JP2012232057A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute a variety of performances such a performance using a decoration movable body that the decoration movable body is operated immediately before the finish of a symbol variation.SOLUTION: This game machine comprises the decoration movable body which is moved to an operation position from an initial position when a specified performance pattern is selected by a performance control substrate at the start of a symbol variation. When the specified performance pattern is selected, the performance control substrate moves the decoration movable body to the operation position from the initial position, and returns the decoration movable body to the initial position at prescribed timing after the decoration movable body is moved to the operation position, wherein the return operation may successively be performed following the next symbol variation. The performance control substrate is constituted so as to complete the return operation until the earliest timing comes among timing at which the decoration movable body starts operating at the next symbol variation display after the return operation is started.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  Many gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, perform lottery lottery on condition that a game ball launched on the surface of the game board enters a predetermined starting port. In general, such a gaming machine has an image display at the center of the game board, and when a jackpot lottery is performed, a variation display of symbols for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery on the image display, etc. Various effect images are displayed.

  Conventionally, in this type of gaming machine, a movable accessory is arranged around the image display, and an effect is made such that the accessory is operated in conjunction with an effect image displayed on the image display. There is something. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a stage effect that is held at an initial position that is normally hidden behind the blindfold at the top of the image display. This effect agent is driven when a predetermined effect is performed, and advances from the back side of the blindfold plate to a substantially central position on the front side of the image display so that it can be seen by the player. Such effect actors operate when the effect pattern selected at the start of symbol variation is a specific effect pattern, and display an image at a predetermined timing after the symbol variation display is started. By advancing to the front side of the device, the player will have an expectation that the symbol variation may win the jackpot.

JP 2009-268750 A

  By the way, when the conventional gaming machine as described above performs an effect of moving the effect character in the initial position to the front side of the image display, after that, the return for returning the effect character to the initial position is performed. It is necessary to perform an action. Usually, when such a return operation is performed, a motor or the like is driven for a certain period of time. For this reason, a certain amount of time is required for the stage effect to return to the initial position from the state where it has advanced to the front side of the image display. In particular, in recent years, the moving distance of the production actor accompanying the return operation has become longer along with the increase in the screen size of the image display, and the time required for the return operation tends to increase.

  On the other hand, as described above, the effect that operates the effect agent is an effect that is performed when the effect pattern selected at the start of symbol variation is a specific effect pattern, so that the effect agent is returned to the initial position. In general, the return operation is performed so as not to affect the performance performed in accordance with the next symbol variation. For this reason, the conventional gaming machine moves the director from the initial position to the front side of the image display at a relatively early timing after the symbol variation is started, and until the symbol variation ends, The return operation is completed. However, in such a configuration, the timing of causing the director to appear on the front side of the image display device is limited to a relatively early timing from the start of the symbol variation. It is not possible to produce an effect in which an object appears on the front side of the image display. Therefore, the conventional gaming machine has a problem that various effects cannot be performed as an effect using a director.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems. For example, the present invention performs an effect such that an effect character appears on the front side of the image display immediately before the end of the symbol variation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can perform various effects as an effect using a director.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a gaming machine, comprising a gaming board provided with a starting opening into which a gaming ball enters, and a jackpot associated with the gaming ball entering the starting opening. The main control means for determining the symbol variation time for performing the lottery and displaying the symbol variation display for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery, and the effect pattern corresponding to the symbol variation time determined by the main control unit, An effect control means for controlling the action operation based on the selected effect pattern, and a decoration that is provided on the game board and operates from the initial position to the operating position when a specific effect pattern is selected by the effect control means. A movable object, and when the specific effect pattern is selected, the effect control means moves the decorative movable object from the initial position to the operating position, and the decorative movable object moves forward. After moving to the operating position, a return operation to return the decorative movable object to the initial position at a predetermined timing is performed, and the return operation may be performed over the next symbol variation, The effect control means, after starting the return operation, completes the return operation until the earliest timing among the timings at which the decorative movable object starts to operate in the next symbol variation display. It is the structure to do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine of the first aspect, the specific performance pattern is the initial position of the movable movable object after the completion of the return operation performed at the start of the symbol variation display. The pattern is set in advance as a pattern for moving from a position to the operating position.

  According to the present invention, since the return operation for returning the decorative movable object to the initial position is allowed to be performed across the next symbol variation, for example, the decorative movable item is possible even at the timing just before the symbol variation ends. It is possible to perform an effect of operating the. Therefore, various effects can be performed as effects for operating the decorative movable object, and the fun as a gaming machine is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the return operation of the decorative movable object is started, the return operation is performed until the earliest timing of the timing at which the decorative movable object starts to operate in the next symbol variation display. Since it is completed, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of the decorative movable object from occurring in the next symbol variation display, and it is possible to perform a normal performance.

It is a front view which shows an example of the external appearance structure of a gaming machine. It is a front view showing an example of a game board attached to the game machine main body on the back side of the front frame member in the game machine. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows one structural example of the game board in a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control mechanism of a gaming machine. It is a front view which shows an example of the game board of the state which advanced the decoration movable body to the operation position of the front side of an image display. It is the perspective view which looked at the front side of the accessory operation unit from diagonally above. It is the perspective view which looked at the back side of an accessory operation unit from diagonally upward. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing chart in case an accessory operation | movement unit operates a some decoration movable object. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement performed by the main control board. It is a figure which shows the command output to a production | presentation control board from the main control board | substrate, when the display of a symbol variation is performed. It is a figure which shows an example of the production pattern memorize | stored in ROM of the production control board. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control process performed by an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the command process performed by an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the symbol variation start process performed by an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the symbol fluctuation | variation stop process performed by an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the process in the process of being performed by the production control board. It is a timing chart which shows an example of operation control of a decoration movable object in case a change display of a symbol is performed continuously in a gaming machine.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of a gaming machine 1 according to the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a bullet-type gaming machine configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by a player's instruction operation enters various winning holes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a front frame member 3 attached to the front side of the gaming machine main body 1a so as to be opened and closed. The front frame member 3 has a window portion 2 in which a transparent glass plate 2a is fitted at the center. The player can visually recognize the gaming board 10 attached to the gaming machine main body 1a from the front side of the gaming machine 1 through the transparent glass plate 2a. The front frame member 3 includes a handle lever 4 operated by a player on the lower right side of the window portion 2. When the player rotates the handle lever 4 in the clockwise direction (clockwise direction), the game balls are shot one by one on the surface of the game board 10 at predetermined time intervals with the hitting force according to the operation angle. It has become.

