JP2004159952A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine exhibiting improved performance effect by enabling a player himself or herself to participate in the performance of a game. <P>SOLUTION: A sub-control board 60 determines a big hit expectation degree when a game state is shifted to a lottery result report state. The big hit expectation degree indicates probability that a state shifted next is a big hit game state on the basis of the lottery result report state. The game machine includes a strobe unit 40; and an external input switch 70. The strobe unit 40 reports the big hit expectation degree to the player by emitting flashlight. The external input switch 70 can be operated by the player. The sub-control board 60 controls the strobe unit 40 in a mode which is determined in response to the big hit expectation degree when a signal is received from the external input switch 70 during the lottery result report state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine whose game state changes according to the game situation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Usually, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine in which a special symbol display portion is provided, the special symbol display portion has three display areas, and each display area is configured by a symbol or a symbol by a character. The identification information (special symbols) can be individually and variably displayed. After the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, when the variable display is stopped, for example, if the symbols displayed in the three display areas match, the gaming machine shifts to the big hit gaming state. In the big hit game state, the special winning opening opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, whereby the player can obtain many prize balls.
[0003]
After the special symbols are variably displayed in the three display areas, the variability display is sequentially stopped. Here, except for the special symbol in one display area, when the variable display of the special symbol in the two display areas is stopped, and when the variable display of the special symbol in the one display area is stopped, three displays are performed. When the symbols displayed in the area may be a combination indicating the transition to the jackpot gaming state, the gaming machine transitions to the reach state. In this reach state, if a predetermined symbol is displayed in the remaining one display area, it becomes a big hit, and this is the moment when the player is most interested in the game.
[0004]
Conventionally, when the gaming state becomes a reach state or a jackpot gaming state, in order to notify the occurrence of the gaming state and enhance the performance of the game, the lamp is repeatedly turned on and off or a special sound is generated from the speaker. Or In particular, when the game state is a reach state, a technique is known in which a predetermined lamp is turned on to notify the player that the probability of a big hit is high in addition to the occurrence of the reach state. (For example, see Patent Document 1). There is also known a technique in which a numerical value input by a player from an external switch affects a result of a big hit so that the player has a sense of participation in the game (for example, see Patent Document 2). ).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-24230A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-37268
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, conventionally, with respect to the production of a game, the gaming machine internally controls the lamp and the speaker according to the game state, and the player cannot participate in the production of the game. For this reason, during the game, the player merely passively watches the performance of the game performed by the gaming machine, and there is a problem that a high performance effect cannot be obtained.
[0007]
The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine which can obtain a high effect by having a player himself participate in a game effect.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which a gaming state changes in accordance with a gaming state, an external input means operable by a player, and a next transition from a specific gaming state. Control means for determining the degree of expectation indicating the probability that the game state to be played is a game state advantageous to the player; and notifying means for notifying the player of the degree of expectation, wherein the control means During the state, when the signal from the external input means is received, the notifying means is controlled in a manner determined according to the degree of expectation.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the notifying unit controls light emission of a discharge tube which emits light by a charge control signal for controlling charging of a capacitor and electric charge accumulated in the capacitor. It is a flash light emitting means whose flash light emission operation is controlled by a trigger control signal.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the control means generates the charge control signal in a pattern determined according to the expectation during the specific game state, The trigger control signal is generated when the signal from the external input unit is received regardless of the degree of expectation, and the generated charge control signal and the trigger control signal are transmitted to the flash light emitting unit. It is characterized by controlling the flash light emitting means.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the control means generates the charge control signal in a constant pattern during the specific game state regardless of the expectation. Whether or not to generate the trigger control signal when receiving a signal from external input means is determined according to the degree of expectation, and the generated charge control signal and the trigger control signal are transmitted to the flash light emitting means. Thus, the flash light emitting means is controlled.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the control means receives the signal from the external input means during the specific game state, and controls the charging control signal and the trigger control. The flash light emitting means is controlled by generating signals in a pattern determined according to the degree of expectation and sending the signals to the flash light emitting means.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect, an instruction means for instructing a player on a timing of operating the external input means is provided. It is.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspect, the specific game state is determined by a lottery performed when a game ball enters a specific winning opening. The state is a state from when the result is determined to when the result of the lottery is notified to the player.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a gaming board of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the gaming machine. Here, it is assumed that the gaming machine is a pachinko machine and is of a type that pays out a lending ball using a prepaid card, a so-called CR machine. Generally, a function of shifting to a probability fluctuation state is added to a CR machine.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine according to the first embodiment includes a gaming board 10, a plurality of illumination display units 20, speakers 30, three strobe units (flash light units) 40, A control board 50, a sub-control board (control means) 60, and an external input switch (external input means) 70 are provided. Here, FIG. 2 shows only one illumination display unit 20 and one strobe unit 40.
