JP2012249877A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve interest of a performance using an operation means for a performance by informing results without being affected by an operation situation of the operation means for a performance.SOLUTION: A performance content of a button operation performance is divided into a plurality of stages (D1-D5). Operation effective period is also divided into a plurality of time zones. Also, a performance stage for permitting arrival in the time zone is set to each time zone. Then, when operation of the operation button is detected within the operation effective period, the performance content is changed with a performance stage set to the corresponding time zone as an upper limit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a production operating means that can be operated by a player.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine, in order to enhance the interest of the game, it is provided with a production operation means (production operation button) that can be operated by the player, and along with the operation of the production operation button, The effect content for notifying the expectation that a privilege advantageous to the player is given is changed over a plurality of stages (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the player operates the effect operation button and the number of operations reaches a predetermined number, the degree of expectation that the symbol variation game will be a big hit is notified. . Specifically, the number of operations of the effect operation buttons operated within the operation effective period set during the symbol variation game is counted, and notification is performed based on the count value.

JP 2006-197971 A

  By the way, there are players who can operate the operation buttons for effects early, and players who operate the operation buttons for effects late. For this reason, when it is set as the production | generation form which derives a result according to the frequency | count of operation like the pachinko game machine of patent document 1, the player who can operate the operation button for production early can derive a result early. Therefore, the button operation is not performed after the second half of the operation valid period. On the other hand, there is a possibility that a player who is slow to operate the effect operation buttons cannot derive the result. In other words, in the configuration in which the result is derived in accordance with the number of operations of the operation buttons for performance, the flow of the performance is influenced by the pros and cons of the button operation, and the effect of the effect is sufficient for any player. It is hard to say that it is granted.

  In addition, such a problem may arise similarly when the effect form of the effect operation button is set to the lottery form. In other words, a player who can quickly operate the effect operation buttons will inevitably increase the number of lotteries, so that the result can be derived quickly. On the other hand, a player with a slow operation of the effect operation buttons has a small number of lotteries, and therefore, there is a high possibility that the result cannot be derived.

  This invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to be able to notify the result without being influenced by the operation status of the operation means for production, An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of the production using the production operation means.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 is provided with an effect operating means that can be operated by a player, and an effect of the game effect that is executed by the game effect device when triggered by the operation of the effect operating means. In the gaming machine that changes the contents of the effect and informs the expectation whether or not a privilege advantageous to the player is granted depending on whether or not the contents of the effect have reached a predetermined final stage. A setting means for setting an operation effective period of the operation means; and an effect control means for controlling execution of the game effect, wherein the content of the effect is divided into a plurality of stages, and the operation effective period is divided into a plurality of time zones. In addition to being divided, each time zone has a stage of production that allows arrival in that time zone, and the production control means detects the operation of the production operation means within the operation effective period. If, and summarized in that changing the effect contents of the presentation stage which is defined in the time zone corresponding to the time of the detection as an upper limit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the effect control means performs a first change process for changing the game effect in stages in response to an operation of the effect operation means. The gist is to do it.

The gist of a third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the second aspect, wherein the first change process includes a process of skipping one or more stages.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the effect control means is set to a time zone closest to a time zone corresponding to the detection time. The game effect is changed to the effect stage determined in the time zone corresponding to the time of detection without taking into consideration whether or not the effect stage has been reached. The gist is to execute the second change process.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the production control means is a maximum reaching stage that allows the arrival at the end of the operation valid period. And a step of determining a stage in which arrival is allowed in each time zone before the last time zone, with the determined maximum arrival stage being allowed to reach in the last time zone. The gist is to execute the determination process.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, for each maximum arrival stage that can be determined by the first determination process, a stage pattern that defines a stage in which arrival is allowed in each time zone is provided. The stage pattern has a larger number of patterns as the maximum reach stage approaches the final stage. In the second determination process, the effect control means includes the first control stage. The gist is to determine one stage pattern from the stage patterns corresponding to the maximum reach stage determined in the determination process.

  According to the present invention, by making it possible to notify the result without being influenced by the operation state of the effect operation means, it is possible to improve the interest of the effect using the effect operation means.

The front view which shows the game board of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the control structure of a pachinko gaming machine. (A)-(d) is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the button operation effect based on operation of an operation button. Explanatory drawing explaining the operation effective period of an operation button. The flowchart of a lottery process. Explanatory drawing explaining the lottery distribution of the maximum reach | attainment stage. (A)-(e) is explanatory drawing explaining the lottery distribution of a stage pattern. Explanatory drawing explaining the detail of a step pattern.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, an effect display device 11 as a game effect device having a liquid crystal display type image display unit GH is disposed almost at the center of a game board 10 of a pachinko gaming machine. The effect display device 11 includes a symbol variation game that is performed by varying a plurality of symbol sequences (three columns in this embodiment), and various display effects executed in association with the game are displayed as images. In the present embodiment, in the symbol variation game of the effect display device 11, a symbol combination including a plurality of columns (three columns in the present embodiment) is derived. Note that the symbol variation game of the effect display device 11 is performed using decorative symbols (effect symbols) for diversifying display effects. A 7-segment special symbol display device 12 is disposed at the lower left of the effect display device 11. In the special symbol display device 12, a symbol variation game is displayed in which a plurality of types of special symbols are varied and displayed. The special symbol is a notification symbol indicating the result of the internal lottery (big hit lottery) whether or not the big hit.

  On the special symbol display device 12, a special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols according to the lottery result of the big hit lottery is displayed in a fixed stop state when the symbol variation game ends. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of special symbols are classified into a jackpot symbol (corresponding to a jackpot display result) that is a symbol that can recognize a jackpot and one type of missing symbol that is a symbol that can recognize a loss.

