JPH1094640A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly keep the profit balance between a player and a game shop without discouraging players with to play while suppressing the gambling characteristic of a game machine in while a game is played by lifting a small balls such as PACHINKO machine, mah-jongg machine or smart ball machine. SOLUTION: Concerning the game machine with which the game ball is shot into a play area while using a shooting device and the game is played by a game instrument installed in that play area, this machine is provided with a shoot controller 70 for controlling shooting at the shooting device and a game controller for controlling the game at the game instrument, the game controller has a shooting interval instructing means for instructing the shooting intervals of game ball shooting from the shooting device, and the shooting controller 70 has shooting interval control means (CPU 71 and ROM 72 or the like) for controlling the shooting intervals of game galls corresponding to the shooting interval instructed by the shooting interval instructing means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a smart ball game machine, etc., which plays a game by firing game balls.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine represented by a pachinko game machine includes a prize detector and a variable prize device provided in a game area.
A game control device (government control device) for controlling a game device such as a variable display device, various rotating bodies (motors) and decorative lamps,
And a launch control device that controls a launch device that launches the game ball into the game area at a predetermined timing.

[0003] The relationship between the conventional game control device and the launch control device is independent of each other without any signal exchange, and the launch interval in the launch device is controlled at a constant launch interval for all gaming machines. I was

Incidentally, a so-called first-type gaming machine in which a variable winning device is opened based on a result mode of a variable display device to generate a big hit state, or a variable winning device provided with a blade member to satisfy a starting condition. A so-called second game which generates a jackpot when a start winning game in which the blade member is opened and controlled a predetermined number of times is performed and a special winning opening inside the game is won during the starting game.
So-called third-type gaming machines that open a variable winning device for generating rights based on the result mode of the variable display device and generate a jackpot when a player wins an internal right-generating winning opening, etc. There are a plurality of types of gaming machines having different game contents.

[0005] More recently, in the first and third types of gaming machines,
When the result mode of the variable display device that generates a jackpot satisfies a specific condition (a jackpot based on a probable variable symbol), a large jackpot is generated in the variable display device until the next jackpot or two subsequent jackpots occurs after the end of the jackpot. The probability of occurrence of the result mode is set to the high probability state, and if a jackpot that satisfies the specific condition occurs again during the high probability state, the high probability state is restarted from the beginning from that point within a predetermined period. Can generate multiple jackpots,
Gaming machines having a probability variation function have also become popular.

[0006] As described above, a plurality of types of gaming machines having different game contents exist in the gaming machines.
For example, the probability of jackpot occurrence, the probability of occurrence and continuation rate of probability fluctuation, the average number of starts and launches required until the jackpot occurs, the number of balls acquired at the time of jackpot occurrence, the number of prize balls in the start winning opening are different I have. The number of prize balls in the starting winning opening includes a case where the starting winning opening is a gate type and there is no prize ball.

For example, in the case of a gaming machine having a probability variation function capable of generating a high probability state as described above, a large number of game balls can be obtained in a short period of time, so that a balance between a player and a game store can be obtained. During a gaming state other than the jackpot state (such as a fluctuating game or a normal game), the number of award winning balls in the starting winning opening is reduced or the starting winning opening is gated compared to a gaming machine having no probability changing function. In many cases, many game balls are spent in unit time when the ball is poorly held.

[0008]

However, the number of shots within a predetermined time, which is the interval at which game balls are generated in the game area, is set to be always constant regardless of the game content (performance) of the game machine. For this reason, for example, if the number of fires is set to a large value according to a gaming machine that does not have the probability variation function,
In the case of a gaming machine with a probability variation function, there is an extreme difference between the number of balls acquired during the jackpot period and the number of gaming balls that have been spent on the game so far, the winner wins very much, but loses There is a possibility that a game machine with a high gambling property that a person will lose very much may be obtained, and a game machine with a difficulty in maintaining a balance between a player and a game store will be obtained.

On the other hand, if the number of shots is set to a small value in accordance with a gaming machine having a probability variation function, a game machine without a probability variation function is not likely to lose extremely. In such a case, the progress of the game becomes too slow, and the gaming machine loses the game motivation.

[0010] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can suppress gambling and maintain a proper balance of profits between a player and a game store without impairing the player's willingness to play.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a game ball is fired into a game area by using a firing device, and a game is played by a game device provided in the game area. Is performed, a launch control device that performs launch control with the launch device, and a gaming control device that performs game control with the gaming device, wherein the gaming control device includes a game ball with the launch device. Having a firing interval instructing means for instructing a firing interval of firing, the firing control device having a firing interval controlling means for controlling a firing interval of a game ball at a firing interval instructed by the firing interval instructing means, Features.

The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
In addition to the above-described invention, the firing interval instructed by the firing interval instructing means is set in advance in accordance with the game performance of the gaming machine.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the instruction of the firing interval by the firing interval instructing means is performed at the time of power-on.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the launch control device prohibits launching of a game ball until a valid instruction is received from the launch interval instructing means.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game board of a pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, a game board 1 of a pachinko machine has a game section (game area) 3 formed on its surface surrounded by a guide rail 2, and the game section 3 includes various members as a game device. That is, the variable display device 30 is located near the upper center, the normal variable winning device 35 is located below the variable display device 30, the special variable winning device 36 is located below the variable display device 30, and the general figure starting gate 41 is provided on the left and right of the variable display device 30. 41 are provided respectively.

