JP2003169902A - Game machine, performance-expressing method for game machine, recording medium and server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine by which an image displayed on a displaying device can be watched without shooting waste balls, a game player can watch variable patterns or a performance image awhile being relaxed, and at the same time, a story or the like developed in the performance image can be leisurely enjoyed, and the game player can enjoy the game extending to long hours. <P>SOLUTION: For this game machine, the upper limit for reserved balls is determined. Such a game machine outputs an alarming sound to notify that a game ball has entered a starting port. In this case, an alarming sound when the reserved balls have reached the upper limit is different from an alarming sound when the reserved balls have not reached the upper limit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, a method of expressing the game machine, a storage medium, and a server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko gaming machine is provided with a display device having, for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal monitor in order to increase the excitement of a player playing a pachinko game and to grasp the gaming state thereof. In this display device, usually, in order to attract the player's interest in the game, while a plurality of variable symbols composed of numerical values and the like are variably displayed, an effect image such as a moving image having a certain narrative property is also displayed. Has been done.

A gaming method of such a pachinko gaming apparatus will be described. When the game ball launched on the game board by operating the firing handle provided on this pachinko game device enters the starting opening provided on the game plate, the fixed screen displayed on the display device is displayed. The screen is switched to the normal screen where a moving image or the like having a certain narrative is displayed, and a so-called variable display game is started. This variable display game is
It is a game that imitates a game played in a slot machine, displays a plurality of variable symbols on the display device, and after displaying each of them in a variable manner, these symbols are displayed so as to be sequentially stopped at a predetermined timing, When the combination of symbols when the stop display of all the symbols is confirmed becomes a predetermined combination, it is a game to shift the pachinko game to a state advantageous to the player, assuming that a jackpot state has occurred, The variable display and the stop display are executed as one process. It should be noted that one stroke from the start of the variable display of the variable symbols to the confirmation of the stop display is referred to as one variable display game.

Such a variable display game is usually a game that is executed once in response to the entry of one game ball into the starting port, and when one variable display game is being executed. , When the game ball enters the starting opening, the variable display game to be started due to the game ball entering is suspended,
After the end of one variable display game, the held variable display game is continuously executed.

For example, when the variable display game A is being executed, if two game balls enter the starting opening, the variable display games B and C to be started due to the two game balls entering are suspended, After the variable display game A is finished, the held variable display game B is executed, and when one game ball enters when the variable display game B is executed, one game ball enters The variable display game D to be started is suspended, the variable display game B ends, the variable display game C is executed, and then the variable display game D is executed.

In such a pachinko gaming machine, even when the game balls are inserted into the starting opening one after another while the variable display game is being executed, the variable display is caused by the game balls entering the starting opening later. Since the game will be started, the player does not have to stop launching the game ball until the end of the variable display game being executed, and the player continuously inserts the game ball into the starting opening. You can enjoy.

[0007]

By the way, in the above-mentioned pachinko game apparatus, usually, the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held is set, such as four times, and the number of times is exceeded. The variable display game is set not to be held. For example, when the variable display game A is executed and five game balls enter the starting opening, the variable display games B, C, D and E which should be started by entering four game balls out of the five game balls. Is held and the variable display game A is finished, the held variable display games B to E are executed in sequence, but the remaining 1
The variable display game to be started by the entry of the two game balls is not held, and is eventually treated as if the game ball did not enter the starting opening. At this time, the player has hit a so-called useless ball.

In addition, such a pachinko game machine is usually provided with a plurality of holding lamps such as LEDs on a game board, and among the plurality of holding lamps, it corresponds to the number of times the variable display game is held. The number of held variable lamps is turned on so that the player can recognize the number of held variable display games. For example, the number of variable display games that can be held is 4
The pachinko gaming apparatus for the four times is provided with four holding lamps, and if the number of held variable display games is two, then two holding lamps of the four holding lamps are turned on. .

Therefore, the player plays the game while confirming the number of the holding lamps that are lit, and when all the holding lamps are lit, for example, the player can stop shooting the game ball or use a starting opening. Enjoy the game of putting a game ball in the prize hole provided, and do not put the game ball in the starting port beyond the number of variable display games that can be held,
That is, the game is advanced while taking care not to hit a dead ball.

However, in order not to hit a dead ball,
When playing a game while checking the number of holding lamps, it becomes difficult for the player to play the game by concentrating on the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display device. It is difficult to pay attention to the variable designs and effect images that are displayed, and it is difficult to enjoy watching the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed, and it is difficult to enjoy the story etc. developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner. There was a problem of becoming. There is also a problem that the player feels tired by alternately seeing the hold lamp and the image displayed on the display device and cannot play the game for a long time. Especially in pachinko game machines that have been used for a long time,
In some cases, the brightness of the holding lamps such as is deteriorated, and it is not possible to easily check how many holding lamps are lit. In such a case, as described above, There were often problems.

Further, by displaying an image corresponding to the hold lamps on the display device, the player can check the number of hold lamps while concentrating on the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display device. It is also possible, but when an image as a substitute for the holding lamp is displayed on the display device in this way, the variable design, the effect image, etc. cannot be displayed sufficiently large, and it is powerful, and the player There was a problem that it would be difficult to provide a game that could have an impact on.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is, for example, when the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of held variable display games. Also, by allowing the player to focus his or her attention on the variable patterns and effect images displayed on the display device without hitting a dead ball, the player can relax and display the variable patterns on the display unit. And you can see the production image, you can enjoy the story developed in the production image with plenty of time,
It is to provide a gaming machine that can enjoy a game for a long time.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention outputs a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening by a speaker, and
A notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the maximum number of held variable display games,
It is characterized in that the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number is different.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following. (1) A display unit provided on a game board and displaying a screen image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit, and a starting opening for starting one variable display game by inserting one game ball And a speaker that outputs a sound according to the game situation, the variable display game is once from the start of the variable display of the plurality of variable symbols until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed. When a game ball enters the starting opening during the one variable display game, the variable display game is held for a number of times corresponding to the number of game balls entering the starting opening. After the variable display game of one is finished, the variable display game of the number of times of the hold is continuously started, and the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be held is set, and the variable of the variable held is held. Display games When the number of times is the same as the upper limit number, when a game ball enters the starting opening, the variable display game to be started due to the game ball entering the starting opening is not suspended, and the speaker Thus, while outputting a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening, the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number, and the held variable display The notification sound when the number of games is the same as the upper limit number is different.

According to the invention of (1), the notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting port is output, and the notification sound is output when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number is different, the player can confirm by watching the holding lamp etc. by listening to the notification sound output from the speaker. Instead, it is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting port is suspended. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner. Further, since it is not necessary to alternately look at the display unit, the holding lamp, etc., and the display unit can be continuously focused on, the player can enjoy the game for a long time without feeling tired.

Further, according to the present invention, a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of held variable display games, and the number of held variable display games can be held. Since the notification sound when it is the same as the maximum number of times of the variable display game is different,
Even when the brightness of the hold lamp is deteriorated, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting opening is held by listening to the notification sound.

The present invention further provides the following. (2) A display unit that is provided on the game board and displays a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images as appropriate according to the game situation developed on the game board,
A start opening for starting one variable display game by entering one game ball, a speaker that outputs a sound according to the game situation, transmission of electronic data to at least the display unit, and to the speaker And a control unit for transmitting a sound signal of, and the screen image includes an image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit, and the variable display game starts variable display of the plurality of variable symbols. After that, the game is one time until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed, and when a game ball enters the starting opening during the one variable display game, the game ball that enters the starting opening. The number of times the variable display game is held according to the number of
When the number of times of the variable display game that has been held is started and the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be held is set, and the number of times of the variable display game that is held is the same as the upper limit number, When a game ball enters the starting opening,
A gaming machine in which a variable display game to be started due to a game ball entering the starting opening is not held, and the speaker outputs a notification sound for notifying that the game ball is entering the starting opening. The notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number are different. And

According to the invention of (2), the notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and the notification sound is given when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number is different, the player can confirm by watching the holding lamp etc. by listening to the notification sound output from the speaker. Instead, it is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting port is suspended. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner. Further, since it is not necessary to alternately look at the display unit, the holding lamp, etc., and the display unit can be continuously focused on, the player can enjoy the game for a long time without feeling tired.

Further, according to the present invention, a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of held variable display games, and the number of held variable display games can be held. Since the notification sound when it is the same as the maximum number of times of the variable display game is different,
Even when the brightness of the hold lamp is deteriorated, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting opening is held by listening to the notification sound.

The present invention further provides the following. (3) A display unit that is provided on the game board and displays a screen image showing a variable display game relating to the profit of the player, and a starting opening for starting one variable display game by inserting one game ball And a speaker that outputs a sound according to the game situation, the variable display game is once from the start of the variable display of the plurality of variable symbols until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed. When a game ball enters the starting opening during the one variable display game, the variable display game is held for a number of times corresponding to the number of game balls entering the starting opening. After the variable display game of one is finished, the variable display game of the number of times of the hold is continuously started, and the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be held is set, and the variable of the variable held is held. Display games When the number of times is the same as the upper limit number, when the game ball enters the starting opening, the variable display game to be started due to the game ball entering the starting opening is not held, and is a representation expression method for a gaming machine. Then, the speaker outputs a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening, and a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number, In addition, the notification sound when the number of times of the variable display game is the same as the upper limit number of times is different.

