JP2008061750A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine appropriately shielding an image display area according to the taste of a player to enjoy a game. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 10 has the image display area for displaying a presentation image. The game machine includes a movable shielding body in the form of a shade, which is raised/lowered on the front side of the image display area, and driving/operating means for liftably driving the movable shielding body by operation from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

In recent years, many gaming machines are equipped with a liquid crystal display device, and an image production by an animation by a character or a live-action video is generally performed. Recently, by displaying a premium image or the like that is rarely displayed in this image effect, it has been also provided for players to enjoy fun other than the original game enjoyment (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-344465 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine as described above, when annoying display of an annoying image is made against the will of the player, this cannot be suppressed, and the interest in the game may decrease instead. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a game can be enjoyed by appropriately shielding the image display area according to the player's preference.

  A gaming machine of the present invention made to solve the conventional problem is a gaming machine having an image display area for displaying an effect image, and a blind movable shield that moves up and down in front of the image display area; And a drive operation means for driving the movable shield up and down by an external operation.

  In the present invention, each of the movable shields may be provided with a plurality of louvers that can swing freely, and the drive operation means can perform a swing drive operation of the louvers.

  Further, in the present invention, there is provided a louver driving means capable of preferentially driving the louver swinging over the driving operation means, and a game control means for controlling the louver driving means in accordance with the progress of the game. It can also be provided.

  According to the present invention, the movable shield can be moved up and down in front of the image display area by the player's operation, and the degree of shielding of the image display area can be appropriately shielded according to the player's preference. Therefore, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine that can determine how to enjoy the effect image by the player's intention.

  A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is a gaming machine having an image display area for displaying an effect image, and includes a blind movable shield that moves up and down in front of the image display area, and the movable shield. Drive operating means for driving up and down by an external operation. Thereby, the player can enjoy the game by appropriately changing the size of the image display area according to his / her preference.

  The gaming machines are pachinko machines, pachislot machines, and other general-purpose game machines that have an image display area on a liquid crystal display device or the like.

  The liquid crystal display device is a device for displaying an effect image related to a game, and has a display area that enables display of an image related to the game. In this display area, various images such as a production effect image and a decoration image for decoration are displayed.

  In the case of a pachinko machine or the like, the gaming machine main body is formed with a game board, and the game board is provided with a game area surrounded by guide rails and capable of rolling a launched game ball. The game board can be entirely or partly formed of a transparent resin material such as acrylic resin. If the liquid crystal display device is arranged behind the game board, the game board is arranged behind the transparent resin material. The liquid crystal display device having the displayed image display area can be made visible.

  The movable shield is in the form of a blind for raising and lowering the front of the image display area, and vertically so as to shield part or all of the image display area on the game board during a game or during a pause. The lower end can be moved up and down. The movable shield is provided on the front surface of the image display area, and can be disposed on the inner side or the outer side with respect to the transparent protective glass plate that is the forefront of the gaming machine.

  When placing the movable shield inside the protective glass plate, place the movable shield directly between the protective glass plate and the game board, or place the inner glass plate between the protective glass plate and the game board. The double glass plate structure can be accommodated in the gap between the two glass plates.

  The drive operation means is an operation switch unit for operating a drive device (louver drive means) such as an electric motor or actuator for driving the movable shield up and down by an external operation. It is arranged at a position where it is easy to reach. The driving device can also be controlled by a control circuit that manages the gaming machine, and can be operated with priority over the operation of the operation switch unit.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the movable shield may include a plurality of louvers that can swing, and the driving operation means can perform the swing driving operation of the louvers.

  This makes it possible to perform an adjustment operation that allows the user to look through the image display area shielded by the movable shield, and realizes a shielding state that matches the player's preference, thereby reducing the player's interest. You can devote yourself to the game without it.

  The louver is a thin thin plate (blade), and several louvers are attached so as to be suspended vertically at a constant interval and angle, and the upper end is fixed to the upper part of the game board and the lower end is suspended. Arranged. The louver is made of an opaque material, for example, made of glass, synthetic resin, wooden, or bamboo. The light and line of sight from the image display area can be blocked.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a louver driving means that can preferentially drive the louver swinging over the driving operation means, and a game that controls the louver driving means according to the progress of the game. Control means can also be provided.

  This allows the louver to swing and drive when the gaming machine's performance mode meets specific conditions such as jackpot and reach, adding a novel performance effect over the entire surface of the game board. Increase interests.

  Here, the jackpot is an advantageous state for the player who can expect a large amount of game balls to be obtained in a short time for the player, and changes to the symbol display means according to the lottery result in the special symbol control processing described later. It is a special gaming state determined by a specific combination aspect of the numerical symbols to be stopped and displayed. Reach refers to, for example, a state in which a plurality of numeric symbols are stopped and displayed, and the remaining one numeric symbol is in a changing state. The aforementioned jackpot.

  The game control means for controlling the louver driving means (hereinafter referred to as “louver control means”) may have its function assigned to the control circuit for managing the gaming machine, and it determines the state of the game being executed at that time. Thus, for example, the louver is controlled in preference to the operation by the driving operation means by the player.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically based on the drawings. In the embodiment described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine.
[Composition of gaming machine]
The gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 4 is provided with drive operation means in the pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the made electrical decoration unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a main body frame 12 having an opening 12 a formed on the front surface, and is pivotally attached to the front of the main body frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, thereby closing the opening 12 a from the front surface. The door 11 is comprised.

  A game board 14 is attached to the door 11 on the front side, and a liquid crystal display device 32 is attached to the rear side of the door 11 via a spacer 31. When the door 11 is closed, the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 are attached to the main body frame. 12 is configured so as to be housed in the inside. And a game is normally performed in the state which closed the door 11. FIG.

  Further, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 22, a firing handle 26, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the main body frame 12.

  In the main body frame 12, various components (not shown) such as a control board are arranged in addition to the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. However, for easy understanding. These descriptions are omitted.

  The game board 14 is entirely or partially formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having a light transmitting property) having a light transmitting property. Examples of the translucent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 that displays the effect image related to the game is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween, and has an image display area 32a that enables display of the image related to the game.

