JP2014155781A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a player to clearly recognize display timing of a performance image.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a ROM 242 for storing a plurality of kinds of performance patterns including a notice performance during a performance pattern variation; a CPU 241 for selecting a performance pattern to be displayed from among the plurality of performance patterns; and a CPU 251 for generating a performance image by the selected performance pattern. When a step-up performance is selected, a performance for guiding timing for completing a step under execution is selected and executed all together.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that fluctuates a predetermined symbol and stops the symbol after the variation to control the content of the effect.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into a game area of a game board enters a specific start port, three rows of symbols (for example, numbers 1 to 12) displayed on the image display unit arranged at the center of the game board Etc.) is displayed to move from top to bottom, and if the same or related pattern is aligned on a certain line (active line), it will be a big hit, a big winning opening will be opened, and a big hit game will be possible Is widely used.

  In such pachinko gaming machines, it is known that a notice effect using a predetermined character image or the like is executed to gradually increase the player's expectation and then enter a reach state and shift to a reach effect. ing. As this notice effect, when the symbol is fluctuating, several kinds of characters are displayed in order, and the symbol is in a reach state (for example, two identical symbols on the active line, the last symbol) There is a so-called step-up effect that gradually increases the player's expectation that the player may become a big hit by stopping the game according to the mode of these characters.

  In such step-up effects, it is known that a predetermined character image to be displayed in a certain step is not displayed in that step, but is displayed in a step after that step (for example, , See Patent Document 1 below). In this way, the player who has given up the shift to reach production is given a sense of expectation again to increase interest in the game.

JP 2005-287886 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, since the progress status for each step is unknown, it is difficult for the player to know at which timing the next step is advanced or not. For this reason, there is a problem that the player misses the moment of stepping up or feels stress.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which the player can clearly recognize the timing at which the effect of the next step is displayed in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied, and the determination unit Based on the determination result, the variation time determining means for determining the variation time for variably displaying the symbol, and the determination after the lapse of the variation time determined by the variation time determining means after the symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display device Design control means for stopping and displaying with a symbol indicating the determination result by the means, effect execution means capable of executing the effect, and effect control for causing the effect execution means to execute a predetermined effect while the symbol control means displays the variation of the symbol Means for performing the special game rather than when the determination means determines that the special game is not performed. It is easier to determine a long variation time when set, and the production control means selects one production pattern from a plurality of production patterns that define different production contents. If the effect selection means for selecting in accordance with the variation time determined by the step and the step-up effect for sequentially displaying the stage images in which the effect patterns selected by the effect selection means are stepwise, The stage control means for performing a step-up effect according to the effect pattern selected by the effect selection means and the stage image of one stage are displayed by the effect stage control means during the symbol variation display by the symbol control means. Additional image control means for providing a guidance effect to display an additional image that changes according to the display time of the first stage image when A reach effect that expects that the special game is determined to be performed after the stage image of the final stage is displayed by the stage control unit according to the variation time determined by the variation time determination unit. And a reach production control means capable of performing a first reach production having a high reliability with respect to the special game or a second reach production having a lower reliability than the first reach production. The plurality of effect patterns include a plurality of effect patterns that define a plurality of step-up effects at different final stages, and the effect selecting means determines a long variable time by the variable time determining means. When the first reach effect is performed by the reach effect control means rather than the second reach effect, the final step is a higher step. It is easy to select an effect pattern that defines a pop effect, and the effect stage control means changes the additional image to a specific display mode by the additional image control means, and then displays the next stage image. It is characterized by being displayed.

  According to the said structure, a player can be made to recognize the timing at which the step in progress is complete | finished by performing a guidance effect according to a step-up effect.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking the moment of step-up or feel stress, and to entertain the player with step-up effects, thereby improving the playability of the pachinko gaming machine. There is an effect that can be made.

It is a front view which shows an example of the pachinko game machine concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of the pachinko game machine concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the production control process which a production control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the step-up effect which the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment 1 performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of the gauge image in a step-up effect. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the production control process which the production control part of this Embodiment 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of button processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the switching aspect of the display / non-display of the gauge image in the step-up effect of this Embodiment 2.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101.

  A game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill (not shown) that changes the falling direction of the game ball and various winning ports (such as a starting port and a big winning port) are arranged at a position where the gaming ball is falling.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used. In the first embodiment, the image display unit 104 displays not only an image of an effect design (hereinafter referred to as an “effect design”) but also a background image and a character image for enhancing the effect of the effect during the display of the variation of the design. It functions as a display means for displaying.

  A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning, and correspond to the starting ports of the first embodiment.

  In the vicinity of the second starting port 106, an electric tulip 107 is provided as an ordinary electric accessory (an accessory that moves based on a lottery result of an ordinary symbol lottery described later). The electric tulip 107 has a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second starting port 106 and an open state (opened state) that makes it easier to win a prize than the closed state. Control of these states is performed by a solenoid (see reference numeral 231 in FIG. 2) provided in the electric tulip 107.

  The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the left side of the image display unit 104. The gate 108 is not limited to the left side (the illustrated position) of the image display unit 104, and may be disposed at an arbitrary position in the game area 103.

  A big prize opening 109 is provided below the second start opening 106. The big winning opening 109 is a winning opening that is opened when a big hit state is reached and for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls by winning a game ball.

  A normal winning opening 110 is provided on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. The normal winning opening 110 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by winning a game ball. The normal winning opening 110 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and may be arranged at an arbitrary position in the game area 103. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  In the lower right part of the game board 101, a special symbol display unit 112 for displaying special symbols is arranged. The special symbol display unit 112 includes a first special symbol display unit (see reference numeral 112a in FIG. 2) on which a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 1”) is displayed, and a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 2”). ”) Is displayed on the second special symbol display section (see reference numeral 112b in FIG. 2).

  Here, FIG. 1 is a pattern representing the lottery result of the first big hit lottery performed when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. The special figure 2 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the second big hit lottery performed when the game ball wins the second starting port 106. The first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery are lotteries for determining whether or not the gaming state is a jackpot state.

  In addition, a normal symbol display portion 113 for displaying normal symbols is arranged in the lower right portion of the game board 101. Here, the normal symbol is a symbol representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 107 as described above. For example, a 7-segment display is used as the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113.