According to the invention of (3), the notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and the notification sound is output when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number is different, the player can confirm by watching the holding lamp etc. by listening to the notification sound output from the speaker. Instead, it is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting port is suspended. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner. In addition, because it is not necessary to look at the display unit and the holding lamps alternately, you can keep your eyes on the display unit, so you can enjoy the game for a long time without feeling tired. A method of expression can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of held variable display games, and the number of held variable display games can be held. Since the notification sound when it is the same as the maximum number of times of the variable display game is different,
Even when the brightness of the hold lamp is deteriorated, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting opening is held by listening to the notification sound.

The present invention further provides the following. (4) A computer that stores a control program for displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a static image, or an image obtained by combining these images as appropriate according to the game situation of the gaming machine and outputting a sound according to the game situation The storage medium is a readable storage medium, and the control program is a display unit image including an image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit, a game ball image corresponding to a game ball, and the game ball image is the image thereof. When it overlaps with, it is determined that a game ball image is included in the image, and a start mouth image for starting one variable display game by determining that one game ball image is included is displayed as the screen image. Further, in the variable display game, once from the start of the variable display of the plurality of variable symbols until the stop display of the plurality of variable symbols is performed once. When it is determined that a game ball image is included in the starting mouth image during the one variable display game, the variable display game is played a number of times according to the number of game ball images included in the starting mouth image. After suspending and ending one of the variable display games, continuously start the variable display game for the number of times of suspension,
The upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be held is determined, and when it is determined that the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of times, when it is determined that a game ball image is included in the starting mouth image, It is a program that does not hold the variable display game to be started when it is determined that the game ball image has entered the starting mouth image, and outputs a notification sound notifying that the game ball image has entered the starting mouth image and holds it. The notification sound when the number of times the variable display game is performed is less than the upper limit number and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number are configured to be different. It is characterized by

According to the invention of (4), the notification sound for notifying that the game ball image is entered in the starting mouth image is output, and the notification is given when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the sound and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of times are different, the player hears the notification sound output from the speaker of the terminal device or the like, To recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball image included in the starting opening image is held without checking the image corresponding to the hold lamp displayed in a place other than the image You can Therefore, even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of held variable display games, the player pays attention to the variable designs and effect images included in the display image. I can continue. As a result, the player can relax and look at the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner, so that the player can enjoy the game for a long time. A computer-readable storage medium that can be fully enjoyed can be provided.

The present invention further provides the following. (5) A server that causes each terminal to display an image showing the gaming machine or a part thereof as a screen image, and outputs audio according to the gaming status from the speaker of each terminal, which is a benefit of the player. Display image including an image showing a variable display game according to, a game ball image corresponding to a game ball, and when the game ball image overlaps the image, it is determined that the game ball image is included in the image. A starting mouth image for starting one variable display game by determining that one game ball image is entered is displayed as the screen image, and further, the variable display game is a variable display of the plurality of variable symbols. It is a game in which it is once until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed after starting the game, and it is determined that the game ball image is included in the starting mouth image during the one variable display game. Then, the variable display game is held for a number of times according to the number of game ball images included in the starting mouth image, and after the one variable display game is finished, the number of held times is continuously set. When the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can start and hold the variable display game is determined and it is determined that the held number of times of the variable display game is the same as the upper limit number of times, the game ball is displayed in the starting mouth image. When it is determined that the image has entered, the terminal device is controlled not to hold the variable display game to be started by determining that the game ball image has entered the starting mouth image, and the speaker causes the game to start on the starting mouth image. While outputting a notification sound for notifying that a ball image has entered, a notification sound when the number of times the variable display game is held is less than the upper limit number of times, The number of the variable display game is distilled to and performs control to vary the notification sound at the time is the same as the upper limit number to the terminal equipment.

According to the invention of (5), the notification sound for notifying that the game ball image is entered in the starting mouth image is output, and the notification is given when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the sound and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of times are different, the player hears the notification sound output from the speaker of the terminal device or the like, To recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball image included in the starting opening image is held without checking the image corresponding to the hold lamp displayed in a place other than the image You can Therefore, even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of held variable display games, the player pays attention to the variable designs and effect images included in the display image. I can continue. As a result, the player can relax and look at the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner, so that the player can enjoy the game for a long time. It is possible to provide a server that can be fully enjoyed.

[Definition of Terms, etc.] In the present specification, the "identification information" used below refers to information that can be visually identified such as characters, symbols, pictures or patterns. "Variable display"
And, when the identification information changes sequentially, for example, when the design “7” which is one identification information is changed to the design “8” which is the other identification information, or the design “9” is changed to another design “☆”. In addition to the case of changing to “”, when one piece of identification information is moved and displayed in the display area where the identification information can be displayed, for example, one symbol “7” is displayed. This is a concept including a case of moving while being displayed in the area.

"The variable display game is held for the number of times according to the number of game balls that have entered the starting opening" usually means that the variable display game that should be started when the game balls enter the starting opening is It has been decided that it will be started in the future, but due to the fact that another variable display game has already been started, it means that it will not start until the other variable display game ends. That is, usually, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a game ball is a big hit when the game ball enters the starting opening, and the variable display game is started based on the lottery result. When is started,
When a game ball enters the starting opening, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot situation occurs, and then the result of the lottery is stored in a storage medium (for example, RAM) provided in the gaming machine. , The corresponding variable display game is not started immediately. After that, when the other variable display game above ends,
The variable display game is started based on the lottery result stored in the storage medium or the like.

"The upper limit number of variable display games that can be held is defined" means, for example, four times.
It means that there is an upper limit on the number of variable display games that can be held. Therefore, the variable display game is not suspended after the upper limit number of times is set. In the present invention, the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held is not particularly limited as long as it is 1 or more, and may be 4 or 5 or more.

In the present invention, the "notification sound" means a sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening, and the notification sound is output from the speaker when the game ball enters the starting opening. It will be. Further, the notification sound includes a sound output before the game ball enters the starting opening, and a sound that is changed and output when the game ball enters the starting opening. That is, in the present invention, the notification sound includes a change in sound.

The notification sound may be, for example, "Yeh
!! Such as "," background music (hereinafter also referred to as BGM), sound effects (for example, sounds of percussion instruments such as drums, applause, chimes, music boxes,
Sounds such as bells, bells, cannons, firecrackers, and fireworks). Further, as the change of the output sound, for example, rhythm, range, scale, tempo, tone, melody,
Changes in sound quality and the like can be mentioned.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a gaming machine in which the maximum number of variable display games that can be held is four is described. However, in the present invention, the maximum number of variable display games that can be held is not limited to four, as described above.

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the gaming machine of the present invention. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine as a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a main body frame 12
And the game board 14 incorporated in the main body frame 12, and the game board 1
4, the window frame 16 of the body frame 12 provided on the front surface of the window frame 4, and the window frame 1
An upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22 provided on the front side of the main body frame 12 on the lower side of 6 and a firing handle 26 provided on the right side of the lower plate 22 are arranged.

A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are struck on the front surface of the game board 14. It should be noted that the game board 14 is formed of a resin material without forming a nail, and a metal rod-shaped body is attached to the game board 14 of the resin material.
It may be configured to be planted so as to project in the front direction of
The present invention can be applied to the pachinko game machine 10 (pachi-con machine) as described above. In this specification, the pachinko game machine 10 is a concept including a pachinko machine.

Further, the firing handle 26 is rotatably provided with respect to the main body frame 12, and the player can advance the pachinko game by operating the firing handle 26. A firing motor 28 is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26. When the firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player, electric power is supplied to the firing motor 28 and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired to the game board 14.

The game ball thus shot is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game plate 14 to move to the upper part of the game plate 14, and thereafter, its traveling direction is changed by the collision with the plurality of obstacle nails. While changing, it drops toward the bottom of the game board 14.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing the game board 14. The same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to those shown in FIG. Also, FIG.
Shows the omitted one of the above-mentioned obstacle nails.

A display device 32, which is a display unit as described later, is provided substantially in the center of the front surface of the game board 14. A display device 52 is provided at the center of the upper portion of the display device 32. The display device 52 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment display device, and a normal symbol that is display information is
It is variably displayed so that fluctuation and stop are repeated. On the left and right sides of the display device 32, the ball passage detectors 55a and 55a are provided.
b is provided. This ball passage detector 55a or 55
b, when it is detected that the game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof, the variable display of the normal symbol is started on the above-mentioned display device 52, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the variable display of the normal symbol is stopped. This ordinary pattern is information consisting of numbers and symbols, and is, for example, numbers from "0" to "9" or symbols such as "*". This normal design is a predetermined design,
For example, when it is stopped and displayed as "7",
A solenoid 57 for driving movable pieces 58a and 58b provided on both left and right sides of a starting port 44 described later.
An electric current is supplied to (not shown) to drive the movable pieces 58a and 58b so that the game ball can easily enter the starting opening 44,
The starting port 44 is opened. After the start port 44 is opened, when a predetermined time elapses, the movable piece is driven to close the start port 44 to make it difficult for the game ball to enter.

There are 4 on both left and right sides of the above-mentioned display device 52.
Two holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The hold lamps 34 (34a to 34d) are lights that are turned on when one variable display game is held. For example, when the variable display game A is being executed,
When one game ball enters the starting opening, one variable display game B to be started is held and the holding lamp 3
When 4a is turned on and one game ball is entered, one variable display game C to be started is held and the holding lamp 34b is turned on. At this time, the two variable display games B and C are held, and the two holding lamps 34a and 34b are turned on. After that, when the variable display game A ends, the hold lamp 34a
Turns off and the variable display game B is started.