  The front frame member 3 includes a pair of speakers 5 provided on both the left and right sides of the upper portion of the window portion 2, and frame lamps 6 provided at the centers of the upper and lower portions of the window portion 2. The speaker 5 performs various effects by emitting music, voice, sound effects, and the like, and the frame lamp 6 is configured to perform various effects depending on a lighting / flashing pattern or a difference in emission color.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the gaming board 10 attached to the gaming machine main body 1a on the back side of the front frame member 3 in the present embodiment. The game board 10 has a game area 13 surrounded by an outer rail 11 and an inner rail 12 on a game board surface 10 a corresponding to the front side of the gaming machine 1. The game area 13 is visible to the player from the front side of the gaming machine 1 through the transparent glass plate 2 a of the front frame member 3. A game ball that is launched when the player operates the handle lever 4 is launched from the gap between the outer rail 11 and the inner rail 12 provided on the left side of the game area 13 toward the upper portion of the game area 13.

  An image display 8 composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like is provided inside the game area 13 so as to be positioned substantially at the center of the game board 10. A decorative frame body 14 is also provided. The image display 8 is for displaying various effect images for effects. As the game progresses, for example, the result of the jackpot lottery is expressed by a plurality of decorative symbols with numbers such as 1-9. Information is displayed, a notice effect by the appearance of a character or an item is displayed, or various moving images are displayed as a reach effect. The decorative frame body 14 defines a screen frame of the image display 8. Various effects such as various lamps and movable objects are arranged on the decorative frame body 14 and are configured to perform effects linked to various effects displayed on the image display 8.

  A large number of nails 15, through gates 16 (16a, 16b), a windmill 17, a normal winning port 18, a first start port 19, an electric tulip 20, and a second start are arranged around the decorative frame 14 inside the game area 13. Well-known members such as an opening 21, a special winning opening 22, an open / close door 23 that opens and closes the special winning opening 22, and an out opening 24 are arranged.

  In addition, a display 25 composed of a plurality of LED display elements is provided outside the game area 13 and on the lower right side of the game board surface 10a. The display 25 displays various lottery results in the gaming machine 1 and displays the state of the gaming machine 1 and the like. For example, the display device 25 displays a special symbol according to the result of the big symbol lottery by displaying the special symbol, or displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery by displaying the variation of the normal symbol. Or do. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 20. The display unit 25 can also display the number of holds related to the special symbol variation display or the number of reservations related to the normal symbol variation display.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the through gates 16 are provided at two places on the left and right sides of the game area 13. That is, a through gate 16 a is provided on the left side of the image display 8, and a through gate 16 b is provided on the lower right side of the image display 8. These through gates 16a and 16b are gates which are the conditions for the normal symbol lottery to be performed in the gaming machine 1, and the normal symbol lottery is started when the game ball passes through these gates. The number of through gates 16 is not necessarily limited to two, and it is sufficient that at least one through gate 16 is provided in the game area 13.

  At least one ordinary winning opening 18 is provided in the lower left part of the decorative frame 14. The normal winning opening 18 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls when a game ball enters.

  The first start port 19 is provided below the center of the decorative frame body 14, and the electric tulip 20 and the second start port 21 are provided further below the first start port 19. The electric tulip 20 is an auxiliary member for assisting the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21 and includes a blade member that opens and closes to the left and right. If this electric tulip 20 is opened to the left and right, it becomes easy for the game ball to enter the second starting port 21. On the other hand, when the electric tulip 20 is not opened to the left and right, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 21. When the electric tulip 20 wins the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the through gate 16, the left and right blade members are opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times according to the game state, and the second start port It is designed to assist entry into 21.

  Each of the first starting port 19 and the second starting port 21 is a winning port for paying out a predetermined number of winning balls, and is a winning port which is a condition for the big hit lottery in the gaming machine 1. That is, when a game ball enters these start openings 19 and 21, various random numbers including a big hit random number are acquired as game data in the gaming machine 1, and a big hit lottery is performed based on the acquired game data. When the big win lottery is performed in the gaming machine 1, the display of the special symbol on the display 25 is started and the display of the decorative design on the image display 8 is started. The image display 8 also displays various notice effects such as the appearance of various characters as well as the decorative pattern change display.

  The special winning opening 22 and the open / close door 23 are provided at the lower right of the decorative frame 14. The open / close door 23 is a shutter that opens and closes the special winning opening 22, and is normally in a state in which the special winning opening 22 is closed. When a big hit or a small win is won in the big win lottery performed on condition that the game ball has entered the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the open / close door 23 advances and retreats along the front-rear direction of the game board 10. By moving, the special prize opening 22 is opened and closed in the special prize opening game according to the type of the winning combination. In particular, in the big prize opening game when winning a big win, since the opening time per opening when the open / close door 23 opens the big prize opening 22 becomes long, the player wins a lot of game balls in the meantime. It is possible to enter the mouth 22, and thereby, a lot of prize balls can be obtained. Therefore, the big prize opening game in the case of winning the jackpot is a gaming state that gives an advantageous game value to the player, and the player expects a jackpot that can win such a lot of prize balls. To play games. The position where the special winning opening 22 and the open / close door 23 are provided is not necessarily limited to the lower right of the decorative frame body 14. For example, it may be provided below the second start port 21.

  The out port 24 is a discharge port for collecting the game balls that have not entered any of the above winning ports at the bottom of the game area 13 and discharging them to the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the game board 10 in the gaming machine 1. In FIG. 3, the above-described members provided on the game board surface 10a are not shown. As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 10 b is formed in the approximate center of the game board 10. The display screen of the image display 8 arranged on the back side of the game board 10 is visible from the front side of the game board 10 through the opening 10b. A decorative frame body 14 is attached to the peripheral edge of the opening 10b from the front side of the game board 10, for example. Thus, the decorative frame body 14 constitutes the screen frame of the image display 8 when the game board 10 is viewed from the front side. An accessory holding body 28 is attached to the back side of such a game board 10. The image display 8 is attached to the back side of the accessory holder 28.

  The accessory holder 28 is, for example, a box-shaped frame having a constant thickness in the front-rear direction, the front side is fully open, and a window 29 corresponding to the display screen size of the image display 8 is provided on the back side. Is formed. A pair of flange portions are provided at the upper and lower sides of the front side edge of the accessory holder 28, and these flange portions are screwed to the back side of the game board 10, thereby allowing the accessory holder 28 to play a game. It is fixed to the back side of the board 10. The image display 8 is fixed to the back side of the accessory holder 28 by attaching the peripheral portion of the display screen around the window 29 in the accessory holder 28.

  In this way, the accessory operation unit 26 is provided inside the accessory holder 28 provided between the game board 10 and the image display 8. The accessory operating unit 26 holds a decorative movable object 31 that operates when a predetermined effect is performed in the gaming machine 1. In the present embodiment, the decorative movable object 31 held by the accessory holder 28 includes a plurality of decorative movable objects 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d that operate individually. More specifically, the accessory operating unit 26 includes a support frame 26a fixed to the inside of the accessory holder 28, and a plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are held by the support frame 26a. . An opening is provided in the ceiling portion of the support frame 26a, and the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are configured to move forward and backward through the opening.

