JP2016047273A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a performance effect of a performance which is performed in accordance with an operation input.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises operation means that can be operated, determines whether or not to execute an advantageous special game according to the establishment of a start condition, and executes the special game according to a result of the determination. The game machine displays an operation image, which facilitates operation to the operation means, on a screen in a first mode in a predetermined period. The game machine also displays an image having substantially the same shape as the operation image at substantially the same display position as the operation image in a second mode as a suggestive image for suggesting the display of the operation image before the predetermined period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes an effect that prompts a player to perform an operation.

  Conventional gaming machines are provided with operation means such as buttons, prompting the player to make an operation input to the operation means during a period when the input is valid (a period during which the input is accepted), and responding to the operation input being performed. In some cases, an effect that causes a specific effect change (hereinafter referred to as an “operation effect”) may be performed. For example, in Patent Document 1, an operation effect that generates an effect of cutting an enemy character in response to a press of an effect button is performed.

JP 2013-090780 A

  In a conventional operation effect, an image for prompting input (for example, an image of an effect button) is only displayed in a period during which the input is valid (effective period). For this reason, the operation effect is monotonous only for the player to input in response to the display of the image for prompting the input, and there is a case where it is not possible to provide a highly interesting and effective effect. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the effect of a performance performed in response to an operation input.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises operable operating means, determines whether or not to execute an advantageous special game according to the establishment of the start condition, and executes the special game according to the determination result An operation image display means for displaying an operation image prompting an operation on the operation means on the screen in a manner including an indication that the operation means is in an effective period in an effective period in which the operation on the operation means is valid The suggestion image for suggesting the display of the operation image at the first timing before the operation image is displayed or the second timing when the operation image is not displayed includes an indication that the operation image is in the effective period. Suggesting image display means for displaying in a non-existent manner.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the production effect of the production performed according to operation input can be improved.

Schematic front view of pachinko machine 1 Schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating each state of effect button 26 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the button effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26, and a suggestion effect. Timing chart showing an example of execution period of button effect and suggestion effect Explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the button production using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the production | presentation button 26, and a suggestion production. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the control apparatus with which the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the game control board 100 Detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of jackpot determination processing in step S309 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the production control board 130 Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S104 of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a part of effect pattern which can be set in a notice effect pattern setting process Detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S105 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the image sound control process performed in the image sound control board 140 The flowchart which shows an example of the lamp control process performed in the lamp control board 150 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the button production | presentation and suggestion production | presentation in the modification of the said embodiment.

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

[Example of schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a game board 2 provided with an accessory related to winning or determination and a frame member 3 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 3 supports a transparent glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval. The glass board and the game board 2 form a game area 10 in which a game ball can flow down. Has been.

  When the player grasps the handle 20 and rotates the lever 21 in the clockwise direction, the game balls stored in the upper plate 28 are guided to the launching device (not shown), and with a hitting force according to the rotation angle of the handle 20 Fired into the game area 10. This game area 10 is provided with game nails, windmills, etc. (not shown), and the launched game balls are guided to the upper position in the game area 10 and contacted with the game nails, windmills, etc. It falls along the game board 2 while changing the moving direction. Note that the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player operates the stop button 22.

  The upper plate 28 stores game balls and prize balls supplied to the launching device. Below the upper plate 28, a lower plate 29 for collecting prize balls is provided. When the player operates the take-out button 23 arranged close to the lower plate 29, a part of the lower surface of the lower plate 29 is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower plate 29 are arranged below the lower plate 29. Drop into a box not shown.

  When the player performs a so-called “left strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the left area in the game area 10 as exemplified by the arrow 31. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called “right strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the right region in the game region 10 as illustrated by the arrow 32.

  The first starting port 11, the second starting port 12, the three normal winning ports 14, the first gate 15, and the electric tulip 17 are provided in the passing path of the left-handed game ball as a prize and a winning combination. It has been. In addition, in the passage path of the right-handed game ball, the second starting port 12, the first big winning port 13, the one normal winning port 14, the second gate 16, and the electric motors are used as the winning and judging functions. A tulip 17 and a second grand prize opening 19 are provided.

  The game balls launched into the game area 10 flow down along the game board 2 in the process of flowing down along the game board 2, the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the first large winning port 13, the normal winning port 14, and the second large winning port. Enter any of the winning openings 19 and win. As a result, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the winning location are paid out to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. The game balls that have not won a prize are discharged from the game area 10 through the discharge port 18.

  The first start port 11 as the first start region is a start port that is always open, and the second start port 12 as the second start region is operating the electric tulip 17 as a normal electric accessory. It is a starting port that is opened only when it is open. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins through the first start port 11, or when a game ball wins through the second start port 12, a jackpot game (special game) advantageous to the player Is determined, and the determination result is displayed on the display 4 described later.

  In the following description, the determination executed on condition that a game ball wins the first start port 11 is referred to as “first special symbol determination”, and the game ball wins on the second start port 12 is a condition. The determination to be executed is referred to as “second special symbol determination”, and these determinations are collectively referred to as “special symbol determination”.

  The first big winning opening 13 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. A plate for opening and closing the first big prize opening 13 is provided at the opening of the first big prize opening 13. The first big winning opening 13 is normally closed by this plate. On the other hand, when the predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 4, the plate is operated to open the first big winning opening 13. A jackpot game is executed. During the jackpot game, a predetermined condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, nine game balls are won in the first big prize opening 13 or 29.5 seconds have passed since the first big prize opening 13 was opened). Until the first grand prize winning opening 13 is maintained in the open state, the long open round game that is closed is executed a predetermined number of times.

  The second big prize opening 19 is a special prize area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a blade member that opens and closes the second big prize opening 19 is provided at the opening of the second big prize opening 19. The second big prize opening 19 is normally closed by this blade member. On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 4, the blade member is operated to open the second big prize opening 19. A jackpot game is executed. During the jackpot game, a predetermined condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, nine game balls are won in the second big prize opening 19 or 29.5 seconds have passed since the second big prize opening 19 was opened). The long open round game that is closed after the second grand prize winning opening 19 is maintained in the open state is executed a predetermined number of times.

  In this way, during the jackpot game, the first big prize opening 13 or the second big prize opening 19 is opened long, so that the player hits the right during the jackpot game, and the jackpot game is being played. You can get more prize balls than when you don't.

  The electric tulip 17 is disposed close to the second starting port 12 and has a pair of blade members. The electric tulip 17 is configured to change its posture between a closed posture (see FIG. 1) in which the pair of blade members closes the second starting port 12 and an open posture (not shown) in which the second starting port 12 is opened. ing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second start port 12 is normally closed by an electric tulip 17. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16, it is determined whether or not the second start port 12 is to be opened although the prize ball is not paid out. Here, when it is determined that the second start port 12 is to be opened, the operation of returning to the closed posture after the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 has maintained the open posture for the specified time is performed a predetermined number of times. As described above, the second start port 12 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the electric tulip 17 is not operated, whereas the game ball is easily passed by the operation of the electric tulip 17. Become. In the following description, the determination executed on condition that the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16 is referred to as “ordinary symbol determination”.

  The normal winning opening 14 is always open like the first start opening 11 and is a winning opening through which a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by winning a game ball. Unlike the first starting port 11 and the like, even if a game ball wins the normal winning port 14, no determination is made.

[Configuration example of presentation means of pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game board 2 or the frame member 3 has various effects such as a liquid crystal display device 5, a speaker 24, a movable accessory 7, a panel lamp 25, and a rotation effect device 38, 39 is provided. Further, the frame member 3 incorporates a frame lamp 37 (see FIG. 8) not shown in FIG.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 is an image display device that displays an effect image, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at a position where it can be easily seen by the player. On this display screen, for example, various display objects such as a decorative symbol for notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, a character or item for performing a notice effect, a hold display image displayed as many as the number of special symbol determinations being held An effect image including is displayed. Note that the image display device may be configured by another image display device such as an EL display device.

  The speaker 24 produces a sound effect by outputting music, sound, sound effects, etc. in synchronism with the display effect performed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2. A light emitting element (for example, LED) is incorporated in the movable accessory 7, and the movable accessory 7 performs various effects by the movement and / or light of the movable accessory 7 itself.

  The panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 perform various effects by light, such as changing a lighting or blinking pattern and changing a light emission color. The rotation effect devices 38 and 39 perform various effects by using a built-in light emitting element and a rotating body that rotates around the light emitting element.

[Configuration example of operation means of the pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame member 3 is provided with an effect button 26 and a cross key 27 as operation means operated by the player. The effect button 26 is a push button for inputting operation information when pressed by the player. The cross key 27 is a so-called cross key for the player to perform a selection operation. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is a case where an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 is performed.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each state of the effect button 26. The effect button 26 has a function as an effect means in addition to a function as an operation means operated by the player. Specifically, the effect button 26 is switched between a normal state (see FIG. 3A) and a protruding state (see FIG. 3B) by a button motor 97 (see FIG. 8) not shown in FIG. It is possible to change to at least two kinds of states. That is, the effect button 26 is configured to be movable up and down by the driving force of the button motor 97.

  Further, the effect button 26 incorporates a button lamp 98 (see FIG. 8) that is a light emitting element (for example, LED). , The player can be prompted to operate the effect button 26.