  On the left side of the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113, a reservation number display unit 114 for displaying the number of reservations for the special symbol or the normal symbol is arranged. For example, an LED is used as the hold number display unit 114. A plurality of LEDs serving as the number-of-holds display section 114 are arranged, and the number of holds is indicated by turning on / off. For example, in the case where two upper LEDs among the LEDs constituting the number-of-holds display unit 114 are lit, it indicates that the number of holds for the normal symbol is two.

  A frame member 115 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 115 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. The frame member 115 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side.

  On the two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103 in the frame member 115, an effect light part (frame lamp) 116 is provided. Each effect light unit 116 includes a plurality of lamps and a motor (not shown). Each lamp irradiates a player who is in front of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Moreover, each lamp can change the irradiation direction of light into the up-down direction and the left-right direction by driving the motor. In addition, each lamp can irradiate the periphery of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the pachinko gaming machine 100.

  An operation handle 117 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 115. The operation handle 117 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 115 described above, the operation handle 117 has a shape that protrudes from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 117 includes a firing instruction member 118 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 118 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 117 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 117 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 118. Thereby, the launching unit launches the game ball when the firing instruction member 118 is directly operated by the player.

  In the frame member 115, an effect button (chance button) 119 is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The effect button 119 may be an input pad that employs a touch panel method in addition to the convex button. In the frame member 115, a cross key 120 is provided next to the effect button 119. The effect buttons 119 and the cross key 120 constitute an operation accepting unit that accepts an operation from a player in the pachinko gaming machine 100. The frame member 115 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 254 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

  In addition, although illustration is omitted, at the predetermined position (for example, around the image display unit 104) in the game area 103, an effect for the effect (hereinafter referred to as “effect effect”, see reference numeral 265 in FIG. 2) is provided. It has been. This performance agent includes a solenoid and a motor (not shown), and is driven by driving the solenoid and the motor.

(Internal configuration of pachinko machine)
Next, the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 201 that controls the progress of the game, an effect control unit 202 that controls the contents of the effect, and a prize ball control that controls the payout of prize balls. Part 203. Each control unit will be described in detail below.

(1. Main control unit)
The main control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The

  The CPU 211 executes various programs relating to the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100, such as a main process (not shown) and a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 3). The ROM 212 stores programs necessary for the CPU 211 to execute the above processing. The RAM 213 functions as a work area for the CPU 211. The data set in the RAM 213 by the CPU 211 executing the above program is transmitted to each component connected to the main control unit 201 at a predetermined timing.

  That is, the main control unit 201 functions to control the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 212 while the CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area. For example, the main control unit 201 is realized by a main control board (detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique).

  The main control unit 201 includes various switches (SW) that function as detection means for detecting a game ball, a solenoid for opening and closing an electric accessory such as the special winning opening 109, the first special symbol display unit 112a, The second special symbol display unit 112b, the normal symbol display unit 113, the reserved number display unit 114, and the like are connected.

  Specifically, the various SWs described above include a first start port SW221 that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, and a second start port SW222 that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. , A gate SW 223 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning opening SW 224 that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning opening 109, and a normal winning opening SW 225 that detects a gaming ball that has won a winning prize 110 Is connected to the main control unit 201.

  The detection results by the respective SWs (221 to 225) are input to the main control unit 201. A proximity switch or the like can be used for these SWs. It should be noted that a plurality of the normal winning opening SW225 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning opening 110.

  Further, as the solenoid, an electric tulip solenoid 231 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 232 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109 are connected to the main control unit 201. The main control unit 201 controls the driving of each solenoid (231, 232). For example, the main control unit 201 controls the driving of the electric tulip solenoid 231 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The main control unit 201 controls the driving of the big prize opening solenoid 232 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  Further, the main control unit 201 selects the first special symbol display unit 112a, the second special symbol display unit 112b, and the normal symbol based on the lottery results of the big jackpot lottery (the first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery) and the normal symbol lottery. The display content of the display unit 113 is controlled. For example, the main control unit 201 variably displays the special figure 1 of the first special symbol display unit 112a when the first big hit lottery is performed. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery.

  Similarly, the main control unit 201 displays the special symbol 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b when the second big hit lottery is performed, and the normal symbol of the normal symbol display unit 113 when the normal symbol lottery is performed. .

  Furthermore, the main control unit 201 is also connected to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203, and transmits various commands to each. For example, when the main control unit 201 performs a lottery lottery, the main control unit 201 transmits a change start command to the effect control unit 202. Here, the change start command includes information indicating a gaming state, a time for variably displaying a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “variable time”), a lottery result of a jackpot lottery (a special symbol to be stopped), and the like. Yes.

  In addition, when the main control unit 201 detects a game ball that has won a winning ball (starting ports 105 and 106, a big winning port 109, and a normal winning port 110), the main control unit 201 transmits a winning ball command to the winning ball control unit 203. To do. Here, the prize ball command includes information indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

(2. Production control unit)
The effect control unit 202 includes an effect control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c, and has a function of controlling the effect contents of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Here, the effect control unit 202a has a function of controlling the entire effect control unit 202 based on a command (for example, a change start command) received from the main control unit 201. The image / sound control unit 202b has a function of controlling images and sounds based on instructions from the production control unit 202a. The lamp control unit 202c has a function of controlling lighting of lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like.

(2-1. Director of Production)
First, the configuration of the production control unit 202a will be described. The production control unit 202a includes a CPU 241, a ROM 242, a RAM 243, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 244, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 241 executes various programs for controlling the entire effect control unit 202, such as effect control processing (see FIG. 5). The ROM 242 stores programs necessary for the CPU 241 to execute the above processing. The RAM 243 functions as a work area for the CPU 241. The data set in the RAM 243 by the CPU 241 executing the program is transmitted to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing.

  In other words, the effect control unit 202a functions to control the entire effect control unit 202 by executing a program stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 uses the RAM 243 as a work area. For example, the effect supervising unit 202a determines an effect to be executed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol based on the change start command, and executes predetermined processing on the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c. The instruction is output to control the entire production control unit 202.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 241 executes a program stored in the ROM 242 to select an effect to be executed from a group of effects prepared in advance based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 201. In addition to functioning as means, it functions as execution means for executing the selected effect (transmitting the effect start command and effect end command for the selected effect).