  The accessory operation unit 26 normally holds each of the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d in the initial position where they are retracted to the back side of the game board 10, and the player views the game board 10 from the front side. Sometimes, the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d cannot be visually recognized.

  And when the specific effect which uses these some decoration movable objects 31a-31d is performed in connection with the symbol change display of a special symbol and a decoration design being started in the gaming machine 1, Each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is driven to a state where it is advanced to a predetermined operating position defined on the front side of the image display 8. Thus, the player can visually recognize these decorative movable objects 31a to 31d when the game board 10 is viewed from the front side. Then, when the effect using the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is completed, the accessory operation unit 26 retracts them again to the back side of the game board 10 and returns them to the initial position.

  As described above, the accessory operation unit 26 is arranged around the display screen on the front side of the image display 8, and each of the plurality of decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d is advanced to the front side of the image display 8. In this configuration, the actuator is moved back and forth between the operating position and the initial position retracted from the front of the image display 8.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 attached to the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. A main control board 100 that controls the main operation of the gaming machine 1 and a sub control board 110 that controls each part based on signals and commands output from the main control board 100 are attached to the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. It is done. The sub control board 110 includes a payout control board 120, an effect control board 130, an image control board 140, an accessory control board 150, and the like. In addition, a launching mechanism for launching by adjusting the hitting force of the game ball according to the operation angle of the handle lever 4 is provided, but the illustration is omitted in FIG.

  The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The main control board 100 has a first start port switch 51 that detects that a game ball has entered the first start port 19, and a second start that detects that a game ball has entered the second start port 21. The mouth switch 52, the electric Chu solenoid 53 that drives the electric tulip 20 to open and close, the gate switch 54 that detects that the game ball has passed through the through gate 16, and the normal winning that detects that the game ball has entered the normal winning opening 18. The mouth switch 55, the big winning port switch 56 for detecting that a game ball has entered the big winning port 22, the big winning port solenoid 57 for driving the opening / closing door 23, and the display 25 are connected.

  When each of the first start port switch 51, the second start port switch 52, the normal winning port switch 55, and the big winning port switch 56 detects the entry of a game ball, the main control board 100 detects the game control board 120 with respect to the payout control board 120. Send out a prize ball command. The payout control board 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, and a RAM 123, and is configured to control a payout motor 124 provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1a. When a prize ball command is input from the main control board 100, the payout control board 120 pays out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls in accordance with the winning opening.

  The main control board 100 is configured to perform the above-described normal symbol lottery or jackpot lottery. For example, when the gate switch 54 detects that the game ball has passed through the through gate 16, a normal symbol lottery for opening and closing the electric tulip 20 is performed, and if elected, the electric chew solenoid 53 is driven for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times. The tulip 20 is opened.

  Further, when the first start port switch 51 or the second start port switch 52 detects that the game ball has entered the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the main control board 100 detects the start port that has entered the ball. In response to this, a lottery lottery is performed, and the display 25 starts to display special symbols in a variable manner. In addition, the main control board 100 starts the special symbol fluctuation display on the display unit 25, and the production control board 100 performs an effect according to the result of the big win lottery until the fluctuation display stops. Signals and commands are sent to 130.

  However, when the first start port switch 51 or the second start port switch 52 detects that the game ball has entered the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the special symbol is already being displayed in a variable manner. The main control board 100 suspends the change display of the special symbol accompanying the entry, and displays the suspension on the display unit 25. Then, when the change display of the previous special symbol is stopped, the game data that has been put on hold is read out, a big hit lottery is performed, the change display of the special symbol based on the hold is started, and an effect is given to the effect control board 130. Send a signal or command to start. In this way, when the game ball continuously enters the first start port 19 or the second start port 21, the main control board 100 holds the next symbol variation until the previous symbol variation stops. However, with the completion of the previous symbol variation, it is configured to sequentially digest these suspensions.

  In addition, when the big win or lottery is won as a result of the big win lottery, the main control board 100 displays the variation of the special symbols for a predetermined time, and then stops the special symbols at the winning symbols. When the special symbol is stopped at the winning symbol, the game is shifted to the big prize opening game corresponding to the winning type, and the big prize opening solenoid 57 is driven to operate the open / close door 23. Accordingly, the main control board 100 sends a signal or a command to each part of the sub control board 110 so as to perform an effect during the big prize opening opening game according to the hit type.

  The effect control board 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and a real time clock (RTC) 134, determines specific contents of the effect based on signals and commands from the main control board 100, and the image control board 140. And the accessory control board 150 are controlled. For example, when receiving a variation start command transmitted in response to the start of the variation display of the special symbol on the main control board 100, the effect control board 130 displays each part such as the image display 8 and the accessory operation unit 26. An effect pattern to be used is determined, and an effect corresponding to the effect pattern is executed by controlling the image control board 140 and the accessory control board 150. The effect pattern determined here is an effect pattern corresponding to the symbol variation time of the special symbol determined by the main control board 100. When receiving the symbol confirmation command from the main control board 100, the effect control board 130 ends the execution of the effect pattern determined as described above, and confirms the symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery on the main control board 100. Then, the image control board 140 and the accessory control board 150 are controlled so as to stop the variation display of the decorative design.

  The image control board 140 includes a CPU 141, a ROM 142, a RAM 143, and a VRAM 144, and controls the image display 8 and the speaker 5 based on an instruction from the effect control board 130. The decorative design is displayed in a variable manner and the sound effect from the speaker 5 is performed. The VRAM 144 is a memory for writing an image to be displayed on the image display 8. The CPU 141 executes various processes such as background image display processing, decoration symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the VRAM 144, so that a background image, decoration symbol image, character image, and the like are displayed on the image display 8. It can be displayed in a superimposed manner. Further, the image control board 140 displays an effect image corresponding to the effect pattern determined by the effect control board 130 on the image display 8. By such control of the image control board 140, the effect image displayed on the image display 8 can also be displayed as an image interlocked with the operation of the decorative movable object 31 driven by the accessory operation unit 26.

  The accessory control board 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and a RAM 153. The accessory control board 150 lights up various lamps 58 including the frame lamp 6 described above based on the effect pattern instructed from the effect control board 130, and the accessory operation. The unit 26 is configured to drive and control. When the accessory control board 150 drives the accessory operation unit 26, the above-described decorative movable object 31 operates. In this case, since the accessory control board 150 drives the accessory operation unit 26 based on the effect pattern determined by the effect control board 130, the operation of the decorative movable object 31 provided in the accessory operation unit 26 is performed. It can also be linked to the effect image displayed on the image display 8.

