JP4457352B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a so-called pachinko gaming machine.

  In a pachinko machine, when the game ball enters the start opening, the display of the variable display device is variably displayed, and if the display stopped after a predetermined time is a specific design, the grand prize opening is opened. A big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is generated.

The big prize opening is once closed when a predetermined number of game balls enter or a predetermined time elapses, but is opened again when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the opening, and the opening and closing operations are predetermined. It is configured to repeat the number of times (predetermined round) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, when a game ball enters the start opening, the big winning opening, and other winning openings, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out.
JP-A-10-277221

  However, the conventional pachinko gaming machine is generally configured such that a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out immediately after the game balls are entered into the prize opening. For this reason, the payout of the prize ball becomes monotonous, and it becomes impossible to give the player a sense of tension in the game, and there is a problem that the interest is lowered.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above points, the present invention aims to provide a new gameability that is different from the conventional game when discharging a winning ball for winning a prize in a special game state and to improve the game performance.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following means are adopted.

The present invention relates to a variable pitching device capable of changing a variable pitching slot between a closed state and an open state, a special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established, The main control means for controlling the progress, the entrance detecting means for detecting that the game ball has entered the variable entrance, and outputting the game ball detection signal to the main control means, and the game ball entering the variable entrance A payout control means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls based on a prize ball instruction signal transmitted from the main control means based on a game ball detection signal, and any symbol can be displayed when a ball is played A variable display device, and a symbol control means for controlling symbol display in the variable display device ,
Dispensing control means stores a prize number balls generated by the ball entrance of game ball into the variable ball entrance opening in the round, round and out pay together the number of prize balls stored upon completion, symbol control The means performs an effect related to the prize ball payout on the variable display device during the round, and the effect related to the prize ball payout is a score acquisition effect capable of establishing a score, and is performed in the round at the end of the round. If the score established in the received score acquisition effect is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, the main control means transmits a prize ball payout permission signal for permitting the prize ball payout to the payout control means, and at the end of the round, the round The first feature is that the main control means does not transmit a prize ball payout permission signal to the payout control means when the score established in the score acquisition effect performed in step 1 is less than the reference value .

In this way, a new game that is not available in conventional pachinko machines is stored by memorizing the number of winning balls for winning in the grand prize opening for each round in which a special gaming state is occurring, and paying out the winning balls together at the end of the round. Can provide sex. Further, by performing a symbol effect related to paying out a prize ball with the variable display device, it is possible to improve the interest related to winning a prize at the variable entrance, and to improve game play. Furthermore, it is possible to change the prize ball payout for each round by determining whether or not the prize ball payout is performed at the end of the round based on the result of the score acquisition effect in each round, and the interest can be improved. .

Further, the present invention includes a main control unit transmits a prize balls paid out stop signal for instructing the stop of prize balls paid out to the payout control means at the beginning of the round, payment out control means receives a prize balls paid out stop signal In this case, when a prize ball instruction signal is received from the main control means, a prize ball payout based on the prize ball instruction signal is stored, and when a prize ball payout permission signal is received, the prize ball is paid out. Is the second feature.

  As a result, the payout control means can store the number of winning balls for winning in the big winning opening for each round in which a special gaming state is occurring, and pay out the winning balls collectively at the end of the round.

Further, according to the present invention, in the score acquisition effect, a plurality of winning symbols are displayed on the variable display device, and any one of the plurality of winning symbols is lit up when a game ball enters the variable entrance. The third feature is that a condition for establishing a score is that a predetermined number of the winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed.

  By performing such an effect, it is possible to reproduce the game performance of an arrange ball game machine (combination type game machine) in which a score is achieved by combination of symbols and a winning ball is obtained with a pachinko game machine. .

A fourth feature is that an operation switch that can be operated by the player is provided, and whether or not a score is established is determined based on the operation of the operation switch by the player. Thereby, it is possible to give an impression that the player is technically intervening in the prize ball payout through the establishment of the score, and the interest can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

  The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit. Furthermore, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit 10 and a shot ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit 10 A foul ball detection switch for detecting a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the launching device unit 10 is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 266 (see FIG. 14) that generates a sound effect or the like corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) and a low tone speaker (woofer).

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a left LED display unit 4b, a right LED display unit 4c, an upper left LED display unit 4d, an upper right LED display unit 4e, and an upper LED display unit 4f as lamps for game effects and the like. . The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in an arc shape on the right side and the left side around the opening 4a, respectively. The upper left LED display portion 4d is provided at the upper left of the left LED display portion 4a, and the upper right LED display portion 4e is provided at the upper right of the right LED display portion 4c. The upper LED display part 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two are provided between the upper end part of the left LED display part 4b and the upper end part of the right LED display part 4c. These LED display portions 4a to 4f are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper plate portion 5 includes a plate outer edge portion 5 a provided with a game ball lending button, a return button, etc., a discharge port 5 b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and an upper plate portion 5 A ball removal button 5c for discharging the game ball to the lower dish portion 6 is provided.

  In addition, two effect switches 5d and 5e are provided on the upper plate part 5. The player can use these effect switches 5d and 5e to select an effect character and give a change to the effect.

  A first sound output unit 5f is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper plate portion 5 and has a plurality of long holes and a number of small holes formed thereon. The first audio output unit 5f is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board 267 (see FIG. 14) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate part 6. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. The ball removal hole is normally closed, and is opened when the game ball stored in the lower dish portion 6 is discharged. A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball removal hole is provided on the substantially center front side of the lower dish portion 6.

