JP2006204636A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing a player from recognizing a missing command even if a command input to a performance control device from a performance instruction device is missing. <P>SOLUTION: While an integrating CPU outputs a advance notice pattern specification command when a jackpot advance notice is absent, the integrating CPU does not output the advance notice pattern specification command when the jackpot advance notice YKa is present. A sub CPU prevents a jackpot advance notice from being made, when an advance notice pattern specification command specifying an advance notice pattern YO is normally input and makes the jackpot advance notice YKa which is probably determined in common with the time when a ready-to-win performance is put on when the advance notice pattern specification command is not input (or not normally input) to be given. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine including an effect instruction device for instructing the effect contents of a game effect, and an effect control device for causing an effect means to execute a game effect with the effect contents instructed from the effect instruction device.

  Conventionally, pachinko machines, which are a type of gaming machine, have had various tastes for game effects such as symbol combination games in order to improve the interest of the player, and the contents of the game effects itself have also diversified. Yes. For this reason, the control burden of the control board (CPU) that controls the pachinko machine is large. Therefore, the effect contents of the symbol combination game (variation pattern, notice pattern, etc.) are determined, and the effect instruction board for instructing the determined effect contents and the effect contents instructed from the effect instruction board are executed on the effect device. An effect control board is provided, and the control burden is distributed by sharing the role of each board.

  By the way, since the effect instruction board may also perform a big hit determination, it is necessary to prevent an illegal signal from being input to the effect instruction board. For this reason, the circuit is designed so that signal (command) input / output from the effect instruction board to the effect control board is one-way. Therefore, the production control board requests the production instruction board to retransmit the signal even when a signal (command) from the production instruction board is lost due to noise or when a signal different from the regular signal is input. I can't.

In such a case, an error is displayed as shown in Patent Document 1 below.
JP 2001-170345 A (paragraph number [0047])

  Patent Document 1 exemplifies missing symbol designation commands output from the production instruction board to the production control board. However, many other commands are output from the production instruction board to the production control board in performing the game production. Has been. If the effect control board displays an error when the command is missing for all these commands, the player feels unpleasant. On the other hand, when the content of the effect of the game effect is determined by the determination on the effect control board side, a game effect that cannot occur originally is performed, that is, a bug occurs. This also makes the player feel unpleasant.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to play a game even when a command input from the effect instruction device to the effect control device is missing. It is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a game production so that a person does not realize that.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to an effect instruction device for instructing an effect content of a design variation game in which a plurality of types of symbols are varied and an effect content of a suggestion effect that suggests the development of the symbol variation game. And a game machine provided with an effect control device that causes the effect means to execute the symbol variation game and the suggestion effect with the effect content instructed from the effect instruction device, wherein the effect instruction device is an effect content of the symbol variation game At least one variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of variation patterns for specifying the variation pattern, a variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern instructed to the effect control device from among the variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means, Suggestion pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of suggestion patterns in association with the change patterns of the change pattern, and the change pattern determination means An suggestion pattern determination means for determining an suggestion pattern from among the suggestion patterns associated with the determined variation pattern, and a command output means for outputting an suggestion designation command for instructing the suggestion pattern to the effect control device, The suggestion pattern storage means is common to the variation patterns that include at least the reach effect in the effect content among all the change patterns when the change pattern that includes the reach effect in the effect content is determined by the change pattern determination means. And storing the common suggestion pattern that identifies the production contents of the common suggestion effect that may be determined by the suggestion pattern determination unit, and the command output unit is configured to store the suggestion pattern determined by the suggestion pattern determination unit. If it is not the common suggestion pattern, the suggestion finger indicating the determined suggestion pattern On the other hand, when the common suggestion pattern is output, the suggestion specifying command is not output, and when the effect control device normally inputs the suggestion specifying command output from the command output means, When the suggestion effect is specified based on the suggestion pattern instructed by the suggestion designation command and the suggestion designation command is not input or is not normally input, the common suggestion pattern is The gist of the invention is that the content of the suggestion effect is specified and control means for controlling execution of the suggestion effect with the specified effect content is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the suggestion pattern storage means includes a variation that includes a reach effect that develops in a plurality of stages so that the expectation that is a big hit can be changed. The gist of the pattern is to store only one or more types of suggestion patterns of effect contents for performing the suggestion effect to the extent that the player can recognize.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, input of various commands from the production instruction device to the production control device is permitted, while the production control device performs the production. The gist is that input of various commands to the pointing device is prohibited.

