255.

  The output port 255 includes a special symbol display output port for outputting to the special symbol display device 106, a normal symbol display output port for outputting to the normal symbol display device 108, and a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116. Special symbol operation memory indicator light port for performing output, normal symbol operation memory indicator light port for performing output to the normal symbol operation memory indicator light 117, and command output for the effect control device performing output to the effect control device 150 A prize ball payout that outputs to a prize ball payout control device 156 that performs payout control of a prize ball to a prize ball payout device and a port (sends a first control command such as a symbol designation command or a variation pattern command). An output port, a large winning port solenoid output port for performing output to the large winning port solenoid 158 that opens and closes the large winning port 115, and an output to the gaming state display device 109. Cormorants and gaming state display output port, consisting of an external information output ports 256 Metropolitan for outputting to an external hall computer. The symbol designation command (first control command) is a control command that designates the symbol to be displayed and the symbol to stop function that are displayed on the symbol design display device 104. What is the variation pattern command (first control command)? This is a control command for designating the mode of screen fluctuation such as reach, disappointment, special prize, etc. displayed on the effect symbol display device 104.

  Although not shown, the external information output port 256 includes at least a first signal generation unit that is a first signal generation unit and a second signal generation unit that is a second signal generation unit. The first signal generator generates a signal that is output during the state so that a state such as the jackpot information signal can be identified. The output time varies depending on the state and the like. For example, the second signal generation unit detects a change in a state such as a symbol determination number information signal and generates a signal. Further, since the output time informs the detection, it is output for a preset period.

  The main control board 210 receives detection signals from the start winning port switch 131, the big winning port switch 132, and other various winning port switches 133 via the input port 250 and processes them. The main control board 210 is connected to the special symbol display device 106, the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 116, the normal symbol display device 108, the normal symbol operation memory indicator light 117, the big prize opening solenoid 158, and the external information output via the output port 255. And the game state display device 109 are controlled. Here, “control” is a process of changing the special symbol by, for example, the main control board 210 sending a control signal related to display driving directly from the output port 255 to the special symbol display device 106. For example, it includes sending a signal (command) from the CPU 220 directly without judgment by another CPU or controlling without a time delay (time lag) due to an interrupt or the like. Further, the main control board 210 transmits an effect control command (a first control command such as a symbol designation command or a variation pattern command) to the effect control device 150 to control the effect control device 150 by command transmission.

The ROM 230 stores a program for controlling the pachinko machine executed by the main control board 210. The ROM 230 further stores values of various parameters for controlling the pachinko machine including a symbol designation command for controlling the effect control device 150 and a variation pattern command.
The RAM 240 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control board 210, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, and the like, and has a holding memory for storing information of each holding ball. .

The RAM 240 stores a control command to be output in a predetermined area, and when the power is restored from a power failure, the contents of the RAM 240 are restored to the state immediately before the power failure, and the control command to be output from the RAM 240 is output to shut off the power. Return the gaming state to the previous state.
A power supply circuit 212 for supplying power is connected to the main control board 210. When the power supply circuit 212 detects that the voltage of the power supply line supplied to the entire main control board 210 has become equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage value, the power supply circuit 212 sends a power-off detection signal indicating that the power supply is cut off to the CPU 220. Output. When power-off is detected, the power line supplied to the entire main control board 210 is switched to a power line directly connected to the CPU 220 when the power is cut off. Thereby, since power is supplied to the RAM 240 from the power supply line directly connected to the CPU 220, information can be held.

The effect control device 150 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, and an output port, like the main control board 210. A control command (first control command such as a symbol designating command) transmitted from the main control board 210 is received, a liquid crystal display control command (second control command) is generated in accordance with the symbol designating command, and the symbol control device 152. The effect control device 150 performs lamp blinking control, which is control of the indicator lamp 153, sound effect output control, which is control of the sound effect output device 155, and the like. In this way, the effect control device 150 is useful for reducing the load on the main control board 210 by performing specialized control related to effects such as liquid crystal display, lamp blinking, and sound effect generation.
The symbol control device 152 receives the liquid crystal display control command (second control command) transmitted from the effect control device 150, and fluctuates / stops the effect symbol and the function symbol of the effect symbol display device 104 according to the liquid crystal display control command. Or a notice designation command selected / transmitted by the effect control device 150 and displaying a notice in advance.

