JP2008289907A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which by no means stops the progress of a game by starting the execution of a variable display game without waiting for the selection and defining of a game performance. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with an operation part which generates operation signals as operated by players, a character defining means which defines a character for performance selected, a performance content decision means which determines the performance content in the variable display game from the character for performance defined at the moment of starting the variable display game and a selection status display means for displaying the status in which a character is selected out of a plurality of characters for performance when the operation sinal is detected in the display of the selectable status and the status in which a character for performance different from that currently selected is selected with the further detection of the operation signal. When the variable display game is started while the selectable status is on display by a display switching means, the character defining means defines the character for performance selected and displayed at the moment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine in which a game effect mode can be selected.

For example, when a game ball launched into the game area wins the start winning area, the identification information (symbol) of the symbol display device fluctuates for a certain period of time, and the special game is stopped when the identification information stops in a manner indicating a big hit There is a gaming machine to generate. Then, a gaming machine has been proposed in which a player can select a character displayed during symbol variation from a plurality of types, and a different reliability is set for each type of the character (for example, (See Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-33600 A

  By the way, it is desired to start execution of the variable display game so as not to stop the progress of the game without waiting for selection and confirmation of the game effect.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of starting execution of a variable display game and not stopping the progress of a game without waiting for selection and determination of a game effect.

  1st invention is provided with the display means which produces the display of the fluctuation | variation display game in which identification information variably displays, and the control means which performs the said fluctuation | variation display game by establishment of predetermined conditions, The said fluctuation | variation display game is a specific result In the gaming machine that gives a privilege advantageous to the player, an operation unit that generates an operation signal by the player's operation is provided, and the control means is configured to determine a plurality of predetermined values based on the operation signal. Character selecting means for selecting one effect character from the effect characters, character determining means for determining the effect character selected by the character selecting means, and when the effect character is determined by the character determining means A character confirmation display means for displaying the confirmed effect character on the display means; and the variation display game. Based on the effect character determined at the start time, the effect character determining means for determining the effect content in the variable display game, and the effect character can select the display of the waiting state by the input of the operation signal. Display switching means for switching to a display of a different state, and when the operation signal is detected during the display of the selectable state, a state in which one character is selected from the plurality of performance characters is displayed, and Selection state display means for displaying a state in which an effect character different from the currently selected one is selected when the operation signal is detected, and the character determination means can be selected by the display switching means If the variable display game is started when the predetermined condition is satisfied while the state is displayed, the selection is made at that time. Has been displayed is to determine the performance for the character is.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, in the case where the character determination means does not detect a new operation signal until a predetermined time elapses after the last operation signal is detected. The effect character that is selected and displayed at that time is determined.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided display means for producing a variable display game in which identification information is displayed in a variable manner, and control means for executing the variable display game upon establishment of a predetermined condition, wherein the variable display game is specified. In the gaming machine that gives a privilege advantageous to the player in the case of the result of the above, it is provided with an operation unit that generates an operation signal by the player's operation, the control means is predetermined based on the operation signal A character selecting means for selecting one effect character from the plurality of effect characters, a character determining means for determining the effect character selected by the character selecting means, and the effect character being determined by the character determining means. Sometimes, the character confirmation display means for displaying the confirmed effect character on the display means, and the variation display Based on the effect character determined at the start of the game, the effect content determining means for determining the effect content in the variable display game and the display of the waiting state by the input of the operation signal Display switching means for switching to display in a selectable state, and when the operation signal is detected during display in the selectable state, a state in which one character is selected from the plurality of performance characters is displayed. And a selection state display means for displaying a state where an effect character different from the currently selected one is selected when the operation signal is detected, and the character determination means is controlled by the display switching means. If the variable display game starts when the predetermined condition is satisfied while the selectable state is displayed, By confirming the effect character selected for display in the above, the execution of the variable display game is started without waiting for the selection and confirmation of the game effect, so that the entertainment can be enhanced without stopping the game progress. it can.

  According to the second invention, when the character determining means does not detect a new operation signal between the time when the last operation signal is detected and a predetermined time elapses, the character selection means selects at that time. By confirming the displayed effect character, it is possible to perform a game effect designation operation and a game effect confirmation operation with one type of operation signal, so that it is possible to configure fewer operation units that generate operation signals, A gaming machine with improved operability can be realized.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The front frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 is assembled to the machine frame 3 via a hinge 4 so as to be capable of opening and closing. A storage frame is attached to the back surface of the front frame 2 to store the game board 5. A glass frame 6 is attached to the front frame 2 through a hinge so as to be opened and closed. A substantially circular opening 7 is formed on the front surface of the glass frame 6. The front surface of the game board 5 is covered with a front structural member (cover glass) 8 incorporated in the opening 7 of the glass frame 6.

  Decorative light emitting devices 9 such as decorative lamps and LEDs are provided at the main points of the front frame 2, and these decorative light emitting devices 9 emit light according to the progress of the game when an event such as a big hit occurs. An upper plate (ball supply plate) 10 for guiding a game ball to a hitting ball launching device (not shown) is disposed below the front frame 2. In addition, a lower plate 11 and a launching operation unit 12 of a hitting ball launching device are disposed below the front frame 2. The upper plate 10 is provided with a ball storage unit 10a, and a card ball lending unit 41 (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 1 from a supply tank 13 provided on the back of the gaming machine 1 in the ball storage unit 10a (FIG. 3). The number of game balls according to the ball lending request is discharged.

  In the center of the edge of the upper plate 10, a switch (for example, a push button switch) 14 that is pushed in the vertical direction by the player is provided at a position one step higher than the ball storage portion 10a. By operating the switch 14 during the demonstration screen display, the player can select a character for the game effect. Further, when the switch 14 is operated during the execution of the special figure variation display game, the probability of occurrence of the big hit state of the special figure fluctuation display game is notified by using the expectation notification LED 27 (FIG. 2) provided in the game area 21.

  Note that only one switch 14 is provided in the approximate center of the gaming machine 1. And since the switch 14 is arrange | positioned at the upper left of the firing operation part 12, a player can operate the switch 14 with the left hand simultaneously while operating the firing operation part 12 with the right hand.

  A ball lending button 15 for instructing lending a ball and a discharge button 16 for instructing discharge of a game ball are provided on the upper right portion of the upper plate 10. At the upper right of these buttons 15 and 16, a remaining sphere display unit 17 for displaying the remaining number of game balls (card balance) is provided. A sound output device (speaker) 18 and an ashtray 19 are provided on the left of the lower plate 11.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 5 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  On the surface of the game board 5, a substantially circular game area 21 surrounded by the guide rail 20 is formed. The game area 21 is composed of resin side cases 22 and guide rails 20 provided on each of the four sides of the game board 5. The side case 22 provided at the lower right of the game area 21 is covered with a black transparent cardboard plate 23 at the center of the front surface. The side cases 22 provided at the upper right and lower right of the game area 21 are provided with attachment portions 24 for fixing the game board 5 to the front frame 2.

