JP2016214989A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with displays easy to understand.SOLUTION: Setting hierarchies of a screen for performing settings regarding a game are provided, the setting hierarchies including at least a first hierarchy and a second hierarchy at a lower level than that. At a higher level than the first hierarchy, game hierarchies for a screen for displaying game states is provided. For setting items of the second hierarchy, an additional selection item is included which is added and becomes possible to be selected when at least a prescribed condition is established. If the additional selection item is added to the second hierarchy, a specific display is performed of which addition a player can recognize at any one of hierarchies at least at the first hierarchy or higher.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with display means capable of displaying information related to a game.

  Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine that displays a menu screen for performing volume adjustment, display of a game history, and the like. In such a gaming machine, various settings can be made by the player operating the effect buttons and the like during the period when the symbol variation is stopped.

  For example, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a game history is displayed on a liquid crystal display device by a guide menu method. This guide menu screen is configured by displaying various menus in the vertical direction, and a menu that is located at the center and protrudes to the left is highlighted with respect to the background screen (Patent Document 1). / Paragraph 0140, FIG. 28).

JP 2003-305164 A

  However, current gaming machines have many items that are difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the game, such as selection of characters and BGM. In addition, when such a selection takes time, there is a problem that the time during which a game is not performed increases accordingly.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an easy-to-understand game machine.

  A gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising display means capable of displaying information relating to a game, and display control means for controlling the display means, wherein the display control means comprises a variable display of symbols. It is possible to switch and display a game hierarchy of a screen for performing a stop display and a setting hierarchy of a screen for performing settings relating to a game, and the setting hierarchy includes at least a first hierarchy and a second hierarchy lower than the first hierarchy. Is in a layer higher than the first layer, the contents of the setting items of the first layer can be selected in the second layer, and at least a predetermined condition is satisfied in the setting items of the second layer In the case where an additional selection item that is added and becomes selectable is included, and the additional selection item is added to the second hierarchy, the player recognizes the addition at least in any hierarchy of the first hierarchy or higher. Get specific display line It is, wherein the display control unit, in the variable display in the symbol and stopped display, and wherein varying the display mode of the specific display.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is easy to understand at least.

The perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view of the back side which shows the external appearance of the pachinko machine of FIG. The front view of the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus of the pachinko game machine of FIG. (A) A time chart (power saving mode) for explaining processing when the game is stopped. (B) Time chart for explaining processing at the time of game stop (design variation screen → menu screen). (A) Example of symbol variation screen (stopped). (B) Example of menu screen (first layer). (C) Example of menu screen (second layer). (D) Example of menu screen (third layer). (A) Example of first layer and guide display (volume adjustment). (B) Example of first layer and guide display (character selection). (A) Example of first layer and guide display (customization). (B) Example of second layer and guide display (notice frequency setting). (A) Example of first layer and guide display (with customization and update display). (B) Example of second layer and guide display (BGM selection, update display available). (A) Example of guide display real-time information (no update display). (B) An example of real-time information on guide display (with update display). (A) An example of guide display image information (full release). (B) An example of guide display image information (unreleased). (A) Time chart explaining processing at the time of game stop (multiple device display). (B) Time chart (mini-adjustment screen) for explaining processing when the game is stopped. The figure explaining the transition of the screen display of FIG. (A) A time chart (device display + update display) for explaining processing when the game is stopped. (B) Time chart explaining processing at the time of game stop (design variation screen → selection screen). The figure explaining the transition of the screen display of FIG. The flowchart which shows the game management process performed by the main control side. The flowchart which shows the special symbol management process in FIG. The flowchart (first half) which shows the special symbol fluctuation start process in FIG. The flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in FIG. 17 (second half). FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a special electric accessory management process in FIG. 16. The flowchart which shows the main process performed by the sub-control side. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed by the sub-control side.

  First, an outline of the gaming machine of the embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes display means capable of displaying information relating to a game, main control means for transmitting a control command relating to game control, and sub-control for receiving the control command and performing control based on the control command A display device capable of displaying a game hierarchy of a screen for displaying a game state and a setting hierarchy of a screen for performing settings relating to the game, wherein the setting hierarchy includes at least a first hierarchy. The game hierarchy is in a hierarchy higher than the first hierarchy, and the contents of the setting items in the first hierarchy can be selected in the second hierarchy. The setting items of the second hierarchy include additional selection items that are added and selectable at least when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the additional selection items are added to the second hierarchy, at least the second Player in more any hierarchy hierarchy, characterized in that the specific display capable of recognizing the additional is performed.