  Note that the player can press the effect button 26 regardless of whether the effect button 26 is controlled to the normal state or the protruding state.

[Configuration Example of Display 4]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The display 4 mainly displays information related to special symbol determination and normal symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41, the first special symbol hold display 42, the first 2 special symbol display 43, 2nd special symbol hold | maintenance display 44, normal symbol display 45, normal symbol hold | maintenance display 46, etc. are comprised.

  When the first special symbol determination is performed, the first special symbol display 41 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the first special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol display unit 43 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the second special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the second special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. In the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 43, as a determination symbol, the jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” or the determination result of the special symbol determination is “ The losing symbol indicating that it is “losing” is stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 42 displays the number of holds for the first special symbol determination. The second special symbol hold indicator 44 displays the number of holds for the second special symbol determination.

  When the normal symbol determination is performed, the normal symbol display 45 notifies the determination result of the normal symbol determination by suspending and displaying the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol. The normal symbol hold display 46 displays the number of holds for normal symbol determination.

  In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 43 is called “special symbol”, and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 45 is “normal symbol”. Shall be called.

[Button production and suggestion production]
Next, a button effect and a suggestive effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the button effect and the suggested effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26, and FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of the execution period of the button effect and the suggested effect. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the button effect and the suggestive effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26.

  The button effect is an effect that is performed using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26 to increase the player's expectation for the jackpot. In the present embodiment, the button effect occurs, for example, during the special symbol variation display, and suggests the determination result of the special symbol determination (for example, the reliability of the jackpot winning).

  In the present embodiment, when the button effect is performed, the effect button 26 can take at least two types of states, that is, a normal state and a protruding state. The determination result of the special symbol determination notified by the end of the display is suggested. Although details will be described later, a button effect in which the effect button 26 is in a projecting state suggests that the reliability for winning a big hit is high, and a button effect in which the effect button 26 is in a normal state has a medium reliability for winning a big hit. It is suggested. In addition, when the suggestion effect described later is performed but the button effect is not performed, it is suggested that the reliability that is a big hit is low.

  In the present embodiment, before the button effect is generated, the suggestion effect for displaying an image that suggests the occurrence of the button effect (hereinafter referred to as “suggest image”) is performed. In the present embodiment, the effect effect of the button effect is improved by causing the player to have a sense of expectation as to whether or not the button effect is performed by the suggestion effect. Further, the player can grasp in advance that there is a possibility that the button effect will be performed. In addition, in this embodiment, since the effect button 26 in the case where a button effect is performed can be in a normal state or a protruding state, a suggestion image representing a normal state is displayed as the suggestion image (see FIG. 7). There are cases where a suggestion image representing a protruding state is displayed (see FIG. 5). Further, in the present embodiment, when the suggestion effect is performed, the button effect is not necessarily performed. When the button effect is performed following the suggestion effect (see FIG. 6A), the suggestion image 51 is displayed. There is a case where the button effect is not performed even when the suggestion effect is performed (when the suggestion effect is a so-called gas effect) (see FIG. 6B).

  First, with reference to FIG.5 and FIG.6, an example of the effect in the case where the suggestion image showing a protrusion state is displayed is demonstrated. First, for example, when a game ball wins at the first starting port 11, the first special symbol display 41 starts to display the variation of the special symbol, and accordingly, the decorative symbols displayed in three rows on the liquid crystal display device 5 are, for example, Variation display of the decorative symbol 50 is started so as to scroll from top to bottom (see FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the button effect using the suggestion image is performed while the pattern is changing.

  Specifically, the display of the suggestion image is started at a predetermined timing during the change of the symbol (see FIG. 6). When there is a possibility that a button effect is produced by the projecting effect button 26, display of the suggestion image 51 representing the projecting effect button 26 (and arrow) is started as the suggestion image (FIG. 5A). )reference). The suggestion image 51 may be an image that prompts an operation on the effect button 26, and for example, there may be no image representing an arrow. Note that when the display of the suggestion image 51 is started, the suggestion image 51 is displayed semi-transparently and thinly (in FIGS. 5 and 7, the translucent state is indicated by a dotted line). The position and size of the suggestion image 51 will be described later.

  After the display of the suggestion image 51, the display form of the suggestion image 51 changes so as to gradually become darker (transparency becomes lower) (see FIGS. 5B and 6). Note that the suggestion image 51 changes so as to be dark during a predetermined period (referred to as an “initial change period”) from the start of the change of the display form. In addition, the effect button 26 starts blinking in accordance with the start of change of the suggestion image 51 (see FIG. 5B). In the present embodiment, control is performed so that the blinking speed of the effect button 26 increases (the blinking interval becomes shorter) as the suggestion image 51 becomes darker. Since the blinking speed of the suggestion image 51 is increased, the player can easily grasp that the start timing of the button effect is approaching.

  In the middle of this change, the decorative symbol 50 is pseudo-stopped so that the same decorative symbol does not completely stop on the effective line as the left symbol and the right symbol, and reach is established (see FIG. 6). In other words, in the present embodiment, a suggestion effect using the suggestion image 51 is performed in a period between which the reach is established. More specifically, in the present embodiment, reach is established in the middle of the initial change period.

  The suggestion effect until the initial change period is the same when the button effect is performed after the suggestion effect (see FIG. 6A) and when the button effect is not performed (see FIG. 6B).

  In the case where a button effect is performed after the suggestion effect, the suggestion image 51 continues to change gradually in the final change period after the initial change period has elapsed, and the blinking speed of the effect button 26 is changed to the suggestion image 51. Increases with increasing darkness (see FIGS. 5C and 6A).

  Thereafter, a button effect that prompts the player to press the effect button 26 is started at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the suggestion effect. In the present embodiment, since the button effect is an effect that suggests the determination result of the special symbol determination, the button effect is started at the end of the period in which the symbol variation is performed (see FIG. 6A). Specifically, in the button effect, the effect button 26 changes to the protruding state, and a button image 52 representing the protruding effect button 26 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 5D). . The button image 52 is displayed in a normal manner (opaque). In addition to the button image 52, a message “Press!” Is displayed so as to prompt the user to perform an operation on the effect button 26, and a gauge 53 representing the remaining effective period of time during which the operation of the effect button is valid is displayed. In addition, the button lamp 98 emits light (always lights) in order to notify that the effective period has been reached in the effective period in which input to the effect button 26 is possible. When the player depresses the effect button 26 within this effective period, a specific game effect different from the button effect is performed. That is, when the player presses the effect button 26 within the effective period, for example, an effect image for operating the movable accessory 7 and enhancing the effect related to the operation of the movable accessory 7 is produced as a result effect corresponding thereto. An effect to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, both the suggestion image 51 and the button image 52 are images having the same shape representing the projecting effect button 26 in the protruding state, and both are displayed at the same size and the same position. Therefore, when transitioning from the suggestion effect to the button effect, the suggestion image 51 gradually becomes darker, and the suggestion image 51 is switched to the button image 52 at the start timing of the button effect. That is, in this embodiment, the suggestion effect and the button effect are continuously performed, and the moving image display in which the suggestion image 51 is continuously changed to become the button image 52 is performed. However, in other embodiments, the button effect may be performed after a predetermined time from the suggestion effect, and the button image 52 is displayed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the suggestion image 51 is erased. Also good.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the effect effect of the button effect is improved by performing the suggestion effect by the suggestion image 51 before the button effect. In addition, the suggestion effect allows the player to know in advance that there is a possibility that the button effect will be performed. Here, the suggestion image 51 and the button image 52 are both images having the same shape, and the suggestion image 51 and the button image 52 are displayed at the same position on the screen (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the player can easily imagine the button image 52 by looking at the suggestion image 51, and can easily imagine that the button effect may be performed at the time of display of the suggestion image 51. . According to this, when the button image 52 is actually displayed, the player can perform the operation on the effect button 26 without panicking, and can more enjoy the button effect.

  If similar images (the suggestion image 51 and the button image 52) are displayed for the suggestion effect and the button effect, the player misunderstands that the player is prompted to perform an operation on the effect button 26 during the suggestion effect. There is a risk that the production button 26 will be operated. On the other hand, in this embodiment, although the same image is displayed by the suggestion effect and the button effect, the display modes are made different. Thus, it is possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding and operating the effect button 26 by mistake during the suggestion effect. Further, in the present embodiment, in the button effect, in addition to the suggestion image 51 displayed in the suggestion effect, an image (message “Press” or gauge 53) different from the suggestion image 51 is displayed. Also by this, the misunderstanding of the player at the time of suggestion production can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the button effect is not performed after the suggestion effect, the suggestion image 51 gradually changes in the final change period after the initial change period elapses (to become transparent), and the effect button 26 The blinking speed becomes slower as the suggestion image 51 becomes thinner (see FIGS. 5E and 6B). Thereafter, the suggestion image 51 disappears and the suggestion effect ends. Note that the suggestion effect in the case where the button effect is not performed ends at an earlier timing than the case where the button effect is performed (that is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the final change in the case where the button effect is not performed). The period is shorter than the final change period when the button effect is performed). Then, the button effect is not performed after the suggestion effect ends (see FIG. 5F and FIG. 6B). That is, the button image is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, and the button lamp 98 does not emit light. At this time, as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41, a middle symbol different from the decorative symbol forming the reach is stopped and displayed on the active line.