  In this way, in the gaming machine 1, various effects are performed during the special symbol variation display performed when the game ball enters the first start port 19 or the second start port 21. For example, the image display 8 displays a decorative symbol variation display corresponding to the special symbol variation display performed by the display device 25, and performs a reach effect or a notice effect in which a character appears as necessary. In addition, the speaker 5 performs a sound effect linked with a variation display of the decorative symbol displayed on the image display 8, a reach effect, a notice effect, and the like.

  Then, when an effect based on a specific effect pattern is executed in the gaming machine 1, the accessory operation unit 26 operates at a predetermined timing after the change display of the symbol including the special symbol and the decorative symbol is started. Each of the movable objects 31a to 31d is advanced to the front position of the image display 8, and an effect different from the normal effect is performed. Such an effect is performed as one of the reach effects in the gaming machine 1, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of the game board 10 in a state in which the accessory operating unit 26 advances the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to the operating position on the front side of the image display 8. As shown in the figure, when the accessory operation unit 26 is activated, the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are advanced to the front of the image display 8, and the player visually recognizes these decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. can do. On the other hand, when the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are retracted from the front of the image display 8 and returned to the initial position, as shown in FIG. 2, the decorative movable objects 31a are viewed from the front side of the game board 10. It becomes impossible to visually recognize ~ 31d. The gaming machine 1 normally advances the game in a state as shown in FIG. And as above-mentioned, when the specific production | generation pattern which drives the accessory operation | movement unit 26 at the time of a symbol change start is selected, for example, the accessory operation | movement unit 26 act | operates at the predetermined timing after a reach production is started, As shown in FIG. 5, an effect of causing the plurality of decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d to appear in front of the image display 8 is performed.

  Thus, the effect of causing the decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d to appear in front of the image display 8 is an effect different from the effect normally performed in the gaming machine 1. For this reason, the player comes up with a sense of expectation that the ornamental movable objects 31a to 31d may appear in front of the image display 8 and may win a big hit. That is, the gaming machine 1 causes a plurality of decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d to appear in front of the image display 8 in cooperation with the effect image displayed on the image display 8, thereby producing a highly interesting effect. Configured to do.

  Further, the accessory operating unit 26 of the present embodiment does not cause the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to appear at the same time when the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d appear in front of the image display 8, but a plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d appear simultaneously. Each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is configured to appear in stages at different timings. Further, when the accessory moving unit 26 moves the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position toward the operating position on the front side of the image display 8, the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are relatively fast. By moving the, an appearance mode that gives an impact to the player is realized. Further, the accessory operating unit 26 retracts the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the front of the image display 8 and returns them to the initial position at a relatively moderate speed. It is configured to move all at once.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front side of the accessory operation unit 26 as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the back side of the accessory operation unit 26 as viewed obliquely from above. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the support frame 26a described above is not shown. In FIGS. 6 and 7, driving means such as a motor are not shown. Further, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the plurality of decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d are in an initial position hidden from the front side of the gaming machine 1, and in FIG. 7, the plurality of decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d are displayed on the image display 8. The state which exists in the operation position which appeared on the front side is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are each provided with an operation mechanism for operating individually. That is, the guide pole 41 is individually provided on the back side of each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, and each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d has a base portion 47 (see FIG. 7) provided in the lower part thereof. The guide poles 41 are individually inserted. Therefore, each decorative movable object 31 a to 31 d moves in the vertical direction along each guide pole 41.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, springs 42 for individually energizing the movable movable objects 31 a to 31 d are provided below the guide poles 41, and the movable movable objects 31 a to 31 d are in the initial positions. The spring 42 is in a contracted state. Corresponding to the initial positions of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, hook-like engagement members 45 that engage with the base portions 47 of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are provided on the back side of the guide pole 41. The engaging member 45 engages with the base portion 47 when the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are at the initial position, and holds the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d at the initial position.

  Further, in the vicinity of the engaging member 45, there is provided a rotating shaft 46 that extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d and rotates in one direction when a motor (not shown) is driven. Cam members 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d that swing engagement members 45 that engage with the base portions 47 of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are mounted on the rotating shaft 46, and these cam members 46a. ˜46d rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 46. Each of the cam members 46a to 46d has a different shape, and when the rotating shaft 46 rotates, the engaging members 45 engaged with the base portions 47 of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are moved at different timings. Rock.

  The engagement member 45 releases the engagement state with the base portion 47 when the cam members 46a to 46d are swung by the rotation of the movable movable members 31a to 31d in the initial positions. To do. Accordingly, each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d instantaneously moves the guide pole 41 upward by the urging force of the spring 42 and appears to the operating position. And as mentioned above, the engaging member 45 in a state of being engaged with the base portion 47 of each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d swings at different timings, and the timing for releasing the engaged state with the base portion 47 is reached. Since they are different, the timings at which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d appear at the operating positions are also different timings. In the present embodiment, as the rotating shaft 46 makes one rotation, the decorative movable objects 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d move from the initial position to the operating position in this order. In addition, by adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 46 to an angle of less than one rotation, for example, not all of the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are moved from the initial position to the operating position, but only one is moved to the initial position. It is also possible to move from one to the working position or only two or three from the initial position to the working position.

  Further, on the back side of each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, a base end portion is pivotally supported around a predetermined rotation shaft 43, and a distal end portion of the base portion 47 of each of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is supported. A substantially U-shaped arm member 44 connected to both side surfaces is provided. Each of these arm members 44 moves the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d in a state of moving to the operating position as a motor different from the motor that rotates the rotating shaft 46 described above rotates the rotating shaft 43 in a predetermined direction. This is for returning to the initial position. That is, when the rotation shaft 43 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction, the arm member 44 rotates so as to push down the base portions 47 of the decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d along the guide pole 41. Therefore, the decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d move from the operating position toward the initial position against the biasing force of the spring 42, and when the base 47 is engaged with the engaging member 45, Return to the held state.

  Thus, the return operation for returning the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the operating position to the initial position is performed by a motor (not shown) rotating the rotating shaft 43 in a predetermined direction for a predetermined time. Therefore, the return operation is performed with a relatively slow operation, and it takes a certain time for the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to complete the movement from the operating position to the initial position.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart when the accessory operating unit 26 operates the plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. In the example of FIG. 8, when the accessory operation unit 26 is driven, there is an effect that all of the plurality of decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d move from the initial position to the operating position and appear in front of the image display 8. The case where it is performed is shown. As shown in FIG. 8, when the driving of the accessory operation unit 26 is started, the state where the rotating shaft 46 is held at the initial position of the decorative movable object 31a at the timing T1 at which the rotating shaft 46 rotates by a predetermined angle is released. . Therefore, the first decorative movable object 31 a moves from the initial position toward the operating position at a relatively high speed by the biasing force of the spring 42 and appears in front of the image display 8. Thereafter, when the rotating shaft 46 further rotates, the state held at the initial positions of the decorative movable objects 31b, 31c, and 31d at the timings T2, T3, and T4 is sequentially released. Therefore, the second decorative movable object 31b, the third decorative movable object 31c, and the fourth decorative movable object 31d are sequentially moved at high speed from the initial position to the operating position by the biasing force of the spring 42. Appears at different timings ahead.

