JP2012106034A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase a game spirit of a pinball game machine by executing a specific performance by a means matching with needs of a player.SOLUTION: When a current setting mode is an automatic mode (A mode in S91), and a prescribed time has not passed (No in S92) in a button effective timer of a performance command button 11 during a performance design variation, control is terminated for return. When the button effective timer has passed the prescribed time (Yes in S92), a button operation effective flag is reset (S93), and a specific performance pattern is selected based on random number drawing detected in the operation of the performance command button 11 (S94). Contrarily, when the current setting mode is a manual mode (M mode in S91) in S91, the prescribed time has not passed in the button effective timer during the performance design variation (No in S96), and the player operates the performance command button 11 (Yes in S97), the processing of S93 to S95 is executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine, and in particular, can be set to an automatic mode that automatically executes a specific effect different from a normal effect and a manual mode that is not automatically executed. It relates to a ball game machine.

  The conventional ball game machine is provided with special symbol display means capable of displaying special symbols, effect display means capable of displaying effect symbols corresponding to the special symbols, and the like. When a game ball wins at the start winning opening, the effect symbol is variably displayed in conjunction with the change display of the special symbol, and the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed when the special symbol is stopped. This effect symbol is a plurality of symbol sequences that are displayed for the purpose of production in order to evoke the player's expectation for the big hit and are composed of numbers and the like.

  When the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time and is stopped and displayed in a specific manner based on the lottery value extracted when winning at the start winning opening, the gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state as a so-called “big hit”. At this time, the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed in a manner that makes it easy for the player to recognize that it is a big hit, so the player sees the stop state of the effect symbol and sees whether the special symbol stop mode of the special symbol display means hits. You can recognize whether or not.

  By the way, a conventional ball game machine is provided with an operation button called a “chance button” that can be operated by the player. When the chance button is operated, a specific effect for increasing the player's expectation of reach or jackpot is performed within a predetermined period from the start of change of the effect symbol to the stop of change. Specifically, when the chance button is operated during a predetermined button operation effective period during the display of variation of the effect symbol, a moving image by a special character is displayed on the effect display means, or provided on the game board or the outer frame. A game effect lamp and a plurality of effect lamps blink at high speed, and sound effects corresponding to a moving image are output from a speaker.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a bullet ball game machine in which when a player presses a change stop button as a chance button while a special symbol is being displayed, the special symbol being changed stops and is displayed with a final confirmed symbol. It is disclosed.

JP 2003-47739 A

  In the conventional ball game machine, when a specific effect is executed on the condition that the chance button is operated, the player is careless due to the player's looking away or the like within the button operation effective period (for example, 5 seconds). May miss the chance button and miss the opportunity to operate the button. In addition, since the chance button operation opportunity is limited within a predetermined effective period, the player is required to be careful not to miss the chance button operation opportunity, so the chance button operation is troublesome for the player. felt.

On the other hand, in a ball and ball game machine in which a specific effect is automatically executed, the specific effect is executed even when the player does not want to see the specific effect. Thus, the actual situation is that the specific effect is not executed by means that matches the needs of the player.
An object of the present invention is to enhance the game performance of a ball game machine by performing production control of a specific effect by means that matches the needs of the player.

  The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 is executed during execution of the symbol starting means for starting the variation display of the special symbol on condition that the game ball enters, the first effect corresponding to the special symbol, and the first effect. Including a production control means for performing the production control of the second production, and a lottery determination means for determining whether or not to win or not when the design starting means detects a game ball. In a ball game machine having a main control means for outputting and an effect command switch that can be operated by the player during a predetermined effective period during the first effect to execute the second effect, the second effect is automatically set. A mode setting switch that can be set alternatively by the player before the start of execution of the first effect in an automatic mode that is automatically executed and a manual mode that is not automatically executed. Have been The second effect is executed on the condition that the effect command switch is operated during the effective period. When the automatic mode is set, the second effect is executed even if the effect command switch is operated during the effective period. Instead, the second effect is automatically executed when a predetermined condition is established.

