JP2004008687A - Game machine, game program, and record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for performing presentation rich in attractiveness over a long period of time. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine starts presentation according to the starting prize on receiving winning to a starting prize hole. The game machine includes a pattern stop button for changing the presentation started on receiving establishment of the starting prize to another presentation in the midway during the period of presentation. The determination on whether or not the operation of the pattern stop button is reflected in the actual presentation is made with reference to the operational timing of the pattern stop button, and when the operation of the pattern stop button is reflected, the timing of changing the presentation based on the operational timing is adjusted to change the presentation in a designated timing in the midway. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine in which various effects are performed as a game progresses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a typical example of a gaming machine in which various effects are performed as the game progresses, a ball-and-ball gaming machine, a so-called “pachinko gaming machine” is known.
[0003]
This type of gaming machine usually includes an image display device (liquid crystal display) at the center of the game board, and, for example, displays a variety of patterns with a motif of a torso on an effective line on the image display device. The current game state is notified to the player by performing the fluctuation display and the stop display while adding various effects.
[0004]
In addition, a start winning port (start chucker) is provided on a game board provided in front of the gaming machine, and in response to a pachinko ball winning in the starting winning port, a random number for determining whether or not a special gaming state has been won. A lottery is conducted. Here, the special game state corresponds to a game state (game period) in which a player can advantageously develop a game, such as a so-called “big hit state” or “big hit state with probability fluctuation”.
[0005]
In addition, the notification contents to be notified on the previous image display device, that is, “Atari” and “Loss” are determined according to the lottery result, and then a random number for effect pattern determination to select an effect related to the notification contents. A lottery is conducted. Then, according to the effect pattern determined by the random number lottery, various symbols are variably displayed on the active line together with the background image, and stopped at a combination of symbols having a certain regularity, for example, “7-7-7”. The case is referred to as “Atari” and the game shifts to the special game state.
[0006]
In this way, the player recognizes that the special game state has been reached when the symbols having a certain regularity are aligned on the activated line. Also, in other words, by appropriately displaying the effect as if the special game state is reached, the player's sense of expectation can be increased, and further interesting aspects of the game can be provided.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in a conventional gaming machine, an effect is determined by a one-sided process on the gaming machine side, and thus, as the number of games is increased, the interestingness of the game decreases. In other words, if it should be a production that is originally interesting, it may be felt as a regular production due to repeated games. For this reason, there is also a problem that in a game arcade, there is a trade-off with the rate of attracting customers, and in each case, a new model must be introduced at an appropriate time.
[0008]
On the other hand, for a game machine maker, the satisfaction of a player is obtained by the development of a game machine capable of providing an entertaining effect for a long period of time, and the adoption rate in a game hall increases. In other words, how to continue a production that is interesting is an important point in developing a gaming machine.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the technical background described above, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can provide an entertaining effect for a long period of time. It is another object of the present invention to provide a control technique related to the effect.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above technical problem, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, a game machine in which the effect based on the start condition is received and the effect based on the start condition is started,
An effect that is started in response to establishment of the start condition, an effect change unit that can be changed to another effect during the effect period,
Operation accepting means for determining whether to reflect the effect change processing based on the operation of the effect change means in an actual effect with reference to a predetermined determination condition,
Adjusting the change timing of the effect based on the operation of the effect change means, according to the adjusted timing, change timing control means capable of changing the actual effect in the middle,
It is characterized by having.
[0011]
In the gaming machine configured as described above, by operating the effect changing means, it is possible to change the effect already started during the effect. Further, the operation receiving means determines whether or not the effect change processing based on the operation of the effect changing means is to be reflected in the actual effect in light of a predetermined determination condition. Also, at the time of the effect change processing received by the operation receiving means, the change timing control means adjusts the change timing of the effect based on the operation, and changes the already started actual effect to the adjusted change timing. Can be changed on the way.
[0012]
In other words, when the effect changing means is operated, the effect already started may be changed in the middle, and the change timing is also adjusted by the change timing control means, so that the effect becomes complicated and diversified, and it is interesting. Can be provided for a long time. In addition, a new game operation in which the effect can be changed at the discretion of the player itself is created, and in this respect, the interest of the player can be attracted.
[0013]
In addition, when a predetermined reception time is set as the predetermined determination condition, the operation reception unit may be configured to permit a midway change of the effect under one condition of an operation within the reception time. In other words, in this configuration, as one control of the operation receiving means, the operation during the predetermined receiving time is set as one affirmative condition, and a change during the effect is permitted.
[0014]
Further, the effect is an effect performed using a symbol display means for changing and stopping various symbols in a predetermined area, and
When a variable display period of a symbol is set as the predetermined determination condition, the operation accepting unit may allow a change in the effect in the middle of the effect under an operation within the variable display period as one condition.
[0015]
In this configuration, the effect is implemented using the symbol display means, and the operation accepting means permits the operation during the variable display period of the effected symbol as one affirmative condition to permit the midway change of the effect.
[0016]
Further, a recording table that records a plurality of types of effects with different effect patterns, each associated with a reliability, which is a transition probability to a special game state,
In the effect after the midway change, an appearance rate changing means for changing an appearance rate related to a high reliability effect or a low reliability effect,
May be provided.
[0017]
In this configuration, there is provided a recording table for recording a plurality of types of effects having different effect patterns in association with reliability, which is a transition probability to a special game state (for example, a jackpot state). In addition, after the change of the effect due to the operation of the effect changing means, among the effects recorded in the recording table, change the appearance rate of the high-reliability effect or the low-reliability effect, and To reflect the appearance rate. That is, when the effect changing means is operated while satisfying certain requirements, an effect with a reliability different from the specified reliability may be performed.
[0018]
Further, a lottery means for determining whether to shift to the special game state based on the establishment of the starting condition by lottery is provided,
The appearance rate changing means may change an appearance rate related to a high-reliability effect or a low-reliability effect according to a lottery result of the lottery means.
[0019]
In this configuration, the reliability of the effect after the midway change is changed according to the lottery result related to the special game state. As an example, if the special game state is won at the time of executing the operation of the effect changing means, a control form such as increasing the appearance rate of the effect with high reliability may be considered.
[0020]
Further, the appearance rate changing means may be configured to change an appearance rate related to a high-reliability effect or a low-reliability effect in accordance with an operation state of the effect changing means with respect to the predetermined determination condition.
[0021]
In this configuration, the appearance rate of a high-reliability effect or a low-reliability effect is changed depending on how the operation of the effect changing means is input with respect to the predetermined determination condition. Note that, as an example, a control system is conceivable in which the operation timing of the effect changing means with respect to the predetermined determination condition is reflected in the appearance rate, and the subsequent effect is processed.
[0022]
In the case where the effect is changed in the middle of the effect by operating the effect changing means, it is possible to preferentially cause an effect which is unlikely to appear in normal times to appear preferentially. Here, it is desirable to set “easy to appear” or “not easy to appear” based on the experience of a person skilled in the art.
[0023]
In addition, whether or not the operation of the effect change means is effective, a notice effect means for performing a notice effect,
The notice effect means may be configured to execute the notice effect when the operation of the effect change means is performed in a situation where the operation accepting means should permit midway change of the effect.