Further, when the variable display game A is being executed, if five game balls enter the starting opening, four variable display games B that should be started when four game balls out of five enter , C, D and E are held, and the four holding lamps 34a to 34d are turned on. However, since the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held is four, the variable display game that should be started by entering the remaining one game ball is not held and the game ball did not enter the starting opening. The result is the same as, and the hold lamp does not light.

Further, a general winning opening 50 is provided above the display device 52. In addition, at the lower part of the game board 14, a game ball large winning opening 38 is provided. A shutter 40 is provided near the special winning opening 38 so as to be openable and closable. The shutter 40 is a solenoid 4 so that it is opened when the variable display game is in a big hit state.
8 (not shown).

General prize holes 54a and 54b are provided on both left and right sides of the above-mentioned display device 32. further,
On the left and right sides of the lower part of the display device 32, general winning openings 54c
And 54d are provided. Also, special winning openings 56a and 56b are provided at the left and right ends of the game board 14,
Special winning openings 56c and 56d are provided on both left and right sides of the special winning opening 38.

Further, a start port having a ball detection sensor 42 that triggers a transition to a variable display state of a plurality of, for example, three pieces of identification information displayed on the display device 32 when a variable display game described later is started. 44 are provided.
The above-mentioned large winning opening 38, starting opening 44, general winning opening 54a
54d and special winning openings 56a to 56d, when a game ball is won, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the lower plate 22 according to the type of the winning hole.

Furthermore, rolling guide members 60a and 60b for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are provided on both left and right sides of the display device 32. Also, a decorative lamp 36a is provided on the upper left side and the upper right side outside the game board 14.
And 36b are provided.

The portion of the above-described display device 32 for displaying an effect image described later may be a liquid crystal display panel or a cathode ray tube. In addition, in the example described above, the display device 3
2 is a game board 14 of the pachinko game machine 10 which is a game machine.
In the above, the case where the display device 32 is provided at the substantially center of the front surface is shown, but the display device 32 may be provided at any position of the gaming machine as long as it can be seen by the player.

Also, in recent years in pachislo gaming machines,
There is also a device having a liquid crystal screen in addition to the symbol display means for displaying a symbol, and such a pachi-slot gaming device displays a game effect screen similar to that of a pachinko gaming device within the liquid crystal screen to improve the taste. It is the one to try. Therefore, the present invention is also applied to a pachi-slot gaming machine having such a liquid crystal screen.

In the pachinko game machine 10 shown in FIG. 2, 4
Although the three holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided, the number of the holding lamps is not particularly limited in the present invention, and the number of holding lamps may be provided according to the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held. It is possible. Further, instead of the hold lamp 34, an LED display device or the like may be provided and the number of held variable display games may be displayed on the LED display device or the like. Further, on the display device 32,
An image indicating the number of held variable display games, the number of held variable display games, and the like may be displayed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine which is an embodiment of the present invention.

The firing handle 26 described above is used in the control circuit 6
0 interface circuit group 62, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to the input / output bus 64. An angle signal indicating the rotation angle of the firing handle 26 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 62 and then supplied to the input / output bus 64. I / O bus 64
The data signal or the address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) 66 which is an arithmetic processing unit. Further, the ball detection sensor 42 is also connected to the interface circuit group 62 described above, and when the game ball passes through the starting opening 44, the ball detection sensor 42 supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62. Further, in the interface circuit group 62,
The sphere passage detector 55 is also connected to the sphere passage detector 55.
Supplies a detection signal to the interface circuit group 62 when it detects that the game ball has passed near it.

The input / output bus 64 described above has a ROM (Re
ad Only Memory) 68 and RAM (Random Access Memo)
ry) 70 is also connected. The ROM 68 stores a control program that controls the flow of the entire game of the pachinko gaming device. Further, the ROM 68, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, image data of a variable symbol that is displayed in a variable or stopped manner, character image data of a moving object displayed as an effect screen, and the display device 32.
The background image data and the moving image video image data that form the background of the above, the sound data used for the game, the initial data for executing the control program, the program for controlling the blinking operation pattern of the decoration lamp 36, etc. are stored.

The symbol image data described above is displayed on the display device 32.
In the case where the symbols are variably displayed or when the symbols are stopped and displayed, the image data corresponding to various display modes such as an enlarged image, a reduced image, and a deformed image are included. Further, the character image data, the background image data, and the moving image video image data, which are the above-mentioned moving objects, display a moving image, a still image, or a combination of these images as a screen image on the display device 32 so as to produce a game. It is for. Further, the character image data composed of the above-described moving object includes image data corresponding to each motion so as to display the motion of the character. Furthermore, the sound data is also for producing a game, and a notification sound or a speaker 46, which will be described later,
It is used to emit a background music (hereinafter, also referred to as BGM), a sound effect, a sound, and the like according to a game situation.

The RAM 70 also stores the values of flags and variables used in the above programs. For example, it stores new input data, a result of calculation by the CPU 66, cumulative reach data indicating a history of games, a cumulative variation number, and a cumulative jackpot number.

Further, the RAM 70 stores data and the like relating to the variable display game which has been held. For example, when a game ball enters the starting opening 44, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot state occurs, and the RAM 70 stores data including information such as a lottery result. After that, the variable display game is executed based on the lottery result.

In the following description, data including information such as a lottery result is also simply referred to as lottery data and includes information such as a lottery result used to start one variable display game. The data will be referred to as one lottery data. Therefore, the RAM 70 provided in the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 in which the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held is set to four can store up to four lottery data.

Further, the CPU 66, which is a control unit, executes arithmetic processing by calling and executing a predetermined program, and based on the result of the arithmetic processing, character image data of a moving object, background image data, and moving image data. The data, the variable pattern image data, and the sound data are transmitted as electronic data, and other controls are performed.

Further, the CPU 66 reads out the image data of the variable pattern which is the above-mentioned identification information, and displays it on the display device 32.
The control is performed such that the symbols are variably displayed, or the mutual combination state of the symbols that are the plurality of pieces of identification information is stopped and displayed on the display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

An interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The display device 32, the speaker 46, the firing motor 28, the solenoid 48, the holding lamp 34, and the decoration lamp 36 are connected to the interface circuit group 72.
2 supplies a drive signal and drive power to control each of the above-mentioned devices according to the result of the arithmetic processing in the CPU 66.

The screen image of the display device 32, which is the display unit, is
It is composed of an identification image in which a variable pattern is displayed and an effect image in which an effect screen is displayed. Under the control of the CPU 66, these two images are superimposed and combined to be displayed as one image.

In this way, by superimposing a plurality of images, for example, the design image and the effect image, and synthesizing them, a scene in which the design changes can be produced with the effect image as the background, and various display modes are provided. Is possible.

The solenoid 48 is for opening and closing the shutter 40 as described above, and holds the hold lamp 34.
Indicates the number of times that the combination of symbols displayed on the display device 32 has been activated, and the decoration lamp 36 indicates to the player when the game is a big hit or reach. It blinks or lights up.

The arithmetic processing unit (CPU 66) described above constitutes a control unit, the display unit 32 constitutes a display unit, and the pachinko gaming apparatus 10 constitutes a gaming machine. In this specification, the arithmetic processing unit included in the control unit is
However, in the gaming machine of the present invention,
The number of arithmetic processing devices included in the control unit does not have to be one, and the control unit is, for example, mainly the pachinko gaming apparatus 10.
An arithmetic processing unit X that advances the game by controlling each part of the above, and an arithmetic processing unit Y that mainly generates an image to be displayed on the display unit based on a command signal from the arithmetic processing unit X. It may be configured to include. Further, the number of ROMs and RAMs included in the control unit is not necessarily one.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated, the variables used in the CPU 66 described above are initialized to predetermined values, and are in steady operation, and the sounds other than the notification sound will be described. Although omitted, it is assumed that BGM, sound effects, voice, etc. are appropriately output according to the game situation.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a subroutine for detecting a game ball executed in the control circuit 60 described above. It should be noted that this subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a control program that controls the pachinko game of the pachinko game device 10 that has been executed in advance.

First, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S101). This winning hole is, for example,
In the example shown in FIG. 2 described above, the general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and the special winning openings 56a to 56d. When it is determined in step S11 that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a predetermined number of playing balls according to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S11).
102).

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening (step S103). This starting is, for example, the starting opening 44 in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above.
When it is determined in step S103 that the game ball has entered the starting opening 44, it is next determined whether or not the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held ( Step S10
4). That is, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of lottery data stored in the RAM 70 is four. The lottery data is data stored in the RAM 70 in step S110 described later.

When it is determined that the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of held variable display games, the sound data (1) for generating the notification sound is selected (step S105). That is, the CPU 66
From the sound data stored in the OM 68, the sound data (1) for generating the notification sound is selected and read. Then, a sound signal is generated from the sound data (1) and transmitted to the speaker 46. As a result, the notification sound based on the sound data (1) is output from the speaker 46. Note that the sound data (1) is sound data for generating a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number, and is sound data (2) described later, that is, the held variable. The sound data is different from the sound data for generating the notification sound when the number of display games is less than the upper limit number. Therefore, the notification sound based on the sound data (1) and the notification sound based on the sound data (2) are different sounds.