The variable display device 30 has a special figure start storage display 31 and a special symbol display 32, and the ordinary variable winning device 35 has a special figure start winning opening 33 and a general figure start storage display 39. And a normal symbol display 38 are provided, respectively.

Further, the game section 3 has a general winning opening 34,
34, an out mouth 47 for collecting game balls that missed the prize,
Also, decorative lamps 40, 40 are provided.

The outline of the game contents in this pachinko machine is as follows. When the player hits the ball at the game unit 3 with the launching device and enters the general-purpose start gate 41, the normal symbol display 38 starts variable display of numbers and the like, and the stop symbol corresponds to "hit". When this is done, the electric tulip-type ordinary fluctuation winning device 35 is opened to convert the hit ball into a state in which it can be easily accepted. When the flowing game balls enter the special figure starting winning opening 33 from the ordinary fluctuation winning device 35, a predetermined number (for example, seven) of prize balls are discharged, and the special symbol display 32 displays a variable number of symbols. The display is started, and “hit” / “miss” is determined based on the combination of the stopped symbols. That is, the case where the vehicle stops at a predetermined combination of symbols is defined as “hit”, and the other is determined as “missing”. Then, in the case of "hit", the special game starts. That is, the opening and closing door 37 of the special variable winning device 36 is opened to open the special winning opening 4.
9 is formed, and the ball is converted into a state in which the hit ball is extremely easy to enter and is advantageous to the player, and the opening and closing door 37 closes when a predetermined time has elapsed or when a predetermined number of balls have been entered. Continuous winning opening (not shown) provided in the special winning opening 49 during the opening period up to that time
If there is a ball, the door 37 will be opened and closed within a limited number of times.
Is opened to form the special winning opening 49 again, which is converted into a state advantageous to the player. When the special game ends, the game returns to the normal game state.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a game machine and a game control device (government control device) for controlling the entire game machine. In the figure, the accessory control device 10 includes an accessory IC 10.
a, which is mainly composed of a CPU 11 built in
C10a includes a ROM 12, a RAM 13 in addition to the CPU 11,
Built-in.

When power is supplied to the power supply circuit 15, the CPU 11 appropriately reads out predetermined programs stored in the ROM 12 based on the input timing of a control signal from the frequency dividing circuit 14 and sequentially executes the programs. The writing and reading of data to and from the RAM 13 are performed as needed.

The CPU 11 outputs a signal from the general-purpose start switch 41a to the low-pass filter 22 and the buffer gate 2
1 and the bus (data bus and address bus) 20 and data from the management device 50 via the interface 23 and the bus 20 and perform predetermined processing according to a program.

Further, the CPU 11 outputs various signals obtained by the program processing to each part. That is, the command signal is output to the special variable winning device 36 and the like via the bus 20, the output port 18 and the driver 19. A display control signal is sent to the display control circuit 60 via the interface 24, and the display control circuit 60
The image signal is sent to the special symbol display 32 constituted by the above, and the symbol fluctuation control is performed by the special symbol display 32. Further, it transmits a firing interval instruction signal S0, which will be described in detail later, to the firing control device 70 via the interface 25.
Further, the data is transmitted to the management device 50 via the interface 23.

Next, a game using a pachinko machine will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. When the hit ball flows down and passes through the general-purpose start gate 41, the passage is detected by the general-purpose start switch 41a, and the general-purpose start detection signal is transmitted to the low-pass filter 22, the buffer gate 21, and the bus 20.
Is sent to the CPU 11 via the.

The CPU 11 adds the signal within a predetermined number of occurrences each time the above-mentioned general-purpose start detection signal is generated and stores the result in the RAM 13 or the like. Then, a control signal is sent to the ordinary symbol display 38 to perform a general-purpose game process for variably displaying numbers and the like, and the general-purpose start memory is subtracted. Next, CPU1
1 is a general start memory display 39 via the bus 20, the output port 18 and the driver 19 based on the general start memory.
Displays the number of storages, and visually indicates that the player has the right to start the normal symbol display 38.

Further, the CPU 11 extracts the random number value updated in the updating process when the above-mentioned general-purpose start detection signal is generated, and when the extracted random number value matches a predetermined hit random number determination value, The winning symbol (for example, "7") created by the stop symbol creating process is output to the ordinary symbol display 38, and the ordinary variable winning device 35 is opened to convert the hit ball into the special symbol starting winning opening 33. I do.

On the other hand, when the flowing game ball wins in the special figure starting winning opening 33, the special game starting switch 4
2 detects the special figure start winning detection signal through the low-pass filter 22, the buffer gate 21, and the bus 20 to the CPU.
Send to 11. The hit ball that has won the special figure start winning opening 33 is processed as a winning ball, and when seven winning balls are allocated, the CPU 11 sends seven winning ball data signals to an ejection control device (not shown). Then, seven balls are discharged as prize balls to a ball supply tray (not shown).

