JP2015077515A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of executing a demonstration performance attracting a player's interest for a long time.SOLUTION: A game machine includes clocking means (RTC404) for measuring time. Based on time information measured by the clocking means, a demonstration performance displayed on display means (image display part 6) is set from among a plurality of demonstration performances. When a pattern variably displayed for reporting a determination result on whether a special game advantageous to a player is performed is stopped on the display means, predetermined conditions are satisfied, thus displaying the set demonstration performance on the display means.

Description

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

  A conventional pachinko gaming machine has a function to execute a demonstration effect (so-called demonstration effect) to attract the player's interest when the game has not been played for a certain period of time. There are some (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-023209 A

  However, since the demonstration performance executed on the conventional gaming machine as described above is one production in principle, the novelty is lost as time passes after the gaming machine is installed in the hall. It was an end. For this reason, the conventional demonstration performance has not attracted the player's interest for a long time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a waiting-for-waiting effect that attracts the player's interest over a long period of time.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  The gaming machine (1) according to the present embodiment stores time measuring means (404) for measuring time, display means (6) capable of displaying effects according to the progress of the game, and a plurality of demonstration effects. Based on the storage means (402), the time information measured by the time measuring means, the demonstration effect setting means (400) for setting the demonstration effect to be displayed on the display means from the plurality of demonstration effects, and advantageous for the player The demonstration effect set by the demonstration effect setting means when the predetermined display condition is met when the symbol that is variably displayed for notifying the determination result of whether or not to perform the special game is stopped on the display means. And demonstration effect control means (400) for displaying on the display means.

  The demonstration effect setting means may be set as a demonstration effect associated with a period (for example, “month” shown in FIG. 14) to which the time information measured by the time measuring means belongs.

  In addition, each time the symbol is variably displayed, the gaming machine uses one notification effect selected from a plurality of notification effects as a display effect as a notification effect for notifying the determination result of whether or not to perform a special game. You may further provide the notification effect control means (400) to display. In this case, the notification effect control means generates a notification effect (for example, an effect based on the effect pattern X1 corresponding to “January” shown in FIG. 15) associated with the time information measured by the time measuring means as the notification effect. The demonstration effect setting means displays a demonstration effect (for example, “January” shown in FIG. 15) associated with the time information measured by the time measuring means and suggesting the content of the notification effect. Set to the corresponding demonstration effect pattern A).

  The gaming machine may further include a counting means (400) for counting the number of times the symbol is displayed in a variably displayed manner. In this case, the demonstration effect setting means sets the demonstration effect associated with the number of fluctuations counted by the counting means (for example, “the number of revolutions” shown in FIG. 13) as the demonstration effect.

  In addition, the demonstration effect setting means uses the total number of changes within a predetermined period (for example, the previous day) calculated based on the time information measured by the timing means as the demonstration effect (for example, “total of the previous day shown in FIG. It may be set to a demonstration effect associated with the “rotation speed”).

  The gaming machine may further include a reset operation detection unit (400) that detects a reset operation on the operation reception unit (37). In this case, the counting means resets the number of fluctuations when the reset operation detecting means detects a reset operation for the operation accepting means.

  The predetermined condition described above may be satisfied when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the symbol was stopped and displayed.

  The gaming machine may further include a switching operation detection unit (400) that detects a switching operation on the operation reception unit (37). In this case, the predetermined condition described above is satisfied when the switching operation on the operation accepting unit is detected by the switching operation detecting unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can perform the customer waiting | waiting effect which attracts a player's interest over a long term can be provided.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing a timer interruption process performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart of the customer waiting command process in step S106 of FIG. An example of a demonstration effect pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention The figure for demonstrating the demonstration production which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Example of demonstration effect pattern according to Modification 1 of the present invention An example of the demonstration effect pattern according to the second modification of the present invention An example of a demonstration effect pattern according to Modification 3 of the present invention An example of the demonstration effect pattern according to the fourth modification of the present invention The figure for demonstrating the demonstration production which concerns on the modification 4 of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the demonstration production which concerns on the modification 4 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's operation wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. In the image display unit 6, as a normal effect, for example, a decorative symbol is displayed according to the progress of the game by the player, for example, a notification effect in which the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is notified to the player. In addition, a notice effect due to the appearance of a character, the appearance of an item, or the like is displayed, or a hold image indicating the number of times a special symbol lottery is put on hold is displayed. Further, when a game is not being performed by the player, a demonstration effect for notifying information on the gaming machine or the like is displayed as a customer waiting effect to attract the player's interest. The image display unit 6 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Furthermore, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the operation of the player. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  In the game area 20, a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the falling direction of the game ball are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 are arranged on the game board 2 as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

