JP2004344487A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a compulsory notification control function for notifying a final stop symbol indicating the result of a lottery just after a time-shortening operation for the whole symbol variation patterns, and to provide a useful compulsory notification shortening function for a player by postponing execution of the compulsory notification control function in case of a special symbol variation pattern and allowing the player to select whether the play time should be shortened or not. <P>SOLUTION: If data on the symbol variation pattern read by a symbol pattern reading part 254 indicate a super next-to-win game state, it is recognized by a super next-to-win recognition part 270, and a super next-to-win signal is transmitted to a message output part 276 based on the first command of a stop command part 268 to compulsorily stop the symbol variation. After that, a message is outputted by the message output part 276 to a symbol/voice control part 156, and based on the message, letters are displayed in a display part 43. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０１３１】
この表１のようにメモリ内に記憶されたコマンドは、表２に示される如く、エリア単位で送信優先順位が定められており、１回の送信では４コマンド分が送信可能である。
【０１３２】
【表２】

【０１３３】
すなわち、表２では、優先順位を定める場合、優先順位１と優先順位５は、空欄となっており、緊急の場合のスペースが設けている。すなわち、優先順位１のスペースには、イレギュラーにコマンドが設定可能であり、最初の送信の際に必ず送信できることになる。また、優先順位５は、必ずしも最初の送信での送信である必要はないが、比較的早期に送信するべきコマンドが設定される。
【０１３４】
すなわち、優先順位２〜４には、本実施の形態における、上述の「最初のパケット通信時間（０．００４秒）後に、当該図柄変動パターン演出に関するコマンドを全て演出制御部１５２へ送出」という目的を達成するべく、固定的に図柄変動パターン演出に関するコマンドである、変動開始コマンド、特別図柄１コマンド、特別図柄２コマンドが設定されることになる。
【０１３５】
以下に本実施の形態の作用を説明する。
【０１３６】
まず、通常遊技の流れを図１０（Ａ）に示す主制御部１５０におけるメインルーチンに従い説明する。
【０１３７】
遊技者がハンドル３０を把持し、発射のための操作を行なうと、このハンドル操作量（回転量）に応じた強度で、パチンコ球が打ち出される。
【０１３８】
パチンコ球が打ち出されると、外バンド３６及び内バンド３８に案内されて盤面３２の釘３４や風車３５等に当接しながら、予測し得ない移動をしながら落下していく。ここで、始動口４６にパチンコ球が入賞すると（ステップ４００での肯定判定）、ステップ４０２へ移行して保留数Ｍが４か否か（すなわち、保留が満杯が否か）が判断され、満杯ではないと判定されると、ステップ４０４へ移行して乱数カウンタから乱数を取得して、ステップ４０６へ移行する。
【０１３９】
なお、ステップ４０２で肯定判定された場合には、抽選の権利がないため、始動口４６への入賞分を賞球払出を行い、処理は終了する。
【０１４０】
ステップ４０６では、現在図柄変動パターン演出中（変動中）であるか否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ４０８へ移行して保留メモリＭに取得した乱数を記憶し、次いでステップ４１０で保留数Ｍをインクリメント（Ｍ←Ｍ＋１）して、このルーチンは終了する。
【０１４１】
また、ステップ４０６で否定判定された場合には、ステップ４１２へ移行して前記取得した乱数に基づいて当／外抽選を実行する。
【０１４２】
ここで、前記ステップ４００で否定判定され、ステップ４１４へ移行して保留が存在すると判定（肯定判定）された場合には、保留メモリから最初に記憶した乱数を読出し（ステップ４１６）、次いで保留数Ｍをデクリメントして（ステップ４１８）、ステップ４１２へ移行する。この場合にも、ステップ４１２では、読み出した乱数に基づいて当／外抽選が実行される。
【０１４３】
ステップ４１２での当／外抽選が終了すると、ステップ４２０へ移行して変動パターンを設定し、次いでステップ４２２へ移行して連続予告の抽選処理が実行される。これは、保留されている乱数の当／外を先読みして、この保留した乱数の中に当たりがあるか否かを判断し、当たりがあった場合に、事前の図柄変動パターン演出から当たりの予告を行うものである。
【０１４４】
次のステップ４２４では、当／外抽選結果、図柄変動パターン種、連続予告の有無、入賞に基づいて予め設定された賞球払出数等のデータを演出制御部１５２又払出制御部１５４へ命令信号として送信（コマンド送信）し、ステップ４２６へ移行する。
【０１４５】
ステップ４２６では、当／外の抽選結果が当たりか否かが判断され、抽選の結果が当りの場合は、予め設定したラウンド数（例えば、１５ラウンド）の大当たり処理が実行される（ステップ４２８）。この大当たり処理中は、大入賞口４４がほとんど開放状態であるため、遊技者によって有利な状態とすることができる。所定ラウンドの大当たり処理が終了すると、通常の遊技に戻る。
【０１４６】
また、このメインルーチンの実行中、図１０（Ｂ）の割り込みルーチンが実行されている。
【０１４７】
すなわち、割り込みルーチンは、停止操作ユニット６０の操作部６４の操作状態を判別するルーチンであり、強制停止操作があった、すなわち、光電センサ７８の受光部７８Ｂに投光部７８Ａからの光が入光し、信号が反転（オン）したことを認識すると、この割り込みルーチンが実行され、ステップ４２９で変動中と判定された場合にステップ４３０で強制停止操作があったことを示す強制停止信号（コマンド）を演出制御部１５２へ送信する。
【０１４８】
（演出制御部１５２における変動パターン強制停止制御「作用効果」）
上記のように当／外の抽選が実行されて、図柄変動パターンに関連するコマンドが演出制御部１５２へ送信されると、演出制御部１５２では、様々な演出制御を実行する。その最も特徴となる演出として、遊技者介入による図柄変動パターン演出の強制停止操作（変動パターン短縮操作）である。
【０１４９】
すなわち、図柄変動パターン演出が開始されてから０．００４秒後、終了する１秒前までの間に、停止操作ユニット６０の操作部６４に遊技者が手をかざすと、光電センサ７８の投光部７８Ａからの光が、手によって反射し、受光部７８Ｂへ入光する。この受光部７８Ｂへの入光によって光電センサ７８の信号が反転し、強制停止の指示があったことを認識する。
【０１５０】
この強制停止指示に基づいて、図柄変動パターン演出が中断され、即時に抽選結果を示す停止図柄が表示される。
【０１５１】
以下に、図１１のフローチャートに従い、この強制停止制御を含む、図柄変動パターン演出制御ルーチンを説明する。
【０１５２】
ステップ４５０では、命令信号（コマンド）の入力があったか否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ４５２へ移行して命令信号の解析が実行される。
【０１５３】
次のステップ４５４では、解析した命令信号の内容を判別し、図柄変動パターン関連のコマンドの場合には、ステップ４５６へ移行する。
【０１５４】
ステップ４５６では、その図柄変動パターン関連のコマンドが変動開始命令か否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ４５８へ移行して変動開始命令に付加された図柄変動パターン種に基づいて図柄変動パターンを読出し、次いでステップ４６０へ移行して、変動を開始する。
【０１５５】
また、ステップ４５６で否定判定された場合には、ステップ４６２へ移行して変動終了命令か否かが判断される。このステップ４６２で肯定判定されると、ステップ４６４へ移行して変動が停止され、最終停止図柄が表示されてこのルーチンは終了する。
【０１５６】
ここで、図１１は、後述するスーパーリーチ報知制御を含めたフローチャートとしているが、図１１の鎖線で囲まれたルーチンは、スーパーリーチ報知制御を行わない場合には不要なルーチンである。
【０１５７】
すなわち、スーパーリーチ報知制御不要の場合には、ステップ４５４で解析した内容が強制停止命令である場合、ステップ４７２へ移行して、変動中画面を白黒静止画像に変換（非スーパーリーチ時）、或いは動画像に変換（スーパーリーチ時）し、ステップ４７４へ移行する。
【０１５８】
すなわち、現在の変動パターンがどこまで演出が進行していようと、当該強制停止命令があった時点で即時に中止し、他の画面（白黒静止画像或いは動画像）に変換されるため、遊技者はこの変換された画像を見ることで、強制停止が正常に働いていることを視覚を通じて認識することができる。
【０１５９】
次のステップ４７４では、この白黒静止画像或いは動画像の表示が所定時間（ここでは、０．５秒程度）経過したか否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ４７６へ移行して、最終停止図柄を表示してこのルーチンは終了する。
【０１６０】
このように、操作部６４の操作有効期間を、全ての変動パターンを対象とし、かつ図柄変動開始直後（０．００４秒後）から図柄変動終了直前（１．０秒前）までとし、遊技者の判断でいつでも変動中の図柄を即時に停止させ、当／外抽選結果を報知する最終停止図柄を表示するようにしたため、遊技の進行を早めたい遊技者は操作部６４の操作を行えばよいし、図柄変動パターン演出を楽しみたい遊技者は操作部６４を操作することなく、そのまま表示部４３を見ていればよいため、遊技者の相反する要求に応えることができる。
【０１６１】
（スーパーリーチ報知制御「作用効果」）
次に、図１１の鎖線で囲まれたスーパーリーチ報知制御のためのルーチンを付加した場合の制御の流れを説明する。すなわち、図１１のステップ４５４において、解析した命令信号の内容が強制停止命令の場合には、ステップ４６６へ移行する。
【０１６２】
ステップ４６６では、フラグＦがセット（１）されているか否かが判断され、否定判定された場合には、ステップ４６８へ移行して、次の変動パターンがスーパーリーチか否かが判断される。
【０１６３】
このステップ４６６で肯定判定された場合、或いは前記ステップ４６８で否定判定された場合には、ステップ４７０へ移行してフラグＦをリセット（０）し、次いでステップ４７２で変動中画面を白黒静止画像に変換（非スーパーリーチ時）、或いは動画像に変換（スーパーリーチ時）し、ステップ４７４へ移行する。
【０１６４】
すなわち、現在の変動パターンがどこまで演出が進行していようと、当該強制停止命令があった時点で即時に中止し、他の画面（白黒静止画像或いは動画像）に変換されるため、遊技者はこの変換された画像を見ることで、強制停止が正常に働いていることを視覚を通じて認識することができる。
【０１６５】
次のステップ４７４では、この白黒静止画像或いは動画像の表示が所定時間（ここでは、０．５秒程度）経過したか否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ４７６へ移行して、最終停止図柄を表示してこのルーチンは終了する。
【０１６６】
一方、ステップ４６８において、肯定判定、すなわち、今回の図柄変動パターンがスーパーリーチであると判定された場合には、ステップ４７８へ移行して、表示部４３での変動を継続しながら、その表示上にメッセージを表示する。
【０１６７】
メッセージ内容は、「スーパーリーチに発展します。強制停止するならもう一度停止操作を行ってください。」等の文字表示である。
【０１６８】
次のステップ４８０では、メッセージが表示され、現在の図柄変動パターン演出がスーパーリーチに発展することを認識させたとして、フラグＦをセットしてこのルーチンは終了する。
【０１６９】
上記フラグＦをたてておくことで、次にこのルーチンの処理が実行されるとき、ステップ４６６で肯定判定されるため、遊技者にスーパーリーチ演出を見るか否かを猶予を与えることができる。すなわち、１回目の強制停止操作では、スーパーリーチの場合に、図柄変動パターンの演出を省略してよいか否かの猶予が与えられ、スーパーリーチに関係なく強制停止を行いたい場合には、再度操作部６４の操作を実行することで、強制停止操作の指示が有効となる。
【０１７０】
なお、上記では、最初の操作部６４の操作のとき、スーパーリーチであった場合に、そのまま図柄変動パターン演出を継続しながら、メッセージを表示するようにしたが、図柄変動パターン演出を一時停止した状態でメッセージを表示するようにしてもよい。この場合、再度の操作部６４の操作可能時間を設け（例えば、２〜３秒程度）、この間に再操作がなければ図柄変動パターン演出を再開し、操作があれば、即時に最終停止図柄を表示するようにすればよい。
【０１７１】
また、スーパーリーチの場合には、操作部６４の操作を最初から無効として、必ずスーパーリーチの図柄変動パターン演出を全編表示するようにしてもよい。
【０１７２】
（主制御部１５０におけるコマンド送出制御「作用効果」）
