JP2006061559A - Game machine and simulation game program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of imparting a diversified presentation while avoiding those liable to be patternized conventionally for improving the amusement of games. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine of the invention comprises an image display device 54 capable of displaying the variation of special patterns and the presentation of images, a main CPU 201 serving as a first time determining means for determining the variation display time of the special patterns when a game ball wins a prize and as a second time determining means for determining by lottery the display time of images displayed on the image display device 54 when the game ball wins the prize, and a sub-CPU 301 as a second time control means and an image control circuit 305 for displaying the presentation image determined independently from the special patterns such that the former is superimposed on the latter during the display time determined by the second time determining means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and a simulation game program thereof, and particularly relates to a technique effective when applied to a gaming machine provided with a display means capable of displaying an effect image.

  Conventionally, special symbols are variably displayed for a predetermined time according to the result of a predetermined lottery process that is activated when a predetermined winning opening is made, that is, when a winning is made at a starting opening, and a background image or the like (effect image) Was displayed.

  For example, when a predetermined lottery process is out of order, during a time associated with the outage, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and an effect image is displayed. On the other hand, when a predetermined lottery result is a win During the time associated with the hit, the special symbol is variably displayed and the effect image is displayed.

As described above, a specific effect pattern is displayed according to a result of a predetermined lottery process (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-147817 A

  In the above-described conventional technology, the off-stage effect time in the case of shifting to the predetermined lottery process, that is, the display time of the effect image in the case of shifting to the predetermined lottery process is predetermined, for example, around 10 seconds during normal game Met. As described above, the production was performed within a limited time, so that there was a problem that the display of the production image was patterned and lacked the interest of the game.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can provide a variety of effects by avoiding patterning of effects that tend to fall in the past, and can improve the interest of the game.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a winning opening (start winning opening 62) for winning a game ball, a variation display of an identification image (special symbol), and an effect image (for example, a character image or a background image). Display means (image display device 54) capable of displaying, etc., first time determination means (main CPU 201) for determining the variation display time of the identification image triggered by the winning of the game ball in the winning opening, Displayed between the second time determining means (main CPU 201) for determining the display time of the effect image displayed on the display means separately from the first time determining means, and the variable display time determined by the first time determining means. The first time control means (for example, the sub CPU 301, the image control circuit 305, etc.) that causes the identification image to be variably displayed on the means and the display time determined by the second time determination means are independent of the identification image. Second time control means for the determined effect image displayed over the the identification image (for example, the sub CPU 301, an image control circuit 305), characterized in that it comprises a.

  As a result, the display time of the effect image is determined separately from the variation display time of the identification image, so that the patterning of the effect can be avoided and a variety of effects can be achieved, so that the interest of the game can be improved. it can.

  The second time determining means determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the display means when a game ball wins a winning opening.

  As a result, the display time of the effect image is determined separately from the variation display time of the identification image, so that the patterning of the effect can be avoided and a variety of effects can be achieved, so that the interest of the game can be improved. it can.

  The first time control means displays the identification image smaller than the effect image on the display means.

  Thereby, since an effect image can be enlarged and displayed, more various effects can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  The second time determining means determines the display time associated with the variable display time when the first time determining means determines a predetermined variable display time.

  Thereby, the player can predict what state the game ball will shift to as a result of winning the game ball by checking the display time of the effect image, and can enhance the interest of the game.

  In addition, the simulation game program of the present invention displays on the screen an image imitating display means capable of displaying a variation image of an identification image and an effect image, an image imitating a winning opening, and an image imitating a game ball on a computer. A display function to display, a detection function to detect a game ball that has entered a winning opening, a first time determination function to determine a variable display time of an identification image triggered by detection by the detection function, and an effect to be displayed on the display function A second time determination function that determines an image display time separately from the first time determination function, and a first function that causes the display function to display the identification image in a variable manner during the variable display time determined by the first time determination function. And a second time control function for displaying an effect image determined independently of the identification image over the identification image during the display time determined by the second time determination function. Fruit It has a structure to be.

  With this configuration, the computer that operates according to the simulation game program of the present invention determines the display time of the effect image separately from the variation display time of the identification image. Since it becomes possible, the interest of the game can be improved.

  The second time determination function is characterized in that the display time of the effect image displayed on the display function is determined in response to detection by the detection function.

  With this configuration, the computer that operates according to the simulation game program of the present invention determines the effect image and the display time of the effect image separately from the identification image and the variable display time of the identification image. Can be avoided and a variety of effects can be achieved, so that the entertainment of the game can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the present invention, the second time determining means determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the display means separately from the first time determining means. That is, the determination of the display time of the effect image is performed separately from the determination of the variable display time of the identification image. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, the second time determination means determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the display means when the game ball is won at the winning opening separately from the first time determination means. That is, the determination of the display time of the effect image is performed separately from the determination of the variable display time of the identification image. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  In addition, the first time control means is characterized in that the identification image is displayed on the display means smaller than the effect image, so that the effect image can be enlarged and displayed accordingly. Therefore, more various effects can be displayed, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Furthermore, when the first time determining means determines the predetermined variable display time, the second time determining means determines the display time associated with the variable display time. By confirming the display time of the effect image, it is possible to predict what state the game ball will shift to as a result of winning the game ball, and to enhance the interest of the game.

  In addition, the computer that operates according to the simulation game program of the present invention determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the display function separately from the first time determination function. That is, the determination of the display time of the effect image is performed separately from the determination of the variable display time of the identification image. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, the computer that operates according to the simulation game program of the present invention determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the display function separately from the first time determination function, triggered by detection by the detection function. That is, the determination of the display time of the effect image is performed separately from the determination of the variable display time of the identification image. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as “game machine”) 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1-16 has shown one Embodiment of the gaming machine 1 to which the prepaid card system is applied. First, based on FIG. 1, it demonstrates from the structure of the game machine in this Embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 that functions as a part of the gaming machine body, and a front door 3 that is attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. ing.

  An upper plate 5 for storing game balls used for games and receiving game balls to be paid out and a lower plate 6 for receiving game balls overflowing from the upper plate 5 are attached to the operation unit 4 in a vertical arrangement. . Further, a handle 7 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 6 to cause the launching device 90 (FIG. 3) to perform a game ball launch operation, and an ashtray 8 is provided on the left side of the lower tray 6. Further, the upper plate 5 is provided with a ball lending operation panel 9 for performing a ball lending operation or the like in the gaming machine 1.

  A game board 50 (FIG. 2) is attached to the upper front surface of the front door 3. Further, the front door 3 is provided with a decorative frame 10 so as to be positioned in front of the periphery of a gaming unit 52 described later. A transparent plate 16 made of a glass plate or the like is attached to the decorative frame 10 so as to cover the game unit 52 from the front side, and a pair of left and right speakers 11 are disposed on the upper portion of the decorative frame 10. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 50 attached to the upper front surface of the front door 3 includes a substantially circular game part 52 surrounded by a pair of guide rails 51 on the surface thereof. Are provided with a plurality of obstacle members 53 such as a plurality of obstacle nails and windmills, and a plurality of special symbols (for example, as shown in FIG. 5, 3 of “left” 320, “middle” 321, “right” 322 Image display device 54 that displays a character image, a background image, and the like, and a normal symbol display portion 55 that displays normal symbols in a variable manner (images are displayed in the image display device 54). On condition that the game ball has passed, the normal symbol start gate 60 for starting the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 55, a plurality of winning holes, and the gaming balls that have not won any winning holes are displayed. Game Department 52 It is provided and out port 56 to discharge the.