The CPU 11 sends a display control signal to the display control circuit 60 via the interface 24 based on the special figure start winning detection signal, and the display control circuit 60
An image signal is sent to the special symbol display 32 to perform symbol variation control (special symbol game processing) for variably displaying symbols.

The CPU 11 stores the special figure start winning detection signal which has entered during the symbol fluctuation control or during the big hit as an unprocessed detection signal in the RAM 13 or the like, and based on this storage, the bus 20 and the output port 18. A display control signal is sent to and displayed on the special figure start storage display 31 via the driver 19, and a visual indication that the player has the right to start the special symbol display 32 is displayed. The maximum number of the special figure start memories is set to, for example, four.

After the above-described symbol variation control is started, the random number (for example, "N") taken out of the random number storage area when the special figure starting prize detection signal is generated is determined as a "big hit" random number determination value as predetermined identification information. (Eg, “3” etc.), and if they match, the big hit stop symbol (eg, “3, 3, 3” etc.) is stored in the big hit stop symbol storage area. The display control circuit 6
0, the symbol is stopped at the jackpot stop symbol, and the CPU 11 sends the jackpot control signal to the bus 20,
The output is sent to the special variable winning device 36 via the output port 18 and the driver 19.

When the big hit control signal is issued, the opening and closing door 37 of the special variable winning device 36 is opened to form a big winning port 49, and the state is changed from the first state in which the hit ball is not accepted to the second state in which the hit ball is easily accepted. . Thereby, the “special game” in the first cycle starts.

At the same time, the CPU 11
Decorative lamp 40 via output port 18 and driver 19
The display control signal is sent to the speaker 47 via the bus 20, the sound generator 16, and the amplifier 17 to output a sound output control signal to the speaker 47 so as to make the sound more exciting.

In the first cycle of the special game, when a game ball wins the special winning opening 6, the count switch 43 detects one of the winning balls, and passes through the low-pass filter 22, the buffer gate 21, and the bus 20. A winning detection signal is sent to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 counts the number of winning balls in the first special game cycle based on the winning detection signal, and displays the number on a winning number display unit (not shown).

Then, the number of winnings in the special winning opening 6 in the first special game cycle reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10) or is set in a special winning opening timer (not shown) in the CPU 11. After a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds), the CPU 11 closes the opening / closing door 37 and changes to the first state. However, during the second state conversion, the hit ball
If the player has won a continuation winning opening (not shown) in No. 9, the continuation switch 44 detects a winning ball in the continuation winning opening, and continuously wins the CPU 11 via the low-pass filter 22, the buffer gate 21, and the bus 20. Send a signal.

When receiving the continuous winning signal, the CPU 11
Makes a continuation display section (not shown) emit light, and visually indicates to the player that the continuation condition is satisfied. If the continuation condition is satisfied after the elapse of a predetermined wait time after the special winning opening 49 is changed to the first state, the CPU 11 opens the opening and closing door 37 again to change to the second state. Also, CPU
11 resets the count of the winning number display section to zero, stops the display of the continuation display section, updates the display of the cycle number display section (not shown), and executes the special game in the second cycle. An indication of entry, for example, “2” is displayed visually. If the continuation condition is not satisfied after the elapse of a predetermined wait time from the conversion of the special winning opening 49 to the first state, the CPU 11 ends the special game.

In this manner, the special game cycle is updated by the hit ball winning the continuous winning opening, and the special game is continued. When the cycle is updated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times), the final 16th cycle is updated.
A predetermined number of winnings in the cycle (for example, 10)
Is reached, or when a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) elapses, the CPU 1
1 ends the special game. When the special game ends,
The entire pachinko machine returns to the normal gaming state.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the launch control device. In the figure, a launch control device 70 controls a launch solenoid (rotary solenoid) 92 of a hit ball launch device and a ball feed solenoid (electromagnet) 93 of a ball feed device in order to launch a game ball to the game section 3 at a predetermined timing. Device.

The operation handle 94 is a member for controlling the launch, stop, and flight distance of a hit ball by a player's operation when playing a pachinko game. The operation handle 94 touches the operation handle 94. A touch plate 941 that is turned on only by the player, and a firing operation switch 942 that is turned on / off by turning a turning handle (not shown) provided on the operating handle 94 and operating a button of the player.
And a rotation amount detector (variable resistor) 943 for detecting a rotation (operation) amount of the rotation handle and transmitting a flight distance adjustment signal.
And

The firing control device 70 is a CP for performing arithmetic processing.
U (microprocessor) 71,
The CPU 71 receives the divided clock signal obtained by dividing the clock signal from the clock generator 74 by the dividing circuit 75,
A predetermined program is sequentially executed based on the input timing of the control signal.
Write and read data to and from M73. Various programs are stored in the ROM 72 in advance. This CPU 71 and other parts (RAM 73, ROM 7
2 are connected to each other via a bus 80, and exchange information with each other via the bus 80.