[0024]
In this configuration, a notice effect of whether or not the mid-way change of the effect by the operation of the effect change means is effective can be recognized by the operation of the effect change means before the mid-way change of the effect is performed. The variation in gender or operability can be diversified, and the sense of expectation and reliability of the operation of the effect changing means in the state where the effect should be changed during the operation can be increased. Further, it is possible to make the player recognize the effect change function.
[0025]
Further, the appearance rate changing means, for the setting of the change of the appearance rate based on the lottery result, when it is possible to change in the middle of the effect based on the operation of the effect changing means in response to the notice effect in the notice effect means, The appearance rate may be changed again based on the appearance rate set earlier. In this configuration, the reliability of the subsequent effect also changes depending on whether or not the earlier notice effect is performed.
[0026]
Further, a sub-control device that controls at least a part of the gaming machine with a control signal output based on a main control device that outputs a control signal related to the progress of the game,
The effect change processing accompanying the operation of the effect change means may be configured to be processed in the sub-control device.
[0027]
Further, a sub-control device that controls at least a part of the gaming machine with a control signal output based on a main control device that outputs a control signal related to the progress of the game,
The effect change processing accompanying the operation of the effect change means may be configured to be processed in the main control device.
[0028]
Further, the effect to be performed after the operation of the effect changing means is advanced in advance in control together with the effect before the change, and after the operation of the effect changing device, the effect is switched to the effect which has been advanced in advance and executed. It is good also as a structure which changes the effect made.
[0029]
Further, the present invention is a program for a gaming machine in which an effect based on the start condition is started upon the start condition being satisfied,
A first step in which an effect started in response to establishment of the start condition can be changed to another effect during the effect period;
A second step of determining whether or not to reflect the first step in an actual effect with reference to a predetermined determination condition;
A third step of adjusting the change timing of the effect based on the first step, and changing the actual effect on the way according to the adjusted timing;
And a game program for causing a computer to change an actual effect on the way according to an external signal input to the first step in order to process these steps.
[0030]
In this case, the game program of the present invention can be made to function as a game machine by being incorporated not only in a game machine but also in a business or home video game machine, a computer with a monitor that can be connected to the Internet, or the like. .
[0031]
Further, the present invention is a recording medium for a gaming machine in which an effect based on the start condition is started upon the start condition being satisfied,
A first step in which an effect started in response to establishment of the start condition can be changed to another effect during the effect period;
A second step of determining whether or not to reflect the first step in an actual effect with reference to a predetermined determination condition;
A third step of adjusting the change timing of the effect based on the first step, and changing the actual effect on the way according to the adjusted timing;
And a computer-readable recording medium that records a game program for causing a computer to change an actual effect on the way according to an external signal input to the first step in order to process these steps.
[0032]
In addition, as a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described game program is recorded, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a magneto-optical (MO), a compact disc (CD), a magnetic recording medium, and the like can be given as examples. it can. The present invention also includes a control procedure that can be executed by the program.
[0033]
The series of contents according to the present invention described above can be combined as much as possible without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.
[0034]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a ball-and-ball game machine, a so-called “pachinko game machine” will be described as an example of the game machine 1 according to the present invention. More specifically, the embodiment will be described with an example of a gaming machine that is classified as a “first type” according to the bylaws of the Appropriate Law (Rules on Customs Sales Business and Laws on the Adequacy of Business).
[0035]
<First embodiment>
A gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with an outer frame 3 fixed to a so-called “island” of a game shop as an installation place, and provided with one side held by the outer frame 3 and capable of being opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 3. And a window frame 5 provided at the top of the front surface of the table frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. Almost all of the main components constituting the gaming machine 1 are collectively provided on the table frame 4. ing.
[0036]
The main components provided on the front frame 4 include a game board 6 whose board surface is a game area, a game ball to be supplied to the game machine 1, a saucer 2 for temporarily storing prize balls paid out from the game machine 1, and a game ball. Device 7 for hitting the game device 6 on the upper part of the game board 6, an operation handle 8 for operating the firing device 7, a payout device for discharging a predetermined number of prize balls into the saucer 2 as required, corresponding to each of the above devices And a main control device (main board) that controls various controls related to the game.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, a CR unit (not shown) is attached to the side of the gaming machine 1. The CR unit is a device for renting out a game ball to a player, and has a built-in card reader or the like for reading a prepaid card purchased prior to a game. In the present embodiment, the CR unit is exemplified as a device for renting a game ball to a player. However, a device configuration for renting a game ball with bills, coins, or the like may be used instead.
[0038]
Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.
[0039]
First, the window frame 5 provided to be openable and closable with respect to the front frame 4 is provided with a see-through window 9 through which the game board 6 can be peeped. Glass is fitted into the see-through window 9. I have. Further, a decorative LED 10, a decorative lamp 11, a speaker 12, and the like are provided on the outer periphery of the see-through window 9. The decorative LED 10 and the decorative lamp 11 are connected to a lamp control device 62, which will be described later, and are turned on or off according to, for example, a game state. The speaker 12 is connected to a voice control device described later.
[0040]
The receiving tray 2 provided on the front frame 4 is formed by combining a plurality of synthetic resin members, and is provided below the window frame 5. Further, a spiral slope is formed inside the receiving tray 2, and a gaming ball rental entrance 2a leading to the CR unit is provided at the most upstream part thereof. Further, a prize ball payout port 2b for prize ball payout is provided downstream thereof, and a storage ball alignment path 2c which guides the game balls in the saucer 2 in a line and guides them into the gaming machine 1 is provided at the most downstream portion. Is formed. Further, at the end thereof, a game ball supply port 2d leading to the above-described launching device 7 is provided.
[0041]
Further, on the front side of the tray 2, two ball removal buttons 2e and 2f are provided. When one of the ball-pulling buttons 2e is operated, surplus balls from the game ball borrowing entrance 2a to the prize ball payout port 2b are discharged into a separately prepared container through a ball-pulling passage behind the tray 2. Also, when the other ball-pulling button 2f is operated, the game ball hanging from the prize ball payout port 2b to the game ball supply port 2d is discharged to the container together with the surplus ball. The installation locations of the gaming ball borrowing entrance 2a, the prize ball payout exit 2b, and the ball removal buttons 2e, 2f are arbitrarily suitable depending on the specifications (model) of the gaming machine.
[0042]
An ashtray 28 is provided at the lower left of the tray 2, and an operation handle 8 is provided at the lower right of the tray 2. The operation handle 8 has a built-in main switch for moving the launching device 7 and a touch antenna, and the operating condition of the operation handle 8 can arbitrarily adjust the momentum of the game ball hitting the game board 6.
[0043]
The firing device 7 to be operated by the operation handle 8 is provided on the back side of the front frame 4 and includes a launch rod for launching a game ball and an electric motor (both for continuously operating the launch rod). (Not shown). The firing device 7 is connected to a firing control device 65 that controls the firing device 7.
[0044]
A payout device 66 (see FIG. 3) as a payout ball payout device is provided on the back side of the front frame 4, and counts a tank for storing a pachinko ball as a prize ball and a number of bullets discharged as a prize ball. A prize ball counting device and a prize ball alignment rail for sending a ball in a ball tank (not shown) provided on the back of the gaming machine 1 to the prize ball counting device. The prize balls of the number corresponding to the prize are weighed by the prize ball counting device and paid out to the receiving tray 2 at the destination. The payout device 66 is connected to a payout control device 64 that controls the payout device 66.