  The jackpot symbol that is confirmed and stopped on the effect display device 11 is composed of symbol combinations in which the decorative symbols in all the rows are the same symbol. In addition, the off-line symbols that are confirmed and displayed on the effect display device 11 are a combination of symbols in which the decorative symbols in all the rows are different, or a decorative symbol in which the decorative symbols in one row are different from the decorative symbols in the other two rows. It is comprised by the following symbol combination. Further, in the effect display device 11, the variation of the symbol sequence stops in the order of left column → right column → middle column as viewed from the player side, and two specific columns (two columns on the left and right in this embodiment). ), When the same decorative design is temporarily displayed (fluctuation fluctuation display), reach is formed.

  Below the special symbol display device 12, a special symbol hold display device 13 having a plurality (two in this embodiment) of special symbol hold light emitting units is disposed. The special symbol hold display device 13 notifies the player of the number of start reserved balls for special symbols stored inside the machine (hereinafter referred to as “the number of reserved memories”). The number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 when a game ball enters a later-described start winning opening 15 provided on the game board 10, while it is decremented by 1 when the symbol variation game is started. Therefore, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 15 during the symbol variation game, the reserved memory number is further added and accumulated up to a predetermined upper limit number (four in this embodiment).

  Further, a normal symbol display device 14 is disposed on the left side of the special symbol hold display device 13. In the normal symbol display device 14, a normal symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as “general symbol game”) is performed in which a plurality of types of normal symbols are changed to derive one normal symbol. The normal symbol display device 14 of the present embodiment is composed of a plurality (two in this embodiment) of normal symbol display units configured by covering a light-emitting body (LED, lamp, etc.) (not shown) with a lens cover. The normal symbol display device 14 displays a lottery result of an internal lottery (lottery per later drawing) to determine whether or not to hit a general symbol separately from the big hit lottery to determine whether or not to win. That is, when a lottery per common symbol is won, a normal symbol hit symbol (in this embodiment, the normal symbol display portion on the left side is lit) is displayed in a fixed stop (derived) in the regular game. On the other hand, when the lottery per regular symbol is not won (in the case of a loss), the out-of-normal symbol (in this embodiment, the normal symbol display on the right side is lit) is displayed in a fixed stop (derived).

  Below the effect display device 11, a start winning port 15 having a game ball entrance 15a is disposed. The start winning opening 15 is an ordinary electric accessory, and includes an opening / closing blade 16 as an opening / closing member that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown). The start winning port 15 is opened by opening the opening and closing blades 16 so that the game ball can be easily entered (winning). On the other hand, the closing operation of the opening and closing blades 16 does not expand the entrance. The ball is in a closed state where it is difficult to enter (win). A start port switch SW1 (shown in FIG. 2) is provided in the back of the start winning port 15 as a start detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered. The start winning port 15 can give a start condition for the symbol variation game and a payout condition for a game ball as a predetermined number of winning balls by detecting the entered game ball with the start port switch SW1.

  Also, below the start winning opening 15, a special winning opening (special electric accessory) 18 having a large winning opening door 17 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) not shown is disposed. Yes. A count switch SW2 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed in the back of the big winning opening 18. The big winning opening 18 can give a payout condition of game balls as a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by detecting the gaming balls that have entered. The big winning opening 18 is opened by the opening operation of the big winning opening door 17 during the big hit game, thereby allowing a game ball to enter. For this reason, during the big hit game, the player can obtain a chance to win a prize ball.

  The jackpot game is started after the jackpot symbol is confirmed and stopped in the symbol variation game, and the symbol variation game ends. When the big hit game is started, an opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game is first performed. After the opening effect, the round game in which the special winning opening 18 is opened is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds as a predetermined upper limit (16 rounds or 9 rounds in the present embodiment). One round game is until the grand prize opening 18 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and during one round game, the big prize opening 18 is until a predetermined number of game balls are won. Or until the specified time (round game time) elapses. In round games, round effects are performed. Then, an ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed, and the jackpot game is ended.

  Further, a normal symbol operating gate 19 is disposed on the left side of the effect display device 11. A gate switch SW3 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a game ball that has entered and passed is disposed behind the normal symbol operation gate 19. The normal symbol actuating gate 19 can give only the starting condition of the ordinary game (the lottery opportunity for lottery per ordinary figure) when the game ball passes.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment can be given a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) state in which the winning probability (lottery probability) of the big hit lottery varies (improves) from a low probability to a high probability after the big hit game ends. It is configured. In this embodiment, the probability variation state is given until the next jackpot game is generated. The probability variation state is advantageous to the player because the winning probability of the big hit lottery varies with a high probability and the big hit is likely to occur.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a function of shortening the variation time (hereinafter referred to as “variation shortening”). The speed change function shortens the change time of the normal game, and also changes the change state that changes the winning probability (lottery probability) of the normal lottery based on the passage of the normal symbol operation gate 19 from a low probability to a high probability. It is a function to be granted. Further, during the variable speed state, the total opening time of the open / close blades 16 based on the fact that one lottery per lottery has been won becomes longer than that during the non-changeable state. The variable state is given until a predetermined number of symbol variation games are played, or until a big hit occurs before the number of games is reached. When the variable state is given, the winning probability of determining whether to hit the normal map (lottery per normal map) is higher than in the non-variable state. In addition, the variation time of the usual game that is performed in the variable state is shorter than the variation time of the common game that is performed in the non-variable state. In addition, after the usual game is completed, the opening / closing state of the opening / closing blade 16 varies depending on the game state at the time of the usual game. Specifically, in the non-changing short state, the opening / closing blade 16 is opened for the first number of times (for example, 1 (times)) in the first opening time (for example, 0.3 (seconds)), while the variable time is changed. In the short state, the opening / closing blade 16 is opened for a second number of times (for example, 3 (times)) in a second opening time (for example, 1.4 (seconds)). In the present embodiment, the variable state that increases the opening time per unit time of the opening and closing blade 16 after the end of the big hit game corresponds to the opening time increasing state.