  Further, in this embodiment, by providing display means such as the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the light-transmitting area in the game board 14, for example, game members such as a planted area of the game nail 13, an accessory, and a decoration member are provided. The area to be provided can be increased, and the degree of freedom in layout can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14 and also disposed on the front (front side) of the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the spacer 31 is sandwiched between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a permeable material, and has a large through hole 31a at the center. An electrical decoration unit 53 is provided in the through hole 31a.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with the liquid crystal display device 32 having the image display area 32a on the back of the gaming board 14 made of a translucent member. In this embodiment, FIG. As shown, a movable shield 27 configured in a blind shape for moving up and down in front of the image display area 32 a is provided on the back side of a glass frame 134 that is pivotally attached to the door 11 so as to be openable and closable.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an electrical decoration unit 53 is disposed at the lower part of the game board 14, and a shield operation button serving as a drive operation means for driving the movable shield 27 is provided here. 28 is provided (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the movable shield. As shown in the figure, the movable shield 27 that moves up and down in front of the image display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32 has a plurality of louvers 27a suspended from each other so as to be swingable. And a louver drive unit 27b (louver drive means) composed of an electric motor or the like for swinging or fixing the louvers 27a at a predetermined inclination angle, and pulling up the lower end of the louvers 27a, so that all the louvers 27a And a shield driving unit 27c for moving up and down. The louver 27a according to the present embodiment is a thin thin plate made of an opaque synthetic resin, and the movable shield 27 is configured by suspending a plurality of such louvers 27a in the vertical direction at a constant interval and angle. Is done.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a base portion 27d is installed on the upper back of the glass frame 134, and the drive portions 27b and 27c and the upper louver 27a are fixed to the upper portion of the game board 14 on the base portion 27d. It is arranged.

  The louver driving unit 27b and the shielding unit driving unit 27c are provided in a main control circuit 60 (to be described later) in the pachinko gaming machine 10 in addition to being operated from the outside by the shielding unit operating button 28 provided in the lighting unit 53. It is also controlled by the shield control circuit 27e (see FIG. 5).

  That is, the shield control circuit 27e receives the control signal from the main CPU 66, operates the louver drive unit 27b and the shield drive unit 27c in response to the occurrence of a big hit gaming state and the like, and from the shield operation button 28. The louver driving unit 27b and the shield driving unit 27c can be directly operated by the operation signal without going through the main CPU 66. In this case, when the operation signal from the shield operation button 28 and the control signal from the main CPU 66 are synchronized with the shield control circuit 27e, the control signal from the main CPU 66 is executed with priority.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an electrical decoration unit 53 provided with a shield operation button 28 for operating the movable shield 27.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the illumination unit 53 includes a shield operation button 28 at the left end.

  The shield operation button 28 is composed of a cross key, and receives an operation signal generated by the key operation by the main control circuit 60, thereby enabling the louver drive unit 27b and the shield drive unit 27c to operate via the shield control circuit 27e. (See FIG. 5).

  In the present embodiment, the movable shield 27 is raised by the upper operation of the cross key and lowered by the lower operation. In addition, the louver 27a swings back and forth by the left and right operation of the cross key.

  In addition, a display case 37 is provided at the center of the illumination unit 53, and a special symbol display 33 that is a symbol display means accommodated in the display case 37 is configured by a 7-segment LED 41. This 7-segment LED 41 is repeatedly turned on / off when the predetermined special symbol variable display start condition is satisfied, and 10 numerical symbols from “0” to “9” are generated by turning on / off the 7-segment LED 41. It is displayed as a special symbol.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is roughly divided into a general gaming state (consuming game balls while performing a jackpot lottery, a so-called disadvantageous state for the player) and a jackpot gaming state (short for the player). It is divided into a so-called advantageous state for a player who can expect a large amount of game balls in time. Further, according to a specific numerical symbol that is randomly displayed in the special symbol display 33, which is selected by lottery in the special symbol control process described later, a 15R probability variable big hit gaming state, a 2R probability variable big hit gaming state, or a 15R normal jackpot gaming state, Three types of jackpot gaming states are determined. And after each jackpot game state is complete | finished, the said general game state also transfers to the general game state of a state different from a probability change mode or a time-saving mode.

  That is, when a specific numerical symbol (for example, a numerical symbol of “7”) is stopped and displayed as the special symbol, a round game advantageous to the player from the general gaming state is continuously performed up to 15 times. Transition to a promising jackpot gaming state. In addition, when a specific numerical symbol (for example, a numerical symbol of “3”) is stopped and displayed, the game state is changed from a general gaming state to a 2R probability variable big hit gaming state in which a round game advantageous to the player is continued twice at the maximum. Transition. Then, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the mode shifts to a probability change mode, which is a general gaming state in which the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state is higher than usual. When a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol of “5”) is stopped and displayed, a transition is made from the general gaming state to a 15R normal jackpot gaming state in which a round game advantageous to the player is continuously performed up to 15 times. . Then, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the mode shifts to the time saving mode which is the general gaming state. At this time, the short mode is shifted to the normal mode (the most basic general game state in the pachinko gaming machine 10), which is a general game state, when the number of changes (for example, 100 times) of the special symbol is digested.

  On the other hand, as a special symbol, if a numeric symbol other than a specific numeric symbol (for example, a numeric symbol other than “3”, “5”, or “7”) is stopped and displayed, the general gaming state basically shifts. do not do. However, the details will be described in the special symbol control process described later. When the general gaming state is the short-time mode, the general gaming state is determined when the number of variations of the special symbol has reached a predetermined variation number (for example, 100 times). Is switched from the short-time mode to the normal mode. As described above, a game in which a special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and the game state is shifted or maintained depending on the result is called a “special symbol game”.

  On both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the special symbol variation display held by turning on or off (so-called “number of special symbols on hold ball”).

  A normal symbol display 35 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33. The normal symbol display 35 is composed of two display lamps (not shown). When these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, symbols such as “O” and “X” are displayed. Fluctuated display as a normal symbol.

  Under the display case 37, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d display the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of holding balls of the normal symbol”).

