JP2016002156A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce creation load and creation costs of video to be displayed in a display area of display means and to enhance game amusement.SOLUTION: A specific game is executed when a result of variable display of identification information in a display area of display means becomes a specific result. There are provided as display modes of the display area: a moving image display mode in which a character image changes in a prescribed mode; and a specific display mode in which to a part or the whole of the display area, a character image is displayed and the number of still images included in one second is small in kind as compared with the moving image display mode. The longer a period of a specific display mode is, the higher the possibility to end up in a specific result becomes. Then, at least while the specific display mode is being performed, the kind of still image is small in number as compared with that in the moving image display mode, so that creation load or costs of video to be displayed in the display area can be reduced. Since when the period of specific display mode becomes long, expectations about the specific game increase, so that it is possible to enhance game amusement.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board on which a game area is formed.

  A gaming machine is known in which identification information is variably displayed in a display area provided in a display unit based on establishment of a predetermined condition. In such a gaming machine, it is common to execute a specific game advantageous to the player when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes the specific result.

  Further, in recent years, gaming machines that perform a moving image display effect in which various characters including identification information operate in the display area of the display means have become widespread, and the effect period during which the moving image display effect is performed tends to be prolonged. is there. In the display area for executing such a moving image display effect, a smooth motion of the character can be realized by displaying 30 frames or more per second, and the moving image is composed of a plurality of still images in which the motion and shape of the character are slightly different. Generally, data is stored in advance in a storage means. In addition, data of a plurality of sprite images and background images corresponding to each character is stored in advance in a storage unit, and a frame is synthesized by superimposing the sprite image read from the storage unit on the background image. (For example, patent document 1).

JP 2011-206314 A

  However, when trying to execute a moving image display effect with a long effect period, the types of still images and sprite images that make up the moving image become enormous, and there is a problem that much labor, time, and cost are required for the creation. In addition, even if a moving image display effect is performed, there is a case where the interest of gaming is reduced because the player's preference is not met.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and can reduce the burden and cost of creating a video to be displayed in the display area of the display means, and can improve the game entertainment Aims to provide new technology.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the first gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that includes a display unit that displays the identification information variably based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the gaming machine that executes a specific game advantageous to the player,
As a display mode displayed in the display area,
A moving image display mode in which a predetermined character image changes in a predetermined mode in the display area;
A predetermined character image is displayed on a part or the whole of the display area, and has a specific display mode in which the number of still images included in one second is smaller than the moving image display mode,
The longer the period in which the specific display mode is displayed in the display area, the higher the possibility that the identification information variation display result becomes the specific result.

  Here, the character image that changes within the display area of the present invention includes a pattern to be variably displayed, characters, a person, an article, an animal or plant appearing in the production, a background displayed behind them, and the like. .

  In such a first gaming machine of the present invention, when a predetermined video display mode (also referred to as “specific video display mode”) is executed at least while the specific display mode is being executed as the display mode of the display area. Compared with, control burden can be reduced. Further, the specific display mode may reduce the types and number of still images constituting the image, so that it is possible to reduce the burden of creating and cost for creating the video to be displayed in the display area. And the longer the period during which the specific display mode is displayed in the display area, the more the result of the identification information variation display becomes the specific result (the specific game advantageous to the player is executed). Since the longer the period for which the specific display mode is executed, the higher the expectation for the specific game, the player will not get bored even if the specific display mode with less change compared to the video display mode is continued for a long time. It is possible to improve the game entertainment. Note that as the “specific display mode”, there are fewer types of still images in which the display mode does not change and still images included in one second than the specific video display mode (the display mode changes less than the specific video display mode). You can list videos. Further, the specific display mode can be executed during the variation display of the identification information. Further, the character displayed in the moving image display mode and the character displayed in the specific display mode may be the same character or different characters.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems in the prior art, the second game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that includes a display unit that displays the identification information variably based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the gaming machine that executes a specific game advantageous to the player,
Covering means for covering a part or the whole of the display area by moving to a front of the display area from a predetermined position,
The longer the period during which the covering means covers the display area, the higher the possibility that the identification information variation display result will be a specific result.

  It should be noted that “front” in the present invention indicates a side close to the player with respect to the gaming machine (a front side as viewed from the player).

  In such a second gaming machine of the present invention, since at least a portion of the display area covered by the covering member is invisible or difficult to see from the player, a plurality of still images constituting a moving image to be displayed in the display area There is no need to create a picture, and it is possible to reduce the burden and cost of creating a video to be displayed in the display area. The longer the period during which the covering member covers the display area, the longer the period of identification information variation display results in a specific result (a specific game advantageous to the player is executed). The longer the period in which the state is maintained, the higher the expectation for the specific game. As a result, even if the display area is covered with the covering means for a long time, it is possible to improve the gaming interest without getting the player bored.

In the first gaming machine or the second gaming machine of the present invention,
A period display unit that numerically indicates a length of a period during which the specific display mode is displayed in the display area, or a period during which the covering means covers the display area;
The larger the display value of the period display unit, the higher the possibility that the identification information variation display result will be the specific result.

  In this way, even if the player misses the scene where the specific display mode is started in the display area (or the scene where the display area is covered with the covering member), if the player sees the display value of the period display section, the display The length of the period in which the specific display mode is displayed in the area (or the period in which the display area is covered with the covering member) can be grasped. In addition, even if the difference in the period is a slight difference that is difficult to distinguish as a player's experience (for example, 3 seconds and 5 seconds), the difference in the length of the period is clear by displaying it as a numerical value on the period display unit. Therefore, it is possible to impress the player that the longer the period, the higher the possibility that the identification information variation display result will be the specific result.

In the first gaming machine of the present invention,
The specific display mode may be such that the type of still image included in one second is 1/10 or less of the moving image display mode.

  If it does in this way, compared with the case where a moving image display mode is performed about the part during execution of a specific display mode as a display mode of a display field, the kind of still picture prepared will become 1/10 or less. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce the burden and cost of creating a video to be displayed in the display area.

In the first gaming machine of the present invention,
The specific display mode may be a still image whose display mode does not change.

  In this way, it is only necessary to display one type of still image as the specific display mode of the display area, and it is not necessary to create a plurality of still images, so the burden of creating a video to be displayed in the display area And production costs can be greatly reduced.

In the first gaming machine of the present invention,
The specific display mode may be displayed in an area of three quarters or more of the display area.

  Thus, by making most of the display area a specific display mode with less changes compared to the moving image display mode, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden of creating video and the cost of creating video to be displayed in the display area.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden and cost of creating a video to be displayed in the display area of the display means, and to improve the game entertainment.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the design fluctuation effect is performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of game control processing. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the second half part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the first half part of the special figure change start process. It is the flowchart which showed the latter half part of the special figure change start process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the example of the big hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern table for non-variation shortening. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation effect process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that a shutter effect is performed. It is a flowchart which shows a shutter production start process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the shutter period selection table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the post-opening production | presentation selection table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the shutter effect was complete | finished and the effect after opening is performed. It is explanatory drawing which showed the shutter member mounted in the center apparatus of a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing shown notionally by comparing the moving image display mode and the specific display mode in the first display area of the second modification. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the closed range selection table. It is the time chart which showed a mode that a shutter effect was performed over the variation display of the identification symbol in multiple times.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine called a “seven machine” or “digipachi” will be described.

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to the middle frame 3, and the middle frame 3 is attached to the main body frame 2. The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side (player side) of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. An upper plate part 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4. A ball lending device 13 (so-called CR unit) is provided on the left side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game balls are thrown into the recesses formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 3). Various buttons such as a ball lending button 5b for requesting lending of game balls and a return button 5c for discharging a storage medium such as an IC card or a magnetic card from the ball lending device 13 are provided on the outer edge 5a of the dish. It has been. In addition, an effect button 5d is provided on the front side of the dish outer edge portion 5a, and it is possible to receive the operation of the player with respect to the effect button 5d and reflect the operation on the game effect. Further, a speaker 5 y is provided at the left end of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate 6 is provided with a discharge port 6a for discharging game balls from the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate 6b. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit is actuated to launch a game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 8.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11, and flows down the game area 11 from above to below.