Next, the control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.
A main control board 30 for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine is mounted on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine. The main control board 30 executes various processes for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine and outputs various control signals (control commands) according to the processing results. In addition, a sub general control board 31 and an effect display control board 32 are mounted on the rear side of the machine.

  The sub integrated control board 31 controls the effect display control board 32 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 30. Further, the effect display control board 32 is based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 30 and the sub integrated control board 31 and the display mode of the effect display device 11 (display images such as symbols, backgrounds and characters). To control.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the main control board 30, the sub-integrated control board 31, and the effect display control board 32 will be described.
The main control board 30 has a main control CPU 30a that executes control operations in a predetermined procedure, a main control ROM 30b that stores a control program for the main control CPU 30a, and a main control CPU that can write and read necessary data. A RAM 30c is provided. The main control CPU 30a is connected so that various switches SW1 to SW3 can detect and output detection signals from the game balls. Further, a special symbol display device 12, a special symbol hold display device 13, and a normal symbol display device 14 are connected to the main control CPU 30a.

  Further, the main control CPU 30a updates random numbers such as jackpot determination random numbers, reach determination random numbers, universal chart determination random numbers, and special figure distribution random numbers at predetermined intervals ( Execute random number generation processing). The big hit determination random number is a random number used in the big hit lottery (big hit determination). The reach determination random number is a random number used in the reach lottery (reach determination) of whether or not a reach is formed (whether or not a reach effect is executed) when the big hit lottery is not won. The random number for determining per common figure is a random number used in a lottery per common figure for whether or not per common figure. The special figure allocating random number is a random number used when determining the big hit symbol of the special symbol when winning by the big hit lottery. The main control RAM 30c stores (sets) various pieces of information (random numbers, timer values, flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine.

  The main control ROM 30b stores a main control program and a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is a pattern that serves as a base for effects (display effects, light-emitting effects, sound effects) from the start of the symbol variation game to the end of the symbol variation game. The time (variation time) can be specified. The variation patterns are classified for each variation content including large hit variation, outlier reach variation, and outlier variation.

  The big hit variation is a change performed when the big hit lottery is won. In the big hit variation, the big hit symbol is finally stopped and displayed in the special symbol variation game. On the other hand, in the big hit variation, in the symbol variation game with the decorative symbol, the big hit symbol is finally stopped and displayed after reaching the reach effect. The loss reach variation is performed when the reach lottery is won without winning the jackpot lottery, and finally the loss symbol is displayed in a fixed stop state in the symbol variation game with a special symbol. On the other hand, in the outlier reach variation, in the symbol variation game with decorative symbols, the reach symbol is finally displayed in a fixed stop state after reaching the reach effect. The loss variation is performed when neither the big win lottery or the reach lottery is won, and finally, in the symbol variation game with a special symbol, the symbol is finally stopped and displayed. On the other hand, in the case of deviation variation, in the symbol variation game with decorative symbols, the final symbol is finally displayed in a fixed stop without reaching reach. In the symbol variation game with special symbols, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the variation of the special symbol is continued until the variation time elapses without performing the reach effect. There are a plurality of types of variation patterns for big hit variation, outlier reach variation and outlier variation, and one of them is selected.

  The main control ROM 30b stores a big hit determination value, a reach determination value, and a normal hit determination value. The jackpot determination value is a determination value used in the jackpot lottery, and is determined from numerical values that can be taken by the jackpot determination random number (953 different integers from 0 to 952). In the present embodiment, three values are set as jackpot determination values for the uncertain change state, and the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery is 3/953. On the other hand, 30 values are set as the jackpot determination value for the probability variation state, and the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery is 30/953.

  The reach determination value is a determination value used in the reach lottery, and is determined from numerical values that can be taken by the reach determination random numbers (a total of 241 integers from 0 to 240). The judgment value per common figure is a judgment value used in internal lottery (lottery per common figure) for whether or not per common figure, and a numerical value that can be taken by the random number for judgment per common figure (a total of 251 integers from 0 to 250) ). In the present embodiment, ten values are set as the per-normal map determination value for the non-variable short state, and the probability of winning in the lottery per general map is 10/251. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, 250 values are set as the per-normal figure determination values for the variable state, and the probability of winning in the lottery per common figure is 250/251.

Next, the sub general control board 31 will be described.
On the sub-integrated control board 31, an overall control CPU 31a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, an overall control ROM 31b for storing an overall control program for the overall control CPU 31a, and writing and reading of necessary data An overall control RAM 31c is provided. The overall control CPU 31a executes random number update processing (random number generation processing) for updating various random number values at predetermined intervals. The overall control RAM 31c stores (sets) various information (random values, timer values, flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine.

  Further, a push button type operation button BT is connected to the overall control CPU 31a. In the pachinko gaming machine, the operation button BT is disposed at a position where the player can operate while playing a game, such as an upper surface of a ball tray unit for storing game balls. The overall control CPU 31a recognizes that the operation button BT has been operated by inputting an operation signal that is output when the operation button BT is operated. In addition, the operation button BT contains a light emitting member (such as an LED) that emits light during an operation effective period in which the operation of the operation button BT is effective. In the present embodiment, the operation button BT becomes a production operation means that can be operated by the player.

Next, the effect display control board 32 will be described.
On the effect display control board 32, a display control CPU 32a capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a display control ROM 32b for storing a control program of the display control CPU 32a, and writing and reading of necessary data. A display control RAM 32c is provided. The effect display device 11 is connected to the display control CPU 32a. The display control ROM 32b stores various image data (image data such as symbols, backgrounds, characters, characters, etc.).