  The above winning holes are divided into a plurality of types depending on their functions. A general winning hole 59 that discharges a predetermined number of winning balls on condition that a gaming ball has been won, a state where it is easy to accept gaming balls, and it is difficult to accept gaming balls. Start that has a variable member that can be switched between states (hereinafter referred to as “ordinary electric accessory 61”), and starts to display a special symbol on the image display device 54 on condition that a game ball has been won. When the special symbol on the image display device 54 stops in a predetermined display mode and shifts to a specific gaming state, the special winning port 63 is controlled so that the door is opened and closed a predetermined number of times according to a predetermined setting. It consists of.

  The normal symbol start gate 60 is provided on the upper left side of the start winning opening 62, and detects a passing game ball. The passing ball of the normal symbol start gate 60 can be stored on hold, and based on this passing memory, the symbol variation display on the normal symbol display unit 55 is performed. Further, four normal symbol storage LEDs 64 for displaying the number of stored passages of the normal symbol start gate 60 are provided on the upper right side of the image display device 54. The number of stored passages of the normal symbol start gate 60 can be displayed by the number of lighting of the normal symbol storage LEDs 64.

  On the left and right sides of the start winning opening 62, there are provided tulip-shaped ordinary electric accessories 61 that can be switched between a state where it is easy to receive a game ball and a state where it is difficult to receive a game ball. The normal electric accessory 61 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball in a normal state, and when the normal symbol display portion 55 is “winning”, it is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). The game ball can be switched to a state where it can be easily received.

  In addition, the winning ball to the start winning opening 62 can be memorized, and based on this memorized memory, the change display of the symbols on the image display device 54 is performed. Above the image display device 54, four special symbol storage LEDs 65 for displaying the number of winning prizes stored in the start winning opening 62 are provided. The number of winning prizes stored in the start winning opening 62 can be displayed by the number of lighting of the special symbol memory LED 65.

  The image display device 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device provided substantially at the center of the gaming unit 52, and variably displays a plurality of special symbols displayed as images, and performs animation display corresponding to the gaming state. A game production can be performed.

  The special symbols displayed on the image display device 54 are composed of numbers such as “0”, “1”, “2”,..., “9”, “10”, “11”, and the combination of the numbers that are stopped and displayed is “0”. ”“ 0 ”“ 0 ”,“ 7 ”“ 7 ”“ 7 ”, etc., the case where all three pieces have the same number is designated as“ big hit ”, and is specified that is more advantageous to the player than the general gaming state This is a stop mode for allowing the player to recognize that the game state has been changed.

  This specific game state is a game state in which, for example, a special prize opening SOL72S described later opens and closes the door of the special prize opening 63 a predetermined number of times, thereby making it easier to win more game balls than in the general gaming state. is there.

  The normal symbol display section 55 is displayed as an image in the image display device 54. In the normal symbol display section 55, for example, two normal symbols flash alternately. When the two normal symbols stop flashing and “win” is displayed, the start winning opening 62 is displayed. Is switched to a state in which a game ball can be easily received for a predetermined time, thereby making it easy to win the game ball at the start winning opening 62.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the normal symbol display unit 55 can be configured by including two normal symbol display LEDs, and can also be configured by, for example, a 7-segment display. In this case, as a normal symbol displayed on the 7-segment display, for example, numbers such as “0”, “1”, “2”. The case where “3” or “7” is reached is “win”.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control system of the gaming machine shown in FIG.

  The control system of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control circuit 200, a sub control circuit 300 connected to the main control circuit 200, and a payout / launch control circuit 70.

  This control system has the main control circuit 200 as a main component and is mounted on the back of the game board 50.

  A card unit 81 is connected to the payout / launch control circuit 70 of the gaming machine 1.

  This card unit 81 is installed in the vicinity of the gaming machine 1 and has an insertion slot into which a prepaid card can be inserted, and reads the recorded information recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the insertion slot. Means, a lending command signal output means for outputting a lending command signal for instructing the lending / launching control circuit 70 to lend a game ball in accordance with the operation of the ball lending operation panel 9, and a record read by the reading means described above. There is writing means for subtracting the number of loans commanded by the lending command signal output means from the lending possible number specified from the information, and recording the information on the prepaid card inserted in the insertion slot. .

  The main control circuit 200 has a main CPU (microcomputing processing device) 201 that performs a gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 in accordance with a preset program, and a reset signal for returning various settings to initial values when an abnormality occurs or when the power is turned on. An initial reset circuit 204 to be generated, a main RAM 203 for storing various data necessary for the main CPU 201 to operate, a program for the main CPU 201 to process and control the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1, and a big hit determination by random lottery Big hit judgment table to be referred, normal hit judgment table to be referred to when making a normal hit judgment by random number lottery, hit fluctuation display pattern determination table to be referred to when determining a special symbol fluctuation display pattern by random lottery Variable display pattern table (Fig. 6) An effect image display pattern determination table (FIG. 7) that is referred to when determining the display pattern of an effect image such as an image or background image, and a main table that stores various probability tables that are referred to when other effects are selected. A ROM 202 is mounted.

  Further, the main RAM 203 has a winning memory counter for storing the number of winning memories counted by the main CPU 201 (the number of winning balls to the start winning opening 62), and the number of passing memories counted by the main CPU 201 (ordinary symbols). A passing memory counter is provided for storing the number of passing balls of the starting gate 60).

  Here, the main CPU 201 is a big hit determination processing means for determining a big hit when a game ball wins the start winning opening 62 and a start win occurs.

  The main CPU 201 also displays a variation display pattern for executing the variation display of the special symbol and the special symbol based on the result of the jackpot determination processing means performed when the game ball has won the start winning opening 62. It is the 1st time determination means which determines a variable display time.

  Then, the main CPU 201 generates and sets a variable display pattern command for displaying the variable display pattern on the image display device 54 for the determined variable display time and a command for instructing a variable display stop pattern.

  Further, the main CPU 201, triggered by the winning of the game ball in the start winning opening 62, displays the character image and the background image displayed on the image display device 54 (hereinafter referred to as “effect image when referring to both the character image and the background image”). And the second time determination means for determining the display time of the effect image by lottery.

  Then, the main CPU 201 generates and sets an effect image display pattern command for causing the image display device 54 to display the effect image for the determined display time.

  Further, the main CPU 201 performs a process for determining the content displayed on the normal symbol display section 55 and the like.

