JP2004298426A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine for synchronizing the change of a mode to be recognized by an image with rhythm to be recognized by presentation sound even when the presentation sound is continuously generated. <P>SOLUTION: When variation display is performed, the display of the image in a fixed state is kept for a prescribed time from the start of the variation display till a presentation order position decided by the playing order of presentation sound reaches a prescribed position. The image in a mode with movement corresponding to prescribed rhythm are displayed according to display order on condition that the playing order position of the presentation sound reaches the prescribed position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball and ball game machine that performs effects with images and sounds with a sound as a ball game progresses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
BACKGROUND ART A ball-and-ball game machine has a display device including a liquid crystal display or the like for displaying a design image or an effect image, and a speaker for emitting effect sound such as sound effect or music. In the conventional ball and ball game machine, the effect by the image and the effect by the sound were performed separately.
[0003]
For example, when a game ball wins the start winning opening, a symbol image is displayed on the display device, and a slot game as performed in a so-called slot machine is performed on the display device. At the start of the slot game, the variable display of the symbol image is started, and the sound effect is also started at the same time. In this way, when the variation display of the symbol image and the effect by voice are started at the same time, the change of the variation display mode of the symbol image, for example, the movement of the symbol or the update of the content of the symbol, and the generated voice Was able to synchronize with the rhythm that can be recognized from.
[0004]
Further, when the result of the slot game is a big hit, a special winning opening is opened to make it easier for game balls to win the special winning opening, and a game that can be advantageous to the player is executed. This special winning opening is closed when a predetermined condition is satisfied after being opened. The unit game is often repeated a plurality of times with the unit from the opening of the special winning opening to the next closing as a unit game. In such a case as well, an image of the moving object is displayed on the display device and the effect by the image is performed, and simultaneously the effect by sound is started. When the special winning opening is opened for the first time, the effect by image and the effect by sound can be started at the same time, and the change in the mode of the image of the moving object and the rhythm that can be recognized from the emitted sound are synchronized. Was completed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-300767
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there has been no conventional ball-and-play game machine that continuously performs sound effects over a plurality of variable displays, or continuously performs sound effects over a plurality of unit games. Therefore, in the conventional ball game machine, when the effect by the sound is continuously performed, as described above, the effect by the image and the effect by the sound are performed separately. There has been a case where the change in the mode of the image and the rhythm that can be recognized from the voice are not synchronized.
[0007]
For example, when the slot game on the display device is performed a plurality of times and the effect by voice is continuously performed, as described above, in the first slot game, the change of the mode of the variable display of the symbol image and I was able to synchronize with the rhythm. However, when the second and subsequent slot games are performed, the effect of voice has already been started, and therefore, depending on the timing of starting the variable display, the change in the variable display mode of the symbol image and the rhythm are not synchronized. In some cases, the effect was reduced.
[0008]
Also, in the case where the unit game is performed a plurality of times by repeatedly opening and closing the special winning opening, when the first unit game is performed, it is possible to synchronize the change in the form of the image with the rhythm when the first unit game is performed. Was.
[0009]
On the other hand, this unit game ends when the number of game balls winning the special winning opening reaches a predetermined number, or when the time from when the special winning opening is opened reaches a predetermined time. Therefore, the end timing of the unit game differs for each unit game depending on the end condition satisfied during the execution of the unit game.
[0010]
Further, the timing of starting the unit game after the second time is determined according to the timing of ending the unit game completed earlier. For this reason, in the conventional device, the timing for starting the second and subsequent unit games cannot be made constant.
[0011]
As described above, when the unit game is performed for the second time or later, the sound effect has already been started, and in addition to this, the start timing of the unit game could not be fixed, so that the image In some cases, the change of the mode and the rhythm are not synchronized, and the effect of the effect is reduced.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the ball game machine of the present invention, when performing variable display, the play order position determined by the play order of the effect sound reaches a predetermined position after the variable display is started. For a predetermined period of time, the display of an image in a certain mode is maintained, and an image in a mode with a motion corresponding to a predetermined rhythm is provided on condition that the performance order position of the production sound has reached a predetermined position. Are displayed in the display order.
[0013]
Also, when starting a unit game, a predetermined mode of image display is performed for a predetermined time from when the unit game is started to when a play order position determined by the play order of the effect sound reaches a predetermined position. The image is maintained and the image in a mode having a motion according to a predetermined rhythm is displayed in a display order on condition that the performance order position of the effect sound reaches a predetermined position.
[0014]
More specifically, the present invention provides the following ball game machine.
[0015]
(1) a starting winning port provided in a game area of a game board and in which a game ball can win;
A display device on which a fluctuation display and a stop display of a symbol image are performed,
Game control means for controlling the variable display and the stop display based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening, and controlling the progress of the game determined based on the stop display,
An audio output device that outputs an effect audio in accordance with the progress of the game,
Storage means for storing effect sound data for outputting as the effect sound and effect image data for displaying an effect image including the image of the symbol,
Effect sound control means for outputting the effect sound based on the effect sound data in accordance with a play order according to a predetermined rhythm, and effect image control means for displaying the effect image based on the effect image data in a predetermined display order And effect control means consisting of:
The effect image control means, after a start of the variable display, for a predetermined time until a play order position determined by the play order reaches a predetermined position, maintain the display of an image in a certain mode, And,
A bulletin performing an image-sound-linked effect of displaying an image in a mode having a motion corresponding to the predetermined rhythm in accordance with the display order, on condition that the performance order position reaches the predetermined position. Ball game machine.
[0016]
According to the above-described invention (1), when the variable display is started, the display of the image in a certain mode is maintained, and then the predetermined rhythm is performed on condition that the performance order position reaches the predetermined position. In response, an image in a mode with motion is displayed. Thus, regardless of the timing of the start of the variable display, when the performance order position reaches the predetermined position, the display of the image is advanced again. For this reason, when an effect sound includes a rhythm that can be perceived perceptually, the effect image can be displayed by synchronizing the change in the mode visually recognizable from the displayed image with the rhythm. In addition, since the symbol image is variably displayed, the symbol moving timing and the symbol content updating timing can be displayed in synchronization with the rhythm.
[0017]
In the present specification, the “rhythm” is a rhythm that is periodically repeated, and may be any rhythm that can be recognized by the player from the effect sound, and includes a case where the rhythm changes midway. Further, the “production sound” is not limited to musical music, and may be any sound such as a so-called continuous sound effect as long as it can recognize some rhythm.
[0018]
(2) a starting winning opening and a special winning opening provided in the game area of the game board and in which a game ball can win;
A display device on which a fluctuation display and a stop display of a symbol image are performed,
Game control means for controlling the variable display and the stop display based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening, and controlling the progress of the game determined based on the stop display,
When the image of the symbol stopped and displayed on the display device is in a predetermined mode, an easy winning state in which a gaming ball easily wins in the special winning opening, or a game ball wins in the special winning opening. Special game execution means for controlling the game to be in a difficult winning state, and executing a special game that can be performed a plurality of times as a unit game from the easy winning state to the difficult winning state,
An audio output device that outputs an effect audio in accordance with the progress of the game,
Storage means for storing effect sound data for outputting as the effect sound and effect image data for displaying an effect image including the image of the symbol,
Effect sound control means for outputting the effect sound based on the effect sound data in accordance with a play order according to a predetermined rhythm, and effect image control means for displaying the effect image based on the effect image data in a predetermined display order And effect control means consisting of:
The effect image control means, for a predetermined time from the start of the unit game until the play order position determined by the play order reaches a predetermined position, maintain the display of an image in a certain mode, And,
A bulletin performing an image-sound-linked effect of displaying an image in a mode having a motion corresponding to the predetermined rhythm in accordance with the display order, on condition that the performance order position reaches the predetermined position. Ball game machine.