  In another embodiment, when the button effect is not performed after the suggestion effect, the change of the suggestion image 51 is stopped in the latter period of change, and then the suggestion image 51 is extinguished to end the suggestion effect. You may do it.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the suggestion image is displayed under a certain condition even when the button image is not displayed (the button effect is not performed). According to this, since it is not known to the player whether or not the button effect is performed even when the suggestion image is displayed, the interest of the suggestion effect (pounding feeling) can be increased, and then the button effect is performed. In this case, a greater sense of achievement can be given to the player.

  The suggestion image 51 has a display form different from that of the button image 52. However, when the button effect is performed after the suggestion effect, the display image changes so as to gradually approach the button image 52 (FIG. 5A). On the other hand, when the button effect is not performed after the suggestion effect, the display form does not change so as to approach the button image 52 (see FIGS. 5A to 5D). . According to this, the presence or absence of execution of the button effect can be suggested by the change in the display form of the suggestion image 51, and the effect effect of the suggestion effect can be improved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of the effect when the suggestion image representing the normal state is displayed will be described. The production shown in FIG. 7 is the same as FIG. 6 used in the description of the production shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 7 at which the decorative symbol variation display is started in accordance with the start of the special symbol variation display is the same as the case shown in FIG.

  When there is a possibility that a button effect is produced by the effect button 26 in the normal state, the display of the suggestion image 54 representing the effect button 26 in the normal state is started as the suggestion image at a predetermined timing during the change of the pattern. (See FIG. 7A). Also in this case, as in the case shown in FIG. 5, the suggestion image 54 is translucent and displayed lightly.

  The way of changing the display form of the suggestion image 54 is the same as that of the suggestion image 51. That is, after the suggestion image 54 has changed so as to gradually become dark until the initial change period (see FIG. 7B), when the button effect is performed after the suggestion effect, the suggestion image 54 continues to become deeper in the final change period. When the button effect is not performed after the suggestion effect, the change gradually decreases in the final change period (see FIG. 7E). As in the case shown in FIG. 5, the blinking speed of the button lamp 98 is controlled to be a speed corresponding to the darkness (transparency) of the suggestion image 51. Similarly to the case shown in FIG. 5, in the initial change period, the decorative symbol 50 is pseudo-stopped so that the same decorative symbol does not completely stop on the effective line as the left symbol and the right symbol, and reach is established.

  When the button effect is performed after the suggestion effect, as a result of the suggestion image 54 changing continuously, a button image 55 representing the effect button 26 in the normal state is displayed (see FIG. 7D). As in the case shown in FIG. 5, the button image 55 is displayed in a normal manner (opaque), and together with the button image 55, a message “Press!” And a gauge 53 so as to prompt an operation on the effect button 26 are displayed. Is displayed. Further, as in the case shown in FIG. 5, the button lamp 98 emits light (lights up) during the effective period. When the player depresses the effect button 26 within this valid period, the specific game effect is performed as in the case shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the button effect is not performed after the suggestion effect, the suggestion image 51 changes so as to be gradually thinner during the final change period, and then disappears in accordance with the end of the suggestion effect (see FIG. 7F). In this case, the button effect is not performed. In this case, as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41, a middle symbol different from the decorative symbol forming the reach is stopped and displayed on the active line.

  Hereinafter, an example of the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing the button effect described above and an example of processing performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described in detail.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
On the back side of the game board 2, a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided in addition to a ball tank for storing game balls sent to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 controls the game control board 100 that controls the progress of the game, such as various determinations and command transmission, and the effects based on the commands received from the game control board 100 An effect control board 130 for controlling the image, an image sound control board 140 for controlling the effects by images and sounds, a lamp control board 150 for controlling effects by various lamps and movable bodies, and the like. Note that the configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the effect control board 130, the image sound control board 140, and the lamp control board 150 may be configured as one board.

[Configuration Example of Game Control Board 100]
The game control board 100 includes a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102, and a main RAM 103. The main CPU 101 performs various arithmetic processes related to determination and the number of payout balls based on a program stored in the main ROM 102. The main RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 101 executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The game control board 100 includes a first start port switch 111, a second start port switch 112, an electric tulip control unit 113, a first gate switch 114, a second gate switch 115, a first big prize port switch 116, and a second large size. The winning a prize opening switch 117, the first big winning a prize opening control part 118, the second big winning a prize opening control part 119, the normal winning a prize opening switch 120, and the respective indicators 41 to 46 constituting the display 4 are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 11 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second start port switch 112 detects that a game ball has won the second start port 12 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The electric tulip opening / closing part 113 opens and closes the second start port 12 by operating an electric solenoid coupled to the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 so as to be able to transmit driving in response to a control signal from the game control board 100. To do. The first gate switch 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the first gate 15 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second gate switch 115 detects that the game ball has passed through the second gate 16 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The first grand prize opening switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the first big prize opening 13 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second big prize opening switch 117 detects that a game ball has won the second big prize opening 19 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. Based on the control signal from the game control board 100, the first grand prize winning port control unit 118 operates the electric solenoid coupled to the plate that closes the first big prize winning hole 13 so as to be able to transmit the drive. Open / close the grand prize winning opening 13. Based on the control signal from the game control board 100, the second grand prize opening control unit 119 operates the electric solenoid coupled to the blade member that closes the second big prize opening 19 so as to be capable of driving transmission. Opens and closes the two major winning openings 19. The normal winning opening switch 120 detects that the game ball has won the normal winning opening 14 and outputs the detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The main CPU 101 of the game control board 100 receives a detection signal from the first start port switch 111, the second start port switch 112, the first big prize port switch 116, the second big prize port switch 117, or the normal prize port switch 120. When input, the payout control board (not shown) is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is determined based on information from the payout control board. to manage. Although a detailed description is omitted, the payout control board supplies the game ball to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29 by controlling a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the ball tank.

  The main CPU 101 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Also, various random numbers are acquired as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is input, and the second special symbol determination is executed using the acquired random numbers. If it is determined that the game is a big hit, the first grand prize port 13 (or the second big prize port 19) is passed through the first big prize port control unit 118 (or the second big prize port control unit 119). Open and close.

  Further, the main CPU 101 acquires a random number at the timing when the detection signal from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115 is input, and executes normal symbol determination using the acquired random number. And when it determines with opening the 2nd starting port 12, the 2nd starting port 12 is temporarily open | released by operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip opening / closing part 113.

  Further, the main CPU 101 causes each of the display devices 41 to 46 constituting the display device 4 to execute the processing described above with reference to FIG.

[Configuration Example of Production Control Board 130]
The effect control board 130 includes a sub CPU 131, a sub ROM 132, a sub RAM 133, and an RTC (real time clock) 134. The sub CPU 131 performs a calculation process when controlling the presentation based on the program stored in the sub ROM 132. The sub RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub CPU 131 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. The RTC 134 measures the current date and time (date and time).

  The sub CPU 131 sets the production contents based on game information related to special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, jackpot game, and the like transmitted from the game control board 100. In that case, the input of the operation information from the production | presentation button 26 or the cross key 27 may be received, and the production | generation content according to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 131 transmits a command instructing execution of the effect of the set effect content to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

[Configuration Example of Image Sound Control Board 140]
Although not shown in the figure, the image / acoustic control board 140 includes a general CPU, a control ROM, a control RAM, a VDP (Video Display Processor), an audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like. . Based on the program stored in the control ROM, the general CPU performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image or sound representing the effect whose effect content is set on the effect control board 130. The control RAM is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the general CPU executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The overall CPU controls the operation of the VDP and the sound DSP by generating a control signal based on the command from the effect control board 130 and the program stored in the control ROM and outputting the control signal to the VDP and the sound DSP.

  Although not shown in the figure, the VDP displays an image ROM that stores material data necessary for generating the effect image, a drawing engine that executes the rendering process of the effect image, and an effect image drawn by the drawing engine. An output circuit for outputting to the display device 5 is provided. The drawing engine draws the effect image in the frame buffer using the material data stored in the image ROM based on the control signal from the general CPU. The output circuit outputs the effect image drawn in the frame buffer to the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not shown in the figure, the acoustic DSP is connected to an acoustic ROM for storing various acoustic data related to music, voice, sound effects, etc., and an SDRAM used as a work area for data processing by the acoustic DSP. ing. The acoustic DSP reads the acoustic data corresponding to the control signal from the overall CPU from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 24.

[Configuration Example of Lamp Control Board 150]
The lamp control board 150 includes a lamp CPU 151, a lamp ROM 152, and a lamp RAM 153. Based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 152, the lamp CPU 151 is a board lamp 25 provided in the game board 2, a frame lamp 37 built in the frame member 3, a movable accessory 7, rotation effect devices 38 and 39, buttons Arithmetic processing for controlling the operation of the lamp 98 and the button motor 97 is performed. The lamp RAM 153 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the lamp CPU 151 executes the program, or a work area such as data processing.