  A special symbol lottery (a big hit lottery) starts at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22 when a game ball enters. The first start port 21 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 23) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later). It is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 22 operates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display device (second special symbol display device 4b described later), and wins related to winning a game ball. The mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. The lottery is not started even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

  The 2nd starting port 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting port 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second start port 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second start port 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 27 is in an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 22 increases when the pair of wings open to the left and right. . When the electric tulip 27 passes through the gate 25 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

  The big winning opening 23 is located at the lower center of the second starting opening 22 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The big prize opening 23 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

  Further, on the lower right side of the game board 2, a display 4 for displaying the results of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved items is arranged. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. The prize ball is paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, three prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize slot 24. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like. Yes.

  When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 32 clockwise, the launching device 211 (100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize balls are paid out to the plate 39. The game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 32.

  The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 39 is provided, and when the player presses it, the game balls accumulated in the tray 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 35 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing or a difference in emission color.

  Next, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 4a, a second special symbol display 4b, a first special symbol hold indicator 4c, a second special symbol hold indicator 4d, a normal symbol indicator 4e, and a normal symbol indicator 4e. A symbol hold display 4f and a game status display 4g are provided.

  The first special symbol display 4a is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b is displayed with the display symbols varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 4c displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start port 21. The second special symbol hold indicator 4d displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins at the second start port 22. The normal symbol hold display 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each composed of LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. The

  The game state display 4g displays the game state (normal state, short time state, etc.) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the tray 39 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 39 adjacent to the production button 37. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect or switch the effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 38.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the tray 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. in which the lamp control part 600 which controls the effect by the lamp (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8) and the movable accessory 7 are arranged. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins at the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, In addition, the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25 is managed, and data related to the number of suspensions is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main controller 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) in which the big winning opening 23 projects and inclines and opens. Control to repeat only 15 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop and display), and the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

  When a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game status display 4g) are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111 b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that the game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first starting port 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first special symbol lottery) on the first special symbol display 4a. indicate. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 4b the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is on hold on the first special symbol hold display 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings for which the second special symbol lottery is held on the second special symbol holding display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 25 on the normal symbol display 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the gaming state at that time on the gaming state display 4g when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 is pressed is output, the launch control unit 200 stops the operation of the launch device 211 firing the game ball.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. A RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. In addition, the effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect button 37 and the effect key 38, and acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 in response to an operation pressed by the player. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data (effect patterns and demonstration effect patterns described later), and the like. The RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures and stores the current date and time. As will be described in detail later, a demonstration effect displayed on the image display unit 6 is selected based on the current date and time measured by the RTC 404.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. In addition, when the effect button 37 or the effect key 38 is pressed by the player, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a player of a special symbol lottery result, a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a pre-read notice effect for the player, etc. , Image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a reserved image indicating that the special symbol lottery is reserved for the player, various background images, and the like are stored. The ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores various types of sound data such as music and sound output from the speaker 35 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. It is remembered. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, decorative symbol image display, character / item display, and the like using the read image data, and performs various processes corresponding to commands sent from the effect control unit 400. Perform production display. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 6. In addition, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 35.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp controller 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect controller 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

  Below, the process which the pachinko game machine 1 performs in order to implement | achieve control which performs the above-mentioned operation | movement is demonstrated.

[Main operation of main control unit]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. The timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 5 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 5 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are used in the process of step S57 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the decorative symbol variation effect performed during the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S58 of FIG. 7 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number).

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and when one of the switches is turned on (the first start port switch 111a or the second start port switch 111b). When a game ball detection signal is output from the mouth switch 111b), a start opening switch that performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 of the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Execute the process. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when the gate switch 113 is turned on (when a game ball detection signal is output from the gate switch 113), the normal symbol lottery is suspended. If it is determined whether the number is less than the upper limit (for example, 4) and it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit, a gate switch process is performed to obtain a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. To do.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b, these are displayed. A special symbol process for displaying a stop symbol indicating the lottery result or transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 is executed. This special symbol process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e.