[0019]
According to the above-described invention (2), when the unit game is started, the display of the image in a certain mode is maintained, and then the predetermined rhythm is performed on the condition that the playing order position reaches the predetermined position. Is displayed in accordance with the moving image. Thereby, regardless of the start timing of the unit game, when the performance order position reaches the predetermined position, the display of the image is advanced again.
[0020]
As described above, the timing at which the unit game ends depends on the end condition satisfied during the execution of the unit game. However, according to the invention of (2), when the performance order position reaches the predetermined position, the display of the image is advanced again, so that even if the timing of ending the unit game is any timing, the performance order is not changed. The display of an image can always be started from a certain timing according to the position. For this reason, when the effect sound includes a rhythm that can be perceived perceptually, the effect image can be displayed such that the change in the mode visually recognizable from the displayed image changes in synchronization with the rhythm.
[0021]
For example, in a case where an image of a mode in which a moving object such as a human or an animal is performing some kind of operation is displayed as a rendering image, a change in the mode of motion of the moving object is synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound. , An effect image can be displayed.
[0022]
(3) The ball game machine according to (1), wherein the effect sound control means continuously emits the effect sound while the game from the variable display to the stop display is performed a plurality of times.
[0023]
According to the above-described invention (3), the effect sound is continuously emitted while the game from the variable display to the stop display is performed a plurality of times. Therefore, the effect sound is continuously emitted over the plurality of games. Even when the game is played, a symbol image can be displayed so as to be synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound not only in the game played first but also in the game played thereafter.
[0024]
(4) The ball game machine according to (2), wherein the effect sound control means continuously emits the effect sound while the unit game is performed a plurality of times.
[0025]
According to the above-described invention (4), the effect sound is continuously emitted while the unit game is performed a plurality of times, so that the effect sound is continuously emitted over the plurality of unit games. Even in this case, a symbol image can be displayed not only in the first unit game but also in each subsequent unit game so as to be synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound.
[0026]
(5) The ball game machine according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the effect image control means repeatedly displays an effect image of one aspect to an effect image of another aspect.
[0027]
According to the invention of the above (5), since the image from one mode to the image of another mode is repeatedly displayed, the data amount of the effect image data to be stored in the storage means can be reduced, and such a configuration is adopted. Also, the effect image synchronized with the effect sound rhythm can always be displayed.
[0028]
(6) The game control means includes a lottery means for selecting a combination of the plurality of symbols as an image of the symbol, and
The effect control means, an effect selection means to select from a plurality of effect groups including a specific effect performed in a specific game that the game result may be advantageous to the player and the effect,
Specific effect determination means for determining whether or not to execute the specific effect by a lottery result by the lottery means and the effect selection means, and
The ballistic game machine according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein when the specific effect determination unit determines to execute the specific effect, the effect image control unit executes the image-audio linked effect. .
[0029]
According to the above-described invention (6), when the specific effect is executed, the image / sound-linked effect is executed, so that the effect of the effect in the specific game can be enhanced.
[0030]
When the "specific effect performed in the specific game in which the game result may be advantageous to the player" is executed during the normal game, the specific effect becomes a so-called jackpot and the possibility of shifting to the special game increases. It is an effect that informs the player that he is. By performing such an effect, there is a possibility that the player's expectation that the game will be shifted to the special game will be increased. In this case, the above-described effect selection means controls to positively select the specific effect.
[0031]
Further, when the “specific effect performed in the specific game in which the game result may be advantageous to the player” is executed during the unit game, the determination result of whether or not the lottery probability is changed, for example, a step of FIG. It is determined whether or not to execute the specific effect according to the determination result of S34. When it is determined that the lottery probability is to be changed, the player can be notified of a so-called probability variation state that is advantageous to the player by executing the specific effect.
[0032]
(7) The effect image control means may cause the displayed effect image to change according to the predetermined rhythm, or to change a mode visually recognizable by the displayed effect image according to the predetermined rhythm. The ball game machine according to any one of the above (1) to (6) to be controlled.
[0033]
According to the invention of the above (7), regardless of the timing of starting the variable display of the symbol image and the timing of starting the unit game, the change of the rhythm of the effect sound and the movement of the moving object, the change of the effect image, and the like. Can always display the images that are synchronized.
[0034]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0035]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a ball game machine according to the present invention.
[0036]
The ball-and-ball game machine 10 is provided with an outer frame 12 as an outer frame for holding the game machine, and a front frame 14 pivotally supported by the outer frame 12 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front frame 14 is provided with various members such as a glass door 16, an upper plate 18 and a lower plate 20 for receiving game balls, a hitting handle 22, and a storage portion for storing the game board 24. Further, between the upper plate 18 and the lower plate 20, a speaker 46 for emitting sound effects and music as the game progresses is provided.
[0037]
The game board 24 has a game area 28 defined by rails 26. At a substantially central portion of the game area 28, an image display device 30 for displaying various images such as a symbol image is provided. Further, in the game area 28, a start winning opening 32 that determines conditions for starting symbol change, a special winning opening 34 that opens and closes when a game has a big hit, a plurality of other general winning openings 36 and 38, a game Windmills 40 and 42 that affect the drop of the ball, a number of game nails (not shown), and an out port 44 are also provided.
[0038]
When the player rotates the hitting handle 22 described above, game balls are supplied one by one from the upper plate 18 to a hitting ball firing unit (not shown). At this strength, the ball is fired as a hit ball into the game area 28 by a hit ball firing device (not shown).
[0039]
The hit ball fired in the game area 28 falls while changing the moving direction by repeating the contact with the windmill or the game nail, and flows into the various winning ports 32 to 38 and the out port 44 described above. When a hit ball wins any of the winning ports 32 to 38, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the upper plate 18 or the lower plate 20 as prize balls.
[0040]
Further, when a ball is hit in the starting winning opening 32 of the winning opening, the image of the symbol displayed on the image display device 30 starts to fluctuate, and a predetermined moving image or a fluctuating mode of the symbol is displayed for a predetermined time. After that, the variable display of the symbol image is stopped. When the image of the symbol is stopped and displayed, when the mode of the image of the symbol displayed on the image display device 30 becomes a specific one, for example, the numerical value indicated by the symbol becomes a so-called assorted number of 1 to 9. If it is, the game becomes a so-called jackpot. When the game is a big hit, a special game is executed. The special game is a game in which, after a predetermined demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 30, the above-described special winning opening 34 is opened to make it easy to win, and a hit ball can easily flow into the special winning opening 34.
