JP5871973B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that fires a game ball in accordance with a player's launch operation and performs a game using the launched game ball.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game machines using game balls are configured such that when a player rotates an operation handle, the game balls are continuously fired toward a game area formed on the game board.
Then, when a game ball wins at a start opening provided in the game area, a big win lottery is performed, and when a big win lottery is won, a special game (big win) is controlled. In this special game, the big prize opening provided on the game board is opened to facilitate the winning of the game ball so that the prize ball corresponding to the game ball won in the big prize opening is paid out to the player. It has become.

  In addition to the prize winning opening and the start opening, a normal symbol gate is provided in the game area, and when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate, a normal symbol lottery is performed. When the normal symbol lottery is won, a pair of movable pieces (so-called electric tulips) provided at a predetermined winning opening (starting opening or the like) are opened. And most of the gaming machines equipped with such electric tulips have a short-time gaming state in which the electric tulips are easy to open per unit time in order to enhance the fun of the game.

In recent years, due to gameplay and game board configuration restrictions, etc., a big prize opening, a normal design gate or an electric tulip is placed on the right side of the game area, and in the special game or short-time game state, it is on the right side of the game area. There are many gaming machines that allow game balls to flow down. Such a gaming machine must fire a game ball toward the left side of the game area in the normal game state, and fire a game ball toward the right side of the game area in the special game or the short-time game state. Therefore, the firing operation must be changed according to the game situation.
For this reason, in order to eliminate the annoyance of the launch operation and improve the operability of the launch operation, when a specific operation switch (so-called right-handed button) is operated, the launch intensity of the game ball is improved and automatically A gaming machine that fires a game ball on the right side of a game area is known (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP-A-9-206427 JP 2005-143972 A

  However, originally, when it was desired to launch a game ball to the left game area, if it is operated by mistake, the game ball will be fired to the right game area, and the fired game ball is wasted. There was a case.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can eliminate an erroneous operation of changing the firing strength of a game ball and further improve the operability of the launch operation.

In order to solve such problems firing by the firing operation unit is operated, the gaming machine having a firing device for firing the game ball with a predetermined radiation strength toward the playfield, the prior SL launchers A specific operation unit capable of operating the driving of the launching device in order to achieve a specific launch state in which a game ball to be easily flowed down to one side of the game area, and a game ball flowed down to one side of the game area A game state control means for controlling a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the flow down to the other side, and the specific launch when the game state control means does not control the specific game state. Bei example a firing control means for disabling the operation of the specific operation unit so as not to state,
In the case where the specific gaming state is controlled by the gaming state control unit, the firing control unit is configured to perform the specific operation unit when an operation is performed by the specific operation unit when the specific firing state is not performed. The firing state is performed, and when the specific operation unit is operated while the specific firing state is performed, the specific firing state is not performed .

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the launch control unit is operated by the launch operation unit so as to be in the specific launch state when the specific game state is controlled by the game state control unit. It is characterized by enabling.

Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present invention fires a game ball toward a game area based on an operation amount detection unit that detects an operation amount of the launch operation unit, and an operation amount detected by the operation amount detection unit. Firing intensity determining means for determining a firing intensity for performing,
The firing strength determining means is capable of continuously changing the firing strength within a range of firing strength at which a game ball easily flows down to one side of the game area when in the specific launch state. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate an erroneous operation of changing the launch intensity of a game ball and further improve the operability of the launch operation.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the glass frame opened. It is a perspective view of the back side of a gaming machine It is an operation principle diagram of a launcher It is a block diagram of the whole gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the main process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the timer interruption process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the special figure special electric control process in a main control board. It is a block diagram of a launch control board, and a truth table of a holding circuit. It is the figure which showed the rotation angle and firing intensity of the operation handle.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Composition of gaming machine)
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a gaming board 2, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 with a glass frame opened according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back side of one gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a game board 2 in which a game area 6 in which a game ball 200 flows down is provided, and a glass frame 50 is provided on the front side of the game area 6 of the game board 2. The glass frame 50 is rotatably provided with an operation handle 3 for launching a game ball toward the game area 6.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a tray 40 that stores a plurality of gaming balls 200 (see FIG. 3). The tray 40 has a downward slope toward the operation handle 3 so that the game ball 200 flows down, and an opening for receiving the game ball is provided at an end of the downward slope. The game balls received in the opening are fed one by one to the ball feed opening 41 provided on the back surface of the glass frame 50 by driving the ball feed solenoid 4b. And the game ball sent out to the ball feed opening 41 is guided to the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 42 by the launch rail 42 having the downward slope toward the launching member 4c. Become. A stopper 43 for stopping the game ball is provided above the downwardly inclined end portion of the launch rail 42, and the game ball 200 sent out from the ball feed opening 41 is the downwardly inclined end portion of the launch rail 42. Thus, one game ball is stopped (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

  When the firing control board 160 energizes the firing solenoid 4a composed of a rotary solenoid, the launching member 4c directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a rotates and is stored at the end of the downward slope of the firing rail 42 by the launching member 4c. The game ball 200 is launched and the game ball is launched. The operation principle of the launcher will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Further, a right-handed button 9 that can be pressed by the player is provided on the upper right side of the operation handle 3. The right-handed button 9 is provided with a right-handed detection switch 9a. When the right-handed detection switch 9a detects a player's operation under a predetermined condition, the firing intensity of the game ball is changed. It becomes. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.
In the present embodiment, the right-handed button 9 forms a change operation unit, and the right-handed detection switch 9a forms a variable operation unit detection unit.

  When the game ball fired as described above rises between the rails 5a and 5b from the launch rail 42 and exceeds the ball return prevention piece 5c, the game ball reaches the game area 6 and then falls in the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 6.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the game area 6 has a small rotation angle of the operation handle 3, and the first game area 6 </ b> L on the left side where the game ball launched with a weak force flows down, The second game area 6R on the right side has a large rotation angle, and a game ball launched with a strong force flows down. The first game area 6L and the second game area 6R are divided by a nail or a decorative member 7 to be described later, but not all of them are divided, and the first game area 6L and the second game area 6R are separated from each other. The second game area 6R partially overlaps. That is, the first game area 6L is composed of a first dedicated area consisting only of the first game area 6L, and a common area overlapping with the second game area 6R. The second game area 6R is also This is composed of a second dedicated area consisting only of the second game area 6R and the common area.