  A sub CPU 301 and an image control circuit 305, which will be described later, are first time control means for variably displaying special symbols on the image display device 54 during the variable display time determined by the main CPU 201 as the first time determination means. There is also a second time control means for displaying the effect image determined independently of the special symbol over the special symbol during the display time determined by the main CPU 201 as the second time determining means. .

  Specifically, when receiving a variable display pattern command, an effect image display pattern command, or the like from the main control circuit 200, the sub CPU 301 sets control data corresponding to the received command.

  Then, the sub CPU 301 sets the data for instructing the image control circuit 305 over time to cause the image display device 54 to perform display according to the variable display pattern and the display pattern of the effect image included in the set control data. Change.

  The image control circuit 305 executes an instruction of the sub CPU 301 that is transmitted every predetermined time, so that the image display device 54 corresponds to, for example, a special symbol corresponding to a variable display pattern or an effect image display pattern command. An effect image (such as a character image or a background image) is displayed in an overlapping manner.

  Further, the main CPU 201 constitutes a big prize opening SOL control means for controlling the big prize opening SOL72S so as to open and close the door of the big prize opening 63 when the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state.

  The I / O port 205 of the main control circuit 200 is usually provided inside the symbol start gate 60 and is a sensor that detects the passing of a game ball. Is connected to a start winning port SW19a.

  Further, the I / O port 205 is provided at a continuous winning opening in the big winning opening 63 and is provided at a V / count SW 19Sd that is a sensor for detecting a winning game ball, and an ordinary winning opening in the big winning opening 63. , A count SW 19Se that is a sensor for detecting a winning game ball, a general winning port SW 19Sb that is a sensor for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in the general winning slot 59, and a backup clear for erasing various data stored in the main RAM 203 SW74S is connected. In addition, a launch ball sensor (not shown) that detects a game ball launched from the launch device 90 by the operation of the handle 7 and the guide rail 51 returned without reaching the board surface of the game board 50 of the fired one. A return ball sensor (not shown) for detecting the game ball is connected. Further, the I / O port 205 includes a door for a start opening SOL (solenoid) 71S and a grand prize opening 63 for switching the ordinary electric accessory 61 between a state in which a game ball is easily received and a state in which a game ball is difficult to be received. Actuators such as a grand prize opening SOL (solenoid) 72S that opens and closes and a seesaw SOL (solenoid) 73S that drives a seesaw in the big prize opening 63 are connected.

  When each of the sensors detects a game ball, the detection signal is input to the main CPU 201 of the main control circuit 200, and the main CPU 201 drives and controls each of the actuators 71S, 72S, and 73S according to the input detection signal. . Control commands (commands) are transmitted from the command output port 206 of the main control circuit 200 to the sub control circuit 300 and the payout / launch control circuit 70, respectively. The operations of the image display device 54, the speaker 11, the lamp / LED 39a, the payout device 82, the launch device 90, and the like are controlled by the sub control circuit 300 and the payout / fire control circuit 70 that have received the control command (command). .

  The payout / launch control circuit 70 is connected to a payout device 82 and a launch device 90 for paying out award balls, rental balls, and the like. The payout / launch control circuit 70 drives and controls the payout device 82 in accordance with a payout command signal output from the main control circuit 200 on condition that a game ball has entered the general winning opening 59, the grand winning opening 63, and the like. A predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. Also, the payout / launch control circuit 70 controls the payout device 82 in accordance with the payout command signal output from the card unit 81, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls as payable balls. Further, the dispensing / firing control circuit 70 drives and controls the firing solenoid in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 7. Thereby, a game ball is fired from the launching device 90.

  The handle 7 is provided with a stop button (not shown) for stopping the launch of the game ball.

  In the sub control circuit 300, a sub CPU 301, a work RAM 303, and a program ROM 302 are mounted. The sub CPU 301 interprets the command received from the main control circuit 200 via the command input port 304, and controls the image control circuit 305, the sound control circuit 306, the lamp control circuit 307, etc. according to the interpretation result. The program ROM 302 includes a control program (control data) for controlling the image control circuit 305 based on various commands output from the main control circuit 200 and a control for controlling the sound control circuit 306. A program, a control program for controlling processing of the lamp control circuit 307, and the like are stored and stored.

  For example, in the program ROM 302, special symbol display data including a special symbol display pattern for the image control circuit 305 to variably display the special symbol on the image display device 54, and a character display for displaying a character on the image display device 54 are displayed. Character display data including a pattern, background display data including a background display pattern for displaying a background on the image display device 54, and a demonstration effect pattern for displaying a demonstration effect (hereinafter referred to as “demonstration effect”). The demonstration information data included and game information display data including a game information display pattern for displaying each game information are stored.

  The work RAM 303 serves as a temporary storage unit when the sub CPU 301 performs processing control according to the control program.

  The image control circuit 305 responds to an instruction from the sub CPU 301 (an instruction based on control data set in a predetermined work area of the work RAM 303 corresponding to a command received from the main control circuit 200). Display of special symbols, etc., and the image data ROM 305b for storing various image data and the image data stored in the image data ROM 305b based on instructions from the sub CPU 301, A VDP (Video Display Processor) 305a that generates data for executing display such as a special symbol variation display, and a D / A converter circuit (D / A converter) that converts display image data generated by the VDP 305a into an analog signal ) 305d.

  For example, the image control circuit 305 causes the image display device 54 to display a background image, a character image, or a special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit determination based on an instruction from the sub CPU 301. Display control processing is performed. Further, the image control circuit 305 and the image display device 54 notify the presence / absence of the reach effect in the game, the type of reach effect to be generated, or the reliability of the jackpot occurrence according to the effect display mode at the time of the special symbol variation display. Is configured.

  Here, a VRAM 305c having two buffer areas is connected to the VDP 305a. The VDP 305a performs the following processing when generating data for executing display on the image display device 54 based on an instruction from the sub CPU 301 transmitted every predetermined time (for example, 1/30 second). . The VDP 305a reads predetermined image data from the image data ROM 305b, develops it to the VRAM 305c, and reads the decompressed image data from the VRAM 305c. Specifically, the VDP 305a performs expansion processing on one buffer area provided in the VRAM 305c, and reads image data that has already been expanded from the other buffer area. The VDP 305 a switches between a buffer area to be expanded and a buffer area to be read based on an instruction from the sub CPU 301. The VDP 305a displays the read image data by causing the image display device 54 to scan through the D / A conversion circuit 305d.

  In this embodiment, a VRAM is used as a storage device for developing image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other storage devices may be used. For example, an SDRAM that can read and write data at high speed may be used.

  The image data ROM 305b special symbol image data for variably displaying a special symbol as an identification image on the display screen of the image display device 54, character image data for displaying a character on the display screen of the image display device 54, and image display Background image data for displaying a background on the display screen of the device 54, demonstration effect image data for displaying a demonstration effect (hereinafter referred to as “demo effect”), and game information image data for displaying each game information Remember. Here, each image data includes a plurality of pixel data (data in dot units) necessary to display each image data on the display screen of the image display device 54.

  Further, as described above, the special symbol image data is stored in the image data ROM 305b, but the special symbol image data is stored in a region different from the effect image data such as the character image data and the background image data. ing.