  According to the present invention, even if a command input from the effect instruction device to the effect control device is lost, it is possible to perform a game effect so that the player does not realize that.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a kind of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is schematically shown, and a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is opened and closed on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outline of the machine body. And is detachably assembled. Also, on the front side of the middle frame 12, a front frame 14 and a top ball tray 15 each having a glass frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine in a see-through manner are assembled so as to be openable and closable in a laterally open state. ing. In addition, on the front side of the front frame 14 and the game area 13 a of the game board 13, a decoration lamp 16 that is turned on (flashes) or turned off and performs a light emission effect based on the light emission decoration is provided. In addition, a speaker 17 that outputs various sounds (sound effects) and performs sound effects based on the sound output is provided below the outer frame 11. A lower ball tray 18 and a launching device 19 are attached to the lower part of the middle frame 12.

  In the approximate center of the game area 13a of the game board 13, a display device 20 having a liquid crystal display type variable display H is disposed. In the variable display H, a game effect (display effect) based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the variable display H, a symbol combination game (symbol variation game) is displayed in which a plurality of types of symbols are varied and displayed in a plurality of columns. In the present embodiment, combinations of three columns of symbols are derived in the symbol combination game, and the types of symbols of each column forming the combination are eight types of 1-8. In addition, the variable display H of the present embodiment serves as “production means” for executing a symbol combination game and a jackpot notice.

  Then, the player can recognize the big hit or miss from the symbol combination finally displayed in the symbol combination game. When the symbols of all the columns displayed on the variable display H are of the same type, the big hit can be recognized from the symbol combination ([222] [777], etc.). The symbol combination that can recognize the jackpot is a jackpot symbol combination. When the jackpot symbol combination is displayed, the player is given a jackpot gaming state. On the other hand, when the symbols of all the rows displayed on the variable display H are of different types, or when the symbols of one row are of a different type from the symbols forming the reach, the symbol combination ([123] [122] [767] etc.) can be recognized. A symbol combination that can recognize this deviation is a symbol combination that is out of sync. Further, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the symbol combination game starts (when the symbols in each column start to change), the left column (left symbol) → the right column (right symbol) → middle as viewed from the player side The symbols are displayed in the order of columns (middle symbols). When the displayed left symbol and right symbol are of the same type, the reach can be recognized from the symbol combination ([↓] indicates that the symbol is changing, such as [1 ↓ 1]). The symbol combination that can recognize this reach is the symbol combination of the reach.

  Further, below the display device 20, a start winning opening 22 including an opening / closing blade 21 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. Behind the start winning opening 22 is provided a start opening sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 2) that detects a winning game ball. The start winning opening 22 can give a start condition for the symbol combination game in response to detection of winning of a game ball. Also, below the start winning port 22, a large winning port 24 having a large winning port door 23 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. When the big hit gaming state is given, the big winning opening 24 is opened by the opening operation of the big winning opening door 23 so that the game ball can be won, so that the player has a chance to acquire a large number of winning balls. Obtainable.

Next, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A main control board (main control unit) 30 for controlling the entire pachinko machine 10 is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. The main control board 30 executes various processes for controlling the entire pachinko machine 10, performs arithmetic processing on various control signals (control commands) for controlling the game according to the processing results, and outputs the control signals ( Control command). In addition, an overall control board 31, a display control board 32, a lamp control board 33, and an audio control board 34 are mounted on the rear side of the machine.

  The overall control board (overall control unit) 31 comprehensively controls the display control board 32, the lamp control board 33, and the audio control board 34 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 30. The display control board 32 controls the display contents (display images of symbols, backgrounds, characters, etc.) of the variable display H based on control signals (control commands) output from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31. The lamp control board 33 controls the light emission mode (lighting (flashing) / lighting off timing, etc.) of the decorative lamp 16 based on control signals (control commands) output from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31. The sound control board 34 controls the sound output mode (sound output timing, etc.) of the speaker 17 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31.

  In the present embodiment, input of various control signals (control commands) from the main control board 30 to the overall control board 31 is permitted, but various control signals (controls) from the overall control board 31 to the main control board 30 are permitted. Command) is prohibited. That is, the circuit design is such that the input / output of control signals from the main control board 30 to the overall control board 31 is one-way. In addition, input of various control signals (control commands) from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 to the display control board 32 is permitted, but the display control board 32 to the overall control board 31 and the main control board 30 is permitted. Input of various control signals (control commands) is prohibited. In other words, the circuit design is such that input / output of control signals from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 to the display control board 32 is one-way. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal control signal from being input to the main control board 30 or the overall control board 31 and to prevent an illegal act.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the main control board 30, the overall control board 31, and the display control board 32 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the main control board 30 is provided with a main CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, and a RAM 30c. The main CPU 30a updates various random number values at predetermined intervals. The ROM 30b stores a main control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 and a plurality of types of variation patterns. The RAM 30c stores (sets) various information (random number values and the like) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The variation pattern is a game effect (display effect, light effect, sound effect) from when the symbol starts to change (start of the symbol combination game) to when all the symbols are displayed (the symbol combination game ends). The pattern used as the base of is shown. Further, the plurality of types of variation patterns are classified into a variation pattern for a big hit effect, a variation pattern for a loss reach effect, and a variation pattern for a loss effect.