ここで、前記メインルーチンを含む制御フローは、０．００４秒サイクルで処理されており、図１０（Ａ）に示すメインルーチンのステップ４２４におけるコマンド送信では、０．００４秒を１パケットとし、この間に可能なコマンドを送信し、送信しきれないコマンドは次のパケットで送信する。
【０１７３】
ところが、この本実施の形態の場合、上記強制停止制御を図柄変動パターン演出開始直後（実際には、開始後０．００４秒後）には、最終停止図柄が認識されている必要がある。
【０１７４】
このため、本実施の形態では、図柄変動パターンに関連するコマンドを他のコマンドに優先して、送信する（表２参照）。言い換えれば、変動パターン演出開始後、最初のパケット通信時間（０．００４秒）後には、当該図柄変動パターン演出に関するコマンドが全て演出制御部１５２へ送出されていることになる。
【０１７５】
図１８は、コマンド出力処理ルーチンを示している。本実施の形態におけるコマンド出力は、送信を４回に分けて、モードデータ（ＭＯＤＥ）とイベントデータ（ＥＶＥＮＴ）とをペアにして送信している（表２では、変動開始コマンド、特別図柄１コマンド、特別図柄２コマンドは必ず、メモリコマンドは別途緊急の送信コマンドがない場合）。
【０１７６】
ステップ５７０では、送信カウンタに「０」をセットし、次いでステップ５７２で送信カウンタが「４」になったか否かが判断される。
【０１７７】
このステップ５７２で肯定判定された場合には、全てのコマンドの送信が完了したと判断され、メインルーチンへリターンする。
【０１７８】
また、ステップ５７２で否定判定された場合には、ステップ５７４へ移行してコマンドテーブル（図２０参照）に「ＦＦ」があるか否かが判断される。この「ＦＦ」はコマンドデータが無いことを意味する。
【０１７９】
ステップ５７４で肯定判定された場合には、コマンド自体がないため、メインルーチンへリターンする。
【０１８０】
また、ステップ５７４で否定判定された場合には、ステップ５７６へ移行して送信処理を実行する。
【０１８１】
送信処理は、図１９に示される如く、ステップ５７６Ａでモードデータ（ＭＯＤＥ）を送信し、次いでステップ５７６Ｂでイベントデータ（ＥＶＥＮＴ）を送信する。
【０１８２】
上記ステップ５７６における送信処理が終了すると、ステップ５７８へ移行して、送信カウンタをインクリメントし、ステップ５７２へ戻る。
【０１８３】
上記コマンド出力処理の際、メインルーチンにおける最初のコマンド出力時に図柄変動パターンに関するデータを優先して送信することで、遊技者には見掛け上、図柄変動パターン変動開始直後（人間の感覚としては、０．００４秒の遅れは無視できる）から停止操作を有効とすることが可能となる。
【０１８４】
また、強制停止操作の有効終了時期を変動終了１秒前に設定したのは、可動部６２等、機械的な図柄変動表示装置を適用した場合の、メカ的なレスポンスに対応するためである。また、本実施の形態には適用していないが、リールや球体等を用いて特別図柄を表示する場合にも必要な時間となる。なお、この強制停止操作有効期間の終了時期は、これ以上経過した後（終了１秒以内）での強制停止操作はほとんど意味がないため、遊技の進行に大きな影響を及ぼすこともない。
【０１８５】
（演出制御部１５２における期待値に基づく可動部６２の動作制御「作用効果」、並びに連続予告制御「作用効果」）
前記始動口４６に入賞すると、保留が満杯でない限り、当／外の抽選が実行されるが、保留があると、その順番待ちの期間がある。すなわち、現在図柄変動パターン演出中において４個の保留があるとすると、この保留分の４個は先の抽選結果の報知が終了されるまで待機状態となる。
【０１８６】
この場合、保留された乱数値を先読みし、保留の中に当たりが存在する場合には、事前の図柄変動パターン演出（最大４回）から、連続して当たりを予告する演出を行っている。また、この連続予告は、最低１回から、すなわち、現在図柄変動パターン演出中の抽選結果から適用可能である。
【０１８７】
この場合、抽選結果に対する連続予告の対象として、本実施の形態では、強制停止操作ユニット６０の可動部６２と、表示部４３での表示と、の２種類としている。
【０１８８】
この場合、従来では、主制御部１５０において、連続予告を行うか否かを抽選し、行う場合に予告対象を選択して、それぞれの予告対象に対して動作設定等を行うといった全ての制御を実行していたため、主制御部１５０に大きな負担がかかっていた。そこで、本実施の形態では、この制御を主制御部１５０と演出制御部１５２とに振り分けることで、主制御部１５０での負担を軽減した。
【０１８９】
以下、図１２乃至図１４のフローチャートに従い、前記振り分けた各制御動作ルーチンを示す。
【０１９０】
図１２は、主制御部１５０における連続予告抽選制御ルーチンが示されている。
【０１９１】
ステップ５００では、連続予告抽選を実行し、次いでステップ５０２において、この連続予告抽選に当選したか否かが判断される。ステップ５０２で肯定判定、すなわち連続予告に当選したと判断されると、ステップ５０４へ移行して連続予告コマンドを演出制御部１５２へ送信し、このルーチンは終了する。また、ステップ５０２で否定判定の場合はこのルーチンは終了する。
【０１９２】
主制御部１５０では、上記連続予告の抽選のみを行うようにしたため、主制御部１５０での制御負担を軽減することができる。
【０１９３】
図１３は、演出制御部１５２における連続予告判別制御ルーチンを示している。
【０１９４】
ステップ５０６では、連続予告コマンドが主制御部１５０が送られてきたか否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ５０８で連続予告実行フラグをオンにしてこのルーチンは終了する。また、ステップ５０６で否定判定の場合には、連続予告実行フラグはオフのまま処理は終了する。
【０１９５】
続いて、図１４は、演出制御部１５２における変動パターンコマンド設定制御ルーチンを示している。
【０１９６】
ステップ５１０では、連続予告実行フラグがオンされているか否かが判断され、肯定判定されると、ステップ５１２へ移行して大当たり確定の連続予告か否かが判断される。
【０１９７】
このステップ５１２で否定判定されると、外れ確定（期待値８０から９９％）であると判定され、ステップ５１４へ移行して外れ時予告動作抽選が実行され、ステップ５１６へ移行する。
【０１９８】
ステップ５１６では、抽選の結果が可動部動作に当選したか否かが判断され、肯定判定された場合には、ステップ５１８へ移行して可動部６２の動作を開始し、ステップ５２０へ移行する。ステップ５２０では、変動パターン指定コマンドを図柄・音声制御部１５６へ送信して、このルーチンは終了する。
【０１９９】
また、ステップ５１０で否定判定、すなわち連続予告実行フラグがオンされていない場合、或いはステップ５１６において否定判定、すなわち可動部動作を行わない場合には、ステップ５２０へ移行して、変動パターン指定コマンドを図柄・音声制御部１５６へ送信して、このルーチンは終了する。
【０２００】
次に、ステップ５１２で肯定判定されると、大当たり確定（期待値１００％）であると判定され、ステップ５２２へ移行して当たり時予告動作抽選が実行され、ステップ５２４へ移行する。
【０２０１】
ステップ５２４では、抽選の結果が可動部動作に当選したか否かが判断され、肯定判定されるとステップ５１８へ移行し、可動部６２の動作を開始し、ステップ５２０へ移行する。ステップ５２０では、変動パターン指定コマンドを図柄・音声制御部１５６へ送信して、このルーチンは終了する。
【０２０２】
また、ステップ５２４において、否定判定、すなわち可動部動作を行わない場合には、ステップ５２６へ移行して、大当たり連続予告付変動パターンに当選しているか否かが判断され、否定判定された場合には、ステップ５２０へ移行して、変動パターン指定コマンドを図柄・音声制御部１５６へ送信して、このルーチンは終了する。
【０２０３】
また、ステップ５２６で肯定判定された場合には、ステップ５２８へ移行して大当たり連続予告付変動パターン指定コマンドを図柄・音声制御部１５６へ送信し、このルーチンは終了する。
【０２０４】
以上のように、連続予告については、この連続予告をするかしないかの抽選のみを主制御部１５０で行うようにしたため、主制御部１５０での制御負担が軽くなり、制御プログラムも簡略化することができる。
【０２０５】
（可動部の原点位置復帰までの移動時間と図柄変動期間との相関関係「作用効果」）
本実施の形態では、可動部６２の動作が付加された図柄変動パターン演出中に、操作部６４により強制停止操作指示があった場合、次の図柄変動パターン演出の開始時までに、可動部６２がどの位置にあっても、原点位置に復帰させるようにしている。
【０２０６】
すなわち、可動部６２の動作中に、前記操作部６４の操作があった場合、図柄変動自体が即時に中止され、最終停止図柄が表示された後、保留メモリがあった場合、直ちに次の図柄変動に移行する。次の図柄変動開始時に可動部６２を動作させる設定がなされている場合、可動部６２は原点位置に戻っている必要がある。
【０２０７】
そこで、本実施の形態では、図柄変動パターン演出終了時と、次の図柄変動パターン演出開始時との間に表示仕様下での時間ｔ_ＨＳに加えてブランキング期間ｔ_ＢＫを設けた。
【０２０８】
これにより、強制停止操作有効期間終了時点、或いは操作部６４の操作時点とほぼ一致する図柄変動終了時から次の図柄変動までの時間はｔ_ＨＳ＋ｔ_ＢＫ＝１．０＋０．６＝１．６秒となり、これは、可動部６２の標準的な最大ストロークの移動にかかる時間ｔ_ＭＳの２倍であるため、可動部６２の原点位置への復帰動作中に負荷がかかっても、確実に次の図柄変動パターン演出開始までには、復帰することができる。
【０２０９】
図１６及び図１７には、可動部６２の動作が付加された図柄変動パターン演出時のタイムチャートが示されている。なお、このタイムチャートに示す図柄は、表示部４３の特別図柄表示部４３Ａに表示する特別図柄を対象としている。
【０２１０】
図１６は、図柄変動パターン演出中に、操作部６４の操作がなかった場合を示しており、変動時期の立ち上がりから０．００４秒後に、操作部６４の操作が有効となり、変動時期の立ち下がり（第２特別図柄の停止時）よりも１秒前にこの操作部６４の操作有効期間が終了する。
【０２１１】
可動部６２は、変動時期の立ち上がりとほぼ同時に第１の動作パターン或いは第２の動作パターンの何れかで動作を開始し、全ての動作パターンが終了するのは、前記操作部６４の操作有効期間と一致している。
【０２１２】
その後、０．８秒かけて原点位置へ復帰する（図４（Ｃ）及び図４（Ｄ）参照）。
【０２１３】
ところで、前記変動時期の立ち下がりから次の変動時期の立ち上がりまでの間に、ブランキング期間ｔ_ＢＫを設けることで、前記可動部６２の復帰動作にかかる時間ｔ_ＭＳの２倍の余裕が出る。このため、可動部６２の復帰動作中に何らかの負荷がかかったとしても、十分に次の変動時期の立ち上がりまでの間に復帰させることができる。
【０２１４】
図１７は、操作部６４の操作有効期間中に操作部６２が操作されたとき、すなわち可動部６２が動作途中のときの復帰動作を示している。
【０２１５】
操作部６４が操作されると、本実施の形態の標準仕様に従って、図柄変動は時間ｔ_ＨＳ（１．０秒）で停止する。
【０２１６】
また、可動部６２も前記操作部６４の操作をトリガとして、原点位置へ復帰する動作となる。なお、図１７では最大ストロークを予測している。
【０２１７】
この場合でも、前記時間ｔ_ＨＳとブランキング期間ｔ_ＢＫとの和が１．６秒であるため、可動部６２の復帰動作中に何らかの負荷がかかったとしても、十分に次の変動時期の立ち上がりまでの間に復帰させることができる。
【０２１８】
（演出制御部１５２における効果音予告制御「作用効果」）
次に、本実施の形態では、停止操作ユニット６０の操作部６４の操作を、操作判別素子（ここでは、光電センサ７８）に遊技者が直接手を触れるのではなく、手をかざすのみという仕様を採用している。
【０２１９】
このため、手をかざしたか否かを効果音によって明確にしている。
【０２２０】
通常は、この効果音として特別強調されるような音域や音量ではない、通常停止音であるが、変動パターンがスーパーリーチの場合には、通常音とは異なる音色の効果音を出し、（スーパーリーチ停止音）、当／外抽選の結果が当たりであり、かつ予告抽選に当選した場合には、前記通常効果音の音量よりも大きく、かつ高周波数帯域等、周囲の音に対して強調された効果音（直撃音）を出力する。
【０２２１】
以下、図１５のフローチャートに従い、強制停止時予告音制御ルーチンを説明する。
【０２２２】
ステップ５５０では、直撃音演出の抽選が実行され、次いでステップ５５２でこの直撃音抽選に当選したか否かが判断される。
【０２２３】
このステップ５５２で否定判定された場合には、ステップ５５４へ移行して、スーパーリーチか否かが判断される。
【０２２４】
すなわち、ステップ５５２及びステップ５５４において、ステップ５５６による直撃音に設定するか（ステップ５５２での肯定判定）、ステップ５５８による通常停止音に設定するか（ステップ５５４での否定判定）、ステップ５６０によるスーパーリーチ停止音に設定するか（ステップ５５４での肯定判定）に分類することができる。
【０２２５】
前記ステップ５５６、５５８、５６０の何れかで効果音の設定がなされると、それぞれステップ５６２へ移行してスーパーリーチか否かが再度判断される。
【０２２６】
ステップ５６２で否定判定された場合には、ステップ５６４へ移行して通常停止表示演出に設定され、肯定判定された場合には、ステップ５６６へ移行してスーパーリーチ停止演出に設定され、このルーチンは終了する。
【０２２７】
上記効果音の設定により、停止操作ユニット６０の操作部６４により強制停止の指示操作があると、通常時は白黒静止画像が表示されたときに通常効果音又は直撃音が出力される。また、スーパーリーチ時は動画像が表示されたときにスーパーリーチ効果音又は直撃音が出力される。
【０２２８】
この直撃音を聞くことで、遊技者は、当／外抽選が当たりであることを視覚を通じてのみならず、聴覚を通じて認識することができ、仮に、遊技盤面（表示部４）から目を離していても、当たりを認識することができる。