Next, the structure and content of the control command output from the main control board 210 to the effect control device 150 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the control command.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control command is an identifier for identifying the classification of the control command, a mode (MODE) that is 1-byte digital data, and 1 byte indicating the content (function) of the control command to be executed. It consists of an event (EVENT) which is long digital data. The control command output from the effect control device 150 to the symbol control device 152 also has the same data structure.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the input / output timing of the control command.
In the main control board 210, as shown in FIG. 4, the mode (MODE) data is output in response to the first rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself when the command changes, and then the strobe signal (DUSTB) Event (EVENT) data is output in response to the second rising edge. Correspondingly, in the effect control device 150, the CPU generates an interrupt according to the input of the strobe signal (DUSTB), and the control command is stored in the RAM of the effect control device 150 by the interrupt process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the control command output from the main control board 210.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the control command includes a symbol designation command indicating that the gaming state is “short time”, a symbol designation command indicating that the gaming state is “probability 1”, and a gaming state. There are a symbol designation command indicating “probability 2”, a symbol designation command indicating that the gaming state is “2 rounds”, and a symbol designation command indicating that the gaming state is “out of place”. These are merely examples, and there are many other types of control commands.

Next, the structure and content of the control command output from the effect control device 150 to the symbol control device 152 will be described.
The data structure and input / output timing of the control command are the same as those of the control command from the main control board 210, as shown in FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the control command output from the effect control device 150.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the control command includes a liquid crystal display control command for stopping the effect symbol in any one of nine combinations of “000” to “999” that are formed in a wide area, A liquid crystal display control command for stopping the effect symbol with a break when the game state is "2 rounds", and a liquid crystal display control for stopping the effect symbol with a break when the game state is "out" There are a command and a liquid crystal display control command for stopping the function symbol in any of red, green, blue, orange and pink. These are merely examples, and there are many other types of control commands.

Next, an aspect of the stop symbol of the effect symbol and the function symbol will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the stop symbols of the effect symbol and the function symbol.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of a special combination such as an odd number of eyes in the combination of production symbols, for example, “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, and “999” , 5 types of functional symbols are associated with each other. All of these combinations indicate 15 rounds of specific symbol 1.

  Further, in the case of a specific combination such as an even number of eyes in the combination of effect symbols, for example, “000”, “222”, “444”, “666”, and “888” Function symbols are associated. This combination indicates a 15-round short symbol or a 15-round specific symbol 2. For example, when the combination of the stop symbol of the effect symbol is “000” and the mode of the stop symbol of the function symbol is red, the symbol for the 15th round is shown.

  Further, in the case of a combination other than a special combination such as an odd-numbered or even-numbered slot among the combinations of effect symbols, five types of function symbols are associated with each other. This combination shows a two-round specific symbol or an outlier symbol. For example, when the combination of the stop symbols of the effect symbols is disjoint and the mode of the stop symbol of the function symbols is red, the off symbol is shown.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the gaming state and the stop symbol.
In the pachinko machine, as shown in FIG. 8, five types of game states of “time reduction”, “probability change 1”, “probability change 2”, “2 rounds”, and “out of play” are defined. Each gaming state is identified by gaming state numbers 00H to 03H and 0AH.
When the gaming state becomes “short time”, the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol and the function symbol with the 15-round hour symbol. “Time short” is the maximum number of times the winning opening 115 is opened at the time of the big hit, that is, the maximum number of continuations of the round is 15, and no promotion effect is generated during the big hit, and the variation time of the symbol in the gaming state after the big hit This is a gaming state that is controlled so as to be shortened and to be in a normal state.