  The description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be continued with reference to FIGS. Decorative lamps 133a and 133b as light emitting display means are arranged outside the transmissive area of the game board 14, and display a predetermined light emission mode according to the gaming state.

  The door 11 is provided with a protective glass plate 19 having transparency. The protective glass plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

  The firing handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12. A firing solenoid (not shown) as a driving device is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the rotational angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is played. It is fired sequentially on the board 14 and the game proceeds.

  In the pachinko game according to the present embodiment, whether or not the game ball launched by the player operating the launching handle 26 enters a starting port 25 described later is a game advantageous to the player. This is a game in which the special symbol display 33 displays a variation of the identification symbol, and the liquid crystal display device 32 displays a variation of the decorative symbol as an effect and an effect display associated therewith.

  In other words, in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed on the back (back side) of the game board 14, an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is displayed. .

  For example, during the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 33, in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a decorative symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in a single symbol row (identification information for performance) For example, “0” to “9” are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 33 is stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbol for presentation is also stopped and displayed on the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Further, when a special numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, an effect image for allowing the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. . Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 33, a combination of effect decorative symbols displayed in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is specified. It becomes a display mode (for example, a mode in which all of “1” to “9” are stopped and displayed).

  As a combination of the decorative symbols for performance, when a specific “odd” number symbols are stopped and displayed (for example, “111” to “999” number symbols), the game is played from the general gaming state. The game proceeds to a 15R probable big hit game state in which a round game advantageous to the user is continuously performed up to 15 times. In this case, the specific symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is “7”. In addition, when a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed with a serial number (for example, a numerical symbol of “1”, “2”, “3”), a round game advantageous to the player is continued at most twice from the general gaming state. The 2R probability variation jackpot gaming state is performed. In this case, the specific symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is “3”. In addition, when the display is stopped with all the specific “even” number symbols in place (for example, “222” to “888” number symbols), the round game that is advantageous to the player from the general gaming state is maximized. Transition to the 15R normal jackpot gaming state, which is continuously performed 15 times. In this case, the specific symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is “5”. As described above, the combination of the decorative symbols corresponding to the specific symbols stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 33 is stopped and displayed in the image display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  As described above, when the combination of the decorative patterns for presentation displayed in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is in a specific display mode, the character image such as “big hit! The character image is displayed in the image display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Next, an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the description of the plurality of game nails 13 driven into the game board 14 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 14 is provided with two guide rails 30 (30 a and 30 b), obstacles 55 and 57, a passage gate 54, a starting port 25, and a big winning port 39. In addition, in the upper part of the game board 14, the electrical decoration units 53 (refer FIG. 4), such as the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35, can be visually recognized.

  In the game area 15 on the front and back surfaces of the game board 14, an obstacle 55 is provided in the upper part, and an obstacle 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 15. Under the obstacle 57, a start port 25 is provided.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b that is disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game balls are guided by the guide rails 30 provided on the game board 14, move to the upper part of the game board 14, pass over the electric decoration unit 53, and the plurality of game nails 13 ( 2), due to the collision with the obstacles 55, 57, etc. provided on the game board 14, it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  When a game ball is won at the start opening 25, the special symbol display by the special symbol display 33 is started. Further, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol variation based on the game ball winning at the start opening 25 is stopped until the special symbol being displayed is stopped. Display execution (start) is put on hold. Thereafter, after the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variable symbol of the reserved special symbol is displayed. That is, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d (see FIG. 4) provided in the lighting unit 53 are lit in order from the left in correspondence with the number of executions of the variable display of the reserved special symbols. When the change display of the symbol is temporarily stopped and the next change display of the special symbol that has been put on hold is started, the special symbol hold lamp corresponding thereto is turned off. An upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the special symbol variable display is suspended up to four times (number).

  Also, in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball wins the start opening 25 described above, the variation display of the decorative design for the effect is performed at the start of the variation display of the special symbol. Be started. Further, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display regarding the special symbol, the effect based on the winning of the game ball at the start opening 25 until the identification information for the effect during the variation display is stopped and displayed. Execution (start) of the variable display of decorative symbols for use is suspended. Thereafter, when the decorative design for effect that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the decorative symbol for effect that has been put on hold is started.

  In the present embodiment, the winning of a game ball at the start opening 25 is set as a predetermined special symbol variable display start condition or a predetermined decorative symbol variable display start condition. Alternatively, another embodiment may be used.

  A passing gate 54 is provided on the left side of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passing gate 54 is provided with a passing ball sensor 114 (see FIG. 5) described later. The passing ball sensor 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 54. When the passing of the game ball is detected by the passing ball sensor 114, the normal symbol display is started on the normal symbol display 35 (see FIG. 4), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol change display is performed. Stops. As described above, this normal symbol is a symbol such as “◯” or “×”.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 23 provided on both the left and right sides of the start port 25 are changed from the closed state to the open state, It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 23 is opened, the blade member 23 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 25. As described above, a game in which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member 23 differs depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  As with the special symbol variation display, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54 during the normal symbol variation display, until the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed, Execution (start) of normal symbol variation display based on the passing of the game ball is suspended. That is, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d (see FIG. 4) provided in the illumination unit 53 are lit in order from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the variable display of the held normal symbols. Is stopped, the next normal symbol variation display that has been put on hold is started, and the corresponding normal symbol hold lamp is turned off. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times that the execution of the variable symbol display is suspended. For example, the upper limit is four times (pieces).

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). As for the shutter 40, a specific numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state (that is, the 15R probability variation big hit, 2R probability variation big hit and 15R normal big hit state). If it is, it is driven so as to be in an open state where it is easy to accept the game ball. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  On the other hand, a special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 includes a specific area (not shown) having a V / count sensor 102 (see FIG. 5) and a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 5). There are general areas (not shown) having a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, or the shutter 40 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. Driven. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball.

  A game from an open state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is easy to accept game balls to a closed state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept game balls is called a round game. Therefore, the shutter 40 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. Since the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round, “2” round, etc., the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the shutter 40 driven from the open state to the closed state is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the big prize opening 39 in the open state has passed through the V / count sensor 102. . In other words, it is possible to continue to the next round game on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the opened state of the shutter 40 has passed the V · count sensor 102. Note that the game from the first round game to the end of the (final) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is referred to as a jackpot gaming state. That is, the jackpot gaming state is a gaming state advantageous for the player.