  The jackpot effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to finally display the symbol combination of the jackpot through the reach effect. The outlier reach effect is an effect in which the symbol combination game is developed so as to finally display the symbol combination that has gone through the reach effect. The outlier effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to display the outlier symbol combination without going through the reach effect.

  The reach production is performed after a reach symbol combination is displayed (in this embodiment, a right symbol of the same type as the once displayed left symbol is displayed once), and then a jackpot symbol combination or an off symbol combination It is an effect that is performed before the is stopped. In the present embodiment, in the symbol combination game based on the variation pattern for the jackpot effect and the variation pattern for the outlier reach effect, one of the two types of reach effects A and B is performed. ing. For example, in the reach effect A, after the reach symbol combination is displayed, the reach effect is performed with the effect content for deriving the symbol by changing the remaining one column (in this embodiment, the middle column). (Also called normal reach production). In addition, the reach effect B is, for example, when a particular character appears during the change of the remaining one row of symbols, or once displayed, and shifts (develops) to “XX reach” called by the name of the appearing character. The reach production is performed with the production content that derives (also called super reach production). In the present embodiment, the reach effect A (normal reach effect) is a normal reach effect, and the reach effect B (super reach effect) is a reach effect that develops in stages.

  And in this embodiment, the ratio (big hit reliability or big hit expectation degree) to which a big hit game state is given is varied according to the kind of reach production. More specifically, the reach effect B is set to be higher in the ratio of the big hit gaming state than the reach effect A. This indicates that the reach effect B is higher in the reach effect B than in the reach effect A. The ratio at which the big hit game state is given is determined according to the distribution mode when the fluctuation pattern in which each reach effect is performed is distributed to the reach effect instead of the big hit effect. In other words, in order to increase the percentage that the jackpot gaming state of the reach effect is given, the ratio that the reach effect appears in the symbol combination game (the overall ratio that appears in the case of reach out of the jackpot) The variation pattern may be distributed so that the ratio of occurrence of the reach effect in the case of a big hit is increased and the ratio of occurrence of the reach effect in the case of outlier reach is reduced (or either one is performed). In this way, by changing the ratio that the big hit game state is given, the reach symbol combination is displayed, and when the reach effect is performed, the player wins the jackpot according to the type of the reach effect. Can change expectations.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the game effect production time is set to be longer for the big hit production and the outreach reach production than for the time for the outage production (time for the normal fluctuation). The jackpot effect or the reach effect B in which the reach effect B is performed rather than the time required for the miss reach effect (the time related to the normal reach effect) in which the reach effect A is performed or the reach effect A is performed. The time required for (time related to super reach production) is set longer. Thus, the symbol combination game based on the variation pattern in which the reach effect B set with a high percentage of jackpots is performed has a longer production time than the symbol combination game based on the variation pattern in which the reach effect A is performed. The person can enjoy the game performance for a long time with the improved interest.

  In the following description, as shown in FIG. 3, the variation pattern for the offending effect is denoted as “variation pattern P1”. In the variation pattern P1 for the offending effect, the symbol combination game is played with the effect content that derives the symbols in each column according to the display order of left column → right column → middle column without forming reach. . Of the variation patterns in which the reach effect A is performed, the variation pattern for the big hit effect is denoted as “variation pattern P2”, and the variation pattern for the loss reach effect is denoted as “variation pattern P3”. Similarly, among the variation patterns in which the reach effect B is performed, the variation pattern for the big hit effect is denoted as “variation pattern P4”, and the variation pattern for the loss reach effect is denoted as “variation pattern P5”.

  The main CPU 30a executes various processes such as jackpot determination, reach determination, determination of the final stop symbol to be finally displayed, and determination of the variation pattern based on the main control program. For example, the main CPU 30a executes a big hit determination at the start of the symbol combination game. When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (in the case of a big hit), the main CPU 30a determines the final stop symbols so that all the rows are of the same type, and also changes the big hit effect fluctuation patterns (fluctuation patterns P2 and P4). ) To determine the variation pattern. For example, when the symbols of all the rows are determined as “1” and the variation pattern P4 for the big hit effect is determined, in the symbol combination game, the big hit combination [111] is displayed through the reach effect B.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (in the case of losing), the main CPU 30a performs a reach determination for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect. When the determination result of the reach determination is affirmative (when a reach effect is performed), the main CPU 30a sets the symbols in the left column and the symbols in the right column to the same type, and the symbols in the middle column are different from the symbols in the left and right columns. The final stop symbol is determined. At the same time, the main CPU 30a determines a variation pattern from among variation patterns for variation reach production (variation pattern P3 and variation pattern P5). On the other hand, when the determination result of the reach determination is negative (when the reach effect is not performed), the main CPU 30a determines the final stop symbol so that the symbol in the left column is different from the symbol in the right column. At the same time, the main CPU 30a determines the variation pattern P1 for the offending effect.