  A central device 24 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and an effect display device 25 (display means) is provided in the approximate center of the central device 24. The effect display device 25 is configured by a liquid crystal display, and an identification symbol, which will be described later, can be displayed on the display screen as an effect symbol.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the central device 24, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided diagonally to the right of the central device 24. Among these, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with an LED (normal symbol LED) for variably displaying the normal symbol and a plurality of LEDs (first special symbol LED) for variably displaying the first special symbol. The second symbol display device 32 is provided with a plurality of LEDs (second special symbol LEDs) for variably displaying the second special symbol. In the following description, the first special symbol may be abbreviated as “first special figure” and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as “second special figure”.

  A left operation gate 36 and a right operation gate 37 are provided at the left end and the right end of the game area 11, and a left operation gate switch 36s for detecting a passed game ball and a right operation gate are provided inside these gates. A switch 37s is provided. In addition, lamp wind turbines 21 and 22 are provided between the left and right operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 24. Further, a number of obstacle nails 20 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A starting port unit 17 is provided below the central device 24. The starting port unit 17 is configured by combining two starting ports up and down, and the first starting port 17a provided on the upper side is a game in which the size of the opening into which a game ball enters is unchanged (constant). It is a entrance where balls can always enter. On the other hand, the second start port 17b provided on the lower side includes a pair of blade pieces 17w that can be opened and closed to the left and right, a start port solenoid 17m (see FIG. 3) that operates the blade pieces 17w, and the like. It is a entrance that changes the possibility of entering a game ball by opening and closing the wing piece 17w. The game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through the passages provided in the respective ones. A first start port switch 17s is provided in a passage inside the first start port 17a, and a game ball that has entered the first start port 17a can be detected. Further, a second start port switch 17t is provided in the passage inside the second start port 17b, and a game ball that has entered the second start port 17b can be detected. A gaming machine that flows down to the left of the central device 24 can enter the first starting port 17a of this embodiment, but a gaming ball that flows down to the right of the central device 24 It is impossible (or difficult) to enter the first starting port 17a due to the blocking portion 24a provided at the lower right, the disposition of the obstacle nail 20, or the like. On the other hand, the game ball that flows down to the right of the central device 24 enters the second start port 17b with the wing piece portion 17w open, rather than the game ball that flows down to the left of the central device 24. The obstacle nail 20 is easily arranged.

  Below the start opening unit 17, a big prize device 31 is provided. The big winning device 31 is composed of a big winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 31e for opening / closing the big winning opening 31d, a big winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 3) for operating the opening / closing member 31e, and the like. Has been. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the special winning opening solenoid 31m is operated to open the opening / closing member 31e, and the special winning opening 31d is changed from the closed state (non-entry state) to the open state (enterable state). To do. As a result, a big hit game (specific game) that is advantageous for a player who enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability of a game ball is started. In addition, a big winning opening switch 31s is provided inside the big winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 31d. In addition, an out port 48 is provided below the special winning device 31, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and so on. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub control board 220 that controls the control of game effects using identification symbols, lamps, sound effects, and the like, and the effect display device 25 under the control of the sub control board 220 An effect display control board 230 that controls the above, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, a launch control board 260 that controls the game ball, and the like. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 represents the direction in which data or signals are transmitted and received.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the big winning port switch 31s, the left operation gate switch 36s, the right operation gate switch 37s, or the like. Then, commands for instructing various operations determined according to the detection signal from which switch are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the dispensing control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces 17w provided in the second start port 17b, and a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, Furthermore, the 1st symbol display apparatus 28, the 2nd symbol display apparatus 32, etc. are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the start port solenoid 17m, the big prize port solenoid 31m, the first symbol display device 28, and the second symbol display device 32. Do.

  An effect display control board 230, a decoration drive board 226, an amplifier board 224, an effect button board 228, and the like are connected to the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and performs a game effect according to the result. That is, a command for designating control contents is transmitted to the effect display control board 230 that performs display control of the effect display device 25, the amplifier board 224 that drives the speaker 5y, and various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f for decoration. A game effect is performed by transmitting a drive signal to the decorative driving board 226 to be driven. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the operation signal of the effect button 5d via the effect button board 228, the CPU 221 performs an effect corresponding to the operation.

  The effect display control board 230 includes an image ROM 234 and a VDP (not shown) in addition to the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the effect display control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 performs control for displaying an effect image corresponding to the received command on the display screen of the effect display device 25. In the image ROM 234 (game effect storage means), data of effect images corresponding to various game effects such as symbol variation effects and jackpot game effects (for example, sprite data for displaying an image corresponding to a predetermined character, character Video data composed of a plurality of still images, which are slightly different in operation and shape.

  The payout control board 240 manages various kinds of control related to payout of so-called prize balls and rental balls. For example, when a prize ball payout command is transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 receives this command and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 70m to pay out the prize ball. Further, when the player operates the ball lending button 5b or the return button 5c provided on the upper platen 5 described above, the operation signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal plate 242. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while communicating with the payout control board 240. Furthermore, under the control of the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 transmits a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (launch permission signal) toward the launch control board 260. The launch control board 260 The launch permission signal is received, and various controls for launching the game ball by driving the launcher unit 12 are performed.

B. Overview of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, a player inserts an IC card or a magnetic card into the ball lending device 13 and receives a game ball lending. Then, when the rented game balls are thrown into the recesses of the upper plate part 5 and the launch handle 8 is rotated, the game balls thrown into the upper plate part 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8. At this time, if the game ball is launched with a strength that does not exceed the upper side of the central device 24, the game ball flows down to the left of the central device 24 (so-called left-handed), and the game ball moves over the central device 24. If it is fired with a strength exceeding, the game ball will flow down to the right of the central device 24 (so-called right-handed).

  When the launched game ball passes through one of the operation gates 36 and 37 provided on the left and right of the game area 11, the normal symbol LED blinks on the first symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol variation display is performed. . When the normal symbol LED stops in a lighting state (hit symbol) after the lapse of a predetermined variation time, the variation display result of the normal symbol becomes a hit, and the second start port 17b (start port unit 17). The lower starting port) is open for a predetermined opening time. On the other hand, when the normal symbol LED is stopped in the off state (disconnected symbol), the variation display result of the normal symbol is lost, and the second start port 17b is not opened. Whether or not the result of the normal symbol variation display is a win or a failure is determined by the normal symbol hit determination performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. If the game ball passes through one of the operation gates 36 and 37 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203 as normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold). After the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the normal symbol variation display is newly performed based on the ordinary symbol hold. You can store up to a maximum of 4 customs hold.

  When a game ball launched into the game area 11 enters the first start port 17a, the first special figure LED blinks on the first symbol display device 28, and the first special figure is displayed in a variable manner. 2 When the ball enters the starting port 17b, the second symbol display device 32 blinks the second special symbol LED and the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbols (first special diagram and second special diagram) are stopped and displayed by turning on the LED of the combination corresponding to the jackpot symbol or the off symbol. As a result, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game is started. Whether the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol is determined by the special symbol big hit determination performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided, and the combination of LEDs to be lit is set differently. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b, the first special symbol is suspended (the first special symbol hold) until the variation display of the special symbol based on the ball starts. ) Or the second special symbol hold (second special figure hold) is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203. The first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can each be stored up to a maximum of four.

  Furthermore, in conjunction with the special symbol variation display, the effect display device 25 performs a symbol variation effect using an identification symbol or the like. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view exemplifying how the symbol variation effect is performed on the effect display device 25. As described above, the effect display device 25 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, and a first display area 26 (display area) and a second display area 27 are provided on the display screen. Among these, in the first display area 26 that occupies most of the effect display device 25, three identification symbols 26a, 26b, 26c (identification information) as effect symbols, character images 26d that operate in various ways, Various background images 26e can be displayed on the background.