  A second audio output unit 6c is provided on the lower surface of the right and left sides of the discharge knob 6b in the lower plate part 6. The second audio output unit 6c is connected to a low-frequency speaker (woofer) among the speakers 266 via a duct, and the audio from the low-frequency speaker is output downward.

  At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. The firing stop switch 8b of this embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with the touch switch 8a.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body that is detachably attached to the middle frame 3 on the front surface side, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 4) described later. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming area 21 is formed in the gaming board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface of the gaming board 20. In the game area 21, the production symbol display device 24, the normal symbol operation gate 26, the normal symbol display device 27, the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28, the special symbol display device 29, and the big prize device (special electric accessory) 33, gaming devices such as a left winning port 34, 35, a right winning port 36, 37, and the like are arranged. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the game area | region 21, many obstacle nails are arrange | positioned in consideration of the positional balance with each game device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the effect symbol display device 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21. The effect symbol display device 24 includes a symbol display unit 25 that can display an arbitrary symbol. In this example, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect symbol display device 24. The effect symbol display device 24 corresponds to the variable display device of the present invention.

  The normal symbol operation gate 26 is provided on the left side of the effect symbol display device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 26, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 26, the normal symbol display device 27 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. The normal symbol display device 27 is provided below the normal symbol operation gate 26 on the left side of the game area 21.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the normal symbol display device 27 and the special symbol display device 29. As shown in FIG. 3, the normal symbol display device 27 is located below the special symbol display device 29, and the left normal symbol display area 27a in which the left normal symbol is displayed and the right normal symbol in which the right normal symbol is displayed. And a symbol display area 27b. The left normal symbol display area 27a and the right normal symbol display area 27b are each provided with an LED for displaying a normal symbol, and the left normal symbol display area 27a can be lit in green, and the right normal symbol display area 27b can be lit red.

  The normal symbol display mode displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is that the left normal symbol and the right normal symbol are lit, the left normal symbol is lit and the right normal symbol is unlit, the left normal symbol is unlit and the right normal symbol is unlit. There are four modes: lighting, left normal symbol and right normal symbol are extinguished. In this embodiment, the combination of the normal symbols in which the left normal symbol is turned off and the right normal symbol is lit is a combination of the normal symbols, and the other combinations are combinations of the normal symbols that are out of the normal symbol. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. When a game ball passes the normal symbol operating gate, whether or not the starting port (normal electric accessory) 28 is to be operated is determined. Used for. A hit value is set in advance for the normal symbol success / failure determination random number, and the normal symbol success / failure random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 26 matches the hit value. It is determined. If the winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is determined to be a combination of the winning normal symbols. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is out of place, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is determined as one of the combinations of out symbols. Note that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is correct and the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  In the normal symbol display unit 27, the normal symbol starts to change as the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 26, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of winning symbols or a combination of falling symbols. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of hit symbols set in advance, the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  The start port 28 is provided below the center position of the effect symbol display device 24 as shown in FIG. The start port 28 is a so-called tulip type, and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 28, there are provided a start port winning detection switch 28s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 7) for operating the wing piece. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the game in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. .

  When the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to change. The special symbol of the present embodiment is composed of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 29 and the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 24.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the special symbol display device 29 includes a rectangular symbol display region 29a. The symbol display region 28a is provided with a 7-segment display unit 29b and a dot display unit 29c each including seven segments. Yes. This special symbol is configured by combining the display of the 7-segment display unit 29a and the display of the point display unit 29b. In the 7-segment display unit 29a, three types of “A”, “y”, and “-(bar)” are lit up. “A” is displayed in red, green, or orange (referred to as “red A”, “green A”, and “orange A”, respectively), and “y” and “-(bar)” are displayed in green or red, respectively. (Referred to as “green y”, “red y”, “green bar”, and “red bar”), respectively. The point display part 28b is lit and displayed in red, green, or orange.

  The special symbol of this example includes red A orange point, red A red point, green A red point, green A green point, orange A red point, orange A orange point, green y red point, green y green point, There are 12 types of combinations of red y orange point, red y green point, green bar and red bar. Among these special symbol combinations, red A orange point, red A red point, green A red point, green A green point, orange A red point, orange A orange point, green y red point, green y green point, 10 types of combinations of red y orange points and red y green points are special symbol combinations (specific combinations) that the winning device (special electric accessory) 33 and the condition device will operate. The combination is a special symbol combination.

  The condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. Specifically, the condition device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 to be described later, and starts operating when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, and activates the accessory continuous activation device. The accessory continuous operation device is a device that is mainly configured by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and continuously operates a large winning device 33 to be described later to continuously open the special winning opening 33a. With the start of the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, a special game state in which the special winning opening 33a is continuously opened is started.

  Among the above-mentioned special symbol combinations, the combination of five types of symbols, green y red point, red y green point, orange A red point, green A green point, orange A orange point, is the action of the accessory continuous operation device. After completion, the probability variation function is activated and is a combination of probability variation symbols. The probability variation function is activated until the next time the conditional device is activated or until the number of variations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (10000 in this example). Here, the probability variation function is a function of the main control unit 200 that changes (improves) the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination after the completion of the operation of the accessory continuous operating device, that is, the probability that the special symbol stops and displays with the specific symbol. Say.