[0017]
The game board 10 is provided with a special symbol display section 11, a special symbol starting port 12, a special symbol starting switch 13, a special electric accessory 14, a special electric accessory solenoid 15, and an out port 16. ing.
[0018]
A special symbol display section 11 is provided slightly above the center of the game board 10. As the special symbol display section 11, for example, a liquid crystal display is used. The special symbol display unit 11 has three (left, middle, and right) display areas, and can individually and variably display identification information including a symbol or a symbol in each display area. . The control of the special symbol display unit 11 is performed by the sub-control board 60 based on a command from the main control board 50. The identification information displayed in each display area is usually called a special symbol. Then, after the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, when the variable display is stopped, the combination of the symbols displayed in the three display areas becomes a specific mode, so that the player is notified of the big hit. . Then, the gaming machine shifts to the jackpot gaming state. Here, there are two types of jackpots: “normal jackpot” and “special jackpot”.
[0019]
In the gaming state of the normal jackpot and the special jackpot, the special electric accessory 14 opens and closes (jackpot processing), and a chance of winning a large number of game balls is obtained. In particular, in the special jackpot game state, unlike the normal jackpot game state, a probability variation state occurs. This probability variation state is a state in which the probability of a big hit next time after the big hit processing ends becomes higher than usual. The big hit gaming state and the probability variation state are gaming states that are advantageous to the player.
[0020]
After the special symbols are variably displayed in the three display areas, the variability display is sequentially stopped. Here, except for the special symbol in one display area, when the variable display of the special symbol in the two display areas is stopped, and when the variable display of the special symbol in the one display area is stopped, three displays are performed. When the symbols displayed in the area may be a combination indicating the transition to the jackpot gaming state, the gaming machine transitions to the reach state. This reach state is the moment when the player is most interested in the game.
[0021]
Below the special symbol display section 11, a special symbol starting port 12, a special electric accessory 14, and an out port 16 are provided.
[0022]
The special symbol starting port 12 is located immediately below the special symbol display unit 11. A special symbol start switch 13 is provided inside the special symbol start port 12. The special symbol start switch 13 detects that the game ball has passed a specific area, that is, that the game ball has entered the special symbol start port 12 in this case. The detection signal from the special symbol start switch 13 is sent to the main control board 50. Then, upon receiving such a detection signal, the main control board 50 performs a jackpot lottery, and determines whether it is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot. Thereafter, when the main control board 50 sends a predetermined command to the sub-control board 60 based on the lottery result, the sub-control board 60 starts changing the special symbol in the special symbol display section 11. The combination of the symbols displayed in the three display areas when the special symbol change display is stopped notifies the player of the result of the jackpot lottery. The special symbol starting port 12 is one of winning ports. When a game ball enters the special symbol starting port 12, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out.
[0023]
In the following, the game state from when the result of the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball enters the special symbol starting port 12 to when the result of the jackpot lottery is notified to the player, This is referred to as “lottery result notification state”. The lottery result notification state includes the above-described reach state.
[0024]
The special electric accessory 14 is a special winning opening that opens and closes in a predetermined pattern when a big hit occurs. Specifically, the special electric auditors product 14 ends the opening operation once the predetermined number of game balls win or the predetermined time elapses after the opening. Then, when conditions such as when the winning game ball has passed a specific area in the special electric auditors goods 14 are satisfied, the special electric auditors goods 14 opens and closes again. Such opening and closing operations are performed a predetermined number of times. The opening and closing of the special electric accessory 14 is performed by the special electric accessory solenoid 15 based on a signal from the main control board 50.
