JP6318337B2 - Circulating game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a circulating game machine having a function of shortening a fluctuation time according to a player's operation.

  In recent years, in order to strengthen anti-fraud measures, attention has been paid to a recirculation type game machine that connects with a pedestrian machine equipped with an IC card read writer and uses a predetermined number of game balls enclosed in the inside to circulate. Collecting. In this circulating game machine, a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed so that the player cannot touch them, and the game balls launched (used for games) by the launch device toward the game board are inside the game machine. It is collected and fired again by the launching device, and the number of the player's balls is managed as data.

  In other words, a player can insert an IC card into an IC card read writer and receive a rental ball based on data stored in the inserted IC card. When playing a game, The stored ball data is temporarily stored in the circulating game machine, and the value of the held ball data is updated in accordance with the launch of the game ball or the award of the prize ball. When the game ends, the value of the ball possession data at that time is stored in the player's IC card, and prize exchange is performed based on this value.

  In addition, in a conventional general pachinko machine, when a game ball wins a start opening, a plurality of random values are extracted, and whether or not the game ball is determined is determined based on the random number value. After starting the change of the special symbol, the special symbol indicating the result is confirmed and displayed, and if it is a big win, the model that opens the big prize opening and executes the big hit game is the mainstream, and the confirmation that is performed in the symbol display device There is known a pachinko machine having a function of shortening the fluctuation time until display is performed according to the player's operation <Patent Document 1>.

  By providing a symbol variation shortening function according to the player's operation, the player can arbitrarily terminate the symbol variation display, and when the player is not interested in the effect display accompanying the symbol variation, Effective when you want to enjoy the fun of stopping.

JP 05-007649 A

  However, if the player has a function to shorten (end) the variation time according to the player's operation, the player who seeks only the result will be able to always reduce the variation time without any limitation on the function. The shortening operation is constantly performed, and there is no opportunity to display the effect display that should be displayed when the fluctuation is not shortened in advance, and the performance output of the gaming machine is not utilized at all.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention gives a variation reduction function as a privilege only to a person who has played a game continuously to some extent, thereby maintaining any performance output of the gaming machine while maintaining the performance output provided by the gaming machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a circulating game machine capable of shortening the fluctuation time at the timing.

The circulating game machine according to claim 1 is:
It is connected to a unit that reads and rewrites the valuable value information recorded on the input recording medium so as to be able to communicate with each other. A predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside, and the number of game balls that have been fired and the collected game balls are collected. In the circulation type game machine that plays games while managing the number,
Based on a random number extracted due to the entry of a game ball into a specific entrance, the main control device for lottery whether to shift to a special game advantageous to the player,
Informing means for informing the result of the lottery using a symbol selected based on the random number and a variable time for determining a variable display time until the symbol is derived and displayed;
An operation means operable by the player
Fluctuation ending means for ending the fluctuation time according to the operation of the operation means of the player during variable display according to the fluctuation time
A period measuring means for measuring a period during which the player is playing,
A right granting unit for granting a right to execute the change ending unit,
The right granting unit grants the right on condition that the period measuring unit measures the predetermined period ,
The period measuring means measures the period based on a time to start measurement due to the input of the storage medium to the unit,
The right granting unit is a circulation type gaming machine in which the right is granted in a subsequent game when the period measuring unit measures a predetermined time from the start of the game .

  The “recording medium” may be any medium that can record valuable information, and specifically refers to an IC card inserted into a server or unit that stores valuable information. “Valuable value information” may be information related to the value that can be used in a game. Specifically, the value corresponding to the cash inserted, the number of balls or balls held in the previous game, The numerical data shown indicates a code such as an ID (for example, a member card ID) used to read out the numerical data.

  “Enclose a predetermined number of game balls inside and play while managing the number of game balls fired and the number of game balls collected” while judging whether or not the game balls are circulating normally Indicates progressing game. In addition, the game machine is subtracted from the number of possible shots (held ball) stored by the gaming machine based on the launch of the game ball, and the game is played while adding the number of prize balls based on the prize winning to the winning opening to the number of possible shots (held ball). proceed.

  The random value extracted due to the entrance to a specific entrance is a lottery result of the random number for determining the jackpot in addition to the random number for determining whether or not the big hit is to be generated. Random numbers used to determine the type of symbol corresponding to the symbol and the variable display time until the symbol is derived and displayed, such as big hit symbol determining random number, small hit symbol determining random number, reach determining random number, It may be a random number for determining a variation pattern.

  “Time to start measurement due to insertion of the storage medium into the unit” refers to (1) measurement of time from the time when the recording medium is inserted into the unit, or (2) recording. The time may be measured from the time when the ball lending operation enabled by inserting the medium into the unit is performed, or (3) the time is measured from the time when the game ball is fired after the ball lending operation is performed. The difference from the actual game start time becomes smaller in the order of (1) <(2) <(3). In addition, when only time is used as a condition, there is a possibility that the gaming machine is left unattended from the start of measurement until the condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to add a predetermined number of game balls to the condition.

In the circulation type gaming machine according to the first aspect, it is possible to quickly advance the game according to the preference of the player while maintaining the performance output at the time of the variation provided in the gaming machine. Further, since the right to end the change is granted based on the time from the start of the game, the player can proceed with the game while assuming the time when the right is granted.

The front view of the circulation type game machine 50. FIG. An explanatory view schematically showing the mechanism of circulation of game balls in the circulation type gaming machine 50 from the back side. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a circulating game machine 50. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the circulation type gaming machine 50. 6 is a flowchart showing unit processing 1 executed by the unit 100. 6 is a flowchart showing unit processing 2 executed by the unit 100. 6 is a flowchart showing unit processing 3 executed by the unit 100. 7 is a flowchart showing an insertion signal reception process 1 executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the discharge | emission confirmation signal reception process which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. The flowchart which shows the discharge | emission signal reception process which the discharge | emission discharge control apparatus 84 performs. The flowchart which shows the ball lending request | requirement signal reception process 1 which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs in Example 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a ball addition / subtraction process executed by the payout / release control device 84; The flowchart which shows the IN / OUT management process which the payout discharge control apparatus 84 performs. 5 is a flowchart showing a game period measurement process 1 executed by the main control device 80 in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating shortened right clear processing 1 executed by the main control device 80 in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the start winning confirmation process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. The flowchart which shows the special figure success / failure determination process which the main control apparatus 80 performs. 5 is a flowchart showing special symbol determination processing 1 executed by main controller 80 in the first embodiment. In Example 1, Display Example 1 performed on the effect symbol display device 6. Example 2 of display implemented on production design display device 6 in Example 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an insertion signal reception process 2 executed by the payout / emission control device 84 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a ball lending request signal reception process 2 executed by the payout / release control device 84 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a game period measurement process 2 executed by the main controller 80 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing shortened right clear processing 2 executed by the main control device 80 in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing special symbol determination processing 2 executed by main controller 80 in the second embodiment. In Example 2, Display Example 1 performed on the production symbol display device 6.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms belonging to the technical scope of the present invention, and the contents described in the respective examples are appropriately combined. It goes without saying that it is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a circulation type gaming machine 50 that is a circulation type gaming machine (a game ball is enclosed in a machine and played without being paid out). As shown in FIG. 1, the circulation type gaming machine 50 is arranged adjacent to the inter-unit unit 100 (corresponding to the unit of the present invention). The inter-unit unit 100 is provided with a card insertion slot 100a and a cash insertion slot 100b. An IC card (corresponding to the recording medium of the present invention) is inserted into the card insertion slot 100a or cash is inserted into the cash insertion slot 100b. The ball lending button 102a provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50 can be operated by inserting.

  The circulating game machine 50 has a structure in which each part is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame. A hinge 53 is provided on the upper left and right sides of the outer frame 51, and an inner frame 70 is attached to the hinge 53. The inner frame 70 can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 51. .

  A front frame 52 is attached to the inner frame 70 by a hinge 53 or the like so that it can be opened and closed. A plate glass 61 is detachably provided on the front frame 52. A game board 1 attached to the inner frame 70 is arranged.

  Speakers (not shown) are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front frame 52, and game sounds generated from the circulating gaming machine 50 are output to improve the player's preference. Further, in order to improve the player's preference, a plurality of frame side decorative lamps (not shown) that emit light according to the gaming state are provided in the front frame 52. In addition, a winning display device 20 is arranged at the lower right portion of the front frame 52, and when a game ball wins a winning opening described later, the number of winning game balls (number of winning balls) set for each winning opening is displayed.