When it is determined in step S104 that the number of held variable display games is not the same as the upper limit number of held variable display games, the sound data (2) for generating the notification sound is selected (step). S10
6). That is, the CPU 66 selects and reads the sound data (2) for generating the notification sound from the sound data stored in the ROM 68. Then, a sound signal is generated from the sound data (2) and transmitted to the speaker 46. As a result, the speaker 46 outputs a notification sound based on the sound data (2).

Thus, in step S104,
It is determined whether the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and if it is determined that the number of held variable display games is the same, sound data ( If 1) is selected and it is determined that they are not the same, in step S106, by selecting the sound data (2) for generating the notification sound, the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit. The notification sound and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number of times can be different sounds.

When the process of step S106 is executed,
Next, the lottery process by the calculation process of the CPU 66 is executed (step S107). The lottery process is a process of determining whether or not to generate a jackpot state, and the CPU 66
On the basis of this lottery result, in step S200 of the variable display game processing routine to be described later, the internal lottery process for determining the combination of the variable symbols to be stopped and displayed is executed. The variable display game processing routine will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a variable display game in progress (display) (step S108). The variable display game in progress (display) is a variable display game that is currently displayed on the display device 32 and is visible to the player, and before the variable symbol is stopped and displayed. That is, the fact that there is a variable display game in progress (display) means that one game ball has already entered the starting opening and the variable display game processing routine described later is being executed.

In step S108, progress (display)
When it is determined that the variable display game in the middle does not exist, the variable display game described later is executed (step S109).
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a variable display game in progress (display), the lottery data obtained by executing the lottery process of step S107 is stored in the RAM 70 (step S).
110). That is, the variable display game to be started has been put on hold.

In step S103, when it is determined that the game ball is not in the starting opening, or in step S1
When the processing of 05, S109 or S110 is executed, it is next determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S111). This ball passage detector
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 described above, it is the ball passage detectors 55a and 55b.

In this step S15, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, as described above, the process of displaying the normal symbols in a variable manner on the display device 52 is executed (step S112). Note that, as described above, when the variable display of the normal symbol is stopped and the predetermined symbol is obtained, the movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to open the starting port 44, and the starting port 44 is opened. It is easy for game balls to enter.

Next, the variable display game according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. Figure 5
6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a variable display game process called and executed in step S109 described above, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are displayed on the display unit when the variable display game is being executed. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen image.

When this subroutine is called, the fixed screen displayed on the display device 32 is switched to the normal screen, and the variable display game is started. Here, the variable display game is a game imitating a game played in a slot machine, and a plurality of symbols, which are a plurality of identification information, are displayed on the display device 32, and after each of them is displayed so as to change, a predetermined pattern is displayed. These symbols are displayed so as to be stopped sequentially at the timing of, and when the combination of symbols when all the symbols are stopped becomes a predetermined combination, the pachinko game is shifted to a state advantageous to the player. This is a game in which the variable display and the stop display are executed as one stroke.

For example, as a set of symbols consisting of 12 numbers "1", "2", ..., "12", these 12 symbols are sequentially displayed on the display device 32, and the symbols are displayed. While the symbols are displayed to move, the symbols themselves are displayed to change. For example, on the display device 32, the symbol "1" is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom of the display device 32, and then the symbol "2" is displayed so as to be scrolled from the top to the bottom. Similarly, "3" is displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom. After the symbols "1" to "12" are displayed in this manner, the symbols "1" are again displayed so as to be scrolled, and the same display is sequentially repeated.

By displaying the symbols on the display device 32 in this manner, the symbols are sequentially changed while scrolling from "1" to "2" and from "2" to "3". Up to 12 "will be displayed, and then" 1 "will be displayed again. In this way, the mode of displaying the symbols so that the symbols themselves are sequentially changed while moving the position of one symbol is called variable display. Further, a mode in which a certain symbol is stopped and displayed is referred to as a stop display.

The symbols belonging to one set are displayed on the display device 3
When displaying in 2, the symbols to be displayed are not limited to only one symbol belonging to the set, and a plurality of symbols, for example, two to three symbols may be displayed at the same time. For example, when the symbol “5” is variably displayed on the display device 32, a part or the whole of the symbol “4” is variably displayed below the symbol “5”, and the symbol “6” is above the symbol “5”. May be displayed in a variable manner. The above-mentioned symbol group is a concept corresponding to the symbol group displayed on one reel used in the slot machine.

Further, when the variable display game is executed on the display device 32, the symbols belonging to each of the plurality of groups are displayed. For example, when each of the symbols belonging to the three groups is displayed in the horizontal direction, the symbols belonging to one group are displayed on the left side of the display device 32, and the symbols belonging to another group are displayed on the display device 32. The symbols displayed in the center and belonging to the remaining groups are displayed on the right side of the display device 32.

By displaying the design which is the identification information in this manner, a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed on the display device 32 which is the display unit. For example, in the case of performing variable display so that only one of the symbols belonging to one set is always displayed, the display device 32
The three symbols are displayed, that is, one symbol is displayed on the left side, one symbol is displayed on the center, and one symbol is displayed on the right side. Further, the number of groups when the variable display game is executed is not limited to three, and symbols belonging to a plurality of groups other than three may be displayed on the display device 32.

As described above, by displaying the symbols in this way, a plurality of symbols, that is, a plurality of pieces of identification information, are displayed on the display device 32 which is the display unit. Further, as described above, a plurality of symbols may be displayed for symbols belonging to one group, and for example, two symbols belonging to one group may be displayed so as to be variably displayed at the same time. In the case of displaying the set, a total of 6 symbols are variably displayed on the display device 32.

After variably displaying symbols belonging to a plurality of groups,
When all symbols that have been variably displayed are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing, when the combination of these symbols is stopped and displayed in accordance with the predetermined combination, the pachinko game is considered to have won the jackpot in the variable display game. Transition to a state that is advantageous to the player.

For example, when symbols belonging to three groups are displayed on the display device 32, symbols belonging to one group are stopped and displayed at "7", and symbols belonging to other groups are also stopped and displayed at "7". When the symbols belonging to the remaining groups are also stopped and displayed at "7", the symbol combination matches the predetermined combination "7"-"7"-"7", and the variable display game is won as a jackpot. As a result, the state where the pachinko game is advantageous to the player is shifted. When it shifts to a state where it becomes a big hit and is advantageous to the player,
Electric current is supplied to the solenoid 48 to open the shutter 40 of the special winning opening 38 provided on the front surface of the game board 14 so that the game ball can easily enter the special winning opening 38.

When the variable display game is being executed, a display screen including a background image and a character image is also displayed on the display device 32. Note that the fixed screen described above is a screen displayed on the display device 32 when only the pachinko game is progressing on the pachinko game device 10 and the variable display game executed on the display device 32 is not being executed. Say.

The normal screen is from when the variable display game is started on the display device 32 and the symbols displayed on the display device 32 are variably displayed until the reach or jackpot of the variable display game. In the meantime,
An effect screen displayed on the display device 32.

When the variable display game described above is started,
First, the internal lottery process is executed by the calculation process of the CPU 66 (step S200). This internal lottery process is a process of presetting a symbol combination when all the symbols belonging to a plurality of groups that have been variably displayed are stopped and displayed and the symbols are fixed, based on the result of the lottery process in step S107 described above. Yes, the CPU 66 performs the variable display and the stop display of the variable symbols so that the symbols are stopped and displayed in the symbol combination determined by the internal lottery process, as described later.

Next, the screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 (step S201). That is, after the internal lottery process is executed, the CPU 66 executes a control program for selecting a background image according to the result of the internal lottery process, the progress status of the variable display game, and the like.
It is called from the ROM 68 and executed.

Next, based on the result obtained by the CPU 66, screen configuration information of the selected background image is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 at any time. Examples of the background image include a background image showing a baseball field as shown in FIG. Such an image is appropriately selected by the CPU based on the progress status of the variable display game and the result of the internal lottery process.

Next, the screen configuration information of the character image consisting of the selected moving object is generated in the RAM 70 (step S202). That is, the screen configuration information of the character image selected by the CPU 66 is generated in the RAM 70 based on the execution result of the control program.

At this time, for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/3
By controlling the head position of the character image to shift by a predetermined movement amount at a constant interval (frame span) such as 0 seconds, it is possible to give a motion to the character image for display. The image showing the character does not always have to be displayed on the display device.

In the present invention, the character image is not particularly limited, and for example, when an image showing a baseball field is displayed as the background image as shown in FIG. The image etc. which are shown can be mentioned. The number of character images, that is, the number of characters is not particularly limited, and may be one or plural. It can be set according to the story or the like developed in the effect image.

Next, the screen configuration information of the variable symbol, which is the identification information, is based on the execution result of the control program.
It is generated in the RAM 70 by the CPU 66 (step S203).

The screen configuration information of the images that are the respective symbols constituting the variable symbol is, for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/60 by the CPU 66 based on the control program described above.
With a fixed interval cycle (frame span) such as 30 seconds, for images that are variable patterns having the same identification information, the start position of the screen configuration information is shifted by a predetermined movement amount, and each variable pattern is also changed. By controlling such images to be sequentially generated in a predetermined order, it is possible to perform variable display of variable symbols.

Further, by adjusting the frame span, the start position of reading out the screen configuration information, etc., the changing speed of the changing pattern can be controlled, so that the background image can be adjusted according to the story being developed. It is also possible to make the fluctuation of the fluctuation pattern smooth and to fuse the background image and the fluctuation pattern.