  In addition, when a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the start opening 25, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, and the large winning opening 39, the number set in advance according to the type of each winning opening. The game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as an example of an accessory, an accessory of the big prize opening 39 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of two or more combinations on the game board is possible. Things may be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, during execution of the jackpot gaming state, the number of rounds from the first round number to the last round game when the round game is continued (maximum number of continuous rounds) is 15 rounds or 2 rounds It is. Note that the maximum number of consecutive rounds during execution of the jackpot gaming state is not limited. For example, the maximum number of consecutive rounds is selected from “1” round to “15” round by lottery by a round number lottery means (main control circuit 60 including a main CPU 66 described later (see FIG. 5)). Any number of rounds may be used.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 including a liquid crystal display panel is used as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. It may be composed of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED, a segment LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or the like. In the present embodiment, the special symbol display 33 and the normal symbol display 35 are provided separately from the liquid crystal display device 32. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided with the special symbol and the normal symbol. You may comprise so that a fluctuation | variation display may be carried out.
[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub-control circuit 200 as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the game, and the sub-control circuit 200 controls the production according to the progress of the game (for example, image display control, sound output control, decoration lamp control, etc.). It is.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. Thus, the main CPU 66 functions as various means to be described later, such as functioning as game control means such as special game execution means and lottery means.

  A program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored in the main ROM 68. In addition, a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 6) referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Etc. are stored.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub-control circuit 200).

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the above-described shield operation button 28 for operating the movable shield 27 externally, the V / count sensor 102, Connected to the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the passing ball sensor 114, the starting winning ball sensor 116, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, the big winning opening solenoid 120, the seesaw solenoid 122, and the backup clear switch 124. Has been.

  The V / count sensor 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 39. The V / count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening 39.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d, respectively. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins each of the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the passing gate 54. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the passing gate 54.

  A start winning ball sensor 116 which is a game ball detecting means is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 116 detects that a game ball has won the start opening 25 and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 23 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 23 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 3 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 has a plate shape and is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided in the shutter 40. The seesaw solenoid 122 is displaced in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to tilt the seesaw. change. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through the specific region or to pass through the general region.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. Connected to the payout / firing control circuit 126 are a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  In addition, the launching device 130 includes a device for launching a game ball such as the launching solenoid and the touch sensor described above. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the rotational angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is fired. The game board 14 is sequentially fired by the solenoid.

  Further, a lamp control circuit 76 is connected to the main control circuit 60, and the lamp control circuit 76, in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 66, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d, special symbols. The symbol display 33 (7 segment LED 41), the normal symbol display 35 (display lamp), and the like are controlled.

  Further, the main control circuit 60 is provided with a shield control circuit 27e for controlling the louver drive unit 27b and the shield drive unit 27c, respectively. These drive units are controlled by a shield control processing routine described later. Be controlled.

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the decoration lamps 133a and 133b, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 is generated from a variable display control means, a sub CPU 206 as sound generation control means, a program ROM 208 as storage means, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a speaker 46. The voice control circuit 230 controls the sound to be generated, and the lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamps 133a and 133b such as decorative lamps. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60, as will be described later. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  In the program ROM 208, the sub CPU 206 relates to a plurality of types of effect image data associated with the image display of the liquid crystal display device 32 executed in association with the variable display of the special symbol of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and related to the round game during the jackpot game A plurality of types of effect image data to be executed are stored, and in addition, various tables such as a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects are also stored.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables are positioned such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like.

  The display control circuit 250 is executed in association with a plurality of types of effect patterns that are supplied from the sub CPU 206 and accompanied by the progress of effect display that is executed in relation to the variable display of special symbols, and in the round game during the jackpot game. Control is performed to cause the liquid crystal display device 32 to display images of effect image data such as a plurality of types of effect patterns.

  The sound control circuit 230 generates sound from the speaker 46 in response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The lamp control circuit 240 performs light emission control of the decorative lamps 133a and 133b according to a program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206.

In the present embodiment, in the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main control circuit 60 as the game control means and the sub control circuit 200 as the effect control means are configured separately, but the main control circuit 60 And the sub-control circuit 200 may be configured on the same substrate.
In this embodiment, the main control circuit 60 uses the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 uses the program ROM 208 as storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is a storage medium readable by a computer equipped with a computer, a program, a table, and the like are recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, and a ROM cartridge. May be. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM 70 in the main control circuit 60 and the work RAM 210 in the sub control circuit 200. . In this embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as the temporary storage area of the main CPU 66 and the work RAM 210 is used as the temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.
[Game machine operation]
In the present embodiment, the game state is roughly divided into a general game state (a game ball is consumed while performing a lottery lottery, a so-called disadvantageous state for the player) and a jackpot game state (a large number of game balls for a player in a short time). It is divided into so-called advantageous states for players. Further, even in the general game state, three game states are provided: a normal mode, a probability change mode, and a time reduction mode. The processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is shown below in FIGS.
[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 7, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9, a special symbol control process related to the progress of the special symbol game, the special symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display 33, and the decorative symbol is executed (step S12). . Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 11, the normal symbol control process relating to the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 35 is executed (step S13). Further, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 15, a shield control process for causing the shield to perform a predetermined action is executed in accordance with the progress of the game being executed (step S14).

As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the processes in steps S12 to S14 are repeatedly executed.
[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The following system timer interrupt process is executed in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process for updating each lottery value such as a jackpot lottery random value (step S21). Then, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting a winning of a game ball to the start opening 25 or the like (step S22). In this processing, the main CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 data for paying out the game balls (winning the game balls) on the condition that the game balls have won the various winning ports. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs, and the like. The timer update process is executed (step S23). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S24). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S25.

  In step S25, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demo display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of special symbol that is derived and displayed, and the like. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S26.