  On the lower right side of the front frame 52, a launch operation unit 107 that launches a game ball by a slide operation of the slide operation unit 107a is disposed, and a handstand 71 is attached below the launch operation unit 107. A cylinder lock 36 for operating a slide lock that can regulate the opening of both the inner frame 70 and the front frame 52 is arranged at the upper right of the firing operation unit 107 (the right end of the circulating game machine 50), and a key can be inserted. It has become. The cylinder lock 36 is a variable lock that can freely change the type of key for unlocking. By using such a variable lock in the circulating game machine 50, the game store can All the gaming machines arranged in the store can be set as a store-specific key (one type).

  On the left side of the firing operation unit 107, a control unit 8 serving as an interface with the player is provided. The control unit 8 is provided with a game button 67 (corresponding to an operation means that can be operated by the player of the present invention) used for shortening a symbol variation time, which will be described later, in addition to a touch panel type liquid crystal display and An operation unit device 102, a counting switch 105 (settlement means), and a game ball number display device 106 (ball number display) are arranged. On the touch panel of the operation unit device 102, a ball lending button 102a, a return button 102b, a screen switching button 102c, and an operation result display unit 102d indicating operation results of the ball lending button 102a and the return button 102b are provided. Yes.

  The front plate portion provided with the control unit 8 can also be opened and closed from the inner frame 70 by the hinge 53 or the like, but since the front frame 52 is installed so as to cover the front plate portion, only when the front frame 52 is opened. The front plate part can be opened.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a game area 3 (corresponding to the game area of the present invention) of the game board 1 located in the back of the glass plate 61. The game area 3 is a substantially circular area surrounded by the guide rails 16, and a large number of game nails are planted. A game ball launched from a launching device arranged at the upper left of the game board 1 Immediately after that, the game area 3 is made to flow down.

  A center case and a window in which a warp passage, a stage, and the like are formed are provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 3, and a liquid crystal screen of the effect symbol display device 6 is disposed behind the window. In addition to these, the game area 3 includes a first start port 11 (corresponding to a specific entrance port of the present invention) that can be always won, and a second start port 12 (which is configured as an ordinary electric accessory). (Equivalent to a specific entrance of the present invention), a general winning opening 13, an attacker-type large winning opening 14 and the like (winning opening), and an out opening 15 are provided.

  In the lower right part of the game area 3, a normal symbol display device 7 composed of a plurality of LEDs, a normal symbol holding number display device 8, a first special symbol display device 9 composed of a segment display device, and a second special symbol display device 10. And the 1st special symbol reservation number display apparatus 9a which consists of several LED, and the 2nd special symbol reservation number display apparatus 10a are arrange | positioned. Since it is difficult for the player to surely recognize the display contents of the various display devices arranged at this position, the player playing the game pays attention to the display contents of the effect symbol display device 6 and plays the game.

  Next, the mechanism of circulation of game balls of the circulation type gaming machine 50 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the circulation mechanism from the back. FIG. 2 shows a main device for circulating the game ball, a path for lifting the game ball, and a main control device. The flow that circulates after the game ball is fired will be explained in order.

  If the sliding operation unit 107a is operated in a state where the recirculating gaming machine 50 (specifically, the payout launch control device 84) manages (stores) the game balls that can be launched, the ball feed solenoid 130 is activated. Then, the game ball is sent to the launch position. At that time, the subtraction sensor 131 provided in the launching device 87 detects the sent game ball as a launch ball, and subtracts 1 from the number of game balls that can be launched (launch ball number detection means). The number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the game ball number display device 106, and is displayed by subtracting 1 in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the subtraction sensor 131.

  The game ball sent out to the launch position is launched into the game area 3 by the actuation of the launch solenoid 129 with a launch intensity corresponding to the position of the sliding operation unit 107a. In the circulation type gaming machine 50, since the position of the launching device 87 (position for launching the game ball) is the upper left when the game area 3 is viewed from the front, the game ball that has been launched is a guide rail as in the conventional machine. The game ball that is not launched by the formed launch path and is bulleted by the launch solenoid 129 reaches the game area 3 immediately after the bullet.

  The game ball that has reached the game area 3 flows down the game area 3 and enters a winning opening such as the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 or enters the out port 15. A game ball that has won a prize opening is detected by a winning detection sensor 124 that flows down the back surface of the game board 1 and is arranged in the guidance path, and a game ball that has entered the out slot 15 is detected by a non-winning detection sensor 125. Detected. When the winning detection sensor 124 or the non-winning sensor 125 detects a game ball, it is added as the number of out balls, and the game ball circulation is managed by the number of out balls and the number of shot balls (the number of detected subtraction sensors 131). Since each sensor described above is connected to the payout launch control device 84, the ball circulation according to the detection of each sensor is managed by the payout launch control device 84.

  The game balls detected by the winning detection sensor 124 or the non-winning sensor 125 flow down the guiding path connected to the ball polishing device 85. The ball polishing device 85 includes a cassette motor 114, a polishing motor 115, a cassette switch 116, and a polishing motor sensor 117, and uses a cassette equipped with a polishing cloth to polish a game ball. Also, the cassette loaded with the polishing cloth is detected.

  The polishing of the game ball is performed by operating the polishing motor 115 and moving the game ball to press against the polishing cloth. The polishing cloth can be replaced by a structure mounted on the cassette, and is operated so as to wind up the cloth at a constant cycle by using the cassette motor 114. Further, the cassette switch 116 detects the presence / absence of a cassette equipped with a polishing pad.

  The ground game ball is guided from the ball polishing device 85 to the lifting device 86 through a guide path. The lifting device 86 includes a lifting and launching motor 119, a lifting and launching motor monitoring sensor 121, and a lifting and lowering entrance sensor 120. Raise to launch ball tank 40).

  In the circulating game machine 50 of the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 is launched to the launching ball tank 40 disposed on the upper part of the circulating game machine 50 by using the lifting launch motor 119. It has a configuration. In the lifting device 86, whether or not a game ball exists at the game ball launch position of the lift launch motor 119 and the exit of the lift path (the entrance of the launch ball tank 40) by the lift inlet sensor 120 and the launch inlet sensor 131. Whether or not is detected, the lifting and firing motor 119 is driven in accordance with the detection result. The game ball fired by driving the lifting and launching motor 119 changes the flying ball path by contacting the uppermost curved surface of the encapsulated ball launching lifting path shown in the figure, and the flying ball speed is reduced and launched. The ball tank 40 is reached. The lift motor monitoring sensor 121 detects whether the lift motor 119 is performing a normal launch operation.

  With the above-described configuration, in the circulating gaming machine 50 according to the present embodiment, the game ball guided to the lifting device 86 waits for the launch ball immediately after the lift operation (launching the ball by the lift launch motor 119). Move to the launch ball tank 40. Therefore, since there are not a plurality of game balls on the lifting path unlike a spiral lifting device or a belt lifting device, the number of game balls that have to wait for the game is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of encapsulated balls to be circulated in the circulation type gaming machine 50.

  The game ball that has been lifted up to the launch ball tank 40 rolls to the launch device 87, and an appropriate amount sensor 123 and a full tank sensor 126 that are arranged in the enclosing ball number counting path that also serves as a guide to the launch device 87, The game ball is detected, and the number of game balls necessary for circulation is managed to notify when an excess or deficiency is detected. In this case, the notification outputs a signal to a management device outside the machine via an external connection terminal board 78 to be described later, and a display device provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50 (the effect symbol display device 6 and the touch panel type liquid crystal display). Display the excess or deficiency of game balls.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the circulation type gaming machine 50 will be described with reference to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the main control device 80 (corresponding to the main control device of the present invention), the payout / release control device 84, the production symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 are all CPU, ROM, RAM, An input port, an output port, etc. are provided.

  In the block centering on the main controller 80 shown in FIG. 3, the main controller 80 has a first start port for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start port 11 via the game board relay terminal plate 74. A switch 11a, a second start port switch 12a for detecting a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal symbol operation switch 17a for detecting a game ball that has entered the normal symbol operation gate 17, and a ball entering the big winning port 14 Detection signals from the count switch 14a for detecting the game ball and the general prize port switch 13a for detecting the game ball entering the general prize port 13 are input, and the front frame is closed via the back wiring relay terminal board 75. Detection signals from the switch 18, the inner frame closing switch 19, and the game button switch 67a are input. Note that the game button switch 67a may be connected to a payout / release control device 84 connected to the main control device 80 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The main control device 80 operates according to the installed program, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals, and outputs them to the sub integrated control device 83 via the production relay terminal board 65. . Further, the main control device 80 includes a first special symbol display device (first special symbol display device in the figure) 9 and a second special symbol display device (first figure in the figure) connected via a symbol display device relay terminal board 90. 2 special symbol display device) 10 and normal symbol display device 7 display, first special symbol hold number display device (first special figure hold number display device in the figure) 9a, second special symbol hold number display device (first figure in the figure) 2 special figure hold number display device) 10a, and the regular symbol hold number display device (in the figure, general figure hold number display device) 8 is controlled to turn on.