  The second display area 27 on the lower side of the effect display device 25 is provided with a firing direction instruction unit 27a, a hold display unit 27b, and a determination display unit 27c. In the firing direction instructing unit 27a, a firing direction of a game ball that is advantageous to the player is instructed. As described above, the possibility of entering a game ball into the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b differs depending on whether it is left-handed or right-handed. For example, the opening time of the second start-up port 17b is different. If the opening extension function set longer than normal is not activated, a left-handed instruction is given to enter the game ball into the first starting port 17a, and if the opening extension function is activated, the second start is performed. A right turn is instructed to enter the game ball into the mouth 17b. In the hold display section 27b, when the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is stored, a hold display indicating the hold is added. In the determination display unit 27c, when the determination display symbol indicating the result of the big symbol determination of the special symbol blinks at the start of the variation display of the special symbol, the variation display is performed, and the special symbol is removed and stopped with the symbol. Is stopped when the determination display symbol is extinguished, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the determination display symbol is stopped while being lit. Note that the determination display symbol is provided with a first determination display symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and a second determination display symbol corresponding to the second special symbol.

  In the first display area 26 of the present embodiment, the three identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c perform the variable display by sequentially switching the nine numbers “1” to “9”. The three identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c that have started the variable display in synchronization with the start timing of the special symbol variable display are combinations that do not align with the same number when the special symbol is removed and is stopped and displayed as a symbol. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, the symbols are stopped and displayed with a combination of the same numbers (double eyes, specific result). For this reason, if two of the three identification symbols are stopped and displayed with the same number, the identification symbol that is stopped and displayed last will also be the same number and the jackpot game will start. The player pays attention to the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbol. In this way, the effect performed while the last identification symbol is variably displayed in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol is called “reach effect”, and the game effect can be enhanced by the reach effect. As will be described in detail later, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with an effect called “shutter effect” that can be executed during the variable display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c. In the specific display mode, a shutter image (still image) is displayed in a mode that covers most of the first display area 26.

  The big hit game is a round game that is closed when a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses by opening the grand prize winning opening 31d, or when a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) enter. It is configured to repeat multiple times. A predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls every time one game ball enters the big prize opening 31d. Therefore, in the big hit game, a large number of game balls are entered into the big prize opening 31d. Thus, the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a low probability and a high probability higher than the low probability are provided as the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (big hit probability). As described above, the jackpot symbols that are provided in multiple numbers are roughly divided into symbols for normal hits and symbols for probability variation, and after the jackpot game based on the stop display of the probability variation symbols, the jackpot probability is set to a high probability. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a big hit game will occur continuously (so-called continuous change). In addition, after the jackpot game is over, the above-mentioned opening extension function and the fluctuation shortening function in which the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the first special figure and the second special figure) is set shorter than usual are activated. Is continued until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in FIG. 5, in the game control process, “Prize ball related process”, “Normal symbol game process”, “Second start opening closing process”, “Special figure hold related process”, “Special symbol game process”, Each process such as “big hit game process” is repeatedly executed. The CPU 201 is configured to perform a game control process based on a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined period, and in this embodiment, a timer interrupt occurs every 4 msec. That is, the game control process shown in FIG. 5 is executed as a timer interrupt process every 4 msec in the CPU 201. During the game control process, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the switches related to the winning of the game ball (the first starting port switch 17s, the second starting port switch 17t, the big winning port switch 31s, etc.) It is determined whether or not a ball has been detected. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 240. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 70m according to the result, thereby actually winning the award ball. Process to pay out.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process following the prize ball related process (S50) (S100). This determination is made based on whether or not the second start port 17b is open. If the second start port 17b is not in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the second start port 17b is in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S100: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is omitted.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold) exists (whether or not it is “0”). If a general symbol hold exists, a normal symbol hit determination is performed. Here, the general figure hold is for storing a random number value determined per general figure acquired when a game ball passes through one of the operation gates 36 and 37, and can store up to four. . Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination performed using the stored normal symbol per-random determination value, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the hit symbol (ordinary symbol LED is lit), or the off symbol (normal It is determined whether or not to stop display when the design LED is turned off. Then, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation time, start the normal symbol fluctuation display, and when the fluctuation time has elapsed, stop the normal symbol with the determined symbol (winning symbol or off symbol) . At this time, when the normal symbol hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the start port solenoid 17m is operated to rotate the blade piece portion 17w provided in the second start port 17b to the second side. The starting port 17b is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process (S150) is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the second start port 17b is in an open state (S190). And when it is an open state (S190: yes), the process (2nd start port closing process) for making the 2nd start port 17b into a closed state from an open state is performed (S200). On the other hand, if the second start port 17b is not in the open state (S190: no), the second start port closing process need not be performed and the description is omitted.

  In the second starting port closing process (S200), when any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the second starting port 17b has elapsed, and a prescribed number of games are stored in the second starting port 17b. It is determined whether or not any of the conditions for entering the ball is satisfied, and when any of the conditions is satisfied, a process for closing the opened second start port 17b is performed. The opening time of the second start port 17b is provided with a short time (for example, 0.5 seconds) and a long time (for example, 5 seconds), and the normal opening time is set to a short time. In a state where the open extension function is activated, it is set to a long time. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number, the second start port 17b is left open. 2 The start port closing process (S200) is terminated.

  When the second start port closing process is completed, a special figure holding related process (S250) is executed. In this process, the following is mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 17a. If a game ball has entered the first start port 17a, the number of the first special figure (the number of the first special figure hold) ) Has reached the upper limit number (four in this embodiment). If the number of first special figure reservations has not reached the upper limit, various determination random numbers (such as jackpot determination random numbers, symbol determination random values, fluctuation pattern determination random values, etc.) are acquired, and the acquired determination random numbers are The first special figure hold is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203, and “1” is added to the first special figure hold number. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 17b. If a game ball has entered the second start port 17b, the number of the second special figure (the second special figure hold) It is determined whether or not the number) has reached the upper limit number (four in this embodiment). If the number of second special figure reservations has not reached the upper limit, various determination random numbers (such as jackpot determination random numbers, symbol determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random values, etc.) are acquired, and the acquired determination random numbers are The second special figure hold is stored in the storage area of the RAM 203 and “1” is added to the second special figure hold number. When the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is stored, a hold occurrence command indicating that the special symbol hold has occurred is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. When receiving the hold occurrence command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs a process of adding a hold display to the hold display unit 27b. When the special figure hold related process is completed in this way, the special symbol game process (S300) described below is started.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the special symbol game process. When starting the special symbol game process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not a big hit game is being played (S302). If the big hit game is being played (S302: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the big hit game is not being played (S302: no), it is determined whether any of the first special figure and the second special figure is being displayed in a variable manner (S304).

  If neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being displayed (S304: no), it is determined whether the first special figure or the second special figure is being finalized (S306). When the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) has been displayed in a variable manner, in order to confirm the result, the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is maintained until a predetermined fixed display time elapses. Confirm display. Then, when the first special figure and the second special figure are neither in the variable display nor in the fixed display (S306: no), a process for starting the special symbol fluctuation display (special figure fluctuation start process) is executed. (S310).

  8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the special figure variation start process. As shown in the figure, in the special figure variation start process, first, it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number is “0” (S3100). If the number of second special figure hold is not “0” (S3100: no), the second special figure hold stored oldest is read out from the stored second special figure hold (S3102). In the process of S3102, various determination random number values (such as jackpot determination random number value, symbol determination random number value, variation pattern determination random value) stored as the second special figure hold are read.

  On the other hand, if the second special figure hold number is “0” (S3100: yes), it is then determined whether or not the first special figure hold number is “0” (S3104). If the number of first special figure hold is not “0” (S3104: no), the oldest first special figure hold is read from the stored first special figure hold (S3106). In the process of S3106, various determination random number values (such as jackpot determination random number value, symbol determination random number value, variation pattern determination random value) stored as the first special figure hold are read. On the other hand, if the first special figure hold number is “0” (S3104: yes), the second special figure hold number has already been determined to be “0”. Since it is determined that none of the second special figure hold is stored, it is not necessary to start the variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure. Therefore, the special figure variation start process is ended, and the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in the special figure variation start process, it is first determined whether or not the second special figure hold is stored (S3100), and only when the second special figure hold is not stored (S3100: yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure hold is stored (S3104). Therefore, when both the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold are stored, the second special figure hold is always read in preference to the first special figure hold (the second special figure hold). The first special figure hold is read out only when the second special figure hold is not stored.