  In the game area 21, a center case 26 provided with an image display device (special symbol display device) 25 is disposed substantially at the center. The image display device 25 is attached to a recess provided in the center case 26 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 26. That is, the center case 26 surrounds the image display device 25 and is provided so as to protrude from the display area of the image display device 25.

  The display screen of the image display device 25 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (CRT), or the like. A plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that produces a special figure variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. Is done. That is, special symbols (for example, numbers from “0” to “9” and “A” and “B” assigned as identification information are displayed in the variable display areas provided on the left, middle, and right of the display screen. A special figure fluctuation display game is performed by variably displaying (variable display) 12 kinds of symbols (English characters). In addition, an image (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) based on the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen.

  An expectation notification LED 27 is provided on the right side of the image display device 25. When the player operates the switch 14 during the special figure fluctuation display game, the expectation degree notification LED 27 emits the probability of occurrence of the big hit state of the special figure fluctuation display game in various modes (for example, color, light emission pattern, etc.). To inform you.

  Decoration devices 28 such as decorative lamps and LEDs are provided at key points in the game area, and these decoration devices 28 emit light according to the progress of the game when an event such as a big hit occurs.

  On the left side of the image display device 25, a first variable winning device 29 is provided on the frame of the center case 26. The lower part of the first special variable winning device 29 is fixed, and the upper part can be opened with the fixed part as a fulcrum.

  A direction changing member 30 is disposed on the left side of the center case 26. Also, on the lower side of the center case 26, a second special figure start gate provided with a normal symbol start gate 31, a general winning opening 32, a first special figure starting opening 33, and an ordinary variable winning apparatus (normal electric accessory) 34. 35 and a second special variable winning device 36 having a big winning opening is arranged. On the left side of the second special fluctuation winning device 36, a special figure comprising a special figure display 37A for displaying a special symbol fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game and a special figure memory display 37B for displaying the special symbol winning memory number. A display 37 is provided.

  Also, on the right side of the variable winning device 36, there is provided a general symbol display 38 consisting of a general symbol display 38A on which a general symbol variable display game is executed and a general symbol memory display 38B for displaying the number of ordinary symbol winning memories. .

  In the gaming machine 1, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) toward a game area 21 from a ball hitting device (not shown). The launched game balls flow down the game area 21 while changing the rolling direction by the direction changing members 30 such as windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 21, and the first special variation winning device 29 and the general winning opening 32. The first special figure starting port 33, the second special figure starting port 35, or the second special variation winning unit 36 is won or discharged from the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 21.

  The second special figure starting port 35 is normally prevented from winning a game ball by the first special figure starting port 33 and the closed normal variation winning device 34. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 31, the normal symbol variation display game is executed. Then, when a winning state is generated as a result of the normal variation display game, the normal variation winning device 34 is converted to an open state, and the second special figure starting port 35 can accept a game ball.

  The winning of game balls to the general winning opening 32 is the winning opening sensors 32.1 to 32. N (FIG. 3).

  The winning of the game ball to the first special figure starting port 33 and the second special figure starting port 35 is detected by the special figure starting sensor 33A and the special figure starting sensor 35A (FIG. 3), respectively. The special symbol random number counter value extracted according to the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the special symbol storage area in the game control device 100 as a special symbol winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four consecutive times). The The stored number of special symbol winning memories is displayed on the special symbol memory display 37B. The game control apparatus 100 plays a special figure variation display game on the special figure display 37A based on the special symbol winning memory.

  When a game ball wins a prize at the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35, the image display device 25 displays the special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers on the left (first special figure starting point). Variation display is started in the order of symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol), and an image related to the special symbol variation display game is displayed. That is, in the image display device 25, the special symbol variation display corresponding to the display of the special figure display 37A is performed. The special figure display 37A accurately notifies the player of the change display state and the change display result, and the image display device 25 produces various displays for improving the interest.

  When winning at the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the special symbol random number counter value at the time of winning detection is a winning value) It becomes a big hit state, and a specific result mode is derived by the display symbol. Specifically, the special symbol display 37A stops at a single-digit special symbol that is a winning symbol, and the image display device 25 stops when three special symbols are aligned (big hit symbol). At this time, the first special variable prize winning device 29 or the second special variable prize winning device 36 energizes the first big prize winning solenoids 42 and 43 (FIG. 3), respectively, so that the big winning prize opening is set for a predetermined time (for example, 30). Seconds), a closed state (a state disadvantageous to the player) that does not accept the game ball is converted to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) that easily accepts the game ball. In other words, the big prize opening provided in each special variable prize winning device opens greatly for a predetermined time, so that the player is given a game value that can acquire many game balls during this time.

  The winning of the game ball to the first special variable winning device 29 or the second special variable winning device 36 is detected by the count sensor 29A and the count sensor 36A (FIG. 3), respectively.

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31 is detected by the general symbol start sensor 31A (FIG. 3). The normal symbol random number counter value extracted according to the passing timing of the game ball is stored as a normal symbol winning memory in the normal symbol storage area in the game control device 100 for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to four consecutive times). The Then, the stored number of the normal symbol winning memory is displayed on the general memory display 38B.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 31, the game control device 100 starts the general symbol change display game on the general symbol display 38A based on the normal symbol winning memory. That is, when the passage detection to the normal symbol start gate 31 is performed at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the normal symbol random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a winning value), the hit state is established and the normal symbol display is performed. The normal symbol displayed on the container 38A stops in the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 31 provided at the upper part of the second special figure starting port 35 has a predetermined entrance to the second special figure starting port 35 by energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 34A (FIG. 3). The game ball is converted so as to be opened for a certain period of time, and the winning of the game ball to the second special figure starting port 35 is permitted. The opening time of the normal variation winning device 34 may be, for example, 2.9 seconds in the probability variation state and the variation time shortened state, and 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, and the opening mode may be changed according to the gaming state.

  In this way, when a game ball wins the general winning opening 32, the first special figure starting opening 33, the second special figure starting opening 35, the first special variable winning apparatus 29, and the second special variable winning apparatus 36, a prize is won. The number of prize balls corresponding to the type of winning opening is discharged from the payout unit (discharge device) to the upper plate 10 or the lower plate 11 of the front frame 2.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system centering on the game control device 100 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control device 100 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, a CPU that controls the game control, a ROM that stores invariant information (programs, data, etc.) for game control, and at the time of game control The game microcomputer 101 includes a RAM used as a work area, an input interface 102, an output interface 103, and the like.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 is provided with an external communication terminal, and an identification number uniquely set in the gaming microcomputer 101 can be output from the external communication terminal. By connecting a management computer (so-called hall control), the management computer can identify the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 includes various detection devices (award opening sensors 32.1 to 32.N, special figure start sensors 33A and 35A, a general figure start sensor 31A, and count sensors 29A and 36A) via the input interface 102. In response to the detection signal from, various processes such as a big hit lottery are performed.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 101 is provided with a special figure display 37 (special figure display 37A, special figure storage display 37B) and a general figure display 38 (normal figure) provided in the game area 21 via the output interface 103. Various information is output to the display 38A and the general memory display 38B).