  In the present embodiment, a game hierarchy (symbol display screen) for displaying the game state and a setting hierarchy (menu screen) for setting the game are displayed on the display means (liquid crystal display device). The game hierarchy is higher than the first hierarchy, and has a hierarchical structure with the second hierarchy lower than the first hierarchy. In addition, the contents of setting items (for example, character selection) in the first layer can be selected in the second layer.

  The setting items of the second hierarchy include additional selection items that can be added and selected when a predetermined condition (for example, the number of consecutive big hits or the number of rotations) is satisfied. In the displayed state, specific display (update mark or update notification) is performed so that the presence or absence of additional selection items can be recognized. Thereby, it is not necessary to overlook a new additional selection item or to go down to the second hierarchy and confirm the presence or absence of the additional selection item, which is very easy to understand.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the main control means can determine whether or not a game is currently being played based on a specific condition, and at least a part of the specific display during a game and during a non-game. It is preferable that the aspects are different.

  In the present embodiment, the main control means determines whether or not a game is currently being played based on a specific condition (for example, whether or not a symbol is changing). Then, the specific display is displayed small during the game, and the specific display is displayed so that the details can be understood during the non-game. Thereby, it can be set as the appropriate specific display according to a situation, and it becomes easy for a player to understand.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the main control means can determine whether or not a game is currently being played based on a specific condition, and the specific display is performed at least during a predetermined period during the game. Preferably not.

  In the present embodiment, the specific display is not performed during a predetermined period during the game (for example, during reach fluctuation with a high expectation degree of jackpot). As a result, the specific display can be performed only at an appropriate timing for the player to set.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the additional selection items are added according to points generated during the game.

  In the present embodiment, points (for example, the score of the mini game being played and the number of games played with the model) can be acquired during the game. For example, when the total points reach a predetermined value, an additional selection item is added to perform specific display. Thereby, a player's enjoyment increases and a highly interesting game can be provided.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the part which comprises the pachinko game machine 1 of an Example is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a rectangular outer frame 2, and a front frame 3 and a front door 5 pivotally attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 3 has a frame shape, and a game board 4 (see FIG. 3) can be attached to the opening. Further, a glass plate 6 is fitted in the central portion of the front door 5 so that the game board 4 can be visually recognized from the outside.

  Speakers 7 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part of the front door 5. The speaker 7 is a sound output unit that outputs the effect sound effect accompanying the game to the outside. Further, frame decoration LEDs 8 are provided on the left and right sides and the upper part of the front door 5. The frame decoration LED 8 is a decoration part in which the LED emits light and blinks in conjunction with the effect of the game.

  A front plate 9 is provided on the lower side of the front door 5, and a left end portion thereof is pivotally attached to the front frame 3 so as to be openable. The front plate 9 is provided with a launch handle 10 for operating the launch mechanism, an upper storage tray 11 for storing game balls, a lower storage tray 12 and the like.

  In addition, a left effect button 13 and a center effect button 14 that are effective when the built-in lamp is lit are provided on the surface portion of the upper storage dish 11. When the operation is enabled, the effect buttons 13 and 14 can start or change the effect by being pressed by the player. It is also used when switching from a normal game screen to a menu screen described later.

  The production buttons 13 and 14 may be selectively used depending on the expected degree of jackpot or the content of the production. For example, an operation of the left effect button 13 is instructed in a normal effect, and an operation of the center effect button 14 is instructed in an effect with a very high expectation degree of jackpot.

  Furthermore, a direction key portion 15 is provided on the surface portion of the upper storage tray 11. The direction key unit 15 is used when selecting any setting item on the menu screen or when selecting an effect or the like during the game.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a frame-like back mechanism board 16 that holds down the game board 4 from the back side is attached to the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A game ball storage tank 17 for storing game balls supplied from a game ball supply device (not shown) of the pachinko hall side island facility is provided on the upper side of the back mechanism board 16.

  A game ball payout device 19 for paying out game balls is provided at the inclined lower end of the tank rail 18 for drawing out the balls from the game ball storage tank 17. Furthermore, an external terminal board 21 for electrically connecting to a hall computer (see FIG. 4) that manages all gaming machines in the pachinko hall is provided at a corner portion of the back mechanism board 16. Is housed and provided.

  In addition, a transparent back cover 23 mounted on the back side of the game board 4 is provided substantially at the center of the back mechanism board 16, and transparent effect control in which the effect control board 25 is accommodated in the back cover 23. A substrate case 25a and a transparent liquid crystal control substrate case 26a that houses the liquid crystal control substrate 26 are provided.