  In this embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is prepared. The random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is used is used for determining whether or not the special device is activated when a game ball enters the start port 28. Specifically, in the special symbol success / failure determination random number, a winning value for hit / failure determination is set in advance, and the special symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the start port 28, A hit is determined when the hit value matches. If it is determined that the winning symbol is a winning symbol, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is determined as one of the combinations of the winning special symbols. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is out, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is determined as one of the combinations of the above symbols. The determination of whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the determination of the stop symbol of the special symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  In the special symbol display unit 28, the special symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the start port 27, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of winning symbols or a combination of falling symbols. Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of winning symbols set in advance, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33 described later starts to operate.

  Here, the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 24 will be described. Although not shown in the symbol display unit 25 of the effect symbol display device 24 shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of pseudo special symbols (identification symbols) are displayed while changing one after another in a predetermined direction, and then stopped. A pseudo special symbol display area (identification information display area) is provided. Specifically, the left symbol display area for displaying the left symbol, the middle symbol display area for displaying the middle symbol, and the right symbol display area for displaying the right symbol in this order in the arrangement direction set in a substantially horizontal row. It is formed side by side. Each pseudo special symbol display region has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of these display regions, in this case, in the vertical direction. Each symbol display area can display symbols composed of, for example, “0” to “7”.

  The effect symbol display device 24 starts the variable display of each pseudo special symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 25 when the game ball enters the start opening 28, and stops the display after a predetermined time has elapsed. The pseudo special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the symbol display unit 25 is determined to be a combination of pseudo hit symbols composed of “7, 7 and 7”, for example, when it is determined that the special symbol is determined to be a hit. If it is determined that the game is unsuccessful in the determination, it is determined to be a pseudo miss symbol composed of a combination other than the pseudo hit symbol. It should be noted that the determination of the variation pattern of the pseudo special symbol and the determination of the stop symbol of the pseudo special symbol are performed by the sound lamp control unit 260 described later.

  A normal symbol hold display unit 30 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display device 29, and a special symbol hold display unit 31 is provided on the left side of the special symbol display device 29.

  The normal symbol hold display section 30 is composed of four LEDs, and can hold up to four game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 during normal symbol fluctuations. The number of symbol hold is displayed. Each time the next variable display starts, the number of unstarted times (holding number) is consumed, the LEDs of the normal symbol holding display unit 30 are turned off one by one, and the normal symbol holding number is decreased by one.

  The special symbol hold display unit 31 is composed of four LEDs, and can hold up to four game balls that have entered the start opening 28 during the special symbol change, and one LED for each pass for each entry. Lights up and displays the number of special symbol hold. Each time the next special symbol change starts, the number of unstarted times is consumed, the LEDs of the special symbol hold display unit 31 are turned off one by one, and the number of special symbol holds is reduced by one.

  A first state display unit 32 a is provided below the normal symbol hold display unit 30, and a second state display unit 32 b is provided below the special symbol hold display unit 31. These state display parts 32a and 32b are each comprised from LED.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the special winning device 33 is disposed below the start port 31. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for opening / closing the open / close plate 33b). 7) and a winning ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 7) for detecting a winning ball. The big winning opening 33a corresponds to the variable pitch opening of the present invention, and the big winning device 33 corresponds to the variable pitching apparatus of the present invention.

  When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is a specific symbol, the main control unit 200 generates a special gaming machine state that is relatively advantageous to the player. In the special gaming machine state, by operating the special winning device 33, a profit is given to the player with respect to the entry of the game ball into the special winning opening 33a. The main control unit 200 corresponds to the special game state generating means of the present invention. The special game state is realized by repeatedly executing a special electric accessory game process (see FIG. 22) described later.

  With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened and a gaming ball is received. This game ball receiving state is ended when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and the open big winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a after the start of the game ball receiving state reaches a predetermined opening time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or after the start of the gaming ball receiving state, This may be when the number of game balls entering 33a reaches a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment).

  In the case where one round is from the start to the end of the game ball receiving state, the above-mentioned accessory continuous operation device ends when a predetermined number of rounds (7 rounds in this embodiment) are completed. In the big winning device 33, after a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has passed since the game ball receiving state is finished, the big winning port 33a is opened to enter the game ball receiving state again, and the next round starts. . Such a game ball receiving state continues repeatedly until the predetermined round is completed and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a first left winning opening 34 and a second left winning opening 35 are provided obliquely above and to the left of the big winning device 33. Inside these, left winning opening passing detection switches 34s and 35s (see FIG. 7) are respectively provided. A second right winning port 36 and a second right winning port 37 are provided diagonally to the upper right of the big winning device 33. Inside these, right winning opening passing detection switches 36s and 37b (see FIG. 7) are provided.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. The tank ball cut detection switch 104 is turned on when a game ball is present in the prize ball tank 105, and is turned off when there is no game ball in the prize ball tank 105. The prize ball tank 105 stores payout game balls supplied from an external supply device. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided. The tank rail 106 is formed to be inclined from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 to above the game ball payout device 109. The game balls in the prize ball tank 105 flow down the tank rail 106 from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105.

  A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. A game ball payout device 109 is provided on the downstream side of the ball removal lever 107. Further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, a case rail for guiding the game ball payout device 109 by changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 ( A game ball guiding path) 108 is provided.

  Below the tank rail 106, there is a rear case 111 to which the effect symbol display device 24 is attached on the front side and the lamp interface board case 112, the symbol control board case 113, and the sound lamp control board case 114 are respectively attached to the rear side. Is provided. A main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111, a power supply board case 116 is provided below the main control board case 115, and a payout control board case 118 is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. Is provided. Various control boards described later are stored in these board cases.