[0041]
The easy winning state of the special winning opening 34 is, for example, 30 seconds until a predetermined number of hits is won in the special winning opening 34, for example, until 10 hits, or until a predetermined time elapses after the special winning opening 34 is opened, for example, 30 seconds. Continue until elapse. Thereafter, the special winning opening 34 is closed to make it difficult to win. The special winning opening 34 is provided with a specific area (not shown). If a hit ball has passed through this specific area while the special winning opening 34 is open, the special winning opening 34 is closed once and then opened again. The operation of opening and closing the special winning opening 34 is repeated a plurality of times, for example, up to 15 times, and thereafter, the special winning opening 34 is closed. In the following, a game from the opening of the special winning opening 34 to the next closing thereof is referred to as a unit game, and the number of times the unit game is performed is referred to as a round number.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the game control device 200 and the effect control device 230 in the above-described ball game machine 10.
[0043]
The game control device 200 includes a central processing circuit (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) 202, a read-only memory (hereinafter, referred to as ROM) 204, a random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as RAM) 206, a clock generation circuit 208, an input / output interface It comprises a circuit 210, which is connected to an input / output bus 212. The input / output bus 212 is configured to input and output a data signal or an address signal.
[0044]
The ROM 204 stores a program for controlling the progress of the ball game shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which will be described later, and initial values of variables used in the program. The programs stored in the ROM 204 are appropriately read from the ROM 204 and executed by the CPU 202. The RAM 206 stores values of variables and flags used when these programs are executed.
[0045]
In addition, the clock generation circuit 208 issues a clock signal for determining the timing of the progress of the game at predetermined time intervals.
[0046]
Further, each of the above-mentioned starting winning opening 32 and the special winning opening 34 and the other winning openings 36 and 38 are provided with a winning detection sensor (not shown) for emitting a signal indicating that the hit ball has won. . These winning detection sensors are also connected to the game control device 200. The game control device 200 executes a process according to the progress of the game based on a signal emitted from the winning detection sensor.
[0047]
The input / output interface circuit 210 of the game control device 200 described above is electrically connected to the input / output interface circuit 240 of the effect control device 230 via a signal line 250.
[0048]
The configuration of the effect control device 230 is the same as that of the game control device 200. The effect control device 230 includes a CPU 232, a ROM 234, a RAM 236, a clock generation circuit 238, and an input / output interface circuit 240.
[0049]
The image display device 30 and the speaker 46 described above are connected to the input / output interface circuit 240.
[0050]
The ROM 234 of the effect control device 230 stores a program of a symbol variation display process shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 described later, a program of a special game process, initial values of variables used in these programs, and the like. Further, the ROM 234 also stores various types of data such as effect image data of the effect images shown in FIGS. 11 to 16 and effect sound data digitized based on the music score shown in FIG. Further, the ROM 234 also stores a display image correspondence table obtained by converting the tables shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 into data, as described later.
[0051]
FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the game control means 220 including the above-described game control device 200 and the effect control means 260 including the effect control device 230.
[0052]
As described above, the start winning opening 32 and the special winning opening 34 are provided with a winning detection sensor (not shown), and the gaming control means 220 is connected to these winning detection sensors.
[0053]
The game control means 220 includes a special game execution means 222 and a lottery means 224. When the image of the symbol stopped and displayed on the image display device 30 is in a predetermined mode, the special game execution means 222 is, for example, a so-called double stitch like “7”-“7”-“7”. When this happens, the special prize port 34 is controlled so as to make it easy for the game balls to win, or to make the game balls difficult to win.
[0054]
The lottery means 224 determines a combination of a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the image display device 30. The lottery means 224 includes a random number generator (not shown), a random number extracting means (not shown) for extracting a random number generated by the random number generator, and a plurality of random numbers based on the random number value extracted by the random number extracting means. And a random number determining means (not shown) for determining the combination of symbols.
[0055]
An effect control means 260 including an effect control device 230 is connected to the game control means 220 via a signal line 250.
[0056]
Effect control means 260 includes effect sound control means 262, effect image control means 264, storage means 266, effect selection means 268, and specific effect determination means 270.
[0057]
The storage unit 266 includes the above-described ROM 234, and stores a program for symbol variation display processing and a program for special game processing. The storage unit 266 also stores the effect image data of the effect images shown in FIGS. 11 to 16 and the effect sound data converted into data based on the music score shown in FIG. Further, a display image correspondence table obtained by converting the tables shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 into data is also stored.
[0058]
The effect sound control means 262 outputs an effect sound from the speaker 46 based on the effect sound data stored in the storage means 266 in accordance with a performance order according to a predetermined rhythm.
[0059]
The effect image control means 264 displays an effect image on the image display device 30 based on the effect image data stored in the storage means 266 in a predetermined display order. Further, the effect image control means 264 determines the display order position of the effect image in accordance with the play order position determined from the play order when the image display device 30 starts the variable display of the symbol image. An image / sound-linked effect of causing the display to proceed from the effect image is executed.
[0060]
The effect selection means 268 selects a specific effect or another effect from a plurality of predetermined effect groups.
[0061]
The specific effect determination means 270 determines whether or not to execute a specific effect, based on the lottery result by the lottery means 224 and the effect selection means 268.
[0062]
In the following, it is assumed that the ball game machine 10 has been activated, and the above-described game control means 220 and effect control means 260 are operating in a steady state.
[0063]
4 and 5 show a subroutine of the ball game control process executed by the game control means 220. Note that this subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a main program previously executed by the game control means 220.
[0064]
First, it is determined whether or not a hit ball has won the starting winning opening 32 (step S11). When it is determined that a hit ball has not been won in the starting winning opening 32, this subroutine is immediately terminated. When it is determined that the hit ball has won the starting winning opening 32, it is determined whether or not the reserved ball can be stored (step S12).
[0065]
When the hit ball is hit in the starting winning opening 32 while the change display of the image of the symbol to be described later is already performed, the holding ball temporarily holds the hit ball, and displays the change display currently performed. Is used to start the variable display of the image of the symbol continuously based on the existence of the reserved ball. As will be described later, a predetermined number, for example, up to four, of the reserved balls can be stored. Therefore, even when five or more hit balls have been won in the starting winning opening 32 when the symbol image is already displayed in a fluctuating manner, the fifth and subsequent winning balls are determined in the determination processing in step S12 to hold balls. Is treated as unable to be stored. If it is determined in step S12 that the reserved ball cannot be stored, the subroutine is immediately terminated.
[0066]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the reserved ball can be stored, the value of the random number is obtained by a lottery process (step S13). As will be described later, when the value of the random number becomes a value for winning a hit (hereinafter referred to as a winning value), it is determined that a so-called big hit has been won. In the lottery process in step S13, a predetermined range, for example, one integer value from 0 to 699 is obtained. Next, in the image display device 30, it is determined whether or not the symbol image is already being displayed in a variable manner (step S14).
[0067]
When it is determined that the image of the symbol is already being displayed in a fluctuating manner, the value of the hit random number acquired in step S13 is stored in the random number value storage area as the reserved ball information (step S15). As described above, the information stored for the reserved ball is, specifically, the value of the random number acquired in step S13.