  As described above, after reading the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold (S3102 or S3106), it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S3108). As described above, a low probability and a high probability higher than the low probability are provided as probabilities that the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (big hit probability). The high probability flag is a flag indicating that the big hit probability is set to a high probability, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 is assigned as a storage region for the high probability flag. When the high probability flag is not set to ON (S3108: no), the jackpot determination table for low probability is selected (S3120), and when the high probability flag is set to ON (S3108: yes), A jackpot determination table for high probability is selected (S3122). Here, the jackpot determination table is a table that is referred to in the jackpot determination for determining whether the result of the special symbol variation display is a jackpot or not, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the jackpot determination table. 10A shows a jackpot determination table for low probability, and FIG. 10B shows a jackpot determination table for high probability. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), in the jackpot determination table for low probability, “big hit” determination results are set for the values 13 and 14 out of 0 to 599 jackpot determination random numbers. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the jackpot determination table for high probability, the determination result of “big hit” is given to the values of 13 to 32 out of the big hit determination random numbers of 0 to 599. Is set.

  As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the high probability jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 10B is a low probability jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 10A. The determination result of “big hit” is set to more random numbers than the table. In other words, in the jackpot determination table for high probability, a larger number of “random number values (jackpot values) from which a determination result of jackpot can be obtained” ”is set than in the jackpot determination table for low probability. Therefore, when the jackpot determination is performed using the high probability jackpot determination table of FIG. 10B, the jackpot determination is performed using the low probability jackpot determination table of FIG. 10A. However, the determination result of “big hit” is obtained with high probability.

  Subsequently, in the special figure change start process of FIG. 8, the big hit determination random number read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is referred to with reference to the big hit determination table selected in S3120 or S3122. It is determined whether or not the value is a jackpot value, that is, whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (S3124). If the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (out) (S3124: no), the lost symbol is stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 as a symbol to be stopped (stopped symbol) (S3126).

  On the other hand, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (S3124: yes), a process of determining a big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed from a plurality of big hit symbols is performed (S3130). As described above, a plurality of big hit symbols are roughly classified into normal hit symbols and probability variation hit symbols, and the processing of S3130 uses the symbol determination random number value read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold. This is performed with reference to a jackpot symbol determination table (not shown). The jackpot symbol determination table is a table in which the correspondence relationship between the symbol determination random number value and a plurality of jackpot symbols is set, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Then, the jackpot symbol associated with the read symbol determination random number is determined as a symbol to be stopped (stop symbol) and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 (S3132).

  When the stop symbol is stored according to the result of the big hit determination as described above, the process (variation pattern determination process) for determining the variation display mode (variation pattern) of the special symbol (first special figure, second special figure) Is executed (S3136). Here, the variation display mode of the special symbol is actually repeating the blinking of the first special symbol LED or the second special symbol LED, and the variation pattern of the special symbol is a time period during which the special symbol is variably displayed ( (Variation time). As described above, the variation display of the special symbol is linked to the variation display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c (design variation variation) on the effect display device 25, so that the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. Then, the symbol variation effect of the effect time corresponding to the variation pattern is executed.

  The variation pattern determination process is performed while referring to the variation pattern determination table using the variation pattern determination random number value read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold. The fluctuation pattern table includes a table to be referred to when the fluctuation reduction function is not operating (a fluctuation pattern determination table for non-variation reduction) and a table to be referred to when the fluctuation reduction function is being operated (for fluctuation reduction). The fluctuation pattern table is stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 in advance.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern table for non-variation shortening. As shown in the figure, in the variation pattern determination table, correspondence between the variation pattern determination random number values of 0 to 99 and a plurality of variation patterns is divided into a case where the big hit determination result is “big hit” and “out”. Relationship is set. FIG. 11 shows the variation time corresponding to each variation pattern, and the variation time is different for each variation pattern. When the big hit determination result is “big hit”, it is common to perform the reach effect described above, and in order to facilitate securing the execution time of the reach effect, , More variation patterns having a longer variation time than “out” are set. Of course, even when the big hit determination result is “out”, a reach effect may be performed, and thus a variation pattern of a length capable of executing the reach effect is set. Although not shown, the fluctuation pattern table for fluctuation reduction has many fluctuation patterns having a shorter fluctuation time than the fluctuation pattern table for non-variation reduction.

  In the process of S3136 in FIG. 8, the variation pattern associated with the variation pattern determination random number value is changed to the variation pattern of the special symbol for starting the variation display according to whether the variation shortening function is activated or the result of the jackpot determination. decide.

  When the variation pattern determination process (S3136) ends, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination is made based on the second special figure hold (S3138 in FIG. 9). If it is a jackpot determination made based on the second special figure hold (S3138: yes), the variable display of the second special figure is started (S3140), and 1 is subtracted from the second special figure hold number. (S3142). On the other hand, if the jackpot determination is made based on the first special figure hold (S3138: no), the variable display of the first special figure is started (S3144), and 1 is calculated from the first special figure hold number. Subtraction is performed (S3146).

  When the variation display of the first special diagram or the second special diagram is started in this way, a variation pattern designation command for designating the variation pattern type of the special symbol (first special diagram, second special diagram) for which the variation display is started, A stop symbol designation command for designating a symbol to be stopped is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 as a change start command (S3148).

  When the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 receives the variation start command, the symbol variation effect (identification symbol 26a, 26) executed in the first display area 26 of the effect display device 25 based on the variation pattern designation command. The effect pattern from the start of the variable display of 26b, 26c to the stop display) is selected, and the variable display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, 26c is started. Further, based on the stop symbol designation command, a combination of identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c to be stopped and displayed in the first display area 26 of the effect display device 25 is selected.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits the change start time command to the sub control board 220, the special figure change start process is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIGS. In the special symbol game process, when the process returns from the special figure change start process (S310), the process ends as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In the above, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is executed, it is not during the big hit game (S302: no), and neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is variably displayed (S304: no) The processing of was explained. On the other hand, if the first special figure or the second special figure is being variably displayed (S304: yes), the special symbol (the first special figure or the second special figure) has already been displayed. This corresponds to the case where the fluctuation pattern and the stop symbol are determined and the fluctuation display of the first special figure or the second special figure is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S312). Since the fluctuation time of the first special figure or the second special figure is determined in advance according to the fluctuation pattern, a predetermined timer (fluctuation time measurement timer) is started simultaneously with the start of the fluctuation display of the first special figure or the second special figure. It is possible to determine whether or not the variation time has elapsed by setting the variation time to. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S312: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time has elapsed (S312: yes), the first special figure or the second special figure during the fluctuation display is determined by a predetermined stop symbol (S3126 and S3132 in FIG. 8). A stop display is performed (S314), and a command (symbol stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S316). Then, a time (determined display time) for maintaining the special symbol stopped and displayed is set (S318), and it is determined whether or not the determined display time has passed (S320). If the fixed display time has not elapsed (S320: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  After returning to the game control process of FIG. 5 with the first special figure or the second special figure stopped, the special symbol game process (FIGS. 6 and 7) of S300 is executed again. It is determined that the first special figure and the second special figure are not being displayed in a variable manner (S304: no), and then, in determining whether or not the special symbol is being displayed, it is determined that the special display is being displayed ( S306: yes), it is determined again whether the fixed display time has passed (S320). If the fixed display time has elapsed (S320: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (S322 in FIG. 7). When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (S322: yes), the jackpot flag is set to ON (S326). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is being played, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as a storage area for the big hit flag. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the big hit game is being executed according to the set state of the big hit flag.