  The lamp ROM 152 stores light emission pattern data and operation pattern data. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating the light emission patterns of the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, the light emitting elements provided in the movable accessory 7, the light emitting elements included in the rotation effect devices 38 and 39, and the button lamp 98. It is. As the light emission pattern of the button lamp 98, a light emission pattern corresponding to the suggestion effect and a light emission pattern corresponding to the button effect are prepared. As the light emission pattern corresponding to the suggestion effect, the light emission pattern (acceleration blink pattern) in which the flash rate gradually increases from the start to the end of the suggestion effect and the flash rate gradually increases during the initial change period from the start of the suggestion effect. Thereafter, a light emission pattern (deceleration blinking pattern) in which the blinking speed gradually decreases is prepared. As the light emission pattern corresponding to the button effect, a light emission pattern (lighting pattern) that emits light (lights up) for the length of the effective period is prepared. The operation pattern data is data indicating the operation pattern of the movable accessory 7 and the rotation effect devices 38 and 39 and the operation pattern of the button motor 97 (the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the button motor 97). As an operation pattern of the button motor 97, at least an operation pattern for changing the effect button 26 from the normal state to the protruding state and an operation pattern for changing the protruding button to the normal state are prepared.

  The lamp CPU 151 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 152 to the lamp RAM 153, and the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the movable accessory 7. The light-emitting elements provided in the light-emitting element, the light-emitting elements of the rotation effect devices 38 and 39 and the light emission of the button lamp 98 are controlled.

  In addition, the lamp CPU 151 reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 152 to the lamp RAM 153, so that the movable accessory 7, the rotation effect device 38, The drive of each stepping motor that operates 39 and the button motor 97 (stepping motor) that moves the effect button 26 up and down is controlled.

[Timer interrupt processing by game control board 100]
Next, timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100. The game control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 9 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the game control board 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 9 and after is performed according to a command issued by the main CPU 101 based on a program stored in the main ROM 102.

  First, the main CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, and a normal design random number (step S1).

  Here, the jackpot random number is a random number for determining jackpot or loss. The design random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach when it is determined that the reach is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern when a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The normal symbol random number is a random number for determining whether or not to open the second start port 12. The jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, and the ordinary design random number are incremented by “1” every time the process of step S1 is performed. Note that a loop counter is used as a counter for performing the processing of step S1, and each random number returns to “0” after reaching a preset maximum value.

  Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 executes a switch process when a detection signal is input from each switch (step S2). This switch process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S2, the main CPU 101 executes special symbol determination, displays the special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and displays the determination result of the special symbol determination. A special symbol process including a process of stopping and displaying the determination symbol to be displayed is executed (step S3). This special symbol process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S3, the main CPU 101 includes a process of executing normal symbol determination, causing the normal symbol display unit 45 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and then stopping and displaying the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Normal symbol processing is executed (step S4).

  Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 101 performs the electric tulip process for operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip opening / closing part 113 when it is determined that the second start port 12 is opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. Is executed (step S5).

  Subsequent to the processing of step S5, when the main CPU 101 determines in step S3 that it is a big hit, the main CPU 101 controls the first big prize opening control unit 118 (or the second big prize opening control unit 119) to control the first big prize. A large winning opening opening control process for opening the winning opening 13 (or the second large winning opening 19) is executed (step S6).

  Subsequent to the process of step S6, the main CPU 101 executes a prize ball process for controlling the payout of the prize ball according to the winning of the game ball (step S7).

  Subsequent to step S7, the main CPU 101 transmits to the effect control board 130 information necessary for determining various commands and effect contents set (stored) in the main RAM 103 in the process step before step S7. Processing is executed (step S8).

[Switch processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 10 is a detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence or absence of a detection signal input from the first start port switch 111 as illustrated in FIG. 10, and is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. For the random number (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number), the first start port switch process including the process of acquiring the value at the time when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input is executed. (Step S21). The first start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Next, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence or absence of a detection signal input from the second start port switch 112, and the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is received for various random numbers that are appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A second start port switch process including a process of acquiring a value at the time of input is executed (step S22). The second start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 101 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115, and the first gate switch 114 or the normal symbol random number that is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A gate switch process for obtaining a value at the time when the detection signal from the second gate switch 115 is input is executed (step S23).

[First Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 (specifically, the first start port switch 111 is “ON”) following the random number update process in step S <b> 1. On the basis of whether or not an ON signal indicating that the first start port switch 111 has been turned ON is determined (step S210). Here, when it is determined that the first start port switch 111 is “ON” (step S <b> 210: YES), the hold number U <b> 1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol determination (step S211).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1 (step S211: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U1 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S212), and the first special symbol. As the acquisition information used for the determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 103 (steps S213 to S216).

[Second Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 (specifically, the second start port switch 112 is “ON” following the first start port switch process in step S <b> 21. It is determined whether or not the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” based on whether or not an “ON signal indicating that it has turned“ ”has been input (step S220).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” (step S220: YES), the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax2 (in this embodiment, “4”) of the second special symbol determination (step S221).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S221: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U2 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S222), and the second special symbol. As the acquisition information used for the determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 103 (steps S223 to S226).

[Special symbol processing by game control board 100]
Next, the details of the special symbol process executed by the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S3 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” ( Step S301). This jackpot game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the jackpot game is being executed, and is set to “ON” at the start of the jackpot game, and is set to “OFF” at the end of the jackpot game. Here, when it is determined that the game is a big hit game (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot game is not being played (step S301: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). If it is determined that the special symbol variation display is not being performed (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is equal to or greater than “1”. (Step S303). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U2 is “1” or more (step S303: YES), the holding number U2 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S304).

  If the main CPU 101 determines that the holding number U2 is not “1” or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the holding number U1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is “1” or more. Is determined (step S305). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U1 is not “1” or more (step S305: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hold number U1 is “1” or more (step S305: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the hold number U1 to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S306).

  Following the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process for the reserved storage area of the main RAM 103 (step S308). Specifically, when the shift process is executed following the process of step S304, the oldest acquired information stored in the reserved storage area for second special symbol determination is shifted to the determination storage area. The remaining acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area side. When the shift process is executed subsequent to the process of step S306, the oldest acquired information stored in the first special symbol determination holding storage area is shifted to the determination storage area, and the remaining The acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area side.

  Subsequent to step S308, the main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination processing based on the random number stored in the determination storage area (step S309). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is determined that it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined. Then, determination symbol setting information indicating the results of these processes is set in the main RAM 103. The jackpot determination process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S309, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (step S310). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to step S310, the main CPU 101 determines whether the symbol setting information set in step S309, the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or the second special symbol determination. Is set in the main RAM 103 including information indicating whether or not, setting information of the variation pattern set in the process of step S310, information on the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like (step S311). This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8.

  Subsequent to the process of step S311, the main CPU 101 starts the special symbol variation display based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command set in step S311 (step S312). At that time, when the processing of step S308 to step S311 is performed in a state where the acquisition information (random number) related to the first special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area, the special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display 41. When the processing of step S308 to step S311 is performed in a state where acquisition information (random number) related to the second special symbol determination is stored, the second special symbol display 42 displays the special symbol. Fluctuation display is started.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S312, the main CPU 101 starts measurement of a variation time that is an elapsed time since the start of the variation display in step S312 (step S313).

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S313 or determines that the special symbol is changing (step S302: YES), the main CPU 101 is selected by the process of step S310 from the start of the measurement of the changing time in step S313. It is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (step S315). Here, when it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (step S315: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the variation time has elapsed (step S315: YES), the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. Is set in the main RAM 103 (step S316). This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8. Thereby, the process etc. which stop-display the decoration symbol which was variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 in the aspect which shows the determination result of special symbol determination, etc. are performed.

  Subsequent to the process in step S316, the main CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display started in the process in step S312 (step S317). Specifically, the determination symbol set in the process of step S309 (a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display on which the special symbol is variably displayed. The stop display of the determination symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (for example, 1 second) elapses.

  Thus, the main CPU 101 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process after the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 as the first special symbol display 41. Alternatively, the second special symbol display 42 is stopped and displayed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S317, the main CPU 101 resets the variation time when the measurement is started in the process of step S313 (step S318), and performs a process during stop including a process of starting the jackpot game when the jackpot is won. It executes (step S319).

[Big hit judgment processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S309 of FIG. The main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area (step S3091). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area is a jackpot based on whether or not it matches a preset winning value.

  As described above, the main CPU 101 has a start condition in which acquisition information such as a jackpot random number acquired when a game ball is won at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 is stored in the determination storage area. If is established, it is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

  Following the processing of step S3091, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S3092). Here, when it is determined that the game is a jackpot (step S3092: YES), the type of jackpot is determined with reference to the symbol determination table for the jackpot stored in the main ROM 102 (step S3093).

  Then, the main CPU 101 sets jackpot symbol setting information corresponding to the determined jackpot type in the main RAM 103 (step S3094). Thereby, the jackpot symbol set here at the time of the process of step S317 is stopped and displayed as a determination symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and the jackpot game corresponding to the symbol is displayed. Will be done.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3092: NO), the main CPU 101 sets the lost symbol setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3095). As a result, the lost symbol set here in the process of step S317 is stopped and displayed as a determination symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. In this case, the jackpot game is not performed.

[Change pattern selection processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S309 in FIG. 13, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3091 is a jackpot (step S3101). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S3101: YES), the big hit variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3102).