[0025]
An out port 16 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 10, and game balls that do not win are collected through the out port 16.
[0026]
The illuminated display unit 20 is provided on the periphery of the game board 10. The illuminated display unit 20 includes a large number of light emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, and the like, and mainly performs a game effect. When the main control board 50 sends a command to the sub-control board 60 according to the progress of the game, the sub-control board 60 controls the illumination display unit 20.
[0027]
Further, the speaker 30 performs a game effect by sound. When the main control board 50 sends a command to the sub-control board 60 according to the progress of the game, the sub-control board 60 controls the speaker 30.
[0028]
The strobe unit 40 is for notifying the player of the expectation of a big hit by emitting a flash, and corresponds to the notifying means of the present invention. The big hit expectation will be described later in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the strobe unit 40 is connected to the sub-control board 60 via a power supply line, a charge control line, and a trigger control line. The sub-control board 60 supplies power to the strobe unit 40 via a power supply line. The sub-control board 60 sends a charge control signal to the strobe unit 40 via a charge control line and a trigger control signal via a trigger control line, and controls the operation of the strobe unit 40 based on these two signals. . Generally, the strobe unit 40 has a capacitor, a booster circuit, a trigger control circuit, and a xenon tube as a discharge tube. The charge control signal is a signal for controlling charging of the capacitor. When the strobe unit 40 receives the charge control signal, the booster circuit oscillates and charges the capacitor. The capacitor is charged while the charge control signal is on. The trigger control signal is a signal for controlling the light emission of the xenon tube that emits light by the electric charge stored in the capacitor. That is, when the strobe unit 40 receives the trigger control signal, the trigger control circuit applies a high voltage to the xenon tube. Thereby, the conduction state in the xenon tube is turned on, and the electric charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through the xenon tube. Thus, a flash is emitted from the xenon tube.
[0029]
The external input switch 70 is a switch that can be operated by the player, and for example, a push switch is used. The external input switch 70 is provided, for example, at a predetermined position below the game board 10 at a portion where an upper plate, a lower plate, a launching device, and the like are attached. In the first embodiment, the player is informed in advance how to use the external input switch 70. That is, for example, when the gaming machine has shifted to the lottery result notification state, the external input switch 70 is pressed once each in the first half period and the second half period of the lottery result notification state. The signal from the external input switch 70 is sent to the sub control board 60. When receiving the signal from the external input switch 70, the sub-control board 60 controls the strobe unit 40 to notify the player of the big hit expectation.
[0030]
The main control board 50 and the sub control board 60 are mounted on the back surface of the game board 10. The sub-control board 60 is connected to the main control board 50 via a communication cable line. The main control board 50 and the sub-control board 60 each incorporate a ROM, a RAM, a CPU, and the like.
[0031]
The main control board 50 mainly controls and manages game contents and payout of game balls. Specifically, the main control board 50 recognizes a winning situation based on a signal from a switch provided in each winning opening, and in accordance with the winning situation, instructs payout of a predetermined number of winning balls. An instruction command is output to the sub-control board 60, and an effect instruction command for instructing the contents of the game effect is output to the sub-control board 60.
[0032]
Further, the main control board 50 performs a jackpot lottery process and a jackpot process. Specifically, upon receiving a signal from the special symbol start switch 13, the main control board 50 performs a random number lottery and determines whether it is off, a normal big hit or a special big hit. The main control board 50 sends a predetermined command to the sub control board 60 based on the lottery result. As such a command, a command relating to a variation pattern indicating the content of the symbol variation is used. These fluctuation patterns are roughly classified into three patterns. That is, a deviation variation pattern, a first reach variation pattern, and a second reach variation pattern. If the lottery result is out of order, the main control board 50 selects one of the out-of-office variation pattern and the first reach variation pattern. On the other hand, if the lottery result is a hit, the second reach variation pattern is selected. The deviation change pattern is a change pattern in which the symbols are not a combination indicating the shift to the reach state, and the first reach change pattern is a change pattern in which the symbols are a combination indicating the shift to the reach state. In the deviation variation pattern and the first reach variation pattern, since the lottery result is a deviation, the stop symbol when the symbol fluctuation display is finally stopped is a combination indicating the deviation. The second reach variation pattern is a variation pattern in which a symbol indicates a transition to a reach state, and a stop symbol is a combination representing a normal big hit or a special big hit. Here, for example, in the case of a special jackpot, a specific identical odd number is used as a stop symbol displayed in the three display areas of the special symbol display unit 11, and in the case of a normal jackpot, a specific identical even number is used. Used.