【０２２９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した如く本発明では、全ての図柄変動パターンを対象として、短縮操作があった場合、その操作後直ちに抽選結果を示す最終停止図柄を報知する強制報知制御機能を持たせると共に、特別の図柄変動パターンの場合には前記強制報知制御機能を実行を猶予し、再度遊技者に短縮するか否かを選択させることで、遊技者にとって有用な強制報知短縮機能を実現することができるという優れた効果を有する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施の形態に係るパチンコ機の正面図である。
【図２】（Ａ）は本実施の形態に係る遊技機の正面図、（Ｂ）は図２（Ａ）のＩＩＢ−ＩＩＢ線断面図である。
【図３】本実施の形態に係るパチンコ機における制御系のブロック図である。
【図４】（Ａ）は停止操作ユニットの可動部の原点位置状態を示す拡大正面図、（Ｂ）は可動部の伸出し状態を示す拡大正面図、（Ｃ）は可動部の第１の動作パターンを示すタイムチャート、（Ｄ）は可動部の第２の動作パターンを示すタイムチャートである。
【図５】表示部による図柄変動パターン演出画面であり、（Ａ）は変動中の表示状態、（Ｂ）強制停止直後の表示状態、（Ｃ）は最終停止図柄表示状態を示す。
【図６】演出図柄を対象とした前記強制停止機能を実現するための機能ブロック図である。
【図７】演出制御部における前記可動部の駆動制御のための機能ブロック図である。
【図８】連続予告に関する制御を主制御部と演出制御部への振り分け状態を示す概念図である。
【図９】予告効果音の出力制御のための機能ブロック図である。
【図１０】（Ａ）は主制御部におけるメインルーチンを示す制御フローチャート、（Ｂ）は強制停止操作時割込ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１１】強制停止制御を含む、図柄変動パターン演出制御ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１２】主制御部における連続予告抽選制御ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１３】演出制御部における連続予告判別制御ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１４】演出制御部における変動パターンコマンド設定制御ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１５】強制停止時予告音制御ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１６】可動物の動作が付加された図柄変動パターン演出時のタイムチャートであり、操作部の操作無しの場合を示す。
【図１７】可動物の動作が付加された図柄変動パターン演出時のタイムチャートであり、操作部の操作有りの場合を示す。
【図１８】図１０のメインルーチンにおけるステップ４２４でのコマンド送信制御ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図１９】図１８の送信処理サブルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図２０】主制御部に記憶されたコマンド送信を待機させるためのコマンド送信テーブルを示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１０ パチンコ機
６４ スピーカ
３２ 遊技盤
４３ 表示部（図柄変動表示装置）
４３Ａ 特別図柄表示部
４４ 大入賞口
４６ 始動口
６０ 停止操作ユニット（操作手段、選択手段）
６２ 可動部
６４ 操作部（操作手段、選択手段）
６６ アーム
６６Ａ 装飾部材
６８ 駆動部
７２ 発光素子
７８ 光電センサ
７８Ａ 投光部
７８Ｂ 受光部
１５０ 主制御部
１５２ 演出制御部（図柄変動表示制御装置）
１５４ 払出制御部
１５６ 図柄・音声制御部（図柄変動表示制御装置）
（演出制御部における変動パターン強制停止制御）
２５０ 命令信号出力部
２５２ 命令信号解析部
２５４ 変動パターン読出部
２５６ 変動パターンメモリ
２５８ 読出変動パターンメモリ
２６０ 強制停止用最終停止図柄データメモリ（強制報知制御手段）
２６２ 強制停止時画像変換部
２６４ 出力データ切替部（強制報知制御手段）
２６６ 変動パターンデータ出力部
２６８ 強制停止指示部（強制報知制御手段）
２７０ スーパーリーチ認識部（演出状態決定手段、演出続行手段）
（スーパーリーチ報知制御）
２７２ 発光素子点灯制御データ出力部
２７４ 発光素子ドライバ
２７６ メッセージ出力部（告知手段）
（演出制御部における期待値に基づく可動部の動作制御）
２８０ 命令信号解析部
２８２ 期待値判別部
２８４ 動作パターン読出部
２８６ 可動部動作パターンメモリ
２８８ 動作パターンデータ出力部
２９０ 実行指示部
２９２ ドライバ
（演出制御部における効果音予告制御）
２９４ 命令信号解析部
２９６ 予告抽選部
２９８ 音声予告実行部
３００ 強制停止操作確認部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a winning / outside lottery is executed upon a prize of a game ball to a starting port provided on a game board, and a result of the winning / outside lottery is reported by a stop symbol after a symbol variation pattern effect. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a fluctuation display device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in gaming machines, particularly in pachinko machines, a lottery is performed by detecting a pachinko ball that has won a starting winning opening (special symbol starting winning opening). A pachinko machine that has a function (big hit processing) that is opened a predetermined number of times (one opening and closing is one round and generally lasts 10 to 16 rounds), increases the winning rate of game balls, and makes the player advantageous state. There is.
[0003]
In this type of pachinko machine, a display unit (usually a liquid crystal display screen) is provided at the center of the gauge board of the pachinko machine in order to notify the player of the result of the lottery. The display unit is configured with a symbol variation pattern screen of a plurality of columns (for example, three columns) (there is also a background screen), and notifies the hit / out with the arrangement of symbols when stopped after the effect of the varying symbol variation pattern. It has become. The player can give a sense of expectation by seeing the symbol change screen, because the player is delighted with whether it is a hit or a miss.
[0004]
By the way, the design variation pattern is an effect that is elaborate every year, and the effect time tends to be long. That is, the symbol variation pattern is intended to notify the player of the result of the lottery to / from the player. However, recently, the symbol variation pattern is devised so that the symbol variation pattern itself can be enjoyed independently.
[0005]
Under such a tendency, it is good for the player to enjoy the symbol variation pattern itself, but it is rather troublesome and uncomfortable for the player who has advanced the game quickly.
[0006]
On the other hand, in consideration of such a player, a symbol variation pattern effect is executed in a time reduction (time reduction) mode, for example, as a privilege after a big hit. As a result, the game progresses quickly, and as a result, the number of lotteries per unit time increases, and the same value as the probability fluctuation can be given.
[0007]
However, since the time reduction mode is often used only for bonuses and the like, it has not been possible to shorten the symbol variation pattern by the will of the player.
[0008]
For this reason, Patent Literature 1 proposes a gaming machine provided with a shortened operation unit capable of interrupting the design fluctuation pattern effect halfway on the player's will and notifying the lottery result at an early stage.
[0009]
According to Patent Literature 1, by operating the shortening operation unit according to the player's will, the lottery result is displayed early, and the progress of the game can be accelerated.
[0010]
Patent Literature 2 discloses a gaming machine capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows and actively stopping the variably displaying, in which the degree of freedom of the game of the player is increased and the fatigue of the player is reduced. A gaming machine is disclosed.
[0011]
For this reason, in Patent Literature 2, an individual stop switch for individually stopping a plurality of symbol rows and a simultaneous stop switch for simultaneously stopping are provided.
[0012]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-159689 A [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-655
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in Patent Literature 1, the operation of the shortened operation unit is enabled only for a relatively long symbol variation pattern selected in advance, not for all symbol variation patterns. There was a limit to shortening the production time. In other words, time has not been efficiently used during probable changes, during working hours, or just before closing.