  In the upper right part of the back mechanism board 102, there is provided a frame external terminal board 122 equipped with external connection terminals for gaming machine frames such as jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door opening, prize ball, and rental balls. ing.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game, and transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230, 260, and 280, and each sub control unit 230, 260, and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  For example, a command such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. The payout control unit 230 corresponds to the payout control means of the present invention.

  The main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260, a normal symbol display control command for instructing display control of a normal symbol, or a special symbol display control command for instructing display control of this special symbol. Various symbol control commands including are transmitted. The sound lamp control unit 260 determines the pseudo special symbol variation mode and the stop symbol based on the special special symbol display control command from the main control unit 200, and instructs the special special symbol display control command to display the pseudo special symbol. Is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280. The symbol control unit 280 corresponds to the symbol control means of the present invention.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each of the control units 200, 230, 260 and 280 via the power supply board 127 and the power supply relay board 121. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.

  The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body. Note that the control cycle of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the board external terminal board 201, the start opening winning detection switch 28 s, the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220 are connected to the main control unit 200. The start opening winning detection switch 28 s detects that a game ball has entered the start opening 28. The normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s detects that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26.

  The board external terminal board 201 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown). These test signal terminals are used for gaming machines, and can send a signal such as a prize ball signal or a ball entrance signal to the test apparatus.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 7, to the board relay board 210, a winning opening passing detection switch 34s, 35s, 36s, 37s, a big winning opening entering detection switch 33s, and various solenoids 28c, 33c are connected. The big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s corresponds to the entrance detection means of the present invention.

  The winning opening passing detection switches 34 s, 35 s, 36 s, and 37 s are used to detect the entry of game balls into the winning openings 34, 35, 36, and 37. The big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s detects that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 33a. These game ball detection switches can be configured by proximity switches or photo sensors. As the various solenoids 28c and 33c, there are a start opening solenoid 28c for opening and closing the start opening 28, a large winning opening solenoid 33c for opening and closing the large winning opening 33a, and the like.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a launch ball count switch 221 and a foul ball detection switch 222 are connected to the frame relay board 220. Further, a ball feed count switch 254 is connected to the frame relay board 220 via a ball feed relay board 251 described later.

  The firing ball count switch 221 detects a game ball launched by the launching device unit. The foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launching unit to the lower plate 6 without reaching the game area 21. The ball feed count switch 254 counts the game balls sent from the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the firing control section 250 and the like are connected to the payout control section 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball cut switch 232 detects that the game ball in the prize ball tank 105 has run out. The ball-out signal of the tank ball-out switch 232 is transmitted to the external replenishing device via the frame external terminal board 122, and the game ball is replenished to the prize ball tank 105 from the replenishing device. The lower tray full tank switch 233 detects that the lower tray 6 has become full. The payout control board 230a of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG. The control cycle of the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment is set to 1 ms shorter than that of the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 9, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

  The payout control unit 230 is connected with a payout motor 109f and payout sensors 109j and 109k via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED board 241 and an error display via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. An LED substrate 242 is connected. The payout sensors 109j and 109k count the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109. The game balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device 109 include prize balls that are paid out in response to winnings and balls that are lent to players.

  Prize ball payout for winning is performed when a game ball enters any of the winning openings 33a, 34, 35, 36, and 37. The number of winning balls for each of the winning openings 33a, 34, 35, 36, 37 is determined in advance. For example, the number of winning prizes for the large winning opening 33a is set to 15.

  The award ball display LED substrate 241 and the error display LED substrate 242 correspond to the award ball display LED display portion 4g and the error LED display portion 4h (see FIG. 1), respectively. The LED on the prize ball display LED board 241 is turned on or blinked when a prize ball is acquired, and the LED on the error LED board 242 is turned on or blinks when an error occurs. The error display LED substrate 242 includes a plurality of types of LEDs, and the error LED display unit 4h can perform a plurality of types of error notification.

  FIG. 10 shows part of a command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 10, from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, a prize ball payout permission signal for permitting the payout of prize balls, a prize ball payout stop signal for stopping the payout of prize balls, and the number of prize balls are instructed. There is a command to specify the number of prize balls to be played.

  The payout control unit 230 receives the prize ball number designation command from the main control unit 200 and pays out the designated prize ball. The payout control unit 230 usually pays out a winning ball immediately upon receiving a prize ball number designation command. Therefore, when a winning is entered in the winning openings 33a, 34, 35, 36, 37, the winning ball is immediately paid out. The payout control unit 230 of the present embodiment is configured not to immediately pay out a prize ball when a special game state occurs, but to pay out a prize ball collectively at the end of each round. ing.

  Here, the prize ball payout control during the occurrence of the special game state will be described. As described above, when a winning ball is generated by entering a special winning opening 33a during the occurrence of a special gaming state, the number of winning balls is stored in round units, and one round is completed. A prize ball is paid out every time.

  First, at the start of each round during the occurrence of the special game state, the main control unit 200 transmits a prize ball payout stop signal to the payout control part 230, and the payout control part 230 enters a prize ball payout stop state. Each time a game ball enters the big winning opening 33a and a winning is established, a prize ball number designation command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. At this time, the payout control unit 230 stores the number of winning balls in the RAM without paying out the winning balls even when a winning ball number designation command is received. At the end of the round, the main control unit 200 transmits a prize ball payout permission signal to the payout control unit 230. The payout control unit 230 receives the prize ball payout permission signal, releases the prize ball payout stop state, and pays out the prize balls stored in the RAM.