  Further, the main control device 80 controls the opening / closing of the special winning opening 14 by controlling the special winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the normal electric combination serving as the second start opening 12 by controlling the normal electric combining solenoid 12b. When the winning / opening is controlled and a winning at a winning opening is detected, the number of winning game balls set for each winning opening is displayed on the winning display device 20. In addition, the number of game balls won in each prize opening and the number of acquired game balls set in each prize opening are transmitted to the payout / emission control device 84 as serial signals (command format) at regular intervals.

  In addition to the output signal from the main controller 80 being output to the test signal terminal, a management signal such as symbol variation and big hit (also referred to as special game) is output to the external connection terminal board 78 to output the hall computer 87. Sent to. The main controller 80 may be configured to connect a sensor (for example, a sensor that detects radio waves, magnetic force, and vibration) for detecting an external force that causes an illegal act.

  The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80, distributes them to data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and so on. Is transmitted to the production symbol control device 82, and the sound control and lamp control are distributed to each control part (function unit as a sound control device and a lamp control device) included in itself. The function unit as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the function unit as the lamp control device is the data for lamp control. Various LEDs and the lamp 26 are controlled by operating the lamp driver based on the above.

  The effect symbol control device 82 receives the data and commands received from the sub integrated control device 83 (both those transmitted from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub integrated control device 83 based on the input from the main control device 80). And effect images such as pseudo symbols are displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6. The sub integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub integrated control device 83 via the production relay terminal board 65. The effect symbol control device 82 is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the sub integrated control device 83 to the effect symbol control device 82.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, a block centering on the dispensing control device 84 connected to the main control device 80 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication will be described. The payout launch control device 84 operates in accordance with the installed program and receives the command indicating the number of acquired game balls described above from the main control device 80. The number of game balls that can fire the requested number of acquired game balls. And the added value is displayed on the game ball number display device 106. Further, based on a signal according to an operation to be described later or a signal according to the detection of the sensor, the addition of a rental ball, the launch of a game ball, the polishing of the game ball, the circulation of the game ball (encapsulated ball), and the like are controlled. .

  As described above, the touch panel type liquid crystal display serving as the operation unit device 102 connected to the pay-out and launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 includes a ball lending button 102a and a return button 102b. A screen switching button 102c, and an operation result display section 102d indicating the operation results of the ball lending button 102a and the return button 102b. The power supply of the touch panel type liquid crystal display provided in the circulating game machine 50 is supplied from the inter-unit unit 100.

  In addition, the touch panel type liquid crystal display has a function of displaying card information recorded on an IC card (or membership card) inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 and game information (game history, etc.) of the circulation type gaming machine 50. It also has.

  When the ball lending button 102a of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal requesting addition of the number of balls to be lapped as touch panel operation information is input to the payout launch control device 84 via the inter-unit unit 100, and the payout launch control device 84 is The number of rented balls requested by the input is added to the number of game balls that can be fired, and the added value is displayed on the game ball number display device 106. At this time, the result of the lending operation is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d according to the addition status of the game ball number display device 106. For a single operation of the lending button 102a, the number of lending balls (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) is requested.

  When the return button 102b of the operation unit device 102 is operated, a signal for requesting a return operation of the IC card is input to the inter-unit unit 100 as touch panel operation information, and is input from the inter-unit unit 100 to the payout and emission control device 84. Depending on whether the state of the circulating gaming machine 50 at that time is a state where the IC card can be returned or not, the return result and the return result are displayed on the operation result display unit 102d. If it can be returned, it is displayed on the operation result display unit 102d that it can be returned, and the IC card is ejected from the inter-unit unit 100.

  When the screen switching button 102c of the operation unit device 102 is operated, the switching circuit 101a is activated, and the information to be displayed on the touch panel type liquid crystal display is changed from the information received from the inter-unit unit 100 to the effect symbol control device 82 of the circulation type gaming machine 50. Switch to information (including images) received from. In response to this switching, information from the inter-unit unit 100 is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6.

  The inter-unit unit 100 and the operation unit connection board 101 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the effect symbol control device 82 and the operation unit apparatus 102 are connected to each other so as to be capable of mutual communication with the operation unit connection board 101.

  In the circulation type gaming machine 50, the operation unit relay board 103 is connected to the payout and launch control device 84 so as to be capable of mutual communication, and the game ball number display board 104 is connected to the operation unit relay board 103 so as to be capable of mutual communication. Yes. On the game ball number display board 104, a count switch 105 and a game ball number display device 106 are arranged, and an operation signal of the count switch 105 is input to the payout launch control device 84, and a game is played according to the output of the payout launch control device 84. The number of game balls that can be fired is displayed on the ball number display device 106.

  When the counting switch 105 is operated, the predetermined number of balls is subtracted from the number of game balls that can be fired, and the predetermined number of balls is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100 (the predetermined number is stored in the IC card). At this time, the numerical value displayed on the game ball number display device 106 is also subtracted according to the operation of the counting switch 105. When the number of game balls that can be launched by the operation of the counting switch 105 becomes 0, the IC card inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 can be returned. In addition, it is good also as a structure which transmits all the number of game balls which can be launched to the inter-unit unit 100 (the number of game balls which can be launched is 0) by one operation of the count switch 105.

  Further, the discharge operation control device 84 is connected to the discharge operation unit 107 via the operation unit relay board 103 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Signals from the fixed intensity switch 110, the firing stop switch 111, and the touch sensor 112 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84, and the display of the firing intensity display device 109 is controlled by the dispensing launch control device 84.

  Further, detection signals of the cassette switch 116 and the polishing motor sensor 117 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the polishing relay substrate 113 connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The driving of the cassette motor 114 and the polishing motor 115 is controlled via

  In addition, detection signals from the lifting inlet sensor 120 and the lifting motor monitoring sensor 121 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the lifting relay board 118 connected to the polishing relay board 113 so as to communicate with each other. The payout launch control device 84 controls the driving of the lifting launch motor 119 described above.

  The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the inner frame relay board 122 from the inner frame relay board 122 so as to enable one-way communication. The inner frame relay board 122 is connected to the appropriate amount sensor 123 and the winning detection sensor 124 described above. The non-winning detection sensor 125, the full sensor 126, and the night monitoring switch 127 are connected, and a signal from each sensor or switch is input to the payout launch control device 84.

  The night monitoring switch 127 is a device for judging fraud that involves opening the door at night (out of business hours). The backup power supply mounted on the power supply board is used to turn off the inner frame 70 even when the power is off. Opening can be monitored, and the payout / release control device 84 stores the number-of-opening information of the inner frame 70 at night, and outputs the number-of-opening information to the outside through the main control device 80 when the power is turned on.

  Further, detection signals of the subtraction sensor 131 and the launch inlet sensor 132 are input to the dispensing launch control device 84 via the launch relay substrate 128 that is connected to the polishing relay substrate so as to be able to communicate with each other. The dispensing discharge control device 84 controls the driving of the ball feed solenoid 130 via 128.

  Next, the outline of the special symbol variation time reduction, which is a feature of the circulating gaming machine 50 in the present embodiment, will be described. In the present embodiment, when it is detected that 6000 game balls have been fired from the start of the game, the first grant condition is satisfied, and the right to shorten the variation time of the special symbol is granted only once. When the right is granted, when the player operates the game button 67 during the change of the special symbol, the immediate change is terminated and a confirmed symbol that is a result of the determination of the success / failure is displayed. In this case, the launch of 6000 game balls as the first grant condition indicates that the actual game time of launching the game balls is 1 hour. The counting of the number of game balls to be fired corresponds to “the period measuring unit measures the period based on the number of game balls fired in the game area” of the present invention.

  When the above-described first grant condition is satisfied, in the subsequent games, the second grant condition is sequentially satisfied each time 1000 game balls are fired, that is, a game of substantially 10 minutes is executed. Each time this second grant condition is cleared, a shortened right is granted once, and the granted shortened right is accumulated unless it is used (accumulating means for accumulating the right). Therefore, if the game button 67 is operated while the player has the right while the special symbol is changed, the right is deleted once for each operation, but the player does not exercise the right. In this case, the number of rights is accumulated.