[0014]
In addition, the conventional shortening of the pattern fluctuation pattern simply skips to the end stage where the pattern fluctuation pattern starts deceleration after the shortening operation, and a certain time lag occurs between the shortening instruction operation and the actual stop. Was.
[0015]
Furthermore, the conventional shortening operation targets a relatively long pattern fluctuation pattern, but from the viewpoint of the player's psychology, a comparatively long pattern fluctuation pattern, such as super reach, has an effect with expectation. Sometimes you want to. On the other hand, there is a demand for speeding up the progress of the game only in the normal symbol variation pattern.
[0016]
In the above-mentioned prior art, the shortening operation can be performed only for a relatively long symbol variation pattern, regardless of the psychology (request) of the player, and the function of the shortening operation itself is meaningless.
[0017]
In this regard, Patent Document 2 describes that two types of switches are provided side by side to vary the form of the stop operation according to the player's request. ), It is unknown to the player when super-reach will appear even if it is diverted to the choice of whether or not to perform it. It cannot be diverted to the appropriateness of operation.
[0018]
In consideration of the above facts, the present invention has a forcible notification control function for notifying a final stop symbol indicating a lottery result immediately after the shortening operation for all the symbol variation patterns when a shortening operation is performed. In the case of a symbol variation pattern, the execution of the compulsory notification control function is deferred, and the player is again allowed to select whether to shorten the compulsory notification control function, thereby realizing a compulsory notification shortening function useful for the player. The purpose is to obtain
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a winning / outside lottery is executed when a game ball is awarded to a starting port provided on a game board, and a result of the winning / outside lottery is displayed on a display unit. Variation pattern effect, and a gaming machine provided with a symbol variation display device that notifies by a stop symbol after the effect, the operation means for forcibly stopping the symbol variation pattern effect, and the operating means during the symbol variation pattern effect Is operated, the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped, and the compulsory notification control means for informing the final stop symbol, and when the symbol variation pattern is a special symbol variation pattern set in advance, Notifying means for notifying that the symbol variation pattern is effected, selecting means for selecting whether or not to execute the compulsory notification control of the symbol variation pattern effect, and a selection operation performed by the player. Has a presentation state determination means for determining execution or cancellation of the forced notification control of the effect of the symbol variation pattern.
[0020]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the effect of the symbol variation pattern is started and the operation means is operated thereafter, usually, the forced notification control means is activated, and the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped. Notify the stop symbol.
[0021]
Here, in the case of a special symbol variation pattern that is set in advance (for example, a super reach having a high expectation value in which the present / outside lottery is won), the player enjoys the effect with a sense of expectation. Often wants sex.
[0022]
Therefore, in the case of a special symbol variation pattern, the notifying unit notifies that it is a special symbol variation pattern effect, and the selecting unit determines whether or not to execute a compulsory notification control of the symbol variation pattern effect to the player. Let me choose.
[0023]
With this, in the case of a special symbol variation pattern effect, the execution start timing of the compulsory notification control is slightly delayed, but it is possible to respond to the player's request, and the operation means can be a more useful function. .
[0024]
The invention according to claim 2 is a pattern in which a win / outside lottery is executed upon the winning of a game ball to a starting port provided on a game board, and the result of the win / outside lottery is displayed on a display unit. Variation pattern effect, and a gaming machine provided with a symbol variation display device that notifies by a stop symbol after the effect, the operation means for forcibly stopping the symbol variation pattern effect, and the operating means during the symbol variation pattern effect Is operated, the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped, the forced notification control means for notifying the final stop symbol, and, if the symbol variation pattern is a special symbol variation pattern set in advance, the symbol Effect continuation means for canceling the execution of the forced notification control of the effect of the fluctuation pattern.
[0025]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 2, the effect of the symbol variation pattern is started, and if there is an operation of the operating means thereafter, usually the forced notification control means is activated, and the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped, Notify the final stop symbol.
[0026]
Here, in the case of a special symbol variation pattern that is set in advance (for example, a super reach having a high expectation value in which the present / outside lottery is won), the player enjoys the effect with a sense of expectation. Often wants sex.
[0027]
Therefore, in the case of a special symbol variation pattern, the effect continuation means cancels the execution of the forced notification control of the effect of the symbol variation pattern, and continues the effect.
[0028]
This deviates from the basic concept of accelerating the progress of the game, but conversely increases the sense of expectation due to the invalid operation of the operation means because of special pattern fluctuation patterns such as super reach. Can be.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a pachinko machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 12, and one side (a left side in FIG. 1) of a frame-shaped inner frame 14 having a window is mounted on the front surface of the outer frame 12 so as to be openable and closable.
[0030]
A plurality of indicator lights 61 and speakers 63 are provided in the inner frame 14. A window is formed in the center of the inner frame 14, and a glass frame in which a pair of glasses 16 (double structure) which are parallel to each other at predetermined intervals in the depth direction of the paper is mounted. 20 are provided. A locking device (cylinder) 22 is provided on the right side of the inner frame 14 in FIG.
[0031]
An integrated plate 26 having a ball plate portion 24 is disposed below the glass frame 20. The ball dish portion 24 of the integrated dish is provided with a communication port 23 which communicates with a ball storage tank (not shown) and allows the pachinko balls in the ball storage tank to flow out to the ball dish portion 24.
[0032]
One side (left side in FIG. 1) of the integral plate 26 is attached to the inner frame 14 so as to be openable and closable. An ashtray 28 is disposed on the lower left side on the front surface of the integrated tray 26, and a firing handle 30 for adjusting the flight distance of a hit ball fired from the firing device 164 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the lower right side.
[0033]
In the window of the inner frame 14, a game board 32 which can be exchanged by being mounted on a game board mounting table is installed corresponding to the window.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the game board 32 has a substantially circular game area 40 surrounded by an outer band 36 and an inner band 38.
[0035]
In the game area 40, in addition to the nails 34 and the windmills 35, a center part 42, a display part 43 provided on the center part 42, a large part such as a large winning prize port (variable prize winning device) 44, and a starting port 46. And game parts such as a passing device 48 and a winning device 49 are attached, and an out port 54 is arranged at the lowest position. Further, a plurality of electric decoration members 56 are provided on the periphery of the game area 40, and are controlled to be turned on and off in synchronization with, for example, winning, and a light effect is performed.
[0036]
In the game area 40 of the game board 32, a stop operation unit 60 is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the inner band 38 provided on the left side thereof.
[0037]
The stop operation unit 60 includes a movable section 62 and an operation section 64.
[0038]
The movable part 62 has a magic hand structure, and includes a plurality of arm parts formed so as to be relatively rotatable relative to each other at intersections where the movable parts 62 intersect substantially in an X shape. And a bellows-shaped arm 66 is formed.
[0039]
Here, the entire length of the arm 66 varies depending on the crossing angle of each arm part. Further, by changing the crossing angle of any of the arm parts, this change is transmitted to the other arm parts, and the operation is performed so that the crossing angle always becomes the same.
[0040]
A drive section (motor) 68 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is provided at the upper end of the arm 66 so that the crossing angle of the arm part located at the upper end can be changed. Thereby, the arm 66 can be expanded and contracted by the driving force of the driving unit 68.
[0041]
At the lower end of the arm 60, a hand-shaped decorative member 66A with the forefinger directed to the operation section 64 is attached.
[0042]
Here, the drive unit 68 normally keeps the arm 66 in the retracted state, and performs an operation of repeatedly expanding and contracting for a predetermined time at a predetermined timing. This operation is used as a message that prompts the operation of the operation unit 64 with the index finger of the decorative member 66A.
[0043]
The operation section 64 is provided with a circular sensor mounting section 70, and a plurality of light-emitting elements (eg, LEDs) 72 are arranged in a ring shape around the sensor mounting section 70.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2B, a vertically long through-hole 74 is provided in the sensor mounting portion 70, and a translucent synthetic resin plate 76 having a low transmittance is fitted. On the back side of the synthetic resin plate 76, a reflective photoelectric sensor 78 is provided.
[0045]
The photoelectric sensor 78 is provided with a light projecting unit 78A and a light receiving unit 78B in the vertical direction, and the light emitted from the light projecting unit is reflected at a predetermined distance so that the light receiving unit can receive light.
[0046]
Here, the predetermined distance is set to the outermost surface (the surface directly facing the player) of the glass 16 provided in front of the game board 32. That is, normally, the light from the light projecting unit passes through the glass 16 (see FIG. 1) and proceeds straight as it is, so that the light receiving unit 78B does not receive light. However, when the player holds his hand over the outermost surface of the glass 16 facing the photoelectric sensor 78 (synthetic resin plate 74), the light from the light projecting unit 78A is reflected by the player's hand, and is transmitted to the light receiving unit 78B. It is a configuration that leads to
[0047]
The operation unit 64 is applied when a symbol variation pattern effect to be described later is started and the effect is ended by player intervention (details will be described later). The light emitting element 72 is controlled so as to light or blink during a period in which the operation of the operation unit 64 is valid.
[0048]
FIG. 3 schematically shows a control system for controlling the pachinko machine 10. The control system is configured around the main control unit 150. The main control unit 150 stores a basic program related to the game, and the operation of each unit is controlled based on a command signal from the main control unit 150.
[0049]
The main control unit 150 includes a start winning sensor 168 provided at the starting port 46, a pass sensor 171 for detecting a pachinko ball passing through the passing device 48, a winning sensor 172 for detecting a pachinko ball won by the winning device 49, and The special winning opening sensor 173 for detecting a winning pachinko ball is connected to the special winning opening 44. The special winning opening 44 is provided with a V zone for continuing the opening and closing operation of the special winning opening. A V zone sensor 177 is also provided in this V zone, and the V zone sensor 177 is connected to the main control unit 150. ing.
[0050]
The main control unit 150 is connected to the photoelectric sensor 78 of the operation unit 64 provided in the stop operation unit 60, and receives a signal indicating the light receiving state of the light receiving unit 78B.
[0051]
Further, a solenoid 174 for opening and closing the electric tulip 47 (see FIG. 2) provided in the starting port 46 and a solenoid 175 for opening and closing the special winning opening 44 are connected to the main control unit 150.
[0052]
The main control unit 150 outputs information indicating the progress of the game to the hall computer via the board external terminal 200.
[0053]
On the other hand, to the main control unit 150, an effect control unit 152 and a payout control unit 154 are connected.
[0054]
The effect control unit 152 is connected to a speaker 63 and a display unit (LCD) 43 of the center role object 42 via a symbol / voice control unit 156. In addition, the effect control unit 152 turns on and off the plurality of indicator lights 61 attached to the glass frame 20 of the pachinko machine 10, turns on and off the illumination components 56 on the game board, and controls the stop operation unit 60. Lighting / extinguishing of the light emitting element 72 disposed around the operation unit 64 is controlled. In addition, the illumination component 56 also includes four holding lamps 202 provided on the center accessory 42.
[0055]
The hold lamp may be controlled so that the display unit 43 notifies the hold state. Also, the number is not limited to four.
[0056]
Further, to the effect control unit 152, a drive unit (motor for effect) 68 that expands and contracts the arm 66 of the movable unit 62 of the stop operation unit 60 is connected. The drive unit 68 controls the expansion and contraction state of the arm 66 by grasping the origin position. The drive unit 68 is provided with an origin position sensor 204 for detecting the origin position, and the detection signal is input to the effect control unit 152.