  Then, after the state in which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d have moved to the operating position on the front side of the image display 8 is continued for at least a predetermined time, the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are simultaneously moved from the operating position to the initial position at a predetermined timing T5. Perform a return operation to return. This returning operation is an operation in which the arm shaft 44 pushes down the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d against the urging force of the spring 42 by the rotational shaft 43 being rotationally driven in a predetermined direction as described above. Become. Therefore, it takes a certain time (several seconds) to complete such a return operation. When the return operation is started at the timing T5, the return operation is completed at a timing T6 after the lapse of the fixed time.

  When the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs an effect of operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d as described above, the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are placed in front of the image display 8 at the timing immediately before the end of the symbol variation. May appear on the side. In such a case, the gaming machine 1 starts the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d as the symbol variation ends. The gaming machine 1 does not wait for the start of the next symbol variation display until the return operation of each decorative movable object 31a to 31d is completed, but the return operation of each decorative movable object 31a to 31d is performed. The next symbol variation display is started promptly even during the middle. That is, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are moved to the operating position in accordance with the change display of the symbols, the return operation for returning the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to the initial position. Is performed across the next symbol variation.

  However, in the case where the return operation for returning the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to the initial position is performed across the next symbol fluctuation, the decoration movable objects 31a to 31d are displayed after the next symbol fluctuation display is started. If the timing for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d arrives during the next symbol variation display until the return operation is completed, the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d cannot be operated normally. Therefore, when the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment starts the return operation for returning the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to the initial values, the timing at which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d start to operate in the next symbol variation display comes. The return operation is configured to be completed by this time. Hereinafter, the operation control in the gaming machine 1 will be described in detail.

  First, the operation in the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main operations performed by the CPU 101 of the main control board 100. The CPU 101 of the main control board 100 takes a process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 as a timer interrupt process for a certain time (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation, except in special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Repeat every time.

  When this timer interrupt process is started, the CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs a random number update process (step S101), a first start port switch process (step S102), a second start port switch process (step S103), a gate Switch process (step S104), various switch processes (step S105), prize ball process (step S106), special symbol process (step S107), normal symbol process (step S108), big prize opening process (step S109), electric tulip (Electric Chu) processing (step S110) and output processing (step S111) are sequentially executed. When these series of processing are completed, initial value random number update processing (step S112) is repeatedly executed. When a predetermined time has elapsed and the next interruption by the timer occurs again, the random number update process (step S101) and subsequent processes are executed again, and this is repeated thereafter.

  The random number update process (step S101) is a process for updating values of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers and reach random numbers stored in the RAM 103. The main control board 100 updates the values of various random numbers every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds), and as game data at the timing when the game ball enters the first start port 19, the second start port 21, etc. The various random values to be acquired become different values depending on the timing.

  In the first start port switch process (step S102), the CPU 101 of the main control board 100 determines the state of the first start port switch 51, and the game ball enters the first start port 19 to thereby enter the first start port switch. This is a process of acquiring various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers stored in the RAM 103 as game data when 51 is turned on. The game data acquired by this process is stored as hold data in the hold storage unit corresponding to the first start port 19 set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 103. In addition, four hold data can be stored in the hold storage unit, and when the four hold data is already stored in the hold storage unit when this processing is performed, the first start port switch 51 is turned on. Even if it becomes, acquisition of game data is not performed.

  In the second start port switch process (step S103), the CPU 101 of the main control board 100 determines the state of the second start port switch 52, and a game ball enters the second start port 21, whereby the second start port switch is processed. This is a process of acquiring various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers stored in the RAM 103 as game data when 52 is turned on. The game data acquired by this process is stored as hold data in the hold storage unit corresponding to the second start port 21 set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 103. Again, four hold data can be stored in the hold storage unit, and when the four hold data are already stored in the hold storage unit when this processing is performed, the second start port switch 52 is turned on. Even if it becomes, acquisition of game data is not performed.

  In the gate switch process (step S104), the CPU 101 determines the state of the gate switch 54, and when the gate switch 54 is on, the normal symbol random number for lottery of the normal symbol stored in the RAM 103 is displayed. It is a process of acquiring as game data. The game data acquired by this processing is stored as reserved data in the reserved storage unit corresponding to the normal symbol set in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 103. Again, for example, four hold data can be stored in the hold storage unit, and the gate switch 54 is turned on when four hold data are already stored in the hold storage unit when this processing is performed. Game data is not acquired.

  Various switch processes (step S105) are input from the first start port switch 51, the second start port switch 52, the normal winning port switch 55, and the big winning port switch 56, and game balls that have entered the various winning ports. It is a process which counts the number (winning number) of. Also, in this process, when each switch is on, the switches are reset to off after performing the counting process.

  The prize ball process (step S106) is a process for setting a prize ball command to be output to the payout control board 120 in accordance with the number of winnings for each of the various prize winning openings. The prize ball command set here is stored in a command storage area set in the RAM 103, and is output to the payout control board 120 by executing an output process (step S111) described later.

  In the special symbol processing (step S107), a jackpot lottery is performed, the special symbol variation display is performed on the display unit 25, and various representations are performed on the representation control board 130 in conjunction with the special symbol variation display on the display unit 25. Process. In this process, the CPU 101 reads the hold data stored in the RAM 103 in step S102 or S103, and performs a big hit lottery based on the hold data. Based on the result of the jackpot lottery, the display 25 determines a symbol variation time for displaying the variation of the special symbol, and starts the variation display of the special symbol based on the symbol variation time. In addition, the CPU 101 starts the special symbol variation display on the display unit 25, and causes the presentation control board 130 to perform the presentation corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery until the symbol variation time elapses. Set the change start command to send. The variation start command set here is stored in a command storage area set in the RAM 103, and is output to the effect control board 130 by executing an output process (step S111) described later.

  In the special symbol process (step S107), the CPU 101 starts the variation display of the special symbol, and the symbol variation time is counted. Then, at the timing when the symbol variation time count ends, the CPU 101 stops the variation display of the special symbol and displays a confirmed symbol indicating the result of the jackpot lottery on the display 25 and also displays an image on the effect control board 130. A symbol confirmation command for displaying a confirmed symbol on the device 8 is set. The symbol confirmation command set here is also stored in the command storage area set in the RAM 103, and is output to the effect control board 130 by executing an output process (step S111) described later.

  It should be noted that the special symbol process (step S107) described above is not performed while the big prize opening opening game is being performed in the gaming machine 1.