[0068]
The random number storage area stores random numbers so that they are arranged in the order of the processed time series. That is, the value of the oldest acquired random number is stored in the first area of the random number value storage area, and thereafter, up to the latest acquired random number value. As described above, information on the reserved balls can be stored in a predetermined number, for example, up to four. When storing up to four pieces of information about the reserved ball, the random value storage area is divided into four areas. In the first area, the value of the oldest acquired random number is stored. Next, the values of the newly obtained random numbers are stored in the second and third areas.
[0069]
Next, the image display device 30 determines whether or not the symbol image is being displayed in a variable manner (step S16). When it is determined that the symbol image is still being displayed in a fluctuating manner, the determination process of step S16 is repeatedly executed.
[0070]
When it is determined that the image of the symbol is not being fluctuated, that is, when the image of the symbol is already stopped and displayed, the value of the random number stored in the first area of the random number value storage area, that is, the oldest acquired The value of the random number is read (step S17). Next, the value of the random number in the random number value storage area is sequentially shifted to an adjacent area (step S18). Specifically, a process of shifting the value of the random number stored in the second area to the first area and shifting the value of the random number stored in the third area to the second area is performed.
[0071]
In the process of step S14 described above, when it is determined that the symbol image is not being displayed in a fluctuating manner, or when the process of step S18 is performed, the symbol image is determined based on information such as the random number value acquired in step S13. A symbol to be stop-displayed after the variable display is completed is determined (step S19), and an effect by an image and an effect by sound described later are determined (step S20).
[0072]
When the symbol on the left and the symbol on the right among the symbols to be stop-displayed determined in step S19 are the same symbol, a so-called reach is achieved. At this time, in the process of step S20, one reach effect pattern is selected from a predetermined reach effect pattern group. If the left symbol and the right symbol of the symbols to be stopped and displayed determined in step S19 are not the same symbol, one symbol from a predetermined symbol variation pattern group is used. Select a fluctuation pattern.
[0073]
Further, in the process of step S20, it may be determined whether or not to execute an effect pattern other than the above-described symbol variation pattern and the reach effect pattern. Furthermore, it may be determined whether or not a specific effect described below is currently being executed, and if not, whether or not to execute the specific effect may be determined. Furthermore, the number of executions of this specific effect may be determined.
[0074]
Next, a subroutine of a symbol variation display process shown in FIG. 6 to be described later is called and executed (step S31), and it is determined whether or not the value of the random number acquired in step S13 is a hit value (step S32). If it is determined that the value of the random number is not a hit value, the process proceeds to step S36 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the random number is a hit value, a subroutine of a special game process shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 described later is executed (step S33).
[0075]
Next, it is determined whether to change the lottery probability (step S34). When it is determined that the lottery probability is to be changed, a process of changing the lottery probability is performed (step S35).
[0076]
The processing in step S35 performs the following processing.
[0077]
For example, in the normal gaming state, when the above-mentioned hit value is set to “7” and “17”, and when the value of the random number acquired in step S13 becomes the hit value “7”, The special game is set so that the lottery probability becomes five times, that is, the state is shifted to a so-called probability variation state. For example, in addition to “7” and “17”, “8”, “9”, “10”, “11”, “18”, “19”, “20” and “21” are added to the hit value. So that the lottery probability becomes 5 times.
[0078]
On the other hand, in the normal gaming state, if the above-mentioned hit value is set to “7” and “17”, and the value of the random number acquired in step S13 becomes the hit value “17”, a special The game is executed, and the lottery probability is not changed.
Further, when the lottery probability has already been set to 5 times and a so-called probability fluctuation state is established, for example, the hit values are “7”, “17”, “8”, “9”, “10”, “11”. , "18", "19", "20" and "21", the value of the random number acquired in step S13 is "7", "8", "9", "10" or If it is one of "11", the game temporarily shifts to the special game, and the lottery probability after finishing the special game is maintained at the same five times as before the shift to the special game.
[0079]
On the other hand, when the lottery probability has already been set to five times, the value of the random number acquired in step S13 is any one of “17”, “18”, “19”, “20” or “21”. In such a case, the process proceeds to the special game, and the lottery probability is set to the normal probability. For example, the winning value is set to “7”, “17”, “8”, “9”, “10”, “11”, “18”, “19”, “20”, and “21”, and the lottery probability is set. Is a probability fluctuation state in which is five times, the hit value is reset to “7” and “17”, and the state is returned to the normal probability state.
[0080]
When it is determined in step S32 that the value of the random number is not the value of the hit random number, or when the process of step S35 is executed, the value of the random number stored in the first area of the random number value storage area, that is, the oldest value The acquired random number value is deleted (step S36).
[0081]
FIG. 6 shows a subroutine of the symbol variation display process called and executed in step S31 described above.
[0082]
First, the information of the symbol to be stopped and displayed determined in step S19 is read (step S41), and the information of the effect determined in step S20 is read (step S42).
[0083]
Next, it is determined whether or not the specific effect is already being executed (step S43). When it is determined that the specific effect is not already being executed, it is determined whether or not the effect information read in step S42 is that of the specific effect (step S44). When it is determined that the information of the effect read in step S42 is not that of the specific effect, the output of the effect sound and the display of the effect image are started (step S45). The effect of this processing is a normal effect that is not a specific effect.
[0084]
Next, it is determined whether or not the image of the symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed (step S46). Here, the symbol image stopped and displayed is the symbol image determined in step S19 and read in step S41. When it is determined that the symbol image is not stopped and displayed, the determination processing of step S46 is repeatedly executed.
[0085]
When it is determined that the symbol image has been stopped and displayed, the output of the effect sound and the display of the effect image started in step S45 are ended (step S47), and the present subroutine ends.
[0086]
When it is determined that the information of the effect read in step S44 is that of the specific effect, the effect sound is continuously output and the display of the effect image is started (step S48). The effect started here is a specific effect described later.
[0087]
In this step S48, display of images as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is started, and at the same time, reproduction of music on the music shown in FIG. 17 is started. As for the display of the image, a symbol change display and a background image are displayed. For example, in the case of FIG. 11A, a symbol “A” and a symbol “ostrich” are mainly displayed as left symbols, and a symbol “lion” and a symbol “3” are displayed as middle symbols. Are mainly displayed, and a symbol “A” and a symbol “gorilla” are mainly displayed as right symbols.
[0088]
In general, the symbol change display is a display in which the content of the symbol is updated while moving in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, or the image of the symbol is enlarged or reduced. The examples shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B show a case where the image of the medium symbol “3” is variably displayed so as to be enlarged or reduced.
[0089]
In the present embodiment, while the value of the counter described later is counted from 0 to 87 (a total of 88 counts), one bar of music on the music score shown in FIG. 17 is simultaneously reproduced. The examples shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are obtained by extracting representative images, and further include a plurality of images between FIGS. 11A and 11B. Is displayed, and the effect image is displayed so that the symbol variation display and the image of the moving object can be visually recognized as smoothly operating.
[0090]
After executing the processing of step S48 described above, a subroutine of the counting process of the counter described later is called, and the counting process of the counter is started (step S49).