Hereinafter, the control contents executed by the main control board 30, the sub integrated control board 31, and the effect display control board 32 will be described.
First, various processes such as a special symbol input process and a special symbol start process executed by the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 based on the main control program will be described. In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 30a executes various processes such as a special symbol input process and a special symbol start process every predetermined control cycle (for example, 4 ms).

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
First, the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not a game ball has entered the start winning opening 15 based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the start opening switch SW1. When this determination result is affirmative, the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not the number of reserved storage stored in the main control RAM 30c is less than the upper limit number of four. When the number of reserved memories is not less than 4, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the number of reserved memories is less than 4, the main control CPU 30a increments the number of reserved memories by +1 (1 is added). That is, the main control CPU 30a causes the main control RAM 30c to store the game ball detected by the start winning opening 15 as a start holding ball. The main control CPU 30a that has updated (added 1) the number of reserved memories controls the display content of the special symbol hold display device 13 so as to display the number of reserved memories after update (after addition). Next, the main control CPU 30a reads out and acquires various random number values (in this embodiment, the value of the big hit determination random number and the special figure distribution random number) from the main control RAM 30c and holds the values. A predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 30c corresponding to the number of memories is set. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, when no game ball is entering the start winning opening 15, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
First, the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not the symbol variation game is being executed or whether the big hit game is being executed. When the determination result of the execution condition determination is affirmative, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol start process.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the execution condition determination is negative (not in the symbol variation game and not in the big hit game), the main control CPU 30a has a reserved memory number stored in the main control RAM 30c of “0 ( It is determined whether it is larger than “zero”. When the reserved memory number is “0 (zero)”, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol start process because there is no symbol variation game being held. On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories is 1 or more, the main control CPU 30a decrements the number of reserved memories by −1 (1 subtraction) because there is a symbol variation game being held. In addition, the main control CPU 30a that updates (subtracts 1) the number of reserved memories controls the display content of the special symbol hold display device 13 so as to display the number of stored memories after update (after subtraction). Then, the main control CPU 30a reads the value of the jackpot determination random number stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 30c in association with the reserved storage number. At this time, the main control CPU 30a reads the value of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the start hold ball stored most quickly among the start hold balls stored in the main control RAM 30c.

  The main control CPU 30a compares the jackpot determination random number value with the jackpot determination value, and determines whether or not the jackpot determination value matches the jackpot determination value. At this time, if the current gaming state is a non-probability change state (low probability), the main control CPU 30a performs a big hit determination using the big-prong determination value for the non-probability change state, while the current gaming state is a probability change state ( In the case of high probability), the jackpot determination is performed using the jackpot determination value for the probability variation state. Note that the main control CPU 30a grasps whether or not the current gaming state is a probability change state based on a control flag (a probability change flag described later) set in the main control RAM 30c.

  When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative, the main control CPU 30a executes a big hit variation process for executing a symbol variation game that becomes a big hit variation. In the big hit variation process, the main control CPU 30a reads the value of the special figure distribution random number stored in the predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 30c in association with the reserved storage number. Then, the main control CPU 30a determines the special symbol jackpot symbol as a special symbol that causes the special symbol display device 12 to display a fixed stop based on the value of the special symbol distribution random number. Further, the main control CPU 30a that has determined the big hit selects and determines the fluctuation pattern for the big hit fluctuation. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol start process.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination is negative, the main control CPU 30a recognizes the deviation from the fact that the value of the big hit determination random number is not a value that makes a big hit. Therefore, the main control CPU 30a reads the value of the reach determination random number, compares the reach determination random number value with the reach determination value, and determines whether or not the reach determination value matches the reach determination value. If the determination result of the reach determination is affirmative, the main control CPU 30a executes the reach variation process for executing the symbol variation game that causes the loss reach variation because the reach is won in the reach lottery. In the reach variation processing, the main control CPU 30a determines a deviation symbol as a special symbol to be confirmed and stopped on the special symbol display device 12, and also determines a variation pattern for deviation reach variation.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the reach determination is negative, the main control CPU 30a has not won the reach in the reach lottery, and therefore executes a shift variation process for executing the symbol variation game that causes the shift variation. In the deviation variation process, the main control CPU 30a determines a special symbol as a special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 12 with a fixed stop. In addition, the main control CPU 30a that has determined the deviation selects and determines a fluctuation pattern for deviation fluctuation. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol start process.

  Then, the main control CPU 30a that has determined the special symbol and the variation pattern in the special symbol start process outputs the control command generated according to the determination items to the sub-general control board 31 (general control CPU 31a) at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main control CPU 30a first outputs a variation pattern designation command instructing a variation pattern and instructing the start of the symbol variation game at the start of the symbol variation game. The main control CPU 30a outputs a special symbol stop symbol designating command for designating the special symbol, and then outputs the variation pattern designating command. Then, the main control CPU 30a outputs a symbol stop command for instructing the end of the symbol variation game (determination of symbol determination) when the variation time determined in the instructed variation pattern has elapsed, as the variation time elapses. .

Next, various processes executed by the overall control CPU 31a of the sub overall control board 31 based on the control program will be described.
When the CPU 31a for overall control inputs a change pattern designation command, it outputs the command to the effect display control board 32. In addition, when the stop control designation command for special symbols is input, the overall control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination of decorative symbols to be confirmed and stopped on the effect display device 11 according to the command. More specifically, when the jackpot symbol is designated as a special symbol, the overall control CPU 31a determines a jackpot symbol combination that can definitely recognize the jackpot. In addition, when the special symbol is designated as the special symbol, the overall control CPU 31a determines the symbol symbol combination as the decorative symbol. At this time, when the fluctuation pattern for the deviation reach fluctuation is instructed, the overall control CPU 31a determines the symbol combination including the reach symbol as the decorative symbol. On the other hand, when the variation pattern for deviation variation is instructed, the overall control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination that does not include a reach symbol as a decorative symbol. Then, the overall control CPU 31a outputs to the effect display control board 32 a stop symbol designation command for a decorative symbol that designates the determined decorative symbol.