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3101: NO), whether or not the reach random number stored in the determination storage area matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 102. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect that makes the player expect a big hit (step S3103). If it is determined that a reach effect is to be performed (step S3103: YES), the reach variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3104). Conversely, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3103: NO), the variation pattern table for loss is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3105).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern random number determination process with reference to the variation pattern table set in the main RAM 103 by the process of step S3102, the process of step S3104, or the process of step S3105 (step S3106). Specifically, when the big hit variation pattern table or the reach variation pattern table is set in the main RAM 103, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area is set as the variation pattern that is set. The variation pattern is selected by reading from the table.

  If the variation pattern table for losing is set in the main RAM 103, the number of reserved special symbol determination is specified based on the number of reserved storage areas in which various types of information are stored immediately before the shift process of step S308 is performed. Then, the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of holdings and the presence / absence of the current time is read out from the variation pattern table for loss to select the variation pattern.

  By selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in this way, the variation time of the special symbol is inevitably determined.

  When the main CPU 101 selects the variation pattern, the main CPU 101 sets the selected variation pattern setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3107). The variation pattern setting information is included in the variation start command and transmitted to the effect control board 130 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 103 by the jackpot determination process in step S309 described above.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control board 130]
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the sub CPU 131 of the effect control board 130 sets a CTC cycle, which is a cycle for performing timer interrupt processing to be described later. And sub CPU131 repeats the random number update process which updates the production random number etc. which are used in order to determine the content of production with the predetermined period shorter than a CTC period. That is, the sub CPU 131 repeats the timer interrupt process at the CTC cycle while repeating the random number update process at a predetermined cycle while the pachinko gaming machine 1 is activated.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, the timer interruption process executed in the effect control board 130 will be described. Here, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the effect control board 130. Similar to the timer interrupt process performed on the game control board 100, the sub CPU 131 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 16 every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds). Note that the processing performed on the effect control board 130 described based on the flowcharts of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 131 executes a command reception process for performing a process according to a command from the game control board 100 (step S10). This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S10, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 has been operated based on whether or not the operation information is input from the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 (step S11). ). If it is determined that the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 has been operated (step S11: YES), an operation command for notifying the fact is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S12). By transmitting this operation command to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, processing for realizing an effect on the effect according to the operation of the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 is performed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that neither the effect button 26 nor the cross key 27 is operated (step S11: NO), or executes the process of step S12, the sub CPU 131 executes a transmission process (step S13). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 133 by the processing of step S10 or step S12 is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150. By performing this command transmission process, the image acoustic control board 140 is instructed to execute an effect by image display, audio output, etc., and the execution of the effect by the lighting of various lamps or the operation of the movable accessory 7 is performed by the lamp. The control board 150 is instructed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S13, the sub CPU 131 executes a data transfer process (step S14). Specifically, since data relating to image acoustic control is transmitted from the image acoustic control board 140, the data is transferred to the lamp control board 150. Thereby, the lamp control board 150 controls the effects by the effect medium such as the movable accessory 7 and the panel lamp 25 so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24.

[Command reception processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the sub CPU 131 first determines whether or not the changing effect accompanying the changing display of the special symbol is being executed (step S <b> 101). Specifically, for example, the variation time of the special symbol is specified based on the information indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the variation start command transmitted from the game control board 100, and the variation start command is received. Based on whether or not the variation time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is being executed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the variation effect is not being executed (step S101: NO), whether or not the variation start command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the process of step S311 (see FIG. 13) has been received. Is determined (step S102). Here, when it is determined that the change start command has been received (step S102: YES), the change start command is analyzed (step S103).

  In this variation start command, as described above, the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process, whether the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or relates to the second special symbol determination It includes winning start information indicating whether it is a thing, setting information of a special symbol variation pattern, information indicating a gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like. Therefore, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be specified by analyzing the variation start command. That is, it is possible to identify the type of jackpot if the jackpot is a jackpot, a loss, or a jackpot. Further, by specifying whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern for loss based on the variation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach. . Similarly, the variation time of the special symbol can be specified based on the variation pattern setting information. Further, the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the gaming state.

  When the change start command is analyzed, the sub CPU 131 executes a change effect pattern setting process for setting a change effect pattern of the decorative design based on the analysis result (step S104). By executing the variation effect pattern setting process, the aspect of each effect constituting the variation effect such as the decoration pattern variation mode, the presence / absence of the reach effect, and the type of the background image is determined. This variation effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process in step S104, the sub CPU 131 executes a notice effect pattern setting process for setting various effect patterns of the notice effect including the suggestive effect and the button effect described above based on the analysis result of the change start command ( Step S105). By executing the notice effect pattern setting process, the presence or absence of execution of the suggestion effect and the button effect, the contents of the suggestion effect and the button effect, and the like are determined. This notice effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S105, the sub CPU 131 sets a change effect start command instructing the start of the change effect (including the notice effect) of the effect pattern set in the processes of step S104 and step S105 in the sub RAM 133 (step S106). This variation effect start command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S13. Thereby, the fluctuating effect in which the effect pattern is determined on the effect control board 130 is realized by the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150. The variation effect corresponding to the process of step S106 is performed from the start of the variation display of the special symbol until the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the variation effect is being executed (step S101: YES), the sub CPU 131 has received the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the process of step S316 (see FIG. 13). It is determined whether or not (step S107). If it is determined that the symbol confirmation command has been received (step S107: YES), for example, a variation effect end command for instructing the end of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S108). This variation effect end command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S13. As a result, the fluctuating effect started in accordance with the process of step S106 ends.

[Variation effect pattern setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S104 of FIG. Subsequent to the processing of step S103, the sub CPU 131, based on the setting information of the variation pattern included in the variation start command received from the game control board 100, as illustrated in FIG. It is determined whether it is necessary to perform an effect with reach in accordance with the variable display (step S1041). For example, if the variation time of the special symbol specified from the variation start command coincides with the time required for the variation effect including the reach effect, the sub CPU 131 determines that it is necessary to perform the effect with reach, and the variation of the special symbol If the time does not coincide with the time required for the fluctuating effect including the reach effect, it is determined that it is not necessary to perform the reach effect.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that it is not necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1041: NO), the sub CPU 131 sets the variable effect pattern of the effect without reach from the start to the end of the decorative symbol change display (step S1042). ).

  Here, the sub-ROM 132 stores an effect table without losing reach with respect to a variable effect without a reach effect. This lost-reach production table includes production tables corresponding to variation patterns (variation times) determined in the game control board 100, such as for 3 seconds, for 8 seconds, for 18 seconds, and for 36 seconds. A plurality are provided. In step S1042, the sub CPU 131 selects one effect table from the plurality of effect tables based on the setting information included in the change start command. For example, when the setting information includes the setting information of the variation pattern indicating that the variation time of the special symbol is 3 seconds, the effect table for 3 seconds is selected.

  In each effect table, an effect random number and an effect pattern are associated with each other. The sub CPU 131 obtains the value at the time when the change start command is received for the effect random number that is appropriately updated every time the random number update process is performed. Then, one effect pattern is selected by reading out the effect pattern corresponding to the acquired effect random number from the many effect patterns stored in the selected effect table. Thereby, the variation effect pattern of the variation effect not including the reach effect is set.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that it is necessary to perform an effect with reach (step S1041: YES), similar to the process at step S1042, the effect table for reach or a jackpot effect is used until the reach is established. Is set (step S1043).

  Subsequent to the processing in step S1043, the sub CPU 131 performs pseudo-stop in the left column and the right column on the active line when reach is established based on various setting information included in the change start command received from the game control board 100, for example. Reach symbols to be displayed are set (step S1044). The reach symbol may be determined randomly by performing a lottery process using a production random number regardless of the setting information.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S1044, the sub CPU 131 sets a variation effect pattern after reach establishment (step S1045). Specifically, based on various setting information included in the change start command, which reach effect is performed among normal reach effect, SP reach effect, and SPSP reach effect, or normal reach effect or SP reach effect is performed. Is set whether or not to develop to SPSP reach production during variation production.

  When the process of step S1042 is executed, or when the process of step S1045 is executed, the sub CPU 131 determines whether the first special symbol display 41 or the display unit 41 is based on the symbol setting information included in the change start command. As the determination symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 42, a decoration symbol to be stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 is set (step S1046).

[Notification effect pattern setting processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of part of an effect pattern that can be set in the notice effect pattern setting process. In the notice effect pattern setting process, any one of the effect patterns (a) to (g) shown in FIG. 19 is set for the suggestion effect and the button effect.

  A pattern (a) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern in which a suggestion effect suggesting a protruding state is performed and a button effect is performed with the effect button 26 as a protruding state (see FIGS. 5C and 5D). That is, the suggestion image representing the projecting effect button 26 is displayed in a gradually increasing display pattern (clear pattern) and the button lamp 98 is made to emit light in an accelerated blinking pattern, and then the effect button 26 is set to the projecting state. This is an effect pattern for performing.

  A pattern (b) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern of a gaze effect that performs a suggestive effect that suggests a protruding state and does not perform a button effect (see FIGS. 5E and 5F). In other words, the suggestion image representing the projecting effect button 26 is displayed in a display pattern (unclear pattern) that becomes thin after the initial change period, and the button lamp 98 emits light in a slow blink pattern. This is a production pattern that is not performed.