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when the big win is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to control the big prize opening 23. To perform a predetermined opening / closing operation or to execute a special winning opening process for transmitting various commands related to a so-called big hit game effect or the like to the effect control unit 400. By this process, a so-called jackpot game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a prize ball in principle. In addition, the CPU 101 transmits a command indicating the set gaming state to the effect control unit 400. Thereby, the production control unit 400 can recognize the gaming state being set.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 sends various commands set in the RAM 103 and information necessary for the production in the special symbol processing in step S5, the big prize opening processing in step S6, the prize ball processing in step S8, etc. 400 or an output process of outputting to the payout control unit 300 is executed.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 6 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S21, the CPU 101 of the main controller 100 receives a game ball in the first start port 21 based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the first start port switch 111a, and the first start port switch 111a is turned on. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S21 is YES, the process proceeds to step S22, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 22, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery hold number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S22 is YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 23, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Each time the value U1 of the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S56 of FIG. 7 to be described later, the set of random numbers stored in the RAM 103 is in order from the earliest storage time. One set is deleted. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of step S24 for the last three times are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. Will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 22 and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence / absence of the detection signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S25 is YES, the process proceeds to step S26, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 26, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 2 of the second special symbol lottery holding number (“4” in the present embodiment) from the ROM 102, and the second special symbol lottery holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S26 is YES, the process proceeds to step S27, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 27, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery and the like, and sets each random number set in time series They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Each time the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is subtracted by 1 in the process of step S54 in FIG. 7 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is stored in order from the earliest storage time. One set is deleted. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S28 are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 7 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 5 is demonstrated using FIG.

  First, in step S51, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S51 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 5, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S <b> 52, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display is being performed by the first special symbol display 4 a or the second special symbol display 4 b. If the determination in step S52 is YES, the process proceeds to step S61. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S53 is YES, the process proceeds to step S54. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S54, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out from the RAM 103 the one with the earliest storage time from among the set of random numbers acquired in step S28 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S57.

  On the other hand, in step S55, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). When the determination in step S55 is YES, the process proceeds to step S56, and when this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S65.

  In step S56, the CPU 101 updates the hold count U1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out from the RAM 103 the one with the earliest storage time out of the set of random numbers acquired in step S24 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In the present embodiment, the second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processing of the above steps S53 to S56, but in other embodiments, this priority order is The opposite may be the case.

  In step S57, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. Specifically, when the process of step S57 is executed subsequent to the process of step S54, the CPU 101 determines that the big hit random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S54 matches the big win winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when the process of step S57 is executed following the process of step S56, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 by the process of step S56 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S58.

  In step S58, the CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in the big hit determination process in step S57, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process is a predetermined value (stored in the ROM 102). A variation pattern (a variation time of a special symbol: an execution time of a decorative symbol variation effect) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining a variation pattern when a big hit occurs. In this embodiment, as an example, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, a reach effect is always performed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that a loss has occurred in the big hit determination process in step S57, the reach random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process is a predetermined value (reach at the time of loss) stored in the ROM 102. It is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be executed based on which one of the predetermined values for execution determination matches. When the CPU 101 determines to execute the reach effect, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the current big hit determination process is stored in the ROM 102 (the reach effect is executed when lost). The variation pattern (variation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining the variation pattern in the case of matching. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines not to execute the reach effect, the random pattern read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the current jackpot determination process is stored in the ROM 102 with a predetermined value (reach effect is generated when lost). The fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values (the predetermined value for determining the fluctuation pattern when not executed) matches, and the number of holdings U1 and U2 stored in the RAM 103.

  Information on the variation pattern determined as described above and information indicating whether or not to execute reach production are set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S59.

  In step S59, the CPU 101 generates a variation effect start command including the setting information set by the big hit determination process of step S57 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process of step S58, and sets the command in the RAM 103. Here, the change effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the decorative symbol change effect by the image display unit 6 and the speaker 35 or the like. The setting information included in the variation effect start command also includes information indicating which one of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. This variation effect start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the variable effect start command set in the process of step S59. Start displaying. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S61.

  In step S61, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process in step S58 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S60. If the determination in step S61 is YES, the process proceeds to step S62. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 62, the CPU 101 sets a change effect stop command for instructing the end of the decorative symbol change effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S63. Note that the change effect stop command set in step S62 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S63, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S60 and displays the stop symbol. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S64, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, if the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S57, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag) is in a big hit game (a big hit gaming state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the big hit game effect is started. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 65, the CPU 101 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG. Here, the customer waiting command indicates to the effect control unit 400 that neither the first special symbol lottery nor the second special symbol lottery is on hold (NO in step S53 and NO in step S55). It is a command to notify. Further, as can be seen from the flow of FIG. 7, when the customer waiting command is set, the changing effect start command and the changing effect stop command are not set. That is, an instruction to start the decorative symbol variation effect and an instruction to stop the decorative symbol that is changing are not given. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the decorative symbol variation effect, it can be said that the customer waiting command is a command for notifying that the decorative symbol is not variably displayed (stopped).