[0033]
Furthermore, when the lottery result is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot, the main control board 50 controls the jackpot process, that is, the opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 14. In particular, in the case of a special jackpot, the main control board 50 shifts to a state in which the probability of a jackpot is higher than usual next time, that is, a so-called probability variation state, after the end of the jackpot processing. The next time the special jackpot is reached, the state changes again to the probability fluctuation state.
[0034]
The sub-control board 60 mainly implements functions related to the production of games. That is, the sub-control board 60 controls the special symbol display unit 11 according to the progress of the game, and also controls the illumination display unit 20, the speaker 30, and the strobe unit 40. The sub-control board 60 receives a command from the main control board 50 and executes a predetermined process.
[0035]
For example, when the sub-control board 60 receives a command related to a fluctuation pattern from the main control board 50, the sub-control board 60 performs the following processing. When receiving the command related to the variation pattern, the sub-control board 60 determines the jackpot expectation degree. The jackpot expectation degree represents a probability that the next gaming state to be shifted from the lottery result notification state is the jackpot gaming state. In the first embodiment, the jackpot expectation degree is represented by three levels of high, medium, and low. For example, when the variation pattern is a deviation variation pattern, the sub-control board 60 sets the current jackpot expectation degree such that the high, medium, and low expectation rates appear at 5%, 10%, and 85%, respectively. decide. If the variation pattern is the first reach variation pattern, the current big hit expectation is determined so that the high, medium, and low expectations appear at the rates of 10%, 20%, and 70%, respectively. If the variation pattern is the second reach variation pattern, the current big hit expectation is determined so that the high, medium, and low expectations appear at the rates of 80%, 15%, and 5%, respectively.
[0036]
When receiving a signal from the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state (specific game state), the sub control board 60 operates in a manner determined according to the determined big hit expectation degree. Control. The specific mode of control is as follows. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the external input switch 70 is pressed by the player once each in the first half period and the second half period of the lottery result notification state. When the big hit expectation is high, the sub-control board 60 emits a flash when the external input switch 70 is pressed in any of the first half and the second half of the lottery result notification state. . When the jackpot expectation degree is medium, a flash is emitted when the external input switch 70 is pressed only during one of the first half and the second half of the lottery result notification state. Further, when the jackpot expectation degree is low, no flash is emitted when the external input switch 70 is pressed in either the first half or the second half of the lottery result notification state.
[0037]
Since the sub-control board 60 controls the strobe unit 40 by two signals, a charge control signal and a trigger control signal, the following three methods can be considered as a method of controlling the strobe unit 40 in accordance with the big hit expectation. Can be In the first control method, the sub-control board 60 generates the charging control signal in a pattern determined according to the jackpot expectation during the lottery result notification state, and generates the trigger control signal regardless of the jackpot expectation. This is a method that occurs when a signal from the external input switch 70 is received, and sends the generated charge control signal and trigger control signal to the strobe unit 40. The second control method is that the sub-control board 60 generates a charge control signal in a constant pattern regardless of the jackpot expectation degree and receives a signal from the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state. In this method, it is determined whether or not a trigger control signal is to be generated in accordance with the jackpot expectation degree, and the generated charge control signal and trigger control signal are sent to the strobe unit 40. In the third control method, when the sub-control board 60 receives a signal from the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state, the sub-control board 60 determines the charge control signal and the trigger control signal in accordance with the big hit expectation. This is a method that is generated in a pattern and sent to the strobe unit 40.