  A mode setting switch 31 is provided at an intermediate portion between the effect control board 25 and the liquid crystal control board 26. The mode setting switch 31 is used when setting the mode of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (“normal mode” or “power saving mode”).

  A transparent main control board case 24a that houses the main control board 24 is provided below the liquid crystal control board case 26a. The main control board 24 controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. Since the main control board 24 is connected to various switches and sensors, it receives these detection signals and performs various processes.

  The main control board 24 is provided with a RAM clear switch 27. By turning on the power while pressing down the RAM clear switch 27, the stored contents of the RAM area are erased, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the initial state.

  The effect control board 25 receives various control commands transmitted from the main control board 24, and controls the effects by the panel decoration LED 35 or the liquid crystal display device 36, for example, based on the control commands.

  Below the main control board case 24a, a transparent power supply board case 28a containing a power supply board 28 and a transparent payout control board case 29a containing a payout control board 29 are disposed.

  Further, at a position corresponding to the launch handle 10, a launch control board 30 is provided on the rear side of a game ball launcher (not shown) provided with a strike rod for hitting the game ball and a launch motor for driving the hit ball. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the game board 4 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 4 is formed of a substantially square panel, and the game area 4a on the board surface includes a center decorative body 34a fixed to the front surface of the decorative board 4b with a screw or the like, and a left corner decorative body. 34b, a right corner decoration body 34c, and the like. The decorative bodies 34a to 34c are each formed by integral molding by injection molding using a hard resin material such as polycarbonate.

  A plurality of panel decoration LEDs 35 are arranged on the center decoration body 34a. The board decoration LED 35 is a decoration unit that enhances the effect by changing the light emission color and the light emission mode in accordance with the symbol change display and the notice display in each game.

  An opening is formed in the center of the game board 4, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 is disposed in the opening. The liquid crystal display device 36 is a display that displays various effects such as a pattern on which various numbers, characters, and the like are drawn, a background image, reach, and the like according to the game.

  An effect gate 40a is arranged in the approximate center of the upper part of the center ornament 34a. The effect gate 40a is a gate used for a specific effect during the game. In the case of this specific effect, if the player wins the game ball with the aim of the effect gate 40a, the effect will be further developed, and the player will be in an advantageous state.

  In addition, a normal symbol start gate 40b is arranged on the upper right side of the second big prize device 39b described later. The normal symbol start gate 40b is a winning device that triggers the start of a normal symbol. A lottery is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 40b, and the normal symbol changes in the normal symbol display device 43b described later.

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display device 36, a movable accessory 37 having the shape of a dragon head is disposed. The movable accessory 37 operates according to the effects in the game and the expectation degree of jackpot. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of movable accessories in addition to the movable accessory 37, but is omitted in the drawing.

  A stage member 33 is disposed below the center decorative body 34a. The game ball guided here falls after swinging the central part of the stage, but the game ball that has passed through the groove in the center has a structure that makes it easy to win a first special symbol starting port 38a described later. .

  Below the stage member 33, a start winning device 38 including a first special symbol start port 38a and a second special symbol start port 38b is arranged. The game balls flowing down the game area 4a win the first special symbol start port 38a or the second special symbol start port 38b, and a lottery is performed, and the special symbol display device 43a described later displays the variation of the special symbol. The In addition, the liquid crystal display device 36 also performs a variable display of decorative symbols corresponding to the special symbols.

  In the following, the special symbol that starts the variable display by winning at the first special symbol starting port 38a is the special symbol 1 (special symbol 1), and the special symbol that starts changing display by winning the second special symbol starting port 38b. The symbol is called special symbol 2 (special symbol 2).

  The second special symbol start port 38b is provided with an opening / closing member, and when the opening / closing member is opened, the game ball is easily won. The above open / close member is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time when a normal symbol lottery is won. Hereinafter, a device that combines the second special symbol start opening 38b and the opening / closing member may be referred to as an ordinary electric accessory (electric tulip or abbreviated “electric chew”).

  Below the start winning device 38, a first big winning device 39a is arranged. The first grand prize winning device 39a has an opening / closing door into which a game ball can enter when it falls to the front side. Further, on the right side of the start winning device 38, a second large winning device 39b is arranged. The special winning devices 39a and 39b are special winning devices that are opened for a predetermined time in a special game generated when a special symbol lottery is won, that is, a big win. A lot of prize balls can be obtained by winning the game balls in the big prize opening (not shown) inside the big prize winning devices 39a and 39b.