  When the gaming state is “probability 1”, the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol and the function symbol at the 15-round specific symbol 1. “Probability variation 1” has a maximum round of 15 times, notifies the fact that the probability variation state when the jackpot is determined, does not generate a promotion effect during the jackpot, in the game state after the jackpot ends It is a gaming state that is controlled so as to be in a probability variation state without shortening the variation time.

  When the gaming state is “probability 2”, the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol and the function symbol at the 15-round specific symbol 2. In “Probability 2”, the maximum number of continuations of the round is 15, and when the jackpot is determined, the effect symbol display device 104 does not notify that it is in the probability variation state, and the promotion effect is generated during the jackpot and the probability variation state is entered. Is a gaming state that is controlled so as to be in a probability variation state without reducing the symbol variation time in the gaming state after the jackpot ends. In addition, in the symbol variation of the effect symbol when the “probability change 2” is caused, the 15-round specific symbol 2 is displayed before the promotion effect, and the 15-round specific symbol 1 is displayed after the promotion effect. In addition, what is changed by the promotion effect is the effect symbol and the function symbol, and the special symbol is not changed.

  When the gaming state is “2 rounds”, the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbols and function symbols with the two round specific symbols. In “2 rounds”, the maximum number of continuations of the round is 2 times. When the jackpot is decided, the stage control is different from the continuation jackpot of 15 times, and no promotion effect is generated during the jackpot. It is a gaming state that is controlled so as to be in a probability variation state without shortening the symbol variation time. In addition, the opening time of the winning prize opening 115 is several ms, which is extremely shorter than the normal big hit time. In this way, since the period of one round is short and the maximum number of continuations of the round is only two times, the chance of winning a prize is less likely to occur for a player than a big hit (15 times) without a special prize state occurring. Unexpectedness can be given as if it suddenly changed to a fluctuating state. In addition, it is easy for game shops to make a balance between the probability of winning and operation.

When the gaming state is “out of”, the effect symbol display device 104 is controlled to stop the effect symbol and the function symbol with the error symbol.
Promotion effect is effect control performed to notify the player whether or not to shift to the probability variation state, while the symbol that stopped when the jackpot occurred was the normal symbol, while during the jackpot effect The player is notified of the change to the probability variation state through the effect control. In this case, although it is actually a jackpot where the probability fluctuation state has been fixed internally, it seems that it changed (promoted) during the subsequent jackpot processing after first displaying the effect as if it was hit with a normal symbol first. It is something to make. In addition to the case where the promotion effect changes from the normal state to the probability variation state, for example, the promotion effect includes, for example, an increase in the number of round continuations performed at the time of the big hit (for example, an increase change from 6 rounds to 15 rounds), Further, the above contents may be combined.

  Further, the promotion effect may be generated for each round during the jackpot processing, or may be generated only for a specific round. Further, control may be performed so that the degree of reliability for promotion differs according to the round that occurs. If it occurs during the first round, the probability of promotion will be higher, and it can be controlled so that the probability decreases as the round progresses and approaches the end of the maximum number of continuations, and vice versa. It can also be controlled. By controlling in this way, it is possible to further give the player an unexpectedness.

Next, the structure of the table used for determining the stop symbol combination will be described.
The ROM 230 stores a special symbol determination table 400 used for determining a combination of stop symbols of special symbols displayed on the special symbol display device 106.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure of the special symbol determination table 400.
In the special symbol determination table 400, as shown in FIG. 9, 100 records are registered. Each record includes a field in which a numerical value on the left side of the special symbol is registered and a field in which a numerical value on the right side of the special symbol is registered. Obtain a random number that can take any value in the numerical value range from “0” to “99” (hereinafter referred to as stop symbol determination random number), read the numerical value from the record of the rank of the acquired random number value, and stop the special symbol The symbol is determined to the read numerical value. For example, when the random value is “97”, a numerical value is acquired from the 98th record. In the example of FIG. 9, since “9” and “7” are read from the special symbol determination table 400, the special symbol stops at “97”.