  The normal symbol process (step S108) is a process for drawing a normal symbol. In this process, the CPU 101 reads the hold data stored in the RAM 103 in step S104, and draws a normal symbol based on the hold data.

  The big winning opening process (step S109) shifts the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the big winning opening opening game when the big winning lottery performed in the special symbol processing (step S107) described above is won. At the same time, the special winning opening solenoid 57 is driven to open the special winning opening 22 a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals. In the special prize opening process (step S109), a command to be sent to the production control board 130 to produce an effect according to the transition of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the special prize opening game. Is set.

  In the electric tulip process (step S110), when the normal symbol lottery performed in the above-described normal symbol process (step S108) is won, the electric tulip solenoid 53 is driven to open the electric tulip 20 a predetermined number of times at predetermined time intervals. It is processing.

  The output process (step S111) is a process of reading the command stored in the command storage area of the RAM 103 in each step described above and outputting the command to the payout control board 120 and the effect control board 130. Thereby, the sub-control board 110 including the payout control board 120 and the effect control board 130 receives the command output from the main control board 100 and executes a process corresponding to the command.

  In the initial value random number update process (step S112), initial values of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers are updated. This initial value is an initial value that is restored when various random numbers that are sequentially updated in the random number update process in step S101 reach a predetermined value. The initial value is updated by the initial value random number update process (step S112), so that when the various random numbers reach predetermined values, the next values to be restored become different. The initial value random number update process (step S112) is repeated in the remaining time until the next timer interrupt occurs. Since such remaining time varies each time depending on the state of the gaming machine 1, the initial values of various random numbers are updated to irregular values each time. Therefore, even when trying to generate a jackpot illegally, the initial value of the jackpot random number is unknown, so it is not possible to know the timing when the jackpot random number becomes the winning value, so that fraud can be prevented It has become.

  By performing the processing as described above in the main control board 100, the effect control board 130 receives commands for performing various effects from the main control board 100. The production control board 130 controls various production operations based on commands received from the main control board 100.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a command output from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 130 when the symbol variation display is performed. When the main control board 100 performs the big hit lottery and starts the change display of the symbols, the change start command 111 is output from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 130 as shown in FIG. This variation start command 111 includes a symbol variation time DT determined in the main control board 100. The symbol variation time DT determined in the main control board 100 is determined by selecting one of a plurality of preset variation times, for example, a time of about several seconds to several minutes. It is determined.

  A plurality of effect patterns 61 are stored in advance in the ROM 132 of the effect control board 130. The plurality of effect patterns 61 correspond to each of a plurality of variation times set in advance on the main control board 100, and a pattern of effects performed in each variation time is set in advance. In addition, the plurality of effect patterns 61 may include a plurality of types of effect patterns for performing different effects even when the variation time is the same. Furthermore, in such a plurality of effect patterns 61, at least one specific effect pattern in which a pattern for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is defined at a predetermined timing after the display of the variation of the symbols is started. included.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect pattern 61 stored in the ROM 132 of the effect control board 130. An effect pattern 61a shown in FIG. 11A is a pattern in which an effect starts at timing T11 and ends at timing T12, and the time length from timing T11 to T12 corresponds to a specific symbol variation time DT. doing. The effect pattern 61a shown in FIG. 11A does not include the pattern PD for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. On the other hand, the effect pattern 61b shown in FIG. 11B includes a pattern PD for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. The effect pattern 61b is a pattern in which the effect starts at the timing T13 and ends at the timing T15, and the time length from the timing T13 to T15 corresponds to a specific symbol variation time DT. And in this effect pattern 61b, the decoration movable objects 31a-31d operate | move at the timing T14 after the predetermined time TS has passed since the effect was started at the timing T13, and the effect which appears on the front side of the image display 8 is performed. Is called. And it is defined that the state in which the decoration movable objects 31a-31d appeared on the front side of the image display 8 is continued until the end of the effect. In such a specific effect pattern 61b, the timing T14 for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d may be set to a timing immediately before the symbol change display ends.

  When the CPU 141 in the effect control board 130 receives the change start command 111 from the main control board 100, the CPU 141 acquires the symbol change time DT included in the change start command 111. Then, one effect pattern corresponding to the symbol variation time determined by the main control board 100 is selected from the plurality of effect patterns 61 stored in the ROM 132, and image control is performed based on the selected effect pattern. The board 140 and the accessory control board 150 are controlled. As a result, the image display unit 8 starts the variable display of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol variable display. Then, the image display 8, the speaker 5, and the various lamps 58 perform an effect based on the one effect pattern selected on the effect control board 130. When the selected effect pattern is a specific effect pattern that activates the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d as shown in FIG. 11B, the decorative display of the decorative pattern is displayed on the image display 8. After the start, an effect that the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d appear on the front side of the image display 8 at a predetermined timing is performed.

  When the symbol variation time counted on the main control board 100 elapses, as shown in FIG. 10, a symbol confirmation command 112 is output from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 130. When the CPU 141 in the effect control board 130 receives the symbol determination command 112 from the main control board 100, the CPU 141 ends the effect execution by controlling the image control board 140 and the accessory control board 150, and the image display unit 8 wins a big prize. A definite symbol indicating the result is displayed. At this time, when the decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d appear in the front side of the image display 8, the effect control board 130 controls the accessory control board 150 so that the decorative movable objects 31 a to 31 d are initialized. A return operation for returning to the position is started. Then, the effect control board 130 starts the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, and then completes the return operation before the timing when the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d start to operate in the next symbol variation display. .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.11 (b), the specific production | generation pattern 61b which operates the decoration movable objects 31a-31d is the decoration movable bodies 31a-31d from the timing T13 when an effect starts, or immediately after that. Are included, and the pattern PD set so that the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are operated at a predetermined timing T14 after at least a certain time has elapsed from the start of the production is included. More specifically, in the specific effect pattern 61b, the pattern PD where the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d start to operate is that the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d return operation at the start of the effect (at the start of the variable display of symbols). If it is performed, the pattern is set in advance as a pattern for moving the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position toward the operating position after the completion timing of the return operation.

  When a plurality of specific effect patterns 61b for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are stored in the plurality of effect patterns 61 stored in the ROM 132 of the effect control board 130, the plurality of effect patterns are stored. As described above, all of the patterns PD included in each of the 61b are displayed after the timing at which the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d performed continuously from the previous symbol variation display is completed. It is preset as a pattern for moving 31d from the initial position toward the operating position.

  12 to 16 are flowcharts showing the effect control process performed by the CPU 131 of the effect control board 130. In the effect control board 130, processing based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed during normal operation, except in special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.

  When the production control board 130 starts the production control process, it determines whether or not a command is received from the main control board 100 (step S201). As a result, when a command is received from the main control board 100 (YES in step S201), the effect control board 130 executes a command process (step S202) to perform a process corresponding to the received command. On the other hand, when the command is not received from the main control board 100 (NO in step S201), the process of step S202 is not performed.