  A plurality of image data ROMs may be provided, and the special symbol image data may be stored in an image data ROM different from the image data ROM storing the effect image data.

  The sub CPU 301 is display control means for performing display control of the image display device 54. For example, the sub CPU 301 causes the image display device 54 to perform a predetermined customer waiting effect display (for example, a demonstration effect display) when the gaming state is a customer waiting state where a predetermined game is not being performed. It is. A detailed description of this process is as follows.

  When the sub CPU 301 receives a demonstration effect command from the main control circuit 200 when the gaming state is a waiting state for a customer where a predetermined game is not being performed, the sub CPU 301 sets the demonstration effect data. The customer waiting state here is, for example, a state in which the special symbol variation display operation is not performed, the game is not in a specific game state, and no winning memory is stored. When the sub CPU 301 reads and sets the demo effect data from the program ROM 302, the sub CPU 301 displays each pixel data included in the demo effect image data for a predetermined time based on the demo effect pattern included in the demo effect data. Display at a predetermined position on the screen (for example, on the display screen of the image display device 54, the vertical direction is the Y axis, the horizontal direction is the X axis, and the predetermined position is the origin, the X coordinate, the Y coordinate). To the VDP 305a. The VDP 305a reads the demonstration effect image data from the image data ROM 305b based on the instruction from the sub CPU 301, and displays each pixel data included in the demonstration effect image data through the expansion process and the read process for the VRAM 305c. It is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen. The sub CPU 301 causes the image display device 54 to perform a demonstration effect display by changing data for instructing the VDP 305c over time.

  The sub CPU 301 is a special symbol variation display control unit that causes the image display device 54 to perform a variation display of a special symbol when a variation display pattern command is received from the main control circuit 200. A detailed description of this process is as follows.

  When the sub CPU 301 receives the variable display pattern command from the main control circuit 200, the sub CPU 301 sets special symbol display data that is control data corresponding to the variable display pattern. When the special CPU display data is read and set from the program ROM 302, the sub CPU 301 sets each pixel data included in the special symbol image data for a predetermined time based on the special symbol display pattern included in the special symbol display data. In addition, to a predetermined position on the display screen (for example, on the display screen of the image display device 54, the vertical direction is the Y axis, the horizontal direction is the X axis, and the predetermined position is the X coordinate, the Y coordinate). The VDP 305a is instructed to change the display. The VDP 305a reads the special symbol image data from the image data ROM 305b based on the instruction from the sub CPU 301, and displays each pixel data included in the special symbol image data through the expansion process and the read process for the VRAM 305c. It is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen. The sub CPU 301 causes the image display device 54 to perform special symbol variation display by changing the data for instructing the VDP 305c over time.

  The sub CPU 301 is effect image display control means for causing the image display device 54 to display an effect image when receiving an effect image display pattern command from the main control circuit 200. A detailed description of this process is as follows.

  When receiving the effect image display pattern command from the main control circuit 200, the sub CPU 301 sets character display data and background display data, which are control data corresponding to the effect image display pattern. When the sub CPU 301 reads and sets the character display data and the background display data from the program ROM 302, the character image data and the background image data based on the character display pattern included in the character display data and the background display pattern included in the background display data. The pixel data included in each of the image data is stored in a predetermined position on the display screen during a predetermined time (for example, on the display screen of the image display device 54, the vertical direction is the Y axis, the horizontal direction is the X axis, The VDP 305a is instructed to display the position at the origin (X coordinate, Y coordinate). The VDP 305a reads character image data and background image data from the image data ROM 305b based on an instruction from the sub CPU 301, and is included in the character image data and background image data through the expansion process and read process for the VRAM 305c. Each pixel data is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen. The sub CPU 301 causes the image display device 54 to display an effect image including a character image and a background image by changing data for instructing the VDP 305c over time.

  4A shows an example of background image data, FIG. 4B shows an example of character image data, and FIG. 4C shows an example of special symbol image data.

  The image display device 54 displays these image data in a superimposed manner.

  When the respective image data are displayed in an overlapping manner, the special symbol image data, the character image data, and the background image data are displayed in this order.

  As described above, since the image data are displayed in a superimposed manner, for example, when (a), (b), and (c) shown in FIG. 4 are displayed on the image display device 54, FIG. It becomes an image as shown in.

  A speaker 11 is connected to the audio control circuit 306. The sound control circuit 306 generates a sound signal based on the control of the sub CPU 301. The speaker 11 generates sound based on the generated sound signal.

  A lamp / LED 39 a is connected to the lamp control circuit 307. The lamp control circuit 307 generates a signal based on the control of the sub CPU 301. The lamp / LED 39a performs lighting display of lamps and LEDs (for example, the normal symbol memory LED 64, the special symbol memory LED 65, etc.) provided in various places of the gaming machine 1 based on this input signal.

  Note that each process in the gaming machine 1 is controlled by the main control circuit 200 and the sub control circuit 300, but the main control circuit 200 processes all or part of the processes controlled by the sub control circuit 300. Alternatively, the sub control circuit 300 may process all or part of the processing controlled by the main control circuit 200.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing a system timer interrupt process executed to interrupt the main process at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing main processing of the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment.

  First, the system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 8A, in step 100, the main CPU 201 saves the information stored in the register.

  In step 110, the main CPU 201 updates values such as the jackpot determination random number value and the normal hit determination random value.

  In step 120, the main CPU 201 performs a switch input detection process. Hereinafter, the switch input detection process will be specifically described.

  The main CPU 201 detects the detection signals input from the start winning port SW19a, the general winning port SW19Sb, the V / count SW19Sd, the count SW19Se, the passing gate SW19Sa, and the like. For example, when the detection signal input by the count SW 19Se is detected, the main CPU 201 counts the number of game balls that have entered the big winning opening 63 during one round in the specific game state. Note that one round means that a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) elapses after the door of the grand prize opening 63 is opened, or the door of the grand prize opening 63 is in an open state. It is a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 63 after the first time.

  When the detection signal input by the V / count SW 19Sd is detected, the main CPU 201 detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area during one round in the specific game state, and at the big winning opening 63. Count the number of game balls entered.

  Further, when detecting the detection signal input from the start winning opening SW 19a provided in the starting winning opening 62, the main CPU 201 confirms the value of the winning storage counter, and if the value is 4 or less, for example, The jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol determination random number value are extracted by lottery, and the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol determination random number value are stored as a winning memory in a winning memory area (to be described later) of the main RAM 203.

  When the value of the winning memory counter is 0, the special symbol variation display is not performed and the number of winning memories is 0. When the value of the winning memory counter is 1, it is in a state in which the special symbol variation display is performed, and the number of winning memory is 0. Further, when the value of the counter is 5, the special symbol variation display is being performed, and the special symbol storage LED 65 indicates that the number of winning memories is four. .