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 8, the effect control process performed by the effect control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 8 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 402. Moreover, in the following description, the description about the big hit game effect etc. is omitted.

  First, in step S101, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variable effect start command set in step S59 of FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S101 is YES, the process proceeds to step S102, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S102, the CPU 401 analyzes the variation effect start command received in step S101, and acquires setting information included in the variation effect start command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to start a decorative symbol variation effect that satisfies the conditions of the setting information acquired in step S103. For example, when the CPU 401 obtains setting information of contents for executing the reach effect because the variation pattern is 90 seconds and the special symbol lottery is lost, one effect pattern is selected by lottery from a plurality of effect patterns that satisfy this condition. Select to start the decorative symbol variation effect. The decorative symbol variation effect includes an effect (so-called reach effect) that expects a special symbol lottery to be won after the decorative symbol reaches a reach state. By executing an effect based on one effect pattern, the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is notified, and the decorative symbol variation effect functions as a notification effect for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, in step S104, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variable effect stop command set in the process of step S62 in FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S104 is YES, the process proceeds to step S105. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the customer waiting command process in step S106. The customer waiting command process will be described later.

  In step S105, the CPU 401 ends the decorative symbol variation effect started in the process of step S103, and informs the result of the special symbol lottery in an effective manner. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the customer waiting command process in step S106 of FIG. Hereinafter, the customer waiting command process in step S106 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command set in step S65 of FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S201 is yes, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S <b> 202, the CPU 401 uses the RTC 404 to start measuring the elapsed time after receiving the customer waiting command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the elapsed time since receiving the customer waiting command is being measured. Specifically, when the elapsed time after receiving the customer waiting command is measured by the processing in step S202, this elapsed time is stored in the RAM 403. Therefore, the CPU 401 determines, based on the elapsed time information stored in the RAM 403, whether or not the elapsed time since receiving the customer waiting command is being measured. If the determination in step S203 is yes, the process proceeds to step S204. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S <b> 204, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the elapsed time after receiving the customer waiting command has passed the set time. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines the waiting command based on the set time information preset and stored in the ROM 402 and the elapsed time information measured in step S202 and stored in the RAM 403. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the reception of a preset time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. If the determination in step S204 is yes, the process proceeds to step S205. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S <b> 205, the CPU 401 uses the RTC 404 to obtain current time information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the CPU 401 determines a demonstration effect pattern based on the information (time information) of the RTC 404 acquired in step S205. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  Here, a demonstration effect pattern for performing a characteristic demonstration effect in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of the demonstration effect pattern of the present embodiment stored in the ROM 402. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each “elapsed months since installation”, and each effect pattern is associated with “rare degree”. Here, “the number of months since installation” indicates the number of months that have elapsed since the gaming machine 1 was installed in the hall and started operating. In addition, “rare degree” is an index that indicates that the higher the value, the more rare the production is. The production with a high “rare degree” is an effect that is rarely seen, and is beneficial to the player. It is an effect that gives a player or an effect that attracts the player's eyes. Examples of effects with a high “rare degree” include effects in which characters (so-called rare characters) that rarely appear in normal effects as characters related to the theme of gaming machines appear, and advantageous information on gaming machines (for example, There are effects such as information on the back button and information on the successor model), but other effects may be used as long as the degree of attracting the player is high.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the demonstration effect pattern is set in association with “elapsed months since installation”, and as the “elapsed months since installation” increases, It has become. The “elapsed months since installation” is calculated using the time information of the RTC 404, and a demonstration effect pattern corresponding to the calculated elapsed months is selected. Therefore, for example, when the “elapsed months since installation” is two and a half months, the demonstration effect pattern C is selected.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in step S207, the CPU 401 starts a customer waiting effect. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like based on the demonstration effect pattern determined in the process of step S206 to start a customer waiting effect (demonstration effect). Accordingly, a demo image different from the normal effect image is displayed on the image display unit 6, and a demo sound different from the normal effect is output from the speaker 35. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S <b> 208, the CPU 401 ends the measurement of the elapsed time after receiving the customer waiting command whose measurement was started in step S <b> 202. Specifically, the CPU 401 finishes storing the elapsed time in the RAM 403 and resets the stored elapsed time information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a customer waiting effect (during demonstration effect) is being performed. Specifically, for example, the CPU 401 acquires information indicating the operation status of the image display unit 6 from the image sound control unit 500, and determines whether or not a customer waiting effect (demonstration effect) is being executed. If the determination in step S209 is YES, the process proceeds to step S210. If the determination is NO, the customer waiting command process ends, and the process returns to step S101 in FIG.