  The first game area 6L and the second game area 6R are provided with a plurality of general winning awards 12. Each of these general winning ports 12 is provided with a general winning port detecting switch 12a. When the general winning port detecting switch 12a detects a winning of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, ten game balls) is provided. To be paid out.

  Also, in the common area where the first game area 6L and the second game area 6R overlap, there are a first start port 14, a second start port 15 and a second grand prize port 17 into which game balls can be entered. Is provided.

  The second starting port 15 has a pair of movable pieces 15b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 15b is maintained in a closed state, and a second state in which the pair of movable pieces 15b are in an open state. The movable control is performed. When the second starting port 15 is controlled in the first mode, the winning member of the second large winning port 17 located immediately above the second starting port 15 becomes an obstacle, and the game ball Is impossible to accept. On the other hand, when the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 15b function as a tray, and the winning of the game ball to the special winning port 28 is facilitated. That is, when the second start port 15 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased.

  Here, the first start port 14 is provided with a first start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and the second start port 15 is provided with a second start port detection switch for detecting the entrance of a game ball. 15a is provided. When the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entrance of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”) is performed. Is called. Also, when the first start port detection switch 14a or the second start port detection switch 15a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.

  In addition, the second grand prize winning port 17 is configured by an opening formed in the game board 2. Below the second big prize opening 17, there is a second big prize opening / closing door 17b that can be erected from the game board surface side to the glass plate 52 side. It is movably controlled between an open state standing on the board and a closed state buried in the game board surface. When the two big prize opening opening / closing doors 17b are erected on the game board surface, it functions as a tray for guiding the game balls into the second big prize opening 17, and the game balls can enter the second big prize opening 17. It becomes. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening detection switch 17a. When the second big prize opening detection switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 game balls) are paid out.

Further, the second dedicated area consisting only of the second game area 6R is provided with a normal symbol gate 13 through which a game ball can pass and a first grand prize opening 16 through which a game ball can enter. Yes.
For this reason, if the operation ball 3 is not a game ball which has been greatly rotated and launched with a strong force, the normal design gate 13 and the first big winning opening 16 are configured so that the game ball does not pass or win. Yes. In particular, even if the short game state, which will be described later, is entered, if a game ball is caused to flow down to the first game area 6L, the game ball will not normally pass through the symbol gate 13, so that the pair at the second start port 15 The movable piece 15b is not opened, and it is difficult for the game ball to win the second starting port 15.

  The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 13a detects the passage of the game ball, a “normal symbol lottery” described later is performed. .

  The first big winning opening 16 is normally kept closed by the big winning opening / closing door 16b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. In contrast, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the first grand prize opening opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the first big prize opening opening / closing door 16b puts the game ball in the first big winning opening 16; It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the first grand prize opening 16. The first grand prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening detection switch 16a. When the first big prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 Game balls).

  Furthermore, in the lowermost part of the game area 6 and in the common area where the first game area 6L and the second game area 6R overlap, the general winning port 12, the first start port 14, the second start port 15 In addition, an out port 11 is provided for discharging game balls that have not entered either the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second major winning port 17.

  A decorative member 7 that affects the flow of the game ball is provided at the center position of the game board 2. An effect display device 31 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the decoration member 7. Above the effect display device 31, an effect drive device 33 in the shape of a belt. Is provided. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 31 is used as a liquid crystal display, but a display device such as a reel made of an annular structure, a so-called 7-segment LED, or a dot matrix may be used.

The effect display device 31 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, three effect symbols 36 for informing the jackpot lottery result, which will be described later, are displayed, and a combination of specific effect symbols 36 (for example, 777) is stopped and displayed as a jackpot lottery result. A big hit is announced.
More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the three effect symbols 36 are scroll-displayed, and the scroll is stopped after a predetermined time, The effect design 36 is stopped and displayed. Further, by displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 36, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  The effect driving device 33 gives a player a sense of expectation according to the operation mode. The effect driving device 33 performs, for example, an operation in which the belt moves downward or a rotating member at the center of the belt rotates. Various operational feelings are given to the player depending on the operation mode of the effect driving device 33.

  Furthermore, an effect lighting device 34 is provided at both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2, and the effect lighting device 34 includes a plurality of lamps 34 a, and the light of each lamp 34 a is transmitted. Various effects are performed while changing the irradiation direction and emission color.

  On the left side of the operation handle 3, an effect button 35 that can be pressed by the player is provided. For example, the effect button 35 is effective only when a message for operating the effect button 35 is displayed on the effect display device 31. The effect button 35 is provided with an effect button detection switch 35a. When the effect button detection switch 35a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  Furthermore, an audio output device 32 including a speaker is provided on the upper left and right sides of the gaming machine 1, and in addition to the above various effect devices, a sound effect is also performed.

  In the lower right portion of the game area 6, the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21, the normal symbol display device 22, the first special symbol hold indicator 23, and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. A normal symbol hold indicator 25 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 20 is for notifying a lottery result obtained when a game ball enters the first start port 14, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  Here, the “big winning lottery” is a special symbol determination random number value obtained when a game ball enters the first start port 14, and the acquired special symbol determination random value is a jackpot. This is a process for determining whether or not. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and the first special symbol display device 20 displays a variation such as blinking of the special symbol, and when the predetermined variation time has passed, the jackpot lottery result The special symbol corresponding to is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying a lottery result of a jackpot that is performed when a game ball enters the second start port 15, and the display mode is the above-described first display mode. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the special symbol display device 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, “big hit” means that a right to win a big hit game is obtained in a big win lottery performed on condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 Say what you did. In the “hit game”, a round game in which the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The total opening time of the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29.5 seconds. During this period, the first grand prize port 16 or the second grand prize port 17 is predetermined. When a number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) enter, one round game ends. In other words, the “big hit game” is that a game ball enters the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second big prize winning port 17 and the player can acquire a prize ball according to the winning ball. It is a game that can earn.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13. As will be described in detail later, when the winning symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time.