  In the present embodiment, during the occurrence of the special gaming state, the effect symbol display device 24 provides an effect by symbol display with respect to the prize ball payout. FIG. 11 is a screen display example in the case of performing a prize ball payout appearance while the special game state is being generated on the effect symbol display device 24. In addition, the prize ball payout appearance of the present embodiment is configured as an effect capable of establishing a score, and shows a specific example of the score acquisition effect of the present invention.

  During the occurrence of the special gaming state, a winning symbol display unit 25a is displayed below the symbol display unit 25 of the effect symbol display device 24. The winning symbol display unit 25a has a plurality of winning symbols, and in this embodiment, 16 winning symbols from "1" to "16" are arranged in a horizontal row.

  When the game ball enters the grand prize opening 33a, a symbol control command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260, and the symbol control unit 280 receives 16 winning symbols. Either one is lit. At this time, the effect symbol display device 24 performs an effect such that the game ball falls from above the symbol display unit 25 and the game ball wins one of the winning symbols in the winning symbol display unit 25a. A score is established when a predetermined number of winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed, and in this embodiment, one point is established when four winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed.

  In the present embodiment, when the winning ball appearance using the effect symbol display device 24 becomes the reference score (4 points in this example) or more in the round, the main control unit at the end of the round A prize ball payout permission signal is transmitted from 200 to the payout control unit 230. As a result, the payout control unit 230 pays out the number of prize balls stored in the RAM collectively.

  On the other hand, in the case of a prize ball payout appearance using the effect symbol display device 24, when the round is completed while the score established during one round is less than 4 points, the main control unit 200 changes the payout control unit 230 at the end of the round. The prize ball payout permission signal is not transmitted, and the number of prize balls generated in the round is stored. The memorized number of prize balls is paid out collectively when the score becomes 4 or more in the appearance of prize ball payouts in subsequent rounds.

  FIG. 12 shows a specific example of prize ball payout in each round during the occurrence of the special gaming state. As described above, the number of prize balls for winning in the grand prize opening 33a is 15, and the number of game balls that can be entered in the big prize opening 33a in one round is 10, so the maximum prize ball that can be obtained in one round The number is 150 balls (= 15 × 10). For this reason, when the maximum number of consecutive rounds in the special gaming state is 7, the maximum number of winning prize balls is 1050 (= 150 balls × 7 rounds).

  In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the score for the first round is 3 points, the number of winning balls is 0, the score for winning the 2nd round is 2 points, the number of winning balls is 0, and the score for the 3rd round is 8 The number of winning balls is 450, the winning score in the 4th round is 5 points, the winning ball number is 150, the winning score in the 5th round is 2 points, the winning ball number is 0, and the winning score in the 6th round is 1 point The number of winning balls is 0, the score for the seventh round is 8 points, and the number of winning balls is 450. As a result, the total number of prize balls is 1050.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12B, compared to the example shown in FIG. 12A, the final score for the seventh round is 3 points and the number of winning balls is 0. In this way, when the final round of the prize ball payout is performed and the performance less than 4 points as the reference point is performed, when the special gaming state ends, the predetermined number (450 in this example) stored so far. Ball) will not be paid out.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when a prize ball is stored at the end of the special gaming state, a prize ball payout permission signal is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230 to perform a forced payout process. Thereby, the payout control unit 230 pays out the number of prize balls stored in the RAM, and the number of prize balls stored becomes zero. When this forced payout process is performed, a symbol control command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260, and a prize ball payout appearance related to the forced payout of a prize ball is performed. For example, a large number of game balls fall from above the symbol display unit 25 of the effect symbol display device 24, win all the winning symbols in the winning symbol display unit 25a, and perform so-called reversal effects. be able to. By performing such a reversal effect, it is possible to avoid giving the player a sense of discomfort by paying out the prize ball at the end of the special game state.

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 13, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. A launch start signal from a launch start switch (not shown) indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more from the launch handle 8 to the launch control unit 250, and the player touches the launch handle 8. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a indicating whether or not there is input.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates a spear for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8.

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid (not shown) and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding the game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. Yes. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220. The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 via the firing control unit 250.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the sound lamp control unit 260 is connected with a 16-entry ball LED substrate 262, various board LED substrates 263, various game frame LED substrates 264, etc. via a lamp interface substrate 261. Yes. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a.

  The 16-continuous ball opening LED substrate 262 is for lighting the LED of the corresponding 16-continuous ball opening LED display unit 25 when entering any of the 16-continuous ball opening 24. A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown).

  The sound lamp control unit 260 is connected with a mode changeover switch 268 and effect switches 5d and 5e. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the effect symbol display device 24. The effect switches 5d and 5e enable the player to change the background and the appearing character in the effect symbol display device 24 by operating during the game.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the symbol control unit 280 includes an effect symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the effect symbol display device 24, and a symbol display device substrate 282 that operates the normal symbol display device 27 and the special symbol display device 29. Is connected. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the effect symbol display device 24, the normal symbol display device 27, and the special symbol display device 29 using the RAM as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. Further, special symbol image data and reach display mode image data are stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 280a.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 16 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 400 based on a program stored in the ROM of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 16 performs the game start process S200, the normal symbol game process S300, the normal electric game game process S400, the special symbol game process S500, and the special electric game game process S600 after executing the power-on process S100. Each step is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In this embodiment, the reset period is set to 2 ms.