An input port 90 is connected to the bus 80, and an operation handle 94 is connected to the input port 90.
The signal from is sent. That is, the touch signal from the touch plate 941 passes through the touch detection circuit 88, the on / off signal of the firing operation switch 942 passes through the filter 91, and the detection signal of the rotation amount detector 943 passes through the filter 91 and the A / A signal. Each of the signals is sent to an input port 90 via a D converter 89, and the detection signal is sent from the input port 90 via a bus 80 to the CPU 7.
Sent to 1. A touch sensitivity adjuster 87 is connected to the touch detection circuit 88.
The touch sensitivity adjuster 87 adjusts the touch sensitivity.

By the way, the above-mentioned ROM 72 stores in advance firing interval setting information in which the firing intervals are set.
The PU 71 transmits the firing interval instruction signal S from the accessory control device 10.
When it receives 0, it determines the firing interval based on the firing interval setting information and outputs the basic pulse signal S1 and the ball feed drive signal S4. The firing interval setting information will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

The ROM 72 includes an operation handle 94.
The firing force is set to, for example, 2 in accordance with the amount of rotation when the
When a firing amount setting table set in 56 ways is stored in advance, and the CPU 71 receives the rotation amount detection signal from the operation handle 94, the CPU 71 moves the table pointer in the firing force setting table, and the table pointer The launch information corresponding to the detection signal is indicated.

An output port 76 is connected to the bus 80, and a ball feed solenoid 93 of the ball feeder is connected to the output port 76 via a driver 77.
U71 outputs the ball driving signal S4 to the output port 7
6 and the driver 77 via the ball feed solenoid 9
3 is output.

Further, an output port 79 is connected to the bus 80, and an AND gate 85 is connected to the output port 79.
A launch solenoid 92 of the hit ball launching device is connected via the driver 86 and the driver 86. From the output port 79, an analog switch 81, a resistor group 82, and a pulse generator 84 connected in series are provided in a branched manner. A pulse signal S2 from the pulse generator 84 is supplied to two input terminals of an AND gate 85. Is input to one of the input terminals.

As the analog switch 81, for example, μP
D74HC4066A or the like is used. The analog switch 81 has, for example, 2 corresponding to the firing force setting table.
56 types of 8-bit signals, that is, 8-bit signals corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operation handle 94 are input via the output port 79. The analog switch 81 transmits an analog amount based on the 8-bit signal to the pulse generator 84 by passing through the eight resistor groups 82 provided corresponding to the eight bits. The pulse generator 84 includes, for example, I
555 or the like known as C is used, and the pulse generator 84 generates a pulse signal S2 having a duty ratio according to the analog signal and sends it to one input terminal of the AND gate 85 as described above. .

The other input terminal of the AND gate 85 has
The above basic pulse signal S1 is directly output via the output port 79.
Is entered. That is, when the CPU 71 receives the firing interval instruction signal S0 from the accessory control device 10, the CPU 71 outputs the basic pulse signal S based on the firing interval information stored in the memory.
1 is output to the AND gate 85 via the output port 79.

In the AND gate 85, the basic pulse signal S
AND of the pulse signal S2 and the operation signal 9
4 and outputs a firing drive signal S3 in accordance with the amount of rotation of the basic pulse signal S1 in synchronization with the pulse width of the basic pulse signal S1. The firing solenoid 92 receives the firing drive signal S3 via the driver 86 and rotates the hitting firing rod. Move. That is, the ball is shot with the firing force corresponding to the rotation operation of the operation handle 94 in each cycle of the basic pulse signal S1.

The pulse generator 84 is connected to a firing force fine adjuster 83, and the clerk of the game store makes a fine adjustment of the pulse with the firing force fine adjuster 83, so that the shot is fired by the hitting ball firing rod. The power can be fine-tuned.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the accessory control device 10 outputs the firing interval instruction signal S0, the firing control device 70 receives the signal S0 and outputs the basic pulse signal S1 based on the firing interval setting information. Controls the firing interval.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the firing interval instruction signal S0. The accessory control device 10 outputs a strobe signal and a firing interval instruction signal S0 to the firing control device 70 as shown in the figure. In the firing control device 70, the reference time is secured by the strobe signal, and then the firing interval instruction signal S
The number of pulses of 0 and the like are grasped, thereby recognizing the type of the firing interval instruction signal S0, and confirming whether or not the firing interval setting information corresponding to the type is set. The basic pulse signal S1 is output to the AND gate 85 via the output port 79.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a setting example of the firing interval setting information. In this example, the pachinko machines are classified into six types, and the firing interval is set for each type. That is, the firing interval (firing cycle) of Type 1 is the shortest 607
ms (99 shots / min), and gradually increases in the following order. The firing interval of Type 6 is set to 800 ms (75 shots / min).