  The main CPU 30a that has determined the variation pattern and the final stop symbol outputs a predetermined control command to the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main CPU 30a first outputs a variation pattern designation command that designates a variation pattern and instructs the start of symbol variation. Next, the main CPU 30a outputs a symbol designation command for designating a final stop symbol for each column. After that, the main CPU 30a instructs a change stop based on the change time set in the specified change pattern, and outputs an all symbol stop command for ending the symbol combination game.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main CPU 30a serves as “variation pattern determining means” that determines the variation pattern instructed to the display control board 32 from the variation patterns stored in the ROM 30b. In addition, the ROM 30b serves as “fluctuation pattern storage means” that stores a plurality of types of variation patterns that specify the effect contents of the symbol combination game.

  Next, the overall control board 31 will be described. The overall control board 31 is provided with an overall CPU 31a as shown in FIG. The general CPU 31a sequentially updates the values of various random numbers every predetermined cycle. Further, a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c are connected to the overall CPU 31a. The ROM 31b stores an overall control program for overall control of the control boards 32-34. The RAM 31c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. For example, information such as the value of the notice pattern distribution random number is stored (set) in the RAM 31c.

  When a predetermined control command is input from the main CPU 30a at a predetermined timing, the overall CPU 31a outputs a predetermined control command at a predetermined timing accordingly. More specifically, when the general CPU 31a inputs a variation pattern designation command, the overall CPU 31a outputs the variation pattern designation command to each of the control boards 32-34. In addition, when the overall CPU 31 a inputs a symbol designation command or an all symbol stop command, the overall CPU 31 a outputs each command to the display control board 32.

Next, the display control board 32 will be described.
The display control board 32 includes a sub CPU 32a, and a ROM 32b and a RAM 32c are connected to the sub CPU 32a. The ROM 32b stores a display control program and various image data (image data such as symbols, backgrounds, characters, characters, etc.) for controlling the display contents of the variable display device H (variations of symbols and actions of characters). Yes. The RAM 32c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  When the sub CPU 32a receives a control command from the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a), the sub CPU 32a performs control according to the input control command based on the display control program. Specifically, when the sub CPU 32a inputs a variation pattern designation command, the display contents of the variable display H are displayed so that the symbols are variably displayed with the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command to start the symbol combination game. To control. When the sub CPU 32a inputs the all symbol stop command, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H so that the symbol combination designated by the input symbol designation command is displayed on the variable display H. By this control, the symbol combination game is performed on the variable display H.

  The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured so that a big hit announcement is made in a display effect after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the symbol combination game (in this embodiment, after 6000 ms has elapsed). The board 31 (the general CPU 31a) determines the contents of the effect of the big hit notice. The jackpot notice is an effect (an effect that suggests the possibility of success or failure) for informing the player in advance that there is a possibility of a big hit. In the present embodiment, this jackpot notice is an “indication effect” that suggests the development of the symbol combination game. In the present embodiment, the notice character Ka or the notice character Kb is made to appear (display) on the variable display H in the big hit notice, and the contents of the effect that the big hit notice is not made (the notice character does not appear). Including, there are three types of contents for the jackpot notice. Hereinafter, the jackpot notice of the effect content that the notice character does not appear is shown as “no jackpot notice”, the jackpot notice of the effect content that the notice character Ka appears is shown as “hit notice YKa”, and the notice character Kb appears. The jackpot notice of the contents of the performance is indicated as “jacket notice YKb”.

  When the general CPU 31a receives the change pattern designation command, the general CPU 31a performs a notice determination process based on the notice pattern distribution random number and the notice pattern distribution table Y (FIG. 4) stored in the ROM 31b. In the notice determination process, the overall CPU 31a determines the contents of the effect of the jackpot notice. The notice pattern distribution random number is a random number that is sequentially updated by the overall CPU 31a every predetermined period, and the overall CPU 31a sets the updated value in the setting area of the RAM 31c and rewrites the value before the update. In the present embodiment, the numerical values that can be taken by the notice pattern distribution random numbers are 50 different integers from 0 to 49.

The notice pattern distribution table Y shows the correspondence between the variation pattern and the notice pattern. A specific configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
In the notice pattern distribution table Y, based on the value of the notice pattern distribution random number, any one of “notice pattern Y0”, “notice pattern YA”, or “notice pattern YB” is selected according to the designated variation patterns P1 to P5. It has come to be decided. The “notice pattern Y0” is a pattern in which the contents of the effect that the jackpot notice is not executed is specified, the notice pattern YA is the pattern in which the contents of the effect of the jackpot notice YKa is specified, and the notice pattern YB is This is a pattern in which the effect content of the jackpot notice YKb is specified. In the present embodiment, the notice pattern is a “suggest pattern” that specifies the contents of the effect of the big hit notice.