  When the player operates the mode setting switch before the execution of the first effect and the manual mode is set, if the player operates the effect command switch during the predetermined effective period during the first effect, the second effect is displayed. When the automatic mode is set, the second effect is automatically executed when the predetermined condition is satisfied without executing the second effect even if the effect command switch is operated during the effective period. The execution mode of specific production can be freely selected.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, in the manual mode, the second effect is executed on the condition that the effect command switch is operated during the effective period. In the automatic mode, the effect command switch is operated during the effective period. However, since the second effect is automatically executed when the predetermined condition is satisfied without executing the second effect, the player can freely select the execution mode of the second effect and meet the player's needs. Proper production control can be performed. As a result, the gameability of the ball game machine can be improved.

It is a perspective view of a pachinko machine. It is the elements on larger scale of the lower left part of a pachinko machine. It is a side view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram of the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a functional block diagram of a main control means. It is a functional block diagram of production control means. It is a functional block diagram of the main part of effect control means. It is an outlier specific effect pattern selection table. It is a flowchart of effect control processing. It is a flowchart of command processing. It is a flowchart of effect processing. It is a flowchart of an output process. It is a flowchart of a regular update process. It is a flowchart of a fluctuation waiting process. It is a flowchart of the process during symbol variation. It is a flowchart of an effect command button process. It is a flowchart of jackpot processing. It is a figure which shows the guidance of the mode setting change displayed on a liquid crystal display. It is a time chart which shows the production command button processing content with button operation when the execution mode of specific production is an automatic mode. It is a time chart which shows the production command button processing content without the button operation when the execution mode of the specific production is the automatic mode. It is a time chart which shows the effect command button processing content with the button operation when the execution mode of a specific effect is a manual mode. It is a time chart showing the contents of the effect command button processing when the specific effect execution mode is the manual mode and no button operation is performed. It is a flowchart of the production command button process according to the change mode.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described based on examples.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 that is a card-type ball game machine has a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 3 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be freely opened and closed. The outer frame 3 is detachably attached to an island structure (not shown) in a state where the ball lending machine 2 is sandwiched. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the back side, and a plurality of game effect lamps 56 and window portions 6a below the game effect lamps 56 are provided so as to correspond to the front side of the game board 5. A glass door 6 and a front plate 7 of an upper plate 8 for storing a game ball P for launch are pivotally attached to each other so as to be freely opened and closed. A lower plate 9 for storing the game ball P overflowing or extracted from the upper plate 8 and a firing handle 10 are provided at the lower part of the front plate 7.

  On the right side of the ball tray 8 are provided an effect command button 11 that can be operated by the player, and a ball lending operation panel 13 for the card-type ball lending machine 2. There are provided a card remaining amount display portion 13a for displaying with a three-digit number, a ball lending switch 13b for instructing lending of a game ball P for a predetermined amount, and a return switch 13c for instructing to return the card at the end of the game. Yes.

  The production command button 11 is a so-called chance button, and is a button for executing a specific production (second production) for increasing the player's reach and the expectation of jackpot that is different from the normal production. It consists of a button switch (mechanical switch). When the player depresses the effect command button 11, as a specific effect, a moving image of a special character including a background image is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 15, and a plurality of decorative lamps 32 provided on the game board or the outer frame are displayed. The game effect lamp 56 is displayed blinking at a high speed, and further, a sound effect or sound corresponding to the changing effect design or moving image is output from the speaker 55.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a mode setting button 12 for setting the execution mode of the specific effect is provided in the vicinity of the left end of the lower plate 9. The mode setting button 12 is a button that the player can alternatively select between an automatic mode in which a specific effect is automatically performed and a manual mode in which the specific effect is not automatically executed. The mode setting button 12 is a seesaw-type switching button, and includes an automatic mode setting operation unit 12a indicated by a downward triangle and a manual mode setting operation unit 12b indicated by an upward triangle. The player operates the manual or automatic mode setting operation units 12a and 12b to change the setting mode to the manual or automatic mode according to the currently set execution mode of the specific effect.

  Here, regarding the execution mode of the specific effect, the automatic mode is specified after the operation effective time of the effect command button has elapsed (when a predetermined condition is established) regardless of whether or not the player has operated the effect command button 11. This is a mode in which production is performed. The manual mode is a mode in which a specific effect is executed on condition that the effect command button 11 is operated during the operation effective time of the effect command button.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 5 forming a vertical board surface is provided with a guide rail 14 in a substantially annular shape, a game area 5a is formed inside the guide rail 14, and the launching handle 10 is operated to rotate. The launched game ball P is guided to the game area 5 a by the guide rail 14.