  Further, when detecting the detection signal input by the passage gate SW19Sa provided in the normal symbol start gate 60, the main CPU 201 checks the value of the passage memory counter, and if the value is 4 or less, for example, A random number value for normal hit determination is extracted by lottery, and the random number value for normal hit determination is stored as a pass memory in a later-described pass storage area of the main RAM 203.

  If the normal symbol display in the normal symbol display unit 55 is not possible (for example, when the symbol in the normal symbol display unit 55 is in a variable display based on another normal hit determination result), A control command for displaying the fact that there is a passing memory on the normal symbol storage LED 64 is transmitted until the symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 55 becomes possible.

  When the value of the passing memory counter is 0, the normal symbol display unit 55 does not display the variation of the normal symbol and the number of passing memories is 0. When the value of the passage memory counter is 1, the normal symbol display unit 55 is in a state where the normal symbol variation display is performed, and the number of passage memories is zero. When the counter value is 5, the normal symbol variation display is being performed, and the fact that the number of passing memories is 4 is the normal symbol storage LED 64 being displayed. .

  Further, when detecting the detection signal input by the passing gate SW19Sa provided in the normal symbol start gate 60, the main CPU 201 determines the normal hit based on the random number for normal hit determination extracted by the random number lottery and the normal hit determination table. Make a decision. Then, based on the result of the normal hit determination, a control command for performing the symbol variation display on the normal symbol display unit 55 is transmitted.

  In step 130, the main CPU 201 displays the remaining fluctuation display time of the normal symbols and special symbols that are variably displayed, the remaining display time of the displayed effect image, the ordinary electric accessory 61 and the large electric ball 61 that are in a state where it is easy to accept the game ball. The remaining opening time of the door of the winning opening 63 is updated.

  In step 140, the main CPU 201 outputs game information such as the number of game balls paid out as prize balls and the occurrence of a big hit to a hall computer installed in the game hall.

  In step 150, the main CPU 201 drives solenoids such as the start opening SOL71S, the special winning opening SOL72S, and the seesaw SOL73S.

  In step 160, the main CPU 201 instructs the stop symbol of the special symbol, the variable display pattern command to instruct the variable display pattern of the set special symbol, the effect image display pattern to instruct the display pattern of the set effect image, and the like. Commands and other commands are output to the sub-control circuit 300.

  In step 170, the main CPU 201 outputs a control command instructing to display the number of winning prizes stored in the main RAM 203 in the predetermined area of the special symbol memory LED 65. A control command for instructing to display an error such as a full plate on a predetermined lamp, and other necessary control commands are output.

  In step 180, the main CPU 201 issues a payout command for instructing to pay out a predetermined game ball as a prize ball in accordance with the type of a prize opening into which a game ball has entered (general prize opening 59, large prize opening 63, etc.). A control command such as a signal is output to the dispensing / firing control circuit 70.

  In step 190, the main CPU 201 restores the information saved in step 100 to the register.

  Next, the main process will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 8B, in step 10, the main CPU 201 restores or initializes various settings in the gaming machine 1 to the settings when the power was turned off last time.

  In step 20, the main CPU 201 executes a special symbol control process.

  Here, the specific symbol control process will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the special symbol control process.

  In step 20-1, the main CPU 201 executes a process of loading a control state flag. The control state flag is a flag indicating the state of the game in the special symbol game, and the main CPU 201 determines whether or not to execute each process in step 20-2 to step 20-10 based on the control state flag. Is determined.

  In step 20-2, the main CPU 201 performs a special symbol memory check process.

  Here, the specific symbol memory check process will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the special symbol storage check process in the present embodiment.

  In step 20-2-1, the main CPU 201 confirms whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. If the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, the main CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step 20-2-2, and the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. If not, the process in the special symbol memory check process ends.

  In step 20-2-2, the main CPU 201 confirms whether or not the winning storage number is “0”. Further, the main CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step 20-2-3 when the winning storage number is “0”, and proceeds to the process of step 20-2-4 when the winning storage number is not “0”. .

  In Step 20-2-3, the main CPU 201 generates and sets a demonstration effect command for instructing to display a demonstration effect image. Note that this demonstration effect command is generated when the gaming state is a waiting state for a customer (a state in which a special symbol variation display operation is not performed, no specific gaming state, and no winning memory is stored).

  In step 20-2-4, the main CPU 201 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation display time management in the control state flag.

  In step 20-2-5, the main CPU 201 performs a jackpot determination based on the jackpot determination random number included in the winning memory.

  In Step 20-2-6, the main CPU 201 confirms whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is to shift the gaming state to the specific gaming state. Further, when the result of the big hit determination is to shift the gaming state to the specific gaming state, the main CPU 201 proceeds to the processing of step 20-2-9, and the result of the big hit determination changes the gaming state to the specific gaming state. If not, the process proceeds to step 20-2-7.

  In step 20-2-7, the main CPU 201 performs a process of determining the variation display pattern and variation display time of the special symbol at the time of losing. Specifically, one random number value is extracted from the random numbers generated in the range of 0 to 16383 by the random number generator. Then, the main CPU 201 compares the extracted random number value with the deviation variation display pattern determination table shown in FIG. 6B to determine the variation display pattern of the special symbol and the variation display time as the first time. For example, when the extracted random number value is “1340”, “long reach 2” of “variation pattern 23” is determined as the variation display pattern of the special symbol, and “61.820 seconds” is defined as the variation display time. decide. Then, the variable display pattern command is set based on the determination.

  In Step 20-2-8, the main CPU 201 determines a stop symbol indicating a deviation based on a predetermined random number value. Specifically, when executing the reach (reach variation display or the like) in the special symbol variation display, the main CPU 201 selects “left” and “right” based on the random number value extracted from the random number for determining the reach symbol. The symbol “” is determined, and the symbol “medium” is determined based on the random number value extracted from the random number for determining the out-of-range symbol. Further, when the main CPU 201 does not execute reach in the special symbol variation display, the main CPU 201 is based on the random number values extracted from the random symbols for determining the off symbol corresponding to “left”, “middle”, and “right”, respectively. , “Left”, “middle” and “right” symbols are determined, and a stop symbol command is set based on the determination.

  In step 20-2-9, the main CPU 201 performs a process of determining a variation display pattern and variation display time of the special symbol at the time of the big hit. Specifically, the main CPU 201 extracts one random number value from random numbers generated in the range of 0 to 1378 by the random number generator. Then, the main CPU 201 compares the extracted random number value with the hit variation display pattern determination table shown in FIG. 6A to determine the variation display pattern and variation display time of the special symbol. For example, when the extracted random number value is “1290”, “Super Reach 3” of “Fluctuation Pattern 10” is determined as the variation display pattern of the special symbol, and “44.940 seconds” is defined as the variation display time. decide. Then, the variable display pattern command is set based on the determination.

  In step 20-2-10, the main CPU 201 determines a stop symbol (“left”, “middle”, “right”) indicating the big hit based on the random number for determining the big hit symbol included in the winning memory, and the determination The stop symbol command is set based on

  Note that the variation display of the special symbol is performed based on the variation display pattern during the variation display time, and when the variation display time ends, the special symbol displays the symbol indicated by the stop symbol command and stops.