[0045]
The game board 6 is made of a plywood having a substantially square shape, and is stored and fixed in a game board storage frame (not shown) formed on the back side of the front frame 4. A guide rail 13 formed in a circular spiral shape is provided on the front surface, and a game area is configured by a region surrounded by the guide rail 13.
[0046]
Also, in the game area, obstacles 14 such as nails 23 and windmills 24 that change the falling direction of the game balls hit on the game board 6 and various prize devices 15 for winning when the game balls enter, An out port 16 is provided at the lowermost part of the gaming machine 1 and accommodates gaming balls that have not entered the winning device 15. In addition, a symbol display device 17 is provided at substantially the center of the game area to display various symbols in a variable display and a stop display with an effect.
[0047]
In addition, obstacles 14 such as nails 23 and windmills 24 change the falling direction of the game balls hit on the game board 6 to make the game more interesting, and have various functions in the various prize devices 15 or various prize devices 15. It also has the function of guiding game balls to the outside.
[0048]
In addition, when a game ball enters the prize device 15 provided on the game board 6, the payout device 66 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls). The start winning prize port 26 (start chucker) which triggers a random number lottery or changes a symbol to be displayed on the symbol display device 17, and is opened at the time of transition to the special game state (big hit state). There is a big winning device 27 (attacker) for acquiring a game ball.
[0049]
The start winning port 26 is often an electric accessory called an electric tulip having a pair of movable pieces 19 that move according to the progress of the game. Further, a normal symbol display device 18 for displaying a lottery result in which the movable piece 19 of the starting winning opening 26 is to be moved is provided above the symbol display device 17. Incidentally, the lottery result in which the movable piece 19 is to be moved is often displayed by a number or a symbol (such as O or X).
[0050]
In addition, a pass gate 49 (passes: 49a, 49b, 49c) for guiding game balls to the general winning opening 25 or the starting winning opening 26 is provided on the game board 6, as shown in FIG. . The starting winning port 26 is provided below the symbol display device 17, and the big winning device 27 is provided below the starting winning port 26.
[0051]
The special winning device 27 has an opening 29 for taking in a game ball, and an opening / closing member 30 for opening and closing the opening 29. The big winning device 27 opens and closes the opening / closing member 30 in the direction to the front side of the gaming machine only by the action of a solenoid (not shown) provided on the back of the gaming board 6 in the same way as the above-mentioned starting winning opening 26 at the time of the big hit. The member 30 is tilted to open the opening 29. By opening this opening 29, a large amount of game balls can be obtained at the time of a big hit.
[0052]
The symbol display device 17 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like provided substantially at the center of the game area. The symbol display device 17 displays, for example, a plurality of types of symbols (identification information) with a torso as a motif on an active line on the symbol display device 17 in a fluctuating display and a stop display, and displays a current game state by a player. To inform.
[0053]
In addition, behind the design, images such as a background and a character, which are part of the effect, are variably displayed, and the variably displayed design and background image provide the player with interest. Further, in the present embodiment, the image data (animation data) such as the symbol (identification information) and the background image that are variably displayed via the symbol display device 17 may be collectively referred to simply as “effect”. . The "effective line" is a line determined by a program, and a variety of symbols are displayed on this line in a variable display and a stop / temporary stop display to notify a game state.
[0054]
Further, in the present embodiment, the “variable display” is a display mode in which the symbol is displayed as if the symbol is rotating, and the “stop” is that the symbol has completely stopped after the end of one game. It is a display mode. Further, the “temporary stop” is a display mode as if the symbol is temporarily stopped during one game period.
[0055]
Further, in the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display is employed as the symbol display device 17, but instead of this liquid crystal display, for example, a CRT display, a rotating drum with a symbol attached around it, a dot matrix display, an EL display A vessel or the like may be employed.
[0056]
Then, in response to the winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening 26, a random number lottery for determining whether or not the special game state has been won is performed. Here, the special game state corresponds to a game state (game period) in which a player can advantageously develop a game, such as a so-called “normal jackpot state” and “probability change jackpot state”.
[0057]
Further, based on the lottery result, the notification content to be notified by the symbol display device 17, that is, “atari” and “losing” are determined, and then an effect pattern (for example, a pattern variation pattern) related to the notification content is selected. A random number lottery for determining the effect pattern is performed as much as possible. Then, various symbols are variably displayed on the activated line in accordance with the effect pattern determined by the random number lottery, and for example, a case where the symbols stop with a combination of symbols having a certain regularity such as “7-7-7” Atari ", and shifts to the special game state.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, as shown in the above “7-7-7”, three variable regions 17a, 17b, and 17c are secured on the symbol display device 17 (see FIG. 2), and the variable regions The symbols related to the notification are displayed in a variable display and stopped. In the present embodiment, the symbol display device 17 is referred to as a first variable region 17a, a second variable region 17b, and a third variable region 17c in order from the left in the figure.
[0059]
In this way, the player recognizes that the special game state has been reached when the symbols having a certain regularity are aligned on the activated line. In other words, by appropriately displaying the effect as if the special game state is reached, the player's sense of expectation can be increased, and the game can be provided with even more fun.
[0060]
Subsequently, the main control device 60 and the sub-control devices (symbol control device 61, lamp control device 62, voice control device 63, payout control device 64, firing control device 65, etc.) will be described.
First, an outline of the main control device (main board) 60 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The various means according to the claims of the present invention can be constituted by a main control device 60 and sub-control devices (61 to 65) described below, and various control programs and the like recorded in them. .
[0061]
The main control device 60 is a main device that controls the gaming machine 1 in a centralized manner, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60a that is a basic processing device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 60b that temporarily stores processing items of the CPU 60a, and And a ROM (Read Only Memory) 60c for storing various programs executed by the main controller 60. The ROM 60c stores a program for performing a lottery (random number lottery) required for the progress of the game.
[0062]
Further, the main control device 60 is connected to each sub-control device (in the present embodiment, a symbol control device 61, a voice control device 63, a lamp control device 62, a payout control device 64, a firing control device 65, and the like). Then, the main control device 60 transmits 8-bit data indicating the presence or absence of the jackpot assigned by the jackpot determination program (random number lottery), the presence or absence of a prize ball, and the like to each sub-control device in a 2-byte transmission method.
[0063]
Incidentally, the symbol control device 61 includes a CPU 61a that controls the entire symbol control device 61, a ROM 61b that stores various programs executed by the symbol control device 61, and a RAM 61c that temporarily stores processing items in the CPU 61a. ing.
[0064]
Further, the lamp control device 62 is a sub-control device that performs an effect process with electric decorations based on an instruction from the main control device 60, and emits light from frame lamps such as the decorative LED 10 and the decorative lamp 11 provided on the front of the gaming machine 1. Perform control. The lamp control device 62 includes a CPU 62a that executes and executes a program for performing light emission control of the decoration lamp 11 and the like, a RAM 62c that temporarily stores processing items of the CPU 62a, an effect pattern, the decoration LED 10, and the decoration lamp 11. A ROM 62b for storing a program for performing light emission control and the like are provided.