  Further, when starting a big hit game, if various flags such as a high probability flag, an open extension flag, and a variable shortening puffer are set to ON, the ON flag is set to OFF (S328). Here, the high probability flag is a flag indicating that the big hit probability is set to a high probability, and the open extension flag is an open extension function (a function for setting the open time of the second start port 17b longer than usual). ) Is a flag indicating that it is in operation, and the variation shortening flag is a flag indicating that the variation shortening function (function for setting the variation time of the special symbol to be shorter than usual) is in operation. These flags are set anew when the big hit game ends.

  When the flag setting process for starting the big hit game is completed (S326, S328), a command indicating the start of the big hit game (big hit game start command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S330). When receiving the jackpot game start command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes an effect corresponding to the jackpot game. Further, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a jackpot game start command (S330), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In the above, the process when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol in the special symbol game processing of FIGS. 6 and 7 has been described (S322: yes). On the other hand, when the special symbol is not stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, that is, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the off symbol (S322: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S334). As described above, since the big hit probability is set to a high probability after the big hit game based on the stop display of the probability variation hit symbol, the high probability flag is set to ON. If the high probability flag is set to ON (S334: yes), 1 is subtracted from the high probability counter (S336), and it is determined whether or not the high probability counter has become “0” (S338). The high probability counter is a counter in which the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the high probability setting of the big hit probability is finished, and 1 is subtracted every time the variation display of the special symbol is finished. As a result, when the high probability counter becomes “0” (S338: yes), the high probability flag is set to OFF to end the high probability setting of the big hit probability (S340). In this embodiment, since a very large value (for example, 10,000) is set in the high probability counter, the high probability setting of the big hit probability is substantially continued until the start of the next big hit game.

  On the other hand, if the high probability flag is not set to ON in the determination of S334 (S334: no), the processing of S336 to S340 is omitted, and the high probability counter becomes “0” in the determination of S338. If not (S338: no), since the high probability setting of the big hit probability is continued, the process of S340 is omitted.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S342). As described above, when the big hit game is finished, the opening extension function and the fluctuation shortening function are continuously operated until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number, and the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. When the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S342: yes), 1 is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S344), and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter has become “0” (S346). The fluctuation shortening counter is a counter in which the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol until the fluctuation shortening function is stopped (terminated) is set, and 1 is subtracted every time the variation display of the special symbol is finished. As a result, when the fluctuation shortening counter becomes “0” (S346: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag and the opening extension flag are set to OFF in order to stop the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function (S348).

  On the other hand, if the fluctuation reduction flag is not set to ON in the determination of S342 (S342: no), the processes of S344 to S348 are omitted, and the determination of the fluctuation reduction counter is “0” in the determination of S346. If not (S346: no), the operation of the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function is continued, so the process of S348 is omitted.

  When processing relating to the setting of the high probability flag, fluctuation shortening flag, and release extension flag is thus performed, a gaming state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S350). The gaming state designation command is a command for designating a gaming state that is determined according to the setting of a high probability flag, a variable shortening flag, a release extension flag, and the like. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the game state designation command, the CPU 221 switches to the effect mode according to the game state. Further, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a game state designation command, the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In the game control process of FIG. 5, when returning from the special symbol game process (S300), it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S380). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is being played. Accordingly, when the big hit flag is set to ON (S380: yes), the CPU 201 (specific game execution means) of the main control board 200 executes the following big hit game process (S400). On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not set to ON (S380: no), the jackpot game process (S400) is omitted and the process returns to the top of the game control process.

  In the big hit game process (S400), the following processes are mainly performed. First, unless the big hit game is started, the closed big winning opening 31d is opened to start the round game. Then, after the special winning opening 31d is opened, when a predetermined opening time has elapsed, or when a predetermined number of game balls have entered the special winning opening 31d, the special winning opening 31d is closed once. End the round game. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of round games (number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number. If the predetermined number of round games have not ended, the closing time of the special winning opening 31d (round and round games) On the condition that the time for closing the special winning opening 31d) has elapsed, the special winning opening 31d is opened again and a new round game is started. In this way, if a predetermined number of round games are completed while repeating the round game, the big hit flag is set to OFF in order to end the big hit game, and the command indicating the end of the big hit game (big hit game end command) is sub-controlled. Transmitting toward the substrate 220.

  When the big hit game is finished, processing related to the setting of the high probability flag, the fluctuation shortening flag, and the release extension flag is performed as follows. First, it is determined whether or not the ended big hit game is started by the stop display of the probability change winning symbol. As described above, after the jackpot game based on the stop display of the probabilistic hit symbol, the jackpot probability is set to a high probability, so if the game is a big hit game started by the stop display of the probable hit symbol, a high probability Set the flag to ON. In the present embodiment, a very large value (for example, 10000) is set in the high probability counter so that the high probability setting of the big hit probability is substantially continued until the start of the next big hit game. Subsequently, the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON. As described above, when the big hit game ends, the fluctuation shortening function and the release extension function are activated, and continue until the maximum number of special symbol fluctuations reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) (if no big hit occurs). . Therefore, when the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON, a predetermined number of times (here, 100) is set in the fluctuation shortening counter.

  When various flags are set in this way, a gaming state designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220, and the big hit gaming process (S400) is terminated. When the big hit game process is completed, the process returns to the top of the game control process of FIG. 5 and the series of processes after the above-described prize ball related process (S50) are repeated.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands related to the effects of the game toward the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines specific effects based on the received command, thereby various effects using the effect display device 25, the speaker 5y, various LEDs, and the lamps 4b to 4f. Control is performed. Hereinafter, a process (symbol variation effect process) performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 for controlling the symbol variation effect executed by the effect display device 25 in conjunction with the special symbol variation display will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a symbol variation effect process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. In the symbol variation effect process, first, it is determined whether or not a variation start command (a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command) has been received from the main control board 200 (S500). When the change start command is received (S500: yes), it is determined whether or not to execute the shutter effect (shutter effect execution determination) (S502).

  As described above, the shutter effect of the present embodiment can be executed during the variation display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c (during the symbol variation effect). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a shutter effect is performed. In the illustrated shutter effect, the shutter image 26f, which is a still image, is displayed in a manner that covers (occupies) most of the first display area 26 of the effect display device 25 (for example, an area of three quarters or more). Therefore, the character image 26d and the background image 26e (see FIG. 4) are not displayed in the first display area 26 during the shutter effect of the present embodiment. It is assumed that the shutter image 26f includes blackout.

  However, during the shutter effect of the present embodiment, a timer display part 26g (period display part) is provided in the lower left part of the first display area 26, and a variable display part 26h is provided in the lower right part of the first display area 26. In the timer display unit 26g, an elapsed time since the start of the shutter effect is displayed. In the fluctuation display section 26h, the reduced identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c are variably displayed. The shutter image 26f may be displayed on the entire first display area 26 without providing the timer display unit 26g and the fluctuation display unit 26h.

  The shutter effect execution determination (S502 in FIG. 12) is performed with reference to an execution determination table (not shown) using an execution determination random value. The execution determination random number value used here is a random number value acquired when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the change start command. The execution determination table is a table in which a determination result of “execute” or “do not execute” the shutter effect is set for the execution determination random value, and is stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. Has been.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the execution determination random value acquired when the change start command is received is a value corresponding to “execute”, that is, whether or not the shutter effect is executed as a result of the determination ( S504). In this embodiment, the shutter effect execution determination is performed with reference to the execution determination table, but instead of this, the shutter effect is generated based on the variation pattern of the special symbol designated by the received variation pattern designation command. It may be determined whether or not to execute. For example, if a variation pattern with a special symbol variation time of 30 to 60 seconds is specified, it is determined that the shutter effect is to be executed, and if any other variation pattern is specified, it is determined that the shutter effect is not to be executed. May be.

  As a result, when the shutter effect is not executed (S504: no), the symbol variation effect corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is selected (S506). As described above, the variation pattern corresponds to the variation time of the special symbol, and the effect time of the plurality of symbol variation effects prepared matches the variation time of any variation pattern. In S506, the design variation effect of the production time corresponding to the variation pattern is selected from a plurality of design variation effects. The plurality of symbol variation effects include the reach effect described above.