[0091]
Next, it is determined whether or not the image of the symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed (step S50). Also in this case, the symbol image stopped and displayed is the symbol image determined in step S19 and read in step S41. When it is determined that the symbol image is not stopped and displayed, the determination process of step S50 is repeatedly executed.
[0092]
When it is determined that the symbol image has been stopped and displayed, the display of the effect image is terminated (step S51), and the present subroutine is terminated. The process of step S51 is a process of ending only the display of the effect image started in step S48, and does not end the reproduction of the effect sound. In this way, the effect sound can be continuously reproduced. It should be noted that the effect sound data having a long reproduction time is reproduced, and even if the reproduction time is short, the effect sound is continuously reproduced by repeatedly reproducing the entire effect sound data or repeatedly reproducing a predetermined performance section. Can be played.
[0093]
When it is determined in step S43 that the specific effect is already being executed, display of an effect image corresponding to the specific effect is started (step S111). When the process of step S111 is performed, the output of the effect sound has been already started in step S48, and the effect sound is continuously output.
[0094]
Next, it is determined whether or not the image whose display has been started has reached a predetermined display order position (step S112). When it is determined that the displayed image has not reached the predetermined display order position, the determination processing of step S112 is repeatedly executed.
[0095]
When it is determined that the displayed image has reached the predetermined display order position, the display of the image is maintained (step S113). Maintaining the display of an image refers to displaying an image so that the image does not change or the aspect that can be visually recognized from the displayed image does not change.
[0096]
Specifically, as described above, when the variable display is started in the process of step S111, images as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are displayed. If it is determined in step S112 that the displayed image has reached the predetermined display order position, and if the display of the image is maintained in step S113, an image as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Will be maintained. The image shown in FIG. 12 is an image showing an example of the reach variation pattern. That is, when the specific game is being executed, and when the game reaches the reach, after the images shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are displayed, the image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Will be maintained.
[0097]
11A and 11B, a plurality of images are further displayed between the image of FIG. 11B and the image of FIG. The effect image is displayed so that the user can visually recognize that the image is operating smoothly.
[0098]
In the above-described embodiment, after the display of the effect image corresponding to the specific effect is started in step S111, the image is continuously displayed until it reaches the predetermined display order position in step S112, and thereafter, the predetermined image is displayed in step S113. Shows the case where the display is maintained. However, a configuration may be employed in which the display is immediately maintained at the first image in which the display of the image is started. For example, when the image of FIG. 11A is displayed, the display of the image of FIG. 11A may be maintained.
[0099]
Next, the value of the counter and the value of the variable counter by the counter counting process started in step S49 are read (step S114), and it is determined whether or not the value of the variable counter has reached a predetermined value (step S115). When it is determined that the value of the variable counter has not reached the predetermined value, the processing of reading the value of the variable counter in step S114 and the determination processing in step S115 are repeatedly executed. When it is determined that the value of the variable counter has reached the predetermined value, images subsequent to the image data corresponding to the value of the variable counter are displayed (step S116). For example, the display is started from the image shown in FIG.
[0100]
The image shown in FIG. 13B is a reach fluctuation pattern, as described above, when the specific game is being executed, and when the game reaches the reach, when the fluctuation display is started, FIG. The images shown in (a) and (b) are displayed. Thereafter, when the game reaches the reach and the image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the display of the image shown in FIG. 12 is maintained. Thereafter, when the value of the variable counter reaches a predetermined value, the display is started from the image shown in FIG. After the display is started from the image shown in FIG. 13B, an image that can be visually recognized as a moving mode is displayed.
[0101]
The process of step S116 may be any process that displays an image corresponding to the value of the variable counter, and may be any process that displays an image having a relationship defined as shown in FIG. 18 described below. Specifically, as long as an image corresponding to the value of the variable counter is displayed, even if an image having a mode completely unrelated to the image whose display is maintained in step S113 is displayed in step S116, the display is not performed. An image following the maintained image may be displayed in step S116.
[0102]
In the effect image displayed on the image display device 30, that is, the image of the design, the image of the moving object, and the image of the background, a predetermined display order to be displayed is predetermined. This display order is stored in the ROM 234 as a table corresponding to the value of the variable counter, as shown in FIG. As described above, the table in FIG. 18 is stored in the ROM 234 in advance as a display image correspondence table. For example, the image number (A-10) in the table of FIG. 18 corresponds to the image shown in FIG. 13A, and the image number (A-16) of the table in FIG. 18 is shown in FIG. Corresponding to the image. Further, between the image shown in FIG. 13A and the image shown in FIG. 13B, a plurality of images are stored in the ROM 234, and all the images are compared with the value of the variable counter. The correspondence is stored in the display image correspondence table.
[0103]
In step S113, the value of the variable counter is read, and when the read value of the variable counter is a predetermined value, the order of the image corresponding to the value of the variable counter is obtained by referring to the display image correspondence table, and step S116. To display the image.
[0104]
For example, when the value of the variable counter read in step S113 is, for example, 62, in step S116, the display image correspondence table of the ROM 234 corresponding to the table of FIG. That is, it is determined that the image shown in FIG. 13B is to be displayed, and the effect image control unit 264 displays the image of FIG. When the value of the variable counter read in step S113 is, for example, 39, in step S116, the display image correspondence table of the ROM 234 corresponding to the table of FIG. That is, it is determined that the image shown in FIG. 13A is to be displayed, and the effect image control unit 264 displays the image of FIG.
[0105]
Further, as described above, the musical piece of the musical score shown in FIG. 17 is reproduced for one bar while the value of the variable counter is counted from 0 to 87. In other words, if the song has a quarter time signature, the value of the variable counter becomes 0 at the first beat of one bar, the value of the variable counter becomes 21 at the second beat, and the third beat of the second beat. Then, the value of the variable counter becomes 43, and at the fourth beat, the value of the variable counter becomes 65. When the back beat is used as a reference, the value of the variable counter becomes 10 at the 3 / 2th beat, the value of the variable counter becomes 32 at the 5 / 2th beat, and the 7 / 2th beat is obtained. At first, the value of the variable counter becomes 54, and at the 9th beat, the value of the variable counter becomes 76.
[0106]
As described above, the performance order position of music is determined by the value of the variable counter, and the order of images to be displayed can be determined by the value of the variable counter. By doing in this way, it is possible to perform a specific effect in which a change in the variable display or a change in the manner in which a moving object such as an animal is performing some operation is synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound.
[0107]
This specific effect is an effect in which the effect image and the effect sound are interlocked, and is “image sound interlocking effect”. The effect related to the effect image of the image-sound-linked effect is started and ended every time the symbol image is fluctuated and displayed. On the other hand, when the effect related to the effect sound of the image-sound-linked effect is started in the above-described step S48, the effect is continuously played back over a plurality of games performed thereafter, and a predetermined image-sound-linked effect ending condition is set in a step S57 described later. Ends when the condition is satisfied.
[0108]
When the variable display of the symbol image is performed a plurality of times, the specific effect can be continuously executed over the plurality of times. By performing the above-described processing, even when the specific effect is performed a plurality of times, the image in which the rhythm of the effect sound and the motion of the moving object in the effect image are synchronized is always displayed every time the variable display is performed. can do.