  In the advance notice pattern allocation table Y, the change pattern P2 includes the advance notice pattern assignment random numbers “0” to “24” in the advance notice pattern Y0 and the advance notice pattern assignment random number in the advance notice pattern YA. Values “25” to “49” are associated with each other. That is, the notice pattern Y0 or the notice pattern YA is stored in association with the variation pattern P2. In the variation pattern P3, the notice pattern distribution random numbers “0” to “39” correspond to “notice pattern Y0”, and the notice pattern distribution random values “40” to “49” correspond to “notice pattern YA”. It is attached. That is, the notice pattern Y0 or the notice pattern YA is stored in association with the variation pattern P3. In the variation pattern P4, “notice pattern YA” corresponds to values “0” to “24” of the notice pattern distribution random numbers, and “notice pattern YB” corresponds to values “25” to “49” of the notice pattern distribution random numbers. It is attached. That is, the notice pattern YA or the notice pattern YB is stored in association with the variation pattern P4. In the variation pattern P5, “notice pattern YA” corresponds to values “0” to “39” of the notice pattern distribution random numbers, and “notice pattern YB” corresponds to values “40” to “49” of the notice pattern distribution random numbers. It is attached. That is, the notice pattern YA or the notice pattern YB is stored in association with the variation pattern P5. Therefore, for example, when the variation pattern P3 is designated by the variation pattern designation command input from the main control board 30, and the value of the announcement pattern distribution random number is “40”, the overall CPU 31a displays the announcement pattern YA. decide.

  As described above, since the notice pattern Y0 or the notice pattern YA is associated with the change patterns P2 and P3, the general CPU 31a performs the notice determination process regardless of which of the change pattern P2 or the change pattern P3 is specified. To determine either the notice pattern Y0 or the notice pattern YA. In addition, since the notice pattern YA or the notice pattern YB is associated with the change patterns P4 and P5, the general CPU 31a provides a notice in the notice determination process regardless of which of the change pattern P4 or the change pattern P5 is specified. Either the pattern YA or the notice pattern YB is determined. That is, when the reach effect B (super reach effect) is performed, the big hit notice YKa or the big hit notice YKb is always performed. In addition, since the notice pattern YA is always associated with the variation patterns P2 to P5 including the reach effect in the effect content, there is a possibility that the big hit notice YKa is performed when the reach effect is performed. Therefore, the jackpot notice YKa of the present embodiment is a common suggestion effect that may be commonly executed when a variation pattern including the reach effect in the effect content is determined by the main CPU 30a. Further, the common suggestion pattern for specifying the production contents of the jackpot notice YKa that is likely to be determined by the overall CPU 31a in common when the change pattern including the reach production in the production content is decided by the main CPU 30a. It becomes.

  In the notice pattern distribution table Y, the value of the notice pattern distribution random number is not distributed to the variation pattern P1. That is, the notice pattern is not stored in association with the variation pattern P1. This indicates that the notice pattern is not determined when the variation pattern P1 is designated. That is, since the symbol combination game based on the variation pattern P1 ends in 5000 ms (see FIG. 3), the symbol combination game has already ended at the start of the jackpot notice (6000 ms from the start of the symbol combination game). For this reason, even if the value of the notice pattern distribution random number is assigned to the variation pattern P1, the value of the notice pattern distribution random number is not assigned because the jackpot notice is not executed.

  The notice pattern distribution table Y having such a configuration is stored in the ROM 31b. When the general CPU 31a inputs a variation pattern designation command, the notice pattern assignment random number is extracted from the RAM 31c, and the notice pattern distribution table Y is obtained. The notice determination process is performed based on the above. Then, when the notice pattern determined based on the result of the notice determination process is not the notice pattern YA, the general CPU 31a designates the notice pattern designating command for instructing the decided notice pattern (the notice pattern Y0 or the notice pattern YB in this embodiment). Is output to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a). On the other hand, the general CPU 31a does not output the notice pattern designation command to the sub CPU 32a when the notice pattern determined based on the result of the notice determination process is the notice pattern YA.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 (portions surrounded by broken lines in FIG. 2) serve as an “effect instruction device” for instructing the contents of the symbol combination game and the jackpot notice. In addition, the ROM 31b serves as a “suggested pattern storage unit” that stores the notice pattern. Further, the overall CPU 31a serves as a “suggesting pattern determining unit” that determines the notice pattern associated with the variation pattern. Further, the overall CPU 31a serves as “command output means” for outputting a notice pattern designating command for designating a notice pattern to the display control board 32.

  Then, based on the display control program, the sub CPU 32a of the display control board 32 performs a predetermined period after the symbol combination game starts (specifically, at the start of the big hit announcement (the symbol combination game starts Until 6000 ms elapses), it is determined whether or not the notice pattern designation command has been normally input. When the determination result is affirmative (when the notice pattern designation command is normally input), the sub CPU 32a controls the execution of the big hit notice with the effect content indicated by the notice pattern designated by the notice pattern designation command. That is, when the notice pattern Y0 is designated, the sub CPU 32a performs control so that the big hit notice is not executed. Further, when the notice pattern YB is designated, the sub CPU 32a controls the variable display H so that the big hit notice is displayed with the effect content indicated by the notice pattern YB (that is, the big hit notice YKb is executed). To control).