  The special figure display 37A outputs the fluctuation display mode of the special figure fluctuation display game. The special symbol winning display 37B outputs a special symbol winning memorized number display.

  A variation display mode of the variation map display game is output to the map display 38A. In addition, a normal symbol winning memory number display is output to the common symbol memory display 38B.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 101 is connected to each subordinate control device (the display control device 150 and the discharge control device 200), the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 34A, the first big prize opening solenoid 42, the second big through the output interface 103. A command signal is transmitted to the prize opening solenoid 43 and the like, and the game is comprehensively controlled.

  The discharge control device 200 controls the operation of the payout unit based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 100 and discharges the prize ball. Further, based on a ball rental request signal from the card ball rental unit 41 provided in the gaming machine 1, the operation of the payout unit is controlled to discharge the ball rental.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 outputs information related to the gaming machine 1 to the management computer via the board external information terminal 40.

  A special figure change start command, a change display command, an identification information command, a confirmation command, a demo display command, a fanfare command, a jackpot command, an error command, etc. are transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 as display control command signals. The Further, a command signal for changing the display mode according to a difference in the gaming state such as the normal gaming state, the special gaming state, the probability variation state, or the variation time shortening state is also transmitted.

  Note that the normal game state is a state in which no special game is executed and neither the probability variation state nor the variation time reduction state. The special game state is a state in which a big hit is generated as a result of the special figure variation display game and a special game (big hit game) is being executed. The probability variation state is a state in which a special prize occurrence probability is higher than that in the normal gaming state and acts on the player in an advantageous manner with respect to the occurrence of the special gaming state. The variation time reduction state is a state in which the time for which the identification information is variably displayed is reduced.

  The special figure change start command instructs the start of the special figure change display game. The variation display command indicates a variation display mode of the identification information. The identification information command indicates identification information to be stopped and displayed as a result of the special figure variation display game. The confirmation command instructs the stop of the variation display of the identification information. The demonstration display command instructs a display to be performed when the special figure variation display game is not played for a predetermined time. The fanfare command instructs display of the state before the transition to the special gaming state. The jackpot command instructs display during a special game state such as a round display during a special game state, an interval display, or a display between rounds during a special game state. The error command instructs display when there is an abnormality.

  The display control device 150 can grasp the transition of the game state managed by the game control device 100 based on these display control command signals (commands).

  The display control device 150 is provided with a CPU for display control, a ROM storing programs and data, a work area during operation of the CPU, and a frame buffer for temporarily storing image data displayed on the image display device 25. RAM, VDC (Video Display Controller), input interface and the like.

  The CPU creates screen information (symbol display information, background image information, moving image character screen information, etc.) based on the display command signal from the game control device 100 and stores it in the RAM. This screen information is transferred to the VDC by the DMAC that has received the transfer command at the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt of the VDC. Based on this image information, the VDC captures the corresponding image data in the ROM, performs horizontal scanning and vertical scanning on the screen of the image display device 25, and performs predetermined image display (drawing).

  A communication interface that connects the display control device 150 and the game control device 100 is provided with a buffer that is a signal transmission direction regulating means. Therefore, in the communication between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, only signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 is allowed, and signal output from the display control device 150 to the game control device 100 is not allowed. prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the display control device 150. When bidirectional communication is performed between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, a bidirectional buffer may be used as the buffer.

  Further, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are connected to the communication interface.

  Based on the decoration control command signal from the display control device 150, the decoration control device 250 is provided with a decoration light emitting device 9 such as a decoration lamp and LED provided on the front frame 2, and a decoration lamp and LED in the game area 21. And so on.

  The sound control device 300 controls the sound effect output from the speaker 18 based on the sound control command signal from the display control device 150.

  The display control device 150 is provided with an output interface. An image display device 25 is connected to the output interface, and a signal is output to the image display device 25 via the output interface. The image display device 25 displays an image corresponding to the display area based on the image display signal from the display control device 150.

  Further, the switch 14 is connected to the display control device 150 via an input interface, and an operation signal from the switch 14 is input via the input interface. The switch 14 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 instead of the display control device 150 to input a signal. In this case, the process executed in the display control device 150 in response to the operation signal from the switch 14 is executed in the game control device 100.

  The power supply device (not shown) of the gaming machine 1 includes a backup power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit in addition to the power supply circuit. When the power failure monitoring circuit detects a voltage drop of the power supply device, the power failure monitoring circuit sequentially outputs a power failure detection signal and a reset signal to the game control device 100 and the like. When the game control device 100 receives a power failure detection signal, the game control device 100 performs a predetermined power failure process, and when it receives a reset signal, stops the operation of the CPU. The backup power supply unit supplies backup power to a RAM such as the game control device 100 to back up game data (game information, game control information (including special figure variation display game information)) and the like.

  Although the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are provided separately from the display control device 150, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 among the subordinate control devices are included in the display control device 150, and the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are included. The control device 250 and / or the sound control device 300 may be configured integrally with the display control device 150.

  Further, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 without being connected to the display control device 150.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main process of game control according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is executed by the game control device 100.

  When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the gaming microcomputer 101 executes an initialization process for setting initial values for various control parameters (S11), and sets the gaming machine to an initial state. Subsequently, a stirring random number update process (S12) is performed. Thereafter, this random number update process for stirring is repeated.

  This stirring random number update process (S12) is a process for updating the initial value of the random number update process in S25 of FIG. This process will be described. Among the processes executed by the game control device 100, when a game ball wins the normal symbol start gate 31, the first special figure start port 33, and the second special figure start port 35, A lottery for deriving the corresponding game result mode, or for giving randomness to the production or decoration when a special figure variation display game is advanced based on this lottery result, Includes random number processing. As an example of these random number processes, there is a process in which the counter value is incremented by 1 in a predetermined time period, for example, 1 millisecond period between 0 and 316, and returned to 0 when the value exceeds 316. . This random number update process is executed in S25.

  This counter value is extracted when the game control device 100 recognizes the above-described event such as winning of a game ball, and becomes a random value at that time. However, even if it is a random number, if the above-described processing is repeated, a random value extracted at a cycle of 317 milliseconds has a periodicity, and the randomness is degraded. Therefore, further randomness is imparted by disturbing the counter value in the random number updating process for stirring.

  Instead of starting the change of the counter value in the example described above from 0 each time, the value obtained by the random number update process for stirring is changed as the initial value of the counter value. In other words, when the change of one rotation is finished, a new value obtained by the stirring random number update process is set as the initial value of the next counter.

  Further, a process for changing the counter value for one rotation is performed, and the initial value at the time of the counter value change is successively updated. Since the random number update cycle in the stirring random number update processing is considerably shorter than the random number update cycle in S25, the randomness of the counter can be increased.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the game control timer interrupt process according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control apparatus 100.