  Here, “ordinary symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, and the acquired normal symbol determination random number value is “win”. This is the process of determining whether or not there is. The lottery result of the normal symbol is not always notified immediately after the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, but the normal symbol display device 22 displays a variation such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 14 or the second start port 15 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if a big win lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot will be withheld. More specifically, the random number value for special symbol determination acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 14 is stored as the first hold, and when the game ball enters the second start port 15 The acquired special symbol determination random number value is stored as the second hold.
For both of these holds, the upper limit hold number is set to 4, and the hold number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 lights up, and when there are two first holds, two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 Lights up. In addition, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 23 blinks and the right LED is lit, and when there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold. Two LEDs on the display 23 blink. The second special symbol hold indicator 24 also displays the number of second hold on hold in the same manner as described above.
The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.

  The glass frame 50 supports a glass plate 52 that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate 52 is detachably fixed to the glass frame 50.

  The glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism 51 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine 1). The end side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine 1) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 60. The glass frame 50 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 52, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 51 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 60 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 50, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 50 to the outer frame 60 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 50 is also provided with a door opening switch 133 that detects whether or not the glass frame 50 is opened from the outer frame 60.

  On the back side of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, and the like are provided. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 and a power switch (not shown).

(Operation principle diagram of launcher)
With reference to FIG. 5, the operation principle of the launching device will be specifically described.

  The launching device is provided on the end of the launching rail 42 that is inclined downward, and includes a launching solenoid 4a composed of a rotary solenoid and a launch control board 160. Further, the launching member 4c is directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a, and the launching member 4c is divided into a bifurcated shape including a spear 4d for launching a game ball and a magnetic first magnet portion 4e. Further, a stopper 43 for stopping the game ball and a second magnet part 44 having a magnetic force different from the first magnet part 4e are provided above the downwardly inclined end of the launch rail 42. .

  When the player rotates the operation handle 3, a touch sensor 3a (see FIG. 6) provided inside the operation handle 3 detects that the operation handle 3 and the player are in contact with each other. The firing volume 3b consisting of a variable resistor directly connected to 3 also rotates.

  The firing control board 160 receives at least a touch signal from the touch sensor 3a and a voltage value corresponding to the firing volume 3b, generates a current value based on the input voltage value, and uses the generated current value to generate a launch solenoid. Energize 4a. The firing control board 160 is configured not to energize the firing solenoid 4a unless at least a touch signal is input.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the firing solenoid 4a is energized by the firing control board 160, the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a rotates, and the game ball is played by the heel 4d of the launch member 4c. A game ball is launched toward the game area 6.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the firing solenoid 4a is not energized by the firing control board 160, the launching member is generated by the magnetic force attracting the first magnet part 4e and the second magnet part 44 in addition to the dead weight of the flange 4d. 4c returns to the original position.

Thus, the game control ball 160 is fired by energizing the firing solenoid 4a.
In the present embodiment, the operation handle 3 constitutes a firing operation unit, and the firing volume 3b constitutes an operation amount detection means. Further, the firing solenoid 4a and the firing control board 160 directly connected to the launching member 4c constitute a firing drive device.

(Internal structure of control means)
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the block diagram of the entire gaming machine 1 in FIG.

  The main control board 110 is a main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and receives various detection signals from the first start port detection switch 14a, etc., and the first special symbol display device 20 and the first big winning port opening / closing solenoid. The game is controlled by driving 16c and the like.

  The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 110m including a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c, an input port for main control, and an output port (not shown).

  The main control input port includes a payout control board 130, a general winning port detection switch 12a for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning port 12, and a game ball having entered the normal symbol gate 13. Gate detection switch 13a to detect, first start port detection switch 14a to detect that a game ball has entered the first start port 14, and second start to detect that a game ball has entered the second start port 15 The mouth detection switch 15a, the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a that detects that a game ball has entered the first grand prize opening 16, and the second that detects that a game ball has entered the second grand prize opening 17 A big prize opening detection switch 17a is connected. Various signals are input to the main control board 110 through the main control input port.

The main control output port includes a payout control board 130, a start opening / closing solenoid 15c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 15b of the second start opening 15, and a first large winning opening opening / closing door 16b. A special winning opening / closing solenoid 16c, a second large winning opening / closing solenoid 17c for operating the second winning opening / closing door 17b, a first special symbol display device 20 and a second special symbol display device 21 for displaying special symbols, and a normal symbol. A normal symbol display device 22 for displaying a special symbol, a first special symbol hold indicator 23 and a second special symbol hold indicator 24 for displaying a special symbol hold ball number, and a normal symbol hold indicator for displaying a special symbol hold ball number. 25. A game information output terminal board 30 for outputting an external information signal is connected. Various signals are output from the main control output port.
In particular, in the present embodiment, a right-handed state signal is output from the main control output port toward the payout control board 130 in the big hit (so-called right-handed big hit) and the short-time gaming state in which the first big winning opening 16 is opened. Will be.

  The main CPU 110a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 110b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board.

The main ROM 110b of the main control board 110 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.
For example, the main ROM 110b stores a jackpot determination table referred to in the jackpot lottery, a hit determination table referred to in the normal symbol lottery, a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol, and the like.
Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The main RAM 110c of the main control board 110 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 110a and has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, the main RAM 110c includes a normal symbol reservation number (G) storage area, a normal symbol reservation storage area, a first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area, a second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area, and a determination storage area. , 1st special symbol storage area, 2nd special symbol storage area, round game number (R) storage area, number of times open (K) storage area, number of winning games (C) storage area, game state storage area, game A state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, an effect transmission data storage area, and various timer counters are provided. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 30 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 30 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power supply board 170 includes a backup power supply made of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1, and monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 110. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 110a enters an operable state, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 110a enters an operation stop state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 120a, a sub ROM 120b, and a sub RAM 120c, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. . The sub CPU 120a reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 120b based on the command transmitted from the main control board 110, or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 35a and the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on the above, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150. The sub RAM 120c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 120a.