[0065]
The voice control device 63 is a sub-control device that performs a sound effect process based on an instruction from the main control device 60, and is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 and outputs various sounds according to the progress of the game. The output of the speaker 12 is controlled.
[0066]
The voice control device 63 is also provided with a CPU 63a that executes and processes a program for controlling output of the speaker 12, a RAM 63c that temporarily stores processing items of the CPU 63a, and a ROM 63b that stores effect information by voice and the like. Have been.
[0067]
The payout control device 64 is a sub-control device that controls a payout mechanism including a prize ball sorting device (not shown) based on an instruction from the main control device 60 and performs payout processing of game balls, and is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. The output control of the paid-out device 66 is performed.
[0068]
The payout control device 64 also includes a CPU 64a for controlling the payout device 66, a RAM 64c for temporarily storing processing items of the CPU 64a, a ROM 64b for storing payout processing information and the like.
[0069]
The launch control device 65 is a sub-control device that controls the launch device 7 that launches a game ball onto the game board 6 by operating the operation handle 8. The firing control device 65 is also provided with a CPU that stores a program for controlling the firing device 7, a RAM that temporarily stores processing items of the CPU, a ROM that stores control information and the like. It is good also as a structure.
The above is the schematic configuration of the control system of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0070]
Next, a control process of a main control program executed when the “power-on process” is performed in the main control device 60 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The “power-on process” is a process that is executed first after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is a loop that is repeatedly executed after performing initial settings such as operation settings of the CPU 60 a of the main control device 60. Configure processing.
[0071]
First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 60a performs an initial setting process related to an operation of the CPU 60a, such as permission to access the RAM 60c built in the CPU 60a (S100).
[0072]
In the initial setting process, the CPU 60a performs a power-off check process. In the power-off check process, whether or not the power is turned on after the power-off occurs (whether starting from a power return or starting from a normal state) Is distributed.
[0073]
The distribution conditions include three items: (1) the state of the RAM clear switch, (2) the value of a flag to be set when the power is cut off, (3) the contents of all the RAM areas when the power is cut off, and the Content of all RAM areas.
[0074]
Then, execution of predetermined data, transmission of a command at the time of activation to sub-control devices (symbol control device 61, lamp control device 62, voice control device 63, payout control device 64, firing control device 65), or an error state After the power is restored to the state before the power was turned off and the error is released, processing for permitting the transition to the main routine is performed.
[0075]
Next, a system timer interrupt process as a main routine from step 101 to step 103 shown in FIG. 4 is performed. This system timer interrupt process is a process that is executed periodically (for example, 3 ms (1 ms = 1 / 1000th of a second)), and also updates a timer, updates a big hit determination random number, and the like. In other words, it is a machine cycle that is repeatedly performed by the processing of the CPU 60a, the ROM 60b, and the RAM 60c also built in the main control device 60 for each reset signal from the clock built in the main control device 60.
[0076]
Subsequently, after the initial setting process performed in step 100, a random number value range corresponding to the game purpose (a plurality of hit determination, effect selection, display symbol selection, variable hit selection, etc.) is appropriately set. Then, a process of periodically updating the random number within the random number value range by electronic means and continuing to update the random number is performed (S101).
[0077]
Next, the CPU 60a reads a port related to the input information as part of the input management process. In reading this port, the CPU 60a performs reading of the switch input related to the start winning ball detection sensor 47 and the big winning ball detection sensor 48 shown in FIG. 3 and edge detection.
[0078]
Subsequently, the CPU 60a is used as an input management in managing all the prize devices 15 provided on the game board 6 shown in FIG. 1 or in managing information detected as a prize in the prize area and performing other processing steps. A control process for adjusting to a possible signal is performed (S102).
[0079]
Next, the CPU 60a performs an abnormality monitoring process such as a replenishment ball out-of-fill error or a tray full error (S103), and then performs a normal symbol control process (S104). In the ordinary symbol control process, the CPU 60a performs operation management from the start to the stop of the variation based on the symbol defined as the ordinary symbol, and prepares for command transmission to the ordinary symbol electric accessory control process (S108).
[0080]
In this case, the hit determination (lottery) based on the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol and the determination of the fluctuation time (lottery) are made based on the detection of the starting winning ball detection sensor 47 (see FIG. 3) provided near the passing gate 49 shown in FIG. And prepares for transmission for performing processing and the like according to the determination result.
[0081]
Next, the CPU 60a performs a special symbol control process (S105). At this time, at the start of the change based on the predetermined winning detection by the input management process performed in step 102, the CPU 60a responds to the result of the jackpot determination performed by the change (hereinafter, referred to as the result of the lottery related to the special game state). A determination process of a random value to be extracted for selecting and determining an effect pattern to be executed is performed.
[0082]
In addition, the CPU 60a manages the number of jackpot rounds, the open / close check of the big prize winning device 27, and the like in the case of a jackpot.
[0083]
Next, the CPU 60a performs an output management process (S106). In this output management processing, command data to be transmitted to each sub-control device side (symbol control device 61, voice control device 63, lamp control device 62, payout control device 64, firing control device 65, etc.) is output, edited and transmitted. This is a process for performing a management process for controlling and a management process for transmitting predetermined information to a centralized management computer outside (a hall, a test institution, or the like).
[0084]
Next, the CPU 60a performs a variable symbol display control process (S107). This variable symbol display control process is performed based on information obtained by the ordinary symbol control process (S104) or the special symbol control process (S105). Note that these processes are processes for controlling a symbol variation pattern (effect) by the symbol display device 17 or the ordinary symbol display device 18.
[0085]
Further, the CPU 60a performs a normal symbol electric accessory control process (S108). This normal symbol electric accessory control process is a process of controlling the ordinary symbol electric auditors (passage gates (through-chuckers) 49a, 49b, 49c, etc.) based on information obtained in the ordinary symbol control process or the like performed in step 104. It is.
[0086]
Next, the CPU 60a performs a special winning area control process (S109). The special winning area control process is based on information obtained in the special symbol control process (S105) and the like, and is provided with a fluctuation device, for example, a special winning device (attacker) 27 provided in the vicinity of the special winning region where many profits can be obtained at one time. This is a process for controlling the fluctuation operation from the start to the end of the movable plate that opens and closes.
[0087]
Then, the CPU 60a performs a payout control process (S110). This payout control processing is based on information obtained by the input management processing performed in step 102 or the special symbol control processing performed in step 105, etc. This is processing for performing payout control for paying out a medium or the like.
[0088]
Next, the CPU 60a performs a lamp / LED control process (S111). This lamp / LED control process is a process of controlling a lamp / LED provided on the front of the gaming machine 1 in order to produce light in accordance with the progress of the game.
[0089]
Then, the CPU 60a performs a sound output control process (S112). This audio output control process is a process for performing audio-related control on the audio output device 12 such as a speaker for producing a sound according to the progress of the game.
[0090]
Finally, the CPU 60a determines whether or not the power has been turned off (S113). Here, if it is determined that the power has been turned off (S113: YES), the process ends.
[0091]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 114 that the power has not been turned off (S113: NO), the main routine process is repeated from step 102.
This is the control content of the main control program by the main control device 60.