  Next, the effect control board 130 determines whether or not the symbol variation is being displayed (step S203). As a result, when the symbol variation display is in progress (YES in step S203), the effect control board 130 executes the variation processing (step S204). On the other hand, when the symbol variation display is not being performed (NO in step S203), the process of step S204 is not performed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the command processing (step S202). As shown in FIG. 13, when the command processing (step S202) is started, the effect control board 130 determines whether or not the command received from the main control board 100 is a change start command (step S211). As a result, if it is a change start command (YES in step S211), the effect control board 130 executes a symbol change start process (step S212). Details of the symbol variation start process (step S212) will be described later. On the other hand, if the received command is not a change start command (NO in step S211), the process proceeds to step S213 without performing the process in step S212.

  Next, the effect control board 130 determines whether or not the command received from the main control board 100 is a symbol determination command (step S213). As a result, if it is a symbol confirmation command (YES in step S213), the effect control board 130 executes symbol variation stop processing (step S214). Details of the symbol variation stop process (step S214) will be described later. On the other hand, if the received command is not a symbol confirmation command (NO in step S213), the process proceeds to step S215 without performing the process in step S214.

  Next, the effect control board 130 determines whether or not the command received from the main control board 100 is another command other than the change start command and the symbol determination command (step S215). As a result, when the command is another command (YES in step S215), the effect control board 130 executes a command response process (step S216) to perform a process corresponding to the received command. In this command corresponding process (step S216), a process corresponding to a command other than the change start command and the symbol confirmation command received from the main control board 100 is performed. For example, when a big winning lottery is won and a big winning opening opening game is performed in the gaming machine 1, a process for performing an effect corresponding to the big winning opening releasing game is performed. On the other hand, if the received command is not another command (NO in step S215), the process in step S216 is not performed.

  When the production control board 130 receives a command from the main control board 100, processing corresponding to the command is performed in any of the above-described steps S212, S214, and S216. When the process corresponding to the command is finished in any of steps S212, S214, and S216, the command process (step S202) is finished.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the symbol variation start process (step S212). This symbol variation start processing (step S212) is processing performed on the effect control board 130 when symbol variation is started in the gaming machine 1. The effect control board 130 acquires the symbol change time DT included in the change start command 111 received from the main control board 100 when the symbol change start process (step S212) is started. Then, the effect control board 130 selects one effect pattern corresponding to the symbol variation time DT from the plurality of effect patterns 61 stored in the ROM 132 (step S222). The effect pattern selected at this time is an effect pattern in which an effect to be performed with a time length corresponding to the symbol variation time DT is defined. Therefore, when a plurality of effect patterns corresponding to the symbol variation time DT are stored in the ROM 132, the effect control board 130 selects one effect pattern from the plurality of effect patterns. When only one effect pattern corresponding to the symbol variation time DT is stored in the ROM 132, the effect control board 130 selects the one effect pattern. One effect pattern selected in this way may be a specific effect pattern in which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are operated at a predetermined timing after the effect is started.

  Then, the effect control board 130 sets a confirmed symbol to be displayed when the symbol confirmation command is received (step S223). This fixed symbol is set as a symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery based on information (not shown) included in the change start command 111. Then, the effect control board 130 starts the effect operation based on the one effect pattern selected in step S222 (step S224). In other words, the effect control board 130 sends a signal or a command to the image control board 140 and the accessory control board 150 based on the selected one effect pattern, thereby causing the effect corresponding to the one effect pattern to be performed. Thereby, on the image display 8, the decorative symbol variation display corresponding to the special symbol variation display performed by the main control board 100 is started. In addition, the effect that starts executing at this time is an effect having a duration corresponding to the symbol variation time DT.

  Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the symbol variation stopping process (step S214). This symbol variation stop processing (step S214) is processing performed on the effect control board 130 when the symbol variation display is ended in the gaming machine 1 and the result of the big win lottery is displayed. When the effect control board 130 starts the symbol variation stop process (step S214) based on the symbol confirmation command 112 received from the main control board 100, the effect control board 130 first executes a confirmed symbol display process (step S241). This fixed symbol display process is a process of displaying the fixed symbol set at the start of symbol variation on the image display 8 as a big win lottery result. In addition, when the confirmed symbol is displayed on the image display 8 by this confirmed symbol display process, the effect corresponding to the symbol variation time DT that has been performed is terminated.

  Then, the effect control board 130 determines the effect pattern that has been performed so far (step S242), and determines whether or not the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d have been operated (step S243). As a result, when the decoration movable objects 31a to 31d are operated in the production performed so far (YES in step S243), the production control board 130 appears on the front side of the image display 8 and is in the operating position. In order to return the movable objects 31a to 31d to the initial positions, a return operation is started (step S244). That is, the effect control board 130 sends a command for returning the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to the initial value to the accessory control board 150, and starts the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. If the decoration movable objects 31a to 31d are not operating in the effects that have been performed so far (NO in step S243), the return operation does not need to be performed, and thus the process in step S244 is skipped.

  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when the decoration movable objects 31a to 31d appear on the front side of the image display 8 at the timing when the effect control board 130 receives the symbol confirmation command, the decoration movable objects 31a to 31d at that timing. A return operation to return 31d to the initial position is started.

  Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the changing process (step S204). As shown in FIG. 16, when the effect control board 130 starts the in-fluctuation process (step S204), the effect pattern currently being executed is determined (step S251), and the effect pattern is the decorative movable object 31a to 31a. It is determined whether or not it is a specific effect pattern for operating 31d (step S252). As a result, when the currently performed effect pattern is not a specific effect pattern (NO in step S252), it is not necessary to move the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position to the operating position during the symbol variation display. This changing process (step S204) ends.

  On the other hand, when the effect pattern currently being executed is a specific effect pattern (YES in step S252), the effect control board 130 determines whether or not the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d have been returned to the initial positions. Judgment is made (step S253). As a result, when the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d have not yet returned to the initial positions (NO in step S253), the already started return operation is continued (step S254). On the other hand, when the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d have already returned to the initial positions (YES in step S253), the return operation does not need to be continued, so the process of step S254 is skipped.

  Then, the effect control board 130 determines whether or not it is the operation start timing for moving the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position toward the operating position (step S255). As a result, when the operation start timing has not yet arrived (NO in step S255), this in-fluctuation process (step S202) ends. On the other hand, when the operation start timing is reached (YES in step S255), the effect control board 130 is the operation start timing defined in the specific effect pattern, so that the decorative movable object is based on the specific effect pattern. An operation for moving 31a to 31d from the initial position to the operating position is started (step S256). At this time, since the command for moving the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position to the operating position is sent from the effect control board 130 to the accessory control board 150, the accessory operating unit 26 operates and the image is displayed. Decoration movable objects 31 a to 31 d appear on the front side of the display 8. This completes the changing process (step S204).