  A pattern (c) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern in which a suggestive effect suggesting a normal state is performed, and a button effect is performed with the effect button 26 as a normal state (see FIGS. 7C and 7D). In other words, the suggestion image representing the effect button 26 in the normal state is displayed in the clear pattern, and after the button lamp 98 emits light in the accelerated blinking pattern, the effect button 26 is set in the normal state to perform the button effect. .

  The pattern (d) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern of a gaze effect that performs a suggestive effect that suggests a normal state and does not perform a button effect (see FIGS. 7E and 7F). In other words, the suggestion image representing the effect button 26 in the normal state is displayed in the above-described indistinct pattern, and the button lamp 98 is caused to emit light in the slow blink pattern, but the button effect is not performed thereafter.

  The pattern (e) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern in which a button effect is performed with the effect button 26 in a protruding state without performing a suggestion effect. That is, it is an effect pattern in which the effect button 26 is projected and the button effect is performed without displaying the suggestion image and the button lamp 98 blinking.

  The pattern (f) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern in which the effect button 26 is set in the normal state and the button effect is performed without performing the suggestion effect. That is, it is an effect pattern in which the effect button 26 is set to the normal state and the button effect is performed without displaying the suggestion image and the button lamp 98 blinking.

  The pattern (g) shown in FIG. 19 is an effect pattern that does not perform the suggestion effect and the button effect. That is, it is an effect pattern in which the suggestion image is not displayed and the button lamp 98 is not blinked and the button effect is not performed.

  In the notice effect pattern setting process, the effect pattern of the notice effect is set using the effect random number so that any one of the effect patterns (a) to (g) is set for the suggestion effect and the button effect. The details of the notice effect pattern setting process will be described below with reference to FIG.

[Notification effect pattern setting processing]
FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S105 of FIG. Subsequent to the process of step S104, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not it is determined to perform the reachable effect in the variation effect pattern setting process of step S104 as illustrated in FIG. 20 (step S1050). When it is determined that the effect with reach is not determined (step S1050: NO), that is, when it is determined that the effect without reach is determined, the process proceeds to step S1060 described later.

  If it is determined that the effect with reach is determined to be performed (step S1050: YES), the sub CPU 131 performs the lottery process using the effect random number acquired when the change start command is received, thereby displaying the contents of the button effect ( The presence or absence of execution and, when executing, whether the effect button 26 is in a protruding state or a normal state are determined (step S1051). Specifically, the effect random number acquired when the change start command is received from the effect table of the button effect stored in the sub ROM 132 in which the value of the effect random number is associated with the content of the button effect. The content of the button effect is determined by reading the corresponding content. Although detailed explanation is omitted, as this production table, for example, a table used when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big win”, and the determination result of the special symbol determination is “lost”, and the variation time is Separately provided are a table that is used when a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) or more and a special symbol determination result is “losing” and the variation time is less than the predetermined time. The content of the button effect is determined with reference to any effect table selected based on the various setting information included in the change start command received from the game control board 100.

  As is apparent from the processing in steps S1050 and S1051, in this embodiment, the button effect (and suggestion effect) is executed when a reachable effect is performed. In addition, in the process of step S1051, the button effect in which the effect button 26 is in the protruding state is basically a case where the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “hit” or the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “lost”. This is selected when the variation time of a special symbol is, for example, 100 seconds or more. However, the selection may be made only when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “jackpot”. In addition, the button effect in which the effect button 26 is in the normal state develops into SP reach, for example, in the case where the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “hit”, or the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “losing”. It is selected in such a case.

  Subsequent to the process of step S1051, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not it is determined to execute the button effect in the process of step S1051 (step S1052). If it is determined that the button effect is determined to be executed (step S1052: YES), the sub CPU 131 executes the suggestion effect by performing a lottery process using the effect random number acquired when the change start command is received. It is determined whether or not (step S1053). Specifically, the content corresponding to the effect random number acquired when the change start command is received from the effect effect production table in which the effect random number value is associated with the execution of the suggestion effect (execution) The presence / absence of execution of the suggestive effect is determined by reading out the presence / absence of As the effect table for the button effect, for example, the table used when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, and the determination result of the special symbol determination is “lost” and the variation time is Separately provided are a table that is used when a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) or more and a special symbol determination result is “losing” and the variation time is less than the predetermined time. Whether or not to execute the suggestion effect is determined with reference to any effect table selected based on the various setting information included in the change start command received from the game control board 100.

  If it is determined not to execute the suggestion effect (step S1053: NO), the process proceeds to step S1060 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the suggestion effect is to be executed (step S1053: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines the suggestion effect content (the content and display pattern of the suggestion image) according to the content of the button effect (step S1054). That is, when execution of the button effect in which the effect button 26 is in the protruding state is determined in step S1051, the suggestion image 51 representing the effect button 26 in the protruding state is determined as the effect content to be displayed in the clear pattern. The If execution of the button effect in which the effect button 26 is in the normal state is determined in step S1051, the suggestion image 51 representing the effect button 26 in the normal state is determined as the effect content to be displayed in the clear pattern. The

  Subsequent to the processing in step S1054, the sub CPU 131 determines the effect mode of the button lamp 98 according to the effect content of the suggestion image (step S1055). That is, the contents of the effect of the button lamp 98 are determined so as to blink in the acceleration blink pattern during the suggestive effect and to light in the lighting pattern during the button effect.

  As described above, when the suggestion effect is performed together with the button effect (step S1053: YES), the effect pattern (a) or (c) shown in FIG. 20 is set. When the button effect is performed and the suggestion effect is not performed (step S1053: NO), the effect pattern (e) or (f) shown in FIG. 20 is set. And the suggestion which suggests the button effect of a normal state or a protrusion state is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp | ramp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S11 including the information which shows this production | presentation pattern. An effect is performed, and a button effect is performed by the effect button 26 in the normal state or the protruding state (see FIGS. 5A to 5D and FIGS. 7A to 7D).

  If it is determined that the button effect is not determined to be executed (step S1052: NO), the sub CPU 131 determines that the determination result of the jackpot determination process (step S309 shown in FIG. 13) is based on the analysis result of the change start command. It is determined whether or not a loss occurs (step S1056). If it is determined that a loss has occurred (step S1056: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not to perform the suggestion effect as in step S1053 (step S1057). In addition, when it determines with not becoming a lose (that is, it becomes a big hit) (step S1056: NO), or when it determines with not performing a suggestion effect (step S1057: NO), a process is performed to step S1060 mentioned later. It is advanced.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the suggestion effect when the button effect is not performed is a gasse effect, it is not executed when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is a jackpot. The execution of the suggestion effect when the button effect is not performed is selected, for example, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is lost, particularly when, for example, the SP reach is not developed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the suggestion effect is to be executed (step S1057: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines the effect content of the suggestion effect (the content and display pattern of the suggestion image) (step S1058). Specifically, the content of the suggestion image is randomly determined by a lottery process using the effect random number. In addition, the display pattern of the suggestion image is determined as the above-described unclear pattern.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S1058, the sub CPU 131 determines the effect mode of the button lamp 98 according to the effect content of the suggestion image (step S1059). In this case, since the display pattern of the suggestion image is the above-described unclear pattern, the effect content of the button lamp is determined so as to blink in the deceleration blink pattern during the suggestion effect.

  As described above, when the suggestion effect is performed without the button effect (step S1057: YES), the effect pattern (b) or (d) shown in FIG. 20 is set. And the suggestion which suggests the button effect of a normal state or a protrusion state is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp | ramp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S11 including the information which shows this production | presentation pattern. Although the effect is performed, the effect that the button effect is not performed is executed (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5D, 7F, 7A, 7B, 7D, 7D). (See (F)).

  When the button effect and the suggestion effect are not performed (step S1050: NO, step S1056: NO, or step S1057: NO), the effect pattern (g) shown in FIG. 20 is set. At this time, since the information about the execution of the button effect and the suggestion effect is not included in the change effect start command, the button effect and the suggestion effect are not executed.

  When the process of step S1055 is executed, or when the process of step S1059 is executed, the sub CPU 131 performs setting processing related to other notice effects (step-up notice effect, group notice, etc.) other than the button effect and the suggestive effect. This is performed (step S1060). Specifically, for example, by reading an effect pattern corresponding to the effect random number acquired when the change start command is received, from the table in which the effect random number and the effect pattern of the notice effect are associated, the notice effect Determine the production pattern. As the effect table, a table selected from a plurality of tables based on the determination result of the special symbol determination and the variation time is used like the button effect effect table. After execution of step S1060, the process proceeds to step S106 described above.

  In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the case where the setting process related to the button effect and the suggestive effect and the setting process related to the other notice effect are performed separately is described. However, in the other embodiments, the above-described step S1060 is performed. Depending on the process, these setting processes may be performed together.

[Image Sound Control Processing by Image Sound Control Board 140]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the image sound control process. The image sound control board 140 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 21 at regular intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. To do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the overall CPU of the image sound control board 140 first determines whether or not a change effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S <b> 501). Here, if it is determined that the variable effect start command has been received (step S501: YES), the display content of the variable effect is set based on the information included in the received variable effect start command and the display list creation table (step S501). In step S502, a display list is created based on the setting contents (step S503).