  The RTC 244 functions as a time measuring means for measuring and outputting real time. The RTC 244 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off. Note that the RTC 244 is not limited to being placed in the production control unit 202 such as the production control unit 202a, but may be arranged in the main control unit 201. Further, the RTC 244 may be arranged alone and may output the actual time to the effect control unit 202 or the main control unit 201.

  In addition, an effect button 119 is connected to the effect control unit 202a. For example, when the production button 119 receives an operation from the player, the production button 119 inputs corresponding data to the production control unit 202a. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the cross key 120 is also connected to the production control unit 202a. The cross key 120 inputs an input signal corresponding to the key selected by the player to the effect control unit 202a.

  In the first embodiment, the effect button 119 and the cross key 120 function as an operation receiving unit that receives an operation from the player. In addition, the CPU 241 of the effect supervision unit 202a functions as a setting unit that executes an effect corresponding to the operation received by the operation receiving unit.

(2-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
Next, the configuration of the image / sound controller 202b will be described. The image / sound control unit 202b includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 251 executes image / sound generation processing and output processing. The ROM 252 stores a program for executing image / sound generation processing and output processing, and various image data such as background images, effect design images, and character images necessary for the processing, various sound data, and the like. . The RAM 253 functions as a work area for the CPU 251 and temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 104 and audio data to be output from the speaker 254.

  In other words, the image / sound control unit 202b controls the image and sound based on the instruction from the production control unit 202a by executing the program stored in the ROM 252 while the CPU 251 uses the RAM 253 as a work area. To function.

  For example, the CPU 251 controls the display control process (not shown) for controlling the display content displayed on the image display unit 104 and the audio content output from the speaker 254 based on the instruction content instructed from the production control unit 202a. Voice control processing (not shown) is executed. At this time, the CPU 251 reads image data and audio data necessary for processing from the ROM 252 and writes them in the RAM 253. In the first embodiment, the CPU 251 functions as a display control unit.

  The image data of the background image, effect design image, and character image written in the RAM 253 is output to the image display unit 104 connected to the image / sound control unit 202b and superimposed on the display screen 104a of the image display unit 104. Is displayed. That is, the effect design image is displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. When the background image and the effect design image overlap at the same position, the effect design image is given priority by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. It is stored in the RAM 253.

  The audio data written in the RAM 253 is output to the speaker 254 connected to the image / audio control unit 202b, and audio based on the audio data is output from the speaker 254.

(2-3. Lamp control unit)
Next, the configuration of the lamp control unit 202c will be described. The lamp control unit 202c includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, a RAM 263, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 261 executes processing for turning on the lamp and the like. The ROM 262 stores a program necessary for executing the above processing, control data used for lamp lighting required for the processing, and the like. The RAM 263 functions as a work area for the CPU 261.

  The lamp control unit 202c is connected to the effect light unit (frame lamp) 116, the panel lamp 264, and the effect agent 265, and outputs data for lighting control and data for operation control. Thereby, the lamp control unit 202c functions to control the lighting of the lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like, and the operation of the effect actor 265.

  In the first embodiment, the production control unit 202 includes a production control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c that are provided as different board functions, but these are configured on the same printed board. May be. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the configuration of the winning ball control unit 203 will be described. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281, a ROM 282, a RAM 283, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 281 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 282 stores programs necessary for the processing. The RAM 283 functions as a work area for the CPU 281.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291, a launch unit 292, a fixed position detection SW 293, a payout ball detection SW 294, a ball presence detection SW 295, and a full tank detection SW 296. .

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 291 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 receives the winning game balls that have won the winning units 291 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 203 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to various detection units for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function with a prize ball board.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, and the prize ball control unit 203 configured as described above are provided on different printed boards (main control board, effect control board, and prize ball control board). For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 297 is connected to the main control unit 201, and various information executed by the main control unit 201 can be output to the outside. The prize ball control unit 203 is also connected to the frame external information terminal board 298, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 to the outside.

(The gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment)
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the main control unit 201 performs control of the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the like. Here, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has four gaming states including (1) a jackpot state, (2) a normal state, (3) a short-time state, and (4) a probability variation state. Below, each game state is demonstrated.

  The jackpot state is a gaming state that is executed when a jackpot is won. The jackpot state is continued until a predetermined jackpot end condition set for each jackpot type is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, in the case of 15 round probability change / normal jackpot, the “big hit game of 15 rounds” is the jackpot end condition. In addition, in the 2 rounds probable jackpot, “digestion of 2 rounds of jackpot game” is the jackpot end condition. In the jackpot game, the big winning opening 109 is opened for a predetermined period (or until there is a predetermined number of winnings), and one opening is defined as one round. When the jackpot end condition is satisfied, the game state is set for each jackpot type.

  The normal state is a gaming state that is executed at normal times. In other words, the gaming state is executed when the gaming state is not other. In the normal state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the low probability state, and for example, the jackpot is won with a probability of 1/300. Further, in a normal state, the electric tulip 107 does not open very much by a predetermined electric tulip control process (or closes immediately after being opened). For this reason, in a normal state, it is difficult to win a game ball to the second start port 106.

  The short-time state is a gaming state that is executed after a jackpot state due to a normal jackpot for 15 rounds. The short-time state is continued until a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, “100-time fluctuation of special symbol (special diagram 1 and special diagram 2)” is the short-time end condition. When the short-time end condition is satisfied, the normal state is entered. In the short time state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the low probability state, and the jackpot is won with the same probability as in the normal state. In the short time state, the electric tulip 107 is frequently opened by a predetermined electric tulip control process, and it is easier to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the normal state.

  The probability change state is a gaming state that is executed after the jackpot state due to the 2 round / 15 round probability change jackpot. The probability variation state is continued until a predetermined probability variation termination condition is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, “winning any one of the jackpots” is a probability change termination condition. In the probability variation state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the high probability state, and for example, the jackpot is won with a probability of 1/30. In the certain change state, the electric tulip 107 is frequently opened by a predetermined electric tulip control process, and it is easier to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the normal state.

  That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the normal state and the short time state are low probability states with a low probability of jackpot, and the probability variation state has a high probability that the probability of jackpot is higher than the low probability state. It is in a state.