  After the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the game control main process is executed, and when a timer interrupt occurs for a predetermined time period (for example, every 1 millisecond), the timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed. However, the processes of S21 to S31 are not necessarily performed every time an interrupt occurs. For example, the input process S22 monitors the input signal every time, but the output process S23 may be executed every other interrupt occurrence. That is, instead of completing all the processes in one interrupt process, the interrupt process may be repeatedly executed a plurality of times to complete a series of game control processes.

  First, interrupt prohibition setting and register saving processing are performed (S21).

  Thereafter, processing such as chattering removal is performed on signals from various sensors and switches input via the input interface 102, and input processing for determining input information is performed (S22).

  Thereafter, the game control data is output to a predetermined output destination (ordinary electric accessory solenoid 34A, first big prize opening solenoid 42, second big prize opening solenoid 43, board external information 40, etc.) via the output interface 103. Output processing is performed (S23).

  Thereafter, command transmission processing for outputting a display control command signal to the display control device 150 and outputting a prize ball command signal to the discharge control device 200 is performed (S24).

  After that, each random number counter for determining whether or not the special figure fluctuation display game is hit, and the effects or decorations when the special figure fluctuation display game is advanced (fluctuation display pattern, stop pattern, etc.) A random number update process for incrementing the value of each random number counter for imparting randomness by one is performed (S25).

  After that, an error monitoring process is performed to monitor the ball jam of the gaming machine, abnormality of various switches, sensors, etc. (S26).

  After that, the presence or absence of input from the special figure start sensor 33A, 35A, the general figure start sensor 31A, the count sensor 29A, 36A, etc. is detected, and according to the result, the special symbol winning memory, the normal symbol winning memory, A switch monitoring process for updating the winning count is performed (S27). At this time, if a game ball is detected by the special figure start sensor 33A or 35A, a special figure random number counter value (a random number related to the result mode of the special figure variation display game) is stored in the special figure start memory 31A. If the game ball is detected by the above, the usual random number counter value (random number relating to the result mode of the usual fluctuation display game) is stored in the usual figure start memory.

  After that, a special figure fluctuation display game process (S28) and a normal figure fluctuation display game process (S29) for controlling the progress of the special figure fluctuation display game are performed. The special figure variation display game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The normal symbol variation display game process (S29) is extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31 detected by the general symbol start sensor 31A, and is stored in the normal symbol start memory and stored in the normal symbol start memory. It is determined whether or not the random number relating to the result mode of the general fluctuation display game extracted / stored in S27 is hit, and the process for the general fluctuation display game executed by the general graphic display 38A is performed. If the common random number counter value is a predetermined value, the common figure fluctuation display game is in a winning state, and the normal symbol fluctuation display stops at the winning symbol. Further, when the winning state is reached, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 34A is driven to open the ordinary variation winning device 34, and winning to the second special figure starting port 35 is allowed.

  Thereafter, external information editing processing for editing the board external information for outputting the state of the gaming machine 1 to the management computer connected via the board external information terminal 40 is performed (S30). The external information for the board includes information related to the progress status of the special-figure display game, such as whether the symbol has been confirmed, whether it is a big hit, whether the probability is changing, or whether the time is changing (shorter) It is.

  Thereafter, the process of restoring the temporarily saved register and the process of setting the permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited are performed (S31), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. The stirring random number update process is repeated until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the special figure variation display game process according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  When a game is started on the gaming machine 1, any of process numbers 0 to 3 for determining the contents of the special figure variation display game process is stored in the RAM of the game microcomputer 101 based on the game state being executed. Is done.

  Process number 0 is a “waiting for change” process, and is a number that is set when neither a change display game nor a special game is in progress. Process number 1 is a process of “changing”, and is set until the special symbol variation display game is started and the special symbol variation display is stopped. Process number 2 is a process of “waiting for big hit determination” and is set after the special symbol variation display is stopped. Process number 3 is a “big hitting operation” process, and is set during execution of a special game. Note that the initial value of the process number is “0”.

  In the special figure variation display game process, first, a process number stored in the RAM of the game control apparatus 100 is specified (S41). Then, the following processing is executed according to the stored processing number.

  If the process number is 0, it is neither during the variable display game nor during the special game, so the game control device 100 determines whether or not the special symbol winning memory number is not 0 (S42). If the special symbol winning memory number is 0, that is, if there is no variable display game pending based on the winning of the game ball to the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35, the timer Return to interrupt processing.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol winning memory number is larger than 0, the game display device is held because the variable display game based on the winning of the game ball to the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35 is held. 100 performs a process for starting the special figure variation display game (S43).

  Specifically, first, the number of stored 1 is subtracted from the number of special symbol winning stored already stored. Next, it is determined whether the random number counter value extracted at the passing timing of the game ball to the first special figure start sensor 33A or the second special figure start sensor 35A is a winning value or an outlier. Next, a special symbol stop symbol is determined by lottery using another random number. This stop symbol is determined so as to match the determination result of the random number counter value described above.

  Next, time T1 is set in the processing timer. Time T1 is the time from when the special figure variation display game starts until the special symbol stops. Next, the processing number is set to 1. Thus, the next time the special figure fluctuation display game process is executed, the process branches to the “fluctuating” process. Next, the special symbol display 37A starts the variation display of the special symbol. Next, a special figure change start command is output to the display control device 150. As a result, the special display variation display game is started on the image display device 25 as well.

  When the process number is 1, since the variable display game has started, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the time T1 set in the process timer in step S43 has expired (S44).

  If the processing timer T1 has not timed up, the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed, and the routine returns to the timer interrupt processing while maintaining the special symbol variation display.

  On the other hand, when the processing timer T1 expires, the time T2 is set in the processing timer because the special symbol variation display time has expired. The time T2 is the time from when the special symbol variation display stops until the transition to the special game or the next variation display game, in order to make the player recognize the confirmed special symbol (big hit symbol or out symbol). Is the time. Next, the process number is set to 2 (S45).

  When the process number is 2, since the special symbol change display has ended, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the time T2 set in the process timer in step S44 has expired (S46).

  If the processing timer T2 has not expired, the process returns to the timer interrupt process.

  On the other hand, if the processing timer T2 has expired, it is determined whether or not the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit based on the determination result of the random number counter value in step S43, and the next process is determined (S47). If the result of the special figure variation display game is not a big hit, that is, if the game is out of play, the process number is set to 0 (S48). Thus, the next time the special figure variation display game process is executed, the process branches to the “waiting for variation” process.

  When the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, the time T3 is set in the processing timer. At time T3, fanfare display is performed on the image display device 25. Next, the process number is set to 3 (S49). Thus, the next time the special figure variation display game process is executed, the process branches to a process of “big hit operation”.

  When the process number is 3, the game control device 100 executes a special game process (S50). Specifically, in the special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the fanfare display is ended depending on whether or not the time T2 set in the process timer in step S49 has expired. If the processing timer T2 has timed out and the fanfare display has ended, whether to open the first special first variable winning device 29 or the second special variable winning device 36 based on the stop symbol determined in step S43 decide.