  The power-on process S100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power-on process is performed when power is turned on and when power is restored after a power failure occurs. First, various settings required when the power is turned on are performed (S101). Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM is permitted.

  Next, when the RAM clear switch is pressed or when the backup flag (power failure occurrence information) is not set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is turned on and the RAM initialization process is performed. Return (S102, S103, S104). As the RAM initialization processing, initial setting of built-in devices around the CPU is performed, all areas of the RAM are cleared to 0, initial values during normal game are set, and interrupts are permitted. Also, a game start flag is set.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is restored when the power is turned off, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power is turned off (S105). (S106). If these checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM are broken, and the RAM initialization process of S104 is performed. When the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed.

  First, the stack pointer immediately before power-off is restored and the backup flag is cleared. Next, a return setting is made to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the register is returned to the state immediately before the power is turned off. Thereafter, the program is resumed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power is turned off.

  Next, the game start process S200 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, all the switches other than the RAM clear switch connected to the main control unit 200 are read (S201), the respective switch states are determined, and the detection information is stored (S202).

  Next, various random numbers such as a random number for determination of success / failure and a random number for symbol display are updated (S203). Specifically, the value of the random number counter set in the above-described RAM is incremented by 1 between an initial value (for example, 0) and a predetermined value (for example, 255). When the value of the random number counter exceeds a predetermined value, the initial value is restored.

  Next, prize ball control in S204 to S207 is performed. First, each winning mouth is checked by a winning mouth switch, and when a game ball wins a winning mouth, winning detection information is stored in the RAM (S204, S205). Next, when there is winning detection information stored in the RAM, a winning ball number designation command corresponding to the acquired game ball is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S206, S207). The payout control unit 230 immediately pays out the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball number designation command when the prize ball payout is not stopped, and when the prize ball payout is stopped, The number of prize balls designated by the prize ball number designation command is stored in the RAM without immediately paying out the balls, and the number of prize balls stored in the RAM is accumulated until the prize ball dispensing stop state is canceled.

  Next, the normal symbol game process S300 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined by the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s whether or not the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 26 (S301). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 (S301: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of pending operation of the normal symbol display device 27 is less than 4 (S302). If the number of normal symbols held is less than 4 (S302: YES), a random number for determining whether or not normal symbols are stored is stored (S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S304). If it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S304: YES) ), The process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is not operating (S304: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing (S305). As a result, when it is determined that the normal symbol is not changing (S305: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is in the stop display time (S306), and it is determined that the normal symbol is in the normal symbol display time. If this is the case (S306: YES), the process proceeds to S314, which will be described later. If it is determined that the normal symbol display time is not being reached (S306: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol holding number is zero ( S307).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of normal symbol hold is zero (S307: YES), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the number of normal symbol hold is not zero (S307: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate. (S308), the normal symbol change time is set (S309), and the normal symbol change is started (S310).

  When it is determined in S305 that the normal symbol is changing (S305: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol change time has passed (S311), and the normal symbol change time has passed. If it is determined that there is not (S311: NO), the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal symbol change time has elapsed (S311: YES), the normal symbol change is stopped (S312), and the normal symbol stop display interval is set (S313).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interval between the normal symbols has been stopped (S314). If it is determined that the interval between the normal symbols has not been stopped (S314: NO), the process returns as it is. If it is determined that the normal symbol stop display has elapsed (S314: YES), is the normal symbol stop symbol a combination of winning symbols that will actuate the start port (normal electric accessory) 28? It is determined whether or not (S315). As a result, if it is determined that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol combination (S315: YES), the operation of the start port (normal electric accessory) 28 is started (S316), and the normal symbol is stopped. When it is determined that the symbol is not a winning symbol combination (S315: NO), the process returns as it is.

  Next, the ordinary electric accessory game process S400 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S401). If it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is not in operation (S401: NO) ), Return as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the operating time of the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has elapsed. (S402), when it is determined that the operating time of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has not elapsed (S402: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has won a predetermined number of winnings. (S403).

  As a result, when it is determined that there is no regular prize winning for the ordinary electric accessory (S403: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the regular electric bonus has been awarded for the prescribed prize ( If it is determined that the operation time of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has elapsed (S402: YES), the operation of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is stopped (S403: YES). S404).

  Next, the special symbol game process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the start opening 28 has been won (S501), and if it is determined that the start opening 28 has been won (S501: YES), the number of pending operation of the special symbol display device 29 is less than 4. It is determined whether or not there is (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the number of special symbol hold is less than 4 (S502: YES), a random number for determining whether or not special symbol is determined is stored (S503).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S504). If it is determined that the condition device is in operation (S504: YES), the process returns as it is and the condition device is not in operation. (S504: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S505). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S505: YES), the process proceeds to S513 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S505: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S506). If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S506: YES), the process proceeds to S516 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S506: NO). ), It is determined whether or not the number of special symbol hold is zero (S507).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of special symbol hold is zero (S507: YES), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the number of special symbol hold is not zero (S507: NO), the probability variation It is determined whether or not the function is operating (S508). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation function is in operation (S508: YES), whether or not the probability variation function is correct is determined (S509), and when it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation. (S508: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a non-probability change (S510). Then, a special symbol variation pattern determination process is performed (S511), and the special symbol variation is started (S512).