  For example, when the sub CPU 120a in the effect control board 120 receives the change pattern designation command indicating the change pattern of the special symbol from the main control board 110, the sub CPU 120a analyzes the content of the received change pattern designation command, produces the effect display device 31, and the sound. Data for causing the output device 32, the effect driving device 33, and the effect lighting device 34 to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the data is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

The sub ROM 120b of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table.
For example, an effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols 36 to be stopped, and the like are stored in the sub ROM 120b. Has been. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 120c of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub RAM 120c is provided with a command reception buffer, a gaming state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, and the like. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

The payout control board 130 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 130 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU reads out the program stored in the payout ROM based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 132, the door opening switch 133, and the timer for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110. Further, a payout motor 131 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from a game ball storage unit to a player is connected to the output side of the payout control board 130. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area at the time of calculation processing of the payout CPU.
Further, when the right-handed state signal output from the main control board 110 is input, the payout CPU outputs the right-handed state signal toward the launch control board 160. That is, the right-handed state signal output from the main control board 110 is input to the launch control board 160 via the payout control board 130.

  The lamp control board 140 controls the lighting of the effect lighting device 34 provided on the game board 2 and controls the driving of the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect driving device 33. The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 120.

  The image control board 150 includes an image CPU (not shown), an image ROM, an image RAM, and a VRAM, and a sound CPU, a sound ROM, and a sound RAM for performing image display control of the effect display device 31. The image control board 150 is connected to the production control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the production display device 31 and the audio output device 32 are connected to the output side thereof.

The image ROM stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols 36 and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 31, and the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 120. At the same time, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM to the VRAM, and display control in the effect display device 31 is performed. The image CPU performs various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the effect display device 31, but the background image, effect symbol image, and character image are displayed in the effect display. It is displayed superimposed on the display screen of the device 31.
That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data output from the audio output device 32, and the audio CPU reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 120 and Audio output control in the output device 32 is performed.

  The firing control board 160 inputs the touch signal from the touch sensor 3a and the right-handed detection signal from the right-handed detection switch 9a, reads out the voltage value from the firing volume 3b, and sets the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feeding solenoid 4b. Control to drive. Specifically, this will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Description of gaming state)
Next, the gaming state when the game progresses will be described. In the present embodiment, the game progresses in any one of the “low probability gaming state”, “high probability gaming state”, “time / short gaming state”, and “non-time / short gaming state”. However, while the game is in progress, if the game state is “low probability game state” or “high probability game state”, it is always “time-short game state” or “non-time-short game state”. That is, (1) “low probability gaming state” and “short-time gaming state”, (2) “low probability gaming state” and “non-short-time gaming state”, and (3) There are a case of “high probability gaming state” and “time-short gaming state” and a case of (4) “high probability gaming state” and “non-time-short gaming state”.
Note that the gaming state when the game is started, that is, the initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a “low probability gaming state” and is set to a “non-short-time gaming state”. Is referred to as a “normal gaming state”.

In the present embodiment, the “low probability gaming state” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first starting port 14 or the second starting port 15, the winning probability of the jackpot is 1 / The game state set to 299.5. On the other hand, the “high probability gaming state” means a gaming state in which the jackpot winning probability is set to 1 / 29.95. Therefore, in the “high probability gaming state”, it is easier to win a jackpot than in the “low probability gaming state”.
Note that the low probability gaming state is changed to the high probability gaming state after the jackpot game described later is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the “non-short game state” means that, in the normal symbol lottery performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 13, the variation time of the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is 29 seconds. And a game state in which the opening control time of the second start port 15 is set to be as short as 0.2 seconds. That is, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13, the normal symbol is drawn, and the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol, but the normal symbol is displayed 29 seconds after the fluctuation display is started. Stop display later. If the lottery result is a win, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for about 0.2 seconds after the normal symbol stop display.

On the other hand, the “short-time gaming state” means that the normal symbol variation time corresponding to the lottery result is 3 seconds in the normal symbol lottery performed on condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 13. , A game that is set shorter than the “non-short game state”, and the opening control time of the second start port 15 when winning in the win is 3.5 seconds, which is set longer than the “non-short game state” State. Furthermore, in the “non-short game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 1/11, and in the “short time game state”, the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery is set to 10/11. Is set.
Therefore, in the “short-time gaming state”, the second starting port 15 is more easily controlled to the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13 than in the “non-short-time gaming state”. Thereby, in the “short-time gaming state”, the player can advance the game without consuming the game ball.
In addition, since the normal symbol gate 13 is provided in the second dedicated area consisting only of the second game area 6R, in the “short-time game state”, the operation handle 3 is largely rotated to increase the firing strength. A game ball is fired to play a game.
Note that the probability of winning in the normal symbol lottery may be set so that it does not change in any of the “non-short-time gaming state” and the “time-short gaming state”.

(Description of jackpot type)
In the present embodiment, there are provided two types of “big jackpots”: “first jackpot” that opens the first jackpot 16 and “second jackpot” that opens the second jackpot 17. Yes.

In the present embodiment, the “first jackpot” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, A game that is executed when the jackpot symbol is determined.
In the “first jackpot”, the round game in which the first big winning opening 16 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The total opening time of the first big prize opening 16 in each round game is set to a maximum of 29 seconds, and if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter the first big prize opening 16 during this time, one time will be given. The round game ends. In other words, the “first jackpot” is a game in which a game ball enters the first grand prize opening 16 and a player can acquire a prize ball according to the winning ball, so that a large number of prize balls can be acquired. It is. In addition, since the first big winning opening 16 is provided in the second dedicated area consisting only of the second game area 6R, when the first big hit is made, the operation handle 3 is greatly rotated to perform strong launching. It is configured to play a game ball with strength.

In the present embodiment, the “second jackpot” means that in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, A game that is executed when the jackpot symbol is determined.
In the “second jackpot”, the round game in which the second grand prize winning opening 17 is opened is performed 15 times in total. The total opening time of the second grand prize opening 17 in each round game is set to 0.052 seconds at the maximum. During this time, when a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) enter the second grand prize opening 17, one round game ends, but as described above, the opening time of the second big prize opening 17 is extremely short. Therefore, there is almost no game ball entering, and even if a game ball enters, only one or two game balls enter in one round game. That is, unlike the “first jackpot”, the “second jackpot” is a game that can acquire a small amount of prize balls.