  Based on the result, either the first big prize winning solenoid 42 or the second big prize winning solenoid 43 is driven, and the first special variable prize winning device 29 or the second special variable prize winning device 36 is kept for a predetermined time. Only open it so that it is easy to accept game balls. Then, after the elapse of a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls are won in an operating variable winning device, the first special variable winning device 29 or the second special variable winning device 36 is converted to a closed state.

  Then, when a predetermined game of a predetermined round (for example, 16 rounds) is executed with the predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls being won as one round, the special game process ends. When the special game process ends, the process number is set to zero.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the display control main process according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the display control device 150.

  When a game is started in the gaming machine 1, any of a plurality of characters set in advance for a game effect is displayed on the image display device 25. Based on the game state being executed, one of state numbers 0 to 4 for determining the display content of the image display device 25 is stored in the RAM of the display control device 150.

  In the display control main process, first, the state number stored in the RAM of the display control device 150 is specified (S51).

  When the status number is 0, an operation reception process is executed (S52). The state number 0 is set when the special figure variation display game is not executed for a predetermined time, and the operation reception process shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

  When the state number is 1, selection execution processing is executed (S53). State number 1 is set when the player selects one of the plurality of characters, and the selection execution process shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

  When the state number is 2, selection confirmation processing is executed (S54). The state number 2 is set when the character selected by the player is confirmed, and the selection confirmation process shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

  When the state number is 3, the symbol variation execution process is executed (S55). State number 3 is set when the special symbol variation display game is started by receiving the special symbol variation start command, and the symbol variation execution process shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

  When the status number is 4, an operation reception preparation process is executed (S56). The state number 4 is set when the result of the special figure variation display game is confirmed to be out of the game or when the special game state is finished, and the operation reception preparation process shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation reception process (state number = 0) according to the embodiment of this invention, and is executed by the display control device 150.

  In the operation reception process, the display control device 150 first displays a demonstration screen on the image display device 25 (S61). The demonstration display screen is an image that is displayed in a state where the special figure variation display game is not executed for a predetermined time (a waiting state for customers).

  At this time, identification information that is not variably displayed is displayed in the display area of the image display device 25. In addition, the character already selected by the player is displayed (see FIG. 13A). The character already selected by the player is the character that was last selected by the player before the change when the player changed. Further, when the player has not changed, the character selected by the player most recently.

  Next, it is determined whether or not an operation signal from the switch 14 is detected (S62). The switch 14 transmits an operation signal to the display control device 150 when operated by the player. Here, the player can change the character by operating the switch 14.

  When the operation signal from the switch 14 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S64 without changing the state number. On the other hand, when an operation signal from the switch 14 is detected, the state number is set to 1. Then, the monitoring timer is initialized (S63). The monitoring timer is a timer that manages the processing time of each process during the display control main process.

  Next, it is determined whether a special figure change start command has been received (S64). If the special figure change start command has not been received, the process returns to the display control main process without changing the state number.

  On the other hand, when the special figure change start command is received, the state number is set to 3 in order to start the change display game (S65), and the process returns to the display control main process. At this time, the character displayed on the demonstration display screen of the image display device 25 (the character corresponding to the character number determined at the time of the previous character selection, which is C child in FIG. 13A) is automatically selected. Is done.

  If the operation signal from the switch 14 is not detected in step S62, the character displayed on the demonstration display screen of the image display device 25 is not changed. When the state number is set to 3, the operation of the switch 14 for the display control device 150 is not accepted.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of selection execution processing (state number = 1) according to the embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the display control device 150.

  In the selection execution process, first, a plurality of characters are displayed on the image display device 25, and a character already selected by the player is displayed at the selected position (S71). In the present embodiment, a plurality of characters are arranged in a three-dimensional circle around the display area of the image display device 25 (see FIG. 13B). At this time, the character corresponding to the current character number is displayed in the front row, and the fact that the character is selected, that is, the character in the front row (C child in FIG. 13B) is shown to the player. Indicates that it is selected.

  Next, it is determined whether an operation signal from the switch 14 is detected (S72).

  If the operation signal from the switch 14 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S74 without updating the character number. On the other hand, when an operation signal from the switch 14 is detected, the character number is updated. Each character is assigned a character number for identifying the character. When the player operates the switch 14 once, the character number is incremented by one. Accordingly, the character corresponding to the newly selected character number is displayed in the front row in the display area of the image display device 25. For example, when the switch 14 is operated twice, the E child is displayed in the front row as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the monitoring timer is initialized (S73). That is, the player can select a desired character with one switch 14.

  Next, the monitoring timer initialized in step S63 (FIG. 8) or step S73 is updated (S74), and it is determined whether or not the monitoring timer has expired (S75). If the monitoring timer has not expired, the operation proceeds to step S77 without changing the state number in order to detect the operation of the switch 14 by the player. On the other hand, when the monitoring timer expires, it is determined that the time for which the player can select the character has elapsed, and the state number is set to 2. At the same time, the monitoring timer is initialized (S76). At this time, among the characters displayed on the image display device 25, the character in the front row, that is, the character corresponding to the character number selected when the monitoring timer is up is selected. Then, the operation of the switch 14 on the display control device 150 is not accepted.

  Next, it is determined whether a special figure change start command has been received (S77). If the special figure change start command has not been received, the process returns to the display control main process without changing the state number.

  On the other hand, when the special figure change start command is received, the state number is set to 3 in order to start the change display game (S78), and the process returns to the display control main process. At this time, among the characters displayed on the image display device 25, the character in the front row, that is, the character corresponding to the character number selected at the time of receiving the special figure change start command is automatically selected. .

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the selection confirmation process (state number = 2) and the operation reception preparation process (state number = 4) according to the embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the display control device 150.

  In the selection confirmation process, first, a confirmation screen corresponding to the character number selected by the player is displayed on the image display device 25 (S81). On the confirmation screen, a character that has been confirmed by the player's selection or that has been confirmed by the time-up of the monitoring timer is displayed large on the screen (for example, FIG. 14A). Note that characters other than the confirmed character are not displayed on the confirmation screen. Further, on the image display device 25, a message from the character to the player (for example, a message that encourages the player) is displayed as character information. Further, the operation by the switch 14 cannot be performed while the confirmation screen is displayed.

  As described above, the determined character is displayed in a large size in the display area of the image display device 25, and the character change by the switch 14 after the display is not accepted, so that the selected character can be strongly impressed by the player. .

  At this time, a whole body image such as a front image, a back image, a side image, etc. of the determined character is displayed. Further, the character from the top of the head to the toes may be enlarged and scroll-displayed. In addition, different effects may be set in advance for each character, and a promotion image unique to each character may be displayed, such as displaying a full-length image and causing each character to take a unique pose. It is preferable that the confirmed character is displayed from various angles such as front and rear, right and left, and diagonally, and the player can recognize which character is displayed regardless of which angle is displayed. As a result, it is possible to clearly grasp the characteristics unique to each character that are difficult to identify on the selection execution screen, and to make the selected character have a stronger impression on the player.