  In step S210, the CPU 401 determines whether switching information has been received. Here, the switching information is information that triggers switching from the customer waiting effect to the normal effect, and in the present embodiment, the switching operation information for the effect button 37 is used as the switching information as an example. In other words, when a switching operation is performed on the effect button 37, it is considered that an instruction to switch the effect is given. Therefore, the CPU 401 determines whether or not switching operation information for the effect button 37 has been received as switching information. If the determination in step S210 is YES, the process proceeds to step S211. If this determination is NO, the customer waiting command process ends, and the process returns to step S101 in FIG.

  In step S211, the CPU 401 executes a switching process from the customer waiting effect to the normal effect. Specifically, for example, the CPU 131 causes the image display unit 6 to display again the normal effect image in a state in which the decorative design is stopped, which has been displayed on the image display unit 6 before the customer waiting effect is started. Is executed by instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like. Thereafter, the customer waiting command process ends, and the process returns to step S101 in FIG.

[Characteristic demonstration in this embodiment]
Next, the customer waiting effect (demonstration effect) in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above with reference to the flowchart will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a demonstration effect in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when a game is not performed by the player, the image display unit 6 switches from a normal screen on which a normal notification effect (normal effect) is displayed to a customer waiting screen, which is different from the normal effect. Demo production is performed. In addition, although the timing which becomes a customer waiting screen may be various timings, in this embodiment, neither the 1st special symbol lottery nor the 2nd special symbol lottery is on hold (or this special symbol lottery Switch to the customer waiting screen at the timing when a predetermined time (30 seconds) has passed since the decorative symbol that is variably displayed for notification of the determination result may be said to be stopped. Is done. And in this embodiment, this demonstration effect changes according to the elapsed period after a game machine is installed in a hall and operation is started. Specifically, immediately after the installation of the gaming machine, a demonstration effect A based on the demonstration effect pattern A (see FIG. 10) is executed (see (1) in FIG. 11). Demonstration effect B based on B (see FIG. 10) is executed (see (2) in FIG. 11), and when two months have passed since operation, demonstration effect C based on the demonstration effect pattern C (see FIG. 10) is executed (see FIG. 10). 11 (refer to (3) in FIG. 11), when three months have passed since the operation, the demonstration effect D based on the demonstration effect pattern D (see FIG. 10) is executed (see (4) in FIG. 11). And since these demonstration productions are in the order of demonstration productions A, B, C, and D, their rarity (or the degree of value for the player) increases, so the elapsed period from the installation of the gaming machine is long. Indeed, a rare production will be executed.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, an image (button image) that always suggests the operation of the effect button 37 is displayed on the customer waiting screen. This is to suggest that switching from the customer waiting screen to the normal screen is possible by button operation. Thus, when starting the game, the player can switch from the customer waiting screen (demo screen) to the normal screen by operating the effect button 37. Even if the screen is not switched by the operation of the effect button 37, if the game ball is won at the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 after the game starts, a variable effect start command is set. Therefore, a normal effect is started (see step S59 in FIG. 7, S9 in FIG. 5, S103 in FIG. 8, etc.). Therefore, the image suggesting the operation of the effect button 37 may not be displayed in this way.

  By the way, generally, when the elapsed time after the gaming machine is installed in the hall becomes long, the player's interest in the gaming machine is diminished, and the operating rate of the gaming machine (the proportion of games) tends to decrease. As described above, when the operating rate of the gaming machine decreases, the gaming machine is likely to be in a state where no game is being performed (waiting on a customer), and as a result, the opportunity to execute a demonstration effect increases. Even if there are many opportunities for the demonstration production to be executed, if the demonstration production to be executed is always the same, it becomes difficult to reinvigorate the player's interest by this demonstration production. However, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, different demonstration effects are executed according to the elapsed time since the gaming machine was installed in the hall. For this reason, a new demonstration effect different from the demonstration effect performed during a certain period is newly performed, so that a new game motivation can be evoked for the player. In addition, the longer the elapsed time since the gaming machine was installed in the hall (that is, the time when the operating rate of the gaming machine is more likely to decrease) The player's interest (motivation to play) can be re-emerged. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine at a time when the operating rate is likely to drop. Therefore, according to the demonstration performance executed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to attract the player's interest over a long period of time.