  As an advantage of the configuration for accumulating rights, even if a ball is continuously fired at the same firing strength, a period during which it is easy to enter a predetermined winning entrance called so-called slump occurs and a period during which it is difficult to enter To do. In such a situation, for example, if it is a period when it is difficult to enter the first starting port 11, the change in the design itself is interrupted, so that the game proceeds in a situation where it is not necessary to reduce the change. Naturally, the right to shorten is accumulated. On the other hand, in the game period in which the ball enters smoothly, the game can be advanced promptly while preventing unnecessary ball entry (overflow) to the first start port 11 by using the stocked shortening right everywhere.

  Next, unit processing 1 executed by the CPU provided in the inter-unit unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the IC card is not inserted (S10). If the determination is affirmative (S10: yes), it is determined whether or not the IC card is being inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 (S15). ). If the determination is negative (S15: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S15: yes), it is determined whether the insertion of the IC card is completed (S20). If S20 is a negative determination (S20: no), the determination of S20 is repeated. If an affirmative determination is made (S20: yes), a lamp indicating that a card has been inserted is turned on (S25), and an insertion signal is sent out and discharged and controlled by the control device 84. (S30). The circulation type gaming machine 50 (specifically, the payout and launch control device 84 provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50) is in a state where an IC card is inserted into the connected inter-unit unit 100 based on the reception of this insertion signal. Judging.

  Following S30, it is determined whether or not the inserted IC card itself is normal (S35). If the determination is affirmative (S35: yes), return is returned. If the determination is negative (S35: no), the card insertion lamp is turned on. The IC card is turned off and the IC card is ejected (S45), and a process of outputting the ejection signal to the payout and emission control device 84 is executed (S50) and the process returns. Based on the reception of the discharge signal, the payout / release control device 84 determines that the IC card has been discharged from the connected inter-unit unit 100.

  If S10 is negative, that is, if an IC card is inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 (S10: no), it is determined whether or not a discharge permission signal has been received from the circulating game machine 50 (S40). Based on the reception of the discharge confirmation signal output from the inter-unit unit 100 in response to the operation of the return button 102b, the discharge permission signal is generated when the value of the holding ball counter is 0. The signal is output from the launch control device 84). If S40 is affirmative (S40: yes), the process proceeds to S45, and if negative (S40: no), the process returns to the return.

  Next, unit processing 2 executed by the CPU included in the inter-unit unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. When this process is started, it is determined whether an operation signal output when the return button 102b is operated is received (S100). If the determination is negative (S100: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S100: yes), it is determined whether or not the IC card is inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 (S105). If the determination is negative (S105: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S105: yes), a discharge confirmation signal is output to the circulating game machine 50 (specifically, the payout launch control device 84) (S110), and the process returns.

  Next, the unit process 3 executed by the CPU included in the inter-unit unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not an operation signal output when the ball lending button 102a is operated is received (S150). If the determination is negative (S150: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S150: yes), it is determined whether the IC card is inserted in the inter-unit unit 100 (S155). If the determination is negative (S155: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S155: yes), it is determined whether the inserted IC card stores valuable value information necessary for ball rental (S160). If so (S160: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S160: yes), a ball rental request signal is output to the recirculating gaming machine 50 (specifically, the payout launch control device 84) (S165), and the process returns.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the insertion signal reception process 1 executed by the payout launch control device 84 provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50 in the present embodiment will be described. When this process is started, it is determined whether an insertion signal (output by S30 in FIG. 5) is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S200). If the determination is negative (S200: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S200: yes), the card insertion flag is set to 1 (S205) and the process returns.

  The card insertion flag is a value stored in the payout / release control device 84. If the value is 1, it indicates that the IC card is inserted in the connected inter-unit unit 100. If the value is 0, the inter-unit unit 100 is in the state. The dispensing launch control device 84 determines that the IC card is not inserted. Therefore, it can be said that this card insertion flag is a storage medium presence / absence judging means.

  Next, the discharge confirmation signal reception process executed by the payout / discharge control device 84 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process performed in response to reception of a signal (discharge confirmation signal) based on the operation of the return button 102b from the inter-unit unit 100.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a discharge confirmation signal (output in FIG. 6, S110) is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S250). If the determination is negative (S250: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S250: yes), it is determined whether the value of the ball holding counter is 0 (S255). The possessed ball counter is a device provided in the payout and launch control device 84 that stores the number of game balls that can be launched, and the value of the possessed ball counter (number of game balls that can be launched) is displayed on the game ball number display device 106 and held. The display content (numerical value) also changes in accordance with the change in the value of the sphere counter.

  If S255 is negative, that is, if there is a value that can be fired in the ball counter when a signal based on the operation of the return switch 102b is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S255: no), the card is not discharged. An instruction signal notifying that the sphere needs to be settled is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 via the main control device 80 (S270), and the process returns. If S255 is affirmative (S255: yes), a discharge permission signal for permitting the discharge of the IC card is output to the inter-unit unit 100 (S260), and the process returns.

  Next, the discharge signal reception process executed by the payout / discharge control device 84 will be described with reference to FIG. This process corresponds to the process of the present invention “when the recording medium is ejected from the unit, the granted right is lost”.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a discharge signal (output in FIG. 5, S50) is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S280). If the determination is negative (S280: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S280: yes), the card insertion flag is set to 0 (S285), and the shortened right stored in the main controller 80 in the main controller 80 (in detail, An instruction signal for clearing various flag values and counter values for implementing a variation shortening function to be described later is transmitted (S290), and the process returns. Therefore, when a signal indicating card ejection is received from the inter-unit unit 100, it is determined that the game is over, and the right to shorten the symbol variation acquired based on the progress of the game up to that point is deleted. Yes.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the ball lending request signal reception process 1 executed by the payout / launch control device 84 provided in the circulation type gaming machine 50 in the present embodiment will be described. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal (output in FIG. 7, S165) is received from the inter-unit unit 100 (S300). If the determination is negative (S300: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S300: yes), it is determined whether the card insertion flag is 1 (S305). If the determination is affirmative (S305: yes), a predetermined number ( In this embodiment, an instruction to add 125) is issued, and a ball lending execution signal indicating that ball lending has been executed is transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100 (S310), and the process returns.

  If S305 is negative, that is, if a ball lending request signal is received when no IC card is inserted in the inter-unit unit 100, it is determined that an illegal signal has been received, error processing is performed, and the progress of the game is interrupted. Then, error notification is performed, and a signal indicating an error state is transmitted to the hall computer 87 via the inter-unit 100 (S315). The inter-unit unit 100 that has received the ball lending execution signal performs a process of subtracting the valuable value corresponding to the rented game ball from the IC card. The error state executed in S315 is continued until it is canceled by the hall staff operation (switch operation on the back of the gaming machine is required).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the ball addition / subtraction process executed by the payout / release control device 84 of the circulation type gaming machine 50 will be described. This process is a process for managing the number of game balls that can be fired and stored in the circulating game machine 50. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the subtraction sensor 131 has detected a game ball, that is, whether or not a game ball has been fired (S350). If the determination is affirmative (S350: yes), 1 is subtracted from the ball holding counter (S355).

  Following the negative determination in S355 or S350 (S350: no), the main control device 80 detects the game ball of the first start port switch 11a, the second start port switch 12a, the count switch 14a, or the general winning port switch 13a. It is determined whether there is an addition instruction to the ball-holding counter according to the number or an addition instruction according to the ball rental request at S310 (S360). If the determination is negative (S360), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S360: yes), the value indicated by the addition instruction is added to the holding ball counter (S365), and the process returns.

  In this embodiment, the main control device 80 is configured to transmit an instruction signal indicating the number of prize balls to the payout and launch control device 84, but only a signal indicating how many winning holes are won from the main control device 80. It is good also as a structure which transmits to the payout launch control apparatus 84, and the number of prize balls corresponding to each winning opening is judged and added by the payout launch control apparatus 84.

  In addition, every time the value of the holding ball counter is decremented by 10 in the process of S355, the payout launch control device 84 sends a shot ball number signal (100 ms Hi signal) to the hall computer 87 outside the machine via the inter-unit 100. And the value of the ball counter added by the processing of S365 is output to the hall computer 87 outside the apparatus via the inter-unit unit 100 every time 10 is added, and a prize ball number signal (100 ms Hi signal) is output. (In the case of continuous output, since the output is made after passing through 100 ms Low, the number of outputs is stored according to the addition speed of the holding counter).