[0092]
By the way, as for the effect performed in the gaming machine 1 as described above, the effect is determined by the one-sided processing of the gaming machine side, and therefore, as the number of games increases, the fun decreases. For this reason, there is a trade-off with the rate of attracting customers at the amusement arcade, and each time, there is a problem that a new model must be introduced at an appropriate time. Therefore, the point of how to maintain interesting productions is an important point in the development of gaming machines, and has been adopted in amusement arcades by developing gaming machines that can provide interesting productions over a long period of time. The rate is increased, and the satisfaction of the player is also obtained.
[0093]
For this reason, in the gaming machine 1 shown in the present embodiment, the game machine 1 is provided with a symbol stop button, and by operating the symbol stop button, it is possible to change the already started regular effect halfway by the player's own judgment. It offers fun in production and new game operations that have never existed before. In other words, by operating the symbol stop button, it is possible to change the effect that has already been started (for example, the variation mode of the symbol, the background image, etc.) in the middle.
[0094]
In the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a symbol stop button 40 is provided on the left side of the saucer 2 and the symbol stop button 40 is depressed, so that the effect is in the middle of the effect. Changes are possible.
[0095]
Hereinafter, an effect program related to the operation of the symbol stop button 40 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the symbol stop button 40 and the present effect program constitute various means such as an effect changing means according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the effect program is recorded in the ROM 61b of the symbol control device 61, and the effect program is executed and processed in the symbol control device 61.
[0096]
[Direction program]
First, prior to the detailed program structure of the present effect program, its outline will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.
[0097]
First, in the example of FIG. 5, a reception time for receiving an operation of the symbol stop button 40 is set, and only the operation within the reception time is reflected in the mid-stage change of the effect.
[0098]
More specifically, (1) a first reception time set immediately after the start of the fluctuation display of the symbol until the reach fluctuation display, a non-reception time during which the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is not received separately from the first reception time, (2) The second reception time set during the period from the start of the reach fluctuation display to the final display (stop display), and the non-reception time during which the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is not received separately from the second reception time are respectively set. The setting is made in the order of reception time → non-reception time, and only operations (pressing down of the symbol stop button 40) in the first reception time and the second reception time are reflected in the mid-stage change of the effect.
[0099]
The “reach change display” described above corresponds to a reach state, that is, a period in which two of the three symbols are temporarily stopped at the same symbol and the remaining symbols are still displayed in a variable display. After the reach fluctuation display, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to reach development / effect. The reach development / effect corresponds to a period in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed in a variance manner as if it were shifted to a jackpot state.
[0100]
Subsequently, an effect that is an operation target of the symbol stop button 40 will be described.
First, in the operation at the first reception time, execution of a notice effect started after the first reception time has elapsed is an operation (input) target. Note that the “announcement effect” is an effect for prompting the operation of the symbol stop button 40 relating to the reach development / effect that can be changed during the subsequent effect. In other words, the player is informed or suggests the shift to the second reception time accompanying the start of the reach variation display, and is urged to operate the symbol stop button 40.
[0101]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated during the first reception time, or when the symbol stop button 40 is operated, a lottery result or a predetermined determination relating to the previous special game state is performed. When the determination result of the means (for example, a lottery lottery) is "losing", an effect pattern related to the notice effect is determined from the animation selection table A selected corresponding to the operation. Here, the “animation selection table” records image data related to effects such as effect patterns of effects to be displayed on the symbol display device 17 (for example, a symbol variation mode, a background image, and a variation mode thereof). Area where
[0102]
Also, when the lottery result relating to the special game state or the determination result of the predetermined determination means is “Atari” at the time of operating the symbol stop button 40, a notice is given from the animation selection table B selected corresponding to the operation. An effect pattern relating to the effect is determined.
[0103]
On the other hand, the operation at the second reception time is an operation (input) target of a reach development / effect that is a midway change of the effect started after the second reception time when the reach fluctuation display is started. As shown in FIG. 5, when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated during the second reception time, or when the symbol stop button 40 is operated, the lottery result or the predetermined determination means relating to the previous special game state is performed. Is "losing", an effect pattern relating to reach development / effect is determined from the animation selection table C selected corresponding to the operation. Further, when the lottery result related to the special game state or the determination result of the predetermined determination means is “Atari” at the time of operating the symbol stop button 40, the reach development / reproduction from the animation selection table D selected corresponding to the operation An effect pattern relating to the effect is determined.
[0104]
In addition, each effect recorded in each animation selection table is associated with a unique reliability (transition probability leading to a special game state), and when the effect is changed halfway with the operation of the symbol stop button 40. In the effect to be operated, a high-reliability effect or a low-reliability effect is appropriately selected.
[0105]
For example, if an effect with a reliability of 40% is selected in the previous special symbol control process (step 105), “Atari” is displayed when the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is reflected and in the previous lottery. When it is established, the high reliability effect of 41% to 99% is preferentially selected, and when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated and when “Loss” is assigned in the previous lottery, 0% is selected. A table configuration in which low-reliability effects such as ３９39% are preferentially selected may be adopted.
[0106]
It should be noted that the numerical values and the like illustrated here are merely examples, and the numerical values can be appropriately changed according to the rules of experience of those skilled in the art. Further, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to select such a change of the effect that the effect is not changed. In this case, if the effect pattern selected in the special symbol control process (step 105) has a reliability of 100%, or if the reliability is 0%, the effect is not intentionally changed. Is considered. The reliability of the effect is relatively given to the effect by the recording mode of the effect pattern for each animation selection table.
[0107]
Next, a detailed program structure of the effect program will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0108]
First, as shown in FIG. 6, in the symbol control device 61 provided corresponding to the symbol display device 17, after the power is turned on, the power-on initial setting is processed according to the main control device interrupt process shown in FIG. 7 ( S601). Next, a timer update process (S602) shown in FIG. 8, a received signal check process (S603) shown in FIG. 9, an input signal check process (S604) shown in FIG. 10, an animation management control (S605) shown in FIG. The VDP data generation processing (V blank interrupt processing: step 606), the random number update processing (S607), and the drawing end flag check (S608) shown in FIG. After the various control processes, the end of the drawing display is received (S609), and the process from step 602 is repeated again. If the drawing has not been displayed yet in step 609, the processing after step 607 is performed again.
[0109]
[Main controller interrupt control]
Subsequently, the preceding interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG.
In the main controller interrupt processing, first, a communication command is received from the main controller 60 (S611). Further, the received communication command is stored in the RAM 61c (S612), and the process once exits. Note that “RET” (S613) illustrated at the end means a return.
[0110]
[Timer update processing]
Next, the timer update process (S602) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the timer updating process, each timer provided in the symbol control device 61 is updated (S621), and the process once exits.
[0111]
[Received signal check processing]
Next, the received signal check processing (S603) will be described with reference to FIG. In the received signal check processing, first, the received data is read from the RAM 61c (S631), and the received data is analyzed by the CPU 61a (S632). Next, animation data to be displayed is set based on the analysis result (S633), and the process once exits.
[0112]
[Input signal check processing]
The input signal check processing (S604) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the input signal check process, first, it is checked whether or not a stop button management flag (symbol stop button management flag) that is established by operation (input) of the symbol stop button 40 is established (S641). Proceed to 642. In the following description, the symbol stop button may be abbreviated as “stop button”. In addition, since this routine is a routine that is repeated every predetermined time, in step 641, the establishment of the stop button management flag is confirmed each time.