  A live-action person image is used as the effect character. Thus, the photographed person image can be used as a character as it is without designing the character's shape. Further, a plurality of performance characters can be created according to the number of photographed persons. However, the effect character is not limited to a live-action human image, and an animated human image may be used.

  The effect character may be a still image or a moving image, and may be displayed using any existing image technology such as displaying a still image continuously like a moving image.

  Next, the monitoring timer initialized in step S76 of FIG. 9 is updated (S82), and it is determined whether the monitoring timer has expired (S83). If the monitoring timer has not expired, the confirmation screen is being displayed, and the process proceeds to step S85 without changing the state number. On the other hand, if the monitoring timer expires, it is determined that the display time of the confirmation screen has ended, and the state number is set to 0. When the state number is set to 0, the demo screen is displayed again on the image display device 25 (see FIG. 15B). At this time, the character already selected by the player is displayed on the demonstration display screen.

  Next, it is determined whether a special figure change start command has been received (S85). If the special figure change start command has not been received, the process returns to the display control main process without changing the state number.

  On the other hand, when the special figure change start command is received, the state number is set to 3 in order to start the change display game (S86), and the process returns to the display control main process.

  In the operation reception preparation process, the monitoring timer is updated without executing step S81 (S82). Since the subsequent processing is the same as the selection confirmation processing described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the symbol variation execution process (state number = 3) according to the embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the display control device 150.

  In the symbol variation execution process, a special symbol variation display game is executed (S91). Specifically, based on the content of the special figure variation start command received from the game control device 100, the stop symbol of the identification information is determined. Next, the content of the expectation notification effect is determined by lottery using another random number. As shown in FIG. 12 (A), the probability that the expectation notification effect is selected differs depending on whether the stop symbol of the identification information is hit or miss. A specific selection procedure of the expected degree notification effect will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a reach effect has occurred. At this time, the character to be displayed at the time of reach production is determined simultaneously (see FIG. 12B). Reach refers to, for example, a symbol that temporarily stops with a combination other than the special symbol that stops last (for example, the left symbol and the middle symbol) with the same content, and that stops last (for example, the right symbol) Only the state that fluctuates. Alternatively, it means a state in which all symbols are displayed in a variable manner while displaying the same symbol. A method for determining whether or not a reach effect has occurred and a method for determining a character to be displayed on the image display device 25 during the reach effect will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, variable display of all identification information is started (S92). At this time, identification information to be variably displayed is displayed in the display area. At the same time, the character selected in step S65 (FIG. 8), step S78 (FIG. 9) or step S86 (FIG. 10) is displayed.

  Next, the variable display is stopped in the order of the first special symbol (for example, the left symbol), the second special symbol (for example, the middle symbol), and the third special symbol (for example, the right symbol) (S93 to S95). When the generation of the reach effect is determined in step S91, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are stopped at the same symbol, and further, the third special symbol is executed after the reach effect is executed. Stops the fluctuation display. The stop of the variable display is not limited to this order, and may be stopped in a different order (for example, left, right, middle order).

  During the reach effect, the character displayed at the time of the reach effect determined in step S91 is displayed in the vicinity of the third special symbol during the variable display. Thereby, the player's attention is drawn to the variation display mode of the third special symbol, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a big hit state has occurred as a result of the special figure variation display game (S96). If the big hit state has not occurred, that is, if the result of the special figure variation display game is out of place, the process proceeds to step S98. On the other hand, when the big hit state occurs, a special game screen is displayed on the image display device 25 (S97).

  Next, the state number is set to 4 and the monitoring timer is initialized (S98). Thereafter, the special figure variation display game process is terminated, and the process returns to the display control main process.

  Note that the operation of the switch 14 on the display control device 150 is not accepted during the symbol variation execution process. If the state number is set to 4 in step S98, the operation of the switch 14 on the display control device 150 is not accepted.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the expectation notification effect and the reach effect according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 12A shows a method for determining the expectation notification effect.

  The upper part shows the combination of the light emission of the expectation notification LED 27 and the effect by the sound effect output from the speaker 18. As for the effects, five types of aspects are set in advance, and effects 1 to 5 are respectively set. Each time the special figure variation display game is executed, any one of the effects 1 to 5 is selected based on a preset probability.

  When the result of the special figure variation display game is a win (when it is determined in step S91 in FIG. 11 that the stop symbol of the identification information is win), the effects 1 to 5 are all at a rate of 20%. That is, they are selected equally. On the other hand, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out (when it is determined in step S91 in FIG. 11 that the stop symbol of the identification information is out), the production 1 is 65% and the production 2 is 20%. Production 3 is selected at a rate of 10%, Production 4 at 5%, and Production 5 at a rate of 0%. Therefore, when the production 5 is selected, the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is always a hit (the expectation level of the big hit occurrence is 100%), and hereinafter, the big hit occurs in the order of the production 4, the production 3, the production 2, and the production 1. Expectation is low.

  A lower stage shows the production mode corresponding to production 1-5. The expectation notification LED emits light in a mode corresponding to the determined effect, and a sound effect is output from the speaker 18 in a mode corresponding to the determined effect. That is, the expected degree of occurrence of the big hit is notified by turning on the expectation notification LED 27 provided in the game board 5 or by sound from the speaker 18 provided in the game frame 2.

  In effect 1, the expectation notification LED 27 is lit in blue, and the sound 1 is reproduced by the speaker 18. In effect 2, the expectation notification LED 27 is lit in green and the sound 2 is reproduced by the speaker 18. In production 3, the expectation notification LED 27 is lit in yellow, and the sound 3 is reproduced by the speaker 18. In production 4, the expectation notification LED 27 is lit red, and the sound 4 is reproduced by the speaker 18. In effect 5, the expectation notification LED 27 is rainbow-colored and the sound 5 is reproduced by the speaker 18.

  The voices 1 to 5 are voices representing high and low expectations, and notify the player that the degree of expectation is high or the degree of expectation is low by, for example, the voice of the character selected by the player, fanfare, or the like.

  The expectation degree notification effect is displayed when the player operates the switch 14 during the execution of the special figure variation display game. Specifically, when the switch 14 is operated during the special figure variation display game, an operation signal is output to the display control device 150. That is, when the display control device 150 receives the operation signal from the switch 14, the display control device 150 gives the player the degree of expectation of the special figure variation display game according to the expectation notification effect determined in step S91 of the symbol variation execution process. Inform.

  Note that the switch 14 functions as a selection execution or character selection device in the operation reception process and the selection execution process, and notifies the expectation during the symbol variation execution process, that is, during the execution of the special figure variation display game. Functions as a requesting device.

  FIG. 12B shows a method for determining reach production.

  The upper row shows a method for determining whether or not to make a reach effect on the image display device 25, and a combination of characters that appear when the reach effect is made. Three types of combinations are set in advance, and effects 1 to 3 are respectively set. Each time the special figure variation display game is executed, any one of the effects 1 to 3 is selected.