  In this embodiment, the prize ball number signal is output to the outside every time the value of the ball counter is increased by 10, but each time the addition process to the ball counter (S365) is performed, A signal (command) indicating the added value may be transmitted to the inter-unit unit 100. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transmits the value of the ball-holding counter changed in the meantime to the inter-unit unit 100 whenever predetermined time passes, and what value may be transmitted at what timing, The format according to the specifications of the main hall computer installed in the is preferable.

  Next, the IN / OUT management process executed by the payout / release control device 84 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process for managing the number of game balls enclosed in the circulation type gaming machine 50. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the subtraction sensor 131 has detected a game ball (S400). If the determination is affirmative (S400: yes), the management counter is incremented by 1 (S405), and a firing detection signal is transmitted to the main controller 80 (S410).

  Following the negative determination in S400 (S400: no) or S410, it is determined whether or not the winning detection sensor 124 has detected a game ball (S415). If the determination is affirmative (S415: yes), the management counter is decremented by 1 (S420), and the negative determination of S415 (S415: no), or following S420, whether or not the non-winning detection sensor 125 has detected a game ball. Determination is made (S425). If the determination is affirmative (S425: yes), the management counter is decremented by 1 (S430), the negative determination of S425 (S425: no), or following S430, it is determined whether the value of the management counter is 0 (S435). . If the determination is affirmative (S435: yes), the management flag is set to 0 (S440) and the process returns. If the determination is negative (S435: no), the management flag is set to 1 (S445) and the process returns.

  The management counter is a device provided in the payout launch control device 84, and manages the status of game ball launch and collection according to the value of the management counter. If the value of the management counter is 0, the game balls that have been launched are all collected.

  The management flag is also a value stored by the payout launch control device 84. If the value is 0, it is determined that all of the launched game balls have been collected. Is determined to be in a state where all the items are not collected. Therefore, if the management flag is 0, it takes at least a time from when the game ball is stopped to the end of the flow of the game area 3 to the end of the flow of the game area 3. The payout and launch control device 84 can determine that there is no ball, and if the management flag is 1, it can be determined that all of the launched game balls have not been collected.

  Next, the game period measuring process 1 executed by the main controller 80 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process for measuring the game period based on the number of game balls that have been fired upon the insertion and discharge of one IC card, and the “based on the number of game balls that have been fired into the game area of the present invention. This corresponds to “period measurement means for measuring a period”.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a firing detection signal (transmitted in FIG. 13, S410) is received from the payout launch control device 84 (S450). If the determination is negative (S450: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S: 450yes), it is determined whether the condition flag is 0 (S455). The condition flag is a value stored in the main control device 80. If the value is 1, it means that the first grant condition (6000 game balls fired) for granting the above-mentioned change shortening right is cleared. If the value is 0, the main controller 80 determines that the first provision condition is not cleared.

  If S455 is affirmative, that is, if 6000 game balls have not yet been fired since the start of the game (S455: yes), the counter is incremented to the first period counter (S460). The first period counter is an apparatus included in the main control device 80, and whether or not the first grant condition has been cleared based on the value of the first period counter, in other words, has reached the number of shot balls for setting the condition flag The first period counter corresponds to the period measuring means of the present invention. Following S460, it is determined whether or not the value of the first period counter has reached 6000 (S465). If the determination is negative (S465: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S465: yes), the condition flag is set to 1. Is set (S470), the first period counter is cleared (S475), the shortening flag is set to 1 (S480), incremented to the shortening counter (S485), and the process returns.

  The shortening flag is a value stored in the main controller 80. If the value is 1, it indicates that the variation of the special symbol can be shortened (terminated) according to the player's operation of the game button 67. Main controller 80 determines that the special symbol variation cannot be shortened (terminated). Therefore, the shortening flag corresponds to the right granting means of the present invention. The shortening counter is also a device provided in the main control device 80, and determines the number of times that the variation of the special symbol can be shortened (finished) by operating the game button 67 based on the value of the shortening counter. Therefore, S485 and the shortened counter correspond to storage means for storing the rights of the present invention.

  If S455 is negative, that is, if 6000 or more game balls have already been fired since the start of the game (S455: no), the second period counter is incremented (S490). The second period counter is an apparatus included in the main control device 80, and is configured to determine whether or not the above-described second grant condition (launch of 1000 game balls) is cleared based on the value of the second period counter. The second period counter also corresponds to the period measuring means of the present invention.

  Following S490, it is determined whether or not the value of the second period counter has reached 1000, that is, whether or not a game of substantially 10 minutes has been executed after clearing the first granting condition (S495), and if it is a negative determination (S495). : no) Return and if a positive determination is made (S495: yes), the second period counter is set to an initial value (S500). Therefore, after the first provision condition is cleared, the establishment of the second provision condition is repeatedly determined.

  Subsequent to S500, it is determined whether or not the shortening flag is 0, that is, whether or not all of the special symbol variation shortening rights granted up to the processing have already been exercised (S505). If the determination is affirmative (S505: yes) ), The process proceeds from S480 to S485 to set the shortening flag and increment the shortening counter. If S505 is negative, that is, if all of the special symbol change shortening rights granted up to this processing have not been exercised (S505: no), the process proceeds to S485, where the shortening counter is further incremented and returned.

  The above is the game period measurement process 1 executed by the main controller 80 in the present embodiment, and when the first grant condition (the launch of 6000 game balls) is established by this process, the right to reduce the fluctuation of the first special symbol is obtained. After that, every time when the second grant condition (launch of 1000 game balls) is satisfied, the change shortening right is similarly given. Further, the number of times of variable shortening rights is managed by a shortening counter, and the number of times is added every time the second grant condition is satisfied.

  In addition, although it was the structure of the 1st, 2nd grant conditions in a present Example, the structure only of a 1st grant condition may be sufficient, and the structure which adds the 3rd, 4th and grant conditions may be sufficient, and the number of grant conditions It is not limited to. Moreover, the standard of the measurement period for granting the right is not particularly limited. Further, although the firing detection signal is used as a reference, out detection (winning detection sensor detection (S420: Yes), non-winning detection sensor detection (S425: Yes)) may be used as a reference. A game is considered to have been entered when it enters or does not enter, or when a game results.

  Next, the shortened right clear process 1 executed by the main controller 80 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process that is performed based on the shortened right clear instruction transmitted (FIG. 10, S290) in response to the IC card inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 being ejected by the payout launch control device 84. The present invention has a configuration corresponding to “the granted right disappears when the recording medium is ejected from the unit”.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a shortened right clear instruction signal has been received (S550). If the determination is negative (S550: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S550: yes), whether the condition flag is 1 or not. Determination is made (S555). If the determination is affirmative, that is, if the first granting condition is cleared and the variable shortening right is granted at least once (S555: yes), the second period counter and the shortening counter are cleared and returned to the initial values (S560, S565). ), Set the shortening flag to 0 (S570) and return. If S555 is negative (S555: no), the first period counter is cleared and returned to the initial value (S575), and the process returns.

  The above is the shortened right clear process 1 executed by the main controller 80 in this embodiment, and when the IC card inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 is ejected by this process, the accumulated variable shortening right is obtained. It will disappear.

  Next, the start winning confirmation process executed by the main controller 80 will be described with reference to FIG. In the start winning process, various random numbers such as a big hit determination random number acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 11 and the second start port 12, or when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 17 A random number such as a random number for hit determination obtained in the above is stored (stored) in the main control device 80 as a hold storage, and whether or not the stored random number is a preset value is determined as a success / failure determination (big hit game determination means). A process to be confirmed before the execution is performed, and various commands resulting from entering the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 are transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 that controls the stage device. Thereafter, the hold memory stored when the game ball enters the first start port 11 is the first hold memory, and the hold memory stored when the game ball enters the second start port 12 is the second hold. The reserved memory stored when the game ball passes through the memory and normal symbol start gate 17 will be described as the normal diagram reserved memory.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum storage number of the usual hold storage, the first hold storage, and the second hold storage is 4 (the maximum hold storage number is 4). Even if the number of stored memories is 0, it is extracted when a game ball enters the first start port 11 and the second start port 12, or when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 17. Various random numbers such as the big hit determination random number are stored in the main controller 80 in the same manner as when there is a stored number less than the maximum value.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball (S600). If a negative determination is made (S600: no), the process proceeds to S630. If an affirmative determination is made (S600: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of first reserved memories stored in the main controller 80 is less than the upper limit value (= 4). (S605). If the determination is negative (S605: no), the process proceeds to S630. If the determination is affirmative (S605: yes), the extracted big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol determination random number, the small hit symbol determination random number, the reach determination random number, and the variation pattern The determination random number is stored as the first reserved memory, and 1 is added to the first reserved memory counter indicating the first reserved memory number (S610).