  When the overall control CPU 31a inputs a symbol stop command, the overall control CPU 31a outputs the command to the effect display control board 32. The overall control CPU 31a executes a predetermined process by setting an operation effective period of the operation button BT during the symbol variation game and inputting an operation signal from the operation button BT during the period. Note that specific control contents regarding the operation button BT will be described in detail later.

Next, various processes executed by the display control CPU 32a of the effect display control board 32 based on the display control program will be described.
When the change control designation command is input, the display control CPU 32a of the effect display control board 32 selects the image display data based on the effect contents (variation contents) corresponding to the change pattern designated by the command. The display control CPU 32a controls the display contents of the effect display device 11 so as to display an image of the symbol variation game based on the image display data. In addition, the display control CPU 32a measures the elapsed time from the start of the symbol variation game, and displays an image displayed on the effect display device 11 based on the measured time and display data for each predetermined control period (for example, 4 ms). Every). When the display control CPU 32a inputs a symbol stop command during the symbol variation game, the display control is performed so as to cause the effect display device 11 to stop and display the decorative symbol designated by the decorative symbol stop symbol designation command. Then, the symbol variation game is terminated.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment configured as described above, the player operates the operation button BT during the symbol variation game, and a button operation effect that reflects the operation result is executed. Hereinafter, the content of the button operation effect and the specific control content related to the button operation effect will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, an outline of the button operation effect will be described.
The button operation effect of the present embodiment is executed as a notification effect for notifying the degree of expectation of whether or not a big hit. As described above, the big hit is a chance to obtain a large number of prize balls, which is an advantageous privilege for the player.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the button operation effect is performed with the effect content that opens the “gate M” displayed in the display area of the image display unit GH by operating the operation button BT. In this embodiment, the gate M includes a fully closed stage (FIG. 3A), a 1/5 open stage (FIG. 3B), a 2/5 open stage (not shown), and 3/5 open. The image display mode (effect stage) can be taken in six stages: a stage (FIG. 3C), a 4/5 opening stage (not shown), and a full opening stage (FIG. 3D). In the present embodiment, the all closing stage is the initial stage production content (initial stage) in the production content of the button operation production, and the full release stage is the final production content (final stage) in the production content of the button operation production. In the present embodiment, the other stages other than the full closing stage and the full opening stage are intermediate production contents (intermediate stage) in the production contents of the button operation production.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the button operation effect is executed after the start of the symbol variation game, during the operation effective period set after the reach is formed by the variation stop of the left and right columns. In the present embodiment, the operation effective period is divided into a plurality of time zones as shown in FIG. Specifically, “0 to less than 0.5 seconds”, “less than 0.5 to 1 second”, “less than 1 to 1.5 seconds”, “less than 1.5 to 2 seconds”, “2-2 Less than .5 seconds "," less than 2.5 to 3 seconds "," less than 3 to 3.2 seconds "," less than 3.2 to 3.5 seconds "," 3.5 to the end of the operation valid period " There are 9 time zones. Then, in the button operation effect of the present embodiment, the effect content (the effect stage of the gate M) that can be reached for each time zone is set. By this setting, the aspect of change (progress) of the production contents is regulated. In other words, in the button operation effect, the content of the effect is not limited to the effect stage set in the time zone corresponding to the detection of the button operation, and the next effect stage is set and the effect stage set in the time zone is set as the upper limit. Changes.

Hereinafter, the control content for executing the button operation effect will be described.
The overall control CPU 31a executes the lottery process shown in FIG. 5 when the button operation effect is executed in the symbol variation game based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command. This lottery process includes a process of step S1 (first determination process) for determining the maximum reaching stage and a process of step S2 (second determination process) for determining the stage pattern. In step S1, the overall control CPU 31a determines an effect stage (final arrival stage) that is allowed to reach at the end point of the button operation effect (end point of the operation valid period). In step S2, the overall control CPU 31a determines that the final arrival stage determined in step S1 is allowed to arrive in the final time zone (in the present embodiment, the time zone from “3.5 to the end of the operation valid period”). A stage in which arrival is allowed in each time zone before that stage is determined. That is, in step S2, the degree of change (progress) in the production content until the final stage is reached.

  FIG. 6 shows the distribution of the steps referred to by the overall control CPU 31a in order to determine the final arrival step in step S1. This distribution is stored in the overall control ROM 31b. In the present embodiment, random numbers are distributed so that the selection ratio of the stages that can be the final arrival stage differs depending on whether the stage is allocated or lost. As shown in FIG. 6, D1 is “1/5 opening stage” as the stage, D2 is “2/5 opening stage” as the stage, D3 is “3/5 opening stage” as the stage, D4 indicates a “4/5 opening stage” as an effect stage, and D5 indicates an “all opening stage” as an effect stage.

  As shown in the distribution of FIG. 6, in this embodiment, in the case of a big hit, “1/5 release stage” → “2/5 release stage” → “3/5 release stage” → “4/5 release stage” → Random numbers are distributed so that the selection ratio increases in the order of “full release stage”. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the case of a loss, “full release stage” → “4/5 release stage” → “3/5 release stage” → “2/5 release stage” → “1/5 release stage”. The random numbers are distributed so that the selection ratio becomes large. According to this distribution mode, the higher the production stage, that is, the closer to the “full release stage”, the higher the expectation that the symbol variation game will be a big hit. In the present embodiment, random numbers are distributed so that the “full release stage” can be selected only in the case of a big hit. For this reason, when the button operation effect reaches the “full release stage” by the operation of the operation button BT, the effect is such that the big hit can be definitely recognized. On the other hand, the button operation effect is an effect that, when the “full release stage” is not reached by the operation of the operation button BT, the big hit cannot be recognized, and whether or not there is a high possibility of the big hit depending on the reached stage. Become.