[0109]
In the above-described example, the specific effect is executed. When the game has reached the reach, by executing the processing of steps S113 to S116, the rhythm of the effect sound is always displayed when the reach variation pattern is displayed. An image synchronized with the lion's howling operation can always be displayed every time the variable display is performed.
[0110]
After executing the processing of step S116 described above, it is determined whether or not the image of the symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed (step S54). Also in this case, the symbol image stopped and displayed is the symbol image determined in step S19 and read in step S41. When it is determined that the symbol image is not stopped and displayed, the determination processing of step S54 is repeatedly executed.
[0111]
Next, it is determined whether or not the specific effect end condition is satisfied (step S55). The end condition may be, for example, when the number of executions of the specific effect has reached a predetermined number, or when one specific effect has ended. The timing for determining the end condition may be determined at the time of the process of determining the effect in step S20 described above.
[0112]
When it is determined that the specific effect ending condition is not satisfied, only the display of the effect image is ended (step S56), and the present subroutine is ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific effect ending condition is satisfied, the display of the effect image and the reproduction of the effect sound are ended (step S57), the counting process of the counter started in step S49 is ended (step S58), and this subroutine is executed. To end.
[0113]
If the value of the random number acquired in step S13 is the value of the hit random number when the variation display of the symbol image is completed and stopped and displayed, the image shown in FIG. 14A is displayed. If the value of the random number is out of value, the image shown in FIG. 14B is displayed.
[0114]
In addition, when performing a specific effect while a normal game is being performed, the specific effect may be performed only during the execution of the variable display of the symbols or only during the execution of the reach effect. When performing only during the execution of the reach effect, the specific effect is also stored in the reach effect pattern.
[0115]
Furthermore, when an image is displayed in synchronization with the effect sound in the specific effect, an image of only a symbol may be displayed in synchronization, or only an image of a moving object other than the symbol may be displayed in synchronization.
[0116]
FIGS. 7 to 9 show a subroutine of a special game process called and executed in step S33 of FIG.
[0117]
First, a value indicating the number of rounds (hereinafter, referred to as a round value) is initialized, for example, to 15 (step S61). Next, the type of effect is determined (step S62), and it is determined whether the determined effect is a specific effect (step S63).
[0118]
When it is determined that the specific effect is not performed, the output of the effect sound and the display of the effect image are started (step S64). The effect of this processing is a normal effect that is not a specific effect. On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific effect is to be performed, the effect sound is continuously output, and the display of the effect image is started (step S65). The effect started here is a specific effect described later.
[0119]
When the display of the effect image is started in step S65, the images as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D are sequentially displayed, and at the same time, the music is reproduced on the musical score shown in FIG. The images shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D are repeatedly displayed until a unit game termination condition described later is satisfied. By displaying the images shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D, a numerical value indicating the number of rounds is displayed at the upper left, an image of the spacecraft is displayed at the center, and a plurality of aliens are displayed at the lower side. You.
[0120]
Also when the images shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D are displayed, while the value of the variable counter is counted from 0 to 87 (a total of 88 counts), at the same time, One bar of music is played. The examples shown in FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (d) are obtained by extracting representative images, and further include a plurality of images between the images of FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (d). Is displayed, and the effect image is displayed so that the images of the spacecraft and the alien are moving smoothly.
[0121]
After executing the processing of step S65 described above, a subroutine of the counting process of the counter described later is called, and the counting process of the counter is started (step S66).
[0122]
Next, the special winning opening count value is initialized, for example, to 10 (step S67). The special winning opening count value indicates the number of hit balls that have won the special winning opening 34 described above. At the same time as the processing in step S67, processing for opening the special winning opening 34 is also executed.
[0123]
Next, a signal emitted from a winning detection sensor provided in the special winning opening 34 is detected to determine whether or not a hit ball has won the special winning opening 34 (step S68). When it is determined that the hit ball has won the special winning opening 34, the special winning opening count value is decremented by 1 (step S69).
[0124]
When it is determined in step S68 that the hit ball has not won the special winning opening 34, or when the process of step S69 is executed, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening count value is greater than 1 (step S70). When it is determined that the special winning opening count value is greater than 1, it is determined whether or not the time during which the special winning opening 34 has been opened has reached a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds (step S71). When it is determined in the determination processing of step S71 that the time during which the special winning opening 34 is opened has reached a predetermined time, the special winning opening 34 is closed.
[0125]
If it is determined that the time during which the special winning opening 34 has been opened has not reached the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S68 described above.
[0126]
When it is determined in step S70 that the special winning opening count value is 1 or less, or when it is determined in step S71 that the time during which the special winning opening 34 has been opened has reached a predetermined time, the special winning opening 34 is provided. It is determined whether or not the hit ball has passed a certain area (step S81). When it is determined that the hit ball has passed the specific area provided in the special winning opening 34, it is determined whether or not the specific effect has already been executed (step S82). When it is determined that the specific effect is not being executed, the output of the effect sound and the display of the effect image started in step S64 are ended (step S83). On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific effect is being executed, the display of the effect image started in step S65 is ended (step S84).
[0127]
The process of step S84 is a process of ending only the display of the effect image started in step S64, and does not end the reproduction of the effect sound. In this way, the effect sound can be continuously reproduced. It should be noted that the effect sound data having a long reproduction time is reproduced, and even if the reproduction time is short, the effect sound is continuously reproduced by repeatedly reproducing the entire effect sound data or repeatedly reproducing a predetermined performance section. Can be played.
[0128]
After executing the processing in step S83 or S84, the round value is subtracted by 1 (step S85), and it is determined whether the round value is smaller than 1 (step S86).
[0129]
If it is determined that the round value is smaller than 1, or if it is determined in step S81 that the hit ball has not passed through the specific area provided in the special winning opening 34, whether or not the specific effect is being executed Is determined (step S87). When it is determined that the specific effect is being executed, the counting process of the counter started in step S66 ends (step S88).
[0130]
When it is determined that the specific effect is not being executed, or when the process of step S88 is performed, the output of the effect sound and the display of the effect image started in step S64 or S65 are ended (step S89).
[0131]
When it is determined in step S86 that the round value is 1 or more, it is determined whether a specific effect is being executed (step S91). When it is determined that the specific effect is being executed, display of an effect image corresponding to the specific effect is started (step S121). When the process of step S121 is performed, the output of the effect sound has been already started in step S65, and the effect sound is continuously output.
[0132]
Next, it is determined whether or not the image whose display has been started has reached a predetermined display order position (step S122). When it is determined that the displayed image has not reached the predetermined display order position, the determination processing of step S122 is repeatedly executed.
[0133]
When it is determined that the displayed image has reached the predetermined display order position, the display of the image is maintained (step S123). As described above, maintaining the display of an image refers to displaying an image so that the image does not change or the form visible from the displayed image does not change.
[0134]
For example, when the variable display is started in the process of step S121, as shown in FIGS. 15A to 15H, the disk appears from the sky, gradually approaches the ground, and stops near the ground. An image of an alien coming down to the ground is displayed. In the case of this specific example, when it is determined in step S122 that the displayed image has reached the predetermined display order position, and the display of the image is maintained in step S123, the image shown in FIG. Is displayed. The display of the image may be maintained using the image shown in FIG. 16A described later.