  The game area 5a includes a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill 30, a center case 31, a liquid crystal display 15 provided integrally with the center case 31, a plurality of decorative lamps 32, and a special symbol. A special symbol starting winning port 21 having a display device 17, a plurality of normal winning ports 18, a first special symbol starting winning port 19, and a second special symbol starting winning port 20, and a gate-type normal symbol starting winning port 22, a large winning opening 23 having an open / close door 23a, a ball discharge opening 24 for collecting the game balls P that have not won a prize as out balls, and the like.

  The game ball P thrown into the game area 5a hits a number of obstacle nails (not shown) and the windmill 30 and falls while changing its direction, and the normal winning hole 18, the first special symbol starting winning hole 19, and the second special hole. Either the symbol starting winning port 20, the normal symbol starting port 22, or the big winning port 23 is won, or it falls to the lowest end and is discharged from the ball outlet 24. When the game ball P wins any of the normal winning opening 18, the first and second special symbol starting winning openings 19, 20 and the big winning opening 23, according to the winning openings 18, 19, 20, 23 A predetermined number of game balls P are paid out to the upper plate 8 or the lower plate 9.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 17 is provided with a first special symbol display unit 25, a second special symbol display unit 26, and a gaming state notification display unit 27, and these display units 25, 26. , 27 can be displayed independently. On the upper side of the special symbol display device 17, a plurality (four) of normal symbol variation holding lamps 28 are provided. A plurality (two) of normal symbol lamp display portions 29 are provided below the special symbol display device 17.

  The first and second special symbol display portions 25 and 26 and the gaming state notification display portion 27 are each provided with a 7-segment LED display device. Each of the first and second special symbols is a symbol made up of numbers, symbols, patterns and the like displayed by the display device. As the first and second special symbols, for example, numbers “0” to “9”, symbols such as “F”, “U”, “J”, and “-” symbols are used. In the gaming state notification display unit 27, information indicating the probability variation big hit, the time required to shorten the variation time of the first and second special symbols, the number of rounds of the specific gaming state, etc. are displayed on the display device by symbols and patterns. The

  When the game ball P won in the first special symbol start winning opening 19 is detected, the first special symbol display unit 25 displays the first special symbol in a variable manner. A specific symbol mode in which the display result when the first special symbol is stopped is preset (for example, 0-9 or any one of F, U, and J, so-called “big hit symbol mode”, “probability variable big hit symbol mode) ”), The open / close door 23a of the special winning opening 23 is opened and closed, and a transition is made to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the display result of the first special symbol when the fluctuation is stopped becomes a non-specific symbol mode (for example, a negative symbol mode, a so-called “disappearing mode”), the specific gaming state is not shifted.

  Even when the game ball P won in the second special symbol start winning opening 20 is detected, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the second special symbol display unit 26, and the second special symbol is displayed based on the display result when the fluctuation is stopped. When the symbol is in the specific symbol mode, the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state.

  Here, when the game ball P wins the first and second symbol start winning openings 19 and 20 during the fluctuation of the first and second special symbols, the maximum number of winning balls is memorized as reserved balls. The number corresponding to the reserved ball is displayed on the display devices of the first and second special symbol display units 25 and 26. And the fluctuation display of the 1st, 2nd special symbol of the frequency | count equivalent to the number of holding | maintenance is performed continuously.

  When a game ball P that has entered the normal symbol starting port 22 is detected, a lottery is performed in either the normal symbol per lamp display area 29a or the normal symbol off-ramp display area 29b of the normal symbol lamp display unit 29. When the lottery result of normal symbol hit / off by means is displayed in a lamp and the lamp in the hit lamp display area 29a is lit on, the start port opening / closing member 20a of the second special symbol start port 20 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times.

  Here, when a game ball P enters the normal symbol start port 22 while any one of the lamps in the hit / exit lamp display areas 29a and 29b is lit, the maximum number of balls is reserved up to four. Is stored as a number, and the number of executions of the lamp display of hit / miss in the display areas 29a and 29b of the normal symbol lamp display unit 29 is turned on in the normal symbol fluctuation hold lamp display unit 28. Then, the lottery values related to the hit / miss of the normal symbol corresponding to the number of holdings are extracted, and the hit / miss determination result based on the lottery value is the hit / miss lamp display area 29a of the normal symbol lamp display unit 29. , 29b are continuously lit and displayed.