  Here, the variation display of the special symbol performed based on each variation display pattern is, for example, as follows (see FIG. 6 for each variation display pattern). When the special symbol variation display pattern is “normal variation”, the variation display of the special symbol is “variation display” 10 seconds after the variation display of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” special symbols starts. Is stopped. When the variation display pattern of the special symbol is “normal reach 1”, in the variation display of the special symbol, for example, 12 seconds after the variation display of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” special symbols starts, The variation display of the “left” and “right” special symbols is stopped, and after seven seconds, the variation display of the “middle” special symbol is stopped, for example. When the special symbol variation display pattern is “Super Reach 1”, in the special symbol variation display, for example, 20 seconds after the variation display of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” special symbols starts, , “Left” and “Right” special symbols are stopped from being displayed. 19 seconds later, for example, “Middle” special symbols are temporarily stopped from being displayed, and then 10 seconds. Then, the variation display of the “middle” special symbol is performed again, and thereafter, the variation display of the “middle” special symbol is stopped. When the special symbol variation display pattern is “Long Reach 1”, in the special symbol variation display, 10 seconds after the variation display of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” special symbols starts, for example, , The change display of the “left” and “right” special symbols is stopped, and the change display of the “middle” special symbol is stopped, for example, 51 seconds later.

  In Step 20-2-11, the main CPU 201 sets the variable display time corresponding to the variable display pattern determined in Step 20-2-7 or Step 20-2-9 in the waiting time timer.

  In step 20-2-12, the main CPU 201 erases the random number value and the like used in the special symbol storage check process this time from a predetermined storage area.

  In step 20-3, the main CPU 201 performs effect image display time determination processing.

  Here, a specific description of the effect image display time determination process will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing effect image display time determination processing in the present embodiment.

  In step 20-3-1, the main CPU 201 confirms whether or not the control state flag is a value (01) indicating special symbol variation display time management. When the control state flag is the value (01) indicating the special symbol variation display time management, the main CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step 20-3-2, and the control state flag performs the special symbol variation display time management. If it is not the indicated value (01), the processing in the effect image display time determination processing ends.

  In step 20-3-2, the main CPU 201 performs a process of determining the display pattern of the effect image and the display time of the effect image by lottery. Specifically, one random number value is extracted from random numbers generated in the range of 0 to 1999 by the random number generator. Then, the main CPU 201 determines the display pattern of the effect image and the display time as the second time by comparing the extracted random number value with the effect image display pattern determination table shown in FIG. For example, if the extracted random number value is “1550”, “firework crafter appearance image 7” of “display pattern 23” is determined as the display pattern of the effect image, and “61.820 seconds” is set to the effect image. Determine as display time. Then, an effect image display pattern command is set based on the determination.

  In step 20-3-3, the main CPU 201 sets the display time corresponding to the display pattern of the effect image determined in step 20-3-2 in the effect image waiting time timer.

  In step 20-3-4, the main CPU 201 deletes the random number value used for the current effect image display time determination process from the predetermined storage area.

  In step 20-4, the main CPU 201 determines that the control state flag is a value (01) indicating special symbol variation display time management, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the variation display time is set is “0”. A value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management process is set in the control state flag, and a waiting time after determination (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer.

  In step 20-5, the main CPU 201 determines that the control state flag is a value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management process, the value of the waiting time timer in which the waiting time after determination is set is “0”, When the result of the jackpot determination performed at 20-2-5 is to shift the gaming state to the specific gaming state, the value (03) indicating the jackpot start interval management process is set in the control state flag, The time corresponding to the big hit start interval (for example, 10 seconds) is set in the waiting time timer. Here, the main CPU 201 generates and sets a big hit game start command. Further, when the result of the jackpot determination performed in step 20-2-5 does not shift the gaming state to the specific gaming state (in the case of loss), the main CPU 201 sets a value indicating the special symbol game ending process ( 08) is set in the control state flag.

  In step 20-6, the main CPU 201 sets the control state flag to the value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the time corresponding to the big hit start interval is set is “0”. In this case, the special winning opening SOL72S is controlled so that the door of the special winning opening 63 is opened. The main CPU 201 sets a value (04) indicating the process for opening the big prize opening in the control state flag, and sets the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer.

  In step 20-7, when the control state flag is a value (04) indicating that the big winning opening is being opened, the value of the big winning opening time timer in which the opening upper limit time is set is “0”. It is confirmed whether or not any one of the conditions that there is a certain condition or the condition that ten or more game balls have entered the special winning opening 63 is established. Further, the main CPU 201 controls the big prize opening SOL72S so as to close the door of the big prize opening 63 when any one of the above conditions is established. Further, the main CPU 201 sets a value (05) indicating the special winning opening residual ball monitoring process in the control state flag, and sets the special winning prize residual ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer.

  In Step 20-8, the main CPU 201 sets the control state flag to a value (05) indicating the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the winning ball remaining ball monitoring time is set is “0”. If it is, the condition that the game ball does not pass through the specific area provided in the big prize opening 63, or the condition that the value of the big prize opening number counter is “15” or more (final round). Among these, it is confirmed whether or not any of the conditions is satisfied. The special winning opening opening number counter counts the number of rounds in the big hit gaming state. Further, when any of the above conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 201 sets a value (07) indicating the big hit end interval process in the control state flag, and corresponds to the big hit end interval. Set time to latency timer. Further, when none of the above conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 201 sets a value (06) indicating the special winning opening release waiting time management process in the control state flag and sets the interval between rounds. Set the corresponding time in the latency timer.

  In step 20-9, the main CPU 201 sets the control state flag to a value (06) indicating the special winning opening release waiting time process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the time corresponding to the interval between rounds is set is “0”. If it is, “1” is added to the value of the special winning opening opening number counter. In addition, the main CPU 201 sets a value (04) indicating the process for opening the big prize opening to the control state flag, and sets the upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the big prize opening time timer.

  In Step 20-10, the main CPU 201 determines that the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval is set is “0”. The value (08) indicating the special symbol game end process is set in the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 201 generates and sets a jackpot game end command. Further, the main CPU 201 sets a high probability flag when a predetermined probability variation condition is satisfied. The high probability flag is a flag for determining whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state.

  In Step 20-11, the main CPU 201 subtracts “1” from the winning storage counter when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the special symbol game end process. The main CPU 201 shifts the data stored in the special symbol storage areas (“1” to “4”) to the special symbol storage areas (“0” to “3”), respectively, and also stores the special symbol storage. A value (00) indicating the check process is set in the control state flag.

  The special symbol memory area is stored in the special symbol memory area “0” in order from the special symbol memory area “0”, which is provided in the main RAM 203 and is extracted on condition that a game ball is won in the start winning opening 62. This is a winning storage area. Also, the jackpot determination random number value stored in the special symbol storage area (“1” to “4”) corresponds to the above-mentioned winning storage, and the jackpot determination stored in the special symbol storage area “0”. The random number for use is used for jackpot determination in step 20-2-5.