[0135]
When the images shown in FIGS. 15A to 15H are displayed, while the value of the variable counter is counted from 0 to 87 (a total of 88 counts), at the same time, the music score shown in FIG. One bar of music is played. In addition, a plurality of images are further displayed between the images of FIGS. 15A to 15H so that the display of the change of the design and the image of the moving object can be visually recognized as being smoothly operated. The effect image is displayed.
[0136]
In the above-described embodiment, after the display of the effect image corresponding to the specific effect is started in step S121, the image is continuously displayed in the predetermined display order position in step S122, and then the predetermined image is displayed in step S123. Indicates the case where the display is maintained. However, a configuration may be employed in which the display is immediately maintained at the first image in which the display of the image is started. For example, when the image of FIG. 16A described later is displayed, the display of the image of FIG. 16A may be maintained.
[0137]
Next, the value of the counter and the value of the variable counter by the counting process of the counter started in step S66 are read (step S124), and it is determined whether or not the value of the variable counter has reached a predetermined value (step S125). When it is determined that the value of the variable counter has not reached the predetermined value, the process of reading the value of the variable counter in step S124 and the determination process in step S125 are repeatedly executed. When it is determined that the value of the variable counter has reached the predetermined value, images subsequent to the image data corresponding to the value of the variable counter are displayed (step S126). For example, the display is started from the images shown in FIGS.
[0138]
The images shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D are images in a form in which an alien who has landed on the ground from the disk can be visually recognized as if dancing. These images have a predetermined display order to be displayed in advance. This display order is stored in the ROM 234 as a table corresponding to the value of the variable counter, as shown in FIG.
As described above, the table in FIG. 19 is stored in the ROM 234 in advance as a display image correspondence table. For example, the image number (B-1) in the table in FIG. 19 corresponds to the image shown in FIG. 16A, and the image number (B-8) in the table in FIG. 19 is shown in FIG. The image numbers (B-15) in the table of FIG. 19 correspond to the images shown in FIG. 16C, and the image numbers (B-21) in the table of FIG. This corresponds to the image shown in d).
[0139]
As described above, between each of the images shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D, a plurality of images are further stored in the ROM 234, and all of the images are compared with the value of the variable counter. The correspondence is stored in the display image correspondence table.
In step S124, the value of the variable counter is read, and when the read value of the variable counter is a predetermined value, the order of the image corresponding to the value of the variable counter is obtained by referring to the display image correspondence table, and step S126 is performed. To display the image.
[0140]
For example, when the value of the variable counter read in step S124 is, for example, 1, in step S126, the display image correspondence table of the ROM 234 corresponding to the table of FIG. That is, it is determined that the image shown in FIG. 16A is to be displayed, and the effect image control unit 264 displays the image of FIG. When the value of the variable counter read in step S124 is, for example, 80, in step S126, the CPU refers to the display image correspondence table in the ROM 234 corresponding to the table in FIG. That is, it is determined that the image shown in FIG. 16D is to be displayed, and the effect image control means 264 displays the image of FIG.
[0141]
Further, as described above, the musical piece of the musical score shown in FIG. 17 is reproduced for one bar while the value of the variable counter is counted from 0 to 87. In other words, if the song has a quarter time signature, the value of the variable counter becomes 0 at the first beat of one bar, the value of the variable counter becomes 21 at the second beat, and the third beat of the second beat. Then, the value of the variable counter becomes 43, and at the fourth beat, the value of the variable counter becomes 65. When the back beat is used as a reference, the value of the variable counter becomes 10 at the 3 / 2th beat, the value of the variable counter becomes 32 at the 5 / 2th beat, and the 7 / 2th beat is obtained. At first, the value of the variable counter becomes 54, and at the 9th beat, the value of the variable counter becomes 76.
[0142]
As described above, the performance order position of music is determined by the value of the variable counter, and the order of images to be displayed can be determined by the value of the variable counter. By doing in this way, it is possible to perform a specific effect in which a change in the variable display or a change in the manner in which a moving object such as an animal is performing some operation is synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound. In the example shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to display an image in a form in which an alien can be visually recognized as dancing, in synchronization with the rhythm of the effect sound.
[0143]
This specific effect is an effect in which the effect image and the effect sound are interlocked, and is “image sound interlocking effect”. The effect related to the effect image of the image / sound-linked effect is started and ended every time a unit game is started. On the other hand, when the effect related to the effect sound of the image / sound-linked effect is started in the above-described step S65, the effect is continuously played back over a plurality of games performed thereafter, and ends in step S89 described later.
[0144]
When the unit game is performed a plurality of times, the specific effect can be continuously executed over the plurality of times. By performing the above-described processing, even when the specific effect is performed a plurality of times, an image in which the rhythm of the effect sound and the motion of the moving object in the effect image are synchronized is always displayed every time the unit game is performed. can do.
[0145]
When it is determined in step S91 that the specific effect is not being executed, the output of the effect sound and the display of the effect image are started (step S94). The effect of this processing is a normal effect that is not a specific effect.
[0146]
When a specific effect is performed while a unit game is being performed, when displaying an image in synchronization with the effect sound in the specific effect, not only an image of the moving object but also information on the game, for example, FIG. Information such as the number of rounds shown in the upper left of the 16 images, a count value, and the like may be displayed in synchronization with the effect sound. In such a case, the change in the lightness and darkness of the character indicating the information on the game is displayed in synchronization with the effect sound, or the display and erasure of the character are displayed in synchronization with the effect sound, thereby displaying the game. The change of the information display mode can be synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound.
[0147]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the specific effect is to be performed in step S63, the case where the specific effect is continuously performed over all the unit games to be executed has been described. The specified effect may be continuously performed for a predetermined number of unit games. Further, each time a unit game is executed, it may be determined whether or not to perform a specific effect, and the specific effect may be executed based on the determination.
[0148]
FIG. 10 shows a subroutine of the above-described variable counter counting process.
[0149]
First, it is determined whether or not to execute a counter process (step S101). When it is determined that the counter process is not to be performed, the determination process of step S101 is repeatedly performed.
[0150]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter processing is to be executed, the timer provided in the game control circuit 230 is started (step S102), and the value of the variable counter is initialized, for example, the value is set to 0 (step S103). By starting the timer in step S102, the timer value obtained from the timer is gradually updated and always becomes the timer value at that time.
[0151]
Next, the timer value at that time is obtained as a first timer value (step S104), and then the timer value at that time is obtained as a second timer value (step S105), and the second timer value and the first timer value are obtained. It is determined whether or not the difference has reached 17 milliseconds (step S106). If it is determined that the difference between the second timer value and the first timer value has not reached 17 milliseconds, the process returns to step S105.
[0152]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference between the second timer value and the first timer value has reached 17 milliseconds, the value of the variable counter is increased by 1 (step S107), and it is determined whether or not the value of the variable counter has become larger than 88. A determination is made (step S108). If it is determined that the value of the variable counter is not larger than 88, the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the variable counter has become greater than 88, it is determined whether or not to end the counter processing (step S109). If it is determined that the counter processing is not to be ended, the process returns to step S103. If it is determined that the counter processing is to be ended, the timer is stopped to stop updating the timer value (step S110), and this subroutine is ended.