(Basic operation of pachinko machines)
Next, an example of the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 100, when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, performs a big hit lottery according to the winning starting port. For example, when a game ball wins the first start opening 105, a first big hit lottery is performed. At this time, the special figure 1 of the first special figure display unit 112a is variably displayed. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first big hit lottery.

  Further, when the game ball wins the second start opening 106, the second big hit lottery is performed. At this time, the special figure 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b is variably displayed. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 2 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the second big hit lottery.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2), the effect symbol of the image display unit 104 is variably displayed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (the jackpot was won in the first jackpot lottery or the second jackpot lottery), the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a combination that indicates a jackpot (for example, “ 7. 7. 7 ”) stop the effect design.

  When the effect symbol is stopped and displayed with the combination indicating the big hit, the pachinko gaming machine 100 sets the gaming state to the big hit state and opens the big winning opening 109 for the round corresponding to the winning big hit (for example, 15 rounds). If the game ball wins the big winning opening 109 during the opening, the pachinko gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls.

  When the jackpot state is reached, the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes a jackpot effect for the jackpot. For example, in the jackpot effect, a movie for the jackpot effect is displayed on the image display unit 104. At this time, the winning jackpot type may be displayed. Further, even if the 15-round probability jackpot is won, the promotion effect of “winning the 15-round probability jackpot” may be performed at a predetermined timing by displaying “winning for the 15th round jackpot”.

  The jackpot state ends when the jackpot end condition is satisfied, and shifts to another gaming state. For example, if a 15-round probability change jackpot is won, the pachinko gaming machine 100 transitions to a probability change state when the jackpot state ends. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 shifts to the time-saving state when the big hit state ends when the 15-round normal big win is won.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 108. At this time, the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 113 is displayed in a variable manner. Then, after a predetermined period, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the symbol indicating the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. In the case of winning the normal symbol per lot (hereinafter referred to as “per normal symbol”) in the normal symbol lottery, the pachinko gaming machine 100 stops displaying the normal symbol at a predetermined symbol indicating the per symbol. Thereafter, the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined period.

(Processing executed by the main control unit)
Next, processing executed by the main control unit 201 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 201 described below is performed by the CPU 211 executing a program stored in the ROM 212.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit. The timer interrupt process is executed by interrupting a main process (not shown) executed by the main control unit 201 at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 ms) during the power supply period. As shown in FIG. 3, in the timer interrupt process, the main control unit 201 first executes a random number update process (step S301). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, for example, in random number update processing, various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers and reach random numbers are updated.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes a switch process related to the detection of the game ball (step S302). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, for example, in the switch process, the main control unit 201 detects winning of a game ball at the first start port 105 and the second start port 106. When the winning of the game ball is detected, “1” is added to the holding number U1 (the holding number for the first starting port 105) or U2 (the holding number for the second starting port 106). Then, the jackpot random number used for the jackpot lottery and the reach random number used for reach determination are acquired and stored in the RAM 213. In addition, the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 109 and the normal winning opening 110 is detected, and a winning ball command corresponding to the winning opening is set in the RAM 213.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes symbol processing relating to symbols (special symbols, normal symbols) (step S303). Here, the symbol process includes a special symbol process related to the special symbol and a normal symbol process related to the normal symbol. In the special symbol process, the main control unit 201 performs a lottery lottery and displays the special symbol in a variable / stopped display (see FIG. 4). In the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 201 performs the normal symbol lottery and displays the normal symbols in a variable / stopped display (illustration and detailed description are omitted).

  When the symbol process is executed, the main control unit 201 executes an electric accessory control process related to operation control of various electric accessories (step S304). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, the electric accessory control process includes an electric tulip control process for controlling the operation of the electric tulip 107, a big prize opening process for controlling the action of the big prize opening 109, and the like. Is included.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes a prize ball process related to the prize ball (step S305), and executes an output process for outputting the commands set in the RAM 213 by the above-described processes to the effect control unit 202 and the like. (Step S306), and the timer interrupt process is terminated. When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 201 returns to the main process.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol processing. Here, the special symbol process is one process included in the symbol process in step S303 of FIG. In the special symbol process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether or not the game state being executed is a jackpot state (step S401). If it is a big hit state (step S401: Yes), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is without variably displaying the special symbol.

  If it is not a big hit state (step S401: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the special symbol is being variably displayed (step S402). If the special symbol is not being variably displayed (step S402: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the holding number U2 for the game ball won to the second starting port 106 is 1 or more (step S403).

  If the number of holds U2 is 1 or more (U2 ≧ 1) (step S403: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the number of holds U2 as a new hold number U2 (step S404). Then, the main control unit 201 performs a second jackpot lottery process using the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball is detected by the second start port SW222 and the second jackpot lottery table (step S405). In the second jackpot lottery process, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the jackpot is a jackpot and the type of jackpot in the case of the jackpot (15 round probability variation / normal jackpot / two round probability variation jackpot).

  If the holding number U2 is 0 (U2 = 0) (step S403: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the holding number U1 for the game ball won to the first start port 105 is 1 or more ( Step S406).

  If the holding number U1 is 0 (U1 = 0) (step S406: No), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is. If the holding number U1 is 1 or more (U1 ≧ 1) (step S406: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the holding number U1 as a new holding number U1 (step S407). Then, the main control unit 201 performs a first jackpot lottery process using the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 and the first jackpot lottery table (step S408). In the first jackpot lottery process, the main control unit 201 determines whether the jackpot is a jackpot and the type of jackpot in the case of the jackpot (15 round probability variation / normal jackpot, two round probability variation jackpot).

  When the second jackpot lottery process is executed in step S405 or the first jackpot lottery process is executed in step S408, the main control unit 201 executes a variation pattern selection process for determining a variation time of the special symbol in the current variation ( Step S409).

  When the variation pattern selection process is executed, the main control unit 201 sets a variation start command in the RAM 213 (step S410). The variation start command includes information on processing results such as the first or second big hit lottery process and the variation pattern selection process. The change start command also includes information indicating the game state being executed. The variation start command set in the RAM 213 is output to the effect control unit 202 when the output process in step S306 in FIG. 3 is executed.