  In step 30, the main CPU 201 executes each process related to the normal symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 201 performs the normal hit determination based on the normal hit determination random number extracted on condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start gate 60, and based on the result of the normal hit determination. Then, a command for instructing to execute the normal symbol variation display of the normal symbol display unit 55 is generated and set. Thereafter, the main CPU 201 subtracts “1” from the passage storage counter. The main CPU 201 shifts the data stored in the normal symbol storage areas (“1” to “4”) to the normal symbol storage areas (“0” to “3”), respectively.

  The normal symbol storage area is provided in the main RAM 203, and a normal hit determination random number extracted on the condition that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start gate 60 is from the normal symbol storage area “0”. This is a passing storage area that is stored in order. The random numbers for determining normal hits stored in the normal symbol storage areas (“1” to “4”) correspond to the above-described passing storage, and are stored in the normal symbol storage area “0”. The random number for hit determination is used for normal hit determination.

  In step 40, the main CPU 201 updates values such as a reach symbol determination random number, a jackpot symbol determination random number, and a loss symbol determination random number.

  The main CPU 201 repeats the processing from step 20 to step 40 described above.

  Next, the main process of the sub control circuit 300 in this embodiment and the command reception process executed so as to interrupt the main process triggered by the reception of the command from the main control circuit 200 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main process of the sub control circuit 300 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a command receiving process of the sub control circuit 300 according to the present embodiment.

  First, command reception processing will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception process is performed every time the sub control circuit 300 receives a command from the main control circuit 200.

  In step 400, the sub CPU 301 confirms whether or not the received command is a demonstration effect command from the main control circuit 200. If the received command is a demonstration effect command, the sub CPU 301 proceeds to step 410, and if the received command is not a demonstration effect command, the sub CPU 301 proceeds to step 420.

  In step 410, the sub CPU 301 sets a demonstration display flag to 1 and sets demonstration effect data. The demonstration display flag is a flag that is set to 1 when the demonstration effect display is being performed. Specifically, the flag is set to 1 when the demonstration effect data is set.

  Here, when the sub CPU 301 sets the demonstration display flag to 1, in the image display control process of step 210 described later, the sub CPU 301 displays the demonstration effect display according to the demonstration effect pattern included in the demonstration effect data in the VDP 305a. Data for instruction is changed over time. The VDP 305a displays the demonstration effect on the image display device 54 by executing the above instruction transmitted every predetermined time.

  In step 420, the sub CPU 301 confirms whether or not a variable display pattern command has been received. The sub CPU 301 proceeds to the process of step 430 when the variable display pattern command is received, and moves to the process of step 450 when the variable display pattern command is not received.

  In step 430, the sub CPU 301 sets a demonstration display flag to 0.

  In step 440, control data corresponding to the variation pattern included in the received variation display pattern command (special symbol display data corresponding to any one of the variation patterns “1” to “24” shown in FIG. 6). ) Is set.

  In step 450, the sub CPU 301 confirms whether or not an effect image display pattern command has been received. When the sub CPU 301 receives the effect image display pattern command, the sub CPU 301 proceeds to the process of step 470, and when it does not receive the effect image display pattern command, the sub CPU 301 proceeds to the process of step 460.

  In step 460, the sub CPU 301 sets control data in a predetermined work area of the work RAM 303 in response to the received command (for example, a big hit game start command instructing to produce a big hit start).

  In step 470, control data corresponding to the display pattern included in the received effect image display pattern command (character display data corresponding to any one of the display patterns “1” to “24” shown in FIG. 7). And background display data).

  Next, the main process of the sub control circuit 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step 200, the sub CPU 301 performs an initialization process for initializing various settings.

  In step 210, the sub CPU 301 executes an image display control process. The image display control process performed based on the data set by the sub CPU 301 in step 410 is as described above.

  In addition, when the control data corresponding to the variation display pattern command is set in step 440, the sub CPU 301 instructs the VDP 305a to perform variation display of a special symbol according to the variation display pattern included in the set control data. The data for changing over time. By executing the above instruction transmitted by the VDP 305a every predetermined time, the image display device 54 performs the variable display of the special symbol corresponding to the variable display pattern command during the variable display time, and the variable display time ends. Then, the special symbol is stopped after displaying the symbol indicated by the stop symbol command.

  Further, when the control data corresponding to the effect image display pattern command is set in step 470, the sub CPU 301 causes the VDP 305a to perform effect display according to the character display pattern and the background display pattern included in the set control data. Data for instruction is changed over time. By executing the above instruction transmitted by the VDP 305a every predetermined time, the image display device 54 displays the effect image corresponding to the effect image display pattern command during the effect image display time.

  In step 220, the sub CPU 301 executes a sound output control process. A specific description of this process is as follows. If the control data set in step 450 is data corresponding to sound output control, the sub CPU 301 sends the control data to the sound control circuit 306. Based on the control data, the voice control circuit 306 causes the speaker 11 to output, for example, a sound signal for notifying the player of a predetermined gaming state.

  In step 230, the sub CPU 301 executes a lamp / LED lighting control process. A specific description of this process is as follows. If the control data set in step 450 is data corresponding to lamp or LED lighting control, the sub CPU 301 sends the control data to the lamp control circuit 307. Based on the control data, the lamp control circuit 307 causes the lamp / LED 39a to turn on / off in accordance with, for example, a predetermined lighting / extinguishing pattern. The sub CPU 301 repeats the processing from step 210 to step 230 described above.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol can be displayed in a small size. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, a reduced special symbol is prepared in advance as special symbol image data, the special symbol image data, the background image data of FIG. 4A, and FIG. ) Character image data is superimposed on the sub CPU 301 and displayed on the image display device 54, and the special symbol is reduced as shown in FIG.

  Further, instead of separately preparing special symbol image data for reduced display or the like, a special symbol to be displayed on the image display device 54 by using a zoom lens or the like used in a video camera or a digital camera is used. It may be reduced.

  It is also possible to reduce the special symbol and display it at a different position. For example, as shown in FIG. 14B, special symbol image data in which a reduced special symbol is present on the lower left side is prepared in advance, and the special symbol image data and the background image data of FIG. 4B and the character image data of FIG. 4B are superimposed on each other by the sub CPU 301 and displayed on the image display device 54, a reduced special symbol as shown in FIG. 15B is displayed at the lower left of the screen. Image.

  Note that the timing at which the special symbol is displayed in a reduced size or the timing at which the special symbol is reduced and displayed at a different position may be at the time of an operation by the player or at the time of transition to a predetermined gaming state (at the time of reach, a specific game) Etc.). In addition, the special symbol may be always reduced and displayed, or may be always reduced and displayed at a different position.

  Thus, since the special symbol is displayed smaller than the effect image, the effect image can be enlarged and displayed accordingly, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  Although the actual pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described above, according to the present invention, functions similar to those of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are provided by a simulation game program 950 as shown in FIG. It can be realized by the computer 960.

  For example, the simulation game program 950 realizes a function of launching a game ball on the game area on the screen of the display 970 in response to an operation of the operation switch 980.