  Subsequent to S610, a prefetch determination of the stored first reserved storage is performed (S615). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big hit determination random number is a value that causes a big hit, and if it is a value that causes a big hit, the type of the big hit symbol is confirmed from the random number for determining the big hit symbol. If the big hit determination is lost, it is confirmed whether or not the reach determination random number is a value that becomes super reach. If it is not a super reach, it is confirmed whether or not it is a reach value, and the variation time is confirmed from the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern. By making the above determination, whether or not the random number stored on hold causes a big hit game, or if it is not possible to produce an effect that can be expected of a big hit, and further, the variation time until a definite symbol is derived and displayed. If it is judged and a big hit game is generated, the type of big hit symbol is confirmed. In this embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 83 that controls the effect device based on the type of jackpot symbol determines the type of jackpot (the contents of the jackpot game), so the confirmation of the type of jackpot symbol is the confirmation of the type of jackpot game. Become.

  Subsequently, a first prefetch determination command is generated from the determination processing result in S615 and transmitted to the sub integrated control device 53 (S620), and a first hold number instruction command indicating the value of the first hold storage counter added in S610. Is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83 (S625). In this embodiment, the prefetch determination command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 regardless of the gaming state. However, the prefetch determination command is set on the condition that the state is a high probability state or a normal gaming state. It is good also as a structure which transmits, It is good also as a structure which implements precondition determination processing itself on condition that it is a predetermined | prescribed game state.

  Subsequent to the processing of S625 and negative determinations of S600 and S605 (S600: no, S605: no), it is determined whether or not the second start port switch 12a has detected a game ball (S630). If a negative determination is made (S630: no), the process proceeds to S660. If an affirmative determination is made (S630: yes), it is determined whether the number of second reserved memories stored in the main controller 80 is less than the upper limit value (= 4). (S635). If the determination is negative (S635: no), the process proceeds to S660. If the determination is affirmative (S635: yes), the extracted big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol determination random number, the small hit symbol determination random number, the reach determination random number, the fluctuation pattern The determination random number is stored as the second reserved memory (corresponding to the random value extraction means and the reserved memory means of the present invention), and 1 is added to the second reserved memory counter indicating the second reserved memory number (S640).

  Subsequent to S640, prefetch determination of the second reserved storage stored as the same processing as S615 described above is performed (S645), and a second prefetch determination command is generated from the determination processing result of S645 to generate the sub integrated control device 83. (S650), a second hold number instruction command indicating the value of the second hold storage counter added in S640 is sent to the sub integrated control device 83 (S655), and the process proceeds to S660. The prefetch determination command transmission process in S650 may be configured to transmit a command under the same conditions as in S620 or perform the determination in S645.

  In S660, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol operation switch 17a has detected a game ball (S660). If the determination is negative (S660: no), the process returns to the return, and if the determination is affirmative (S660: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved maps stored in the main controller 80 is less than the upper limit (= 4) ( S665). If the determination is negative (S665: no), the process returns to the return. If the determination is affirmative (S665: yes), the extracted winning determination random number and the winning symbol determination random number are stored as a general-purpose reserved memory, 1 is added to the general-purpose reserved memory counter indicating (S670), and a general-purpose reserved memory number instruction command indicating the value of the added general-purpose reserved memory counter is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 53 (S675), and the process returns.

  When the sub integrated control device 83 receives the first and second reserved memory number instruction commands, it performs control to change each reserved memory number displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 in accordance with the reserved memory number indicated by the received command. . Further, in the present embodiment, the normal symbol hold memory number display is not performed on the effect symbol display device 6, but it may be configured to display in response to the reception of the general symbol hold memory number instruction command. A configuration may be adopted in which the number instruction command itself is not transmitted. A configuration is also conceivable in which normal prefetch determination is performed and the determination result is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. Note that it may be configured to check the type of jackpot game instead of the type of jackpot symbol during the prefetch determination process, and transmit a prefetch determination command indicating the type of jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83. May be transmitted.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the special figure success / failure determination process executed by the main controller 80 will be described. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a special symbol start condition is satisfied (S700). In this determination process, it is confirmed that the big hit game is not being played, and that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not changing or being displayed in a fixed manner. If the determination is negative (S700: no), the process returns to the return. If the determination is affirmative (S700: yes), it is determined whether there is a second reserved memory (S705). If the determination is affirmative (S705: yes), the process proceeds to S715. If the determination is negative (S705: no), it is determined whether there is a first reserved memory (S710). If so (S710: yes), the process proceeds to S715. According to the determination order of S705 and S710, the determination of whether or not the second reserved storage is appropriate is performed with priority. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of special symbols (a first special symbol and a second special symbol). However, the effect of the present invention is not changed even if the configuration includes one special symbol.

  In S715, it is determined whether or not the value of the probability variation flag is 0 (S715). The probability variation flag is a value stored in the main controller 80. When the value is “0”, the big hit probability is the normal probability gaming state (low probability state), and when the value is “1”, the probability is high. This is a value for the main controller 50 to determine that it is a gaming state (high probability state). If the determination is affirmative (S715: yes), the process proceeds to S720, and if the determination is negative (S715: no), the process proceeds to a process with a high probability. The processing with a high probability is a processing in which only the big hit probability is different (the number of hit values in the determination table for comparison is large), and therefore the description is omitted.

  In S720, a hold memory shift process is performed (S720), whereby the oldest hold memory is determined as a success / failure determination target, and 1 is subtracted from the hold memory counter indicating the number of hold memories. In response to this subtraction, the first or second hold number instruction command may be transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83.

  In the subsequent big hit determination random number comparison process (S725), the random number value for the jackpot determination in the hold storage that is the target of the determination is compared with a predetermined determination table, and the random value is determined in the determination table. Compare if value matches. Two types of tables for normal probability (low probability 1/300) and high probability (1/30) are set as the success / failure determination table, and the gaming state at the time of determination is normal probability gaming state (probability change flag “0”). ]), Comparison is made using a normal probability use determination table, and a high probability game state (probability variation flag “1”) is compared using a high probability use determination table.

  In the subsequent process of S730, it is determined whether or not the comparison result of the comparison process for the big hit determination random number (S725) is a big hit (in this embodiment, 1/300). If the determination is affirmative (S730: yes), a big hit symbol selection process is performed based on the value of the random number for determining the big hit symbol in the reserved memory that is the target of the success / failure determination (S735), and the content of the big hit game is determined based on the selected big hit symbol. The special winning opening opening pattern setting process is performed (S740), and the first special symbol display device or the second special symbol display is performed on the basis of the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number for the determination of success or failure. The change pattern used as the change time of the symbol displayed on the device and the effect symbol display device 6 is selected from the change pattern selection table (S745).

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern determining random number is extracted by the start winning process performed when the game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, but the process immediately before the start of the change is performed. A configuration may be used in which random numbers for determining a variation pattern are extracted.

  Next, a variation instruction command for instructing information on the selected jackpot symbol and variation pattern is generated and transmitted to the sub integrated control device 53 (S750). On the basis of the instruction from the sub integrated control device 83 that has received this information, the effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 to start the variable symbol display corresponding to the information on the big hit symbol and the fluctuation pattern. . At substantially the same time as the transmission to the sub integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special figure display device 9 or the second special figure display device 10 to start the change of the special symbol.

  Subsequent to S750, the variation pattern selected in the above processing is a predetermined variation pattern (for example, the longest variation time until a confirmed symbol is displayed or a reach variation pattern in which the variation time is a predetermined time or more). If the determination is negative (S755: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S755: yes), the specific reach flag is set to 1 (S760), and the firing counter is activated (S780). Return. The specific reach flag is a value stored in the main control device 80. If the value is 1, it indicates that a variation display having a predetermined variation pattern is being performed, and if the value is 0, a variation display having a predetermined variation pattern is performed. The main controller 80 determines that the operation is not in progress. The launch counter is a device that counts the number of shot balls that are executing a predetermined variation pattern based on the launch detection signal received from the payout launch control device 84, and the launch counter also corresponds to the period measuring means of the present invention. If the value of the firing counter becomes larger than a predetermined number in a state where the specific reach flag is set, the right to reduce the change is granted only during the execution of the predetermined change display. However, if the first grant condition has already been established, the right is stocked unless the right to shorten the change is exercised during the execution of the predetermined change display.