  On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 15, effect images (first effect) composed of a plurality of symbol rows, effect images such as moving images and background images by characters, etc. are displayed. The effect symbol is composed of a symbol string such as a number, for example, and is variably displayed for the purpose of arousing the player's reach and a sense of expectation for the big hit. The effect symbol is displayed in a linked manner with the change display of the first and second special symbols on the first and second special symbol display units 25 and 26, and is matched with the respective fluctuation stop timings of the first and second special symbols. When the combination of symbols is stopped and displayed in a specific combination (for example, “777”), the gaming state is shifted to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

Next, the control system of the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, on the back side of the front frame 4 of the pachinko machine 1, various control means for controlling the pachinko machine 1 (main control means 40a, payout control means 41a, effect control means 42a, liquid crystal display control) The main control board 40, the payout control board 41, the effect control board 42, the liquid crystal display control board 43, and the power supply board 44 are disposed at predetermined positions as boards equipped with the means 43a and the power supply means). These control boards 40 to 44 are configured separately and are electrically connected. The main control board 40, the payout control board 41, the effect control board 42, and the liquid crystal display control board 43 are respectively composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. A microcomputer and an input / output interface are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 40 has a normal winning opening SW group 61, a first special symbol starting winning opening SW62, a second special symbol starting winning opening SW63, a normal symbol starting winning opening SW64, a large winning opening SW65, The opening / closing SOL 66 of the second special symbol start winning opening 20, the opening / closing SOL 67 of the large winning opening 23, the symbol display board 48, the lamp display board 49, and the like are connected.

  Based on the SW signals from these SWs 62 to 65, the main control means 40a of the main control board 40 opens and closes the second special symbol start winning opening 20 SOL66, opens and closes the large winning opening 23 SOL67, and the first display of the symbol display board 48. The second special symbol display units 25 and 26 and the gaming state notification display unit 27 are directly controlled, the payout control means 41a of the payout control board 41, the effect control means 42a of the effect control board 42, and the liquid crystal display control. A control command is output to the liquid crystal display control means 43a of the substrate 43, and other control devices are indirectly controlled via the control means 41a to 43a of the control boards 41 to 43. In addition, SW means a switch and SOL is a solenoid actuator.

  A payout mechanism 48 for paying out the winning balls corresponding to winning of the game balls P to the normal winning opening 18, the first and second special symbol starting winning openings 19, 20 and the big winning opening 23 is provided, and a payout control board is provided. The payout control means 41a 41 receives a control command relating to the prize ball received from the main control means 40a, outputs a drive control signal to the payout motor 49 of the payout mechanism 48, and receives a detection signal from the payout count SW50 of the payout mechanism 48. input.

  A launch mechanism 51 that launches the game ball P to the game area 5a is provided. When the player holds the launch handle 10 and turns on the launch SW 52, the launch SOL 54 of the launch mechanism 51 goes to the launch SOL 54 via the launch control means of the launch control board 53. A drive control signal is output. Here, in the launch mechanism 51, the output of the drive control signal to the launch SOL 54 is permitted only when the launch control permission signal is input from the launch control means.

  The effect control board 42 is connected to a speaker 55, a decorative lamp group 32, an automatic mode setting SW 68, a manual mode setting SW 69, and an effect command SW 70. The effect control means 42a of the effect control board 42 changes the execution mode of the specific effect to the manual or automatic mode according to the current setting mode based on the SW signal from the automatic or manual mode setting SWs 68 and 69, and performs liquid crystal display control. A manual or automatic mode setting command is output to the liquid crystal display 15 via the means 43a.

  The effect control means 42a also receives a hit command, a variation pattern command of the first and second special symbols, a stop symbol command of the special symbol, etc. from the main control means 40a, and those commands and instructions from the effect command SW70. Based on the signal, the variation pattern of the effect design, the stop design, and the content of the effect are determined, and the speaker 55 and the decorative lamp group 32 are driven and controlled, and a drive control command and effect are given to the liquid crystal display 15 via the liquid crystal display control means 43a. A design variation pattern command and a production command are output.

  The liquid crystal display control means 43a of the liquid crystal display control board 43 receives the effect symbol variation pattern command, the effect command and the stop symbol command from the effect control means 42a, and controls driving to the liquid crystal display unit having the liquid crystal display 15 based on these commands. Output a signal.