In the ROM 68, a plurality of image data having different shapes are stored for the same variable pattern,
By reading out from the CPU 66 and transmitting it to the display device 32 at any time, it is also possible to display the shape of the variable symbol such that the shape of the variable symbol changes with time during variable display.

Next, among a plurality of sets, for example, three sets, one
It is determined whether it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one set (step S204). When it is determined that it is time to stop and display the symbols, one variable symbol is displayed in a stopped manner, and the variable symbol image is selected.
The screen configuration information is generated (step S205).

Next, in steps 201 to 203 and step S205, each image data corresponding to the above screen configuration information is read from the ROM 68 by the CPU 66 based on the screen configuration information generated in the RAM 70. After that, the image data is displayed on the display device 32 according to the information regarding the displayed priority order, position, etc. in the screen configuration information, and then transmitted to the display device 32 and displayed (step S206).

The above-described steps S201 to S206 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S207, which will be described later, that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups are stopped and displayed. By repeatedly executing the processing in this manner, the symbols can be variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined manner, and the character image can also be displayed so as to perform a predetermined action.

When the process of step S206 is executed, it is determined whether or not all the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups have been stopped and displayed (step S207). When it is determined that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets are not stopped and displayed, the process is returned to step S201.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets have been stopped and displayed, it means that the variable display game has ended because one game ball has entered the starting opening. Next, it is determined whether or not the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 exists (step S208). If it is determined that the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 does not exist, it means that there is no held variable display game, and this subroutine is finished.

On the other hand, in step S208, the RAM
If it is determined that the lottery data stored in 70 exists, there is a variable display game that is held. Therefore, the oldest lottery data among the lottery data stored in the RAM 70 is read (step S209), and the process is performed. To step S200. Then, in step S200, the CPU 66 executes the internal lottery process based on the read out lottery data, and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S201 to S207 based on the result of the internal lottery process.

Next, regarding the screen image displayed on the display unit when the variable display game is being executed, FIG.
This will be described with reference to (b). The story developed in the rendering image of the screen image shown in FIG. 6 is a story that the baseball player pigs play baseball on the baseball field. In the above-mentioned production image, if the batter Ton-chan hits a home run, the combination of the variable symbols that are stopped and displayed will be a jackpot symbol, and if it is out, the combination of the symbols of the variable symbols that are stopped and displayed will fall off. Become. In this way, by associating the story developed in the effect image with the symbols in which the variable symbols are stopped and displayed, an effective effect expression that allows the player to be absorbed in the effect image and increase interest in the game It is one of the methods.

First, when the variable display game is started, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), three variable symbols lined up in the horizontal direction are variably displayed on the lower side of the screen, and as an effect image, baseball is used. A background image showing the place and a character image showing how the batter Ton-chan standing at the bat and the pitcher pig standing at the mound confront each other are displayed.

After that, the pitcher pig throws a ball,
While the image of the batter Ton-chan swinging the bat is displayed, the three variable symbols displayed at the bottom of the screen are sequentially stopped and displayed. Then, an image showing how the batter, Ton-chan, hits the ball thrown by the pitcher pig, and the background image changes as if to chase the flying ball.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the ball entered the spectator's seat and made a home run, and the image of the spectator's pig in the spectator's seat was raised with a megaphone and was displayed in a stopped state. One fluctuation pattern matches a predetermined combination “7”-“7”-“7”, and a big hit state occurs.

In the present invention, when the game ball enters the starting opening when the images as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are displayed, the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. A different notification sound is output depending on whether the number is the same or the upper limit number of times. Therefore, by hearing the notification sound, it is possible to recognize whether the number of held variable display games is less than or equal to the upper limit number of times, so that the player can display a different place from the display unit. It is not necessary to check the number of held variable display games by looking at a certain holding lamp 34, and it is possible to pay attention to the image as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the excitement of the whereabouts of the ball displayed in the effect image is excited. You can enjoy the story and the like unfolded in the effect image, with the expectation that it will be a home run.

Further, for example, when a screen image is displayed as shown in FIG. 6, a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number is given by a spectator pig in the spectator seat. A cheering sound is given when the number of held variable display games is the same as the above number,
By using the pig boo in the audience seat, the alarm sound can be associated with the story developed in the effect image. In the present invention, the notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening is output at a timing unrelated to the story unfolded in the effect image, so in some cases, the player feels strange. There is a risk that you will be hurt. However, as described above, by associating the notification sound with the story developed in the effect image, it is possible to make the player concentrate on the effect image without making the player feel uncomfortable.

Further, according to the present invention, there are provided an alarm sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number and an alarm sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number. Although the sounds are different from each other, among the notification sounds when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number, the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is one less than the upper limit number. It is preferable that the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number by two or more is different. By doing so, the player can recognize from the notification sound that the number of held variable display games has become equal to the upper limit number of held variable display games. This is because the effect of can be obtained more reliably.

Further, according to the present invention, there are provided an alarm sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number and an alarm sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number. Instead of using different sounds, the number of held variable display games is 1 more than the upper limit.
The notification sound when the number of times is small and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is two or more times less than the upper limit number may be different sounds. This is because even in this case, the same effect as the effect of the present invention can be obtained. In the case where the upper limit of the number of variable display games held is 4, and the number of variable display games actually held is 4, how many game balls are continued in the starting opening. The same notification sound will be output even if the player enters it, indicating that it is a dead ball.

As described above, in the gaming machine and the method for expressing the effect of the gaming machine of the present invention, the notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and the number of held variable display games is increased. Since the notification sound when the number of times of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of times is different from the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of times,
By listening to the notification sound output from the speaker, it is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting opening is held without checking the holding lamp or the like. . Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player
It is possible to relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and also enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner.
Further, since it is not necessary to alternately look at the display unit, the holding lamp, etc., and the display unit can be continuously focused on, the player can enjoy the game for a long time without feeling tired.

Further, according to the present invention, a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of held variable display games and the number of held variable display games can be held. Since the notification sound when it is the same as the maximum number of times of the variable display game is different,
Even when the brightness of the hold lamp is deteriorated, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting opening is held by listening to the notification sound.

In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko game apparatus 10 has a program for controlling the pachinko game, a program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 4, and a program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. ROM 6
8 and the case of being stored in the RAM 70 are shown, but in the case where the operator can play a pachinko game by operating a terminal communicatively connected to the server, the above-mentioned programs and The data used in these programs may be included in the server or the terminal.

When the server and the terminal are thus configured, the server has a program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting a game ball shown in FIG. 4, and a program shown in FIG. The programs for executing the variable display game are stored in advance, and these programs are transmitted to the terminal at a predetermined timing.

On the other hand, the terminal device temporarily stores these transmitted programs, and reads and executes the stored programs as appropriate to advance the pachinko game. Further, a program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for detecting the game ball shown in FIG. 4, and FIG.
The program for executing the variable display game shown in (1) may be executed on the server side, and the command generated according to the execution result may be transmitted to the terminal device as a control signal or control information. In this case, the terminal selects or generates an image for playing a pachinko game according to the transmitted control signal or control information, and displays the image on the display unit.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of a terminal having the above-mentioned structure.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the terminal 100
Is a general-purpose personal computer, terminal 100
A player's input operation is input from the input device 102 connected to the, for example, a keyboard. In addition, the terminal 10
The control unit 130 of 0 is the CPU 108, R as described later.
The control unit 13 includes an OM 110 and a RAM 112.
At 0, a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for controlling a variable display game are executed.

The control unit 130 also has a communication interface circuit 120 (not shown), and the control unit 130 communicates with a server, which will be described later, via the communication interface circuit 120 so that the server can communicate with the server. The pachinko game is controlled based on the control signal or control information transmitted, the program, and the data, and the variable display game is controlled.

Further, on the display device 116 connected to the terminal device 100, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and a pachinko game is performed on this game machine image. is there. On the gaming machine image, the display unit 132 in which the variable display game described above is executed is displayed as an image. This display unit 132
In, the image of the design which is the identification information as described above is displayed.

As will be described later, when the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 and the subroutines shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 are executed in the control unit 130, the game ball image is included in the starting opening image. And a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number, and a notification when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number. It will be different from the sound.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing another example of the terminal. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component corresponding to the component shown in FIG.

The example of FIG. 8 shows a portable terminal device 140, and the input device 10 provided in the terminal device 140.
2. For example, the input operation of the player is input from the switch. In addition, the control unit 130 (not shown) controls the terminal 140.
Which is provided inside the CPU 10 and will be described later.
8, a ROM 110, a RAM 112, etc., and a program for controlling a pachinko game or a variable display game is executed in the control unit 130.

The control unit 130 also has a communication interface circuit 120 (not shown), and the control unit 130
Communicates with a server, which will be described later, via the communication interface circuit 120, and controls a pachinko game or a variable display game based on a control signal or control information transmitted from the server, a program, or data.

Further, the display device 116 provided on the upper surface of the terminal device 140 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel, and as shown in FIG. 8, a gaming machine image imitating a pachinko gaming machine is displayed, and this gaming machine is displayed. The pachinko game is played on the image. On this gaming machine image, the display unit 132 in which the above-described variable display game is executed
Is displayed as an image. In this display unit 132,
The image of the design which is the identification information as described above is displayed.