  When the result of the special figure variation display game is a win (when it is determined in step S91 in FIG. 11 that the stop symbol of the identification information is a win), the production 2 or the production 3 is 50% respectively. That is, they are selected equally. At this time, production 1 is not selected.

  On the other hand, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out (when it is determined in step S91 in FIG. 11 that the stop symbol of the identification information is out), the effect 1 is 90% and the effect 2 is 10%. Is selected at a rate of At this time, production 3 is not performed. Therefore, when the production 3 is selected, the result of the special figure variation display game is always a hit (expected degree of occurrence of big hit is 100%).

  A lower stage shows the production mode corresponding to production 1-3.

  When production 1 is selected, the probability of occurrence is 100%. That is, as a result of production 1, there is no possibility that a big hit state will occur, and therefore, no reach production will occur. Therefore, the character at the time of reach production is not set.

  When the production 2 is selected, it is not determined whether the game is a hit or miss as a result of the special figure variation display game, and the probability of occurrence of a big hit is low. That is, as a result of the production 2, the possibility of a disengaged state is high, and thus a reach production occurs. However, during the reach production, characters other than the character selected by the player appear. For example, during the variation display of the identification information shown in FIG. 16A, the character (E child) selected by the player is displayed, but during the reach effect shown in FIG. A child appears instead. In this manner, when a character other than the character selected by the player at the time of the reach effect appears, the player can be informed that the expectation level of occurrence of the jackpot of the reach effect is low.

  When the production 3 is selected, the jackpot occurrence probability is 100%. That is, when the reach effect occurs and the character selected by the player appears, the result of the special figure variation display game is always a hit to indicate that the effect 3 is selected. Thus, when the character selected by the player at the time of the reach effect appears, the player can be informed that the expectation level of occurrence of the big hit of the reach effect is high.

  13 to 15 are display examples of the display area of the image display device 25 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 13A is a display example of a demonstration screen. The demonstration display screen is displayed on the image display device 25 until an operation signal from the switch 14 is received in the operation reception process. Here, the stopped identification information is displayed in the approximate center of the display area, and the child C is displayed in the lower left as the character already selected by the player. In addition to the identification information and the selected character, character information indicating that the character can be changed is displayed above the display area.

  13B and 13C are display examples of the selection execution screen. Here, FIG. 13B shows a state in which seven characters indicated by A child to G child are arranged in a three-dimensional circle in the depth direction as a selection execution screen. At this time, the child C in the front row is selected by the player. Character information for instructing selection of a character is displayed above the display area.

  Then, when the character number is updated by the operation of the switch 14, these characters displayed on the image display device 25 rotate clockwise, and the next character is displayed in the front row. The character numbers are 1 to 7 for child A to child G, respectively. FIG. 13C shows a state in which the character number is updated from 3 to 5 and the corresponding character E child is displayed in the front row when the player operates the switch 14 twice.

  FIG. 14A is a display example of a confirmation screen. In the selection confirmation process, the confirmation screen is displayed until the monitoring timer initialized in step S76 in FIG. 9 times out or until a special figure change start command is received. Here, the E child of the character number 5 selected by the player is displayed large on the left side of the screen. On the right side of the screen, a message of encouragement from the character is displayed as character information.

  At this time, a full-length image of the confirmed character is displayed. Alternatively, the character from the top of the head to the toes may be enlarged and scroll-displayed.

  FIG. 14B shows another example of the display example of the confirmation screen. Here, in addition to the selected character and the message from the character, identification information is displayed. At this time, since it is not in the variable display game, the identification information is stopped.

  FIG. 14C is a display example of the demonstration screen after the character is changed. In the selection confirmation process, when the monitoring timer expires (S83), the display surface of the image display device 25 is changed from the confirmation screen to the demonstration screen. In the demonstration screen in this case, the selected character (E child) displayed on the confirmation screen is displayed on the lower left of the screen. Since the state number is set to 0 (S84), the process returns to the operation reception process, and a new character can be selected.

  FIG. 15A is a display example of a variation display screen. The variation display screen is displayed until the first special symbol is stopped in the symbol variation execution process. Here, three special symbols to be variably displayed are displayed at the center of the display area, and the selected character (E child) is displayed at the lower left of the screen.

  FIG. 15B shows another example of the display example of the variable display screen. Here, the selected character is displayed large on the left side of the display area, and a message of encouragement from the character is displayed as character information in addition to the identification information displayed in a variable manner.

  Note that the variation display screen shown in FIG. 15B may be used when the special figure variation display game is subsequently executed when the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 14B is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 14B, the identification information is displayed smaller than usual on the screen on which the character is displayed as the confirmation screen. When the condition for starting the variation display of the identification information is established while the confirmation screen is displayed, the variation display of the identification information is started while the character is displayed as shown in FIG. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the display of the confirmation screen from being interrupted simultaneously with the start of the variation display of the identification information and the introduction of the selected character from being interrupted. In particular, when a character is displayed as a moving image, if the confirmation screen is interrupted during the display, the discomfort becomes noticeable. Therefore, the character is discomforted by continuously displaying the character together with the display of the variation of the identification information. You can introduce the character without. In the middle of the variable display, FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B may be switched and displayed.

  FIG. 15C is a display example of a reach screen. The reach screen is displayed in the symbol variation execution process until the third special symbol stops after the second special symbol stops. Here, the first special symbol (left symbol), the second special symbol (middle symbol), and the third special symbol (right symbol) during the variable display are displayed in the center of the display area. In addition, a character is displayed at the lower right of the display area, and an indication that the reach effect is being performed is displayed as character information above.

  At this time, since the character is displayed in the vicinity of the third special symbol during the variable display, the player's attention is drawn to the variable display mode of the third special symbol, and the interest of the game can be improved. The character displayed on the reach screen is determined by the character determination process at the time of the reach effect in step S91.

  FIG. 16 is a state transition diagram of display in the game according to the embodiment of the present invention. The outline of the display contents will be described below with reference to this figure.

  First, at the beginning of the game (or before the game is started), the selection reception state (state number = 0) is set, and a signal (demonstration display command) for instructing display of the demonstration screen is displayed from the gaming control device 100. A demo screen (moving image or still image) is displayed in the display area of the image display device 25.

  When the player operates the switch 14, an operation signal is detected by the display control device 150, and a selection execution state (state number = 1) is generated. During the selection execution state, a plurality of characters are displayed in the display area of the image display device 25 in a selectable state. Each time the player operates the switch 14, the operation signal is detected by the display control device 150 and the selected character displayed on the image display device 25 is changed.

  On the other hand, if the player does not operate the switch 14 for a predetermined time in the selection execution state, the monitoring timer expires without the display control device 150 detecting an operation signal. Then, the character selected at the time of the time-up is confirmed as the selected character, and the selection confirmed state (state number = 2) occurs. In the selection confirmation state, the whole body image of the confirmed character is displayed in the display area of the image display device 25, and the selected character is impressed on the player.