[Modification 1]
In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each “elapsed months since installation”, and correspond to the elapsed months calculated using the time information of the RTC 404. The demonstration performance pattern to be selected is selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each “month”, and the current calendar month information is acquired using the time information of the RTC 404. The demonstration effect pattern corresponding to “Month” may be selected. In this case, the demonstration effect is switched according to the “month”. For example, in the case of January, the demonstration effect A based on the demonstration effect pattern A is executed, and in February, the demonstration effect B based on the demonstration effect pattern B is executed. Is done. As described above, since the demonstration effect is switched every “month”, the player can be attracted to the player for a long time without getting bored. In addition, by using the time information of the RTC 404, the demonstration effect may be changed every “week” instead of every “month”, or the demonstration effect may be changed between “AM” and “PM”. Alternatively, for example, a dedicated demonstration effect may be performed on a day (for example, the 10th day, the 20th day, the 30th day, etc.) that is separated from the day when the gaming machine is installed.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the corresponding demonstration effect pattern is selected based on the time information of the RTC 404. However, in addition to this, a demonstration effect pattern associated with the current “number of rotations” may be selected. This will be specifically described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows an example of the demonstration effect pattern of Modification 2 stored in the ROM 402.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each “month” and “number of rotations”, and each effect pattern is associated with “rare degree”. Here, the “number of rotations” indicates the number of times that the decorative symbol is variably displayed in the gaming machine 1 (that is, the number of times that the special symbol lottery has been performed), and the RAM 403 after the gaming machine 1 is turned on. And is erased from the RAM 403 when the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Therefore, in general, this “number of revolutions” can be said to be the number of revolutions of the gaming machine in one day. As shown in FIG. 13, the demonstration effect pattern is set in association with “month” and “number of rotations”, and therefore, for example, even in the same month, the current “number of rotations” is 0 to 0. If it is within the range of 1000 rotations, the demonstration effect pattern A1 is selected, and if the current “number of rotations” is within the range of 1000 to 2000 rotations, the demonstration effect pattern A2 is selected, and the current “number of rotations” is 2000 rotations or more. If there is, the demonstration effect pattern A3 is selected, and an effect pattern having a higher “rare degree” is selected as the “number of rotations” increases. In other words, as the number of “revs” of a gaming machine increases, rare demonstration effects will be performed. Therefore, a player who wants to see rare demonstration effects considers increasing the “revs” of gaming machines, Will be done for a long time. For this reason, in addition to changing the demonstration performance pattern according to the “month”, and further varying the demonstration performance pattern according to the “number of revolutions”, it is possible to attract the player's interest over a long period of time. At the same time, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  It should be noted that the “rotation speed” described above may be reset under a predetermined condition. For example, in the above description, the “number of revolutions” is cumulatively stored in the RAM 403 while the gaming machine 1 is turned on. However, if the special symbol lottery is won, It is also possible to reset the “rotation speed”. In this case, there are the following accompanying effects. That is, normally, the player performs a lottery for the purpose of winning the special symbol lottery (that is, the game ball is awarded to the first start port 21 or the second start port 22). However (even if the number of rotations increases), if you do not win, you may get tired and frustrated with the game. However, if the number of rotations before winning the special symbol lottery (which becomes a big hit) increases, by setting it so that a rare demonstration effect can be seen, the player will not win the special symbol lottery for a long time It can also arouse another interest that rare demonstrations may be seen. Therefore, even if the number of revolutions until the big hit increases, the player will continue to play for a long time due to another interest that rare presentation may be seen, improving the operating rate of the gaming machine To do. Needless to say, when the reset function is provided as described above, the range of the rotation speed is appropriately corrected.

  Further, the above-mentioned “number of rotations” may be reset by the player himself. Specifically, for example, the “rotation speed” currently stored in the RAM 403 may be reset using the effect button 37 or the like while the customer waiting screen is displayed. In this case, at the start of the game, by resetting the “rotation number”, according to only the “rotation number” without taking over the “rotation number” played by other players so far. You can see different demonstration performances. Therefore, it is possible to give a game purpose (game characteristics) different from the big hit to each player. On the other hand, when the game is ended, the “number of rotations” is reset, so that the “number of rotations” accumulated by the player can be prevented from being handed over to other players. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which another player sees a rare performance by being added to the own number of rotations accumulated so far.