  When the change start command is set, the main control unit 201 causes the special symbol display unit 112 to start the special symbol variation display (step S411). At this time, in the case of variably displaying based on the lottery result of the second big hit lottery process, the special figure 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b is variably displayed. When variably displaying based on the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery process, the special figure 1 of the first special symbol display unit 112a is variably displayed. When the variation display of the special symbol is started, the main control unit 201 starts measuring the elapsed time from the beginning of the variation display (step S412), and ends the special symbol processing.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol is being variably displayed in step S402 (step S402: Yes), the main control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed (step S413). Specifically, the main control unit 201 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the variable display has passed a predetermined variable time selected before the start of the variable display.

  If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S413: No), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is. If the variation time has elapsed (step S413: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a variation stop command for stopping and displaying the special symbol in the RAM 213 (step S414). The variation stop command set in the RAM 213 is output to the effect control unit 202 at a predetermined timing such as when the output process of step S306 in FIG. 3 is executed.

  When the change stop command is set, the main control unit 201 stops and displays the special symbol being changed (step S415). Thereafter, the main control unit 201 resets the measured elapsed time (step S416), performs a stop process (details are omitted) (step S417), and ends the special symbol process.

  As shown in each of the above processes, when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, the main control unit 201 acquires a jackpot random number or a reach random number. Then, a jackpot lottery is performed according to the winning start opening, and special symbols are displayed in a variable / stopped manner. When the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, a change start command including information indicating the stop symbol (that is, the lottery result of the big hit lottery), the fluctuation time, and the like is transmitted to the effect control unit 202. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed, a change stop command is transmitted to the effect control unit 202.

(Processing contents of production control unit)
Next, processing contents of the effect control unit 202 will be described. The effect control unit 202 performs a predetermined main effect process (not shown) that receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 201 and displays an effect.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit. The effect control process in FIG. 5 is interrupted and executed at a predetermined interval (for example, 4 ms) with respect to the main effect process (not shown) executed by the effect control unit 202a.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the production supervision process, the production supervision unit 202a first determines whether the production is being executed (step S501), and if it is not in production (step S501: No), the production supervision unit. 202a determines whether a change start command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S502). If the change start command has not been received (step S502: No), the production supervision unit 202a ends the production supervision processing as it is.

  If the change start command has been received (step S502: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a executes a stop symbol selection process (step S503). In the stop symbol selection process, the effect supervising unit 202a selects a combination of effect symbols to be finally stopped and displayed by the current variation. For example, if the variation start command includes information indicating a jackpot, in the stop symbol selection process, three effect symbols that are combinations indicating a jackpot are selected (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”).

  When the stop symbol selecting process is executed, the effect supervising unit 202a executes an effect pattern selecting process for selecting an effect to be executed based on the current variation (step S504). The details of the effect pattern selection process will be described later.

  After execution of the effect pattern selection process, the effect control unit 202a sets an effect start command including information on the selected effect pattern in the RAM 243 (step S505). Then, the measurement of the elapsed time since the production start command is set (substantially the elapsed time from the production start time) is started (step S506), and the production control process is terminated. The effect start command set in step S505 is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c in the instruction output process.

  On the other hand, if the production is in progress in step S501 (step S501: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether a change stop command has been received (step S507). If the change stop command has not been received (step S507: No), the production control unit 202a ends the production control processing as it is. If the change stop command has been received (step S507: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a ends the production (step S508) and determines whether it is a big hit (step S509).

  If it is a big hit in step S509 (step S509: Yes), the production supervision part 202a starts the big hit production (step S510) and ends the process. If it is not a big hit (step S509: No), the production control unit 202a ends the process.

(Direction pattern selection process)
The effect pattern selection process in step S504 will be described. In the effect pattern selection process, the effect supervising unit 202a is based on the information of the change pattern (change time) included in the change start command from the main control unit 201, etc. A production pattern having a required time) is selected. The effect pattern is selected from the effect pattern table stored in the ROM 242 of the effect control unit 202a.

  For example, when it is selected in the stop symbol selection process in step S503 that the effect symbol is stopped with a specific combination indicating a big hit, the effect pattern selection process executes a predetermined reach effect and stops the effect symbol with a specific combination. After that, an effect pattern to shift to the jackpot effect is selected. Further, for example, in the case where the effect of changing the effect design is enhanced, in the effect pattern selection process, an effect pattern for executing the step-up effect is selected.

  Here, the step-up effect is an effect in which a series of stories are developed step by step at each step. In the step-up effect, the effect image displayed from the start of change of the effect symbol to the stop of change is divided into several steps, and a plurality of types of characters are displayed in order for each step. The step-up effect is a notice effect that is performed in order to gradually increase the player's expectation that the effect symbol will reach or win depending on the type of character displayed.

(Direction pattern table)
In the above-described production pattern table, production times are associated with production patterns representing the content of each production. Examples of the production contents included in the production pattern table of the first embodiment include reach production and step-up production. Here, the production time refers to a period from the start of the production (starting display of variation of the production symbol) to the end (stop display of the production symbol).

  When receiving the change start command, the production control unit 202a compares the change time included in the change start command (the change time indicated by the change pattern selected in the change pattern selection process) with this effect pattern table. , Select one production pattern. For example, the production supervision unit 202a selects a production pattern having a production time having the same length as the variation time. Moreover, at the time of selection of an effect pattern, the effect supervising unit 202a may also use information indicating a lottery result of a jackpot lottery included in the change start command.

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment, when the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a big hit, in the fluctuation pattern selection process, it is easy to select a fluctuation pattern having a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of losing. Therefore, when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, it is easy for the production supervision unit 202a to select a production pattern of a step-up production (step-up production with a large number of steps) having a production time longer than the time of failure. .

(Example of step-up production)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a step-up effect performed by the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 100 has the longest, Step 1 (hereinafter referred to as “S1”), Step 2 (hereinafter referred to as “S2”), Step 3 (hereinafter referred to as “S3”), and Step 4 (hereinafter referred to as “S4”). ) And a step-up effect consisting of four stages (step-up effect A described later).

  In each step of S1 to S4, a new character appears or a new event occurs, and a series of stories is developed step by step. The appearance of these new characters and the occurrence of new events indicate the start of each step. In the example shown below, although the illustration is omitted, it is assumed that the effect design is also displayed on the image display unit 104.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the step-up effect is executed, the pachinko gaming machine 100 first displays the effect image 601 on the image display unit 104 in S1. Here, the effect image 601 is composed of a character image “wild bear” and a background image “mountain foot” and represents a story in S1. Here, S1 is a story in which a character “wild bear” appears and this “wild bear” has gone down the mountain because of hunger and is looking for prey. That is, S1 is started with the appearance of the character “wild bear”.