  Here, when the execution of the button effect and / or the suggestion effect is instructed by the change effect start command, the display content including the effect image for realizing the instructed effect is set. In this case, the display content is set so as to include an effect image for realizing a specific game effect (the above-described other notice effect, etc.). The latter effect image may be any image as long as it has a function of notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, for example, directly or indirectly, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  Here, the display list is composed of commands for instructing execution of drawing in frame units. The type of image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) to draw the image, display priority, display magnification, and rotation. Various parameters such as angle and transmittance are included, and the display list creation table is a table used for creating this display list.

  The VDP of the image sound control board 140 reads out the effect data from the CGROM based on the display list created by the overall CPU, and executes a drawing process for performing the changing effect using the read effect data.

  When the general CPU executes the process of step S503, or determines that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S501: NO), has the variable CPU end command received from the effect control board 130 been received? It is determined whether or not (step S504). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect end command has been received (step S504: YES), a variation effect end process for ending the variation effect being executed in the VDP is executed (step S505).

  When the overall CPU executes the process of step S505 or determines that the variable effect end command has not been received (step S504: NO), the overall CPU executes a data transmission control process (step S506). Specifically, data related to image sound control performed on the image sound control board 140 is transmitted to the effect control board 130.

  On the other hand, the effect control board 130 transfers the data received from the image sound control board 140 to the lamp control board 150 (step S14 shown in FIG. 16). Thus, various effect operations and the like are controlled by the lamp control board 150 so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24.

  In addition, although the control of the change effect performed in the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the command received from the effect control board 130 has been described here, the output control of the effect sound from the speaker 24 is performed as the change effect in the liquid crystal display device 5. Since it corresponds, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

[Ramp control processing by the lamp control board 150]
Next, lamp control processing executed in the lamp control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a lamp control process executed in the lamp control board 150. The lamp control board 150 is transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the command from the effect control board 130 and the effect control board 130 in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 22 are repeatedly executed at regular time intervals based on the image acoustic control data.

  First, the lamp CPU 151 of the lamp control board 150 executes a data reception process for receiving data relating to image sound control transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the effect control board 130 (step S601). The lamp CPU 151 performs various effect means (movable accessory 7, effect button 26, etc.) so as to synchronize with the effect by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24 based on the data regarding the image sound control received by the process of step S 601. To control.

  Following the processing in step S601, the lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the variable effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S602). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect start command has been received (step S602: YES), the light emission pattern data corresponding to the received variation effect start command is read from the lamp ROM 152 and set in the lamp RAM 153, thereby the panel lamp 25. The light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37, the light emitting elements provided on the movable accessory 7, the light emitting elements of the rotation effect devices 38 and 39, and the button lamp 98 are set (step S603). In the present embodiment, regarding the light emission pattern of the button lamp 98, when the acceleration blinking pattern and the blinking pattern are set by the process of step S1056, and when the deceleration blinking pattern is set by the process of step S1059. There is. Following the processing in step S603, the lamp CPU 151 starts light emission control of each light emitting element except the button lamp 98 based on the set light emission pattern data (step S604).

  The lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the blinking start timing of the button lamp 98 has arrived when the process of step S604 is executed or when it is determined that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S602: NO). (Step S605). Here, the blinking start timing of the button lamp 98 is the start timing of the suggestive effect. Whether or not this light emission start timing has arrived is whether data related to image acoustic control indicating that the display of the suggestion image 51 or 53 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) has been started has been received in the data reception process of step S601. It can be determined based on whether or not. If it is determined that the blink start timing of the button lamp 98 has not arrived (step S605: NO), the process proceeds to step S609 described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the blinking start timing of the button lamp 98 has arrived (step S605: YES), the lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the fast blinking pattern is set in the lamp RAM 153 as the light emission pattern of the button lamp 98. (Step S606). When it is determined that the acceleration blinking pattern is set (step S606: YES), the lamp CPU 151 starts the light emission control of the button lamp 98 with the acceleration blinking pattern (step S607). Thus, the button lamp 98 emits light so that the blinking speed gradually increases from the start of blinking (see FIGS. 5A to 5D and FIGS. 7A to 7D). Note that the light emission control started by the process of step S607 is ended at the timing when the suggestion effect ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the acceleration blink pattern is not set (that is, the deceleration blink pattern is set) (step S606: NO), the lamp CPU 151 starts the light emission control of the button lamp 98 with the deceleration blink pattern. (Step S608). As a result, the button lamp 98 emits light so that the blinking speed is gradually increased in the initial change period from the start of blinking, and the blinking speed is gradually decreased after the initial change period (FIGS. 5A and 5C). , (F), see FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7F). Note that the light emission control started by the process of step S608 ends at the timing when the suggestion effect ends.

  When the process of step S607 is executed, or when the process of step S608 is executed, the lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the lighting start timing of the button lamp 98 has arrived (step S609). Here, the lighting start timing of the button lamp 98 is the start timing of the button effect, in other words, the start timing of the effective period of the effect button 26. Whether or not the lighting start timing has arrived is determined by whether data related to image acoustic control indicating that the display of the button image 62 or 64 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) has been started has been received in the data reception process of step S601. It can be determined based on whether or not.

  When it is determined that the lighting start timing of the button lamp 98 has arrived (step S609: YES), the lamp CPU 151 starts the light emission control of the button lamp 98 with the lighting pattern (step S610). Thus, the button lamp 98 is turned on during the effective period of the button effect (see FIGS. 5D and 7D). Note that the light emission control started by the process of step S610 ends at the timing when the effective period of the effect button 26 ends.

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the lighting start timing of the button lamp 98 has not arrived (step S609: NO), or when the processing of step S610 is executed, whether or not the projection timing of the effect button 26 has arrived. Is determined (step S611). Whether or not the projecting timing of the effect button 26 has arrived is, for example, whether or not data related to image acoustic control indicating that display of the button image 52 has been started on the liquid crystal display device 5 has been received in the data reception process of step S601. It can be determined based on whether or not.

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the projecting timing of the effect button 26 has arrived (step S611: YES), the lamp motor 151 drives the button motor 97 to project the effect button 26 to the projecting state (step S612).

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the projecting timing of the effect button 26 has not arrived (step S611: NO), or when the process of step S612 is executed, the ramp effect end command transmitted from the effect control board 130 is received. It is determined whether or not it has been received (step S613). Here, when it is determined that the change effect end command has been received (step S613: YES), the light emission control started in the process of step S604 described above is ended (step S614).

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the operable operating means (the effect button 26), and determines whether to execute an advantageous special game according to the establishment of the start condition. Then, a special game (big hit game) is executed according to the result of the determination. Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the following means.
Operation image display means for displaying an operation image (button image 52 or 54) for prompting an operation on the effect button 26 on the screen in the first mode in a predetermined period (S1051)
Before the predetermined period, as a suggestion image for suggesting the display of the button image, an image having substantially the same shape as the button image at the display position substantially the same as the button image in the second mode Suggestion image display means for displaying (translucently) (S1054)

  According to the above configuration, by suggesting the execution of the button effect by the suggestion effect by the suggestion image, the player can have a sense of expectation as to whether or not the button effect will be performed, and improve the effect of the button effect. Can do. Here, as the suggestion effect for suggesting the button effect, an effect image related to the button image (different from the button image) may be displayed prior to the button effect. However, if an effect image having low relevance to the button image is displayed at a position different from the display position of the button image, the button effect is started (possibly) in such effect image. The player may not be able to recognize the suggestion effect. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the suggestion image is an image having substantially the same shape as the button image displayed at substantially the same position as the button image. Therefore, the player can intuitively imagine the button image by looking at the suggestion image, and can easily imagine that the button effect may be performed at the time of display of the suggestion image. That is, according to said structure, the player can grasp | ascertain in advance easily the arrival of the timing which operates an operation means. In addition, when the button image 52 is actually displayed, the player can perform the operation on the effect button 26 without panicking.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, by displaying the suggestion image in a more unclear manner (translucent) than the button image, the player can easily distinguish the suggestion image from the button image. At this time, since the player does not think that the player is prompted to operate the effect button 26 even when viewing the suggestion image, the player is prevented from misrecognizing the display period of the suggestion image as the effective period of the effect button 26. can do.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the production | presentation button 26 which is an example of an operation means can change into at least 2 types of states, a normal state and a protrusion state. Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the following means.
State determination means for determining whether the effect button 26 is in a normal state or a protruding state based on the result of the special game determination (S1051)
Operation means control means (S612) for controlling the production button 26 so as to be in the state determined by the state determination means.
Here, the operation image display means displays an image representing the state determined by the state determination means on the screen as a button image. Moreover, the said suggestion image display means displays the image showing the production button 26 which will be in the state determined in the state determination means on a screen as a suggestion image, when a predetermined condition is satisfy | filled (refer FIG. 5, FIG. 7). .

  According to said structure, in addition to suggesting the presence or absence of a button effect, the state of the effect button 26 at the time of a button effect can also be suggested by a suggestion effect. Accordingly, the player can have a sense of expectation as to which state of the effect button 26 at the time of the button effect is, and the effect of the effect of the button effect can be further improved.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the said suggestion image display means displays the suggestion image displayed by the said 2nd aspect (semi-transparent) as a 1st aspect (as the predetermined period (display period of the button image 54) approaches. The display mode is changed so as to gradually approach the normal display mode). According to this, by the change of the display mode of the suggestion image, the player can be more strongly aware of the expectation that the button effect will be performed, and the effect of the button effect can be further improved. Further, the player can sensuously grasp the remaining time until the start of the button effect by changing the display mode of the suggestion image 51. In the present embodiment, the light emission mode (light emission pattern) of the button lamp 98 provided on the effect button 26 changes with the change of the display mode of the suggestion image. Therefore, depending on the light emission mode of the button lamp 98, the player can be more strongly aware of the expectation that the button effect will be performed, and the effect of the button effect can be further improved.