Next, main functions of various functions (means) achieved by the control program stored in advance in the main control means of the pachinko machine 1 are as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the main control means 40 a has means 71 to 77. The lottery means 71 uses a lottery counter to detect a plurality of lottery numerical values (random numbers) (for example, when a game ball P that has won a prize in any of the first and second special symbol start winning ports 19 and 20 is detected. One numerical value is extracted from 0-299). The number-of-holds storage means 72 stores a maximum of four undetermined lottery values for the held ball, and when the lottery value determination process is performed at the start of fluctuation of the first and second special symbols, , The lottery value corresponding to the second special symbol variation is erased from the holding number storage means 72.

  The determination means 73 reads the undecided lottery values stored in the hold number storage means 72 one by one, determines that the lottery value is a big hit value set in advance, determines that it is a big hit, It is determined that it is off. The lottery means 71 and the determination means 73 correspond to the lottery determination means. The special symbol determining means 74 determines a specific symbol form for “big hit” by random lottery for the first and second special symbols according to the determination result of the determining means 73, and a lost symbol for “out”. Make an aspect decision.

  The variation pattern determining means 75 determines the variation pattern from the variation start to the variation stop of the first and second special symbols by random number lottery. The profit state generation means 76 receives the determination result of the determination means 73, and in the case of a big win, the first and second special symbols are based on a predetermined winning condition when the first and second special symbols are set in a predetermined symbol form. Then, the special prize opening / closing SOL 67 is controlled so as to open / close the special prize opening 23 to generate a profit state advantageous to the player. The probability changing means 77 changes the lottery probability determined to be a big hit to a higher probability than the normal probability until the determining means 73 determines a predetermined number of times (for example, 4 times) from the end of the profit state. For example, the probability of jackpot determination is 1/400 in the normal state, but it is reduced to 1/40 by increasing the jackpot value from 1 to 10.

Next, main functions among various functions (means) achieved by the control program stored in advance in the effect control means 42a are as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the effect control means 42 a has means 80 to 88. Based on the hit command, the variation pattern of the first and second special symbols, and the stop symbol command from the main control means 40a, the effect symbol determination means 80 matches the timing when the first and second special symbols change. The effect design to stop display is determined. Regarding a combination of a plurality of symbol sequences as the effect symbols, when “big hit” is determined, a winning combination (for example, “777” or the like) is determined, and when “excluded”, a lost combination is determined.

  The effect symbol variation pattern determining means 81 is a means for determining the variation pattern of the effect symbol linked to the variation display of the special symbol by random number lottery. The effect symbol variation pattern determining means 81 has a variation pattern table that stores a plurality of variation pattern contents for variably displaying the effect symbol.

  The variation pattern table includes a deviation variation pattern table and a big hit variation pattern table. The deviation variation pattern table stores contents (including variation times) of a plurality of variation patterns when the stop symbol of the production symbol is a combination of separation or when the stop symbol is a combination of separation after reaching the reach state. Yes. The big hit variation pattern table stores the contents (including the variation time) of a plurality of variation patterns when the stop symbol of the effect symbol is a winning combination after reaching the reach state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the effect pattern storage means 82 is a plurality of specific effect tables (specific effect table 1, specific effect table 2...) Having different selection rates of specific effect patterns, and each specific effect table includes A plurality of specific effect tables for selecting a specific effect pattern by lottery from a plurality of types of specific effect patterns are stored.

  In each specific effect table, a specific effect that can be selected for each of a plurality of types of change patterns that can be determined by the effect symbol change pattern determining means 81 (for example, the deviation change patterns 1, 2 and the jackpot change patterns 1, 2). The type of pattern (for example, in the case of the deviation variation pattern 1, the specific identification pattern 1-2,...) And the selection rate of each of these specific presentation patterns (for example, in the case of the deviation specific presentation pattern 1, the specific deviation effect The selection rate “45/100” of the pattern 1-1, the selection rate “25/100”,... The selection rate of the specific effect pattern in each specific effect pattern table is configured so that the selection rate or the type of effect varies depending on the manual or automatic mode. In each specific effect pattern table, the selection ratio of each specific effect pattern is set to be 100% in total.

  In the effect pattern storage means 82, a specific effect pattern common to a plurality of types of variation patterns (for example, a specific effect pattern having the same number at the end, that is, an outlier specific effect pattern 1-1, an outlier specific effect pattern 1-2 , The jackpot specific effect pattern 1-1 and the jackpot specific effect pattern 1-2) exist, and the expectation degree (small, medium, large) of each specific effect pattern can be determined from the selection rate of the jackpot specific effect pattern .