  FIGS. 7A to 7E show the distribution that the overall control CPU 31a refers to in order to determine the step pattern in step S2. This distribution is stored in the overall control ROM 31b. In this embodiment, the overall control ROM 31b functions as a storage unit.

  If the overall control CPU 31a determines “1/5 release stage” as the final arrival stage in step S1, the overall control CPU 31a determines the stage pattern based on the distribution of FIG. In the “1/5 opening stage”, one kind of stage pattern P1 is set as a stage pattern. Further, when the “2/5 release stage” is determined as the final stage in step S1, the overall control CPU 31a determines a stage pattern based on the distribution of FIG. 7B. In the “2/5 opening stage”, four stage patterns P2 to P5 are set as stage patterns. The distribution of random numbers for the stage patterns P2 to P5 is almost equalized. Further, when the “3/5 release stage” is determined as the final stage in step S1, the overall control CPU 31a determines a stage pattern based on the distribution of FIG. 7C. In the “3/5 opening stage”, nine kinds of stage patterns P6 to P14 are set as stage patterns. The distribution of random numbers to the stage patterns P6 to P14 is almost equalized.

  Further, if the “4/5 release stage” is determined as the final arrival stage in step S1, the overall control CPU 31a determines a stage pattern based on the distribution of FIG. In the “4/5 opening stage”, 10 kinds of stage patterns P15 to P24 are set as stage patterns. The distribution of random numbers to the step patterns P15 to P24 is almost equalized. Further, when the “full release stage” is determined as the final arrival stage in step S1, the overall control CPU 31a determines a stage pattern based on the distribution of FIG. In the “full opening stage”, 21 types of stage patterns P25 to P45 are set as stage patterns. The random number distribution for the step patterns P25 to P45 is set to a large number of specific step patterns P30 to P35, and the other step patterns P25 to P28 and P36 to P45 are substantially equalized.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E, the number of step patterns is set such that the maximum reaching step approaches the final step (“full opening step”). Specifically, “1/5 opening stage” has 1 type, “2/5 opening stage” has 4 types, “3/5 opening stage” has 9 types, and “4/5 opening stage”. There are 10 types, and 21 types of stage patterns are set in the “full opening stage”. In step S2, the overall control CPU 31a refers to the distribution corresponding to the final stage determined in step S1, and determines one stage pattern according to the distribution.

  Further, the overall control CPU 31a sets an operation valid period after the start of the symbol variation game for performing the button operation effect. In the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 31a for setting the operation valid period functions as a setting unit. Then, during the operation valid period, the overall control CPU 31a determines whether or not an operation signal from the operation button BT has been input. If this determination result is affirmative, the overall control CPU 31a outputs to the display control CPU 32a a control command for controlling the production content according to the stage pattern determined in the lottery process (steps S1 and S2). On the other hand, the display control CPU 32a having input the control command controls an image displayed on the image display unit GH according to the control command.

Hereinafter, the control contents of the overall control CPU 31a and the display control CPU 32a based on the step pattern will be described in detail.
When the overall control CPU 31a detects the operation of the operation button BT by the input of an operation signal, it extracts from the stage pattern the stage of performance defined in the time zone corresponding to the detection, and commands to indicate the extracted stage of production Is output as a control command.

  FIG. 8 shows the stage of production defined in each time zone for each of the stage patterns P1 to P45. In the figure, “0.5” is a time zone of “0 to less than 0.5 seconds”, “1” is a time zone of “0.5 to less than 1 second”, and “1.5” is “1 to 1”. "Less than 1.5 seconds", "2" means "less than 1.5-2 seconds", "2.5" means "less than 2-2.5 seconds" Show. In the figure, “3” is a time zone of “less than 2.5 to 3 seconds”, “3.2” is a time zone of “less than 3 to 3.2 seconds”, and “3.5” is “ “Last” indicates a time period of “3.5 to less than 3.5 seconds”, and “Last” indicates a time period of “3.5 to the end of the effective operation period”.

  For example, the stage pattern P1 is a stage pattern when the maximum reaching stage is “1/5 opening stage”, and “1/5 opening stage (D1)” is associated as the stage of production in each of the nine time zones. ing. The stage pattern P6 is a stage pattern when the maximum reaching stage is “3/5 release stage”, and “0.5” is set to “1/5 release stage ( D1) ”,“ 1/5 ”and“ 1.5 ”are associated with“ 2/5 release stage (D2) ”, and“ 2 ”to“ last ”are associated with“ 3/5 release stage (D3) ”. Yes. In addition, in FIG. 8, the production | presentation stage for every time zone with respect to another stage pattern is shown similarly to stage pattern P1, P6 illustrated previously.

  When the overall control CPU 31a detects the operation of the operation button BT during the same time period, the overall control CPU 31a outputs the same control command for each detection. Specifically, in the case of the step pattern P6, when the operation is detected during the time zone “0.5”, the overall control CPU 31a outputs a control command indicating “1/5 release step” and again displays the time. When an operation is detected when the band is “0.5”, a control command indicating “1/5 release stage” is output. Then, when the time zone shifts from “0.5” to “1” and an operation is detected in the time zone “1”, the overall control CPU 31a outputs a control command indicating “2/5 release stage”. . According to the control of the present embodiment as described above, in the same time zone, the control command corresponding to the time zone continues to be output no matter how many times the operation is detected. The change in the production stage is controlled. Note that, when the overall control CPU 31a detects an operation and outputs a control command, the overall control CPU 31a thereafter performs control that does not detect the operation for a certain prohibition time. That is, during the prohibition time, even if the overall control CPU 31a inputs an operation signal, it does not determine that the operation is valid and does not output a control command.