  Subsequently, the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the effect image 602 on the image display unit 104 in S2. The effect image 602 is composed of the character images “wild bear” and “passerby” and the background image “mountain foot” and represents the story in S2. Here, S2 represents a story in which a new character “passerby” appeared, “wild bear” noticed this “passerby”, and found a prey. That is, S2 is started with the appearance of the character “passerby”.

  Thereafter, the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the effect image 603 on the image display unit 104 in S3. The effect image 603 includes the character images “wild bear”, “passerby”, “hunter”, and the background image “mountain of the mountain”, and represents the story in S3. Here, S3 represents a story in which a new character “Hunter” appears and a “wild bear” is found attacking a “passerby”. That is, S3 is started with the appearance of the character “hunter”.

  Then, the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the effect image 604 on the image display unit 104 in S4. The effect image 604 is composed of the character images “wild bear”, “passerby”, “hunter”, and the background image “mountain foot” and represents the story in S4. Here, S4 represents a story in which the “hunter” hunts the “wild bear” and carries it to the home together with the “passerby” to make it a bear pan. That is, S4 is started when the character “hunter” shoots a “wild bear”. Therefore, through the entire step-up effect A, the story shows that the “hunter” helps the “passerby” attacked by the “wild bear” and eradicates the “wild bear”.

  In the above, the step-up effect A that has been developed up to S4 has been described, but in addition to this, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a step-up effect B in which the step-up effect ends in S3, and the step in which the step-up effect ends in S2. There is also a step-up effect D in which the step-up effect ends only with the up effects C and S1.

  The table on the left side of FIG. 6 shows the effect ranges of step-up effects AD. An arrow A 605 indicates the effect range of the step-up effect A, and the step-up effect A indicates that the effect starts from S1, passes through S2 and S3, and ends at S4. The arrow B 606 indicates the effect range of the step-up effect B. The step-up effect B indicates that the effect starts from S1, passes through S2, and ends at S3.

  A C arrow 607 indicates the production range of the step-up effect C, and the step-up effect C indicates that the production starts at S1 and ends at S2. D arrow 608 indicates the effect range of step-up effect D, and step-up effect D indicates that the effect ends in S1.

  In these step-up effects A to D, the step-up effect that develops to the upper step (S4> S3> S2> S1) has a higher probability of shifting to the reach effect after the step-up effect. For example, after step-up effect A that develops to S4, the process always shifts to reach effect. After the step-up effect B that develops to S3, the process proceeds to the reach effect with a probability of 50%. After the step-up effect C that develops to S2, the process shifts to the reach effect with a probability of 25%. After the step-up effect D that ends in S1, the process shifts to the reach effect with a probability of 10%. As a result, it is possible to gradually increase the player's expectation as the step develops.

  In addition, as the step-up effect that develops to the upper step is increased, the reliability of the reach effect that shifts after the step-up effect may be increased. Here, “reliability” refers to the degree to which a player can expect a big hit, and the reach production with high reliability means a reach production that is easy to select at the time of a big hit and difficult to select at the time of a loss.

  At this time, for example, after the step-up effect A that develops up to S4, the process shifts to a reach effect (so-called “super reach”) that has the highest reliability. After the step-up effect B that develops to S3, the reach effect (hereinafter referred to as “high reliability”), which is not as high as the super reach, is considered to be higher than the following “medium reliability reach” and “low reliability reach”. Reach ”).

  After the step-up effect C that develops to S2, the reach effect that is less reliable than “Super Reach” and “High Reliability Reach” and higher than the following “Low Reliability Reach” (hereinafter referred to as “Reach Reach”) “Medium reliability reach”). After the step-up effect D that ends in S1, the process shifts to a reach effect (“low reliability reach”) that has the lowest reliability.

  In the first embodiment, the step-up effect has a maximum of four stages, but is not limited thereto. In the above example of the step-up effect, when the character image “wild bear” does not appear with only the background image “mountain foot”, the normal effect in which the step-up effect is not started is indicated. The normal effect is one of the effect patterns included in the above-described effect pattern table.

(Guidance production)
Next, the guidance effect will be described. The guidance effect is an effect that guides the player of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the timing when the step in progress is completed in accordance with the step-up effect. In the first embodiment, the guidance effect is displayed, for example, on the image display unit 104 so as to overlap the effect image of the step-up effect. For example, the guidance effect is represented by using a gauge image. Here, the gauge is a meter that represents the progress of a step in progress.

(Specific example of guidance production: gauge image)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the gauge image in the step-up effect. As shown in FIG. 7, the gauge display unit 701 is displayed in a frame shape on the outer edge portion of the display screen 104a of the image display unit 104, and is displayed over the effect image of the step-up effect.

  In FIG. 7, gauge effect units 702, 703, 704, 705 are represented on the gauge display unit 701, from the center of the lower side of the display screen 104 a toward the game board 101 in accordance with the progress of one step being executed. An effect of changing the display color of the gauge display unit 701 counterclockwise is executed. When the display color of the gauge effect units 702 to 705 goes around the gauge display unit 701, the effect of one step in progress is completed. 7, (a), (b), and (c) show the display mode of the gauge image in S1, and (d) shows the display mode of the gauge image in S2.

  (A) displays the effect image 601 in which the “wild bear” appears at the right end toward the game board 101 of the display screen 104a, and shows the image display unit 104 where the effect of S1 is started. In (a), the gauge effect unit 702 does not extend to the gauge display unit 701 on the right side of the display screen 104a toward the game board 101, indicating that the effect of S1 has just started.

  (B) shows the effect image 711 in which the “wild bear” approaches the center of the display screen 104a, and shows the image display unit 104 after a predetermined period has elapsed since (a). In (b), the gauge effect section 703 extends to the vicinity of the center of the upper side of the display screen 104a, indicating that the effect of S1 is half finished.