[0113]
Subsequently, when the stop button management flag is not established (NO: S641), it is determined whether the current time is the first reception time or the second reception time (S642), and the first reception time or the second reception time is determined. If the time has elapsed, the operation status (input state) of the symbol stop button 40 is read (S643), and it is determined in step 644 whether the symbol stop button 40 is actually pressed. Then, if the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is confirmed in step 644, the stop button management flag is established (S645), and this processing routine is repeated again after a predetermined time.
[0114]
[Animation management processing]
Subsequently, the above-described animation management processing (S605) will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in the present process, it is determined whether or not it is time to switch the effect (animation), and the timing of changing the effect is adjusted (S651). Here, the time when the animation is switched corresponds to a time when an effect composed of a combination of several patterns can be shifted to another effect pattern without a sense of incompatibility.
[0115]
Next, at the time of switching the animation data, after referring to the stop button management flag check processing shown in FIG. 12 (S652), it is determined whether or not a notice effect is to be performed (S653). Note that, as the determination conditions here, the effect pattern selected in the special symbol control process includes the execution of the reach development and effect, and the stop button management flag is established with the operation of the symbol stop button 40. It is regarded as one of the conditions in which the notice production should be carried out.
[0116]
Subsequently, when it is determined that the notice effect is in a situation (time) to be performed (YES: S653), the process proceeds to the notice effect start time process shown in FIG. 13 to start the notice effect (S700). In addition, in step 653, if the conditions for performing the notice effect are not satisfied, it is determined whether or not there is a situation where the subsequent reach development / effect should be executed (S654), and the reach develop / effect should be executed. When it is determined that there is a situation, the process proceeds to the reach development / production start process of FIG. 14 to start the reach development / production (S800).
[0117]
If it is determined in step 654 that the situation (timing) for which the reach development and production should not be performed yet, the animation data recorded in the special symbol control process (S105) and started based on the starting condition Continuation of (effect data) is selected (S655). Then, the process proceeds to the VDP data generation process (S606) which is the next process.
[0118]
Next, the stop button management flag check processing in FIG. 12 related to the animation management processing, the notice effect start processing in FIG. 13, and the reach development effect start processing in FIG. 14 will be described.
[0119]
[Stop button management flag check processing]
Next, the stop button management flag check processing (S652) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the stop button management flag check processing, first, it is determined whether or not an effect display (animation or the like) including a design or the like has been started (S6521). If the variable display has been started, the stop button management flag is temporarily reset (S6523).
[0120]
In S6521, if the fluctuation display has not been started yet, it is further determined whether or not the reach fluctuation display has been started (S6522). Wait until the loading process is performed. If the reach variation display has been started, after the stop button management flag is reset (S6523), the process waits until the main control device interrupt process is performed, and after the process is performed, the present process routine is executed. Is repeated again.
[0121]
[Processing at the start of the notice production]
Next, the notice effect start-time process (S700) when the symbol stop button 40 is operated within the first reception time will be described with reference to FIG.
In the notice effect start processing, first, it is determined whether or not the stop button management flag is established by referring to the stop button management flag check processing (S652) (S701). Further, when the stop button management flag is established, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 702, and it is confirmed whether or not “atari” has been won in the lottery relating to the special game state. Then, when the player has won "Atari", the animation selection table B is selected (S703).
[0122]
On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in steps 701 and 702, that is, when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated, or when "losing" is allocated in the lottery relating to the special game state, the animation selection table A is selected (S704). ). Then, in the process of starting the announcement effect, after determining the animation selection table to be referred to, the effect determination random number lottery is performed based on the selected animation selection table, and the effect to be displayed on the symbol display device 17, that is, the announcement, An effect is determined (S705).
[0123]
[Processing at the time of reach development and production start]
Next, the reach development and effect start processing (S800) when the symbol stop button 40 is operated within the second reception time will be described with reference to FIG.
In the reach development and effect start processing, first, it is determined whether or not the stop button management flag is established with reference to the stop button management flag check processing (S652) (S801). When the stop button management flag is established, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 802, and it is determined whether or not “Attari” has been won in the lottery relating to the special game state. Then, when "Atari" has been won, the animation selection table D is selected (S803).
[0124]
On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in steps 801 and 802, that is, when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated, or when "losing" is being drawn in the lottery relating to the special game state, the animation selection table C is selected ( S804). In the reach development and effect start process, after determining the animation selection table to be referred to, the effect determination random number lottery is performed based on the selected animation selection table, and the process of displaying on the symbol display device 17 is performed. A change effect, that is, a reach development / effect is determined (S805).
[0125]
As described above, in the present production program, various controls are performed by the input operation (pressing down) of the symbol stop button 40, and it is possible in some cases that the effect can be changed in the middle of the production by the player's own will. After the effect is determined, the VDP data generation processing shown in FIG. 15 is performed (S606), and image data (animation) to be displayed on the symbol display device 17 is formed and transmitted to the symbol display device 17. (S661).
[0126]
Hereinafter, how the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is reflected in an actual effect based on the various controls described above will be described.
[0127]
First, as described above, the effect can be changed midway by inputting the symbol stop button 40 provided on the front of the gaming machine. In addition, in connection with the flowchart, for example, the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is reflected in the previous input signal check processing (S604) and the like.
[0128]
Whether or not the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is to be reflected in the actual effect is reflected in, for example, the animation management process (S605) and the stop button management flag check process (S652) in the above-described flowchart.
[0129]
In the animation management process (S605), it is determined whether the stop button management flag is established within the first reception time (S653) or the second reception time (S654). Has been determined. Then, in response to the establishment of the stop button management flag within the first reception time and the second reception time, the announcement effect and the reach development / effect to be changed midway are started at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing is a situation in which a notice effect is to be performed (for example, after the first reception time has elapsed) or a situation in which a reach development / production to be changed in the middle is to be performed (for example, the second reception time). After the elapse of the period), adjustments are made in accordance with the establishment of each situation in the present production program, and a notice development or a reach development / production to be changed in the middle is started. The start timing is grasped, for example, in the animation management process (S605) shown in FIG.
[0130]
In addition, as one of the conditions under which a change in the effect is performed, a lottery result related to the special game state is referred to, and the result of the lottery is reflected in the effect after the change. In addition, in connection with the flowchart, the lottery result of the special game state is referred to in the notice effect start process (S700) shown in FIG. 13 and the reach development / effect start process (S800) shown in FIG. I have.
[0131]
<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the reception time of the symbol stop button 40 is set, and only the operation (input) within the reception time is reflected in the mid-stage change of the effect. However, in the second embodiment of the present invention, The input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is always received, and the effect change mode is changed based on the operation timing.
[0132]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, (1) when the symbol stop button 40 is operated before the reach development / production is started, and (2) when the design stop button 40 is started after the reach development / production is started. When an input operation is performed, the effect can be changed midway while monitoring and controlling the effect change timing. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, an animation selection table to be referred to is selected according to the operation status (timing) of the symbol stop button 40, and the effect after the change is determined from the selected animation selection table. I have.