  On the other hand, when the determination result is negative (when the notice pattern designation command is not inputted or when it is not inputted normally (missed)), the sub CPU 32a displays the jackpot notice with the effect content indicated by the notice pattern YA. The variable display H is controlled so that the jackpot notice YKa is executed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display control board 32 is an “effect control device” that causes the variable display H to execute the symbol combination game and the big hit announcement with the contents of the effect instructed from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31. Further, the sub CPU 32a serves as “control means” for controlling the execution of the big hit notice.

  As described above, even in the case of the notice pattern Y0 (no jackpot notice), the overall CPU 31a outputs a notice pattern designation command. On the other hand, in the case of jackpot notice YKa, the overall CPU 31a does not output a notice pattern designation command. Then, the sub CPU 32a does not execute the jackpot notice when the notice pattern designation command for instructing the notice pattern Y0 is normally input, while the sub CPU 32a does not input the notice pattern designation command (or does not normally input), The jackpot notice YKa is executed. For this reason, when the notice pattern designation command is lost, the sub CPU 32a does not perform the big hit notice. That is, it is possible to prevent a situation where a big hit notice is not performed when not intended. The jackpot notice YKa is related to all the fluctuation patterns P2 to P5 including the reach effect in the effect contents, and may be determined in common when the reach effect is performed. Is not input (or is not normally input), even if the jackpot notice YKa is executed, there is no sense of incongruity.

  For example, in the present embodiment, when the symbol combination game is performed based on the variation patterns P4 and P5 and the reach effect B is performed, if the notice pattern designation command is normally input, the big hit notice YKa or the big hit notice YKb is sure to be made. However, in this case, if the big hit notice is not made, the player will feel uncomfortable. In the present embodiment, the player does not feel uncomfortable by performing the jackpot notice YKa.

  Next, the timing at which the big hit announcement is made will be described with reference to FIG. 5A and 5B, the notice pattern Y0 is determined by the notice determination process, and in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the notice pattern YB is obtained by the notice determination process. It will be described as being determined. In FIG. 5, the overall control board 31 is described as having input a variation pattern designation command twice. Further, in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the notice pattern designating command output first by the overall control board 31 is normally inputted to the display control board 32, and the notice pattern designating command outputted second time is not inputted normally. It will be described as

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) inputs a change pattern designation command from the main control board 30, the change is applied to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a). A pattern designation command is output (see time point A1). When the sub CPU 32a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H to execute the symbol combination game based on the display control program (time point A1). Thereafter, the overall CPU 31a executes a notice determination process to determine a notice pattern. Since the general CPU 31a determines the notice pattern Y0 based on the premise, the general CPU 31a outputs a notice pattern designation command for designating the notice pattern Y0 to the sub CPU 32a (time point A2).

  Then, when a predetermined time (6000 ms) has elapsed since the start of the symbol combination game, the sub CPU 32a determines whether or not the notice pattern designation command has been normally input (time point A3). Since this determination result is affirmative from the premise, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H based on the notice pattern Y0 designated by the notice pattern designation command. That is, the sub CPU 32a performs control so that the big hit announcement is not performed in the symbol combination game.

  Next, when the general CPU 31a inputs a variation pattern designation command from the main control board 30, it outputs the variation pattern designation command to the sub CPU 32a (see time point A4). When the sub CPU 32a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H so that the symbol combination game is executed based on the display control program (time point A4). Thereafter, the overall CPU 31a executes a notice determination process to determine a notice pattern. Since the general CPU 31a determines the notice pattern Y0 based on the premise, the general CPU 31a outputs a notice pattern designation command for designating the notice pattern Y0 to the sub CPU 32a (time point A5). Then, when a predetermined time (6000 ms) has elapsed since the start of the second symbol combination game, the sub CPU 32a determines whether or not the notice pattern designation command has been normally input (time point A6). Since this determination result is negative from the premise, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H based on the notice pattern YA. That is, the sub CPU 32a performs control so that the big hit announcement YKa is performed in the symbol combination game.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, when the central CPU 31a inputs a variation pattern designation command from the main control board 30, it outputs the variation pattern designation command to the sub CPU 32a (see time point B1). ). When the sub CPU 32a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H so that the symbol combination game is executed based on the display control program (time point B1). Thereafter, the overall CPU 31a executes a notice determination process to determine a notice pattern. Since the general CPU 31a determines the notice pattern YB based on the premise, the general CPU 31a outputs a notice pattern designation command for designating the notice pattern YB to the sub CPU 32a (time point B2). Then, when a predetermined time (6000 ms) has elapsed from the start of the symbol combination game, the sub CPU 32a determines whether or not the notice pattern designation command has been normally input (time point B3). Since this determination result is affirmative from the premise, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H based on the notice pattern YB designated by the notice pattern designation command. That is, the sub CPU 32a performs control so that the big hit notice YKb is performed in the symbol combination game.