  If S730 is negative, that is, loses (S730: no), it is determined whether the result of the big hit determination random number comparison process (S725) is a small hit (1/150) (S765), and if it is affirmative (S765). :)), a small hit symbol is selected (S770), then a small hit game release pattern setting process is performed (S740), a variation pattern selection process corresponding to the small hit symbol is performed (S745), A change instruction command serving as change pattern information is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 53 (S750). The effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 based on an instruction from the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received this information, and starts variable display of the pseudo symbol corresponding to the information of the small hit symbol and the variation pattern. At substantially the same time as the transmission to the sub integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special figure display device 9 or the second special figure display device 10 to start the change of the special symbol. Subsequent to S750, the process proceeds to S755 described above.

  If S765 is negative (S765: no), a lost symbol is selected (S775), and then a variation pattern selection process corresponding to the lost symbol is performed (S745). Is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 53 (S750). The effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 based on an instruction from the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received this information, and starts the variable symbol variable display corresponding to the information of the lost symbol and the fluctuation pattern. At substantially the same time as the transmission to the sub integrated control device 83, the main control device 80 directly controls the first special figure display device 9 or the second special figure display device 10 to start the change of the special symbol. Subsequent to S750, the process proceeds to S755 described above.

  Next, the special symbol determination process 1 executed by the main controller 80 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process performed during the execution of the variable display according to the special figure success / failure determination process, and according to the present invention, “in accordance with the operation of the operation means of the player during the variable display according to the variable time” The processing includes “variation ending means for ending the fluctuation time”.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern (variation time) selected in S745 has elapsed (S800). If the determination is affirmative (S800: yes), whether or not the specific reach flag is 1, that is, a predetermined value is determined. It is determined whether the predetermined variable display has been completed without exercising the variable shortening right during the variable display (if the right is exercised, the specific reach flag is 0) (S805). If the determination is affirmative (S805: yes), it is determined whether or not the condition flag is 1, that is, whether or not the first provision condition has already been achieved (S810). If the determination is affirmative (S810: yes), the shortening counter is incremented to stock the variable shortening right that was not exercised (S815). After S815 or following the negative determination in S810 (S810: no), the specific reach flag is set to 0 (S820), the operation of the firing counter is terminated and the value is cleared (S822), and the process proceeds to S825. . Therefore, if the first grant condition is not achieved, the variable shortening right that can be exercised during the predetermined variable display is extinguished without being stocked.

  If S800 is negative, that is, if a variable display is being performed (S800: no), it is determined whether an operation signal of the game button switch 67a has been detected (S850), and if negative, (S850: no), the process returns and affirms. If it is determined (S850: yes), it is determined whether or not the shortening flag is 1, that is, whether or not it has a variable shortening right that can be exercised (S855). If S855 is affirmative (S855: yes), the abbreviated counter is decremented (S860), the abbreviated counter value is determined to be 0 (S865), and a negative determination, that is, if the variable shortening right is still stocked. (S865: no), the process proceeds to S825. If the determination is affirmative (S865: yes), the shortening flag is set to 0 (S870), and the process proceeds to S825.

  If S855 is negative, that is, if the first granting condition has not yet been cleared, or if all of the granted variable shortening rights have been exercised and there is no stock of variable shortening rights (S855: no), the specific reach flag is 1. If the determination is negative (S875: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S875: yes), it is determined whether the value of the firing counter is greater than 20 (S880). If the determination is negative. (S880: no) Return and affirmative determination, that is, if more than 20 game balls are fired during the execution of the predetermined variation pattern (S880: yes), the specific reach flag is set to 0 (S885) ), Finish the operation of the firing counter, clear the value (S890), and proceed to S825.

  In S825, a symbol confirmation command for instructing the end of the variable display is transmitted to the sub integrated control device 83, and the symbol selected in any one of S735, S770, and S775 in FIG. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 confirms and displays the pseudo symbol of the effect symbol display device 6 based on the instruction (S825).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the symbol confirmed and displayed on the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 is a jackpot symbol (S830). If the determination is affirmative (S830: yes), the jackpot flag is set to 1 (S835) and the process returns to the return. If S830 is negative (S830: no), it is determined whether or not the symbol that has been displayed is a small hit symbol (S840). If it is negative (S840: no), the process returns. If it is positive (S840: yes), the small hit The flag is set to 1 (S845) and the process returns.

  The above is the special symbol confirmation process 1 executed by the main control device 80 in the present embodiment, and when the process proceeds to S825 from other than the negative determination of S820 or S805, the symbol (the first symbol) changed according to the operation of the game button 67 The first special symbol or the second special symbol and the pseudo symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 are forcibly stopped at the fixed symbol, and are shorter than the variation pattern (variation time) selected in S745 in FIG. The fixed symbol will be displayed with time. In addition, the configuration from the affirmative determination in S875 to S825 is “the right granting unit obtains the right based on the measurement of the period measurement unit only during variable display performed based on the predetermined change time”. This is equivalent to “grant”.

  Next, display examples performed on the effect symbol display device 6 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 (1) shows a normal variation display of the pseudo symbol when the player does not have the variation shortening right. In this case, in the pseudo symbol display portion of almost the entire screen, the left middle right pseudo symbol is subjected to variable display according to the variation of the special symbol, and the number of the first reserved memory is displayed in the first special figure reservation number display area at the lower left of the screen. In the second special symbol reservation number display area at the lower right of the screen, the number of the second reservation storage is displayed.

  FIG. 19 (2) shows a display example when the variable shortening right is acquired. In contrast to the display of (1) described above, a gaming state notifying unit appears at the top of the pseudo symbol display unit, and the variable shortening right is acquired. A notification that prompts the user to operate the number and the game button 67 is performed. As a display example, “successful shortening right once”, “three times in total”, a schematic diagram of the game button 67, a character string of “shortening variation with a button”, and a character that announces these contents (Tatsuyoshi Kuma ) Is displayed. The indication of “total 3 times” indicates that the company has stocked the right to shorten the change twice.

  FIG. 20 (3) shows a display example when the player operates the game button 67 (exercises the variable shortening right) from the state of (2). In this case, the game state notification unit displays a character string of “variable shortening right once use” and “total of two times” and a smiling character, and at the same time displays a confirmed symbol (in this case, a lost symbol) on the pseudo symbol display unit. To do.

  FIG. 20 (4) shows a display example when a specific variation pattern that can be shortened before the first provision condition is established. In this case, in the gaming state notification unit, a schematic diagram of the gaming button 67, a character string of “change variation with buttons”, and a smiling character are displayed, and the simulated symbol display unit simulates when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of variation. The pattern becomes a reach mode. If the game button 67 is operated in this situation, the pseudo middle symbol is immediately stopped.

  Next, Example 2 will be described. The components constituting the recirculating gaming machine 50 and the electrical connection thereof in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the portions that are not specifically described have the same contents and redundant descriptions are omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the period measuring means for measuring the game period is measured based on the number of game balls fired. However, in the second embodiment, an IC card is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 when starting the game. The game period is measured by measuring the time from the time when the first ball lending operation is performed (the time when the first ball lending request signal is received) (the period measuring means measures the time) . Also in this embodiment, when the measured time reaches a predetermined time (1 hour in this embodiment), a variable shortening right is granted, but the granted variable shortening right can be exercised at any time in subsequent games (first time If the above condition is achieved, it can be used any number of times in subsequent games). The points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  Corresponding to the insertion signal reception process 1 described with reference to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the payout emission control device 84 executes the insertion signal reception process 2. This process has the same basic configuration as the insertion signal reception process 1 and adds 1 to the game start standby flag when an insertion signal is received (S910). The game start standby flag is a value stored in the payout launch control device 84. If the value is 1, the payout launch control device 84 indicates that the IC card has been inserted into the inter-unit unit 100 and the ball lending request signal has not yet been received. Judgment.

  Corresponding to the ball lending request signal reception process 1 described with reference to FIG. 11 in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the payout launch control device 84 executes the ball lending request signal reception process 2. In this process, after the addition instruction (S1010) corresponding to S310 of the ball lending request signal reception process 1 is executed, it is determined whether or not the game start standby flag is 1 (S1015). If the determination is negative (S1015: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S1015: yes), a game period measurement start instruction is issued to the main controller 80 (S1020), the game start standby flag is set to 0 (S1025), and the process returns.