In addition, the subroutine shown in FIG.
1 and the subroutine as shown in FIG.
When executed at 0, while outputting a notification sound for notifying that the game ball image has entered the starting mouth image, and a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number, The notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number is different.

As described above, the terminal 10 shown in FIG.
0, the display device 116 is configured separately from the control unit 130, and various control signals or control information such as a display control signal transmitted from the server is transmitted to the terminal device 100.
The control unit 130 generates a display signal based on the supplied control signal or control information, and supplies the generated display signal to the display device 116.

On the other hand, the terminal device 140 shown in FIG. 8 is configured integrally with the display device 116, and the control signal or control information such as the display control signal transmitted from the server is controlled by the control unit of the terminal device 140. The control unit 130 supplies the display signal to the display device 116 based on the supplied control signal or control information. The embodiments described below can be applied whether the control unit of the terminal and the display device are separate or integrated.

FIG. 9 shows the terminal 100 or 140 described above.
It is a block diagram showing a configuration of (hereinafter, referred to as a pachinko gaming terminal device). FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 80 which is connected to the pachinko gaming terminal device via a communication line and supplies various control signals or control information and data to the pachinko gaming terminal device. In addition, in the pachinko gaming terminal device shown in FIG.
Components corresponding to those shown in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Input device 1 for inputting player's operation
02, for example, a keyboard and a switch are connected to the interface circuit 104 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100, and the interface circuit 104 is the input / output bus 10.
Connected to 6. A data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 108 via the input / output bus 106. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 110 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 are also connected to the input / output bus 106. ROM110 and RA
M112 is a program or display device 11 as described later.
The data of the image to be displayed in 6 is stored.

An interface circuit group 114 is also connected to the input / output bus 106. The interface circuit group 114 includes a display device 116 and a speaker 11.
8 is connected to the interface circuit group 114.
Supplies a display signal and a sound signal to each of the display device 116 and the speaker 118 according to the result of the arithmetic processing in the CPU 108.

A communication interface circuit 120 is also connected to the input / output bus 106. The communication interface circuit 120 is for communicating with a server 80 described later via a communication line such as a public telephone line network or a local area network (LAN).

On the other hand, the server 80, as shown in FIG. 10, has a hard disk drive 88, a CPU 82, and an R.
It is composed of an OM 84, a RAM 86, and a communication interface circuit 90. The hard disk drive 88 executes a program for communicating with the pachinko gaming terminal device, a program for receiving information issued from the pachinko gaming terminal device, a program for controlling the pachinko gaming device, and a variable display game. Store the control program. Communication interface circuit 90
Is a public telephone line network or local area network (L
It is for communicating with the above-mentioned pachinko gaming terminal devices 100 and 140 via a communication line such as AN).

In the case of the configuration as described above, the gaming machine image imitating the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is displayed on the display device 1 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
16, an image showing a device such as a game board surface, a holding lamp, a decoration lamp, a display unit 132 for playing a variable display game and a display unit 152 for displaying a normal symbol, and an image showing a game ball. It is displayed on the display device 116. In the display unit 132 for executing this variable display game,
When the variable display game is executed, an image of a pattern which is identification information is displayed.

Below, the subroutines executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device and the server will be described with reference to FIGS.
5 shows.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80 have been activated in advance and are operating steadily. In addition, the CPU 108 described above
The variables used in the CPU 82 and the CPU 82 are assumed to have been initialized to predetermined values. In the following description, devices such as a winning opening, a starting opening, a ball passage detector, etc. and game balls are displayed as images on the display device 116. Therefore, in the following, the game ball image, the winning opening image, the starting opening image, etc. are referred to as the gaming ball, the winning opening, the starting opening, etc., respectively.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show various programs stored in a storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80 at a predetermined timing when the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is activated. When 80 decides to supply the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and execute the program supplied in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 and the server 80.
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed and processed in each of the above. In the following description, description of sounds other than the notification sound is omitted, but depending on the game situation,
It is assumed that BGM, sound effects, voice, etc. are appropriately output.

FIG. 11 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Alternatively, the subroutine is executed at 140, and is called and executed from the main routine at a predetermined timing. It is assumed that this main routine includes in advance a program necessary for communicating with the server 80, such as a program for determining whether communication with the server 80 is possible.

First, a program for executing a pachinko game and image data and sound data necessary for proceeding a pachinko game in the pachinko game terminal device are downloaded from the server 80 (step S301).

Next, the pachinko game is started by the player operating the input device 102, and the game program is executed (step S302). This game program includes a game program for controlling a pachinko game, a program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 5 described above, and necessary image data is a pachinko game device. It is for displaying on the display device 116 an image of a gaming machine imitating, a background image, an image of a variable pattern, a character image, or the like. Further, the sound data is, for example, sound data for generating BGM, sound effect, voice, etc., and includes sound data for generating a notification sound.

When the game program is executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102. When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102, as described above, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 14 is used.
On the display device 116 of 0, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine is displayed, and a display unit 132 for displaying a variable display game is also displayed on this game machine image. Further, when the player operates the input device 102 to shoot a game ball, an image of the game ball that can be visually recognized as the game ball moves on the game board surface is displayed on the game machine image.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S303). This winning opening is an image portion corresponding to the above-described general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and special winning openings 56a to 56d shown in FIG.

When it is determined that a game ball has entered the winning opening, a process of paying out a number of gaming balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S304). This step S
The process of 304 is performed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 1.
In 40, even if the number of game balls is displayed at any position of the display device 116, the number of game balls is RAM.
It may be stored in 112.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening (step S305). This start is, for example, the image portion corresponding to the start opening 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

When it is determined in step S305 that a game ball has entered the starting opening, it is next determined whether the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held. It is determined (step S306). The number of held variable display games
When it is determined that the number is the same as the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, the sound data (1) for generating the notification sound is selected (step S307). As a result, the speaker 11
8 outputs the notification sound based on the sound data (1).

When it is determined in step S306 that the number of held variable display games is not the same as the upper limit number of held variable display games, the sound data (2) for generating the notification sound is selected (step). S30
8). As a result, the sound data (2) is output from the speaker 118.
The notification sound based on is output. It should be noted that the sound data (1) and (2) have already been described, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

When the processing of step S308 is executed,
Next, a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate the jackpot state is executed (step S309). Note that the lottery process in step S308 is substantially the same as the lottery process in step S107 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4, and has already been described, so description thereof will be omitted here.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a variable display game in progress (display) (step S310). When it is determined that there is no variable display game in progress (display), a variable display game processing routine similar to the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed (step S
311). When the variable display game processing routine is executed, the background image, the variable pattern image, and the character image are displayed on the display unit 132 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a variable display game in progress (display), the lottery data obtained by executing the lottery process of step S311 is stored in the RAM 112 (step S312). That is, the variable display game to be started has been put on hold.

When it is determined in step S305 that the game ball is not in the starting opening, or in step S3
When the processing of 07, S311 or S312 is executed, it is next determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S313). This ball passage detector
For example, it is an image portion corresponding to the sphere passage detectors 55a and 55b shown in FIG. 2 described above. This step S31
In 3, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, a process of displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner on the display device 52 is executed (step S314).

As described above, when the variably displayed normal symbol becomes a predetermined symbol when stopped,
The movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to display a visually recognizable image so that the starting opening 44 is opened, and the starting opening 44 is displayed.
The processing is performed so that the game ball can easily enter.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game is over (step S315). Whether or not the game has ended is determined when it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102 to end the game, or when a predetermined number of game balls have been launched onto the game board surface. When it is determined, it is determined that the game is over. When it is determined that the game has not ended, the processing is returned to step S302 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game has ended, a game result indicating the number of game balls shot and the number of game balls refunded, and game end information indicating that the game has ended are transmitted to the server 80. (Step S316), this subroutine is completed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed by the server 80, corresponding to the terminal side processing routine executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is activated and is in a communicable state (step S51). If it is determined that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 has not been activated, the process returns to step S51.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is activated, various programs and various image data are transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S52). The process of step S52 is the same as step S of FIG.
This corresponds to the processing of 301.

As described above, the program transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 in step S52 is a game program for controlling a pachinko game, and a program for executing the variable display game shown in FIG. 5 described above. And, and various image data, a game machine image imitating a pachinko gaming device,
This is for displaying a background image, an image of a variable pattern, a character image, etc. on the display device 116.

Next, it is determined whether or not information indicating that the game result or the game has ended is transmitted from the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S53). This step S53 corresponds to step S316 of FIG. 11 described above. When it is determined in step S53 that the game result and the game end information are not transmitted from the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, the process is returned to step S53. While the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 is executing the processing of steps S302 to S315 shown in FIG. 11, the server 80 repeatedly executes the processing of step S53 described above. .

On the other hand, in step S53, the game result and the game end information are the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 1.
When it is determined that the game result is transmitted from 40, the game result and the game end information are received (step S54), and the present subroutine is ended.

In the case of the configuration described above, the program for executing the pachinko game and various image data are always transmitted from the server 80 before the game is started in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140. Therefore, when the program and the image data are updated in the server 80, the player can always enjoy the latest game.

Further, in the case of such a structure, a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since a program that makes the notification sound different from the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as the hard disk drive 88 of the server 80. is there.

With such a configuration, a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and a notification sound is output when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number is different, the player hears the notification sound output from the speaker and starts with the game ball that has entered the starting opening. It is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be played is suspended. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner.