  Further, the suggestion image display means displays the suggestion image in a predetermined case (step S1057: YES) even when the button image is not displayed. According to this, since there is a possibility that the button effect is not performed even if the suggestion image is displayed, it is possible to increase the player's throbbing feeling due to the suggestion effect. Further, when the button effect is performed thereafter, a greater sense of achievement can be given to the player, and the effect of the button effect can be further improved.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the display mode of the suggestion image is changed in the suggestion effect, but in other embodiments, the shape of the suggestion image may be changed. At this time, the shape of the suggestion image may be changed and the state of the effect button 26 may be changed.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the button effect and the suggestion effect in the modification of the embodiment. In the present modification, the suggestion image 56 is displayed (see FIG. 23A) after FIG. 23 where the decoration pattern 50 displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 starts to be changed, as in the above embodiment. is there. At the display start time, the suggestion image 56 is the same as the suggestion image 55 shown in FIG.

  In this modification, during the initial change period, the shape of the suggestion image 56 changes to approach the protruding state, and the effect button 26 also changes to approach the protruding state in accordance with the change of the suggestion image 56. (See FIG. 23B). In FIG. 23, the transparency (darkness) of the suggestion image 56 does not change, but in other embodiments, the transparency of the suggestion image 56 may be changed as in the above embodiment. That is, both the shape and transparency of the suggestion image 56 may be changed. In FIG. 23, the button lamp 98 does not blink, but in other embodiments, the button lamp 98 may blink as in the above embodiment.

  Here, in this modification, when the suggestion effect in which the suggestion image 56 is displayed is performed, when the button effect is performed in the protruding state (see FIGS. 23C and 23D), the button is displayed in the normal state. There is a case where an effect is performed (see FIGS. 23E and 23F).

  When the button effect is performed in the projecting state, the suggestion image 56 changes its shape so as to approach the projecting state and the effect button 26 also changes so as to approach the projecting state even after the initial change period has elapsed ( (See FIG. 23C). Then, at the timing when the button effect is started, the suggestion image 56 changes to a button image 52 representing the projecting effect button 26, and a message “Press!” And a gauge 53 are displayed. In addition, the effect button 26 is in a protruding state, and the button lamp 98 is lit in the same manner as in the above embodiment (see FIG. 23D).

  On the other hand, when the button effect is performed in the normal state, after the initial change period, the suggestion image 56 changes its shape so as to approach the normal state, and the effect button 26 also changes so as to approach the normal state. (See FIG. 23E). That is, the suggestion image 56 and the effect button 26 change so as to return to the original state (the state at the start of the suggestion effect). Then, at the timing when the button effect starts, the suggestion image 56 changes to a button image 55 representing the effect button 26 in the normal state, and a message “Press!” And the gauge 53 are displayed. The effect button 26 is in a normal state, and the button lamp 98 is lit in the same manner as in the above embodiment (see FIG. 23F).

  As described above, in the modified example, the shape of the suggestion image changes during the suggestion effect. This also makes it possible to make the player more strongly aware of the expectation that the button effect will be performed by changing the shape of the suggestion image, as in the case where the display mode of the suggestion image changes in the above embodiment. The production effect can be further improved. In the above modification, the suggestion image 56 at the start of the suggestion effect has the same shape as the button image 64 displayed when the button effect is performed in the normal state, and suggests the button effect in the normal state. It can be said that.

  In the modified example, the suggestion image representing the projecting effect button 26 is displayed at the start of the suggestion effect, and the shape of the suggestion image may change so as to approach the normal state during the initial change period. . When the button effect in the normal state is performed, the suggestion image changes so as to approach the normal state even after the initial change period, and when the button effect in the protruding state is performed, the initial change After the period, the suggestion image may change so as to approach the protruding state. At this time, it can be said that the suggestion image at the start of the suggestion effect has the same shape as the button image 62 displayed when the button effect is performed in the protruding state, and suggests the button effect in the protruding state.

  Also in the modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, the suggestion effect may be performed even when the button effect is not performed. That is, when the button effect is not performed, the suggestion image 56 that changes as shown in (A), (B), and (E) shown in FIG. 23 may be displayed. Moreover, in other embodiment, when a button effect in a protruding state is performed, a case where a button effect is performed in a normal state, and a case where a button effect is not performed, the suggestion effect is displayed in three cases. You may go. At this time, the suggestion images may be changed in three different cases. Further, the button lamp 98 may emit light with different light emission patterns in the three cases.

  In the above embodiment and the modified example, the case where the suggestion image changes during execution of the suggestion effect has been described, but in other embodiments, the display form and shape of the suggestion image change during execution of the suggestion effect. You may display a suggestion image without doing. Further, the light emission pattern of the button lamp 98 during execution of the suggestion effect is arbitrary, and the button lamp 98 may not emit light during execution of the suggestion effect.

  In another embodiment, the reliability may be suggested by the light emission pattern of the button lamp 98 during the button production (for example, the reliability is indicated by whether the button lamp 98 is lit or flashing). . In such a case, in the suggestion effect, a light emission pattern that is different from the light emission pattern in the button effect so that the player does not mistakenly recognize that the effective period of the effect button 26 has started due to the light emission of the button lamp 98 during the suggestion effect. The button lamp 98 is preferably caused to emit light. Further, in the suggestion effect, instead of (or in addition to) changing the light emission pattern according to time, the brightness and / or light emission color of the button lamp 98 may be changed. Further, instead of (or in addition to) changing the light emission mode (light emission pattern, light emission color, brightness, etc.) of the button lamp 98, the light emission mode of the frame lamp 37 around the effect button 26 is changed. Also good.

  In other embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may display a suggestion image and perform a countdown display indicating the remaining time until the start of the button effect (the start of the effective period). In still another embodiment, countdown display may be performed instead of displaying the suggestion image. Note that the display form (transparency and display color) of the countdown display image may be changed according to time in the same manner as the suggestion image.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the change aspect of the suggestion image suggested the presence or absence of a button production, in other embodiment, the reliability (the reliability of the jackpot winning win) is changed according to the change aspect of the suggestion image. Etc.) may be suggested. For example, as an effect pattern for performing the suggestion effect and the button effect, (1) the first effect pattern in which the suggestion image is not changed in the suggestion effect and then the button effect is performed, and (2) in the suggestion effect (as in the above embodiment) (2) The suggestion image may be changed, and then the second effect pattern for performing the button effect (same as the first effect pattern) may be selectable. Then, these two types of effect patterns may be set so that the former effect pattern suggests a relatively low reliability and the latter effect pattern suggests a relatively high reliability. In this way, by suggesting the degree of reliability by the change mode of the suggestion image, the player can be focused on by the suggestion effect, so that the effect effect of the suggestion effect can be further improved.

  Moreover, the scene and timing in which the button effect and the suggestion effect are performed are arbitrary. For example, in the above embodiment, the suggestion effect and the button effect are executed when the reach is established, but the suggestion effect may be executed when the reach is not established. For example, perform the suggestion effect before the reach is established, perform the button effect following the suggestion effect when the reach is established, and do not perform the button effect (only the suggestion effect is performed) when the reach is not established. May be.

  Further, in other embodiments, the button effect is not limited to the special symbol variation display, but may be performed to suggest a player a degree of reliability related to things other than the jackpot. For example, in other embodiments, a button effect may be used during a jackpot game to generate a jackpot type (for example, a confidence level for promoting a jackpot of 16 rounds while pretending to be a jackpot of 8 rounds, or a normal jackpot And the like, or the like, the degree of confidence in being promoted to a probable jackpot.

  In addition, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized with other configurations. Further, the order of processing, the set value, the threshold value used for determination, etc. in the flowcharts described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other orders and values without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

1 Pachinko gaming machine (an example of the gaming machine of the present invention)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Liquid crystal display device 10 Game area 11 1st starting opening 12 2nd starting opening 13 1st grand prize opening 19 2nd big prize opening 24 Speaker 26 Production button 41 1st special symbol display 43 2nd special symbol display 50 Decoration Symbol 51, 53, 56 Suggested image 52, 54 Button image 97 Button motor 98 Button lamp 100 Game control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
130 Production control board 131 Sub CPU
132 Sub ROM
133 Sub RAM
134 RTC
140 Image sound control board 150 Lamp control board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising operable operating means, determining whether or not to execute an advantageous special game according to establishment of a start condition, and executing the special game according to a result of the determination,
An operation image display means for displaying an operation image for prompting an operation on the operation means on the screen in a manner including a suggestion that the operation means is in an effective period in which the operation on the operation means is valid;
Suggestion that the suggestion image for suggesting the display of the operation image at the first timing before the operation image is displayed or the second timing when the operation image is not displayed is during the effective period. A suggestion image display means for displaying in a manner that does not include the game machine.

Images