In step S26, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Specifically, the main CPU 66 supplies to the payout / launch control circuit 126 a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls as a result of the game balls winning in various winning holes. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.
[Special symbol control processing]
The special symbol control process executed in step S12 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the process of step S31, the main CPU 66 loads a special symbol control flag. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the special symbol control flag and moves the process to step S32.

  In step S32, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (00). If the special symbol control flag is not (00), the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S34. If the special symbol control flag is (00), the process proceeds to step S33 to perform a special symbol storage check process. In this special symbol memory check process, the details will be described later, but the number of special symbols held is checked, and if there is a reserve, lottery of “big hit”, special symbol variation start, special symbol variation timer is set, etc. Then, (01) which is the processing request for the next step is set in the special symbol control flag, and the processing is terminated.

  In step S34, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (01). If the special symbol control flag is not (01), the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S40. When the special symbol control flag is (01), special symbol variation time monitoring processing is performed. That is, in step S35, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation timer is timed up (that is, "0"). If the time is not up, the process is terminated. If the time is up, the main CPU 66 performs a special symbol stop process in step S36 and updates the special symbol holding number stored in the main RAM 70 so as to decrease by "1". Further, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the gaming state flag is in the time reduction mode. If the game time flag is in the time reduction mode, the main CPU 66 renews and stores the time reduction count stored in the main RAM 70 so that the time reduction count is “1”. When it becomes 0 "(that is, the end of the time reduction mode), the gaming state flag is set to the normal mode, and the time reduction mode is ended.

  Next, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol is a big hit in step S37. If not, the main CPU 66 clears the special symbol control flag in step S39 (that is, the value (00) for requesting the special symbol storage check process). Set) to finish the process. If the special symbol is a big hit, a special winning opening release waiting process in step S38 is performed. In the special winning opening release waiting process, the main CPU 66 sets a value (02) indicating waiting for the special winning opening to the special symbol control flag, and sets a waiting time (for example, 1 second) in the special winning opening release waiting timer. End the process.

  In step S40, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (02). If the special symbol control flag is not (02), the process proceeds to step S43. When the special symbol control flag is (02), a special winning opening release process is performed. In the special prize opening process, first, the main CPU 66 determines in step S41 whether the special prize opening waiting timer is timed up (that is, “0”). If the time is not up, the process is terminated. If the time is up, a special winning opening opening process is performed in step S42. In this special winning opening opening process, the main CPU 66 first sets the opening of the special winning opening (stores the opening instruction of the special winning opening solenoid 120 by the shutter 40 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70), and then the big win. Depending on the type, the opening time of the big prize opening is set in the big prize opening timer (for example, 30 seconds if the jackpot is 15R probability variation jackpot, or 15R normal jackpot, or 1 second if 2R probability variation jackpot). Then, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (03) indicating the special winning opening release monitoring process, and the process ends.

  In step S43, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the special symbol control flag is (03). If the special symbol control flag is not (03), the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S50. When the special symbol control flag is (03), a special winning opening opening monitoring process is performed. In the big prize opening monitoring process, first, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the big prize opening timer has timed out (that is, "0") in step S44, or whether a predetermined number of game balls have won the big prize opening. Determine whether. Then, the time of the grand prize opening timer expires, and at the same time, if the prescribed number of game balls have not won the big prize opening, the process is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to step S45 when the winning opening timer expires or when a prescribed number of game balls satisfy the winning condition.

  In step S45, the main CPU 66 executes a special winning opening closing process (stores a closing instruction of the special winning opening solenoid 120 by the shutter 40 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70), and moves the process to step S46.

  In step S46, the main CPU 66 counts the number of times that the special winning opening is opened (the so-called number of rounds), and whether or not the specified number of times (15 times for the 15R normal jackpot or 15R probability variation jackpot, 2 times for the 2R probability variation jackpot) has been reached. In step S49, the special symbol control flag is set to a value (04) for requesting the jackpot end process, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of times of opening of the big winning opening has not reached the prescribed number, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the game ball that won the big winning opening has passed a predetermined specific area in step S47. If the game ball that has won the winning opening does not pass through the predetermined specific area (when the V / count sensor 102 does not detect the passing of the game ball), the special symbol control flag is subjected to jackpot end processing in step S49. The requested value (04) is set and the process is terminated. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S48 when the game ball that has won the special winning opening passes a predetermined specific area (that is, the V / count sensor 102 detects the passage of the game ball).

  In step S48, the main CPU 66 performs a special winning opening opening waiting process. In the special winning opening release waiting process, the special symbol control flag is again set to the value (02) for requesting the opening of the special winning opening, and the waiting time (for example, 1 second) is set in the special winning opening release waiting timer. finish.

In step S50, the main CPU 66 performs jackpot end processing. In the jackpot end process, when the jackpot symbol is 15R probability variation jackpot or 2R probability variation jackpot, the gaming state flag is set to the probability variation mode, and when the jackpot symbol is 15R regular jackpot, the gaming state flag is set to the time reduction mode, and further in the time reduction mode. The upper limit (for example, 100 times) of the variation number of the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Finally, the main CPU 66 clears the special symbol control flag (that is, sets a value (00) for requesting the special symbol storage check process), and ends the special symbol control process.
[Special symbol memory check processing]
The special symbol memory check process executed in step S33 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S61, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of special symbol reservations is “0”. If the number of special symbol reservations is “0”, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S62 to perform special processing. If the reserved number of symbols is not “0” (that is, if there is a special symbol variation), the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S62, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores data for supplying a demo display command to the sub-control circuit 200 in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 in order to perform a demo display. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize that the customer waiting state (predetermined waiting state) has been reached. When this process ends, the special symbol storage check process ends.

  In step S63, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) for requesting special symbol variation time management to the special symbol control flag, and moves the process to step S64.