  Then, when a control command is input, the display control CPU 32a controls the effect content based on the button operation effect according to the control command. Specifically, when the display control CPU 32a inputs a control command indicating “1/5 release stage”, the image displayed on the image display unit GH is set as the “1/5 release stage” image. At this time, in the image display unit GH, when the image of “all closed stage” is displayed, if the display control CPU 32a inputs a control command indicating “1/5 opening stage”, FIG. ) → The content of the effect changes as shown in (b). That is, an image in which the gate M is opened is displayed on the image display unit GH by the operation of the operation button BT. On the other hand, in the image display unit GH, when the “1/5 release stage” image is displayed, if the display control CPU 32a inputs a control command indicating “1/5 release stage”, FIG. The production content is maintained as shown in b). That is, an image in which the operation button BT is operated but the open state of the gate M is not changed is displayed on the image display unit GH.

And the stage pattern of this embodiment implement | achieves the effect demonstrated below.
In the stage pattern P1 and the stage pattern P25, the same production stage is set for each time zone. For this reason, in the stage patterns P1 and P25, when the first button operation is detected, the stage corresponding to the final stage is reached, and the stage is maintained even if the operation is detected thereafter. In the stage pattern P25, the “full release stage” is reached by the first button operation, and the big hit can be definitely recognized.

  Further, the stage patterns such as the stage pattern P6 and the stage pattern P15 are patterns in which the rate of increase in the production stage is one stage toward the final stage. In other words, these stage patterns include the case where the same stage of production is set in adjacent time zones, but the stage of production always rises by one step under the condition that the operation button BT is continuously operated. To do. In the present embodiment, the process based on these step patterns corresponds to a first change process that changes the effect content step by step when the operation button BT is operated.

  Further, the stage patterns such as the stage pattern P14 and the stage pattern P24 are patterns including a time zone in which the rate of increase in the production stage is a plurality of stages toward the final stage. In other words, these stage patterns include cases where the same stage of production is set in adjacent time zones and cases where the stage is raised by one stage, but the stage of production rises by a plurality of stages in a specific time zone. For example, in the stage pattern P14, the stage of the time zone “3.2” is “1/5 release stage”, while the stage of the next time zone “3.5” is “3/5 release stage”. It is. For this reason, in the stage pattern P14, when the button operation is detected after the time zone has shifted from “3.2” to “3.5”, the stage of production increases by two stages. In the stage pattern P24, the stage for the time zone “3” is the “1/5 release stage”, while the stage for the next time zone “3.2” is the “4/5 release stage”. . For this reason, in the stage pattern P24, when a button operation is detected after the time zone has shifted from “3” to “3.2”, the stage of production increases by three stages. In the present embodiment, processing based on these step patterns corresponds to processing for skipping one or more steps.

  In addition, according to the control of the present embodiment, the stage of production that allows arrival for each time zone is set by the stage pattern. For this reason, in the control of the present embodiment, the stage of change is performed according to the stage pattern, but the stage of stage may not change as set in the stage pattern depending on the operation of the operation button BT. That is, in the control of this embodiment, the stage always changes to the stage corresponding to the time zone in which the button operation is detected. For example, in the stage pattern P26, as shown in FIG. 8, the stage of production for each time zone is set. To “4/5 opening stage”.

  In the present embodiment, the button operation is continuously performed, and when the operation is detected in each time zone, it is possible to change the stage of production as set in the stage pattern. However, when the button operation is not performed, there may be a case where the production stage changes at a plurality of stages at once as described above. That is, in the control of the present embodiment, when a button operation is detected, the detected time without considering whether or not the stage has been reached in the time zone closest to the time zone corresponding to the detection is reached. Change to the stage corresponding to the belt. This control corresponds to the second change process. It should be noted that the change in the production stage is based on the condition that the button operation is detected to the last, and the production stage does not change only by the passage of time in a state where the button operation is not performed. In the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 31a and the display control CPU 32a that execute the various controls described above constitute an effect control means.

  In the present embodiment, after the end of the operation effective period, a symbol combination that can recognize a big hit or a loss is derived. In other words, in the case of a big hit, it is possible to reach the "full release stage" as the final stage, so if the "full release stage" is reached in the button operation effect, the jackpot symbol combination after the end of the operation effective period Is derived. On the other hand, when the button operation effect does not reach the “full release stage”, it is either a big hit or a loss, so that a big winning symbol combination or a lost symbol combination is derived after the operation effective period ends. In the present embodiment, when the operation effective period ends without reaching the final stage of the stage defined in the stage pattern, the jackpot symbol combination or the off symbol combination is derived after the operation effective period ends. The

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Restrictions are placed on the stage of production where the content of the production can be changed according to the timing at which the operation button BT is operated. For this reason, a player who can operate the operation button BT quickly can visually recognize how the content of the effect changes due to the operation of the operation button BT over the entire operation valid period. Further, even if the player operates the operation button BT slowly, if the operation button BT is continuously operated, it is possible to visually recognize how the effect contents are changed. That is, the result can be notified without being influenced by the operation state of the operation button BT. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the production using the operation button BT.

  (2) Then, it is possible to eliminate the difference in game effect due to the button operation effect between the player who is good at the operation of the operation button BT and the player who is not good at the operation. That is, any player can reach the final stage.

(3) It has a stage pattern that changes the stage of production one by one. According to this, it is possible to make the player visually recognize a step-by-step change in the effect contents by operating the operation button BT.
(4) It has a stage pattern that changes the stage of production in multiple stages. According to this, since the effect of skipping the stage is made in addition to the change of each stage, it is possible to have variations in the change of the contents of the effect and improve the interest of the effect.

  (5) The operation button BT is changed to an effect stage corresponding to the time zone in which the operation button BT is operated. According to this, with the passage of time, the number of steps can be changed by operating the operation button BT. For this reason, it is possible to make a player who is slow to operate the operation button BT reliably see how the content of the effect changes.