  If it is determined in S505 that the special symbol is changing (S505: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol change time has elapsed (S513). As a result, when it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed (S513: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (S513: YES), the special symbol fluctuation is stopped (S514), and the special symbol stop symbol display time is set (S515).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S516). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S516: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. (S516: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol is a combination of hit symbols that will activate the condition device (S517).

  As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is not a winning symbol combination (S517: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol is a winning symbol combination. (S517: YES), the operation of the condition device is started (S518), and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (S519). Then, a symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol controller 280 via the sound lamp controller 260, and a prize ball payout appearance by the effect symbol display device 24 is started (S520). Further, a prize ball payout stop signal is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S521). As a result, the payout control unit 230 enters a prize ball payout stop state.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation function is in operation (S522). If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (S522: NO), the process returns and the probability variation function is in operation. Is determined (S522: YES), the operation of the probability variation function is stopped (S523).

  Next, the special electric accessory game process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (S601). If it is determined that the accessory continuous operation device is not in operation (S601: NO), the process returns as it is. If it is determined that the continuous operating device is operating (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is open (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. If it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the maximum number of winnings has been won in the special winning opening 33a (S604).

  As a result, when it is determined that the maximum number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the process returns as it is and it is determined that the maximum winning number has been won in the large winning opening 33a. In some cases (S604: YES), if it is determined that the opening time of the big prize opening 33a has passed (S603: YES), the big prize opening 33a is closed (S605).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the reference point (4 points) has been established in the prize ball payout appearance on the effect symbol display device 24 (S606), and if it is determined that the reference point has not been established (S606: NO), return as it is. In this case, the number of prize balls stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 230 is carried over to the next round. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reference point is established (S606: YES), a prize ball payout permission signal is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S607). As a result, the payout control unit 230 releases the prize ball payout stop state, and pays out the number of prize balls stored in the RAM.

  When it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory is less than a predetermined number of times set in advance ( S608). As a result, when it is determined that the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory is less than the predetermined number (S608: YES), it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S609). When it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has not elapsed (S609: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed ( (S609: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S610), and a prize ball payout stop signal is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S611). As a result, even if the award ball payout stop state is canceled at the end of the previous round in S607, the payout control unit 230 enters the award ball payout stop state again at the start of the next round.

  When it is determined in S608 that the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached the predetermined number (S608: NO), the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S612), and the condition device is activated. Is stopped (S613).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls is stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 230, that is, whether or not the number of prize balls stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 230 is zero (S614). As a result, when it is determined that the number of prize balls is not stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 230 (S614: NO), the process proceeds to S617. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of prize balls is stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 230 (S614: YES), a prize ball payout permission signal is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 to perform forced payout processing ( S615). As a result, the payout control unit 230 releases the prize ball payout stop state, and the prize balls stored in the RAM are forcibly paid out. Next, a symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280, and a prize ball payout appearance corresponding to the forced payout process is performed by the effect symbol display device 24 (S616). Then, after the payout of the prize ball is finished, the prize ball payout appearance by the effect symbol display device 24 is finished (S617).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol that triggered the condition device operation is a combination of probability variation symbols that activate the probability variation function (S618), and it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is not a specific symbol (S618: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is the specific symbol (S618: YES), the operation of the probability variation function is started (S619).

  Next, the power interruption occurrence processing S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power cut-off generation process is performed when a non-maskable interrupt occurs due to a power cut due to a power failure or the like.

  First, the used register is saved in the RAM, and the value of the stack pointer is saved (S701, S702). Next, the payout motor is stopped (S703), a checksum is calculated and stored (S704), and a backup flag is set (S705). Next, access to the RAM is prohibited (S706), an infinite loop process is performed until a system reset occurs, and the watchdog reset is repeated (S707). The RAM data is compensated by a backup power supply unit (not shown). If a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100.

  As described above, the number of award balls for winning in the grand prize opening 33a is memorized for each round in which a special gaming state is occurring, and the award balls are collectively paid out at the end of the round. Can provide a lot of playability. In addition, the effect symbol display device 24 performs a symbol effect related to award ball payout, and a winning ball combination is established by winning the winning ball combination by continuously lighting and displaying the winning symbol. The playability of an arrange ball game machine (combined game machine) for acquiring a ball can be reproduced in a pseudo manner with a pachinko game machine.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the predetermined number of rounds in which the special gaming state is performed is 7 rounds, but the predetermined rounds can be arbitrarily set, for example, 15 rounds. In this case, if the maximum number of winning balls that can be acquired in one round is 150, the maximum number of winning balls is 2250 (= 150 balls × 15 rounds).

  Further, in the above embodiment, when an effect that does not satisfy the reference point is performed in the final round, the forced payout process for forcibly paying out the number of prize balls stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 230 after the end of the final round. However, the forced payout process may be performed during the special game state. In this case, the forced payout process may be performed every predetermined round (for example, every 3 rounds), or may be performed when the stored number of prize balls exceeds a predetermined value.

  FIG. 24 shows a specific example of prize ball payout in each round during the occurrence of the special gaming state. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the forced payout process is performed when the number of prize balls stored in the middle of the occurrence of the special gaming state reaches a predetermined value (450 balls in this example). In the example shown in FIG. 24, the winning score in the first round is 1 point, the winning ball number is 0, the winning score in the 2nd round is 1 point, the winning ball number is 0, and the winning score in the 3rd round is 1 point. Since the number of balls is 0 and the number of prize balls stored here reaches 450, forced payout processing is performed. Similarly, the forced payout process is performed at the end of the seventh round, and the forced payout process is also performed after the 15th round which is the final round.