Next, a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing a variable display game are stored in the ROM 1 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.
In the case where it is stored in advance in 10 and only various image data and sound data required as the pachinko game progresses is appropriately transmitted from the server 80, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and the server 8
The subroutine executed at 0 is shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

FIG. 13 shows a pachinko gaming terminal device 100.
Alternatively, it is a subroutine executed in 140, and in the following description, it is assumed that the main routine is read from the ROM 110 at a predetermined timing and executed. It is assumed that this main routine includes in advance a program necessary for communicating with the server 80, such as a program for determining whether communication with the server 80 is possible. Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 except for step S301, and steps that perform similar processing are assigned the same reference numerals.

First, the pachinko game is started by the operation of the player, and the game program is executed (step S302). This game program includes a game program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing a variable display game which will be described later, and also includes a game machine image imitating a pachinko game device, a background image and a variation. Display device 116 for displaying a design image, a character image, etc.
For display.

When the game program is executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102. When it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102, as described above, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 14 is used.
On the display device 116 of 0, a game machine image imitating a pachinko game machine is displayed, and a display unit 132 for displaying a variable display game is also displayed on this game machine image.

Further, when the player operates the input device 102 to shoot a game ball, an image of the game ball that can be visually recognized as if the game ball moves on the game board surface is displayed on the game machine image. .

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening (step S303). This winning opening is an image portion corresponding to the above-described general winning openings 50 and 54a to 54d and special winning openings 56a to 56d shown in FIG.

When it is determined that the game balls have entered the winning opening, a process of paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S304). This step S
The process of 304 is performed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 1.
In 40, even if the number of game balls is displayed at any position of the display device 116, the number of game balls is RAM.
It may be stored in 112.

Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the starting opening (step S305). This starting port is, for example,
This is an image portion corresponding to the starting opening 44 shown in FIG. 2 described above.

When it is determined in this step S305 that a game ball has entered the starting opening, it is next determined whether the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held. It is determined (step S306). The number of held variable display games
When it is determined that the number is the same as the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, the sound data (1) for generating the notification sound is selected (step S307). As a result, the speaker 11
8 outputs the notification sound based on the sound data (1).

When it is determined in step S306 that the number of held variable display games is not the same as the upper limit number of held variable display games, the sound data (2) for generating the notification sound is selected (step). S30
8). As a result, the sound data (2) is output from the speaker 118.
The notification sound based on is output.

When the process of step S308 is executed,
Next, a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate the jackpot state is executed (step S309). Note that the lottery process in step S308 is substantially the same as the lottery process in step S107 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4, and has already been described, so description thereof will be omitted here.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a variable display game in progress (display) (step S310). When it is determined that there is no variable display game in progress (display), a variable display game processing routine similar to the subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called and executed (step S
311). When the variable display game processing routine is executed, the background image, the variable pattern image, and the character image are displayed on the display unit 132 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a variable display game in progress (display), the lottery data obtained by executing the lottery process of step S311 is stored in the RAM 112 (step S312). That is, the variable display game to be started has been put on hold.

If it is determined in step S305 that the game ball is not in the starting opening, or in step S3
When the processing of 07, S311 or S312 is executed, it is next determined whether or not the game ball has passed the ball passage detector (step S313). This ball passage detector
For example, it is an image portion corresponding to the sphere passage detectors 55a and 55b shown in FIG. 2 described above. This step S31
In 3, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector, a process of displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner on the display device 52 is executed (step S314).

As described above, when the variably displayed ordinary symbol has a predetermined symbol when stopped,
The movable pieces 58a and 58b are driven to display a visually recognizable image so that the starting opening 44 is opened, and the starting opening 44 is displayed.
The processing is performed so that the game ball can easily enter.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game is over (step S315). Whether or not the game has ended is determined when it is detected that the player has operated the input device 102 to end the game, or when a predetermined number of game balls have been launched onto the game board surface. When it is determined, it is determined that the game is over. When it is determined that the game has not ended, the processing is returned to step S302 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game has ended, a game result indicating the number of game balls shot and the number of game balls refunded, and game end information indicating that the game has ended are transmitted to the server 80. (Step S316), this subroutine is completed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for processing the variable display game called and executed in step S311 described above. Note that FIG.
In the flow chart shown in FIG. 4, steps that perform the same processing as the steps in the flow chart shown in FIG.

First, the information indicating that this subroutine is called and the variable display game is started is provided to the server 8.
0 (step S61).

Next, an image of a variable pattern which is an identification information image required in the variable display game, a background image,
Image data to be a character image, sound data, a control program, and the like are received from the server 80 (step S6).
2).

Next, the internal lottery process is executed by the calculation process of the CPU 108 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S200). In this internal lottery process, based on the result of the lottery performed in the above-mentioned step S311, all symbols belonging to a plurality of groups that are variably displayed are stopped and displayed, and a combination of symbols is predetermined when the symbol is confirmed. And the CPU 108
As will be described later, the variable display and the stop display of the symbols are performed so that the symbols are stopped and displayed on the display unit 132 by the combination of the symbols determined by the internal lottery process.

Next, the control program is executed by the CPU 108, and based on the result, the background image is selected, the screen configuration information of the background image is generated (step S201), and the character image is selected. The screen configuration information of the character image is generated (step S202), and the screen configuration information of the variable symbol that is the identification information is generated (step S203).

Next, among a plurality of sets, for example, three sets, one
It is determined whether it is time to stop and display the symbols belonging to one set (step S204). When it is determined that it is time to stop and display the symbols, one variable symbol is displayed in a stopped manner, and the variable symbol image is selected.
The screen configuration information is generated (step S205).

Then, based on the generated screen configuration information, the necessary image data is read out from the image data received in step S62, and the image data to be displayed on the display unit 132 is displayed. Is displayed on the page (step S206).

By repeating the above-described steps S201 to S206, the normal image including the background image and the character image is displayed on the display unit 132 displayed on the display device 116.

Next, it is determined whether or not all the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups have been stopped and displayed (step S207). When it is determined that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of sets are not stopped and displayed, the process is returned to step S201. On the other hand, in step S207, when it is determined that all the symbols belonging to the plurality of groups have been stopped and displayed, the variable display game due to the entry of one game ball into the starting opening is ended, and next, It is determined whether the lottery data stored in the RAM 112 exists (step S20).
8). If it is determined that the lottery data stored in the RAM 112 does not exist, it means that there is no held variable display game. Therefore, the information indicating that the variable display game has ended and the variable display game result information are stored in the server. 80
(Step S64), and this subroutine is completed.

On the other hand, in step S208, the RAM
When it is determined that the lottery data stored in 112 exists, the held variable display game exists, so the oldest lottery data among the lottery data stored in the RAM 112 is read (step S209), and the process is performed. To step S200. After that, the CPU 108
In step S200, the internal lottery process is executed based on the read out lottery data, and the processes of steps S201 to S207 are repeatedly executed based on the result of the internal lottery process.

The processing of step S64 is performed after it is determined in step S208 that the lottery data stored in the RAM 112 exists.
It may be performed before executing the process of.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a subroutine executed by the server 80, corresponding to the terminal side processing routine executed by the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the server 80 has been started in advance, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 15 is called and executed from a main routine that has been executed in advance.

First, it is determined whether or not the information indicating that the variable display game has been started is received in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S71).
When it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game has started is not received, this subroutine is immediately ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game is started is received, the image of the variable pattern which is the identification information image required in the variable display game, the background image, and the character image are displayed. Image data,
The sound data, the control program, etc. are transmitted to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 (step S72). This step S72 corresponds to the processing of step S62 shown in FIG. 14 described above.

Next, it is determined whether or not the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is received (step S75).
The process of step S75 is a process corresponding to the process of step S64 of FIG. 14 described above. Step S75
When it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is not received in step S7, the processing is performed in step S7.
Return to 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information indicating that the variable display game is finished is received, this subroutine is finished.

In the case of the above configuration, in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 which is a terminal device,
In addition to outputting a notification sound that notifies that a game ball has entered the starting opening, the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number and the number of held variable display games is the upper limit number. The server 80 transmits the image data, the sound data, the control program, etc. to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 so that the notification sound at the same time is different from that of the pachinko gaming terminal device. It controls the gaming terminal device 100 or 140.

With such a configuration, a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and a notification sound is output when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. Since the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number is different, the player hears the notification sound output from the speaker and starts with the game ball that has entered the starting opening. It is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be played is suspended. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner.

When the variable pattern image, background image, character image and its display method, sound data, etc. are updated in the server 80, the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 always updates new image data, sound data. The control program and the like are transmitted from the server 80. Therefore, the player can enjoy the latest effect screen on the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140.

In the present invention, as described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the hard disk drive 8 of the server 80
The server 80 supplies various programs stored in a storage medium such as 8 to the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and executes the programs supplied in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140. Is possible, and as described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15,
A program for controlling a pachinko game or a program for executing a variable display game is stored in advance in the ROM 110 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and various image data required as the pachinko game progresses. Although it is possible to appropriately transmit only the sound data and the sound data from the server 80, in the present invention, only the game program for controlling the pachinko game and the program for executing the variable display game are the servers 8.
The image data and the sound data transmitted from 0 are stored in advance in the ROM 110 of the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, and the necessary image data and sound data are stored in the RO 110.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is appropriately read from M110.