  Furthermore, the simulation game program 950 displays on the computer 960 an image imitating the image display device 54 (see FIG. 2) capable of displaying a special symbol variation display and an effect image, an image imitating the start winning opening 62, and a game. A display function for displaying an image simulating a ball on the display 970, a detection function for detecting a game ball that has entered the start winning opening 62 on the screen of the display 970, and a variable display time for special symbols triggered by detection by the detection function A first time determination function that determines the display time, a second time determination function that determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the screen of the display 970 by lottery upon detection by the detection function, and a first time determination function A first time control function for variably displaying special symbols on the screen of the display 970 during the variable display time determined by During the display time period determination function has determined, has the effect image and special symbols are determined independently so as to achieve a second time control function of displaying to overlap the special symbol.

  The simulation game program 950 can be stored in a recording medium such as a ROM cartridge, CD-ROM, or DVD, or distributed under a network environment such as a communication satellite, or using a communication line such as the Internet. .

  With the above configuration, the player can experience a game in the actual pachinko gaming machine 1 by operating the operation switch 980.

  Therefore, the computer 960 operated by the simulation game program 950 determines the display time of the effect image displayed on the screen of the display 970 by lottery when the detection function detects the game ball, and the display 970 The effect image displayed on the screen is also determined independently of the special symbol. That is, the determination of the effect image and the display time of the effect image is performed separately from the determination of the special symbol and the variable display time of the special symbol. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this is merely illustrative of the present invention and does not particularly limit the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, two types of image data for displaying the effect image are prepared: character image data and background image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and data for displaying the effect image is provided. Three or more types of image data may be prepared, or only one type may be prepared.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the main CPU 201 serving as the second time determining means can display the effect image displayed on the image display device 54 when the game ball is won at the start winning opening 62. The display time is determined separately from the first time determination means. That is, the display time of the effect image is determined separately from the determination of the special symbol variation display time. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the sub CPU 301 and the image control circuit 305 as the first time control means display a special symbol smaller on the image display device 54 than the effect image. Therefore, the effect image can be enlarged and displayed accordingly. Therefore, more various effects can be displayed, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the sub CPU 301 and the image control circuit 305 as the second time determining unit are configured so that the sub CPU 301 and the image control circuit 305 as the first time determining unit have the predetermined variable display time. Since the display time associated with the variable display time is determined, the player confirms the display time of the effect image to determine what state the game ball has won as a result. It is possible to predict whether to move, and to enhance the interest of the game.

  Further, the computer 960 operated by the simulation game program 950 of the present embodiment uses the first time determination function as the display time of the effect image displayed on the display 970 when the detection function detects the game ball. It is decided separately. That is, the display time of the effect image is determined separately from the determination of the special symbol variation display time. Therefore, it is possible to produce a variety of effects by avoiding the patterning of the effects, and to improve the interest of the game.

  In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the present invention is applied to a prepaid card type gaming machine. However, the present invention is naturally applicable to a pachinko machine that does not include a card unit. For example, the present invention can be applied to a credit-type pachinko machine, and can also be applied to a normal pachinko machine other than a so-called CR machine. The present invention can be widely applied to a pachinko machine that does not use a prepaid card system and does not use a card at all.

  Further, although the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine which is one of the gaming machines has been described, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine, for example, a smart ball, a sparrow ball, or a pachislot machine. It can be applied to various game machines.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the bullet ball game machine (pachinko game machine) which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a front view of the gaming machine of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control part of the game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the background image data, character image data, and special symbol image data memorize | stored in image data ROM. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of displaying the image data of FIG. 4 with an image display apparatus. (A) is a figure showing a hit variation display pattern determination table, and (b) is a diagram showing a loss variation display pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the effect image display pattern determination table which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol memory | storage check process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the effect image display time determination process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the sub control circuit of the game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception process of the gaming machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reduced special symbol image data memorize | stored in image data ROM. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of displaying the special symbol image data of FIG. 14, the background image data of FIG. 4, and the character image data of FIG. 4 with an image display apparatus. It is a block diagram of a system using a simulation game program of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Outer frame 3 Front door 4 Operation part 5 Upper plate 6 Lower plate 7 Handle 8 Ashtray 9 Ball rental operation panel 10 Decoration frame 11 Speaker 16 Transparent board 19a Start prize opening SW
19Sb General prize opening SW
19Sd V / Count SW
19Se count SW
19Sa Passing gate SW
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Game board 51 Guide rail 52 Game part 53 Obstacle member 54 Image display apparatus (display means)
55 Normal symbol display section 56 Out port 59 General winning port 60 Normal symbol starting gate 62 Starting winning port (winning port)
63 Grand prize opening 64 Normal symbol memory LED
65 Special design memory LED
70 Discharge / Launch Control Circuit 71S Start Port SOL
72S Grand Prize SOL
73S seesaw SOL
74S Backup clear SW
80 Ball lending operation panel 81 Card unit 82 Dispensing device 90 Launching device 200 Main control circuit 201 Main CPU
202 Main ROM
203 Main RAM
204 Initial reset circuit
205 I / O port 206 Command output port 300 Sub control circuit 301 Sub CPU
302 Program ROM
303 Work RAM
304 Command input port 305 Image control circuit 305a VDP
305b Image data ROM
305c VRAM
305d D / A conversion circuit 306 Audio control circuit 307 Lamp control circuit 320 Special symbol “left”
321 Special design "Medium"
322 Special design "Right"
950 Simulation game program 960 Computer 970 Display 980 Operation switch

Claims (6)

A winning entrance where game balls win,
Display means capable of displaying the variation of the identification image and the effect image;
First time determining means for determining a variation display time of the identification image in response to a game ball winning in the winning opening;
A second time determining means for determining a display time of the effect image displayed on the display means separately from the first time determining means;
First time control means for variably displaying the identification image on the display means during the variable display time determined by the first time determining means;
Second time control means for displaying an effect image determined independently of the identification image over the identification image during the display time determined by the second time determination means;
A gaming machine comprising: The second time determining means includes
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display time of the effect image displayed on the display means is determined when a game ball is won at the winning opening. The first time control means includes
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification image is displayed on the display means smaller than the effect image. The second time determining means includes
The display time associated with the variable display time is determined when the first time determining unit determines a predetermined variable display time. Game machines. On the computer,
A display function for displaying on the screen an image imitating display means capable of displaying a variation display of an identification image and an effect image, an image imitating a winning opening, and an image imitating a game ball;
A detection function that detects a game ball that has entered the winning opening;
A first time determination function for determining a variation display time of the identification image triggered by detection by the detection function;
A second time determination function for determining a display time of the effect image displayed on the display function separately from the first time determination function;
A first time control function for causing the display function to display the identification image in a variable manner during the variable display time determined by the first time determination function;
A second time control function for displaying an effect image determined independently of the identification image over the identification image during the display time determined by the second time determination function;
A simulation game program characterized by realizing the above. The second time determining function is:
6. The simulation game program according to claim 5, wherein a display time of the effect image displayed on the display function is determined triggered by detection by the detection function.

Images