If it is determined that the game is out of place as a result of the jackpot lottery, a special symbol determination table for offset is provided in addition to the special symbol determination table 400, and the stop symbol is determined from the special symbol determination table for loss. May be.
The ROM 230 further stores a game state determination table 440 used to determine a game state that occurs after the jackpot.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure of the gaming state determination table 440. As shown in FIG.
In the gaming state determination table 440, as shown in FIG. 10, 100 records are registered. Each record includes a field in which a game state number is registered. A random number that can take any value within the numerical value range of “0” to “99” (hereinafter referred to as jackpot type determination random number) is acquired, and the game state number is read from the record of the rank of the acquired random number value. The gaming state to be generated is determined as the gaming state specified by the read gaming state number. For example, when the random number value is “97”, the gaming state number is acquired from the 98th record. In the example of FIG. 10, since “01H” is read from the gaming state determination table 440, referring to FIG. 8, “probability change 1” occurs.

Next, game control processing executed on the main control board 210 will be described.
The CPU 220 includes a microprocessing unit and the like, and operates based on a game control program that can execute one cycle with a predetermined operation clock (for example, 4 [ms]), and is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 230. Is started, and the game control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is executed.

First, the game control process will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the game control process.
When the game control process is executed by the CPU 220, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the process proceeds to step S100.
In step S100, initialization processing of the CPU 220 is executed, the process proceeds to step S102, and an interrupt permission instruction for executing the interrupt processing of FIG. Accordingly, the interrupt process of FIG. 12 is executed in parallel with the game control process at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 [ms]).

Next, the process proceeds to step S104, and effect control random numbers (for example, a random number used to determine a variation pattern, a reach determination random number, a random number for determining the type of symbol to be displayed, and a notice effect random number) are generated. The random number update process to update is performed and it transfers to step S106.
In step S106, it is determined whether or not the interrupt process of FIG. 12 has been executed a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) after the game control process has been executed, and when it is determined that the interrupt process has been executed a predetermined number of times (Yes) ) Shifts to step S108 to execute jackpot determination processing for determining a jackpot and determining a symbol variation pattern, and then shifts to step S110.

The process proceeds to step S110, and the electric accessory actuating process for opening the special winning opening 115 in a predetermined pattern is executed, and the process proceeds to step S112 to control the prize ball payout control device 156 to perform a payout operation. A prize-ball payout management process for storing the command in a predetermined area of the RAM 240 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S114.
In step S114, an external information output process for outputting an external information signal related to game control to the hall computer via the external information output port 256 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, a gaming machine inspection signal output process for outputting a gaming machine inspection signal necessary for the inspection of the pachinko machine is executed. In step S116, a gaming machine inspection signal is output, but when installed in a gaming store, the pachinko machine does not include a control unit that receives the gaming machine inspection signal. This is because it is a signal required at the time of inspection in an inspection organization. In some cases, the process of step S116 can be omitted.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S118, and a port output process for outputting the control command stored in the RAM 240 to the effect control device 150 via the effect control device command output port is executed. First, a strobe signal is output to the effect control device 150, and a control command including a mode and an event is output. As a result, a control command (first control command) is output to the effect control device 150. Also, the control information from the main control board 210 is output as it is to the special symbol display device 106, the big prize opening solenoid 158, the game state display device 109, and the like.

Next, the process proceeds to step S120, where it is determined whether or not a power-off detection signal is input from the power supply circuit 212. When it is determined that the power-off detection signal is input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S122.
In step S122, return information necessary for restoring the contents of the RAM 240 is generated, the generated restoration information is stored in the RAM 240, and a backup process for switching the CPU 220 to the power saving mode is executed. The backup process includes a process for setting a backup flag and a process for performing a checksum.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S120 that the power-off detection signal is not input (No), and when it is determined in step S106 that the interrupt process has not been executed a predetermined number of times after the game control process has been executed (No). In any case, the process proceeds to step S104.