[0038]
Therefore, when the player presses the external input switch 70 once in each of the first half period and the second half period of the lottery result notification state, the number of times the strobe unit 40 emits a flash light can be a big hit this time. You can know whether it is high or low. Further, in the first embodiment, even when the combination of the special symbols does not become the combination indicating the reach state, the strobe unit 40 may emit a flash light, and the flash light emission may cause a big hit. The player's expectation can be raised. Further, even when the special symbol is changing, a flash may be emitted, and the emission of the flash can enhance a player's sense of expectation.
[0039]
When the sub-control board 60 receives a command related to the fluctuation pattern from the main control board 50, it sends a predetermined command to the special symbol display section 11 and also sends the illumination data and voice to the illumination display section 20 and the speaker 30, respectively. Send data. Thereby, the special symbol display unit 11 variably displays the symbols according to the variation pattern. Then, the illumination display unit 20 and the speaker 30 perform a game effect according to the variation pattern.
[0040]
Next, a control process of the strobe unit 40 performed by the sub-control board 60 during the lottery result notification state in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining control of the strobe unit 40 performed by the sub-control board 60 according to the first control method during the lottery result notification state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a drawing in the gaming machine. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining control of the strobe unit 40 performed by the sub control board 60 according to the second control method during the result notification state. FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining control of the strobe unit 40 performed by a third control method. 3, 4, and 5, a case is considered in which the player presses the external input switch 70 once each in the first half period and the second half period of the lottery result notification state.
[0041]
First, the first control method will be described. FIG. 3A is a time chart of the charging control signal, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the big hit expectation is low in the first control method, and FIG. FIG. 3C shows a time chart of the charge control signal, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the jackpot expectation is medium in the control method, and FIG. 4 shows a time chart of a charge control signal, a trigger control signal, and a signal from the external input switch 70 when the signal is high. 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c) also show time charts of the charged state of the capacitor.
[0042]
In the first control method, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the sub-control board 60 has a high jackpot expectation degree of any of high, medium, and low. When receiving a signal from the external input switch 70, a trigger control signal is generated. Therefore, the trigger control signal is generated when the player presses the external input switch 70, and is sent from the sub control board 60 to the strobe unit 40. On the other hand, when the jackpot expectation degree is low, the sub-control board 60 does not generate the charge control signal during the lottery result notification state, as shown in FIG. Therefore, during the lottery result notification state, the capacitor of the strobe unit 40 remains in the non-charged state, and even if the player presses the external input switch 70, no flash is emitted from the strobe unit 40. When the jackpot expectation degree is medium, the sub control board 60 does not generate the charge control signal during the first half of the lottery result notification state, as shown in FIG. It always occurs during the second half of the state. Therefore, the strobe unit 40 charges only during the latter half of the lottery result notification state. Therefore, even if the player presses the external input switch 70 during the first half of the lottery result notification state, no flash is emitted, but the player presses the external input switch 70 during the latter half of the lottery result notification state. Sometimes a flash is emitted. Further, when the big hit expectation is high, the sub-control board 60 always generates the charge control signal during the lottery result notification state as shown in FIG. 3C. Therefore, the strobe unit 40 constantly charges during the lottery result notification state. Therefore, in both the first half and the second half of the lottery result notification state, when the player presses the external input switch 70, a flash is emitted.
[0043]
Next, a second control method will be described. FIG. 4A is a time chart of the charging control signal, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the big hit expectation is low in the second control method, and FIG. FIG. 4C shows a time chart of the charge control signal, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the jackpot expectation is medium in the control method. FIG. 4 shows a time chart of a charge control signal, a trigger control signal, and a signal from the external input switch 70 when the signal is high. 4A, 4B, and 4C also show time charts of the charged state of the capacitor.
[0044]
In this second control method, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the sub-control board 60 has a large hit expectation degree of any of high, medium, and low. The charge control signal is constantly generated during the lottery result notification state. On the other hand, when the jackpot expectation degree is low, the sub control board 60 receives the signal from the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state as shown in FIG. Does not occur. Therefore, even if the player presses the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state, the flash unit 40 does not emit flash light. When the jackpot expectation degree is medium, the sub-control board 60 receives a signal from the external input switch 70 during the first half of the lottery result notification state as shown in FIG. Does not generate a trigger control signal, but generates a trigger control signal when receiving a signal from the external input switch 70 during the latter half of the lottery result notification state. Therefore, even if the player presses the external input switch 70 during the first half of the lottery result notification state, no flash is emitted, but the player presses the external input switch 70 during the latter half of the lottery result notification state. Sometimes a flash is emitted. Further, when the jackpot expectation degree is high, the sub-control board 60, as shown in FIG. 4C, sets the external input switch 70 in either the first half period or the second half period of the lottery result notification state. A trigger control signal is generated when a signal is received from. Therefore, in both the first half and the second half of the lottery result notification state, when the player presses the external input switch 70, a flash is emitted.