  When the confirmed character is displayed (confirmation screen) and no special figure change start command is received for a predetermined time, the selection confirmation state is returned to the selection acceptance state. At this time, the demonstration screen is displayed again in the display area of the image display device 25.

  When a special figure variation start command is received from the game control device 100 in any of the selection acceptance state, the selection execution state, or the selection confirmation state, the selection acceptance state, the selection execution state, or the selection confirmation state is the symbol variation execution. Transition to state (state number = 3). At this time, in the selection execution state, of the plurality of selectable characters displayed in the display area of the image display device 25, the character selected at the time of receiving the special figure change start command is selected by the player. Confirm as a character.

  In the symbol variation execution state, the variation display of a plurality of symbols (identification information) is started at a predetermined position in the variation display area set on the screen of the image display device 25.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the start of the variable display, the variable display is temporarily stopped, for example, in the order of left, middle, and right. If a reach state occurs in this process, a predetermined reach effect is performed. Further, when the player operates the switch 14, the player is notified of the expected degree of occurrence of the jackpot of the reach effect.

  Then, if the variation display of the identification information is stopped or the result of the big hit lottery is a big hit, when the big hit game is finished, the state shifts to the operation reception preparation state (state number = 4). In the operation acceptance preparation state, when a special figure change start command is received from the game control device 100, the process returns to the symbol change execution state. When the special figure change start command is not received for a predetermined time, the operation is returned to the operation acceptance state by the time-up of the monitoring timer.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the invention described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The following are typical examples of aspects of the present invention other than those described in the claims.

  (1) A case in which display means for producing a variable display game in which identification information is displayed in a variable manner and control means for executing the variable display game when a predetermined condition is satisfied, wherein the variable display game has a specific result In the gaming machine that gives a privilege advantageous to the player, the game machine includes an operation unit that generates an operation signal by an operation of the player, and the control means is configured to perform a plurality of predetermined effects based on the operation signal. Character selecting means for selecting one effect character from the character, character determining means for determining the effect character selected by the character selecting means, and the confirmation when the effect character is determined by the character determining means Character confirmation display means for displaying the effected character on the display means, and the character confirmation display means Based on the selection restricting means for restricting the selection of the effect character by the operation unit for a predetermined time after the start of display and the effect character determined at the start of the change display game, A gaming machine comprising: production content determining means for determining production content.

  With the configuration of (1), when the game effect selected by the player is confirmed, the confirmed game effect is immediately displayed, so that the selected game effect can be strongly impressed on the player. Further, after the game effect is confirmed, the selection cannot be changed by the operation signal, so that the confirmed game effect can be more strongly impressed by the player.

  (2) The character selection means selects one of the performance characters from a plurality of predetermined live-action person images based on the operation signal, and the character determination means is selected by the character selection means. The character confirmation display means displays the whole of the confirmed person image when the character for effect production is confirmed by the character confirmation means, and the effect content determination means is adapted to display the variation display game. The gaming machine according to (1), wherein it is determined whether or not the determined person image appears during execution of the variable display game in correspondence with a result.

  With the configuration of (2), the photographed person image can be used as it is as the character without designing the figure of the character. Further, since the entire selected person image is displayed, the confirmed person image can be more strongly impressed by the player.

  (3) The control means includes a display switching means for switching the display of the waiting state to the display of the state where the effect character can be selected by the input of the operation signal, and the display switching means when the display of the selectable state is performed. When an operation signal is detected, a state in which one character is selected from the plurality of effect characters is displayed, and when the operation signal is detected, an effect character different from the currently selected character is selected. A selection state display means for displaying the state, and the character determination means does not detect a new operation signal until a predetermined time elapses after the last operation signal is detected. The game machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the effect character that is selected and displayed at that time is determined.

  With the configuration of (3), a single operation signal can be used to specify a game effect and to confirm the game effect. Therefore, the number of operation units that generate operation signals can be reduced, resulting in a gaming machine with improved operability. it can.

  (4) The character determining means is selected at the time when the variable display game is started by the establishment of the predetermined condition while the selectable state is displayed by the display switching means. The gaming machine as set forth in (3), characterized in that the effect character displayed is determined.

  With the configuration of (4), since the execution of the variable display game is started without waiting for selection and determination of the game effect, the interest can be enhanced without stopping the game progress.

  (5) The system includes (1) to (4) notification means for performing notification capable of estimating the result of the variable display game when the operation signal is detected during the execution of the variable display game. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  With the configuration (5), the function of the operation unit that generates the operation signal can be effectively utilized even during the execution of the variable display game.

  (6) A striking ball launching device that launches a game ball to the game area, a ball supply tray that supplies the game ball to the striking ball launching device, and a launching operation unit that operates the hitting ball launching device, Any one of (1) to (5) is characterized in that the generated operation unit is configured by one switch provided on the supply tray and is provided at a position on the upper left side of the firing operation unit. The gaming machine described in one.

  With the configuration of (6), the operability of the operation unit is good, the selection of the game effect is facilitated, and the player can easily utilize the game effect selection function.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, coin gaming machines, and slot machines.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main process of game control of an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of game control of an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation display game process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the display control main process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the operation reception process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the selection execution process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the selection confirmation process and operation reception preparation process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the symbol fluctuation | variation execution process of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the expectation degree alerting | reporting effect and reach effect of embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a display of a display field of an image display device of an embodiment of the invention. It is an example of a display of a display field of an image display device of an embodiment of the invention. It is an example of a display of a display field of an image display device of an embodiment of the invention. It is a state transition diagram of the display in the game of the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Game board 14 Switch 25 Image display apparatus 27 Expectation degree notification LED
100 game control device 150 display control device

Claims (2)

Display means for producing a variation display game in which the identification information is variably displayed;
Control means for executing the variable display game upon establishment of a predetermined condition,
In the gaming machine that gives a privilege advantageous to the player when the variable display game has a specific result,
It has an operation part that generates an operation signal by the player's operation,
The control means includes
Character selecting means for selecting one effect character from a plurality of effect characters determined in advance based on the operation signal;
Character confirmation means for confirming the effect character selected by the character selection means;
A character confirmation display means for displaying the confirmed effect character on the display means when the effect character is confirmed by the character confirmation means;
Production content determining means for determining production content in the fluctuation display game based on the production character determined at the start of the fluctuation display game;
Display switching means for switching the display of the customer waiting state to the display of the state where the effect character can be selected by the input of the operation signal;
When the operation signal is detected during the display of the selectable state, a state in which one character is selected from the plurality of performance characters is displayed, and when the operation signal is further detected, the current selection is performed. A selection state display means for displaying a state in which a character for performance different from the selected one is selected;
With
The character determination means includes
When the variable display game is started due to the establishment of the predetermined condition while the selectable state is displayed by the display switching means, an effect character that is selected at that time is displayed. A gaming machine characterized by being confirmed. The character determination means includes
If no new operation signal is detected after a predetermined time elapses after the last operation signal is detected, the effect character selected for display at that time is determined. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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