  Next, when the general CPU 31a inputs a variation pattern designation command from the main control board 30, it outputs the variation pattern designation command to the sub CPU 32a (see time point B4). When the sub CPU 32a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H to execute the symbol combination game based on the display control program (time point B4). Thereafter, the overall CPU 31a executes a notice determination process to determine a notice pattern. Since the general CPU 31a determines the notice pattern YB based on the premise, the general CPU 31a outputs a notice pattern designating command for designating the notice pattern YB to the sub CPU 32a (time point B5). Then, when a predetermined time (6000 ms) has elapsed since the start of the second symbol combination game, the sub CPU 32a determines whether or not the notice pattern designation command has been normally input (time point B6). Since this determination result is negative from the premise, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H based on the notice pattern YA. That is, the sub CPU 32a performs control so that the big hit announcement YKa is performed in the symbol combination game.

As described above in detail, the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) Conventionally, for example, when the reach effect B (super reach effect) is always performed after some sort of big hit notice (that is, the symbol combination based on the variation patterns P4 and P5 not associated with the notice pattern Y0) If the notice pattern designation command is missing when the game is played), no big hit notice is given. For this reason, since only the reach effect B is performed without a big hit notice, the player sometimes feels uncomfortable. However, according to the present embodiment, when the notice pattern designating command is not normally input, when the reach effect is performed regardless of what kind of notice pattern is determined by the overall control board 31. The jackpot notice YKa is performed based on the notice pattern YA that may be determined in common. For this reason, when the reach effect B is performed, the jackpot notice YKa or the jackpot notice YKb is always performed, and the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, the notice pattern YA is associated with the variation patterns P2 and P3 associated with the notice pattern Y0 having the effect content that there is no jackpot notice. Therefore, even if the general CPU 31a outputs a notice pattern designating command for instructing the notice pattern Y0, even if the big hit notice YKa is performed without being input normally, the player does not feel uncomfortable. . Therefore, even if there is a missing suggestion command, a game effect can be performed without the player realizing it.

  (2) In addition, when the notice pattern designation command is not normally input, an extra process of determining a big hit notice that is consistent with the inputted fluctuation pattern (corresponding to the fluctuation pattern) and performing the big hit notice is performed. Since no error display is performed, the control burden can be reduced. When the overall control board 31 determines the notice pattern YA, no notice pattern designation command is output. For this reason, the number of notice pattern designation commands output from the overall control board 31 to the display control board 32 can be reduced.

  (3) The notice pattern Y0 is not associated with the variation patterns P4 and P5. For this reason, when a reach effect B that develops in a plurality of stages so as to change the expectation of winning a big hit, some big hit notice is always made. Therefore, the interest of the jackpot notice is improved. Further, in this case, if the notice pattern designation command is missing, the reach effect B is performed without any big hit notice in the past, which gives the player a sense of incongruity. Since YKa is performed instead, there is no sense of incongruity.

  (4) Input of various commands from the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 to the display control board 32 is permitted, while input of various commands from the display control board 32 to the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 is allowed. I was banned. For this reason, it becomes impossible to input an illegal command to the main control board 30 and the general control board 31 and operate it, and illegal actions can be prevented.

  (5) The sub CPU 32a causes all jackpot notices to be executed at the same timing after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the symbol combination game. This makes it possible to clarify the point in time when it can be determined that the notice pattern designation command has not been input (or has not been input normally). For this reason, it is not determined that the notice pattern designating command has not been normally input because the judgment is made before the notice pattern designating command input is completed even though the notice pattern designating command is normally inputted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably specify the contents of the big hit announcement.

  (6) A main control board 30 that controls the entire pachinko machine 10 and a general control unit that controls the control boards 32 to 34 based on a control signal (command) output from the main control board 30 are provided. . Thereby, a control burden can be disperse | distributed and the control burden of the main control board 30 can be reduced.

In addition, the said embodiment can be embodied in another embodiment (another example) as follows.
In the above embodiment, the suggestion effect is a jackpot notice, but a probability change notification effect (generally called a re-lottery effect or the like) for telling the player whether or not to shift to the probability fluctuation state after the jackpot game ends. ). The probability variation state refers to a state in which the lottery probability per jackpot varies from a normal probability with a low probability to a high probability.