[0057]
Next, the payout control unit 154 connected to the main control unit 150 is connected to a payout device 206 for performing payout of a pachinko ball.
[0058]
Further, a firing control unit 158 is connected to the payout control unit 154, and the firing control unit 158 controls the firing device 164 to hit a pachinko ball in response to an operation of the handle 30 by the player.
[0059]
Further, the payout control section 154 sends out payout information to the hall computer installed in the hall via the frame external terminal 208.
[0060]
In the main control unit 150, a special symbol or a normal symbol is selected / selected out of lottery, and the display content (symbol variation pattern) on the display unit 43 based on the lottery result is selected. An instruction signal is output to the voice control unit 156. That is, data of different display contents (symbol variation patterns) based on a plurality of types of command signals is stored in advance in the effect control unit 152, and data is selected based on the command signals and activated. I have. In addition, you may control by the symbol / sound control part 156.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the display unit 43 is a strip divided into five in a vertical column, and a plurality of symbols (effect symbols) that are apparently set are sequentially displayed. (Scroll). After this scrolling, each band stops at a predetermined symbol, and the final stop symbol when the scrolling of all the bands stops is a symbol array for displaying the result of the present / outside lottery.
[0062]
In addition, a special symbol display unit 43A for two frames is provided at the upper left of the display unit 43, and the combination of the special symbols of the two frames displays the actual result of the winning / outside lottery. The final stop symbol by the effect symbol corresponds to the present / outside lottery indicated by the special symbol.
[0063]
That is, since it is necessary to maintain the simple expression of stopping after scrolling the special symbol, the effect can be enhanced by mixing various reach patterns and the like with the effect symbol instead. Therefore, various settings are made between about 30 seconds and about 2 minutes for the time from the start of the fluctuation pattern production by the production design to the display of the final stop design, based on the reach announcement, the hit reliability, and the like. ing.
[0064]
(Fluctuation pattern forced stop control in effect control unit 152)
Here, when a symbol variation pattern effect is being executed in the symbol / voice control unit 156 by a command signal (command) from the effect control unit 152, the player holds his hand so as to face the operation unit 64. Then, (the expression of the player's intention to stop), the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped, and control for displaying the final stop symbol is executed.
[0065]
That is, by holding the hand, the light from the light emitting unit 78A of the photoelectric sensor 78 is reflected to the light receiving unit 78B, and the signal is inverted (off → on). This signal is sent to the main control unit 150, the effect control unit 152, and the symbol / voice control unit 156, and the symbol variation pattern effect is stopped by the player's intention to stop.
[0066]
As described above, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, regardless of the above-described variation patterns of the effect symbols at various times, during the period from the start to the end of the symbol variation pattern effect (details will be described later), the player's will Thus, a forced stop function for displaying the final stop symbol immediately is provided.
[0067]
FIG. 6 shows a control block diagram for realizing the forcible stop function for effect symbols. In this block diagram, each block does not physically represent a device, but is divided into blocks according to functions. A plurality of blocks may be configured by one device, or a plurality of functional blocks may be simply represented by a single device. The processing may be performed by software using a single device.
[0068]
The stop instruction from the photoelectric sensor 78 is sent from the instruction signal output unit 250 of the main control unit 150 to the instruction signal analysis unit 252 of the effect control unit 152 as a stop instruction signal.
[0069]
The command signal analyzer 252 receives from the command signal output unit 250 of the main controller 150 a signal designating a symbol variation pattern, a signal prompting the start and end of the variation pattern, and the like. I have.
[0070]
The command signal analysis unit 252 is connected to the variation pattern reading unit 254, reads a corresponding variation pattern from the variation pattern memory 256 based on a signal designating the variation pattern, and temporarily stores the variation pattern in the read variation pattern memory 258. . The fluctuation pattern reading unit 254 is connected to a final stop symbol data memory 260 for forced stop. In the final stop symbol data memory 260 for forced stop, a final lottery for immediately informing the lottery result when there is an instruction from the read symbol variation pattern data to stop the symbol variation pattern effect at the will of the player. Only the stop symbol data is extracted and temporarily stored.
[0071]
The read fluctuation pattern memory 258 is connected to the output data switching unit 264 via the forced stop image conversion unit 262 and the final stop symbol data memory for forced stop.
[0072]
Here, in a normal symbol variation pattern effect, the variation pattern data stored in the read variation pattern memory 258 is sent to the variation pattern data output unit 266.
[0073]
In the variation pattern data output unit 266, the variation pattern data is sequentially sent to the symbol / voice control unit 156, and the display control on the display unit 43 is executed.
[0074]
On the other hand, if the photoelectric sensor 78 is turned on (the player holds his hand over the stop operation unit 64) during the symbol variation pattern effect, a signal instructing a forced stop is input to the command signal analysis unit 252, and this is forcibly stopped. It is sent to the stop instruction unit 268.
[0075]
The forced stop instructing unit 268 is connected to a super reach recognition unit 270 for recognizing whether the variation pattern read by the variation pattern reading unit 254 is super reach, and receives a signal indicating whether the read variation pattern is super reach. It is supposed to be.
[0076]
Note that the super reach is a state in which the symbols that have reached the reach state before the final result is displayed are expected to hit or miss due to various effects. There are not a few people who enjoy as a production.
[0077]
The forced stop instruction unit 268 is connected to the forcibly stopped image conversion unit 262 and the output data switching unit 264, and sends out a forced stop signal to each of them.
[0078]
When the image data is not super-reach, the forcible stop image conversion unit 262 converts the color tone of the read fluctuation pattern sent from the read fluctuation pattern memory 258 to the output data switching unit 264. In the present embodiment, the fluctuation pattern data image at the time of the forced stop is set as a black-and-white (only grayscale expression) image, the black-and-white image data (still image data) is continuously output, and the subsequent fluctuation pattern data Stop sending.
[0079]
In the case of super reach, data of a preset moving image (for example, a wavy image expressing fast-forward) is inserted.
[0080]
On the other hand, the output data switching unit 264 sends the black-and-white image data or the moving image data to the fluctuation pattern data output unit 266 for a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds), and then stores the data in the final stop symbol data memory 260 for forced stop. The final stop symbol data is read out, and the final stop symbol data is switched from the black and white image data or the moving image data to the final stop symbol data, and transmitted to the variation pattern output unit 266.
[0081]
The light emitting element lighting control data output unit 272 is connected to the command signal analysis unit 252, and after the reception of the first command signal necessary for the variation pattern effect or the like is completed (the command signal from the main control unit 150). A light emission control signal is sent to the light emitting element driver 274 so that the light emitting element 72 emits light in a predetermined pattern (a pattern in which the light emitting point moves clockwise) 0.004 seconds after the start of the light emission.
[0082]
The light emission control end time of the light emitting element 72 is one second before the end of the symbol variation pattern effect, and indicates that the forced stop operation is effective during the light emission control.
[0083]
(Super reach notification control)
Here, among the plurality of types of the pattern variation patterns, it is called super reach (a reach having a higher jackpot expectation than a normal reach (a so-called normal reach)). Possible symbol variation patterns are provided. This super-reach symbol variation pattern enhances the game motivation by maximizing the effect of the character serving as the development theme of the pachinko machine 10, and does not perform the stop operation of the operation unit 64 of the stop operation unit 60. There are many players who want to enjoy the production.
[0084]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stop operation of the operation unit 64 is given a grace period only when the selected (lottery) symbol variation pattern is the super reach (super reach notification control).
[0085]
The super reach notification control can be realized by adding a message output unit 276 surrounded by a chain line in FIG.
[0086]
That is, in the forced stop function block diagram shown in FIG. 6, when the symbol variation pattern data read by the variation pattern reading unit 254 is super reach, the super reach recognition unit 270 recognizes that it is super reach, and the forced stop instruction unit In step 268, a super reach signal is sent to the message output unit 276 based on the first forced stop instruction. As a result, the message output unit 276 sends a message to the symbol / voice control unit 156. As a result, the display unit 43 displays a character such as, for example, “Develops into super reach. If you want to perform a forced stop, perform the stop operation again.”
[0087]
In the case of the super reach, the operation of the operation unit 64 is invalidated in consideration of the fact that there are many players who want to increase the expectation of the player and enjoy the effect stochastically. Control may be performed.
[0088]
(Operation control of movable section 62 based on expected value in effect control section 152)
The effect control unit 152 controls the operation of the movable unit 62 of the stop operation unit 60.
[0089]
That is, the movable section 62 is driven based on an expected value set in correlation with the win / outside lottery result, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation that the win / outside lottery is a hit. Yes, the drive is performed when the expected value exceeds a predetermined value.
[0090]
In the present embodiment, the effect control unit 152 drives the movable unit 62 in the first operation pattern (see FIG. 4C) when the expected value is 100%, that is, when it always hits, and the expected value is large (for example, , 80% to 99%), the control for driving the movable portion 62 in the second operation pattern (see FIG. 4D) is executed.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 4C, the first operation pattern is to extend the hand-shaped decorative member 66A from the origin position (the position shown in FIG. 4A) to the extended position (the position shown in FIG. 4B). This is an operation of expanding and contracting at this extended position in small increments.
[0092]
The second operation pattern is, as shown in FIG. 4 (D), an operation in which the decorative member 66A is gradually expanded and contracted at the origin position and then extended to the extended position.
[0093]
FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram for drive control of the movable section 62 in the effect control section 152.
[0094]
The command signal from the main control unit 150 is input to the command signal analysis unit 280. The command signal relating to the drive control of the movable section 62 includes expected value data, execution time data, and the like.
[0095]
The expected value data is sent to the expected value determining unit 282, and the expected value is determined. In the present embodiment, as described above, when the expected value is less than 80%, the movable unit 62 is not driven, and the expected value of 100% (first operation pattern) and the expected value of 80% to 99% (The second operation pattern).
[0096]
The expected value determining unit 282 is connected to the expected value reading unit 284, and reads data of either the first operation pattern or the second operation pattern from the movable unit operation pattern memory 286 based on the selected operation pattern. Output to the operation pattern data output unit 288.
[0097]
The operation pattern data output unit 288 is connected to an execution instruction unit 290 that operates in response to the execution time data. Based on the execution instruction signal from the execution instruction unit 290, the operation pattern data is sent to the driver 292. The driving unit 68 is driven based on the operation pattern data.
[0098]
(Continuous notice control)
In the present embodiment, when a prize is received in the starting port 46 during the symbol variation pattern effect, up to four pieces are held (lottery right acquisition), and the lottery results are sequentially notified. At this time, if the lottery result on hold is pre-read, and there is a hit within the range of this hold according to the result, a continuous announcement that informs the hit continuously from the effect before the design fluctuation pattern effect It is carried out.
[0099]
That is, normally, the count value acquired from the random number counter is stored in the holding memory, and when the order of notification comes, the count value is read out, compared with the hit value, and the result of the hit / out is reported. In advance, and the presence or absence of a hit is recognized in advance, so that a continuous announcement can be made.
[0100]
In the present embodiment, as a target for expressing the continuous notice, the continuous notice control by the display on the display unit 43 and the movable part 62 of the stop operation unit 60 unique to the present embodiment described above are performed. And two types of continuous notice control by operation are prepared, and are selectively used by lottery.