Next, interrupt processing will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the interrupt process.
When the interrupt process is executed by the CPU 220, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the process proceeds to step S150.
In step S150, a random control random number (eg, a random number used in a big lottery for determining whether or not to generate a big hit (hereinafter referred to as a big hit random number), a big hit type determined random number, a stop symbol, and the like directly related to the determination of the big ball A random number update process for updating the determined random number is executed, and the effect control random number updated in step S104 is also updated.

Next, the process proceeds to step S152, where a winning switch input process for inputting a detection signal from the start winning opening switch 131 and checking a winning is executed, and a series of processes are terminated and the original process is restored.
Next, the random number update process in step S150 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing random number update processing.
When the random number update process is executed in the CPU 220, the process first proceeds to step S170 as shown in FIG.

In step S170, an initial value update random number for winning determined random number for updating the initial value of the winning determined random number is set as the winning determined random number, the process proceeds to step S172, the winning determined random number is added, and the process proceeds to step S174. .
In step S174, it is determined whether or not the winning random number has reached a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 498). When it is determined that the predetermined upper limit value has been reached (Yes), the process proceeds to step S176. The initial value update random number for winning determination random number for updating the initial value of the winning determination random number is set as the winning determination random number, and the process proceeds to step S172.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S174 that the winning random number does not reach the predetermined upper limit (No), the process proceeds to step S172.
Thus, since the initial value changes every time the winning random number makes a round, the winning random number cannot be easily predicted.
Although illustration is omitted, the process of updating the jackpot type determination random number, the stop symbol determination random number and other random numbers for controlling the play is similarly performed in this random number update process.

Next, the winning switch input process in step S122 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a winning switch input process.
When the winning switch input process is executed in step S122, the process first proceeds to step S200 as shown in FIG.
In step S200, an input port reading process for reading the detection signal from the start winning port switch 131 from a predetermined port of the input port 250 corresponding to the start winning port switch 131 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S202. Based on the processing result, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input from the start winning a prize opening switch 131. When it is determined that a detection signal is input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, it is determined whether or not the number of winning game balls to the start winning opening 111 is “4” or more, and when it is determined that the number of winning game balls is less than “4” (No), step S206. Then, “1” is added to the number of winning game balls, and the process proceeds to step S208.
In step S208, the winning determination random number, the jackpot type determining random number and the stop symbol determining random number are acquired from the corresponding random number counter, and the process proceeds to step S210, and the acquired random number values are stored in the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls. Each is stored in the area, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored. In step S210, for example, when the number of winning game balls is “1”, each acquired random number value is stored in the first area of the RAM 240 for storing random number values. Similarly, when the number of winning game balls is “2”, each acquired random number value is stored in the second area for storing random number values.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S204 that the number of winning game balls is “4” or more (Yes), or when it is determined in step S202 that a detection signal is not input from the start winning port switch 131 (No). Also, the series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.
Next, the jackpot determination process in step S108 will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the determination process of the normal symbol display apparatus 108. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the jackpot determination process.
The jackpot determination process sets a single jackpot value in a predetermined numerical range (for example, “0” to “398”) in order to cause a special prize state with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/399), and starts a winning prize. A process for obtaining a winning random number from a random number counter at a winning timing when a game ball wins in the mouth 111 and causing a special prize state when the acquired random number value matches the jackpot value, and is executed in step S108. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, first, the process proceeds to step S300.

In step S300, the effect symbol display device 104 determines whether or not the effect symbol is changing. When it is determined that the effect symbol is not changing (No), the process proceeds to step S302, and the number of winning game balls is “ It is determined whether or not it is 1 ”or more, and when it is determined that the number of winning game balls is“ 1 ”or more (Yes), the process proceeds to step S306.
In step S306, a winning random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls, and the process proceeds to step S308 to determine whether or not the read random number value matches the jackpot value. When it is determined that it has been done (Yes), the process proceeds to step S310.