[Modification 3]
In the second modification described above, the demonstration effect pattern corresponding to the number of revolutions of the gaming machine in one day is selected based on the “number of revolutions” stored in the RAM 403. However, instead of this, a demonstration effect pattern associated with the “total number of rotations” for a predetermined period (for example, the previous day) may be selected. Hereinafter, this will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows an example of the demonstration effect pattern of Modification 3 stored in the ROM 402.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each “month” and “total number of rotations of the previous day”, and each effect pattern is associated with “rare degree”. Here, the “total number of revolutions of the previous day” indicates the total number of times that the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the “previous day” in the gaming machine 1 (that is, the total number of times that the special symbol lottery has been performed). Can be obtained from the memory. Specifically, since the RTC 404 is driven by another battery that is not directly connected to the power supply device of the main body of the gaming machine 1, even if the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is cut off, the RTC 404 is stored in the memory in the RTC 404. The contents are not deleted. For this reason, the time information stored in the memory in the RTC 404 is not deleted, but the memory in the RTC 404 can hold a small amount of data in addition to the time information. For this reason, the total number of revolutions of the gaming machine per day can be stored in the memory of the RTC 404. Thereby, even if the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off, the data of the total number of revolutions of the previous day can be acquired from the RTC 404 when the power is turned on the next day.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the demonstration effect pattern is set in association with “month” and “total number of rotations of the previous day”. "Is within the range of 0 to 1000 revolutions, the demonstration effect pattern A3 is selected. When" total rotations on the previous day "is within the range of 1000 to 2000 revolutions, the demonstration effect pattern A2 is selected. If "" is 2000 times or more, the demonstration effect pattern A1 is selected, and the effect pattern having a higher "rare degree" (that is, attracting attention) is selected as the "total number of rotations of the previous day" decreases. . In other words, the smaller the “total number of revolutions of the previous day” of the gaming machine, the more rare demonstration performance will be performed, so a player who selects a gaming machine to play a game by looking at the demonstration performance will have a rare demonstration performance. Interested in the gaming machine being played, it becomes easier to play a game on the gaming machine. For this reason, by changing the demonstration effect pattern according to the “total number of revolutions of the previous day”, the operating rate of the gaming machine whose operating rate was low on the previous day can be improved. In the above description, the total number of revolutions of “previous day” is used. However, the demonstration effect is associated with the total number of revolutions in a predetermined period, for example, the total number of revolutions of “three days” within a range that can be stored in the memory in the RTC 404. A pattern may be set.

  In the second modification described above, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each “month” and “number of rotations” in the demonstration effect pattern. However, the demonstration effect pattern is only for “number of rotations”. It is good also as what is matched. Similarly, in Modification 3 described above, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns are set in advance for each of “month” and “total number of rotations of the previous day”, but the demonstration effect pattern is “total rotations of the previous day”. It is good also as what is matched only with. Even in this case, the demonstration effect changes depending on the number of rotations, so that it is possible to attract the player's interest and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

[Modification 4]
In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the corresponding demonstration effect pattern is selected based on the time information of the RTC 404. However, in addition to this, based on the time information of the RTC 404, an effect pattern of a corresponding notification effect (effect that notifies the lottery result of the special symbol lottery) may be selected. This will be specifically described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows an example of a demonstration effect pattern and an effect pattern group of Modification 4 stored in the ROM 402.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of demonstration effect patterns and a plurality of notification effect effect pattern groups are set in advance for each “month”. The effect pattern group is a group including a plurality of effect patterns classified according to the variation time. For example, the effect pattern group X of the notification effect is a group including an effect pattern X1 having a change time of 12 seconds, an effect pattern X2 having a change time of 30 seconds, and the like. As described above, when “demonstration effect pattern” and “effect pattern group” are associated with each “month”, the demonstration effect is switched according to “month”. Based on the demonstration effect A, the demonstration effect B based on the demonstration effect pattern B is executed in February. In addition, since the production pattern group is switched in conjunction with the demonstration production pattern according to “month”, for example, in January, the production pattern group X is selected, and the production patterns X1, X2,. .. Are executed, and in February, the effect pattern group Y is selected, and the notification effects Y1, Y2,... Based on the effect patterns Y1, Y2,. . The demonstration production pattern and the production pattern group, which are switched in association with each “month”, are associated with each other. Specifically, the demonstration production based on the demonstration production pattern is changed to the production pattern belonging to the production pattern group. It suggests the content of the production. That is, the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern A executed in January suggests the contents of the notification effects X1, X2,... Based on the effect patterns X1, X2,. To do. Similarly, the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern B executed in February includes the contents of the notification effects Y1, Y2,... Based on the effect patterns Y1, Y2,. Suggest.