  Next, the game period measurement process 2 executed by the main controller 80 in this embodiment will be described. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the shortening flag (the same content as in the first embodiment) is 0 (S1050). If the determination is negative (S1050: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S1050: yes), the measurement flag is set. It is determined whether it is 0 (S1055). The measurement flag is a value stored in the main controller 80. If the value is 1, the main controller 80 determines that the time measurement for the game period has started, and if the value is 0, the time measurement has not started. To do.

  If S1055 is affirmative (S1055: yes), it is determined whether or not a game period measurement start instruction (from S1020) has been received from the payout launch control device 84 (S1060). If a negative determination is made (S1060: no), the process returns. If it is determined (S1060: yes), the measurement flag is set to 1 (S1065), the game period measurement timer is activated (S1070), and the process returns.

  If S1055 is negative, that is, if the game period measurement timer has already been activated (S1055: no), it is determined whether the game period measurement timer has reached 1 hour (S1075), and if it is negative (S1075: no) If the determination is affirmative (S1075: yes), the shortening flag is set to 1 (S1080), the operation of the game period measurement timer is terminated, the measurement time is cleared (S1085), and the process returns.

  In this embodiment, the IC card is inserted into the inter-unit unit 100, and the game time measurement is started from the time when the first ball lending is performed, but the game time measurement is started from the time when the IC card is inserted. Alternatively, the game time may be started from the time when the first ball is rented and the game ball is fired. Since both are always performed at the start of the game, the time measurement is started. In addition, when 1 hour elapses from the start of the game, the shortening flag is set to 1 so that the fluctuation shortening operation is always valid in the subsequent games. However, in this case, the condition is satisfied even if the gaming machine is left unattended. Therefore, a predetermined number of game balls may be fired as a condition. As a result, it is possible to prevent a change shortening right from being acquired by leaving the gaming machine.

  Next, the shortened right clear process 2 executed by the main controller 80 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When this process is started, it is determined whether or not a shortened right clear instruction signal has been received from the payout and emission control device 84 in response to the IC card discharge of the inter-unit unit 100 (S1100). If the determination is negative (S1100: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S1100: yes), the shortening flag is set to 0 (S1105) and the process returns.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the special symbol determination process 2 executed by the main controller 80 in this embodiment will be described. This process is also a process performed during the execution of the variable display according to the special figure success / failure determination process in the second embodiment, and the “operation of the operation means of the player during the variable display according to the variable time” of the present invention is performed. The process includes a fluctuation ending means for ending the fluctuation time in response to the above.

  When this process is started, it is determined whether or not the variation time selected in S745 has elapsed (S1150). If the determination is affirmative (S1150: yes), whether or not the specific reach flag is 1, that is, during a predetermined variation display. It is determined whether the predetermined variable display has been completed without exercising the variable shortening right (if the right is exercised, the specific reach flag is 0) (S1155). If the determination is affirmative (S1155: yes), the specific reach flag is set to 0 (S1160), and the process proceeds to S1165.

  If S1150 is negative, that is, if a variable display is being performed (S1150: no), it is determined whether or not an operation signal of the game button switch 67a has been detected (S1190), and if negative (S1190: no), the process returns and affirms. If it is a determination (S1190: yes), it is determined whether or not the shortening flag is 1, that is, whether or not the player has the right to shorten the variation because the gaming time has already passed for one hour or more (S1195). If S11955 is affirmative (S1195: yes), the process proceeds to S1165.

  If S1195 is negative, that is, if the game time has not yet reached one hour (S1195: no), it is determined whether or not the specific reach flag is 1 (S1200), and if it is negative (S1200: no), the process returns. If it is determined (S1200: yes), the specific reach flag is set to 0 (S1205), and the process proceeds to S1165. Since the processing configuration from S1165 is the same as that after S825 of the special symbol determination processing 1 described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

  The above is the special symbol confirmation process 2 executed by the main control device 80 in this embodiment, and when the process proceeds to S1165 from other than the negative determination in S1160 or S1155, the symbol that has changed according to the operation of the game button 67 is forced. Therefore, the fixed symbol is stopped and the fixed symbol is displayed in a shorter time than the variation pattern (variation time) selected in S745 of FIG.

  Next, the display example implemented on the effect symbol display apparatus 6 in a present Example is demonstrated using FIG. In this embodiment, the normal display content is the same as that shown in FIG. FIG. 26 (1) shows display contents at the time when the variable shortening right is acquired after 1 hour has elapsed since the start of the game. In this case, a gaming state notifying unit appears on the upper part of the pseudo symbol display unit, and a notification that prompts the user to operate the gaming button 67 and to acquire the change shortening right is performed. More specifically, a schematic diagram of “variable shortening right acquisition” and the game button 67, a character string “variable shortening by button”, and a character (Tatsuyoshi Kuma) who announces these contents are displayed. In this embodiment, since a valid right is always granted after one hour has elapsed since the start of the game, the difference from the first embodiment is that the number of acquired rights is not displayed.

  FIG. 26 (2) shows the display contents after acquiring the variable shortening right. In this case, the upper end of the screen serves as a gaming state notification unit, and a schematic diagram of the gaming button 67 smaller than (1) and a character string of “change variation with buttons” are displayed.

  The above is the description of the embodiment. In the embodiment, on the condition that the IC card is ejected from the inter-unit unit 100, the change shortening right stored in the circulation type gaming machine 50 is erased. However, the game ball is fired for a long time. Even if it is interrupted (for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour), the configuration may be such that the variable shortening right to be stored is erased in the same way, and this makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the number of operations.

  In the second embodiment, when the elapsed time from the start of the game reaches 1 hour, the right to be able to always reduce the fluctuation is given in the subsequent games, but the fluctuation is reduced when one hour has passed as in the first embodiment. May be configured to grant the right to be reduced once, and then to give the variable shortening right once every 10 minutes thereafter. In this case, the variable shortening right may be stored. Thus, the same effect as in Example 1 is exhibited.

  In addition, when a predetermined number of so-called super reach hold memories are stored in a state where the variable shortening right can be exercised, the sub integrated control device 83 determines the situation from the prefetch determination command, and the variable shortening is effective. Notification that suggests that the situation can be exercised may be performed by the effect symbol display device 6. This makes it possible to provide the player with an effective timing for exercising the variable shortening right.

  In addition, as a variable shortening right, there are multiple types of rights such as the right to stop from the start of change, the right to be usable from the stage when one symbol is temporarily stopped, and the right to be usable only when a reach condition occurs. It is also conceivable to give it according to various conditions. In this way, it is possible to play a game aiming for better rights.

  Moreover, although each demonstrated with the number of firing and the elapsed time after a card was inserted, the structure provided with several conditions with one game machine is also considered. It may be possible to grant a right if any of the conditions is met, or to give more rights than usual, or to give an advantageous right as described above, when all the conditions are met. It is done.

  As described above, according to the circulation type gaming machine of the present invention, in a situation where a predetermined condition (execution of a game for a certain period) is achieved, a variation shortening function for allowing a game to proceed rapidly can be used. It has become. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to a circulation type gaming machine capable of counting the number of game balls that have been fired or starting the measurement of the gaming time, triggered by the insertion of an IC card (or cash) into adjacent inter-unit units.

6 effect symbol display device 9 first special symbol display device 10 second special symbol display device 11 first start port 11a first start port switch 12 second start port 12a second start port switch 20 winning display device 67 game button 67a game Button switch 80 Main control device 84 Discharge launch control device 100 Unit between units 102 Operation unit device (touch panel type liquid crystal display)
102a Ball lending button 102b Return button 105 Count switch

Claims (1)

It is connected to a unit that reads and rewrites the valuable value information recorded on the input recording medium so as to be able to communicate with each other. A predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside, and the number of game balls that have been fired and the collected game balls are collected. In the circulation type game machine that plays games while managing the number,
Based on a random number extracted due to the entry of a game ball into a specific entrance, the main control device for lottery whether to shift to a special game advantageous to the player,
Informing means for informing the result of the lottery using a symbol selected based on the random number and a variable time for determining a variable display time until the symbol is derived and displayed;
An operation means operable by the player
Fluctuation ending means for ending the fluctuation time according to the operation of the operation means of the player during variable display according to the fluctuation time
A period measuring means for measuring a period during which the player is playing,
A right granting unit for granting a right to execute the change ending unit,
The right granting unit grants the right on condition that the period measuring unit measures the predetermined period ,
The period measuring means measures the period based on a time to start measurement due to the input of the storage medium to the unit,
The circulation type gaming machine , wherein the right granting unit grants the right in a subsequent game when the period measuring unit measures a predetermined time from the start of the game .

Images