[0133]
In addition, an effect (animation) to be changed based on the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 will be described. First, in the operation before the reach development and effect start (execution of effect change), the reach development and effect start (execution of effect change) is performed. ) Reach development and staging from the beginning are subject to change. The operation also serves as an element for determining whether or not there is a notice effect described above. In addition, in the operation after the start of the reach development / production (execution of production change), the reach development / production after the operation is changed in the middle.
[0134]
Also, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the lottery result relating to the special game state and the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 are related, and when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated. Or when the lottery result relating to the previous special game state is "losing" at the time of input operation of the symbol stop button 40, the animation selection table C in which the effect (variation pattern) of low reliability is recorded is selected. Reach development and production to be changed from inside are decided.
[0135]
Further, when the lottery result relating to the special game state is “Atari” at the time of the input operation of the symbol stop button 40, the animation selection table D including the effect (fluctuation pattern) having higher reliability than the animation selection table C is included. The reach development / effect to be changed is determined from the selected animation selection table D.
[0136]
Hereinafter, a detailed program structure of the effect program will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that the processing content partially conforms to the previous processing content (the first embodiment), and therefore, only different portions will be described below.
[0137]
First, the difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the effect program is the input signal check processing in step 604 in FIG. 6 and the animation management processing in step 605 in FIG.
[0138]
[Input signal check processing]
Hereinafter, an input signal check process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the input signal check processing, first, it is confirmed whether or not the stop button management flag that is established by the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 has already been established (S1101). It is determined that the operation of the stop button 40 should be accepted (S1102). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop button 40 is actually input (pressed down) (S1103). If the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is confirmed, a stop button management flag is established (S1103). S1104). When the determination is affirmative in step 1101 and the determination is negative in step 1103, the process returns to step 1101 again without setting the stop button management flag.
[0139]
[Animation management processing]
Subsequently, the animation management control performed after the input signal check processing will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in the present process, it is determined whether or not it is time to switch the effect (animation), and the timing of changing the effect is adjusted (S1201). Next, at the time of switching the animation data, after referring to the stop button management flag check processing shown in FIG. 19 (S1202), it is displayed on the symbol display device 17 in accordance with the effect pattern (animation data) selected in the previous special symbol control processing. A design to be selected is selected (S1203).
[0140]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1201 that the data does not correspond to the time when the animation data is switched, it is determined whether the reach development / production has already been started (S1204). The animation effect switching process shown in FIG. 20 is processed (S1205). If the reach development / effect has not been started in step 1204, the present processing routine is repeated without going through the animation effect switching process (S1205).
[0141]
Next, the stop button management flag check processing (S1202) in FIG. 19 and the animation effect switching processing (S1205) in FIG. 20 related to the animation management processing will be described.
[0142]
[Stop button management flag check processing]
The stop button management flag check processing (S1202) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the stop button management flag check processing, first, it is determined whether or not the effect display including the design and the like has been started (S1221). If the variable display has been started, the stop button management flag is temporarily reset (S1222). If it is determined in step 1221 that the variable display has not been started yet, this processing routine is repeated again without resetting the stop button management flag.
[0143]
[Animation production switching process]
The animation effect switching process (S1205) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the animation effect switching process, first, it is determined whether or not the stop button management flag is established with reference to the input signal check process (S1251). Then, when the stop button management flag is established, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 1252, and it is checked whether or not “Attari” has been won in the lottery relating to the special game state. Then, when the player has won "Atari", the animation selection table D is selected (S1253).
[0144]
On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in steps 1251 and 1252, that is, when the symbol stop button 40 is not operated, or when "losing" is established in the lottery relating to the special game state, the animation selection table C Is selected (S1254). In the animation effect switching process, after determining an animation selection table to be referred to, an effect determination random number lottery is performed based on the selected animation selection table, and an effect (animation) to be displayed on the symbol display device 17. That is, the reach development / effect to be changed midway is determined (S1255).
[0145]
Then, it is determined whether or not the determined effect is different from the effect performed according to the previous special symbol control process (S1256). If the effect is different, the effect selected in step 1255 is changed during the effect. Set as an animation (fluctuation pattern) to be applied later (S1257)
[0146]
As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is always received, and the manner of changing the effect in the middle of the effect is changed based on the input operation timing of the symbol stop button 40.
[0147]
Hereinafter, how the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is reflected in an actual effect based on the various controls described above will be described.
[0148]
First, in the second embodiment of the present invention, whether or not the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is to be reflected in an actual effect is determined by an input signal check process shown in FIG. 17 and an animation management process shown in FIG. Is done.
[0149]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, since the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is always accepted, in the input signal check process and the stop button management flag check process, the operation is performed within the period from the start to the end of the effect based on the start condition. The presence or absence of the input is confirmed.
[0150]
In the animation management process shown in FIG. 18, the input operation timing of the symbol stop button 40 is grasped, and the effect change timing is adjusted according to the operation timing.
[0151]
In addition, when the effect is changed during the production, the result of the lottery in the special game state is referred to and is reflected in the production after the modification. In addition, in connection with the flowchart, the result of the lottery in the special game state is referred to in step 1252 of the animation effect switching process shown in FIG.
[0152]
As described above, in the gaming machine 1 and the game program according to the present embodiment, the input start operation of the symbol stop button 40 allows the already started mode of the effect to be changed to reach development / effect in the middle. In the game program, whether or not the operation is to be reflected in the effect of the execution is determined based on predetermined determination conditions such as a reception time or the result of the determination by the predetermined determination means. Further, when the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is received, the effect change timing is adjusted, and the mode of the effect already started is changed according to the adjusted change timing.
[0153]
Therefore, the effect is complicated depending on the presence or absence of the input operation of the symbol stop button 40, and an interesting effect can be provided for a long time. In addition, the presence or absence of the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is left to the player's own judgment, so that a new game operation such as input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is generated, and in this respect, the interest of the player can be attracted. .
[0154]
It should be noted that the program configuration of each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example, and any program configuration that can change the already started effect at a predetermined timing on the basis of the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is, of course, possible. However, the present invention is not limited to the above.
[0155]
For example, in the above, on the basis of the reliability of the effect selected in the special symbol control process, it is divided into a high reliability effect and a low reliability effect, and the input operation timing of the symbol stop button 40 or a predetermined lottery result The reliability of the effect after the midway change is changed according to, but the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 gives priority to the effect of the extremely high reliability or the effect of the extremely low reliability, which is usually difficult to select. It can also be configured to selectively select.
[0156]
In addition, as an example, the reliability in the case where the effect based on the starting condition at the normal time is performed is set in a range of 20% to 79%, and when the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is reflected, the reliability is 80% to 90%. An effect that is difficult to appear in normal times, such as an effect with an extremely high reliability of 0% and an effect with an extremely low reliability of 0% to 19%, is performed. Note that the numerical values and the like exemplified here are merely examples, and the numerical values can be changed as desired.
[0157]
In the first embodiment, the animation selection table C or the animation selection table D is prepared as the animation selection table, and either one is selected according to the lottery result related to the special game state. When performing a preview effect, an animation selection table that records high-reliability effects and an animation selection table that records low-reliability effects are sorted based on the reliability of the effect applied to the preview effect. It is also possible to prepare a table and select and determine an announcement effect from the animation selection table, and an effect relating to the reach development / effect to be similarly changed.
[0158]
In this example, when a high-reliability effect is applied in the announcement effect, an extremely high-reliability effect (eg, premium reach) that is normally difficult to select by the input operation of the symbol stop button 40 is performed. Is produced, and the player can be provided with further interest.