  (6) A process of determining the maximum reach stage and the stage pattern is performed. According to this, even when the operation button BT is operated, it is possible to create a case where the production content reaches or does not reach the final stage, and it is possible to have variations in the number of stages finally reached. Also, variations can be made in the change mode of the production contents.

  (7) The number of stage patterns was set to be larger as the maximum stage reached closer to the final stage. According to this, a variation can be given to the change aspect of production contents, and the production more interesting can be realized.

  (8) A forbidden time was set for detecting button operations. According to this, even when the operation button BT is operated very quickly, it is possible to suppress the image display from being doubled. That is, the display control can be reliably performed on the display control CPU 32a side.

  (9) Since the control based on the time zone is adopted, if the operation button BT is continuously operated, the stage of production can be raised according to the stage patterns P1 to P45. For this reason, since the counting process of the number of operations of the operation button BT and the lottery process based on the operation of the operation button BT are not performed, the control can be simplified.

  (10) In the button operation effect, only the direction of increasing the effect stage is shifted. That is, once the stage of production that has been raised is maintained, the stage of production is not lowered. For this reason, if the operation button BT is continuously operated, the stage of production increases according to the stage patterns P1 to P45, so that the willingness to operate the operation button BT can be maintained.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the embodiment, instead of the stage patterns P1 to P45, after the determination of the maximum arrival stage, the stage allowing the arrival in each time zone before the final time zone may be determined by lottery. In this case, in the time zone before and after, the later time zone is prevented from being in the stage of production after the previous time zone.

  In the embodiment, the distribution for determining the maximum achievement stage may be determined only in the final stage in the case of a big hit, and may be determined from other production stages other than the final stage in the case of a loss. .

In the embodiment, all the stage patterns may be changed to patterns that change one stage at a time.
In the embodiment, the number of time zone divisions and the number of step patterns may be changed.

  In the embodiment, the content notified by the button operation effect may be changed depending on whether or not a certain change state is given, whether or not a change state is given, or a change state is given. The period may be changed to the number of times of the symbol variation game.

  -You may embody the button operation effect of embodiment in the effect which can be performed during a jackpot game. With this effect, it may be notified whether or not the probability variation state is given, the number of rounds constituting the big hit game, and the like. In addition, when notifying whether or not the probability variation state is given, it may be in a state where the lottery probability state is not notified to the player (secret state) because the full release stage has not been reached. When the full release stage is not reached, there are cases where the operation pattern BT is not operated and the operation button BT is not operated.

  -In embodiment, it is good also considering the production | presentation stage set for every time slot | zone as the upper limit of the production | presentation stage which can change at the time. For example, it is assumed that the production stage set in a certain time zone is “4/5 opening stage”, and the current stage of production is “1/5 opening stage”. In this case, when the button operation is detected, the production stage may be shifted to the “4/5 opening stage” at once, or may be shifted to the next “2/5 opening stage”.

  In the embodiment, when the final stage is reached, it may be recognized that the expected degree of jackpot is the highest after reaching the final stage. In other words, reaching the final stage may not correspond to the big hit determination.

-In embodiment, you may change the effect content of a button operation effect. For example, a gauge obtained by dividing the content of the button operation effect into a plurality of stages may be used as a motif.
In the embodiment, the sub control control board 31 may be omitted, and the presentation display control board 32 may execute the control executed by the sub control control board 31. In this case, the operation button BT is connected to the effect display control board 32.

  In the embodiment, the button operation effect may be performed in a state where all the rows are changing or the change in the second row is not stopped, that is, before reach formation. That is, after the start of the symbol variation game, the button operation effect may be started as the predetermined time elapses. In this case, the button operation effect may be an effect for notifying whether or not a big hit is made as in the embodiment, or may be an effect for notifying whether or not a reach is formed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Production | presentation display apparatus, 31a ... Central control CPU, 31b ... General control ROM, 32a ... Display control CPU, P1-P45 ... Stage pattern, BT ... Operation button.

Claims (6)

An effect operating means that can be operated by the player is provided, and the effect contents of the game effect to be executed by the game effect device are changed by the operation of the effect operating means, and the effect contents reach a predetermined final stage. In a gaming machine that informs the expectation of whether or not a privilege advantageous for a player is granted depending on whether or not
Setting means for setting an operation valid period of the effect operation means;
Production control means for controlling execution of the game production,
The production content is divided into a plurality of stages,
The operation valid period is divided into a plurality of time zones, and each time zone has an effect stage that allows arrival in that time zone,
When the production control means detects an operation of the production operation means within the operation effective period, the production control means changes the production content with the production stage set in the time zone corresponding to the detection as an upper limit. A gaming machine.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect control unit executes a first change process that changes the game effect in stages in response to an operation of the effect operation unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the first change process includes a process of skipping one or more stages.   The production control means is triggered by the operation of the production operation means without considering whether or not the production stage set in the time zone closest to the time zone corresponding to the detection is reached. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second change process for changing an effect to an effect stage determined in a time zone corresponding to the detection time is executed.   The production control means includes a first determination process for determining a maximum arrival stage that allows the arrival at the end point of the operation effective period, and a stage in which the determined maximum arrival stage is allowed to arrive in a final time zone. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a second determination process for determining a stage in which arrival is permitted in each time slot before the last time slot is executed. For each maximum arrival stage that can be determined by the first determination process, the storage means stores a stage pattern that defines a stage in which arrival is allowed in each time zone,
The stage pattern is set so that the number of patterns increases as the maximum achievement stage approaches the final stage,
6. The stage control unit according to claim 5, wherein in the second determination process, the effect control means determines one stage pattern from the stage patterns corresponding to the maximum reach stage determined in the first determination process. Game machines.

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