[0153]
In the above-described embodiment, the display of the effect image need not be controlled for each beat of the effect sound. That is, the “predetermined rhythm” is not limited to one beat of the effect sound, and may be, for example, every two beats or every bar. Further, even in the case of one beat, not only the so-called front beat but also the back beat may be used.
[0154]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, the image data for each frame is stored in the ROM 234, and the image data is sequentially displayed for each frame. A plurality of image data may be combined and displayed as one screen.
[0155]
For example, the head image data of only the head of the horse, the torso image data of only the torso of the horse, the leg image data of only the legs of the horse, and the tail image data of only the tail of the horse are independent of each other. Alternatively, the images may be stored in the ROM 234, and these images may be combined and displayed as one screen.
[0156]
In this case, for example, the head image data includes, for example, an image in which the head is located upward, an image in which the head is located in the middle, and an image in which the head is located downward, for each of a plurality of positions or in a plurality of positions. The image data group includes a different image data group for each direction and further for each of various expressions. These image data groups are stored in the ROM 234 in advance as head image data. Similarly, each of the body image data, the leg image data, and the tail image data is composed of an image data group and is stored in the ROM 234 in advance.
[0157]
When displaying an image, one image data is selected and read out from each of the head image data, the torso image data, the leg image data, and the tail image data. The images are combined and displayed as an image of the entire horse.
[0158]
In the case of such a configuration, the effect progress information in which the effect progress step is associated with the image data to be selected in the step is stored in the ROM 234 in advance, and the effect progress information is selected with reference to the effect progress information. An effect image can be generated by obtaining image data to be produced. In such a case, the appearance and appearance indicated by the image combined and displayed as one screen are the “aspects”.
[0159]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the effect audio data is stored in the ROM 234 in a format that can be directly reproduced is described, but it may be stored as data in a so-called MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) format. In this case, a MIDI sound source is provided in the effect control circuit 230, and the effect sound is emitted via the MIDI sound source. In such a case, the data amount required for the effect sound data can be reduced, and the sound quality of the effect sound can be increased, so that the effect of the effect can be further enhanced.
[0160]
【The invention's effect】
Even if the production sound is issued continuously over multiple games, not only the first game played, but also the game at each game, the image of the design is displayed in synchronization with the rhythm of the production sound can do. In addition, even when the effect sound is continuously emitted over a plurality of unit games, the unit sound is synchronized with the rhythm of the effect sound not only in the first unit game but also in each unit game. An image of a symbol can be displayed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a ball and ball game machine.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a ball game machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main control device 200 and an image control device 260.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for controlling the progress of a ball game executed in the game control circuit 200.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing subsequent to the subroutine shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol variation display process called and executed in step S31 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a special game process called and executed in step S33 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing subsequent to the subroutine shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of processing subsequent to the subroutine illustrated in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for executing a counter process.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image in symbol variable display.
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a specific example of an image displayed when the game reaches a reach.
13 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image displayed subsequently to the image shown in FIG. 12 when the game has reached a reach.
FIG. 14 is a view showing a specific example of an image (a) displayed when a game is a big hit and an image (b) displayed when a game is lost.
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a specific example of an image displayed when a unit game is being executed.
FIG. 16 is a view showing a specific example of an image displayed subsequently to the image shown in FIG. 15 when a unit game is being executed.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a musical score of a music piece as a basis of a specific example of the effect sound data.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a specific example of a display image correspondence table used when performing a variable display of symbols.
FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a specific example of a display image correspondence table used when executing a unit game.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Ball game machine
24 game board
30 Image display device (display device)
32 starting winning opening
34 Special Winner
46 Speaker (audio output device)
220 game control means
222 Special game execution means
224 Lottery method
260 production control means
262 Production sound control means
264 effect image control means
266 Storage means
268 Production selection means
270 Specific production decision means

Claims (7)

A starting winning port provided in a game area of the game board and in which a game ball can be won,
A display device on which a fluctuation display and a stop display of a symbol image are performed,
Game control means for controlling the variable display and the stop display based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening, and controlling the progress of the game determined based on the stop display,
An audio output device that outputs an effect audio in accordance with the progress of the game,
Storage means for storing effect sound data for outputting as the effect sound and effect image data for displaying an effect image including the image of the symbol,
Effect sound control means for outputting the effect sound based on the effect sound data in accordance with a play order according to a predetermined rhythm, and effect image control means for displaying the effect image based on the effect image data in a predetermined display order And effect control means consisting of:
The effect image control means, after a start of the variable display, for a predetermined time until a play order position determined by the play order reaches a predetermined position, maintain the display of an image in a certain mode, And,
A bulletin performing an image-sound-linked effect of displaying an image in a mode having a motion corresponding to the predetermined rhythm in accordance with the display order, on condition that the performance order position reaches the predetermined position. Ball game machine. A starting winning opening and a special winning opening that are provided in the game area of the gaming board and allow a game ball to win,
A display device on which a fluctuation display and a stop display of a symbol image are performed,
Game control means for controlling the variable display and the stop display based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening, and controlling the progress of the game determined based on the stop display,
When the image of the symbol stopped and displayed on the display device is in a predetermined mode, an easy winning state in which a gaming ball easily wins in the special winning opening, or a game ball wins in the special winning opening. Special game execution means for controlling the game to be in a difficult winning state, and executing a special game that can be performed a plurality of times as a unit game from the easy winning state to the difficult winning state,
An audio output device that outputs an effect audio in accordance with the progress of the game,
Storage means for storing effect sound data for outputting as the effect sound and effect image data for displaying an effect image including the image of the symbol,
Effect sound control means for outputting the effect sound based on the effect sound data in accordance with a play order according to a predetermined rhythm, and effect image control means for displaying the effect image based on the effect image data in a predetermined display order And effect control means consisting of:
The effect image control means, for a predetermined time from the start of the unit game until the play order position determined by the play order reaches a predetermined position, maintain the display of an image in a certain mode, And,
A bulletin performing an image-sound-linked effect of displaying an image in a mode having a motion corresponding to the predetermined rhythm in accordance with the display order, on condition that the performance order position reaches the predetermined position. Ball game machine. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect sound control means continuously emits the effect sound while the game from the change display to the stop display is performed a plurality of times. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the effect sound control means continuously emits the effect sound while the unit game is performed a plurality of times. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the effect image control means repeatedly displays an effect image of one aspect to an effect image of another aspect. The game control means includes a lottery means for selecting a combination of the plurality of symbols as an image of the symbol, and,
The effect control means, an effect selection means to select from a plurality of effect groups including a specific effect performed in a specific game that the game result may be advantageous to the player and the effect,
Specific effect determination means for determining whether or not to execute the specific effect by a lottery result by the lottery means and the effect selection means, and
The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the specific effect determination means determines that the specific effect is to be executed, the effect image control means executes the image / audio-linked effect. The said effect image control means controls so that the effect image displayed may change according to the said predetermined rhythm, or the aspect which can be visually recognized by the displayed effect image may change according to the said predetermined rhythm. Item 7. A ball and ball game machine according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

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