[0101]
In this case, in order to reduce the control burden on the main control unit 150, as shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 150 performs a lottery only on whether or not to execute the continuous notice, and performs a lottery on the type of the continuous notice control. Is performed by the effect control unit 152.
[0102]
When performing the continuous announcement using the display unit 43 in the effect control unit 152, the effect control unit 152 instructs the symbol / voice control unit 156 to perform the effect by the pattern fluctuating putter with the continuous notice. A continuous notice is executed on the display unit 43.
[0103]
On the other hand, when performing continuous notice using the movable section 62 in the effect control section 152, the effect control section 152 sets an operation pattern of the movable section 62 and operates the movable section 62 in accordance with the expected value.
[0104]
(Correlation between the moving time until the movable part returns to the origin position and the symbol fluctuation period)
The above-described movable portion 62 is controlled to operate based on the first operation pattern shown in FIG. 4C and the second operation pattern shown in FIG. 4D. In addition, when the operation unit 64 is operated, the symbol change itself is immediately stopped, and after the final stop symbol is displayed, if there is a reserved memory, the next symbol change is immediately shifted.
[0105]
In this case, if the setting is made to operate the movable portion 62 at the start of the next symbol change, the movable portion 62 needs to return to the origin position.
[0106]
However, the stop operation is performed by the player's will, and it is not possible to predict in advance when the first or second operation pattern will be operated.
[0107]
Therefore, the time t _HS from the effective stop operation effective end time to the start of the next symbol change is set longer than the time t _MS required to move the maximum stroke in the first operation pattern and the second operation pattern. (See FIGS. 16 and 17).
[0108]
Here, in the standard specification, the time t _MS is 0.8 seconds, and the time t _HS set for another reason is 1.0 second, which _satisfies the condition.
[0109]
Another reason is that, for example, even when a mechanical design variation display device such as a reel or a sphere is applied by changing the specifications of the game board 32, there is no need to change software (program) and mechanical response is achieved. This is the setting to deal with. Further, the setting is performed from the viewpoint that the operation of the operation unit 64 after a lapse of more than this time has little meaning.
[0110]
However, since the time difference between the time t _MS and the time t _HS is 0.2 seconds under the above standard specification, if any load is applied to the operation when the movable portion 62 returns to the origin position, the condition cannot be cleared. .
[0111]
Thus, in the present embodiment, a blanking period _tBK is provided between the end of the symbol variation pattern effect and the start of the next symbol variation pattern effect.
[0112]
This blanking period t _BK is set to 0.6 seconds in the present embodiment. The setting of 0.6 seconds is set so that the player does not feel a sense of discomfort between symbol fluctuations, and may be in the range of 1.5 seconds to 2.0 seconds as a whole. The blanking period t _{BK is set} to 0.6 seconds as the optimum value.
[0113]
The time from the end of the symbol change that almost coincides with the time of the forced stop operation valid period or the operation of the operation unit 64 to the next symbol change is t _HS + t _BK = 1.0 + 0.6 = 1.6 seconds, This is twice as long as the time t _MS required for the movable part 62 to move in the standard maximum stroke. Therefore, even if a load is applied during the operation of returning the movable part 62 to the home position, the next symbol change is ensured. By the start of the pattern effect, it is possible to return.
[0114]
(Sound effect notice control in effect control unit 152)
In addition, when the operation unit 64 of the stop operation unit 60 is operated (operation in which the player holds his / her hand over), a sound effect indicating that the operation has been reliably performed by the speaker 63 with the forced stop of the symbol variation pattern is output. It is supposed to. Usually, the sound range or volume is not particularly emphasized as this sound effect (normal stop sound).
[0115]
Here, when the fluctuation pattern is super reach, a sound effect of a tone different from the normal sound is output (super reach stop sound), and the result of this / outside lottery is a hit, and when the preliminary lottery is won. Only when the operation sound of the operation unit 64 is operated, a sound effect (direct hit sound) that is larger than the normal sound volume and emphasized with respect to surrounding sounds such as a high frequency band is output. I have.
[0116]
Note that the direct hit sound includes an impact sound generated when an object collides with the player's hearing, a plosive sound generated when a balloon explodes, and the like, a relatively high-frequency band having an impact, And say loud sound.
[0117]
FIG. 9 shows a functional block diagram for output control of a notice sound effect.
[0118]
As shown in FIG. 9, a command signal indicating whether or not a super reach has been received by the command signal analysis unit 294 or a winning / outside lottery result signal is sent to the advance lottery unit 296, and this winning / outside lottery is a hit. Sometimes, a preliminary lottery is performed. As a result, the announcement lottery unit 296 sends any one of a signal indicating a hit, a signal indicating a loss, a no-lottery signal, and a super reach signal to the audio announcement execution unit 298.
[0119]
Also, the forced stop operation signal received by the command signal analysis unit 294 is sent to the forced stop operation confirmation unit 300 to confirm that the stop operation has been performed, and to execute a sound signal to output a trigger signal for outputting a sound effect. To the unit 298.
[0120]
The voice announcement execution unit 298 outputs a sound effect (here, a relatively large volume and a high frequency band plosive sound) for predicting the hit when the signal indicating the hit is input, and outputs the sound / voice control unit 156. To output a control signal.
[0121]
Also, when a signal indicating an out-of-position or a signal indicating no lottery is input, a symbol / voice is output so as to output a normal stop sound (a relatively small volume and an intermediate frequency band sound effect that can confirm the operation). The control unit outputs a control signal.
[0122]
Further, when the super reach signal is input, the control signal is output to the symbol / voice control unit 156 so as to output the super reach stop sound (effect sound of a sound range slightly emphasized more than the normal stop sound).
[0123]
As a result, the symbol / voice control unit 156 controls the speaker 63 for a short time from when the player holds his hand over the operation unit 64 until the symbol change stops, so that a direct hit sound, a super reach stop sound, Alternatively, a normal stop sound can be output.
[0124]
(Command transmission control in main controller 150)
As described above, in the main control unit 150, the command (command signal) related to the special symbol variation pattern and the hold memory A variety of commands, such as a command related to a game, a command related to a normal symbol, and a command related to award ball payout, are sent to the effect control unit 152 and the payout control unit 154.
[0125]
Although the above command depends on the processing speed to be mounted, the processing speed applied to the normal pachinko machine 10 is 0.004 seconds (reset to be a fixed time), and one packet is possible during this time. Although commands are transmitted in minutes and commands that cannot be transmitted are transmitted in the next packet (routine), the transmission order is not particularly limited.
[0126]
However, in the case of the present embodiment, the final stop symbol needs to be recognized immediately after the symbol variation pattern effect is started (actually 0.004 seconds after the start) in the forced stop control.
[0127]
For this reason, in the present embodiment, a command related to the symbol variation pattern is transmitted prior to other commands. In other words, after the start of the variation pattern effect, after the first packet communication time (0.004 seconds), all the commands related to the symbol variation pattern effect have been transmitted to the effect control unit 152.
[0128]
This makes it possible for the player to effectively activate the stop operation immediately after the start of the symbol variation pattern variation (a delay of 0.004 seconds can be ignored as a human sense).
[0129]
Here, as shown in Table 1, the commands are stored in the memory of the main control unit 150 while being divided for each area.
[0130]
[Table 1]

[0131]
As shown in Table 2, transmission priorities of commands stored in the memory as shown in Table 1 are determined in units of areas, and four commands can be transmitted in one transmission.
[0132]
[Table 2]

[0133]
That is, in Table 2, when the priority order is determined, the priority order 1 and the priority order 5 are blank, and a space for an emergency is provided. That is, a command can be set irregularly in the space of the first priority, and can be transmitted without fail at the time of the first transmission. The priority 5 does not necessarily have to be the first transmission, but a command to be transmitted relatively early is set.
[0134]
That is, in the priority order 2 to 4, the purpose of this embodiment is to “transmit all commands related to the symbol variation pattern effect to the effect control unit 152 after the first packet communication time (0.004 seconds)”. In order to achieve the above, a variation start command, a special symbol 1 command, and a special symbol 2 command, which are commands related to the symbol variation pattern effect, are fixedly set.
[0135]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.
[0136]
First, the flow of the normal game will be described according to the main routine in the main control unit 150 shown in FIG.
[0137]
When the player grips the handle 30 and performs an operation for firing, a pachinko ball is launched with an intensity corresponding to the handle operation amount (rotation amount).
[0138]
When the pachinko ball is hit, the ball is guided by the outer band 36 and the inner band 38 and abuts on the nail 34, the windmill 35, and the like on the board surface 32, and falls while moving unpredictably. Here, when the pachinko ball wins in the starting port 46 (a positive determination in step 400), the process proceeds to step 402, where it is determined whether or not the number of holdings M is 4 (that is, whether or not the holding is full). If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to step 404 to acquire a random number from the random number counter, and then proceeds to step 406.
[0139]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 402, there is no right to the lottery, so that a prize ball is paid out for the winning prize to the starting port 46, and the process ends.
[0140]
In step 406, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation pattern is being produced (in the course of variation). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 408, where the acquired random number is stored in the hold memory M, and then in step 410 The reservation number M is incremented (M ← M + 1), and this routine ends.
[0141]
If a negative determination is made in step 406, the process proceeds to step 412 to execute a winning / outside lottery based on the obtained random numbers.
[0142]
If the determination in step 400 is negative, the process proceeds to step 414, and if it is determined that there is a hold (affirmative determination), the first stored random number is read from the hold memory (step 416). M is decremented (step 418), and the process proceeds to step 412. Also in this case, in step 412, the random / outside lottery is executed based on the read random numbers.
[0143]
When the random / outside lottery in step 412 is completed, the process proceeds to step 420 to set a fluctuation pattern, and then proceeds to step 422 to execute a continuous announcement lottery process. This is to look ahead to the random numbers that are reserved or not, judge whether there is a hit in the stored random numbers, and, if there is a hit, give a preliminary notice of winning from the prior symbol variation pattern effect Is what you do.
[0144]
In the next step 424, the command signal to the effect control unit 152 or the payout control unit 154 is sent to the effect control unit 152 or the payout control unit 154 data such as the result of the present / external lottery, the pattern variation pattern type, the presence / absence of the continuous notice, and the number of prize balls paid out based on the winning. (Command transmission), and proceeds to step 426.
[0145]
At step 426, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery is a hit, and if the result of the lottery is a hit, a jackpot process of a preset number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) is executed (step 428). . During the jackpot process, the special winning opening 44 is almost open, so that the player can be in an advantageous state. When the jackpot process of the predetermined round ends, the game returns to the normal game.
[0146]
During the execution of the main routine, an interrupt routine shown in FIG. 10B is being executed.
[0147]
That is, the interrupt routine is a routine for determining the operation state of the operation unit 64 of the stop operation unit 60, and there has been a forced stop operation, that is, light from the light projecting unit 78A enters the light receiving unit 78B of the photoelectric sensor 78. When it is recognized that the signal has been inverted (ON), this interrupt routine is executed. If it is determined in step 429 that the signal is fluctuating, a forced stop signal (command ) To the effect control unit 152.
[0148]
(Fluctuation pattern forced stop control "effect" in effect control unit 152)
As described above, when the lottery is executed and a command related to the symbol variation pattern is transmitted to the effect control unit 152, the effect control unit 152 executes various effect controls. The most distinctive effect is a forcible stop operation (a fluctuation pattern shortening operation) of a symbol fluctuation pattern effect due to player intervention.