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

(Main processing of main control board)
The main process of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is supplied from the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 110a, and the main CPU 110a performs the following main processing.

  First, in step S10, the main CPU 110a performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 110a reads a startup program from the main ROM 110b and initializes a flag stored in the main RAM 110c in response to power-on.

  In step S20, the main CPU 110a performs an effect random number update process for updating the effect random number for determining the variation mode (variation time) of the special symbol.

  In step S30, the main CPU 110a updates the initial symbol value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for jackpot symbol, and the initial random value for normal symbol determination. Thereafter, the processes of step S20 and step S30 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board)
The timer interrupt process of the main control board 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A clock pulse is generated every predetermined period (4 milliseconds) by the reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110, thereby executing a timer interrupt process described below.

  First, in step S100, the main CPU 110a saves the information stored in the register of the main CPU 110a to the stack area.

  In step S110, the main CPU 110a updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric accessory, updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the normal power release time counter. A time control process for updating various timer counters is performed. Specifically, a process of subtracting 1 from a special symbol time counter, a special game timer counter, a normal symbol time counter, and a general electricity open time counter is performed.

In step S120, the main CPU 110a performs a random number update process for the special symbol determination random number value, the jackpot symbol random number value, and the normal symbol determination random number value.
Specifically, each random number value and random number counter are updated by adding +1. When the added random number counter exceeds the maximum value in the random number range (when the random number counter makes one revolution), the random number counter is returned to 0, and each random number value is newly updated from the initial random number value at that time. .

  In step S130, as in step S30, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random value updating process for updating the special symbol determining initial random value, the jackpot symbol initial random value, and the normal symbol determining initial random value.

In step S200, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing.
In this process, the main CPU 110a includes a general winning opening detection switch 12a, a first large winning opening detection switch 16a, a second large winning opening detection switch 17a, a first starting opening detection switch 14a, a second starting opening detection switch 15a, a gate. An input process for determining whether or not there is an input to each switch of the detection switch 13a is performed.

  Specifically, various detection signals from the general winning opening detecting switch 12a, the first big winning opening detecting switch 16a, the second large winning opening detecting switch 17a, the first starting opening detecting switch 14a, and the second starting opening detecting switch 15a. Is input to the winning ball counter used for winning balls, and predetermined data corresponding to each winning opening is added and updated.

Furthermore, when a detection signal is input from the first start port detection switch 14a, if the data set in the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area is less than 4, the first special symbol hold number ( U1) Add 1 to the storage area, acquire a random number value for special symbol determination, a random number value for jackpot symbol, and a random number value for presentation, and store the acquired random number value in a predetermined storage unit in the first special symbol storage region Remember.
Similarly, when a detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 15a, if the data set in the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area is less than 4, the second special symbol hold number (U2) Add 1 to the storage area, acquire the random number value for special symbol determination, the random number value for jackpot symbol, and the random number value for presentation, and store the acquired random number value in the second special symbol storage region To remember.

  When a detection signal is input from the gate detection switch 13a, if the data set in the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is less than 4, the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area is set to 1. The normal symbol determination random number value is acquired, and the acquired normal symbol determination random number value is stored in a predetermined storage unit in the normal symbol hold storage area.

  Further, when a detection signal is input from the first grand prize opening detection switch 16a or the second big prize opening detection switch 17a, the number of game balls won in the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is counted. The winning prize entry counter (C) for storing the counter in the storage area is added and updated.

  In step S300, the main CPU 110a performs a special drawing special electric control process for controlling the jackpot lottery, the special electric accessory, and the gaming state. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S400, the main CPU 110a performs a normal / normal power control process for controlling the normal symbol lottery and the normal electric accessory.
Specifically, it is first determined whether or not one or more data is set in the normal symbol reservation number (G) storage area.
If one or more data is not set in the normal symbol holding number (G) storage area, the current normal power control process is terminated.
If one or more data is set in the normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, the normal symbol lottery is performed with reference to the normal symbol determination random number value stored in the normal symbol hold storage area. Then, the normal symbol display device 22 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol, and when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed. After that, if the random number value for normal symbol determination referred to is “winning”, the start port opening / closing solenoid 15c is driven to control the second start port 15 to the second mode for a predetermined opening time.
Here, in the non-short-time gaming state, the variation time of the normal symbol is set to 29 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.2 seconds, and if it is “winning”, the second start port 15 is controlled to the second mode for 3.5 seconds. .

In step S500, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process.
In this process, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a game ball has won the general winning opening 12, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first large winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening 17. If there is a winning, a payout number designation command corresponding to each winning opening is generated, and the generated payout number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 103.

  In step S600, the main CPU 110a, external information data, start opening / closing solenoid data, first big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, second big prize opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, normal symbol display device data, number of stored Performs data creation for the specified command.

In step S700, the main CPU 110a performs output control processing. In this process, a port output process is performed for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening / closing solenoid data, the first big prize opening / closing solenoid data, and the second big prize opening / closing solenoid data created in S600.
Further, the special symbol display device data and the normal symbol display device data created in S600 are used to turn on the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21 and the normal symbol display device 22. Display device output processing is performed. Further, command transmission processing for transmitting a command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c is also performed.

  In step S800, the main CPU 110a restores the information saved in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 110a.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the special figure special power control process of the main control board 110 will be described.

First, in step S301, the value of the special figure special electricity processing data is loaded, the branch address is referred to from the special figure special electric treatment data loaded in step S302, and if the special figure special electric treatment data = 0, the special symbol memory determination process (step The process proceeds to S310). If the special symbol special power processing data = 1, the process proceeds to the special symbol variation processing (step S320). If the special symbol special power processing data = 2, the special symbol stop processing (step S330) is performed. If the special figure special electric processing data = 3, the processing is transferred to the big hit game processing (step S340), and if the special figure special electric processing data = 4, the processing is transferred to the big hit game end processing (step S350).
This “special drawing special electricity processing data” is set as necessary in each subroutine of the special figure special electricity control processing as will be described later, so that the subroutine necessary for the game is appropriately processed. .