  Below, the customer waiting effect (demonstration effect) in the above-mentioned modification 4 is demonstrated using FIG. 16, FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a demonstration effect based on the January demonstration effect pattern in FIG. 15 and a notification effect based on the January effect pattern. FIG. 17 is a February demonstration effect pattern in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the demonstration effect based on, and the alerting | reporting effect based on the effect pattern of February.

  As shown in (1) of FIG. 16, the demonstration effect A based on the demonstration effect pattern A is executed on the January customer waiting screen. Here, in the demonstration effect A, an effect suggesting the content of the notification effect in January is executed, and for example, an effect suggesting the content of the notification effect such as “Character A is active?” Is executed. Then, as shown in (2) of FIG. 16, on the normal screen in January, for example, when a reach effect is executed as a notification effect, character A appears (character A and character X confront each other). ) Reach production is executed. Thus, the notification effect executed on the normal screen in January is the content suggested by the demonstration effect executed on the customer waiting screen in January.

  On the other hand, as shown in (1) of FIG. 17, the demonstration effect B based on the demonstration effect pattern B is executed on the February customer waiting screen. Here, in the demonstration effect B, an effect suggesting the content of the notification effect in February is executed, and for example, an effect suggesting the content of the notification effect such as “This character A is powering up!” Is executed. Then, as shown in (2) of FIG. 17, on the normal screen in February, for example, when a reach effect is executed, a NEW character A that has been powered up by character A appears (NEW). A reach effect is performed (character A and character X confront each other). Thus, the notification effect executed on the normal screen in February is the content suggested by the demonstration effect executed on the customer waiting screen in February.

  Thus, the content of the notification effect changes according to the “month”, so that the player can be attracted to the player for a long time without getting bored. Further, the fact that the content of the notification effect changes according to the “month” is notified by the demonstration effect that changes according to the “month” in conjunction with the notification effect. Thus, the player can know that the content of the notification effect of the gaming machine has changed by watching the demonstration effect without actually playing the game. That is, according to the demonstration effect of the modified example 4, a notification effect that is different from the previous notification effect is executed to a player who has become tired of playing with the same gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to arouse a new game motivation for the player and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  As described above, the player's interest can be attracted for a long time also by the demonstration effects in the first to fourth modifications.

  In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 4, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing when the normal production is switched to the demonstration production (that is, the timing when the normal screen is switched to the customer waiting screen). It is assumed that the predetermined time (30 seconds) has elapsed since However, when the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, it may be possible to freely switch to the demonstration effect by an operation by the player (for example, a predetermined operation on the effect button 37). In this case, the player can watch the demonstration effect without waiting for a predetermined time. In particular, when the demonstration effect switches according to the number of rotations, the player may want to see the switched demonstration effect as soon as the predetermined number of rotations is reached. In such a case, the switched effect can be viewed immediately by operating the effect button 37 without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st start opening 22 ... 2nd start opening 23 ... Grand prize Mouth 24 ... Normal winning port 25 ... Gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Production button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Dish 43 ... Lock part 100 ... Main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit

Claims (1)

A determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game based on the determination information acquired by establishing the start condition;
Hold storage means for holding the determination information and storing it;
A notification effect control means for controlling a notification effect for notifying the determination result of the special game determination every time the special game determination is executed;
A customer waiting effect control means for controlling the customer waiting effect when the notification effect is not executed and the determination information is not held in the hold storage means;
A time measuring means for measuring time,
The customer waiting effect control means is:
A plurality of first customer waiting effects including a display of the first display mode character and a second customer waiting effect including a second display mode character display based on the time information measured by the time measuring means. A customer waiting effect selecting means for selecting one of the customer waiting effects from the customer waiting effect,
A customer waiting effect execution means for executing the customer waiting effect selected by the customer waiting effect selection means,
The notification effect control means includes:
A plurality of first notification effects including a display of the character in the first display mode and a second notification effects including a display of the character in the second display mode based on the time information measured by the time measuring means. A notification effect selecting means for selecting one notification effect from the notification effects;
Including notification effect execution means for executing the notification effect selected by the notification effect selection means,
The customer waiting effect selecting means is:
When the time information measured by the time measuring means is information indicating a predetermined period, the second customer waiting effect is selected,
The notification effect selecting means is
A gaming machine that selects the second notification effect when the time information measured by the time measuring means is information indicating the predetermined period.

Images