  When the symbol variation effect is selected in this way, the selected symbol variation effect is started (S508). This process is performed by transmitting a symbol variation effect designation command for designating a symbol variation effect to the effect display control board 230, and the CPU 231 and VDP of the effect display control board 230 that has received the command are designated by the command. The image variation effect is executed by reading out the image data corresponding to the symbol variation effect from the image ROM 234 and outputting it to the effect display device 25. Further, in the processing of S508, with the start of the symbol variation effect (variation display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c), processing for deleting one pending display from the pending display portion 27b of the second display area 27, or determination The display unit 27c performs a process of starting the variable display of the determination display symbol.

  As described above, the image ROM 234 stores moving image (animation) data composed of a plurality of still images with slightly different actions and shapes of a predetermined character, data of a plurality of sprite images and background images corresponding to each character, and the like. Has been. Using this moving image data or a frame obtained by superimposing a character sprite image on the background image, 30 frames or more are displayed in the first display area 26 in one second, thereby changing the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c. Along with the display, it is possible to realize a symbol variation effect of a moving image display mode in which a predetermined character smoothly performs various actions. In particular, in the above-described reach production, it is common to make the character move intensely in order to excite the game entertainment.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S500 that the change start command has not been received (S500: no), the processing in S502 to S508 is omitted, and it is determined whether the shutter effect has already been performed (S510). . When the shutter effect is not performed (S510: no), it is subsequently determined whether or not a symbol stop command is received from the main control board 200 (S512). If no symbol stop command has been received (S512: no), the process returns to the top of the symbol variation effect process.

  On the other hand, when the symbol stop command is received (S512: yes), the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c being displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed, and the symbol variation effect is ended (S514). The combination of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c to be stopped at this time is selected according to the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command, and if the special symbol stop symbol is a big hit symbol, the same symbols are aligned. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is off and the symbol is a combination that is not aligned with the same symbol (separated). Further, in the process of S514, the determination display part 27c in the second display area 27 performs a process of stopping and displaying the determination display symbol during the variable display. When the symbol variation effect is thus completed, the process returns to the top of the symbol variation effect process, and it is determined whether or not a variation start command has been received (S500).

  If the shutter effect is executed in the determination in S504 (S504), the shutter effect start process described below is performed (S520).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a shutter effect start process. In the shutter effect start process, first, based on the stop symbol designation command received in S500, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination result is a jackpot (S522). If the big hit determination result is a big hit (S522: yes), a shutter period is selected using the big hit shutter period selection table (S524). On the other hand, when the big hit determination result is out (S522: no), the shutter period is selected using the out shutter period selection table (S526). In this embodiment, a plurality of lengths of periods (shutter periods) for which the shutter effect is continued are set, and the selection of the shutter period is performed with reference to the shutter period selection table. The shutter period selection table includes a big hit table that is referred to when the big hit determination result is a big hit, and a out table that is referred to when the big hit result is out, and is stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the sub control board 220. Has been.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shutter period selection table. FIG. 15A shows a big hit shutter period selection table, and FIG. 15B shows a release shutter period selection table. As shown in the drawing, in the shutter period selection table, any one of a plurality of shutter periods (3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds) is set for the shutter period selection random value. The shutter period selection random number value is a random number value acquired when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a change start command. In the big hit shutter period selection table of FIG. 15A, the shutter period “3 seconds” is set for the values of 0 to 4 among the shutter period selection random numbers of 0 to 99, and the hit period of 5 to 14 is set. "5 seconds" is set for "15 seconds", "10 seconds" is set for values 15 to 39, "20 seconds" is set for values 40 to 89, and for values 90 to 99 “30 seconds” is set. On the other hand, in the off shutter period selection table of FIG. 15B, “3 seconds” is set for the values of 0 to 34, “5 seconds” is set for the values of 35 to 59, and 60 "10 seconds" is set for the values of -84, and "20 seconds" is set for the values of 85-99.

  In the processes of S524 and S526, the shutter period selection table corresponding to the jackpot determination result is referred to, and the shutter period (3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds) associated with the acquired shutter period selection random number value. Any). As is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the shutter period “3 seconds” is most difficult to be selected when the big hit determination result is a big hit, and is most easily selected when the big hit is out. Therefore, the jackpot reliability (the possibility of the result of the symbol variation effect reaching the jackpot display (horizontal)) is the lowest. Compared to “3 seconds”, “5 seconds” has a slightly higher selection probability at the time of big hit, and the selection probability at the time of outage slightly decreases. Big hit reliability is higher than "3 seconds". In addition, since “10 seconds” is selected to the same degree whether it is a big hit or off, the big hit reliability is higher than that of “5 seconds”. Furthermore, “20 seconds” is most likely to be selected at the time of a big hit, and is difficult to be selected at the time of a loss, so that the big hit reliability is higher than “10 seconds”. Then, “30 seconds” can be selected only at the time of a big hit and is not selected at the time of a loss, so that the big hit reliability is the highest (so-called big hit is determined). As described above, in the shutter effect according to the present embodiment, the longer the shutter period, the higher the big hit reliability.

  As described above, the shutter effect of the present embodiment can be executed while the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c are displayed in a variable manner (during the symbol variation effect). Since the shutter period of “30 seconds” is included, when the variation time of the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is less than 30 seconds, the shutter effect may not be performed. If the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern is less than 30 seconds, the shutter period may be selected using a shutter period selection table excluding the shutter period having a length exceeding the fluctuation time.

  After selecting the shutter period in this way, subsequently, an after-release effect to be executed after the shutter effect is finished (after the shutter is released) is selected. In this embodiment, a plurality of post-opening effects are prepared, and the post-opening effects are selected with reference to the post-opening effect selection table. The post-release effect selection table includes a jackpot table that is referred to when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, and a table for removal that is referred to when the jackpot determination result is unchecked, and is stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. Stored in advance. Therefore, when the big hit determination result is a big hit, the post-opening effect is selected using the big hit table (S528), and when the big hit determination result is out, the post-opening effect is selected using the outing table. (S530).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an after-opening effect selection table. FIG. 16A shows an after-opening effect selection table for big hits, and FIG. 16B shows an after-opening effect selection table for release. As shown in the drawing, in the post-opening effect selection table, any of a plurality of post-opening effects is set for the post-opening effect selection random value. The post-opening effect selection random number value is a random number value acquired when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a change start command. In addition, as a post-opening performance, a line-up notice is given to indicate the reliability of the big hit by a line from a character (character), and there are three types of lines: “hot”, “great chance”, and “chance”. There is a notice. In the post-opening effect selection table for jackpots in FIG. 16A, “chance” is set for the values of 0 to 9 among the post-opening effect selection random numbers of 0 to 99, and the values are set to 10 to 39. On the other hand, “Large Chance” is set, and “Intense Heat” is set for values of 40 to 99. On the other hand, in the post-opening effect selection table for detachment shown in FIG. 16B, “chance” is set for values from 0 to 59, “large chance” is set for values from 60 to 89, and 90 “Intense heat” is set for a value of ˜99.

  In the processing of S528 and S530, the post-opening effect selection table corresponding to the jackpot determination result is referred to, and the post-opening effect associated with the acquired post-opening effect selection random value (either chance, big chance, or intense heat) Select (Serial notice). As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the “chance” is difficult to select when the big hit determination result is a big hit, and is easy to select when the big hit is out. It is a low line notice. On the other hand, “Intense heat” is a serif notice with a high jackpot reliability because it is easily selected at the time of a big hit and is difficult to select at the time of a hit. Since “big chance” is selected at the same level regardless of whether or not it is a big hit, it is a serif notice with a medium degree of big hit reliability.

  When the post-release effect is selected in this way, the symbol change effect is started by variably displaying the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c, and the shutter effect is executed (S532). In the shutter effect of the present embodiment, when the left and right of the three identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c are stopped and displayed with the same number (reach state), the shutter image 26f descends from above, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, most of the first display area 26 is covered. In addition, the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c are reduced, and the variable display is continued in the variable display unit 26h, and the elapsed time of the shutter effect is counted and displayed in the timer display unit 26g.