[0045]
Incidentally, comparing the first control method and the second control method, the second control method of changing the occurrence pattern of the trigger control signal in accordance with the expectation of the big hit indicates that the occurrence pattern of the charge control signal There is an advantage that the control is easier than the first control method that changes according to.
[0046]
Next, a third control method will be described. FIG. 5A is a time chart of the charge control signal, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the big hit expectation is low in the third control method, and FIG. FIG. 5C shows a time chart of the charge control signal, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the jackpot expectation is medium in the control method, and FIG. 4 shows a time chart of a charge control signal, a trigger control signal, and a signal from the external input switch 70 when the signal is high. 5 (a), 5 (b) and 5 (c) also show time charts of the charged state of the capacitor.
[0047]
In the third control method, when the jackpot expectation degree is low, the sub-control board 60 receives a signal from the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state as shown in FIG. However, no charge control signal and trigger control signal are generated. Therefore, even if the player presses the external input switch 70 during the lottery result notification state, the flash unit 40 does not emit flash light. When the big hit expectation degree is medium, the sub control board 40 receives the signal from the external input switch 70 in the first half period of the lottery result notification state as shown in FIG. Also does not generate a charge control signal and a trigger control signal. However, in the latter half of the lottery result notification state, when the sub-control board 40 receives a signal from the external input switch 70, it generates a charging control signal for a predetermined period (charging period). Here, the charging period is set as a period sufficient to completely charge the capacitor. Then, after the charging period has elapsed, the sub-control board 40 stops generating the charge control signal and generates a trigger control signal. Therefore, even if the player presses the external input switch 70 during the first half of the lottery result notification state, no flash is emitted, but the player presses the external input switch 70 during the latter half of the lottery result notification state. Sometimes a flash is emitted. Furthermore, when the jackpot expectation degree is high, the sub-control board 40 controls the external input switch 70 regardless of the first half period or the second half period of the lottery result notification state as shown in FIG. , A charge control signal is generated for a predetermined charge period. Then, after the charging period has elapsed, the sub-control board 40 stops generating the charge control signal and generates a trigger control signal. Therefore, in both the first half and the second half of the lottery result notification state, when the player presses the external input switch 70, a flash is emitted.
[0048]
The gaming machine of the first embodiment includes an external input switch operable by the player, and a strobe unit for notifying the player of the jackpot expectation degree. Upon receiving a signal from the input switch, the strobe unit is controlled in a manner determined according to the expectation of the big hit. Thereby, the player can participate in the production of the game through his / her own act of pressing the external input switch, so that the production effect of the game can be enhanced.
[0049]
In addition, by using a strobe unit as the notification means, it is possible to emit a strong flash compared to the light from a light emitting diode or incandescent lamp when notifying the expected value of a big hit, so that a game that has an impact on the player Can be produced.
[0050]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a gaming board of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic functional block diagram of the gaming machine. In the second embodiment, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment includes a gaming board 10a, a plurality of illuminated display units 20, a speaker 30, three strobe units (flash light units) 40, A control board 50, a sub-control board (control means) 60, and an external input switch (external input means) 70 are provided. Here, FIG. 7 shows only one illumination display unit 20 and one strobe unit 40. The game board 10a is provided with a special symbol display section 11a, a special symbol starting port 12, a special symbol starting switch 13, a special electric accessory 14, a special electric accessory solenoid 15, and an out port 16. ing.