The above types 1 to 6 are classified based on the game performance such as the game content and the jackpot occurrence probability. The firing interval is, for example, the number of balls that can be acquired within a predetermined period is small, but the jackpot occurrence probability is small. A pachinko machine of a type that is high or has a large number of winning balls in a starting winning opening and has a good ball holding and low gambling property is set to be shorter.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which types 1 to 6 are divided according to game contents, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which types 1 to 6 are divided according to the jackpot occurrence probability. In FIG. 6, types 1 to 6
Are classified as the main criteria based on the presence or absence of the probability variation function, the presence or absence of updating (continuation) of the probability variation, the presence or absence of the time reduction function for ordinary drawing, the types such as the first type, the second type, and the third type. .

When the probability variation function is not provided and the time reduction function is not provided, the number of balls that can be obtained in a short period of time is reduced because the number of successively generated jackpots within a predetermined period is reduced. In addition, the number of prize balls in a normal game state is increased, the ball holding is good, and the gambling property is low. Therefore, the firing interval is shortened, and the number of shots per unit time is set to be large. Conversely, when the probability fluctuation function is attached and renewal is possible, once a big hit occurs, the number of big hits may increase intensively, and although a large number of game balls can be acquired in a short period of time, The probability of occurrence is low, so there is not a big hit, the number of prize balls in the normal game state is small, and there are cases where there are no prize balls as a starting gate with three types of models, resulting in poor ball holding and gambling Is a high game, so that the firing interval is set to be long and the number of firings per unit time is reduced.

Here, the "probability variation function" means that when the result mode of the variable display device (special symbol display) for generating a jackpot satisfies a specific condition (a jackpot with a probable variable symbol), the next after the jackpot is completed. Until a jackpot or two subsequent jackpots occur, the variable display device sets the probability of occurrence of a jackpot as a result mode to a high probability state.

Further, "update of probability fluctuation" means that if a jackpot that satisfies a specific condition occurs again in the high probability state by the probability fluctuation function, the high probability state is restarted from the beginning. Say.

Also, the "normal figure time reduction function" means that when a predetermined game condition is satisfied, the symbol change time on the ordinary symbol display (general figure) is reduced from 60 seconds to 6 seconds, for example, By increasing the number of games played per hour by the ordinary symbol display, the number of hits in the ordinary figure is increased, and the winning rate to the special figure starting winning opening is increased. During the normal working hours, control is also performed to change the opening pattern of the ordinary variable prize winning device from once for 0 and 5 seconds to one for 1,5 seconds and three times.

Further, the first type is a pachinko machine which opens a variable winning device based on the result mode of the variable display device to generate a jackpot, and the second type includes a variable winning device provided with a blade member and a starting condition. A pachinko machine that performs a start game in which the blade member is opened and controlled a predetermined number of times when established, and generates a jackpot when a special winning opening inside the game is won during the start game. The third type is a result mode of the variable display device. This is a pachinko machine that opens a variable winning prize device for generating a right based on the prize, and generates a jackpot right when a prize is won in an internal right generating prize port.

In FIG. 7, the types 1 to 6 are classified mainly based on the jackpot occurrence probability. When the jackpot occurrence probability is high, the number of balls that can be obtained in a short period is set to be small, but the number of prize balls in the normal gaming state etc. increases,
Since the ball is long and the gambling property is low, the firing interval is set short so that the number of firings per unit time is increased. Conversely, when the jackpot occurrence probability is low, although the number of balls that can be obtained in a short period is set to increase, the number of prize balls in a normal game state decreases, the ball holding is poor, and the gambling property is high. Therefore, the firing interval is set to be long so that the number of firings per unit time is reduced.

In the above description, the pachinko machines are classified according to the type of machine or the probability of jackpot occurrence based on the presence or absence of the probability variation function, and the firing interval is changed. However, the firing intervals are changed according to other types. It may be changed.
For example, 100 during a gaming state other than the jackpot state
Based on the number of prize balls for launches (so-called pace value),
Alternatively, the firing intervals can be changed based on the number of award balls at the time of winning the starting opening.

Next, the signals S1, S2, S3, S
4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows each signal S1,
6 is a time chart showing a relationship among S2, S3, and S4;
(A) shows a case where the firing interval is long, and (B) shows a case where the firing interval is short.

In the figure, a basic pulse signal S1 is a signal output by the firing control device 70 based on the firing interval setting information corresponding to the reception of the firing interval instruction signal S0. Time width T for every time width T
It rises with a pulse width of 1. The hit ball firing rod performs a firing operation in synchronization with the basic pulse signal S1. FIG.
8A shows a case where the firing interval is long as in the above-described type 6, for example, the firing interval TA is 800 ms and the number of firings per minute is about 75, and FIG. The firing interval is short, for example, the firing interval TB is 607 m
s, the number of shots per minute is about 99.

As described above, the pulse signal S2 is generated by the pulse generator 84 and is a pulse signal obtained by pulse width modulation having a duty ratio corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operation handle 94. 9
A firing force corresponding to the amount of rotation of 4 is obtained.

The firing drive signal S3 is the basic pulse signal S1
The firing drive signal S3 is sent to the firing solenoid 92 to drive the firing solenoid 92, whereby the hitting ball firing rod is in accordance with the amount of rotation of the operation handle 94. It is driven to rotate by the firing force.