  The process of S532 is performed by transmitting a symbol variation effect designation command designating execution of the shutter effect toward the effect display control board 230. The image ROM 234 stores data of the shutter image 26f, and the CPU 231 and the VDP of the effect display control board 230 that has received the command read the data of the shutter image 26f from the image ROM 234 and output the data to the effect display device 25. Execute the shutter effect.

  The timing for executing the shutter effect is not limited to the reach state, and the shutter effect may be executed at the start of the variable display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c, or the identification symbol 26a, 26b, and 26c. In consideration of the fluctuation time and the shutter period, the shutter effect may be executed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation display. Further, the moving direction when displaying the shutter image 26f is not limited to the upper side of the first display area 26, and may be from the lower side or from the side, or may be immediately switched to the shutter image 26f.

  When the shutter effect is thus executed, the shutter effect start process of FIG. 14 is terminated, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG. In the symbol variation effect process, when returning from the shutter effect start process (S520), it is determined whether or not the shutter period selected in S524 or S526 has elapsed (S540). If the shutter period has not yet elapsed (S540: no), it is determined whether a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S512). As described above, the shutter effect according to the present embodiment is executed during the variation display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c (during the symbol variation effect), so that the symbol stop command is not received before the shutter period elapses. (S512: no) If it returns to the head of the symbol variation effect process as it is, it is determined that it has not been received by determining whether or not a variation start command has been received (S500: no). Subsequently, in determining whether or not the shutter effect is being executed, since it is determined that the shutter effect is being executed (S510: yes), it is determined again whether or not the shutter period has elapsed (S540).

  If the shutter period has elapsed while repeating these determinations (S540: yes), the shutter effect is terminated, and the post-release effect selected in S528 or S530 is executed (S542).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the shutter effect is finished and the post-release effect is performed. In the present embodiment, at the end of the shutter effect, the shutter image 26f is lifted above the first display area 26 to open the shutter, and a speech advance notice is displayed in the opened first display area 26 as an effect after opening. At this time, the longer the shutter period is (the larger the count value displayed on the timer display unit 26g), the higher the possibility that a high-reliability speech notice will be displayed.

  It should be noted that the post-opening performance is not limited to the serif notice, but may be anything that suggests the jackpot reliability. For example, it may be a background change notice that suggests a big hit reliability by changing the background image 26e. In this case, a plurality of changed background images 26e may be provided, and the big hit reliability may be different from each other. That's fine. In addition, step-up notice in which the jackpot reliability increases stepwise may be used. In this case, the longer the shutter period, the higher the possibility of stepping up to a higher step. Further, any one of a plurality of reach effects having different jackpot reliability may be performed as an effect after opening.

  When the post-release effect is executed in this manner, the display of the variation of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c (symbol variation effect) continues, so it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S512). ). Then, when the symbol stop command is received (S512: yes), the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c being displayed in a variable manner are stopped and displayed, and the symbol variation effect is ended (S514). Thereafter, the process returns to the top of the symbol variation effect process, and it is determined whether or not a new variation start command has been received (S500).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the shutter effect can be executed during the symbol variation effect. In this shutter effect, it is only necessary to display the shutter image 26f (still image) so as to cover most of the first display area 26. At least during the shutter effect, the symbol change effect of the moving image display mode is performed. The control burden can be reduced compared to the case. In addition, in the shutter effect, it is not necessary to create a plurality of still images constituting a moving image displayed in the first display area 26 or a plurality of sprite images corresponding to each character. The creation burden and cost can be reduced.

  In the shutter effect of the present embodiment, the longer the period during which the shutter image 26f is displayed (shutter period), the more likely the result of the symbol variation effect to be a big hit display (horizontal eye) (hit hit reliability). As a post-opening effect that is performed after the end of the shutter effect, there is a high possibility that a high-reliability speech notice will be performed. Therefore, it is possible to increase the expectation for the big hit only by displaying the shutter image 26f, and the player desires that the shutter period lasts long, so that the player is bored even if the shutter period is extended. Therefore, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

  Further, during the shutter effect, the elapsed time from the start of the shutter effect is counted and displayed on the timer display unit 26g, so it is assumed that the player misses the scene of the start of the shutter effect (the moment when the shutter image 26f is displayed). However, the length of the shutter period can be grasped by looking at the count value of the timer display unit 26g. Furthermore, even if the difference between the set shutter periods is slight (for example, 3 seconds and 5 seconds) and it is difficult for the player to distinguish it as a bodily sensation, it is displayed as a numerical value on the timer display unit 26g. Since the difference in the length of the game is clear, the longer the shutter period, the higher the jackpot reliability (there is a high possibility that a game effect indicating that the jackpot reliability is high) will be executed. It becomes possible to attach.

  In the present embodiment, the count value displayed on the timer display unit 26g is linked to the actual elapsed time from the start of the shutter effect, but it is not always necessary to link, and is longer than the actual elapsed time. A count value may be displayed. For example, the actual elapsed time is 30 seconds, but the timer display unit 26g may display 60 seconds by speeding up the switching of the count display. In this way, it is possible to impress the player that the shutter period is long (high hit reliability is high) by the count display of the timer display unit 26g without increasing the actual shutter period. Further, the position where the timer display unit 26g is provided is not limited to the first display area 26, and may be provided on the exterior of the central device 24, for example.

  The “game effect” includes a notice (notice effect) or reach (reach) indicating the possibility that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a specific manner (so-called reliability) before the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner (winning manner). Production). In addition, as the plurality of game effects, at least the first game effect indicating that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a specific manner (predetermined reliability), and the first game effect as a possibility of being stopped and displayed in a specific manner. And a second game effect indicating a higher possibility (higher reliability than a predetermined reliability). Of course, a third game effect that indicates a higher possibility than the second game effect, a fourth game effect that indicates a higher possibility than the third game effect, and stop display in a specific manner (confirmed hit). You may provide the 5th game production etc. to show.

D. Modified example:
The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the following modifications may be made. In the description of the modification, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

D-1. First modification:
In the embodiment described above, the shutter image 26f is displayed in a manner that covers (occupies) most of the first display area 26 as a shutter effect. However, instead of displaying the shutter image 26f in the first display area 26, a shutter member 24b (covering means) capable of covering the first display area 26 may be provided.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing the shutter member 24b mounted on the central device 24 of the first modification. The illustrated shutter member 24b is housed in the back side of the game board 10 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 18A, and is shown in a hatched state in FIG. 18B. It is possible to take two states, an appearance state that appears on the front side (player side) of the effect display device 25 and is visible to the player, and is switched by the operation of a drive mechanism (not shown). The operation of this drive mechanism is controlled by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the first modified example, when the shutter effect is not performed, the shutter member 24b is housed above the first display area 26 as shown in FIG. The player can view it. When the shutter effect is executed, the shutter member 24b moves to the front side of the first display area 26 to cover the first display area 26 as shown in FIG. It becomes difficult for a person to visually recognize.

  In such a pachinko machine 1 of the first modified example, at least during the execution of the shutter effect, the first display area 26 is not visible or difficult to see from the player by the shutter member 24b. It is not necessary to create a plurality of still images constituting a moving image to be displayed in the first display area 26, a plurality of sprite images corresponding to each character, and the like. Can be achieved.

  The longer the period in which the front side of the first display area 26 is covered with the shutter member 24b, the higher the expectation for the big hit, so even if the first display area 26 is covered with the shutter member 24b longer, the game The game entertainment can be improved without getting tired.

  In addition, a timer display unit 24c (period display unit) is provided on the front side of the shutter member 24b. When the shutter member 24b enters an appearance state as shown in FIG. 18B, the timer display unit 24c is played. Can be visually recognized. Since the timer display unit 24c appears together with the shutter member 24b, the timer display unit 24c is easily noticed by the player. Like the timer display unit 26g of the above-described embodiment, the elapsed time from the start of the shutter effect is counted in the timer display unit 24c. Since it is displayed, it is possible to easily grasp the length of the shutter period and clarify the difference between the lengths of the plurality of shutter periods.