In the special symbol memory determination process in step S310, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining a special symbol for lottery winning and stop display.
Specifically, first, it is determined whether one or more data is set in the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area. If one or more data is not set in either the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area or the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, the special figure special electricity processing data = 0 is held. This special symbol variation process is terminated.
If one or more data is set in the first special symbol storage number (U1) storage area, the second special symbol reservation number is referred to with reference to the special symbol determination random number stored in the first special symbol storage area. (U2) If one or more data is set in the storage area, a lottery lottery is performed with reference to the special symbol determination random number stored in the second special symbol storage area. Here, in the case of a high-probability gaming state, in the jackpot lottery, a larger number of special symbol determination random numbers determined to be “big-hit” than in the case of a low-probability gaming state are set. For this reason, in the high probability gaming state, it is easier to win a big hit than in the low probability gaming state. In addition, when one or more data is set in both the first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area and the second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, it is stored in the second special symbol hold area. The special symbol determination random number value is referred to with priority.
And, as a result of the jackpot lottery, if it is determined to be a jackpot, determine one jackpot symbol from a plurality of jackpot symbols with reference to the random number value for the jackpot symbol, if it is determined to lose Determine the lost pattern.
Next, the variation time of the special symbol is determined with reference to the effect random number value, and the variation display of the special symbol is started in the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21.
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 0 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 1, preparation is made to move to the special symbol variation processing subroutine, and the special symbol memory determination processing is terminated.

In the special symbol variation process of step S320, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol determined in step S310 has elapsed. If it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed, the special symbol special electric processing data = 1 is held. The special symbol variation process this time is finished.
If it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol determined in step S310 is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21. Thereby, the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, and the player is notified of the jackpot determination result.
Finally, the special symbol special power processing data = 1 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 2, preparation is made to move to a special symbol stop processing subroutine, and the special symbol variation processing is terminated.

In the special symbol stop process in step S330, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining the special symbol that is stopped and displayed.
Specifically, it is first determined whether or not the special symbol stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol. If the jackpot symbol is determined, the gaming state (high probability gaming state and short-time gaming state) is reset, and the special chart special power processing data = 2 is set to the special figure special power processing data = 3. The preparation for moving to the subroutine is made, and the special symbol stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol is not determined, the special symbol special power processing data = 2 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 0, and the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is prepared for special symbol stop processing. Exit.

In the jackpot game process in step S340, the main CPU 110a determines whether to execute the first jackpot or the second jackpot based on the type of jackpot symbol determined in step S310, Process to control the determined jackpot.
Specifically, in order to open the big winning opening corresponding to the type of jackpot, the drive data of the first big winning opening opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c) is output, and the type of the big win The opening time corresponding to is set in the special game timer counter, and the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b) is opened.
When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, nine) enter during the opening or when the opening time elapses, the drive data output of the first big prize opening / closing solenoid 16c (or the second big prize opening / closing solenoid 17c) is output. Is closed and the first big prize opening / closing door 16b (or the second big prize opening / closing door 17b) is closed. Thereby, one round game is completed. This round game control is repeated 15 times.
When this round game is played a total of 15 times, the special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set to the special figure special electric treatment data = 4, preparation is made to move to the big hit game end processing subroutine, and the big hit game processing is ended.
Here, when the first big hit is determined and the special figure special electric processing data = 3 is set, that is, when the right big hit is being hit, the right hit state signal is continuously generated and the payout control board 130 is generated. A right-handed state signal is output toward.

In the big hit game ending process in step S350, the main CPU 110a performs a process of determining a gaming state.
Specifically, based on the type of jackpot symbol, the gaming state of either the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state is determined, and the gaming state of either the short-time gaming state or the non-short-time gaming state is determined. .
Then, when the high probability gaming state is determined, a high probability gaming state flag is set in the gaming state storage area, and when the short time gaming state is determined, the short time gaming state flag is set in the gaming state storage area. Here, if the short-time gaming state flag is set in the gaming state storage area, a right-handed state signal is continuously generated and a right-handed state signal is output toward the payout control board 130.
After that, the special symbol special power processing data = 4 is set to the special symbol special power processing data = 0, and preparation for moving to the special symbol memory determination processing subroutine is made, and the big hit game end processing is ended.
In the present embodiment, the first jackpot and the short-time gaming state that the first big winning opening 16 opens constitute the specific gaming state, and the main CPU 110a that performs the special figure special electric control processing constitutes the gaming state control means.

(Block diagram of launch control board)
First, the firing volume 3b connected to the firing control board 160 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Launch volume 3b)
A first variable resistor R1 and a second variable resistor R2 are connected in parallel to the firing volume 3b, and movable terminals that slide in accordance with the rotation of the operation handle 3 are connected to the variable resistors. The voltage dividing circuit of the voltage supplied to the firing control board 160 is configured.
In addition, a constant input voltage Vin (for example, 5V) is supplied to the firing volume 3b from the power supply board 170, and the first variable resistor R1 is connected to the power supply side and the ground (GND), so that the second variable voltage is supplied. Resistor R2 is connected to the power supply side and relay 168 on launch control board 160. In particular, when the switch of the relay 168 is turned off, no current flows through the second variable resistor R2, so that the input voltage Vin is divided using only the first variable resistor R1. When the switch of the relay 168 is turned on, a current also flows through the second variable resistor R2. Therefore, the input voltage Vin is divided using the first variable resistor R1 and the second variable resistor R2. become.

For example, the input voltage Vin is 5 V, the first variable resistor R1 and the second variable resistor R2 are 10 KΩ, the movable terminal is arranged at the center of the first variable resistor R1 and the second variable resistor R2, The voltage division calculation is performed when the resistance r1 on the power supply side of the first variable resistor R1 is 5 KΩ, the resistance r3 on the ground (GND) side is 5 KΩ, and the resistance r2 of the second variable resistor R2 is 5 KΩ. .
When the switch of the relay 168 is OFF, the input voltage Vin is divided using only the first variable resistor R1, and the output voltage Vout is obtained by the following calculation.
(1) Output voltage Vout = {resistance r3 / (resistance r1 + resistance r3)} × input voltage Vin
When the input voltage Vin = 5, the resistance r1 = 5, and the resistance r3 = 5 are input to the equation (1), the output voltage Vout = 2.5V.
On the other hand, when the switch of the relay 168 is ON, the input voltage Vin is divided using the first variable resistor R1 and the second variable resistor R2, and the output voltage Vout is obtained by the following calculation.
(2) Output voltage Vout = {resistance r3 / {[(resistance r1 × resistance r2) / (resistance r1 + resistance r2)] + resistance r3}} × input voltage Vin
When the input voltage Vin = 5, the resistance r1 = 5, the resistance r2 = 5, and the resistance r3 = 5 are input to the equation (2), the output voltage Vout = 3.33V.
That is, when the switch of the relay 168 is turned on, the output voltage Vout increases compared to when the switch of the relay 168 is turned off. Note that the ON / OFF switching conditions of the relay 168 will be described later in detail.