[0052]
The point that the gaming machine of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment is that not only the role of notifying the result of the jackpot lottery to the special symbol display unit 11a but also the timing of operating the external input switch 70 to the player. The point is that it has a role as an instruction means for giving an instruction. For example, the special symbol display section 11a can display character information indicating "press the external input switch" in three display areas. When the sub-control board 60 sends a predetermined command to the special symbol display unit 11a, the special symbol display unit 11a displays such character information.
[0053]
Further, in the second embodiment, the special symbol display section 11a has a role of displaying a message corresponding to the presence or absence of flash light emission from the strobe unit 40. For example, the special symbol display unit 11a displays character information “sorry” in three display areas when the flash unit 40 does not emit a flash, and displays three characters when the flash unit 40 emits a flash. Character information "good feeling" is displayed in the display area. The display of these character information is also controlled by a predetermined command from the sub-control board 60.
[0054]
Next, in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the details of control performed by the sub-control board 60 during the lottery result notification state will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the control performed by the sub-control board 60 during the lottery result notification state in the gaming machine of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a time chart for the command to the special symbol display unit 11a, the charge control signal, the charge state of the capacitor, the trigger control signal, and the signal from the external input switch 70 when the jackpot expectation degree is medium. Is shown. Here, the above-described second control method is used as a control method of the strobe unit 40.
[0055]
The sub-control board 60 constantly generates the charge control signal during the lottery result notification state (specific game state). Further, upon receiving a command related to the fluctuation pattern from the main control board 50, the sub-control board 60 determines the jackpot expectation degree. Here, it is assumed that the jackpot expectation degree is determined to be “medium”. The sub-control board 60 sends a command to the special symbol display unit 11a to display "Press the external input switch" once each in the first half period and the second half period of the lottery result notification state. Send out. When the special symbol display unit 11a receives such a command from the sub-control board 60, the special symbol display unit 11a displays character information "Press the external input switch." In three display areas.
[0056]
When such character information is displayed in the display area of the special symbol display section 11a, the player presses the external input switch 70 according to the instruction. First, the case where the player presses the external input switch 70 during the first half of the lottery result notification state will be described. In this case, the sub-control board 60 does not generate a trigger control signal even when receiving a signal from the external input switch 70. Therefore, even if the player presses the external input switch 70, no flash light is emitted from the strobe unit 40. Further, upon receiving a signal from the external input switch 70, the sub-control board 60 sends a command for canceling the display "press the external input switch." To the special symbol display section 11a. As a result, the display "Press the external input switch" disappears from the three display areas in the special symbol display section 11a. After that, the sub-control board 60 sends a command for displaying "sorry" to the special symbol display unit 11a in response to the flash not being emitted this time. Upon receiving such a command, the special symbol display unit 11a displays character information "sorry" on the three display areas for a certain period.
[0057]
Next, a case where the player presses the external input switch 70 during the latter half of the lottery result notification state will be described. In this case, when receiving a signal from the external input switch 70, the sub-control board 60 generates a trigger control signal. Therefore, when the player presses the external input switch 70, a flash is emitted. Further, upon receiving a signal from the external input switch 70, the sub-control board 60 sends a command for canceling the display "press the external input switch." To the special symbol display section 11a. As a result, the display "Press the external input switch" disappears from the three display areas in the special symbol display section 11a. Thereafter, the sub-control board 60 sends a command for displaying a "good feeling" to the special symbol display unit 11a in response to the emission of the flash this time. Upon receiving such a command, the special symbol display section 11a displays character information "good feeling" in three display areas for a certain period.
[0058]
In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the player is enthusiastic about the game and operates the external input switch by providing the instruction means (special symbol display unit) for instructing the player when to operate the external input switch. Even when the player forgets to perform the operation or does not know when the player operates the external input switch, the operation timing of the external input switch can be reliably notified to the player. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0059]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist.
[0060]
For example, in the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which, during the lottery result notification state, the expectation degree of the big hit is notified to the player based on the number of flashes emitted from the strobe unit. By doing so, the jackpot expectation degree may be reported. In this case, a strobe unit capable of changing the amount of flash light emitted in accordance with the pulse width of the trigger control signal is used. For example, a strobe unit that emits a stronger flash as the pulse width of the trigger control signal is larger is used.
[0061]
Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the special symbol display unit is used as the instruction means for instructing the player on the operation timing of the external input switch has been described. May be instructed.