  (C) shows an effect image 712 in which “wild bear” approaches the left side toward the game board 101 of the display screen 104a, and shows the image display unit 104 after a predetermined period has elapsed from (b). In (c), the gauge effect unit 704 extends to the vicinity of the center of the lower side of the display screen 104a, indicating that the effect of S1 is about to end.

  When the effect of S1 is finished and the effect of S2 is started, the gauge display unit 701 in which the gauge effect part 705 does not appear is displayed over the effect image. Thereafter, the gauge production unit 705 changes the display color of the gauge display unit 701 counterclockwise from the center of the lower side of the display screen 104a toward the game board 101 in accordance with the progress of the production of S2.

  Here, in this Embodiment 1, a gauge display part and a gauge production | presentation part may be made into a different display color for every step. Thereby, the player can clearly recognize that the process has proceeded to the next step.

  (D) shows the image display unit 104 in which “passerby” has displayed the effect image 602 that appears at the left end toward the game board 101 of the display screen 104a, and the effect of S2 has started. In (d), the gauge effect part 705 does not extend to the right gauge display part 701 toward the game board 101 of the display screen 104a, indicating that the effect of S2 has just started.

  In this way, in step-up effects A to D, the gauge image is displayed over the effect image of the step-up effect when S1 is started. Thereafter, the gauge image guides the player at the timing when it is determined whether or not to proceed to S2 (timing when S1 ends). Similarly, in step-up effects A to C, the gauge image is continuously displayed on the step-up effect image even when S2 is started. Thereafter, the gauge image guides the player at a timing at which it is determined whether or not to proceed to S3 (timing at which S2 ends).

  In step-up effects A and B, the gauge image is continuously displayed on the effect image of step-up effects even when S3 is started. Thereafter, the gauge image guides the player at a timing at which it is determined whether or not to proceed to S4 (timing at which S3 ends). In step-up effect A, the gauge image continues to be displayed on the step-up effect image even when S4 is started. Thereafter, the gauge image guides the player at the timing when the changing effect symbol is stopped and displayed.

  In each final step of the step-up effects B to D, the effect of the next step is not started even at a predetermined timing when the gauge image guides. Thereby, the player recognizes that the step-up effect is finished and does not proceed to the next step.

  The display mode of the gauge image in FIG. 7 is a mode in which the gauge rendering unit goes around the gauge display unit 701 in one step, but the display mode of the gauge image in the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a mode in which the gauge production unit makes a round of the gauge display unit 701 when the production of all steps of the step-up production is completed may be used. In this case, the gauge display unit 201 is divided into the number of steps to display the progress status.

  Therefore, if the number of steps is four, one of the four sides of the gauge display unit 701 represented in a square frame shape can be used for displaying the progress of one step. At this time, by changing the display color of the gauge effect section for each step, the player can clearly recognize that the process has proceeded to the next step.

  Further, the display mode of the gauge image shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example, and if the player can recognize the progress status of each step in the step-up effect, the gauge image is displayed at a position different from the above. A different display form may be used instead of the gauge image. For example, a character appearing in a step-up effect may move in a predetermined place on the display screen 104a in accordance with the progress of the step being executed. In this case, when the player can recognize the timing at which the movement of the character is finished, the player can recognize the remaining time of the effect in one step in progress.

(Specific example of guidance effect: lamp display)
In addition, the guidance effect may be expressed by using a lamp provided around the image display unit 104, for example. In this case, a plurality of (for example, four) lamps are provided, and one lamp is turned on when ¼ of the production time of one step has elapsed. When half of the production time of one step has elapsed, two lamps are turned on. In this way, the production time of one step is divided by the number of lamps, and the lamps are turned on according to the elapsed time. In this case, the greater the number of lamps, the easier it is for the player to recognize the timing at which the step in progress ends.

  In this way, when the effect of one step is completed, all the lamps are turned on. When the next step starts, all the lamps are turned off, and the lamps are sequentially turned on again as the next step production time elapses. On the other hand, if the process does not proceed to the next step, all the lamps are kept lit. As a result, the player recognizes that he / she will not proceed to the next step.

  Further, the number of lamps for displaying the guidance effect may be one instead of a plurality. In this case, the lamp can indicate the progress of the step by a blinking interval, a change in emission color, or the like. For example, the blinking interval of the lamp when one step is started is shortened as the step progresses, and the lamp is turned on at the end of the step. Furthermore, when the next step is started, the light emission color of the lamp is changed to blink.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment is configured to display the progress status for each step in the step-up effect. The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment can clearly recognize the timing when the player starts the next step. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking the moment of step-up or to feel stress, enjoy the step-up effect, and improve the playability of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment, the player can set whether or not to execute the guidance effect. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment displays a gauge image on the effect image of the step-up effect when executing the guidance effect, and hides the gauge image when not executing the guidance effect. To do.

  As a result, a player who does not want to know the timing of step-up or a player who already knows the timing of step-up can display the step-up effect on the entire display screen 104a by hiding the gauge image. An image can be displayed. In the second embodiment shown below, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

(Processing contents of the production control section according to the second embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit of the second embodiment. The effect control process in FIG. 8 is interrupted and executed at a predetermined interval (for example, 4 ms) with respect to the main effect process (not shown) executed by the effect control unit 202a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the production supervision process, the production supervision unit 202a first determines whether the production is being executed (step S801). If the production is not in production (step S801: No), the production supervision unit. 202a determines whether a change start command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S802). If the change start command has not been received (step S802: No), the production control unit 202a ends the production control processing as it is.

  If the change start command has been received (step S802: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a executes a stop symbol selection process (step S803). When the stop symbol selecting process is executed, the effect supervising unit 202a executes the effect pattern selecting process (step S804).

  After execution of the effect pattern selection process, the effect control unit 202a sets an effect start command in the RAM 243 (step S805). Then, the measurement of the elapsed time from when the production start command is set (substantially the elapsed time from the production start time) is started (step S806), and the production control process ends. The effect start command set in step S805 is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c in the instruction output process.

  On the other hand, if the production is in progress in step S801 (step S801: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether a change stop command has been received (step S807). If the change stop command is received (step S807: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a finishes the production (step S808) and determines whether it is a big hit (step S809). If it is a big hit (step S809: Yes), the production supervision part 202a starts the big hit production (step S810) and ends the process. If it is not a big hit (step S809: No), the production control unit 202a ends the process.