  In this case, among all the variation patterns, the variation pattern including at least the reach effect in the effect content may be determined by the overall CPU 31a in common when the change pattern including the reach effect in the effect content is determined. It is necessary to store a common notification pattern (common suggestion pattern) that specifies the production contents of a certain common probability change notification production (common suggestion production) in association with each other. More specifically, among all the variation patterns, at least the variation pattern for the big hit effect may be determined by the central CPU 31a in common when the variation pattern for the big hit effect is determined by the main CPU 30a. It is necessary to store a common notification pattern that specifies the contents of the production of a certain common probability change notification effect in association with each other. Similarly to the present embodiment, when the general CPU 31a determines the common notification pattern, the general CPU 31a does not output the notification designation command (suggestion designation command), and the sub CPU 32a does not input the notification designation command. Or when it does not input normally, a common probability change notification effect may be executed based on the common notification pattern. In this way, even if the notification designation command is not normally input, the game effect can be performed without the player realizing it.

  In the notice pattern distribution table Y of the above embodiment, the notice pattern YA is associated with the fluctuation patterns P2 to P5 including the reach effect in the production content, but the notice pattern YA is associated with all the fluctuation patterns P1 to P5. Also good.

In the notice pattern distribution table Y of the above-described embodiment, the notice pattern may be stored in association with the variation pattern P1 for the offending effect.
In the above embodiment, the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 may be configured as a single board.

In the above embodiment, the timing for making the big hit announcement is the same, but it may be different.
In the above embodiment, the general CPU 31a determines the notice pattern, but the main CPU 30a may decide the notice pattern. In this case, the ROM 30b needs to store the notice pattern and the notice pattern distribution table Y. In this case, the main CPU 30a serves as a suggestion pattern determination unit and a command output unit, and the ROM 30b serves as a suggestion pattern storage unit.

In the above embodiment, the execution time of the symbol combination game may be changed. Moreover, you may change the implementation start time of jackpot notice.
Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.

  (A) The control means causes the suggestion effect to be executed at the same timing in the symbol variation game regardless of the effect content of the suggestion effect. The gaming machine described in 1.

  (B) The production instruction device includes a main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine and a general control unit that controls the production control device in an integrated manner. The main control unit includes the variation pattern storage unit and the 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a variation pattern determination unit, wherein the overall control unit includes the suggestion pattern storage unit, the suggestion pattern determination unit, and a command output unit. The gaming machine described.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the structure of a pachinko gaming machine. Explanatory drawing which shows the production content and fluctuation time of a fluctuation pattern. Explanatory drawing which shows a notice pattern distribution table. (A)-(d) is a timing chart which shows the production content of a jackpot notice, and the timing when the jackpot notice is executed.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 20 ... Display device, 30 ... Main control board (main control part), 30a ... Main CPU (variation pattern determination means), 30b ... ROM (variation pattern storage means), 31 ... Supervision Control board (overall control unit), 31a ... overall CPU (suggested pattern determining means, command output means), 31b ... ROM (suggested pattern storage means), 32 ... display control board (effect control device), 32a ... sub CPU (control) Means), H... Variable display (production means).

Claims (3)

An effect instruction device for instructing an effect content of a design change game for changing a plurality of kinds of symbols and an effect content of an suggestion effect suggesting the development of the design change game, and the effect change device instructed by the effect instruction device And a gaming machine including an effect control device that causes the effecting means to execute the suggestion effect,
The production instruction device
Fluctuation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of variation patterns that specify the contents of the effect of the symbol variation game;
A variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern instructed to the effect control device from among the variation patterns stored in the variation pattern storage means;
Suggestion pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of suggestion patterns in association with at least one variation pattern;
Suggestion pattern determination means for determining an suggestion pattern from among suggestion patterns associated with the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means;
Command output means for outputting a suggestion designation command for instructing the suggestion pattern to the effect control device,
The suggestion pattern storage means is common to the variation patterns that include at least the reach effect in the effect content among all the change patterns when the change pattern that includes the reach effect in the effect content is determined by the change pattern determination means. And storing the common suggestion pattern that identifies the production content of the common suggestion effect that may be determined by the suggestion pattern determination means,
When the suggestion pattern determined by the suggestion pattern determination means is not the common suggestion pattern, the command output means outputs an suggestion designation command for instructing the determined suggestion pattern. , Do not output the suggestion command,
In the case where the suggestion control device normally inputs the suggestion designation command output from the command output means, while specifying the effect content of the suggestion presentation based on the suggestion pattern instructed by the suggestion designation command, When the suggestion designation command is not input and when it is not normally input, the control means for specifying the effect content of the suggestion effect based on the common suggestion pattern and controlling the execution of the suggestion effect with the specified effect content A gaming machine characterized by having it. The suggestion pattern storage means performs a suggestion effect to the extent that the player can recognize a variation pattern that includes a reach effect that develops in multiple stages so that the expectation that becomes a big hit can be changed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein only one suggestion pattern is stored in association with one or more types. 2. The input of various commands from the effect instruction device to the effect control device is permitted, but the input of various commands from the effect control device to the effect instruction device is prohibited. Item 3. The gaming machine according to Item 2.

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