  In each specific effect pattern, for example, the off-effect effect pattern 1-1 includes a background image, a balloon animation by a special character displayed on the background image, and sound effects and sound output according to the moving image. And a lamp display variation pattern and an effect time (15 seconds). The effect pattern storage means 82 also stores a normal effect pattern, a special effect pattern during a big hit or a probable big hit, and the like in association with a plurality of types of effect symbol variation patterns.

  The effect pattern selection means (second effect selection means) 83 selects a specific effect table from a plurality of types of specific effect tables stored in the effect pattern storage means 82 regardless of whether the mode setting is manual or automatic mode. The selection is made according to the random number extracted at the operation timing of the effect command button 11. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the outlier specific effect table is switched in the order of the disengagement specific table 1-1 → 1-2 → 1-3 → 1-4, and the random number value that triggers the switching of the outlier specific effect table. ("0-44", "45-70", "71-90", "91-100") are preset.

  The mode setting determination means 84 determines whether the signal input through the operation of the setting mode button 12 by the player is manual or automatic mode setting SW signal, and based on the determination result, the mode setting means The mode setting input information is transmitted to 85. When the mode setting means 85 acquires the mode setting input information, the mode setting means 85 sets the manual or automatic mode according to the current setting mode. The button operation validity permission means 86 determines whether or not to validate the operation of the effect command button 11 based on the variation time of the effect symbol variation pattern determined by the effect symbol variation pattern determination means 81.

  The button operation effective period setting means 87 sets the operation effective period of the effect command button 11 during the effect symbol change. When the effect command SW signal is input through the operation of the effect command button 11 by the player during the operation effective period of the effect command button 11, button operation input information is transmitted to the button operation input acquisition means 88. When the button operation input acquisition unit 88 acquires the button operation input information, the button operation input acquisition unit 88 controls driving of the speaker 55 and the decorative lamp group 32 and instructs the liquid crystal display control unit to display a specific effect image on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 15. .

  Next, command processing, effect processing, output processing, regular update processing, variation standby processing, effect symbol variation processing, and effect button processing in effect control executed by the effect control means 42a of the effect control board 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. However, the symbol Si (i = 1, 2, 3,...) In the figure is each step. A control program for these processes is stored in advance in the ROM of the effect control means.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the production control is started, after a predetermined initial setting is executed (S1), it enters a standby state until 4 ms elapses (S2; No), and after 4 ms elapses (S2; Yes), A command process (S3), an effect process (S4), an output process (S5), and a periodic update process (S6) are sequentially executed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the command processing of S3 is started, a control command is received from the main control means 40a (S11; Yes), and the control command includes first and second special symbols including a hit command. If it is the variation pattern command (S12; Yes), the variation pattern of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation pattern of the first and second special symbols is determined (S13). On the other hand, if the variation pattern command of the first and second special symbols has not been received from the main control means (S11; No), this control is terminated and the process returns.

  Next, in S14, the stop symbol of the effect symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first and second special symbols is determined (S14). In S15, the effect symbol variation pattern command determined in S13 is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control means 43a (S15), and the effect state is set to the effect symbol variation state (S16). Next, in S17, it is determined whether a command (other commands) other than the command received in S12 is received from the main control means 40a (S17). When it is determined that another command has been received (S17; Yes), the contents of the effect (effect image including background image, sound effect, lamp display effect) corresponding to the command are determined (S18). Other commands in S17 include a jackpot command, a jackpot end command, an error command, an error release command, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the effect process, the current effect state is determined, and various processes are executed based on the determination result. If the effect state is the symbol variation standby state (S21; Yes), the variation standby process is executed (S22). When the effect state is the symbol changing state (S23; Yes), the symbol changing process is executed (S24). When the performance state is a big hit state (S25; Yes), the big hit process is executed (S26). On the other hand, if the production state is not waiting for symbol variation (S22; No), not symbol variation (S23; No), and is not being a big hit (S25; No), this control is terminated and a return is made. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the output process, a drive control command for driving the speaker and the decorative lamp group is output based on the contents of the effect determined in S18 (S31). As shown in FIG. 14, in the regular update process, the random number lottery value (S41) of the variation pattern of the effect design and the various timers (S42) are sequentially updated.