  In step S64, a jackpot lottery process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the gaming status flag, and selects one jackpot lottery table from a plurality of jackpot lottery tables (see FIG. 6) having different jackpot values based on the read gaming status flag. Then, with reference to the jackpot lottery random number value extracted when the game ball wins the starting opening 25 and the selected jackpot lottery table, the jackpot is lottery (15R probability variable jackpot, 2R probability variable jackpot, 15R normal jackpot or " "Determine one of" out of the box "). Here, as shown in the jackpot lottery table in FIG. 6, in the jackpot lottery table in the normal mode or the short time mode and the jackpot lottery table in the probability variation mode, the jackpot lottery value is 7/400 (15R normal in the normal mode and the short mode). It is set to jackpot, 15R probability variation jackpot and 2R probability variation jackpot all jackpot lottery value), but in probability variation mode 70/400 (15R normal jackpot, 15R probability variation jackpot and 2R probability variation jackpot all jackpot lottery value) Total). That is, by selecting the jackpot lottery table based on the gaming state flag, the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state will be different. Thus, when the gaming state flag is in the probability variation mode, the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state is improved compared to the normal mode and the short-time mode, which can be said to be an advantageous state for the player. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S65.

  In step S65, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 66 moves the process to step S66 if the lottery result in the jackpot lottery process in step S64 described above is a big win, and moves the process to step S67 if not the big win.

  In step S66, a specific symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines a specific symbol to be displayed corresponding to the jackpot type determined in step S64. For example, for a 15R probability variable jackpot, the specific symbol is determined as “7”, for a 2R probability variable jackpot, the specific symbol is “3”, or for a 15R normal jackpot, the specific symbol is “5”. "As such, a specific symbol is determined corresponding to each jackpot. Then, the determined specific symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 33. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S68.

  In step S67, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines a specific symbol (for example, a number other than “7”, “3”, “5”) corresponding to the off symbol and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, a special symbol corresponding to the deviation is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 33. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S68.

  In step S68, a gaming state determination process is performed. In this gaming state determination process, when the main CPU 66 determines that the current gaming state flag is in the probability variation mode or the short time mode, the main CPU 66 proceeds to step S70 and determines that the current gaming state flag is in the normal mode. If it is determined, in step S69, the special symbol variation time (for example, 10 seconds) in the normal mode is set in the special symbol variation timer and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S70, the main CPU 66 sets a special symbol variation time in the probability variation mode or the short time mode (a time shorter than the special symbol variation time in the normal mode, for example, 5 seconds) in the special symbol variation timer. Store in the area. Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S71, the main CPU 66 stores a request for starting the variable display to the special symbol display 33 (see FIG. 4) in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, and moves the process to step S72. By this processing, the special symbol display 33 displays the variation of the special symbol in accordance with the variation time set in the special symbol variation timer in the steps S69 and S70, and after the predetermined time has elapsed (the special symbol variation). After the timer has expired), the special symbol of “big hit” or “lost” determined in step S66 and step S67 is stopped and displayed.

In step S72, a process of determining a decorative symbol or effect time displayed in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is performed. In this process, the main CPU 66 obtains the data of “big hit” or “out of place” stored in step S66 or step S67, and the special symbol variation time stored in step S69 or step S70, as shown in FIG. By the command output process of S25, the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 supplies the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 as a derived symbol designation command. Thereby, in the sub-control circuit 200, the decorative symbol is derived and displayed in the image display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, and the variation time of the decorative symbol is also determined. As a result, the variation time of the special symbol derived and displayed on the special symbol display 33 and the variation time of the decorative symbol derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 are synchronized.
[Normal symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S13 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 66 loads a normal symbol control flag in step S101. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the normal symbol control flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S102.

  In step S102, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is a value (00) indicating a normal symbol storage check request. If the normal symbol control flag is not (00), the process proceeds to step S104. . If the normal symbol control flag is (00), the normal symbol storage check process in step 103 is performed. This normal symbol storage check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12, but the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved normal symbols, and if there is a number of reserved symbols, the main CPU 66 determines whether the normal symbol is hit, starts changing the normal symbol, The normal symbol variation timer is set, etc., and (01) which is the processing request for the next step is set in the normal symbol control flag, and the processing is terminated.

  In step S104, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (01). If the normal symbol control flag is not (01), the process proceeds to step S107. If the normal symbol control flag is (01), it is determined in step S105 whether the normal symbol variation timer has timed up (that is, "0"). If the time has not expired, the process ends. . On the other hand, when the normal symbol variation timer expires, the main CPU 66 performs a normal symbol stop process in step S106. In this normal symbol stop process, the main CPU 66 sets a request to stop the fluctuation to the normal symbol display 35 and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, the normal symbol display 35 displays the determination result of “success” or “displacement” of the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol memory check process. When this process is completed, the number of normal symbol reservations stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 is stored and updated so as to decrease by “1”. Then, (02) is set in the normal symbol control flag and the process is terminated.

  In step S107, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (02). If the normal symbol control flag is not (02), the process proceeds to step S111. If the normal symbol control flag is (02), the process proceeds to step S108 to determine whether or not the normal symbol is a hit. If the main CPU 66 determines that the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to the normal electric character releasing process in step S109. On the other hand, when determining that the normal symbol is not a hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (00) for requesting the normal symbol storage check to the normal symbol control flag and ends the processing in step S110.

  In the ordinary electric accessory release process in step S109, the main CPU 66 performs an opening process of the blade member 23 of the ordinary electric accessory (stores the release of the ordinary electric accessory in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Furthermore, the opening time of the blade member 23 of the ordinary electric accessory (for example, 3 seconds when the game state is the probability change mode or the short time mode, 0.2 seconds when the game mode is the normal mode) according to the game state of the game table is normal. The electric accessory release timer is set, the normal symbol control flag is set to (03), and the process ends.

  In step S111, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol control flag is (03). If the normal symbol control flag is not (03), the process proceeds to step S114. If the normal symbol control flag is (03), the process proceeds to step S112 to determine whether the normal electric accessory release timer has timed out (that is, "0"). Then, when the normal electric accessory release timer has not expired, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal electric accessory release timer has timed out, in the normal electric accessory closing process of step S113, the blade member 23, which is an ordinary electric accessory, is closed (normally in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70). Memorize the closing of the electric accessory). Then, (04) is set in the normal symbol control flag and the process is terminated.