[0159]
In selecting the animation selection table to be referred to, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, a high-reliability effect or a low-reliability effect is performed according to a lottery result relating to a special game state. , But is not always necessary. For example, based on the game history (for example, the degree of gain of game profit, the sustainability of the number of symbol fluctuations (winning) that does not cause big hits) in a predetermined game section (period), etc. An animation selection table to be referred to may be selected.
[0160]
Further, the game program may be processed not only by the symbol control device 61 but also by the main control device 60. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, the effect for change (variation pattern 1b frame to 6b frame) to be applied after the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is selected in the special symbol control process (variation pattern 1a frame to 6a). It can be configured to advance in advance in control together with the frame, and after the operation of the symbol stop button 40 is reflected, the effect is switched to the effect for change that has been advanced in advance to change the effect. That is, this game program can be processed not only by a single task but also by a multitask.
[0161]
Further, in the present embodiment, the animation display (symbol, background, character, etc.) displayed on the symbol display device 17 as an effect has been described as an example. However, in the present invention, “effect” refers to the above symbol. The effect is not limited to the effect using, and includes, for example, an effect using light, sound, vibration, and the like. If the gaming machine 1 illustrated in the above embodiment is described as an example, the present invention is useful also in effects using decorative lamps, a sound generator, and the like. That is, the program configuration of the present game program is not limited to the effect using the symbol display device 17.
[0162]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the width (aspect) and surprisingness of the effect are widened by operating the symbol stop button, so that an interesting effect can be provided to the player for a long time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing control devices of the gaming machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing contents when the power of the main control device according to the present embodiment is turned on.
FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating an outline of a game program according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing contents when the power of the sub control device according to the present embodiment is turned on.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an interrupt process of the main control device with respect to the sub control device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a timer update process in the sub control device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a received signal check process in the sub control device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an input signal check process in the sub control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an animation management process in the sub control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a stop button management flag check process in the sub control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a notice effect start-time process in the sub control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining reach development and effect start processing in the sub-control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating VDP data generation processing (V blank interrupt processing) in the sub control device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a time chart schematically illustrating a game program according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an input signal check process in the sub-control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an animation management process in the sub control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a stop button management flag check process in the sub control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an animation effect switching process in the sub control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a schematic explanatory diagram in the case where the game program according to the present embodiment is processed by multitask processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 gaming machines
2 saucers
2a Game ball rental entrance
2b Prize ball payment exit
2c Reservoir alignment line
2d game ball supply port
2e button
3 outer frame
4 Table frame
5 Window frames
6 game board
7 Launching device
8 Operation handle
9 Transparent window
10. Decorative LED
11 Decorative lamp
12 speakers
13 Guide rail
14 Obstacles
15 Winning device
16 Out mouth
17 Symbol display device
17a Variable area (first variable area)
17b Variable region (second variable region)
17c Variable region (third variable region)
18 Ordinary symbol display device
19 Movable piece
23 Obstacle Nails
24 windmill
25 General Winners
26 Start Winner
27 Grand Prize Winner
28 ashtray
29 opening
30 Opening / closing members
47 Starting winning ball detection sensor
48 Big Winning Ball Detection Sensor
49 Passage (passing gate)
60 Main controller (main board)
61 Symbol control device
62 Lamp control device
63 Voice control device
64 Payout control device
65 Launch control unit
66 Dispensing device

Claims (14)

A game machine in which an effect based on the start condition is started and an effect based on the start condition is started,
An effect that is started in response to establishment of the start condition, an effect change unit that can be changed to another effect during the effect period,
Operation accepting means for determining whether to reflect the effect change processing based on the operation of the effect change means in an actual effect with reference to a predetermined determination condition,
Adjusting the change timing of the effect based on the operation of the effect change means, according to the adjusted timing, change timing control means capable of changing the actual effect in the middle,
A gaming machine comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when a predetermined reception time is set as the predetermined determination condition, the operation reception unit permits a change in the effect in the middle of the effect with an operation within the reception time as one condition. 3. Gaming machine. The effect is an effect performed using a symbol display unit that displays various symbols in a predetermined area in a variable display and a stop display,
2. The operation accepting unit, when a symbol change display period is set as the predetermined determination condition, permits a midway change of the effect under an operation within the change display period as one condition. Or the gaming machine according to 2. A recording table that records a plurality of types of effects with different effect patterns, each associated with a reliability that is a transition probability to a special game state,
In the effect after the midway change, an appearance rate changing means for changing an appearance rate related to a high reliability effect or a low reliability effect,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Lottery means for determining by lottery whether to shift to the special game state based on the establishment of the starting condition,
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the appearance rate changing unit changes an appearance rate related to a high-reliability effect or a low-reliability effect according to a lottery result of the lottery unit. 6. The said appearance rate change means changes the appearance rate which concerns on the effect of high reliability or the effect of low reliability according to the operation situation of the effect change means with respect to the said predetermined determination condition. A gaming machine according to claim 1. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when an effect is changed in the middle of the effect by operating the effect changing means, an effect that is unlikely to appear in a normal state is preferentially caused to appear. Regarding whether or not the operation of the effect change means is effective, comprises an effect effect means for performing an effect effect,
The said notice production means performs the notice production when the operation of the said production change means is performed in the situation which should permit the midway change of the production by the said operation reception means, The claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. The gaming machine according to any one of 7. The appearance rate changing means, for the setting of the change of the appearance rate based on the lottery result, when it is possible to change the effect based on the operation of the effect changing means in response to the notice effect by the notice effect means, first, 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the appearance rate is changed again based on the set appearance rate. A sub-control device that controls at least a part of the gaming machine with a control signal output based on a main control device that outputs a control signal related to the progress of the game,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the effect change processing accompanying the operation of the effect changing means is processed in the sub-control device. A sub-control device that controls at least a part of the gaming machine with a control signal output based on a main control device that outputs a control signal related to the progress of the game,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the effect changing process accompanying the operation of the effect changing means is processed in the main control device. The effect to be performed after the operation of the effect changing means is advanced in advance with the effect before the change in the control, and after the operation of the effect changing device, the effect is switched to the effect that has been advanced in advance and executed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the effect is changed. A program for a gaming machine in which an effect based on the start condition is started in response to establishment of the start condition,
A first step in which an effect started in response to establishment of the start condition can be changed to another effect during the effect period;
A second step of determining whether or not to reflect the first step in an actual effect with reference to a predetermined determination condition;
A third step of adjusting the change timing of the effect based on the first step, and changing the actual effect on the way according to the adjusted timing;
A game program for causing a computer to change an actual effect on the way according to an external signal input to the first step to process these steps. A recording medium for a gaming machine in which an effect based on the start condition is started upon receiving the start condition,
A first step in which an effect started in response to establishment of the start condition can be changed to another effect during the effect period;
A second step of determining whether or not to reflect the first step in an actual effect with reference to a predetermined determination condition;
A third step of adjusting the change timing of the effect based on the first step, and changing the actual effect on the way according to the adjusted timing;
And a computer-readable recording medium which stores a game program for causing a computer to change an actual effect on the way according to an external signal input to the first step to process these steps.

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