  Moreover, in the said Example, it is comprised so that 16 winning symbols may be displayed side by side as the winning symbol display part 25a displayed on the symbol display part 25, when performing the prize ball paying appearance by the effect symbol display device 24. However, the number and arrangement of winning symbols can be arbitrarily set. For example, the winning symbol display unit 25a may be arranged in a matrix of 16 winning symbols, 4 in the vertical direction and 4 in the horizontal direction.

  Moreover, in the said Example, the winning symbol display part 25a which consists of a some winning symbol is displayed on the symbol display part 25 as a prize ball paying appearance performed with the production symbol display apparatus 24, and based on the winning to the big winning opening 33a. Although the winning symbol is lit up and displayed, the presentation symbol display device 24 may perform a different aspect of the prize ball payout appearance. For example, in the symbol display on the effect symbol display device 24, a player can play a mini game in which the player can participate with the effect switches 5d and 5e. By performing such a mini game that can be participated by using the effect switches 5d and 5e as an effect, it is possible to give the player an impression that the player is technically involved with the prize ball, and to improve the interest.

  Specifically, a shooting game in which a missile is fired by pressing the effect switches 5d and 5e can be made so that an enemy appears on the screen every time the prize winning opening 33a is won. When an enemy appears on the screen, it is determined whether or not the enemy has been defeated by the timing of pressing the effect switches 5d and 5e, and the score may be established when the enemy has been defeated. As in the above embodiment, when the score obtained by the player during one round is a reference value (for example, 4 points) or more, a prize ball payout permission signal is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. When the score obtained by the player is less than a reference value (for example, 4 points), the prize ball payout permission signal may not be transmitted. Furthermore, as an effect of reversal performed in the above-described forced payout process, for example, a character may appear, and this character may be configured to destroy all enemies.

  The production switches 5d and 5e constitute one mode of operation switches that can be operated by the player in the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, contact type push buttons are used as the production switches 5d and 5e. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different types of operation switches may be used. For example, a non-contact type touch sensor (such as an infrared sensor) that can detect a part of the player's body without contact can be used.

It is a front view showing a gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a game board. It is a front view of a normal symbol display device and a special symbol display device. It is a front view of the back mechanism board of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an electronic controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of a main control part. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a board surface relay board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a game frame relay board | substrate. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a payout control board. It is a graph which shows a part of command transmitted to the payout control part from the main control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display in the case of performing a prize ball paying appearance by an effect symbol display device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of prize ball payout in each round in special game state generation | occurrence | production. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a launch control board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a sound lamp control board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a symbol control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main job which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure generation | occurrence | production process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of prize ball payout in each round in special game state generation | occurrence | production.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 20 ... Game board, 21 ... Game area | region, 24 ... Production symbol display device (variable display means), 25 ... Symbol display part, 26 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 27 ... Normal symbol display device, 28 ... Special Symbol display device 31... Start opening (ordinary electric accessory) 33 .. large winning device 33 a .. large winning opening 34, 35, 36, 37 .. winning opening 200 .. main control unit (whether or not determination means, special game) State generating means, variation mode determining means), 230 ... payout control section, 250 ... launch control section, 260 ... sound lamp control section, 280 ... symbol control section.

Claims (4)

A variable entrance that has a variable entrance into which a game ball can enter and can be changed between a closed state where entry of the game ball is difficult and an open state where entrance of the game ball is easy Equipment,
A special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated by the establishment of a predetermined condition, and in the special gaming state, when the variable entrance is set to the closed state from the open state to the closed state, Special gaming state generating means for performing the round a predetermined number of times;
A main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Entry detecting means for detecting that a game ball has entered the variable entrance, and outputting a game ball detection signal to the main control means,
When a game ball enters the variable entrance, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball based on a prize ball instruction signal transmitted from the main control means based on the game ball detection signal. A payout control means ;
A variable display device capable of displaying an arbitrary design;
And a symbol control means for controlling symbol display in the variable display device ,
The payout control means stores the number of prize balls generated by the game balls entering the variable entrance during the round, and pays out the stored number of prize balls at the end of the round. de,
The symbol control means performs an effect related to award ball payout on the variable display device during the round,
The effect related to the prize ball payout is a score acquisition effect capable of establishing a score,
At the end of the round, if the score established by the scoring effect performed in the round is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, the main control means allows the payout payout to permit the payout control means to give out a prize ball Send a permission signal,
At the end of the round, if the score established in the score acquisition effect performed in the round is less than the reference value, the main control means does not transmit the prize ball payout permission signal to the payout control means A gaming machine characterized by The main control means transmits a prize ball payout stop signal instructing the payout control means to stop paying a prize ball at the start of the round ,
When the payout control means receives the prize ball payout stop signal, the payout control means stores a prize ball payout based on the prize ball instruction signal when receiving the prize ball instruction signal from the main control means, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a prize ball is paid out when a prize ball payout permission signal is received. In the score acquisition effect, a plurality of winning symbols are displayed on the variable display device, and a winning ball is lit and displayed by entering a game ball at the variable entrance, The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the winning symbol is continuously displayed in a predetermined number as a condition for establishment of the score. Player includes an operation switch which can be operated, gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that whether or not to establish the score is determined on the basis of the operation of the operation switch by the player.

Images