Next, the fluctuation waiting process, the symbol changing process, and the jackpot process in the above-described effect process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the variation standby process is started, it is determined whether or not the mode setting button 12 has been operated during the variation symbol standby of the effect symbol (S51). As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the mode setting button 12 has been operated (S51; Yes), the execution mode of the specific effect is changed to the manual mode (M mode) or the automatic mode (A mode) according to the current setting mode. It is changed (S52). In addition, when the mode setting button 12 is operated other than during the production symbol change standby, the operation is invalidated and the mode setting is not changed.

  When the current setting mode is set to the automatic mode, when the player operates the manual mode setting operation unit 12b, the setting mode is changed from the automatic mode to the manual mode. Further, when the current mode is set to the manual mode, when the player operates the automatic mode setting operation unit 12a, the setting mode is changed from the manual mode to the automatic mode, as shown in FIG. Information indicating that the mode setting has been changed is displayed on 15 display screens.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the process during symbol variation is started, it is determined whether or not the effect symbol is varying with a specific variation pattern (S61). As a result of the determination, when the variation is in the specific variation pattern (S61; Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the variation start of the specific variation pattern (S62).

  If it is determined in S62 that the predetermined time has elapsed (S62; Yes), the button operation valid flag of the effect command button 11 is set (S63), and the button operation valid timer is set (S64).

  The button operation valid flag of S63 is set to enable the operation command button 11 to be operated during a predetermined period in the middle of the variation of the effect symbol, and the determined variation pattern of the effect symbol is a specific variation in which the button operation is valid. A flag is set in the case of a pattern, while no flag is set in the case of a variation pattern with a short variation time. When the button operation valid flag is set, the button operation valid period (time) of the effect command button 11 during the change of the effect symbol is also set. For example, when the determined variation pattern of the effect symbol is a specific variation pattern, the effect command button operation effective time is set for 5 seconds after a predetermined time elapses after the effect symbol starts to vary.

  Next, in S65, it is determined whether or not the effect symbol has been fluctuated (S65). As a result of the determination, when the effect symbol at the time when the fluctuation is stopped is a big hit symbol (S66; Yes), the effect state is set to the big hit state (S65). On the other hand, if the effect symbol at the time of stoppage of variation is not a big hit symbol (S64; No), and the symbol is a missed symbol, the effect state is set to the symbol variation standby state (68).

  On the other hand, in the determination process of S65, when the effect symbol is not fluctuated and is changing (S65; No), it is determined whether or not the button operation valid flag is set (S69; No). When the button operation valid flag is set (S69; Yes), the effect command button process is executed (S70). On the other hand, if the button operation valid flag is not set (S69; No), this control is terminated and the process returns.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the effect command button process, after the start of the change of the effect symbol, the button effective timer of the effect command button 11 set according to the symbol change pattern in the middle of the change of the effect symbol is a predetermined time (for example, It is determined whether or not 5 seconds have elapsed (S71). As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (S71; No), and the effect command button 11 is operated by the player within the predetermined time (S72; Yes), it is detected when the effect command button 11 is operated. The specific effect pattern is selected based on the random number lottery (S73), and the specific effect pattern command is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control means 43a (S74).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 22, the effect symbol starts to fluctuate, and the player presses the effect command button 11 during the button operation effective period (Ta: 5 seconds) in the middle of the effect symbol change. When operated, regardless of whether the current mode setting is automatic or manual mode, a moving image by a special character including a background image is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 15, and a plurality of decorative lamps 32 provided on the game board or the outer frame. And the game effect lamp 56 are displayed in high-speed blinking, and furthermore, the sound and sound effects corresponding to the changing design symbols and moving images are output from the speaker 55.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S71 that the button effective timer has elapsed for a predetermined time in the course of changing the effect symbol (S71; Yes), the button operation effective flag is reset (S75), and the variable waiting process in FIG. It is determined whether the set execution mode of the specific effect is the manual mode or the automatic mode (S76). As a result of the determination, when the current setting mode is the automatic mode (S76; A mode), the processing is executed in the order of S73 and S74. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, when the automatic mode is set, the button operation effective time elapses even when the player does not operate the effect command button 11 during the button operation effective period during the change of the effect symbol. After that, a specific effect is automatically executed.