The ball feed drive signal S4 is the basic pulse signal S
1, which rises at the same time as the basic pulse signal S1 falls, that is, rises at the same time as the firing drive signal S3 falls and the firing operation by the hitting ball firing rod is completed, and has a time width T2 (ball The time set as the ON time of the feed solenoid 93, for example, 8
7 msec). The ball feed solenoid 93 is driven by the ball feed drive signal S4 to set the next game ball and wait for firing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a game control process executed by the accessory control device. In addition, this game control processing and the firing control processing described later
It is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 2.0 ms).

In this game control process, first, in step S1
Then, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on. If the power is turned on, the flow branches to step S11 to execute a power-on processing subroutine (FIG. 10) to be described later, and thereafter ends this subroutine. When the power is not turned on, it is determined that the power is already turned on and the process has started, and the process proceeds to the next step S2.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the above-described power-on processing subroutine. In the power-on processing subroutine, first, in step S21, initialization processing is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S22. In this initialization processing, the correctness judgment of the ROM 72, the initialization of the RAM 73, the I / O
The setting of the O register and the register in the system is performed.

In step S22, a firing interval instruction signal S0 is transmitted to the firing control device 70 of the pachinko machine, and the flow advances to the next step S23.

In step S23, the firing interval instruction signal S
0 is transmitted to the management device 50, and thereafter, the process returns to the main routine. The transmission to the management device 50 allows the management device 50 to respond to the firing interval that changes for each pachinko machine.
It allows various data collection on the side.

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S2, for example, "1" is added to the signal from the general-purpose start switch 41a or the special-purpose start switch 42 to the general-purpose start memory or the special-purpose start memory. A switch input process for performing a predetermined process is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S3.

In step S3, a special figure game process is performed, and various processes including a process from the symbol determination on the special symbol display (special figure) 32 to a stop symbol display, a big hit process, and the like are executed. Proceed to.

In step S4, a general symbol game process is performed, and various processes including a process from the symbol determination on the ordinary symbol display (normal symbol) 38 to the stop symbol display, a hit process, and the like are performed. move on.

In step S5, external information processing is performed.
Proceed to the next step S6. The external information processing includes, for example, a process of transmitting a toku-zu, a turning signal of a general drawing, a winning signal to the starting port, a jackpot signal, and the like to the management device, a process of transmitting an abnormal signal to the management device, and a launch control. Processing such as transmitting a firing stop signal to the device 70 is performed.

In step S6, a jackpot random number updating process is performed, and the flow advances to the next step S7. This jackpot random number updating process updates a jackpot random number value (for example, 0 to 300) related to the jackpot occurrence, and stores the update result in a RAM.
13 is stored. The stored value of the sequentially changing random number is extracted at the time of winning the special figure start winning opening. Also, the update of the hit random number value is performed.

In step S7, a stop symbol creation process is performed, and the flow advances to the next step S8. This stop symbol creation process is a process of randomly creating and storing a jackpot stop symbol, a reach stop symbol, and a detachment stop symbol that are stopped and displayed in the special figure and the ordinary symbol. Here, the stored value is used based on the determination result of the random number when the special figure or the general figure is stopped.

In step S8, a display symbol editing process is performed, and the flow advances to the next step S8. This display symbol editing process performs a process related to editing of a display symbol of a special figure.

In step S9, a data transfer process is performed, and the flow advances to the next step S10. In this data transfer process, for example, a process of transferring display data to the special symbol display 32 is performed.

In step S10, output processing for outputting to lamps, LEDs, solenoids, and the like is performed, and then the main routine ends.

Next, the firing control process executed by the firing control device 70 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing a main routine of the firing control process, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a firing end cycle process as a subroutine.

First, in step S31 of the main routine in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on. If the power is turned on, the flow branches to step S36.
Proceed to the next step S32.

In step S36, an initialization process is performed, and the flow advances to the next step S37. In step S37, it is determined whether or not the firing interval instruction signal S0 (step S22 in FIG. 10) has been received from the accessory control device 10. If the firing interval instruction signal S0 has not been received, the process proceeds to reception. If it waits and receives the firing interval instruction signal S0, it proceeds to the next step S38.

In step S38, it is determined whether or not the received firing interval instruction signal S0 is normal. If not, the process returns to step S37 and waits until a normal firing interval instruction signal S0 is received. If the received firing interval instruction signal S0 is normal, the process proceeds to the next step S39. Whether the firing interval instruction signal S0 is normal or not is determined based on whether the firing interval instruction signal S0 corresponds to the firing interval setting information in the memory.

In step S39, the received firing interval instruction signal S0 is stored in the memory, and thereafter, the main routine ends and returns.

On the other hand, in step S32, input processing of signals from peripheral devices such as the operation handle 94 is performed, and the flow advances to the next step S33. In step S33, output processing of an output signal to the peripheral device is performed, and the next step S34.
Proceed to.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not the firing cycle end flag is present. If the firing cycle end flag is present, the flow branches to execute the firing end cycle processing subroutine (FIG. 15) in step S40. If there is no end flag, the process proceeds to step S35. In addition, the firing cycle is a period from immediately after hitting the ball until the firing of the game ball set to the next firing position is completed,
The firing cycle end flag is a flag that is set when one firing cycle ends.