In the case of such a configuration, in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening is output and the variable variable is held. A program for changing the notification sound when the number of display games is less than the upper limit number and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number is a hard disk drive 88 of the server 80 or the like. It is stored in a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, when the variable display game is started, the control program for executing the variable display game is always downloaded, so that the player can enjoy the latest variable display game and download the image data and sound data. Since there is no need to do so, the pachinko gaming terminal device 10
The effect image can be promptly displayed on the display device 116 of 0 or 140, and the sound corresponding to the game situation can be promptly output from the speaker 118.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the server 80 stores programs such as a program for controlling a pachinko game and a program for executing a variable display game,
Image data required for a pachinko game or a variable display game is stored in the ROM 1 of the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 140.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which 10 is stored. At this time, the server 80 performs the progress of the pachinko game, and the pachinko game terminal device 100 or 140 selects an image according to the control signal or the control information transmitted in accordance with the progress of the pachinko game performed in the server 80, The selected image will be displayed on the display device 116.

In the case of such a configuration, in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140, which is a terminal device, a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening is output and the held variable. The server 80 uses the pachinko gaming terminal device so that the notification sound when the number of display games is less than the upper limit is different from the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit. It controls 100 or 140.

With the above-described configuration, the notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and the notification sound is output when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. And the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of times, the player hears the notification sound output from the speaker, so that the game ball enters the starting opening. It is possible to recognize whether or not the variable display game to be started has been suspended. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner.

In the above-mentioned example, only the display section 132 displayed on the image of the gaming machine that imitates the pachinko gaming apparatus displayed on the display apparatus 116, the variable pattern image, the background image, and the character image are displayed. Although the case where is displayed is shown, the image of the variable symbol, the background image, and the character image may be displayed on the entire surface of the display device 116.

Whether or not the above-described production expression method according to the present invention or the like is provided to the player can be determined by confirming that the entertainment property in the pachinko game is enhanced. . For example, an economic phenomenon such as the prosperity of a store that employs a pachinko gaming device as described above, or a phenomenon in which information permeates through media such as being popular by being published in a magazine. Will appear as.

[0204]

According to the present invention, an alarm sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening is output, and an alarm sound is output when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit. Since the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the maximum number of times,
By listening to the notification sound output from the speaker, the player recognizes whether or not the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the starting opening has been held without checking the holding lamp or the like. can do. Therefore, the player does not hit a dead ball even if the number of held variable display games approaches the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and the variable pattern displayed on the display unit. You can continue to pay attention to the performance images and so on. As a result, the player can relax and view the variable designs and effect images displayed on the display unit, and enjoy the story and the like developed in the effect images in a relaxed manner. Further, since it is not necessary to alternately look at the display unit, the holding lamp, etc., and the display unit can be continuously focused on, the player can enjoy the game for a long time without feeling tired.

Further, a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held, and an upper limit number of variable display games where the number of held variable display games can be held Since the notification sound when it is the same as is different, even if the brightness of the hold lamp is deteriorated, if the notification sound is heard, the variable display game to be started by the game ball that has entered the start opening is held. Whether or not it can be easily recognized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a pachinko gaming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view schematically showing a gaming board surface of the pachinko gaming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process of detecting a game ball executed in a pachinko gaming device.

FIG. 5 is a step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of variable display game processing called and executed in 09.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image of an effect screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a terminal for pachinko game.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another example of a pachinko gaming terminal.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a pachinko gaming terminal device which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a server which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the server 80 which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in.

FIG. 14: Pachinko gaming terminal device 100 or 140
11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a variable display game process executed in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in the server 80 which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Pachinko gaming device (gaming machine) 32 Display device (display unit) 34 (34a to 34d) Hold lamp 60 control circuit 66 CPU (control unit) 64 I / O bus 68 ROM 70 RAM 80 servers 100 Pachinko gaming terminal device (terminal) 132 display 140 Pachinko game terminal device (terminal)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A display unit, which is provided on a game board and displays a screen image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit,
The variable display game is provided with a start opening for starting one variable display game by entering one game ball and a speaker for outputting a sound according to the game situation, and the variable display game is a variable display of the plurality of variable symbols. It is a game that is once from the start of until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed,
When a game ball enters the starting opening during the one variable display game, the variable display game is held a number of times corresponding to the number of game balls entering the starting opening, and the one variable display game. After the end of, the variable display game of the number of times of suspension is started, the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be suspended is set, and the number of times of the variable display game suspended is When the game ball enters the starting opening when the number of games is the same as the upper limit number of times, the gaming machine does not hold the variable display game to be started due to the game ball entering the starting opening. While outputting a notification sound for notifying that the game ball has entered the starting opening, a notification sound when the number of times the variable display game is held is less than the upper limit number,
A gaming machine characterized in that a notification sound when the number of times of the variable display game held is the same as the upper limit number of times is different. 2. A display unit, which is provided on a game board, and on which a screen image composed of a moving image, a still image, or a combination thereof is displayed as appropriate in accordance with a game situation developed on the game board, and 1. A starting opening for starting one variable display game by entering two game balls, a speaker that outputs a sound according to the game situation, transmission of electronic data to at least the display unit, and a speaker to the speaker. And a control unit for transmitting a sound signal, the screen image includes an image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit, and in the variable display game, the variable display of the plurality of variable symbols is started. From this, it is a game in which it is once until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed, and when a game ball enters the starting opening during the one variable display game, the game ball entering the starting opening Number of times according to the number While the variable display game of 1 is suspended, and the variable display game of 1 is finished, the variable display game of the suspended number is continuously started, and the upper limit number of variable display games that can be suspended is When the number of the variable display games that are set and held is the same as the upper limit number, when a game ball enters the starting opening, it should be started by the game ball entering the starting opening. A gaming machine in which a variable display game is not held, and the speaker outputs a notification sound for notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening, and the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number of times. And the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number of times. 3. A display unit provided on a game board, on which a screen image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit is displayed.
The variable display game is provided with a start opening for starting one variable display game by entering one game ball and a speaker for outputting a sound according to the game situation, and the variable display game is a variable display of the plurality of variable symbols. It is a game that is once from the start of until the plurality of variable symbols are stopped and displayed,
When a game ball enters the starting opening during the one variable display game, the variable display game is held a number of times corresponding to the number of game balls entering the starting opening, and the one variable display game. After the end of, the variable display game of the number of times of suspension is started, the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be suspended is set, and the number of times of the variable display game suspended is When the number of games is the same as the upper limit number of times, when the game ball enters the starting opening, the variable display game to be started due to the game ball entering the starting opening is not suspended, and is a representation expression method of the gaming machine, A speaker outputs a notification sound notifying that a game ball has entered the starting opening, and a notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number, Presentation representation of the gaming machine, characterized in that to vary the notification sound at the time the number of cuts has been the variable display game is the same as the upper limit number of times. 4. A control program for displaying a screen image composed of a moving image, a static image or an image obtained by combining these, and storing a control program for outputting a sound according to the game situation, according to the game situation of the gaming machine. A computer-readable storage medium in which the control program includes a display unit image including an image showing a variable display game relating to a player's profit, a game ball image corresponding to a game ball, and the game ball image. When it overlaps with the image, it is determined that the game ball image is included in the image, and the start mouth image for starting one variable display game by determining that one game ball image is included is the screen image. Further, the variable display game, from the start of the variable display of the plurality of variable symbols until the stop display of the plurality of variable symbols When it is determined that a game ball image is included in the starting mouth image during the variable display game, the number of times corresponding to the number of game ball images included in the starting mouth image is set. While suspending the variable display game and ending one of the variable display games, continuously start the variable display game of the number of times of suspension, and determine the upper limit number of times of the variable display game that can be suspended. , When the number of times of the variable display game held is the same as the upper limit number of times, when it is determined that the game ball image is included in the starting mouth image, it is determined that the game ball image is included in the starting mouth image. It is a program that does not hold the variable display game to be played, and outputs a notification sound for notifying that the game ball image has entered the starting mouth image, and also holds the variable The notification sound when the number of times of the indicated game is less than the upper limit number and the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is equal to the upper limit number are configured to be different. Characteristic computer readable storage medium. 5. A server for displaying an image showing a gaming machine or a part thereof as a screen image on each terminal and outputting a sound according to a gaming situation from a speaker of each terminal, which is a server. When a display portion image including an image showing a variable display game relating to the profit of, a game ball image corresponding to a game ball, and the game ball image overlap the image,
While judging that the game ball image is included in the image,
A starting mouth image for starting one variable display game by determining that one game ball image has been entered is displayed as the screen image, and further, the variable display game is
It is a game in which the variable display of the plurality of variable symbols is started and then the variable symbols are stopped and displayed once, and the game ball image is displayed in the starting mouth image during the one variable display game. When it is determined that the variable display game has been entered, the variable display game is held for a number of times corresponding to the number of game ball images included in the starting mouth image, and after one variable display game is finished, the variable display game is continuously held. The variable display game is started a certain number of times and the upper limit number of variable display games that can be held is determined, and when the number of held variable display games is the same as the upper limit number, the game is displayed on the starting mouth image. When it is determined that the ball image is entered, the terminal device is controlled so as not to hold the variable display game to be started by determining that the game ball image is entered in the starting mouth image. The speaker outputs a notification sound for notifying that the game ball image has entered the starting mouth image, and also holds the notification sound when the number of held variable display games is less than the upper limit number. A server, wherein the terminal device is controlled to make a notification sound different when the number of times of the variable display game is equal to the upper limit number of times.