  On the other hand, if the current setting mode is the manual mode (S76; M mode), the process returns. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, when the player does not operate the effect command button 11 during the button operation effective period, the specific effect is not executed.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the big hit process, a special effect pattern at the time of the big hit is determined, and a special effect pattern command is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control means 43a (S82).

The operational effects of the pachinko machine 1 described above will be described.
When the player operates the automatic mode setting operation unit 12a or the manual mode setting operation unit 12b of the mode setting button 12 while waiting for the change of the effect symbol, the setting mode is changed to the manual or automatic mode according to the current setting mode. The

  When the game ball P wins one of the first and second special winning openings 19 and 20, and the first or second special symbol starts to change, the effect symbol starts to change in conjunction with the change of the special symbol. Regardless of whether the setting mode is the manual mode or the automatic mode, when the player operates the effect command button 11 during the button operation effective period of the effect command button 11 during the change of the effect symbol, the specific effect is executed.

  In addition, when the setting mode is the automatic mode, even if the player does not operate the effect command button during the button operation effective period during the change of the effect symbol, the specific effect is automatically executed after the button effective period elapses. The When the setting mode is the manual mode and the effect command button is not operated during the button operation effective period, the specific effect is not executed during the change period of the effect symbol. Therefore, the player can freely select the execution mode of the specific effect by operating the mode setting button, and can perform the effect control that meets the player's needs. As a result, the gameability of the ball game machine can be improved. In addition, since the specific effects are selected with the same selection rate regardless of the state of the manual mode or the automatic mode, the specific effects are controlled regardless of the manual mode or the automatic mode. be able to.

Next, a modified example in which the above embodiment is partially modified will be described.
1] In the effect command button process of FIG. 17, when the setting mode is the automatic mode, the specific effect may not be executed even if the effect command button 11 is operated. As shown in FIG. 24, in the effect command button process, it is determined whether the execution mode of the specific effect set during the variation standby process in FIG. 15 is the manual mode or the automatic mode (S91). As a result of the determination, when the current setting mode is the automatic mode (S91; A mode) and the button valid timer of the effect command button 11 has not elapsed for a predetermined time during the effect symbol change (S92; No), this control is performed. Exit and return.

  On the other hand, if the button valid timer has elapsed (S92; Yes), the button operation valid flag is reset (S93), and the specific effect pattern is selected based on the random number lottery detected when the effect command button 11 is operated. (S94), a specific effect pattern command is transmitted to the liquid crystal display control means 43a (S95).

  On the other hand, in S91, the current setting mode is the manual mode (S91; M mode), the button valid timer does not elapse during the production symbol variation (S96; No), and the player gives the production command button 11 Is operated (S97; Yes), the processing of S93 to S95 is executed. On the other hand, if the button valid timer has elapsed (S96; Yes), the button valid flag is reset (S98), this control is terminated, and the process returns.

2] In the embodiment, the mode setting button and the effect command button are provided separately, but a configuration in which these are combined with one button may be used. For example, when the mode is set, the manual mode may be set when the player presses the button once, and the automatic mode may be set when the button is pressed twice.

3) In the embodiment, the mode switching is made effective only during the stand-by for changing the effect symbol. However, the mode change may be made effective at other times (for example, during big hit or changing the effect symbol).

4] In addition, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various forms with various modifications, and the present invention includes such various modified forms.

P game ball 1 pachinko machine 19 first special symbol start winning opening 20 second special symbol start winning opening 11 effect command button 12 mode setting button 40a main control means 42a effect control means 71 determination means 73 lottery means 83 effect pattern selection means

Claims (1)

An effect of performing effect control of a second effect executed during the execution of the first effect corresponding to the special symbol and the first effect corresponding to the special symbol, starting with the variation display of the special symbol on condition that the game ball enters A main control means including a control means, a lottery determination means for determining whether the symbol starting means detects a game ball, and outputting a control command relating to a special symbol variation display to the effect control means; In a ball game machine having an effect command switch that can be operated by a player during a predetermined effective period during the first effect in order to execute two effects,
A mode setting switch that can be set alternatively by the player before the start of execution of the first effect in an automatic mode in which the second effect is automatically executed and a manual mode in which the second effect is not automatically executed;
The production control means includes
When the manual mode is set, the second effect is executed on condition that the effect command switch is operated during the effective period,
When the automatic mode is set, the second effect is automatically performed when a predetermined condition is established without executing the second effect even if the effect command switch is operated during the effective period. Configured to run,
A ball game machine characterized by that.