In step S310, stop symbol determination processing for determining a special symbol mode is executed, and the process proceeds to step S312, and a control command for stopping the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 104 is stored in the RAM 240 in advance. The symbol variation stop process (stop symbol preparation process) stored in the area is executed, and the process proceeds to step S314.
In step S314, a symbol variation start process is executed in which a control command for starting variation of the effect symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240 in the effect symbol display device 104, and the process proceeds to step S316, where “ 1 "is subtracted, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S308 that the read random number value does not coincide with the jackpot value (No), the process proceeds to step S326 to indicate that it is a deviation from the normal state without causing the special prize state. decide. By this determination, a symbol designation command (“B1H 0AH” in FIG. 5) indicating that the gaming state is “out of game” is output to the effect control device 150.
When the process of step S326 ends, the process proceeds to step S312.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the number of winning game balls is “0” (No), or when it is determined in step S300 that the symbol is changing in the effect symbol display device 104 (Yes). Also, the series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.

Next, the stop symbol determination process in step S310 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the stop symbol determination process.
When the stop symbol determination process is executed in step S310, the process proceeds to step S400 as shown in FIG.
In step S400, a stop symbol determination random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls, and the process proceeds to step S402, and a numerical value that identifies a combination of stop symbols of the special symbol based on the read random number value. A special symbol stop symbol combination is determined by reading from the special symbol determination table 400, and the process proceeds to step S404, where command information for designating a special symbol stop symbol combination is determined based on the read numerical value. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240, and the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, a jackpot type determination random number is read from a predetermined area of the RAM 240 corresponding to the number of winning game balls, the process proceeds to step S408, and the game state number is read from the game state determination table 440 based on the read random number value. Thus, the game state is determined, the process proceeds to step S410, a symbol designation command indicating the game state corresponding to the read game state number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 240, and the process proceeds to step S412.

  In step S412, a probability variation flag and other various flags are set based on the read game state number, and the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored. When the probability variation state corresponding to the two-round specific symbol occurs, the indicator lamp 153 and the sound effect output device 155 are not notified, so the indicator light 153 and the sound effect output device are generated during the probability variation state occurrence. A control command dedicated to the probability variation state for controlling 155 is not stored in the RAM 240, and the same control as in the normal gaming state is performed.

Next, the symbol control process executed by the effect control device 150 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the symbol control process.
When the symbol control process is executed by the CPU of the effect control device 150, the process proceeds to step S500 as shown in FIG.
In step S500, it is determined whether or not a symbol designation command has been received. When it is determined that a symbol designation command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502, but when it is determined that this is not the case (No), The process waits in step S500 until a symbol designation command is received.

  In step S502, a random number is acquired from the random number counter of the effect control device 150, the process proceeds to step S504, and the combination of the stop symbols of the effect symbols is determined based on the received symbol designation command and the acquired random number value. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the symbol designating command is “B1H 00H”, “0”, “2”, ““ Any one of “4”, “6”, and “8” is determined. For example, when “8” is determined, “B1H 08H” is determined as the liquid crystal display control command as shown in FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to step S506, where the determined liquid crystal display control command is stored in the buffer, and the process proceeds to step S508.
In step S508, the function symbol stop symbol type is determined based on the received symbol designation command and the acquired random number value. As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, for example, when the symbol designating command is “B1H 00H”, the function symbol is stopped in red or green. To decide. For example, when red is determined, as shown in FIG. 6, “B2H 01H” is determined as the liquid crystal display control command.

Next, the process proceeds to step S510, the determined liquid crystal display control command is stored in the buffer, and the process proceeds to step S512, where the liquid crystal display control command stored in the buffer is transmitted to the symbol control device 152, and a series of End the process and return to the original process.
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine, the main control board 210 executes a game control process and enters a game-ready state. A player can play a game by loading the rented game ball into a pachinko machine and operating the launch handle to launch the game ball onto the game board surface 102.