Further, the movable terminal slides as the operation handle 3 is rotated, and the resistance r1 on the power source side of the first variable resistor R1 and the resistance r2 of the second variable resistor R2 are adjusted to be gradually reduced. (On the contrary, the resistance r3 on the ground (GND) side increases).
That is, as the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 increases, the output voltage Vout supplied to the launch control board 160 increases, and the game ball is launched with a greater launch intensity as will be described later.

(Launch control board 160)
As shown in FIG. 10A, the firing control board 160 includes at least a timing circuit 161, a firing drive circuit 162, a handle initial voltage comparison circuit 163, a right-handed operation holding circuit 165, an AND circuit 166, a transistor 167, and a relay 168. I have.

  The timing circuit 161 includes a crystal oscillator, and outputs a pulse signal 99 times per minute to the firing drive circuit 162.

The firing drive circuit 162 receives the output voltage Vout from the firing volume 3b, and based on the input output voltage Vout, generates a current for launching that is directly proportional to the input output voltage Vout (not shown). have. The firing drive circuit 162 inputs the pulse signal output from the timing circuit 161, and for each time the pulse signal output from the timing circuit 161 is input, the firing current generated by the voltage-current conversion circuit is used for launching. The solenoid 4a is energized.
Thereby, the firing solenoid 4a rotates, and the game ball 200 is launched by the launch member 4c directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a, and the game ball is launched. Since the timing circuit 161 generates 99 pulse signals per minute, up to 99 gaming balls can be fired per minute.

The handle initial voltage comparison circuit 163 receives the output voltage Vout from the firing volume 3b, and the input output voltage Vout is based on the voltage value when the operation handle 3 is in the initial position (the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is 0 °). If it is larger, it is composed of a comparator that outputs a signal to the CLR terminal of the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 (the input of the CLR terminal is set to H).
In the present embodiment, the handle initial voltage comparison circuit 163 constitutes the origin position detection means.

The right-handed operation holding circuit 165 includes a flip-flop circuit including three input terminals, a DATA terminal, a CLR terminal, and a CLK terminal, and two output terminals, a Q terminal and a / Q terminal. Note that the inverted information of the Q terminal is output from the / Q terminal.
Among these, the DATA terminal is connected to the / Q terminal, as described above, the CLR terminal is connected to the handle initial voltage comparison circuit 163, the CLK terminal is connected to the right-handed detection switch 9a, and the Q terminal is connected to the AND circuit 166. Has been.

As shown in the truth table of FIG. 10B, the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 is reset when the input of the CLR terminal is turned off (L), and the output of the Q terminal is turned off. It will be in a state (L). That is, when it is determined by the handle initial voltage comparison circuit 163 that the operation handle 3 is in the initial position (the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is 0 °), the output of the Q terminal is turned off (L). .
In the present embodiment, the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 and the handle initial voltage comparison circuit 163 constitute firing state information initialization means.

Further, as shown in the truth table of FIG. 10B, the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 is in a state where the input of the CLR terminal is ON (H) and a rising signal is input from the CLK terminal. The output of the Q terminal is turned on (H).
Here, when the right-handed detection switch 9a detects a player's operation, a signal is input from the right-handed detection switch 9a to the CLK terminal, and the input to the CLK terminal is turned on (H).
For this reason, when an operation of the right-handed button 9 is started by the player, the output of the Q terminal is turned on (H).
As will be described later, in order to be able to cancel the launch state, information on the / Q terminal is input to the DATA terminal, and the input of the CLR terminal is changed to an OFF state (L).

Further, as shown in the truth table of FIG. 10B, the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 is in a state where the input of the CLR terminal is OFF (L) and a rising signal is input from the CLK terminal. The output of the Q terminal is in the OFF state (L).
As described above, when the first operation of the right-handed button 9 is started, the output of the Q terminal is turned on (H), but when the operation of the right-handed button 9 is started again. The output of the Q terminal is returned to the OFF state (L).
Thereby, every time the player operates the right-hand button 9, the output state of the Q terminal can be appropriately changed between ON and OFF.

Further, as shown in the truth table of FIG. 10B, the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 assumes that the input of the CLR terminal is ON (H) and a falling signal is input from the CLK terminal. However, there is no change in the output of the Q terminal and the / Q terminal.
That is, once the operation of the right-handed button 9 is started, it is determined that the operation of the right-handed button 9 is started again, or that the operation handle 3 is in the initial position, or a right-handed state signal as described later. As long as the input is not completed, the Q terminal is kept in the ON state (H).

In addition, even if the input of the CLR terminal is ON (H) and a signal other than the rising or falling edge is input from the CLK terminal, the output of the Q terminal and the / Q terminal is not changed, and the previous output state Will be held as it is.
In the present embodiment, the right strike operation holding circuit 165 constitutes a firing state information holding unit.

The AND circuit 166 inputs a signal from the Q terminal of the right-handed operation holding circuit 165 and a right-handed state signal from the main control board 110 via the payout control board 130. When both the signal from the Q terminal and the right-handed state signal are input, the signal is output to the transistor 167.
Here, as described above, the right-handed state signal is output from the main control board 110 in the first big hit (so-called right-handed big hit) and the short-time gaming state. A signal is output from the first to the transistor 167 after the operation of the right-handed button 9 is started in the case of the first jackpot and the short-time gaming state.
In the present embodiment, the right strike operation holding circuit 165 and the AND circuit 166 constitute a firing state determination unit.