[0149]
That is, when the player holds his hand over the operation unit 64 of the stop operation unit 60 between 0.004 seconds after the symbol variation pattern effect is started and one second before the end, the light emission of the photoelectric sensor 78 is performed. Light from the portion 78A is reflected by the hand and enters the light receiving portion 78B. The signal of the photoelectric sensor 78 is inverted by the light entering the light receiving unit 78B, and it is recognized that the instruction of the forced stop has been given.
[0150]
Based on this forced stop instruction, the symbol variation pattern effect is interrupted, and a stop symbol indicating the lottery result is immediately displayed.
[0151]
The symbol variation pattern effect control routine including the forced stop control will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0152]
In step 450, it is determined whether or not an instruction signal (command) has been input. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 452 to analyze the instruction signal.
[0153]
In the next step 454, the contents of the analyzed command signal are determined, and in the case of a command relating to the symbol variation pattern, the flow proceeds to step 456.
[0154]
In step 456, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation pattern-related command is a variation start command. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 458 to change the symbol variation pattern based on the symbol variation pattern type added to the variation start command. The pattern is read, and then the process proceeds to step 460 to start the fluctuation.
[0155]
If a negative determination is made in step 456, the flow shifts to step 462 to determine whether or not the command is a change end command. If an affirmative determination is made in step 462, the process proceeds to step 464 to stop the fluctuation, a final stop symbol is displayed, and this routine ends.
[0156]
Here, FIG. 11 is a flowchart including the super reach notification control described later. However, the routine surrounded by a chain line in FIG. 11 is an unnecessary routine when the super reach notification control is not performed.
[0157]
That is, if the super reach notification control is unnecessary, if the content analyzed in step 454 is a forced stop instruction, the process proceeds to step 472 to convert the changing screen to a black-and-white still image (during non-super reach) or The image is converted into a moving image (at the time of super reach), and the flow proceeds to step 474.
[0158]
That is, no matter how far the effect of the current fluctuation pattern has progressed, it is immediately stopped when the forced stop command is issued and converted to another screen (monochrome still image or moving image). By looking at the converted image, it can be visually recognized that the forced stop is working normally.
[0159]
In the next step 474, it is determined whether or not the display of the monochrome still image or the moving image has elapsed for a predetermined time (here, about 0.5 seconds). The final stop symbol is displayed, and this routine ends.
[0160]
As described above, the operation validity period of the operation unit 64 is set for all the variation patterns, and is set from immediately after the start of the symbol change (after 0.004 seconds) to immediately before the end of the symbol change (1.0 seconds before). Is stopped immediately at any time by the judgment of, and a final stop symbol for notifying the result of the random / outside lottery is displayed, so that the player who wants to speed up the progress of the game may operate the operation unit 64. Then, a player who wants to enjoy the symbol variation pattern effect only needs to look at the display unit 43 without operating the operation unit 64, so that it is possible to meet the conflicting demands of the player.
[0161]
(Super reach notification control "effect")
Next, a control flow when a routine for super reach notification control enclosed by a chain line in FIG. 11 is added will be described. That is, in step 454 of FIG. 11, when the analyzed instruction signal is a forced stop instruction, the process proceeds to step 466.
[0162]
At step 466, it is determined whether or not the flag F is set (1). If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 468, where it is determined whether or not the next variation pattern is super reach.
[0163]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 466 or a negative determination is made in step 468, the process proceeds to step 470 to reset (0) the flag F, and then in step 472 the changing screen is changed to a black and white still image. The conversion is performed (at the time of non-super-reach) or a moving image (at the time of super-reach), and the process proceeds to step 474.
[0164]
That is, no matter how far the effect of the current fluctuation pattern has progressed, it is immediately stopped when the forced stop command is issued and converted to another screen (monochrome still image or moving image). By looking at the converted image, it can be visually recognized that the forced stop is working normally.
[0165]
In the next step 474, it is determined whether or not the display of the monochrome still image or the moving image has elapsed for a predetermined time (here, about 0.5 seconds). The final stop symbol is displayed, and this routine ends.
[0166]
On the other hand, in step 468, if the affirmative determination is made, that is, if the current symbol variation pattern is determined to be super reach, the process proceeds to step 478, where the variation on the display unit 43 is continued, To display the message.
[0167]
The content of the message is a character display such as "It will evolve into super reach. If you want to forcibly stop, please perform the stop operation again."
[0168]
In the next step 480, a message is displayed, the flag F is set assuming that the current symbol variation pattern effect will evolve into super reach, and this routine ends.
[0169]
By setting the flag F, an affirmative determination is made in step 466 when the process of this routine is next executed, so that it is possible to give the player time to determine whether to watch the super reach effect. . That is, in the first forcible stop operation, in the case of the super reach, a grace is provided as to whether or not the effect of the symbol variation pattern may be omitted. By executing the operation of the operation unit 64, the instruction of the forced stop operation becomes effective.
[0170]
In the above description, when the first operation of the operation unit 64 is performed, when the super reach is reached, the message is displayed while the symbol variation pattern effect is continued, but the symbol variation pattern effect is temporarily stopped. You may make it display a message in a state. In this case, the operable time of the operation unit 64 is provided again (for example, about 2 to 3 seconds), and if there is no re-operation during this time, the symbol variation pattern effect is restarted. What is necessary is just to display it.
[0171]
In the case of the super reach, the operation of the operation unit 64 may be invalidated from the beginning, and the full variation of the symbol variation pattern effect of the super reach may be displayed.
[0172]
(Command transmission control "operation effect" in the main control unit 150)
Here, the control flow including the main routine is processed in a cycle of 0.004 seconds. In the command transmission in step 424 of the main routine shown in FIG. The command that can be transmitted is transmitted in the next packet.
[0173]
However, in the case of the present embodiment, the final stop symbol needs to be recognized immediately after the symbol variation pattern effect is started (actually 0.004 seconds after the start) in the forced stop control.
[0174]
For this reason, in this embodiment, a command related to the symbol variation pattern is transmitted prior to other commands (see Table 2). In other words, after the start of the variation pattern effect, after the first packet communication time (0.004 seconds), all the commands related to the symbol variation pattern effect have been transmitted to the effect control unit 152.
[0175]
FIG. 18 shows a command output processing routine. In the command output in the present embodiment, the transmission is divided into four times, and the mode data (MODE) and the event data (EVENT) are transmitted as a pair (in Table 2, the fluctuation start command, the special symbol 1 command). The special symbol 2 command is always required, and the memory command is not required if there is no urgent transmission command.)
[0176]
In step 570, "0" is set in the transmission counter, and then in step 572, it is determined whether or not the transmission counter has become "4".
[0177]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 572, it is determined that transmission of all commands has been completed, and the process returns to the main routine.
[0178]
If a negative determination is made in step 572, the flow shifts to step 574 to determine whether "FF" is present in the command table (see FIG. 20). This “FF” means that there is no command data.
[0179]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 574, there is no command itself, and the process returns to the main routine.
[0180]
If a negative determination is made in step 574, the process proceeds to step 576 to execute transmission processing.
[0181]
In the transmission process, as shown in FIG. 19, mode data (MODE) is transmitted in step 576A, and then event data (EVENT) is transmitted in step 576B.
[0182]
When the transmission process in step 576 is completed, the process proceeds to step 578, where the transmission counter is incremented, and the process returns to step 572.
[0183]
At the time of the above-mentioned command output processing, the data relating to the symbol variation pattern is preferentially transmitted at the time of the first command output in the main routine, so that the player apparently immediately after the symbol variation pattern variation has started (a human sense of 0 (A delay of .004 seconds can be ignored), so that the stop operation can be made effective.
[0184]
The reason why the effective end time of the forced stop operation is set to one second before the end of the fluctuation is to respond to a mechanical response when a mechanical symbol fluctuation display device such as the movable part 62 is applied. Although not applied to the present embodiment, the time required for displaying a special symbol using a reel, a sphere, or the like is also required. Note that the forced stop operation after the elapse of the forced stop operation valid period (within one second) has little meaning, and thus does not significantly affect the progress of the game.
[0185]
(Operation control “action effect” of movable section 62 based on expected value in effect control section 152 and continuous notice control “action effect”)
When the start port 46 is won, the lottery is executed as long as the hold is not full, but if there is a hold, there is a waiting period for the turn. That is, assuming that four pieces are currently held during the symbol variation pattern effect, the four pieces of the held pieces are in a standby state until the notification of the previous lottery result is completed.
[0186]
In this case, the held random number value is read in advance, and if there is a winning in the holding, an effect of continuously notifying the winning is performed from a prior symbol variation pattern effect (up to four times). Also, this continuous notice can be applied at least once, that is, from the lottery result during the current pattern variation pattern production.
[0187]
In this case, in the present embodiment, there are two types of continuous notices for the lottery results: the movable part 62 of the forced stop operation unit 60 and the display on the display part 43.
[0188]
In this case, in the related art, the main control unit 150 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to perform the continuous notice, selects a target to be notified when performing the notice, and performs all controls such as performing an operation setting or the like for each notice target. Because of the execution, a heavy load was placed on the main control unit 150. Therefore, in the present embodiment, this control is distributed to main control section 150 and effect control section 152, so that the burden on main control section 150 is reduced.
[0189]
Hereinafter, each of the control operation routines will be described in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0190]
FIG. 12 shows a continuous announcement lottery control routine in the main control unit 150.
[0191]
In step 500, a continuous preview lottery is executed, and then in step 502, it is determined whether or not this continuous preview lottery has been won. If the affirmative determination is made in step 502, that is, if it is determined that the continuous notice has been won, the process proceeds to step 504 to transmit a continuous notice command to the effect control unit 152, and this routine ends. If a negative determination is made in step 502, this routine ends.
[0192]
Since the main control unit 150 performs only the lottery for the continuous notice, the control load on the main control unit 150 can be reduced.
[0193]
FIG. 13 shows a continuous announcement determination control routine in the effect control unit 152.
[0194]
In step 506, it is determined whether the main control unit 150 has sent the continuous notice command. If the determination is affirmative, the continuous notice execution flag is turned on in step 508, and this routine ends. If a negative determination is made in step 506, the process ends with the continuous announcement execution flag kept off.
[0195]
Next, FIG. 14 shows a variation pattern command setting control routine in the effect control unit 152.
[0196]
At step 510, it is determined whether or not the continuous announcement execution flag is turned on. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 512, where it is determined whether or not the continuous announcement of the jackpot determination is made.
[0197]
If a negative determination is made in this step 512, it is determined that the deviation has been confirmed (99% from the expected value of 80%), and the routine proceeds to step 514, where the preliminary announcement operation lottery is executed, and the routine proceeds to step 516.
[0198]
In step 516, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery has won the operation of the movable unit. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 518 to start the operation of the movable unit 62, and then proceeds to step 520. In step 520, a fluctuation pattern designation command is transmitted to the symbol / voice control unit 156, and this routine ends.
[0199]
If a negative determination is made in step 510, that is, if the continuous notice execution flag is not turned on, or if a negative determination is made in step 516, that is, if the movable portion operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step 520, and the variation pattern designation command is executed. This routine is transmitted to the symbol / voice control unit 156, and this routine ends.
[0200]
Next, when an affirmative determination is made in step 512, it is determined that the jackpot has been determined (expected value: 100%), and the process proceeds to step 522 to execute a lottery notification operation lottery, and then proceeds to step 524.