  In a game-ready state, when a game ball launched on the game board surface 102 wins the start winning opening 111, a detection signal is output by the starting winning opening switch 131. In the main control board 210, when a detection signal is input from the start winning port switch 131, at almost the same timing, the winning decision random number, the big hit type determining random number and the stop symbol determining random number are obtained from the corresponding random number counter and stored in the RAM 240. The Then, the winning random number is read from the RAM 240. At this time, if it is determined that the read random number value matches the jackpot value, it is a jackpot.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display screen of the effect symbol display device 104.
When the jackpot is reached, the stop symbol determination random number is read from the RAM 240 through step S310, and the stop symbol form of the special symbol is determined based on the read random number value. The jackpot type determination random number is read from the RAM 240, the gaming state after the jackpot is determined based on the read random number value, and the symbol designation command corresponding to the determined gaming state is transmitted to the effect control device 150. The

  In the effect control device 150, when the symbol designating command is received, the random number is acquired from the random number counter through steps S500 to S512, and based on the received symbol designating command and the acquired random number value, the effect symbol and the function symbol stop symbol are displayed. Is determined. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the stop symbol of the effect symbol and the function symbol is variably displayed, and is stopped in the determined combination after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed. The effect design continues to be displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after the stop to notify the confirmed information, whereas the function design is erased from the display screen for a moment (for example, 1 second or less) after the stop. This is to prevent the player from recognizing as much as possible the stop pattern of the function symbol.

  For example, when the production symbol is stopped at “222”, if it is a conventional pachinko machine, after the special prize state is ended, it shifts to a low probability state in which the probability of being a big hit is normal. Therefore, a player who has been playing a game for a long period of time can predict a gaming state that will occur thereafter from a combination of stop symbols. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even if the production symbol stops at “222”, when the functional symbol stops in orange, it shifts to the low probability state after the special prize state ends, but the functional symbol is red. When it stops at, it shifts to a high probability state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than usual.

While the special prize state is occurring, the grand prize opening 115 is controlled to be opened and closed with a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and when a game ball wins the big prize opening 115, a predetermined number (for example, 15) ) Will be paid out.
In this way, in the present embodiment, the main control board 210 performs a lottery for causing one of a plurality of gaming states to be triggered by winning the start winning opening 111, and corresponds to the lottery result. When the symbol designating command is transmitted to the effect control device 152 and the received symbol designating command corresponds to the lottery result that should shift to the low probability state after the big hit, the symbol designating command is stopped. For example, “222” is determined as the stop symbol of the function symbol, for example, orange, and when the received symbol designation command corresponds to the lottery result that should shift to the high probability state after the big hit, The same “222” is determined as the stop symbol, and for example, red is determined as the stop symbol of the function symbol.

  This makes it possible for a player who is playing a game paying attention to the effect design to appear as if a different gaming state occurs with the same combination of stop symbols, and thus gives the player an unexpectedness compared to the conventional game. Can improve the taste of the game. In addition, when a large number of gaming states are prepared, it is only necessary to increase the number of stop symbols of function symbols having low visibility, so that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the gaming property becomes complicated as compared with the prior art.

  Furthermore, the main control board 210 only needs to transmit a symbol designating command corresponding to the gaming state. Therefore, when the occurrence probability of the gaming state is different between series, the symbols are allocated in designing the main control board 210 of those series. There is no need to create a table for use. In addition, since the main control board 210 does not require processing for determining the stop symbols of the effect symbols and function symbols, the number of changes in the main control program can be reduced. Furthermore, since the stop symbol pattern only needs to be associated with the game state to be generated, the design change of the effect control device 152 is not necessary, and the effect control device 152 can be diverted between the series. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the design between series as compared with the conventional case.