  If the change stop command is not received in step S807 (step S807: No), the production supervising unit 202a determines whether the step-up production is being performed (step S811). If it is not during step-up production (step S811: No), the production supervision unit 202a ends the production supervision processing as it is.

  If the step-up effect is being performed (step S811: Yes), the effect supervision unit 202a executes the button process (step S812) and ends the process. Here, the button is an effect button 119 as an operation receiving means for receiving an operation by the player. As described above, the effect button 119 is connected to the effect control unit 202a, so that the player's operation is reflected in the effect contents.

  For example, when the step-up effect is selected in the effect pattern selection process in step S804, the gauge image is displayed on the image display unit 104 so as to overlap the effect image of the step-up effect. In the second embodiment, when the player does not want to display the gauge image in the step-up effect, the effect button 119 is pressed to hide the gauge image. Further, when the effect button 119 is pressed once to hide the gauge image, the effect button 119 is also pressed when the player wants to display the gauge image again.

  As described above, the button process is a process for changing the display / non-display state of the gauge image in the step-up effect, and details of the process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Processing content of button processing)
Next, the processing content of the button processing in step S812 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the button processing.

  In the button process, first, it is determined whether or not the effect button 119 has been operated (step S901). If the effect button 119 is not operated (step S901: No), the effect supervising unit 202a ends the button process as it is. At this time, when the gauge image is displayed on the image display unit 104 during the step-up effect, the step-up effect continues after the next step with the gauge image displayed as it is. When the gauge image is not displayed, the step-up effect continues after the next step in a state where the gauge image is not displayed as it is.

  If the effect button 119 is operated in step S901 (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether the non-display flag is OFF (step S902). Here, the non-display flag is a flag indicating that the gauge image displayed on the image display unit 104 is set to non-display in the step-up effect. When the non-display flag is OFF (step S902: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the gauge image non-display flag to ON (step S903).

  When the non-display flag is set to ON in step S903, the effect supervising unit 202a stores the non-display flag in the RAM 243, and then hides the gauge image displayed on the image display unit 104 (step S904), and processing Exit.

  If the non-display flag is not OFF in step S902 (step S902: No), the effect supervision unit 202a sets the non-display flag of the gauge image to OFF (step S905). After the production control unit 202a stores the non-display flag release in the RAM 243, a gauge image is displayed on the image display unit 104 (step S906), and the process ends.

(Display mode of gauge image display / non-display)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode / non-display switching mode of the gauge image in the step-up effect according to the second embodiment. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment, when the player operates the effect button 119, the gauge image displayed on the effect image of the step-up effect is hidden or displayed again. It has a configuration that.

  In FIG. 10, the switching mode 1001 shows the effect image when the effect button 119 is pressed at the timing when the effect image 711 of S1 is displayed and the non-display flag of the gauge image is set to ON. At this time, since the gauge display unit 701 and the gauge effect unit 703 are not displayed, the effect image 711 is displayed on the entire surface of the display screen 104a.

  Similarly, the switching mode 1002 shows the effect image when the effect button 119 is pressed and the gauge image non-display flag is set to OFF at the timing when the effect image 711 of S1 is displayed. At this time, the gauge display unit 701 and the gauge effect unit 703 are displayed over the effect image 711 on the outer edge portion of the display screen 104a.

  In the present second embodiment, by pressing the effect button 119 during the step-up effect, the effect control unit 202a can perform the display / non-display switching of the gauge image any number of times. Yes.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment is configured to be able to set whether or not to provide a guidance effect based on an operation from the player. For this reason, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment does not guide the step-up timing to the player who does not want to know the step-up timing, so that such a player's expectation can be maintained. Can do.

  In addition, for a player who already knows the timing of step-up, the guidance effect (gauge image) is not displayed and the effect image of the step-up effect is displayed on the entire display screen 104a. It is possible to increase the production effect.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking the moment of step-up or to feel stress when performing the step-up effect, thereby stepping up the player. Since the production can be enjoyed, the playability of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be improved.

  The production methods described in the first and second embodiments can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, this program may be a medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 101 Game board 104 Image display part (display means)
105 First start port (start port)
106 Second start port (start port)
119 Production button (operation receiving means)
201 Main control unit (main control board)
202 Production control unit (production control board)
241 CPU (selection means, execution means, setting means)
251 CPU (display control means)
701 Gauge display (gauge image)
702 Gauge Production (Gauge image)
703 Gauge production (gauge image)
704 Gauge Production (Gauge image)
705 Gauge Production Department (gauge image)

Claims (1)

A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a start condition;
Based on a determination result by the determination unit, a variation time determination unit that determines a variation time for variably displaying a symbol;
A symbol control means for stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result by the determination means after the lapse of the variation time determined by the variation time determination means after the symbol is variably displayed in the symbol display device;
Production execution means capable of performing production,
Effect control means for causing the effect execution means to execute a predetermined effect during the symbol variation display by the symbol control means;
With
The variation time determining means includes
It is easier to determine a long variation time when it is determined that the special game is performed than when the determination means determines that the special game is not performed,
The production control means includes
Production selection means for selecting one production pattern from a plurality of production patterns that define different production contents according to the variation time determined by the variation time determination means,
In the case where a step-up effect for sequentially displaying stage images with different stage patterns selected in stages is defined by the stage selection unit, the stage selection unit displays the stage change during the symbol change display by the pattern control unit. Production stage control means for performing step-up production according to the selected production pattern;
An additional image control means for performing a guidance effect for displaying an additional image that changes in accordance with the display time of the one stage image when one stage image is displayed by the stage control unit;
According to the variation time determined by the variation time determination means, a reach effect that expects that it is determined to play the special game after the stage image of the final stage is displayed by the stage control means. A reach production control means capable of performing a first reach production having a high degree of reliability for the special game or a second reach production having a lower reliability than the first reach production;
Have
The plurality of performance patterns include a plurality of performance patterns that define a plurality of step-up effects at different final stages,
The production selection means includes:
A step-up in which the final stage is a higher stage when the first reach production is performed by the reach production control unit when the first reach production is performed by the reach production control unit. It is easy to select a production pattern that defines the production,
The production stage control means includes:
A gaming machine, wherein after the additional image is changed to a specific display mode by the additional image control means, a next stage image is displayed.

Images