D-2. Second modification:
During execution of the shutter effect of the above-described embodiment, the same shutter image 26f is displayed in the first display area 26 over a predetermined shutter period, and the still image has no change in display mode. However, the display mode of the first display area 26 in the shutter effect is not limited to a still image, and a specific display with fewer actions (changes) than a moving image display mode in which a predetermined character operates in various ways, such as a reach effect. It is good also as an aspect.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a comparison between the moving image display mode and the specific display mode in the first display area 26 of the second modified example. For example, assuming that the number of frames displayed in one minute in the first display area 26 is 60 frames, and in the moving image display mode, if the movement and shape of a predetermined character is changed little by little for each frame, 60 frames per second of the moving image. It is necessary to prepare various types of still images and sprite images. On the other hand, in the specific display mode, the types of still images and sprite images included in one second of the moving image are smaller than the moving image display mode, for example, 1/10. In this specific display mode, the number of frames displayed per second is the same as in the video display mode. However, since the still image displayed for each frame is not switched but switched every 10 frames, there are various characters. It is a slow operation with little change compared to the moving image display mode that operates. The characters (characters, persons, articles, animals and plants, etc.) displayed in the moving image display mode and the characters displayed in the specific display mode may be different characters or the same character.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the second modified example, the display mode of the first display area 26 in the shutter effect is set to such a specific display mode, so that a still image or a sprite image prepared as compared with the case of the moving image display mode is prepared. Since the number of types of images may be small, it is possible to reduce the burden of creating video and creating costs related to the design variation effect.

  And the longer the period in which the display mode of the first display area 26 is the specific display mode (the mode with less change than the video display mode), the higher the expectation for the big hit, the longer the specific display mode However, it is possible to improve the game entertainment without getting the player bored.

D-3. Third modification:
In the shutter effect of the above-described embodiment, the shutter image 26f is displayed on the entire first display area 26 except for the timer display portion 26g and the fluctuation display portion 26h. However, a plurality of ranges (shutter closing ranges) for displaying the shutter image 26f in the first display area 26 may be set and any of them may be selected. Instead of displaying the shutter image 26f in the first display area 26, the shutter member 24b may cover the front of the first display area 26 as in the first modification described above. What is necessary is just to vary the range covered with the shutter member 24b as the shutter closed range.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the third modified example, when the shutter period is selected in the shutter effect start process (see FIG. 14), the shutter closing range is subsequently selected. This is done while referring to the range selection table. The closed range selection table includes a jackpot table that is referred to when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, and a table for disconnection that is referred to when the jackpot determination result is off. It is remembered.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a closed range selection table. FIG. 20A shows a closing range selection table for big hits, and FIG. 20B shows a closing range selection table for disconnection. As shown in the drawing, in the closing range selection table, any one of a plurality of shutter closing ranges (1/2 of the first display area 26, 2/3 of the area, or the whole) is selected with respect to the closing range selection random number value. Is set. The closed range selection random number value is a random number value acquired when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a change start command. In the jackpot closing range selection table of FIG. 20 (a), “1/2” is set for the values of 0 to 9 among the closing range selection random numbers of 0 to 99, and the values of 10 to 39 are set. On the other hand, “2/3” is set, and “whole” is set for values of 40 to 99. On the other hand, in the closing range selection table for detachment in FIG. 20B, “1/2” is set for the values of 0 to 59, and “2/3” is set for the values of 60 to 89. , 90-99 is set to “whole”.

  As apparent from a comparison between FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, the shutter closing range “1/2” is difficult to select when the big hit determination result is a big hit, and is easily selected when the big hit is out. So the big hit reliability is low. On the other hand, the “whole” is easy to be selected at the time of a big hit, and is difficult to be selected at the time of a loss, so the big hit reliability is high. Then, “2/3”, which is an intermediate between “1/2” and “whole”, is selected at the same level regardless of whether it is a big hit or off, so that the big hit reliability is medium.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the third modified example, the reliability of the big hit differs depending not only on the length of the shutter period in the shutter effect but also on the shutter closing range, and if the length of the shutter period is the same, the shutter is closed. The wider the range, the higher the jackpot reliability. Therefore, in the shutter effect of the third modified example, in addition to a longer period during which the shutter image 26f is displayed, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment interest by expecting a wider display range of the shutter image 26f. .

  In the third modification described above, the big hit reliability is shown by the shutter closing range, but the big hit reliability may be shown by the display mode (color or the like) of the shutter image 26f. For example, as the display mode of the shutter image 26f, three colors of red, yellow, and black may be provided, and the big hit reliability may be different from each other.

D-4. Fourth modification:
In the above-described embodiment, the shutter effect is executed during one-time variation display of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c (during the symbol variation effect). However, the present invention is not limited to one fluctuation display, and the shutter effect may be executed over a plurality of fluctuation displays. In the pachinko machine 1 of the fourth modified example, the determination random value (hit determination random value, symbol determination random value, variation pattern) stored as the hold in the special figure hold related process (S250) of the game control process shown in FIG. Pre-determination (decision of big hit, determination of big hit symbol, determination of variation pattern, etc.) is performed on the determined random value. When a specific hold (a big hit hold, a hold of a predetermined fluctuation pattern) occurs, a shutter period is selected as a shutter effect.

  FIG. 21 is a time chart showing a state in which the shutter effect is performed over a plurality of fluctuating displays of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c. In the illustrated example, the big hit hold is stored in the third, and 30 seconds is selected as the shutter period. Fluctuation time corresponding to the first and second hold (both 10 seconds in the example shown) so that the shutter effect ends during the fluctuation display of the identification symbol 26a, 26b, 26c corresponding to the big hit hold. Considering the above, the shutter effect is started in the middle of the variable display corresponding to the first hold. Then, when the shutter effect ends, a speech advance notice or a background change advance notice may be executed as the post-release effect.

  In this way, by continuing the shutter effect over a plurality of variable displays of the identification symbols 26a, 26b, and 26c, it is possible to increase the sense of expectation for the big hit and excite the game entertainment.

  As mentioned above, although the Example and the modification were demonstrated about this invention, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port 17a, first game port) provided on the game board are used. 2) A pachinko machine that gives a player a profit (game value) as a result of a game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the game balls entering the start opening 17b, the big prize opening 31d, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives gaming profits in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. For example, when a game ball is entered into various winning holes, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the ball is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that gives a game profit (game value) to a player. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiments can be obtained. . As a pachinko machine of the type in which game profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again.

  The present invention can be used for a gaming machine used in a game hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 24 ... Central equipment,
24b ... shutter member (covering means),
24c ... Timer display part (period display part),
25 ... production display device (display means), 26 ... first display area (display area),
26g ... timer display section (period display section), 27 ... second display area,
200 ... main control board, 201 ... CPU (specific game execution means),
220 ... Sub-control board, 221 ... CPU,
230 ... Production display control board, 231 ... CPU,
234: Image ROM (game effect storage means).

Claims (6)

In a gaming machine that includes a display unit that displays the identification information variably based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the gaming machine that executes a specific game advantageous to the player,
As a display mode displayed in the display area,
A moving image display mode in which a predetermined character image changes in a predetermined mode in the display area;
A predetermined character image is displayed on a part or the whole of the display area, and has a specific display mode in which the number of still images included in one second is smaller than the moving image display mode,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the longer the period in which the specific display mode is displayed in the display area, the higher the possibility that the variation display result of the identification information becomes the specific result. In a gaming machine that includes a display unit that displays the identification information variably based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, the gaming machine that executes a specific game advantageous to the player,
Covering means for covering a part or the whole of the display area by moving to a front of the display area from a predetermined position,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the longer the period during which the covering means covers the display area, the higher the possibility that the identification information variation display result will be a specific result. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A period display unit that numerically indicates a length of a period during which the specific display mode is displayed in the display area, or a period during which the covering means covers the display area;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the greater the display value of the period display unit, the higher the possibility that the identification information variation display result will be a specific result. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 3,
In the specific display mode, the type of still image included in one second is 1/10 or less of the moving image display mode. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 3,
The specific display mode is a still image whose display mode does not change. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 5,
The specific display mode is displayed in an area of three quarters or more of the display area.

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