In step S114, the main CPU 66 clears the normal symbol control flag (that is, sets the value “00” for requesting the normal symbol storage check) and ends the process.
[Normal symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S103 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S121, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the normal symbol reserve number is “0”. If it is determined that the normal symbol reserve number is “0”, the normal symbol storage check is performed. The process ends. This normal symbol holding number is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, and when it is detected that a game ball has passed through the passing gate 54, the predetermined symbol (for example, “4”) is increased by “1” as an upper limit. When the variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol game ends, “1” is subtracted and the memory is updated. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines that the number of held normal symbols is not “0”, in step S122, the main CPU 66 sets the normal symbol variation timer monitoring request value “01” in the normal symbol control flag, and then proceeds to step S123. Move processing.

  In step S123, a normal symbol hit determination process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 determines the normal symbol per-determining random number extracted when the normal symbol starting region passes (by passing the game ball through the passing gate 54) and the normal symbol per-unit determination stored in the main ROM 68. Refers to the value. Then, as a result of the reference, when the random value for determination per ordinary symbol matches the determination value per ordinary symbol as a result of the reference, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating the winning symbol (for example, “◯” symbol) in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. To remember. On the other hand, as a result of the reference, when the random value for determination per normal symbol does not match the determination value per normal symbol as a result of the reference, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating the off symbol (for example, “×” symbol) in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. To remember. The winning symbol and the off symbol stored in this manner are supplied to the normal symbol display 35 as a derived normal symbol designation command. As a result, the normal symbol display 35 starts normal symbol variation display (for example, “O” and “×” symbols are alternately blinked). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the game state flag is in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode. If the game state flag is in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode, in step S126, the main CPU 66 The normal symbol variation stop time (for example, 5 seconds) shorter than that in the normal mode is set in the normal symbol variation timer, and the processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the gaming state is not the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode (that is, the normal mode), in step S125, the main CPU 66 sets the normal symbol variation stop time (for example, 30 seconds) longer than the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode to the normal symbol variation timer. Set to ending.

  Here, the gaming state flag of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the game state flag in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is set to any one of the normal mode, the probability variation mode, and the time reduction mode. Here, as shown in the jackpot lottery table in FIG. 6, when the game state flag is in the probability variation mode, the lottery value is 70/400 (15R normal jackpot, 2R probability jackpot, all 15R probability variation jackpot values). In contrast, when the game state flag is in the normal mode or the short-time mode, the numerical value for drawing the jackpot is 7/400 (15R normal jackpot, 2R probability variable jackpot, 15R probability variable jackpot all numbers) Total)). In other words, when the gaming state flag is in the probability variation mode, it is possible to expect winning of the jackpot gaming state with a 10 times higher probability than in the normal mode or the short time mode. In other words, the probability variation mode can be said to be an advantageous game mode with a large expected value for the next jackpot for the player.

Furthermore, also in the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol, as described above, when the gaming state flag is in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode and in the normal mode, the gaming state flag is in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, The variation time of special symbols and normal symbols is set short. Further, since the opening time of the blade member 23 attached to the start port 25 when the normal state is hit is set longer than the normal mode when the game state flag is in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, the blade member 23 As a result, the opportunity for a game ball to win the start opening 25 increases. That is, when the game state flag is in the probability variation mode and the short time mode, the number of special symbol lotteries per unit time is increased as compared to the normal mode, which is also an advantageous state for the player.
[Sub control circuit main processing]
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 executes the sub-control circuit main process. The sub control circuit main process will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control circuit main process is a process that starts when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission and work area initialization. That is, the sub CPU 206 performs a predetermined initial setting for normally playing the game based on the power being turned on. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 206 that executes step S201 corresponds to an example of an initial setting unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  In step S202, the sub CPU 206 executes random number update processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 updates various random number values positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S203.

  In step S203, the sub CPU 206 executes command analysis processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 analyzes a command sent from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 and executes a process according to the analyzed command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S204.

  In step S204, the sub CPU 206 executes display control processing. In this process, when the sub CPU 206 receives a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 in the command analysis process, the sub CPU 206 performs image display control such as a decorative symbol according to the derived symbol designation command. This is performed in the image display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 executes a sound control process for controlling sound generated from the speaker 46 (step S205) and a lamp control process for controlling light emission of the various lamps 133a and 133b (step S206). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

As described above, in the sub control circuit main process, after the initial setting process in step S201 is completed, the processes from step S202 to step S206 are repeatedly executed.
[Shield control process]
Next, the shield control process routine executed in step S14 of the main process in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a shield control process for controlling the movable shield provided on the front side of the gaming machine.

  In the first step S300 in the shield control process, information such as a game state such as a jackpot or reach at the time when the routine is called, and an on / off state of the shield operation button 28 is acquired.

  In the next step S301, it is determined whether or not the acquired gaming state matches a preset operation mode of the movable shield 27. If they match, the process proceeds to step S302. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S302 where the gaming state matches the operation mode, the operation mode is set with reference to table data of a preset operation mode and the operation pattern of the movable shield 27 corresponding to this operation mode.

  For example, in the big hit gaming state, a pattern for raising and lowering the movable shield 27 at a predetermined time interval is set, and in the reach state, the movable shield 27 is maintained at the lowest part where the entire image display area is shielded. At the same time, a pattern for repeatedly swinging the louver 27a at predetermined time intervals is set.

  After the operation pattern setting process, in step S303, the main CPU 66 outputs a command signal to the shield control circuit 27e so as to drive the movable shield 27 along the set operation pattern, and the shield drive unit 27c. And the drive of the louver drive part 27b is controlled. Then, after driving the movable shield 27 along the set operation pattern, the process returns to step S12 in the main process.

  In step S304 when the gaming state does not match the operation mode, the on / off state of the shield operation button 28 is determined.

  If the determination result is off, the process returns to the main process (FIG. 7), and if it is on, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, an operation signal from the shield operation button 28 is sent directly to the shield drive unit 27c and the louver drive unit 27b via the shield control circuit 27e, and the player operates the shield operation button 28. Correspondingly, the movable shield 27 moves up and down and the louver 27a swings.

  Through the steps of the shield control process as described above, the movable shield 27 including the louver 27a can be freely driven by the player himself, while the movable shield 27 including the swing drive of the louver 27a can be driven. The drive can be performed with priority over the operation of the shield operation button 28.