In step S35, the information in the firing force information memory is set in the firing solenoid output information. That is, a process is performed for outputting the firing force information indicated by the table pointer in the firing force setting table to the firing solenoid 92 via the output port 79, the analog switch 81, and the pulse generator 84. At this time, since the basic pulse signal S1 has not been sent to the AND gate 85, the firing drive signal S3 is not output from the AND gate 85.
Always generates the pulse signal S2, and the operation of the pulse generator 84 can be stabilized. After this processing, the flow advances to the next Step S51.

In step S51, it is determined whether or not there is a ball feed flag.
Branching to step S52, if there is no ball feed flag, step S61
Proceed to. In step S52, ball feed solenoid ON information is set to operate the ball feed solenoid 93,
Proceed to the next step S53.

In step S53, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T2 (for example, 87 ms) set in advance as the ON time of the ball feeding solenoid 93 has elapsed. When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the ball feeding is performed. Is completed, and the process proceeds to step S54. If the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed, it means that the ball feed has not been completed, and in this case, the process proceeds to step S61.

In step S54, ball feed solenoid OFF information is set, and the flow advances to the next step S55. In step S55, the ball feed flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to the next step S56. In step S56, a firing interval flag is set to secure the time until firing, and the next step S56
Proceed to 57.

In step S57, a firing standby time preset for each type of pachinko machine is set based on the firing interval setting information, and the flow advances to the next step S58. This firing standby time is a standby time from completion of ball feeding to firing (a time T3 (= firing interval T-firing interval from the fall of the ball feed drive signal S4 in FIG. 5 to the next rise of the launch drive signal S3) The operation time T1 is a ball feeding operation time T2)). By setting the firing standby time for each type of pachinko machine, the firing interval is set as a result.

In step S58, the shooting flag is set assuming that the ball feeding is completed and the firing is set, and then the process proceeds to step S61.

In step S61 (FIG. 13), it is determined whether or not there is a firing flag. If there is a firing flag, the flow branches to step S62. If there is no firing flag, the main routine is terminated and the program returns. I do. In step S62, it is determined whether or not there is a firing interval flag. When there is a firing interval flag, the process proceeds to step S63, and when there is no firing interval flag, the process branches to step S66.

In step S63, it is determined whether or not the firing standby time T3 has expired. If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step S64. If the time has not elapsed, the routine ends and returns. .
In step S64, since the firing standby time T3 has elapsed, the firing interval flag is cleared, and the flow advances to the next step S65.

In step S65, the firing permission information is set in the output information so as to permit the firing operation, and this routine is terminated. According to the firing permission information, the basic pulse signal S1 is sent to the AND gate 85 via the output port 79. At this time, the AND gate 85 becomes active and outputs the firing drive signal S3 to the firing solenoid 92.

On the other hand, step S66 is a case where the firing flag is present and the firing interval flag is absent. In this case, the period corresponds to the period during which the firing operation is performed. T1 (for example, 87 ms)
It is determined whether or not the time is up. The firing solenoid 9 from the AND gate 85 for the predetermined time T1
2, the firing drive signal S3 is output.
If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step S71. If the time has not elapsed, the main routine is terminated and the process returns.

In step S71 (FIG. 14), it is determined that the firing has been completed, and the firing flag is cleared.
Go to 72. In step S72, off information is set in the firing solenoid drive information, and the flow advances to the next step S73. In step S73, firing non-permission information is set in the output information, and the flow advances to the next step S74. The basic pulse signal S1 is turned off by this emission non-permission information, and the output from the AND gate 85 stops. In step S74, a firing cycle end flag is set, and thereafter, the main routine ends and returns.

Next, the firing end cycle processing subroutine in step S40 (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. This firing end cycle process subroutine is a process for setting the firing force at the time of the next hit ball in response to the completion of firing and the setting of the firing cycle end flag in step S74.
It is determined whether or not the touch plate 941 is on. If it is on, the process proceeds to the next step S82. If it is not on, the subroutine is terminated and the process returns to the main routine. In step S82, it is determined whether or not the firing operation switch 942 is on. If it is on, the process proceeds to the next step S83. If it is not on, this subroutine is terminated.

In step S83, the rotation amount detector 943
The information of the firing force setting table pointed to by the table pointer according to the detection signal is set in the firing force information memory, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S84. This allows
When the current firing cycle ends, firing force information corresponding to the operation of the operation handle 94 performed during the current firing cycle is set in the memory.

In step S84, the firing cycle end flag is cleared, and the flow advances to the next step S85. Step S
At 85, a ball feed flag is set, and thereafter, the flow returns to step S34 of the main routine.