  The transistor 167 is for amplifying a current supplied to a relay 168 described later.

The relay 168 is energized when a signal is output from the AND circuit 166, and the switch is turned on. When no signal is output from the AND circuit 166, the relay 168 is de-energized and the switch is turned off.
Thereby, in the case of the first jackpot and the short-time gaming state, when the operation of the right-handed button 9 is started, the switch of the relay 168 is turned on, the output voltage Vout is increased, and the firing strength is also increased. Become.
In the present embodiment, the firing volume 3b and the relay 168 constitute the firing strength determining means.

(Gaming ball launch strength)
Next, the flight distance of the launched game ball will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the launch intensity indicating the flight distance of the launched game ball and the rotation angle of the operation handle 3.

As described above, when the operation handle 3 is rotated, the resistance value is changed by the firing volume 3 b made of a variable resistor, and the output voltage Vout is input to the firing drive circuit 162.
Here, precisely, the launch intensity of the game ball is determined by the current value based on the voltage value, but since the launch current value is directly proportional to the voltage value input by the launch drive circuit 162, the result is Specifically, it can be said that the firing intensity is determined based on the input voltage value.

  The variable resistor of the firing volume 3b in this embodiment is adjusted so as to gradually decrease as the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 increases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The output voltage Vout to be input to the firing drive circuit 162 is also configured to increase as becomes larger.

  As described above, when the switch of the relay 168 is turned off, the output voltage Vout is output based on the first variable resistor R1, and when the switch of the relay 168 is turned on, the first variable resistor R1. And the second variable resistor R2 will output the output voltage Vout. Then, when the switch of the relay 168 is turned on, the output voltage Vout increases compared to when the switch of the relay 168 is turned off.

  M1 shown in FIG. 11 is a straight line showing the relationship between the firing intensity (output voltage Vout) when the switch of the relay 168 is OFF and the rotation angle of the operation handle 3, and shows the first firing state. . On the other hand, M2 shown in FIG. 11 is a straight line showing the relationship between the firing intensity (output voltage Vout) when the switch of the relay 168 is ON and the rotation angle of the operation handle 3, and the second firing state is shown. It is shown.

The switch from the first launch state M1 to the second launch state M2 is when the operation of the right-handed button 9 is started in the first jackpot and the short-time gaming state.
Here, once the first firing state M1 is switched to the second firing state M2, the operation of the right hand button 9 is started again, the operation handle 3 returns to the initial position, or the right hand state signal is input. As long as is not completed, the second firing state M2 is maintained. As a result, the launch intensity adjusted in the right-handed state is adjusted, and the operability of the launch operation can be further improved.

According to the above embodiment, when the right-handed button 9 is operated in the specific gaming state (so-called right-handed state), the second firing state M2 is determined, and the second game area on the right side is determined. Although it becomes easy for the game ball to flow down to 6R, the second firing state M2 is not determined even if the right-handed button 9 is operated when the control of the specific gaming state is not performed.
For this reason, even if the right-handed button 9 is operated when not in the specific gaming state, the gaming ball does not easily flow down to the right second gaming area 6R, so the gaming ball has a launch strength that is contrary to the player's intention. Is no longer fired, and the erroneous operation of the right-handed button 9 for changing the firing strength of the game ball can be eliminated, and the waste of the fired game ball can be eliminated. On the other hand, if the right hit button 9 is operated in the specific game state, the game ball can easily flow down to the second game area 6R on the right side, so that the operability of the launch operation can be further improved.

  Furthermore, even if the launch state is switched from the first launch state M1 to the second launch state M2, if the operation handle 3 is returned to the original state, the launch state is returned to the first launch state M1. When a person changes, or even in a specific gaming state (so-called right-handed state), it is possible to change freely when it is desired to return to the firing strength of the first launch state.

  In addition, once the first launch state M1 is switched to the second launch state M2, the second launch state M2 is maintained until a predetermined condition is satisfied. Only one switching operation for switching to M2 is required, and the operability of the switching operation can be improved.

  Furthermore, even if the second launch state M2 is maintained, when the specific gaming state (so-called right-handed state) is completed, the state automatically returns to the original first launch state M1, so there may be a disadvantage. Absent.

  In the present embodiment, the specific direction side of the game area is the second game area 6R on the right side, but may be the first game area 6L on the left side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Game board 3b Launch volume 4a Launch solenoid 4c Launch member 4d 槌 4e First magnet part 6 Game area 6L First game area 6R Second game area 9a Right-handed detection switch 43 Stopper 44 Second magnet part 110 Main control board 110a Main CPU
110b Main ROM
110c Main RAM
160 Firing control board 161 Timing circuit 162 Firing drive circuit 163 Handle initial voltage comparison circuit 165 Right-handed operation holding circuit 166 AND circuit 167 Transistor 168 Relay

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine equipped with a launching device that launches a game ball at a predetermined launch intensity toward a game area by operating a launch operation unit,
Before Symbol launchers steerable specific operation unit driving of the firing device to the particular launch state of the game ball to be fired it is likely to flow down on one side of the game area by,
A game state control means for controlling a specific game state that is advantageous for the player when the game ball is caused to flow down to one side of the gaming area, rather than flowing down to the other side;
Bei example a firing control means for disabling the operation of the specific operation unit so as not to the specific launch state when the control of the specific game state not performed by the gaming state control means,
The firing control means includes
In the case where the specific gaming state is controlled by the gaming state control means,
When there is an operation by the specific operation unit when the specific launch state is not performed, the specific launch state is performed,
If there is an operation by the specific operation unit when the specific launch state is being performed, the specific launch state is not performed,
A gaming machine characterized by that.   The firing control means enables the operation by the firing operation unit to enable the specific firing state when the specific gaming state is controlled by the gaming state control means. Item 1. A gaming machine according to Item 1. An operation amount detecting means for detecting an operation amount of the launch operation section;
Firing intensity determining means for determining a firing intensity for launching a game ball toward the game area based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detecting means;
The launch intensity determining means can continuously change the launch intensity within a launch intensity range in which a game ball easily flows down to one side of the game area when in the specific launch state.
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein

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