[0062]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case has been described in which a strobe unit is used as the notification unit to notify the player of the jackpot expectation degree. For example, a light emitting diode or a general lamp may be used as the notification unit. . Alternatively, the big hit expectation may be notified by voice by using a speaker as the notifying means, or the big hit expectation may be notified by character information or the like by using a symbol display device as the notifying means.
[0063]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the jackpot expectation degree is notified to the player by the notification means during the lottery result notification state has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the jackpot gaming state (specific gaming state) During this time, the player may be notified by the notification means of the degree of expectation representing the probability that the next gaming state to be shifted from the big hit gaming state is the probability fluctuation state.
[0064]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the sub control board determines the jackpot expectation is described, but the main control board may determine the jackpot expectation.
[0065]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the external input means that can be operated by the player and the probability that the gaming state to which the specific gaming state shifts to the next is a gaming state advantageous to the player. Notification means for notifying the player of the degree of expectation, wherein the control means determines the notifying means according to the degree of expectation when receiving a signal from the external input means during a specific game state. Control in the manner described above. This allows the player to participate in the production of the game through his / her own act of operating the external input means, thereby increasing the production effect of the game.
[0067]
In addition, by using the flash light emitting means as the notification means, when informing the expected value, it is possible to emit a flash light intense compared to the light from the light emitting diode or incandescent lamp, so that a game having an impact on the player can be performed. You can make a production. Further, by providing an instruction means for instructing the player when to operate the external input means, when the player is absorbed in the game and forgets to operate the external input means, or when the player Even when it is not known when to operate the means, the operation timing of the external input means can be reliably notified to the player.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a game board of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the gaming machine.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining control of a strobe unit performed by a sub-control board by a first control method during a lottery result notification state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining control of a strobe unit performed by a sub-control board by a second control method during a lottery result notification state in the gaming machine.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining control of a strobe unit performed by a sub-control board by a third control method during a lottery result notification state in the gaming machine.
FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a gaming board of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic functional block diagram of the gaming machine.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining control performed by a sub-control board during a lottery result notification state in the gaming machine of the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10,10a game board
11, 11a Special symbol display
12 Special design opening
13 Special design start switch
14 Special electric accessories
15 Solenoid for special electric accessory
16 Out mouth
20 Illumination display
30 speakers
40 strobe unit
50 Main control board
60 Sub-control board
70 External input switch

Claims (7)

In gaming machines where the gaming state changes according to the gaming situation,
External input means operable by a player;
Control means for determining a degree of expectation representing a probability that the next game state to be shifted from a specific game state is a game state advantageous to the player;
Notifying means for notifying the player of the degree of expectation,
The control means controls the notification means in a mode determined according to the degree of expectation when receiving a signal from the external input means during the specific game state. Gaming machine. The notifying means is a flash light emitting means in which a flash light emitting operation is controlled by a charge control signal for controlling charging of a capacitor and a trigger control signal for controlling light emission of a discharge tube which emits light by electric charge accumulated in the capacitor. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control means generates the charge control signal in a pattern determined according to the expectation during the specific game state, and outputs the trigger control signal from the external input means regardless of the expectation. 3. The game according to claim 2, wherein the flash light emitting means is controlled by transmitting the generated charge control signal and the trigger control signal to the flash light emitting means when the signal is received. Machine. The control means generates the charge control signal in a constant pattern regardless of the expected degree during the specific game state, and generates the trigger control signal when receiving a signal from the external input means. Determining whether or not to perform the operation, in accordance with the degree of expectation, and transmitting the generated charge control signal and the trigger control signal to the flash light emitting means to control the flash light emitting means. Item 3. The gaming machine according to Item 2. The control means, during the specific game state, when receiving a signal from the external input means, the charge control signal and the trigger control signal are respectively generated in a pattern determined according to the expected degree 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the flash light emitting means is controlled by transmitting the light to the flash light emitting means. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit for instructing a player when to operate the external input unit. The specific gaming state is a state between the time when the result of the lottery performed when the game ball enters the specific winning opening is determined and the time when the result of the lottery is notified to the player. The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

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