As described above, in this embodiment, the firing control device 70 receives the firing interval instruction signal S0 from the accessory control device 10, and sets a predetermined firing interval (unit) for each game performance of the pachinko machine. The number of shots per time) can be used to fire game balls. For example, in the case of a pachinko machine equipped with a probability variation function, once a big hit occurs, the number of big hits increases intensively, and although there is a possibility that a large number of game balls can be acquired in a short period of time, the game state other than the big hit In some cases, the number of prize balls in the game may be small or not at all, and the ball holding is poor. In such a case, the firing interval is lengthened, and the number of shots per unit time is set to be small. It is possible to reduce the amount of losses and wins per hour, thereby preventing the gambling pachinko machine from winning very much but losing very much, and preventing pachinko machines. It can contribute to the soundness of the game.

[0102] Further, since gambling can be suppressed, it is possible to conduct business in which the profit balance between the player and the game store can be properly maintained.

Further, in the case of a pachinko machine not provided with a probability variation function, the number of hits in a short period is reduced, so that the number of obtained balls in a short period is reduced. Since the number of prize balls in the game state other than the jackpot is large and the ball holding is good, in such cases, even if the firing interval is shortened and the number of shots per unit time is set to be large, gambling Does not increase, whereby the progress of the game can be made moderate and the player's willingness to play the game can be continued.

Further, by transmitting the firing interval instruction signal s0 from the accessory control device 10 when the power is turned on, the setting can be surely performed before the business without the necessity of the setting operation or the like.

Further, when the firing control device 70 does not receive the proper firing interval instruction signal s0 from the accessory control device 10, the firing control device 70 prohibits the firing of the game ball, so that the firing is started due to a communication abnormality. Or playing an illegal game without connecting a signal line can be prevented, and the game can be reliably performed with a predetermined number of shots.

In the above description, the transmission of the firing interval instruction signal S0 is performed when the power is turned on.
For example, it may be configured to transmit periodically.

[0107]

Since the present invention has the above-described configuration,
The following effects can be obtained. According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the firing control device determines a firing interval (number of firings per unit time) for each game performance of the gaming machine in accordance with an instruction from the game control device.
Since it is possible to fire game balls at, once a big hit, the number of occurrences of big hits will increase intensively, and although there is a possibility that a large number of game balls can be acquired in a short period of time, big hits will not usually occur, Also, in the case of gaming machines that have little or no prize balls in the gaming state other than the jackpot and have poor ball holding, the firing interval is lengthened and the number of firings per unit time is set to be small. , You can reduce the amount lost or won per unit time,
As a result, it is possible to prevent the gaming machine from becoming a highly gambling gaming machine, in which the winner wins very much and the loser loses very much, thereby contributing to the soundness of the game.

Further, since the gambling property can be suppressed, it is possible to conduct business in which the profit balance between the player and the game store can be properly maintained.

Further, although the number of large hits in a short period is small and the number of balls obtained in a short period is small, a large hit is usually generated in a moderate amount, and the number of prize balls in a game state other than the large hit is large. In the case of a gaming machine that has good durability, by setting the firing interval to be short and setting the number of firings per unit time to be large, there is no concern that gambling will increase even in such a setting, and the game progresses Can be made moderate, and the player's willingness to play can be continuously maintained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the instruction from the game control device is issued when the power is turned on, the setting can be surely performed before the business without the necessity of the setting operation or the like.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the launch control device does not receive a valid instruction from the game control device,
By prohibiting the launch of game balls, it is possible to prevent launching due to a communication error or to prevent illegal play without connecting signal lines, and ensure that the game is played with a fixed number of launches be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game board of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a game device and a game control device (gear control device) for controlling the entire game device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a launch control device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a firing interval instruction signal S0.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of firing interval setting information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the types of pachinko machines are divided according to game contents.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the types of pachinko machines are classified according to the jackpot occurrence probability.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing a relationship among signals S1, S2, S3, and S4.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of a game control process executed by the accessory control device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a power-on processing subroutine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a firing control process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of a firing control process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a firing control process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of a firing control process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a firing end cycle process as a subroutine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming board 3 Game part (game area) 10 Character control device (game control device) 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 30 Variable display device 35 Ordinary variable winning device 36 Special variable winning device 41 General figure starting gate 70 Launch control device 71 CPU 72 ROM 73 RAM 85 AND gate 92 Launch solenoid 93 Ball feed solenoid S0 Launch interval instruction signal S1 Basic pulse signal S2 Pulse signal S3 Launch drive signal S4 Ball feed drive signal T Launch interval (firing cycle) T1 Launch operation time T2 Ball feed Operating time T3 Launch standby time

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A game machine in which a game ball is fired into a game area using a firing device, and a game is played by a game device provided in the game area. A game control device for performing game control in the game device, wherein the game control device has a firing interval instructing means for instructing a firing interval of game ball firing by the firing device. A gaming machine, comprising: a firing interval control unit that controls a firing interval of game balls at a firing interval instructed by the firing interval instructing unit. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the firing interval instructed by the firing interval instructing means is set in advance in accordance with gaming performance of the gaming machine. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the instruction of the firing interval by the firing interval instructing means is issued when the power is turned on. 4. The game according to claim 1, wherein the firing control device prohibits firing of the game ball until receiving a valid instruction from the firing interval instructing means. Machine.