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the above-described processing is performed on the effect control board 130, for example, when the symbol variation display is continuously performed, a specific effect pattern is selected in the previous symbol variation, When the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is started at the time of the symbol determination of the previous symbol variation, the return operation is performed over the next symbol variation. When a specific effect pattern is selected again at the start of the next symbol variation, the effect control board 130 performs the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d started at the time of the previous symbol variation symbol determination. The change is completed before the timing for starting the operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d arrives. And when the timing which starts operation | movement of the decoration movable objects 31a-31d comes in the next symbol fluctuation | variation, it is comprised so that the decoration movable objects 31a-31d may be normally operated based on the specific production pattern.

  FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation control of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d when the variation display of symbols is continuously performed in the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 17, when receiving the change start command at timing T21, the effect control board 130 selects one effect pattern PA based on the symbol change time Ta included in the change start command. The effect pattern PA includes a pattern PD for starting the operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d at a predetermined timing T22. In this case, the effect control board 130 starts the effect operation from the timing T21 based on the specific effect pattern PA that operates the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, and can be decorated at the predetermined timing T22 defined in the effect pattern PA. The animals 31a to 31d are moved from the initial position to the operating position, and the effect of appearing on the front side of the image display 8 is performed.

  Then, when receiving the symbol confirmation command at timing T23, the effect control board 130 ends the effect based on the effect pattern PA and causes the image display 8 to display a confirmed symbol indicating the result of the big hit lottery. At this time, the effect control board 130 starts the return degree operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. This returning operation requires a certain time TC until the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are returned to the initial positions.

  In addition, the effect control board 130 receives a variation start command for starting the next symbol variation at timing T24 after a short time has elapsed after receiving the symbol determination command at timing T23. Since the change start command is received before the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is completed, the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is performed across the next symbol change. When the effect control board 130 receives the change start command at timing T24, the effect control board 130 selects one effect pattern PB based on the symbol change time Tb included in the change start command. This effect pattern PB includes a pattern PD for starting the operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d at a timing T26 when a predetermined time TS has elapsed from the start of the effect. The effect control board 130 starts an effect operation based on such an effect pattern PB after the timing T24.

  The effect pattern PB is a pattern for starting the operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d at a predetermined timing T26, and the effect control board 130 performs the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d before the timing T26 arrives. Complete. In the example of FIG. 17, the return operation is completed at a timing T25 before the timing T26 at which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d start to operate based on the effect pattern PB. Then, the effect control board 130 starts the effect of operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d at the timing T26 after completing the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the symbol variation display is continuously performed, the return operation for returning the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d operated during the previous symbol variation to the initial position is performed across the next symbol variation. As a result, the next symbol variation display is started promptly. And since there is a possibility that a specific effect pattern for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is selected in the next symbol variation, the effect control board 130 performs the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d next time. In the pattern variation display, it is configured to be completed before the timing when the decorative movable object begins to operate.

  Moreover, when there are a plurality of specific effect patterns for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, the effect control board 130 performs the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d regardless of which of the plurality of effect patterns is selected. Configured to complete first. That is, when there are a plurality of specific effect patterns, each of the specific effect patterns moves the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position to the operating position after at least the time required for the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d has elapsed. The effect control board 130 is set to be moved, and after starting the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, the effect control board 130 is the earliest among the timings at which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d start operating in the next symbol variation display The return operation is configured to be completed before the timing arrives.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d that operate from the initial position to the operating position when a specific effect pattern is selected by the effect control board 130. When the specific effect pattern is selected, the effect control board 130 moves the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d from the initial position to the operating position, and after the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d have moved to the operating position, It is configured to perform a return operation to return the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to the initial position at the timing. Such a return operation may be performed over the next symbol variation.

  That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment starts the next symbol variation without waiting for the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d to be completed, and performs the next symbol variation for the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. It is comprised so that it may carry out over. For this reason, for example, it is possible to perform an effect of operating the decorative movable object even at the timing immediately before the end of the symbol variation, and it is possible to quickly start the next symbol variation. By promptly starting the next symbol variation, it is possible to prevent the player from giving an impression that the interval between symbol variations is extended.

  Furthermore, the presentation control board 130 in the present embodiment has the earliest timing among the timings at which the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d start to operate in the next symbol variation display after starting the return operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d. The return operation is completed before the arrival. In other words, in the next symbol variation display, the effect of operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is not started in a state where the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d are not returned to the initial positions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to the start of the operation for moving the decorative movable object from the initial position toward the operating position in a state where the decorative movable object has not returned to the initial position.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can perform an effect of operating the decorative movable object even at the timing immediately before the end of the symbol variation, for example, and a variation as an effect of operating the decorative movable object. In a manner that does not cause problems in the operation of the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, the production accompanying the next symbol variation can be performed promptly and normally. Yes.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of decorative movable objects 31a to 31d is illustrated. However, the decoration movable object provided in the gaming machine 1 may be one. In the above description, the case where the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d appear on the front side of the image display 8 is described as an example. However, the position where the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d move is not necessarily the image display. It is not limited to the front of 8.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the returning operation | movement of the decoration movable objects 31a-31d was started at the timing which the production | presentation control board 130 received the symbol confirmation command was illustrated, the timing which starts a return operation is not restricted to this. For example, an arbitrary timing for starting the return operation is set in advance to a specific effect pattern for operating the decorative movable objects 31a to 31d, and the effect control board 130 is set to such a specific effect pattern. The return operation may be started at the timing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 8 Image display device 10 Game board 13 Game area | region 31 (31a-31d) Decoration movable body 19 1st starting port 21 2nd starting port 100 Main control board (main control means)
130 Production control board (production control means)

Claims (2)

A game board provided with a start opening for a game ball to enter;
A main control means for determining a symbol variation time for performing symbol variation display for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery in accordance with the game ball entering the start opening and displaying the result of the jackpot lottery.
An effect control means for selecting an effect pattern corresponding to the symbol variation time determined by the main control means, and controlling the effect operation based on the selected effect pattern;
A decorative movable object that is provided on the game board and that moves from an initial position to an operating position when a specific effect pattern is selected by the effect control means;
With
The effect control means moves the decorative movable object from the initial position to the operating position when the specific effect pattern is selected, and at a predetermined timing after the decorative movable object has moved to the operating position. To return the decorative movable object to the initial position.
The return operation may be performed across the next symbol variation,
The production control means, after starting the return operation, completes the return operation until the earliest timing among the timings at which the decorative movable object starts operating in the next symbol variation display. A gaming machine.   The specific effect pattern is set in advance as a pattern for moving the decorative movable object from the initial position to the operating position after the completion timing of the return operation performed at the start of symbol variation display. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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