Further, in the present embodiment, control is performed to variably display the function symbol by a change in color that is smaller than the effect symbol.
Thereby, since it becomes easy to pay attention to the effect design, it is possible to give the player a further surprise and further improve the game taste.
In the above-described embodiment, the function symbol is configured with a size smaller than the effect symbol and only the color, but is not limited thereto, and can be configured with the same combination as the effect symbol. For example, if the production symbol and the functional symbol are stopped at “7777”, the maximum number of rounds is 15 times, and if the production symbol and the functional symbol are stopped at “777x” (x is other than 7), Alternatively, the maximum number of continuations may be 6 times.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the function symbol was comprised as a symbol of the effect symbol display apparatus 104, not only this but the method of displaying with the effect symbol display device 104, the method of displaying with the indicator lamp 153, and a sound effect A plurality of notification methods using different media, such as a method for outputting sound effects with the output device 155, are prepared, and a numerical value for specifying a stop pattern of the functional symbol is read from the effect symbol determination table 420, and the read numerical value is used. It can also be configured to perform notification by a corresponding notification method. For example, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a result that should shift to a low probability state after the jackpot, “222” is determined as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, the effect symbol is stopped at “222” and the indicator lamp 153 is set to the predetermined value. When the jackpot lottery result is a result that should shift to a high probability state after jackpot, the same “222” is determined as the stop symbol of the production symbol, and the production symbol is stopped at “222” And a sound effect output device 155 outputs a predetermined sound effect. Also in this case, as described above, normal control may be resumed immediately after output.
Thereby, since it becomes easy to pay attention to the effect design, it is possible to give the player a further surprise and further improve the game taste.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the game control program stored in advance in the ROM 230 is executed in the execution of the game control process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 16 has been described. Instead, the program may be read from the storage medium storing the program showing these procedures into the RAM 240 and executed. The same applies to the symbol control process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine that is a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other gaming machines such as an amusement game machine or the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also applicable to.

104 effect symbol display device 106 special symbol display device 108 normal symbol display device 112 normal electric accessory 113, 114 actuating gate 111 start winning port 115 large winning port 131 start winning port switch 150 effect control device 152 design control device 200 game control device 210 Main control board 212 Power supply circuit 220 CPU
230 ROM
240 RAM
250 input port 255 output port

Claims (3)

Lottery means for executing a special lottery for determining whether or not to cause a special prize state that is a gaming state in which a big prize opening is performed;
Production having a plurality of first display areas capable of performing variable display and stop display of the first symbol, and a second display area capable of performing variable display and stop display of the second symbol Design display means;
A special symbol display that is provided separately from the effect symbol display means and displays a special symbol corresponding to the symbol displayed on the effect symbol display means and for notifying the player whether or not the special prize state is caused. Means,
Based on the result of the special prize lottery, a first stop mode which is a mode of the first symbol to be stopped and displayed in the plurality of first display areas is determined, and is stopped and displayed in the second display area. Stop symbol determining means for determining a second stop mode which is a mode of the second symbol;
Based on the first stop mode and the second stop mode determined by the stop symbol determining means, the first symbol is stopped and displayed in each of the plurality of first display areas, and A display control means for performing stop display of the second symbol in the second display area,
As the special prize state, at least the first special prize state in which the probability that the next special prize state will occur after the completion of the special prize state is the same probability as that before the special prize state, and the next special prize state after the completion of the special prize state. A plurality of types of second special prize states in which the probability of occurrence of a special prize state is high, and the second special prize state has a larger value than the other special prize states included in the second special prize state. There is a third special prize state where the opening time of the prize opening is extremely short,
The stop symbol determining means includes
When it is determined not to cause the special prize state based on the special prize lottery, as the first stop mode, the combination of the first symbols that are stopped and displayed in the plurality of first display areas is uneven. And the first mode is determined as the second stop mode,
When it is determined to cause the third special prize state based on the special prize lottery, an irregular form is created as the first stop mode, as in the case where it is determined not to cause the special prize state. In addition, a gaming machine characterized by selecting a stopping mode different from the case where it is determined not to cause the special prize state as the second stopping mode.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an opening time of the third special prize state is several milliseconds.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein in the second stop mode, the plurality of types of the second special prize states can be identified based on differences in a plurality of types of colors.

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