Moreover, when the performance mode of the pachinko gaming machine 10 satisfies specific conditions such as jackpot and reach, the movable shield 27 is moved up and down in a predetermined pattern, and the louver 27a is driven to swing in a predetermined pattern. As a result, it is possible to add a dynamic and innovative production effect over the entire surface of the game board 14 and to enhance the game entertainment.
[Operation of movable shield]
16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the above-described operation pattern in the movable shield, and the mode of the movable shield and the like will be described with reference to these.

  FIG. 16A is an operation pattern of the movable shield 27 when the hit of the big hit in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is established, and corresponds to the reach state in the variable display portion 92b defined in the image display area 32a. Of the three decorative symbols, the left and right two are stopped and displayed as “7”, and the central decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner. This shows that an animation 92a is displayed.

  In the main control circuit 60, the reach state is detected by the shield control process routine (step S300 in FIG. 15) in the main process. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the louver 27a of the movable shield 27 is detected. The animation 92a is arranged so that it can be viewed by pulling it down to a position where the fluctuation display portion 92b is hidden.

  Thereby, the player can know that the reach state is established only by displaying the animation 92a without being bothered by the display of the fluctuation display portion 92b. In addition, although the driving operation of the movable shield 27 with the establishment of the reach state has priority, the movable shield 27 can be moved to the image display area 32a by the player operating the shield operation button 28 of the illumination unit 53. Can be arranged at a desired position.

  FIG. 17A shows an example in which the fluctuation display part 92b is arranged near the lowermost part of the image display area 32a. Here, the player operates the shield operation button 28 so as to shield the main part of the image display area 32a, and arranges it so that the fluctuation display part 92b can be seen.

  In other words, the shield control circuit 27e of the main control circuit 60 which is the louver control means according to the present embodiment displays a variable display at a position not covered by the movable shield 27 in accordance with the lifting / lowering operation of the movable shield 27. Control for moving the unit 92b in the image display area 32a can also be executed.

  This is performed in cooperation with the sub-control circuit 200 when the shield control circuit 27e automatically controls the operation of the movable shield 27 according to the gaming state as well as the external operation of the shield operation button 28. It is also possible to do.

  If such control is performed, contrary to the example described above with reference to FIG. 16B, the player can always visually recognize the fluctuation display portion 92 b regardless of the elevation position of the movable shield 27. It becomes possible to grasp the fluctuation state of the decorative design.

  As to whether the fluctuation display part 92b is always visible according to the raising / lowering operation of the movable shield 27, or depending on the raising / lowering position of the movable shield 27, the fluctuation display part 92b may be covered. It is preferable that the player can select as appropriate. In this case, as a selection means, for example, a selection switch may be provided in the vicinity of the shield operation button 28. Of course, it is also possible to make the shield operation button 28 function as a selection switch.

  In FIG. 17B, the louver drive unit 27b is driven by the shield control circuit 27e which is a louver control means, and the louver 27a is shaken so that the back of the shielded part can be seen while the movable shield 27 is pulled down. An operation example of the movable shield 27 being moved is shown.

  The swing cycle of the louver 27a can be appropriately set when the main control circuit 60 automatically controls according to the game situation. In this case, for example, when the swing cycle of the louver 27a is short and intense swing is performed, the present reach shows a high reliability with a high probability of reaching a big hit, and the swing cycle of the louver 27a is long. The reliability of the jackpot lottery can also be expressed by the movement of the movable shield 27 such that when the gentle swing is performed, the current reach shows a low reliability with a low probability of reaching a jackpot.

  In addition, when the louver 27a swings in this way, the image display area 32a is not completely invisible, so that the player can change the decorative design, the display content by the effect image, and further roll on the game board 14. It is also possible to grasp to some extent the movement of a moving game ball.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the change of the movable shield 27. In the shielded state in which the lower end of the louver 27a is lowered until it covers the entire game area 15a, the variation display portion 92b in which the decorative design of the liquid crystal display device 32 is displayed in a variable manner. An example is shown in which an opening 27f is formed at a corresponding position. In this case, the display in the image display area 32a other than the variable display portion 92b and the game board 14 are shielded.

  That is, for example, in a reach state, an effect using an image may continue in some cases, and for a player who knows the details of the effect well, the effect is provided over almost the entire game board 14. The display may seem annoying. In such a case, the movable shield 27 is moved down to the maximum by operating the shield operation button 28 so as to cover substantially the entire image display area 32a. In this way, even if the entire image display area 32a is covered, only the variable display portion 92b can be seen through the opening 27f.

  As described above, as described through the embodiments, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the movable shield is moved up and down in front of the image display area to appropriately change the shielding degree of the image display area. This applies to the scope of the present invention. That is, the embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples and effects, and do not limit the present invention. For example, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine as shown in the embodiment, but may be a pachislot gaming machine, a game machine, or the like. In addition, the specific configuration such as the shape of the movable shield and its operation pattern can be changed as appropriate.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit comprised in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub-control circuit comprised in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is various determination tables referred in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in the same pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the system timer interruption process performed in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control process performed in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol memory | storage check process performed in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol control process performed in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol memory | storage check process performed in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the sub control circuit main process performed in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the movable shield in the same pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the shielding body control process in the same pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement aspect of the movable shield in the same pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement aspect of the movable shield in the same pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a movable shield.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines 27 Movable shield 27a Louver 27b Louver drive unit (louver drive means)
27c Shield Drive Unit 27d Substrate 27e Shield Control Circuit 28 Shield Operation Button (Drive Operation Unit)
29 game ball passage 32 liquid crystal display device 60 main control circuit 92a animation 92b fluctuation display section 200 sub control circuit

Claims (3)

A gaming machine having an image display area for displaying an effect image,
A blind-shaped movable shield that moves up and down in front of the image display area;
Drive operation means for driving the movable shield up and down by an external operation;
A gaming machine comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the movable shield includes a plurality of louvers that can swing freely, and the driving operation means can perform a swing driving operation of the louvers. Louver driving means capable of preferentially driving the louver swinging over the driving operation means;
Game control means for controlling the louver driving means according to the progress of the game,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

Images