[0201]
In step 524, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery has won the operation of the movable unit. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 518, where the operation of the movable unit 62 is started, and the process proceeds to step 520. In step 520, a fluctuation pattern designation command is transmitted to the symbol / voice control unit 156, and this routine ends.
[0202]
Also, in step 524, if a negative determination is made, that is, if the movable part operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step 526, where it is determined whether or not the winning pattern has been won in the jackpot continuous advance notice variation pattern. Proceeds to step 520, transmits a variation pattern designation command to the symbol / voice control unit 156, and this routine ends.
[0203]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 526, the process proceeds to step 528 to transmit a jackpot continuous advance notice variation pattern designation command to the symbol / voice control unit 156, and this routine ends.
[0204]
As described above, for the continuous announcement, only the lottery for performing or not performing the continuous announcement is performed by the main control unit 150, so that the control burden on the main control unit 150 is reduced, and the control program is also simplified. be able to.
[0205]
(Correlation "movement effect" between movement time until return of origin position of movable part and symbol fluctuation period)
In the present embodiment, when a forced stop operation instruction is given by the operation unit 64 during the symbol variation pattern effect to which the operation of the movable unit 62 is added, the movable unit 62 is not changed until the start of the next symbol variation pattern effect. Is returned to the origin position regardless of the position.
[0206]
That is, when the operation unit 64 is operated during the operation of the movable unit 62, the symbol change itself is immediately stopped, and after the final stop symbol is displayed, if there is a hold memory, the next symbol is immediately changed. Move to fluctuation. If the setting to operate the movable portion 62 at the start of the next symbol change is made, the movable portion 62 needs to return to the origin position.
[0207]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a blanking period t _BK is provided between the end of the symbol variation pattern effect and the start of the next symbol variation pattern effect, in addition to the time t _HS under the display specification.
[0208]
As a result, the time from the end of the symbol change almost coincident with the forced stop operation valid period or the operation time of the operation unit 64 to the next symbol change is t _HS + t _BK = 1.0 + 0.6 = 1.6 seconds. This is twice the time t _MS required for the movable part 62 to move the standard maximum stroke. Therefore, even if a load is applied during the operation of returning the movable part 62 to the home position, the following is surely performed. By the time the symbol variation pattern effect starts, it is possible to return.
[0209]
FIGS. 16 and 17 show time charts at the time of the symbol variation pattern effect to which the operation of the movable portion 62 is added. The symbols shown in this time chart are intended for special symbols displayed on the special symbol display section 43A of the display section 43.
[0210]
FIG. 16 shows a case in which the operation of the operation unit 64 is not performed during the design fluctuation pattern effect. The operation of the operation unit 64 becomes effective 0.004 seconds after the rise of the fluctuation period, and the fall of the fluctuation period. One second before (when the second special symbol is stopped), the operation validity period of the operation unit 64 ends.
[0211]
The movable portion 62 starts operating in either the first operation pattern or the second operation pattern almost simultaneously with the rise of the fluctuation period, and all the operation patterns end only during the operation valid period of the operation portion 64. Matches.
[0212]
Thereafter, it returns to the origin position in 0.8 seconds (see FIGS. 4C and 4D).
[0213]
By providing the blanking period t _BK between the fall of the change timing and the rise of the next change timing, a margin twice as long as the time t _MS required for the return operation of the movable portion 62 is obtained. For this reason, even if any load is applied during the return operation of the movable portion 62, the movable portion 62 can be sufficiently restored before the rising of the next fluctuation period.
[0214]
FIG. 17 illustrates a return operation when the operation unit 62 is operated during the operation valid period of the operation unit 64, that is, when the movable unit 62 is in the middle of operation.
[0215]
When the operation unit 64 is operated, the symbol fluctuation stops at the time t _HS (1.0 second) according to the standard specification of the present embodiment.
[0216]
Further, the movable portion 62 also returns to the origin position, triggered by the operation of the operation portion 64. In FIG. 17, the maximum stroke is predicted.
[0219]
Even in this case, since the sum of the time t _HS and the blanking period t _BK is 1.6 seconds, even if some load is applied during the return operation of the movable portion 62, the rising of the next fluctuation period can be sufficiently performed. It can be returned before.
[0218]
(Sound effect notice control "effect" in effect control unit 152)
Next, in the present embodiment, the operation of the operation unit 64 of the stop operation unit 60 is performed in such a manner that the player does not directly touch the operation discriminating element (here, the photoelectric sensor 78), but merely holds his hand. Is adopted.
[0219]
For this reason, whether or not a hand is held is clarified by sound effects.
[0220]
Normally, it is a normal stop sound that is not a range or volume that is specially emphasized as this sound effect, but if the fluctuation pattern is super reach, a sound effect different from the normal sound is output, and Reach stop sound), when the result of this / outside lottery is a hit, and in the case of winning in the preliminary lottery, the volume is larger than the volume of the normal sound effect and emphasized to surrounding sounds such as a high frequency band. Sound effect (direct hit sound).
[0221]
Hereinafter, the forcible stop time notice sound control routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0222]
In step 550, a direct hit sound effect lottery is executed, and then in step 552, it is determined whether or not the direct hit sound lottery has been won.
[0223]
If a negative determination is made in step 552, the process proceeds to step 554, where it is determined whether or not super reach is performed.
[0224]
That is, in steps 552 and 554, whether the sound is set to the direct hit sound in step 556 (positive determination in step 552), the normal stop sound is set in step 558 (negative determination in step 554), or the super The reach stop sound can be set (affirmative determination in step 554).
[0225]
When the sound effect is set in any of the steps 556, 558, and 560, the flow shifts to step 562 to determine again whether or not the super reach is performed.
[0226]
If a negative determination is made in step 562, the process proceeds to step 564 to set the normal stop display effect, and if an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 566 to set the super reach stop effect. finish.
[0227]
When the operation section 64 of the stop operation unit 60 performs a forced stop instruction operation according to the setting of the sound effect, a normal sound effect or a direct hit sound is output when a monochrome still image is displayed in normal times. Further, at the time of super reach, a super reach sound effect or a direct hit sound is output when a moving image is displayed.
[0228]
By listening to this direct hit sound, the player can recognize not only visually but also visually that the winning / outside lottery is a hit, and temporarily keeps his / her eyes away from the gaming board surface (display unit 4). Even so, it is possible to recognize the hit.
[0229]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, when a shortening operation is performed on all the symbol variation patterns, a forced notification control function for notifying a final stop symbol indicating a lottery result immediately after the operation is provided, and a special symbol is provided. In the case of the fluctuation pattern, the execution of the compulsory notification control function is deferred, and the player is again allowed to select whether or not to shorten the compulsory notification control function, thereby realizing a compulsory notification shortening function useful for the player. Has an effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.
2A is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIB-IIB in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
4A is an enlarged front view showing the origin position state of the movable part of the stop operation unit, FIG. 4B is an enlarged front view showing the extended state of the movable part, and FIG. 4C is a first view of the movable part. (D) is a time chart showing a second operation pattern of the movable part.
5A and 5B are symbol variation pattern effect screens displayed by the display unit, wherein FIG. 5A shows a changing display state, FIG. 5B shows a display state immediately after a forced stop, and FIG. 5C shows a final stop symbol display state.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for realizing the forcible stop function for effect symbols.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram for drive control of the movable section in the effect control section.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which control relating to continuous notice is distributed to a main control unit and an effect control unit.
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for output control of a notice sound effect.
FIG. 10A is a control flowchart showing a main routine in a main control section, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing an interrupt routine at the time of a forced stop operation.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a symbol variation pattern effect control routine including a forced stop control.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuous announcement lottery control routine in a main control unit.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a continuous announcement determination control routine in an effect control unit.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command setting control routine in an effect control unit.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a forcible stop time notice sound control routine.
FIG. 16 is a time chart at the time of a symbol variation pattern effect to which the operation of the movable object is added, and shows a case where the operation unit is not operated.
FIG. 17 is a time chart at the time of a symbol variation pattern effect to which an operation of a movable object is added, showing a case where an operation of an operation unit is performed.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a command transmission control routine in step 424 in the main routine of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission processing subroutine of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a command transmission table for waiting for command transmission stored in the main control unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 pachinko machine 64 speaker 32 game board 43 display unit (symbol variation display device)
43A Special symbol display unit 44 Big winning opening 46 Starting opening 60 Stop operation unit (operation means, selection means)
62 movable part 64 operation part (operation means, selection means)
66 Arm 66A Decoration member 68 Driving unit 72 Light emitting element 78 Photoelectric sensor 78A Light emitting unit 78B Light receiving unit 150 Main control unit 152 Effect control unit (symbol variation display control device)
154 payout control unit 156 symbol / voice control unit (symbol variation display control device)
(Forcible stop control of the fluctuation pattern in the production control unit)
250 Command signal output unit 252 Command signal analysis unit 254 Fluctuating pattern reading unit 256 Fluctuating pattern memory 258 Reading fluctuating pattern memory 260 Final stop symbol data memory for forced stop (forced notification control means)
262 Forced stop image conversion unit 264 Output data switching unit (forced notification control unit)
266 Fluctuation pattern data output unit 268 Forced stop instruction unit (forced notification control means)
270 Super Reach Recognition Unit (Direction State Determination Unit, Direction Continuation Unit)
(Super reach notification control)
272 Light emitting element lighting control data output section 274 Light emitting element driver 276 Message output section (notification means)
(Operation control of movable part based on expected value in effect control part)
280 Command signal analysis unit 282 Expected value discrimination unit 284 Operation pattern reading unit 286 Moving unit operation pattern memory 288 Operation pattern data output unit 290 Execution instruction unit 292 Driver (Sound effect notice control in production control unit)
294 Command signal analysis unit 296 Advance announcement lottery unit 298 Voice announcement execution unit 300 Forced stop operation confirmation unit

Claims (2)

The winning / outside lottery is executed in response to a prize of a game ball to the starting port provided on the game board, and the result of the winning / outside lottery is displayed on a display unit in a symbol variation pattern effect, and after the effect. A gaming machine provided with a symbol change display device that notifies by a stop symbol,
Operating means for forcibly stopping the symbol variation pattern effect,
When the operating means is operated during the symbol variation pattern effect, the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped, and a compulsory notification control device for notifying a final stop symbol, and the symbol variation pattern is a special In the case of the symbol variation pattern of, the notifying means for notifying that it is the special symbol variation pattern effect,
Selection means for selecting whether to execute the compulsory notification control of the symbol variation pattern effect,
Based on the selection operation of the player, effect state determination means for determining the execution or cancellation of the effect notification control of the effect of the symbol variation pattern,
Gaming machine with. The winning / outside lottery is executed in response to a prize of a game ball to the starting port provided on the game board, and the result of the winning / outside lottery is displayed on a display unit in a symbol variation pattern effect, and after the effect. A gaming machine provided with a symbol change display device that notifies by a stop symbol,
Operating means for forcibly stopping the symbol variation pattern effect,
When the operating means is operated during the symbol variation pattern effect, the symbol variation pattern effect is immediately stopped, and a compulsory notification control device for notifying a final stop symbol, and the symbol variation pattern is a special In the case of the symbol variation pattern, effect continuation means for canceling the execution of the forced notification control of the effect of the symbol variation pattern,
Gaming machine with.

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