  The winning device 49 including the second big winning device 39b includes a probability change transition determining unit. The probability variation transition determination unit has a specific region (V zone) in which a game ball passes and shifts to a probability variation state after the end of a special game, and a non-specific region that does not transition to a probability variation state even if a game ball passes. .

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the probability variation transition determination unit is covered with a sheet so that it cannot be visually recognized, and thus is indicated by a broken line. In the following description, the first big prize device 39a may be called the attacker 1, and the second big prize device 39b may be called the attacker 2.

  A special symbol display device 43a and a normal symbol display device 43b are arranged on the upper right side of the game area 4a. The special symbol display device 43a is composed of two 7-segment LEDs (left and middle), and changes the special symbol in response to winning in the special symbol start ports 38a and 38b, and displays the lottery result. In addition, the remaining one (right) displays the number of reserved balls of special symbols and normal symbols and the short-time state.

  The normal symbol display device 43b is a display unit composed of a plurality of LEDs. The normal symbol is started by the winning of the normal symbol start gate 40b, and the lottery result is displayed by turning on the LED.

  On the left side of the game area 4a, a windmill 41 that changes the flow direction of the game ball and a large number of game nails (not shown) are arranged. In addition, a plurality of general winning ports 42 are arranged below the game area 4a. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 42, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

  On the leftmost side of the game area 4a, a guide rail 44 extending in a substantially vertical direction is arranged to guide the game ball launched by the launch mechanism to the game area 4a. The guide rail 44 is composed of two metal strip-shaped outer and inner guide rails 44a and 44b.

  A space extending in the vertical direction between the two outer and inner guide rails 44a and 44b forms a launch passage 45 through which a game ball launched from the launch mechanism passes. At the upper end of the inner guide rail 44b, a return ball prevention piece 46 that allows the shot ball to pass in the launch direction (the game area 4a side) and prevents the return ball (the launch path 45 side) from passing is provided. ing. Further, at the lowermost part of the inner guide rail 44 b, an out ball collection port 47 and a ball approaching portion 48 for introducing the out ball into the out ball collection port 47 are formed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In FIG. 4, the configuration of a relay board for relaying signals and some members not related to the present invention are omitted.

  This control device is mainly configured of a main control board 24 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and an effect control board 25 that receives commands from the main control board 24 and controls the effects. The power supply board 28 is connected to each board including the main control board 24, receives an AC voltage 24V from an external power supply, converts it to a DC voltage, and supplies it to each board.

  The main control board 24 includes a main control board CPU 241, a ROM 242, and a RAM 243 therein. The main control board side CPU 241 is a so-called processor unit, and performs a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a big hit, creates a control command from information on the determined variation pattern and stop symbol, and transmits it to the effect control board 25. Process.

  The ROM 242 is a storage unit that stores a control program describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, control data, and the like. The RAM 243 is a storage unit having a work area for temporarily storing data set by the processing of the main control board side CPU 241.

  Connected to the main control board 24 are a RAM clear switch 27, a start winning opening sensor 38c, a large winning opening sensor 39c, a starting gate passage sensor 40c, a general winning opening sensor 42c, a magnetic sensor 50, a radio wave sensor 51 and a vibration sensor 52. The detection signal of each sensor can be received.

  The magnetic sensor 50 is a sensor that detects magnetism when a magnet or the like is brought close to the pachinko gaming machine 1. The radio wave sensor 51 is a sensor that detects strong radio waves emitted to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the vibration sensor 52 is a sensor that detects strong vibration given to the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In addition, a special symbol display device 43a and a normal symbol display device 43b are connected to the main control board 24, and random number information acquired by the main control board CPU 241 through a lottery process is transmitted to the symbol display devices 43a and 43b. .

  Further, the main control board 24 is connected to an external terminal board 21 having terminals for connecting to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Various information such as a big hit in a game, the number of winnings, and the number of games is transmitted from the main control board 24 to the hall computer via the external terminal board 21.

  Further, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control board 24. Since the lower storage tray full sensor 12c and the front door opening sensor 20 are connected to the payout control board 29, when these sensors detect an abnormality, a detection signal is transmitted from the payout control board 29 to the main control board 24. The Note that the game ball payout device 19 and the launch control board 30 (further connected to the launch device 10a) are connected to the payout control board 29.

  Next, the effect control board 25 includes an effect control board side CPU 251, a ROM 252 and a RAM 253 therein. The effect control board side CPU 251 is a so-called processor unit, receives a control command transmitted from the main control board 24, and performs processing for controlling various effects based on the control command.

  The ROM 252 is a storage unit that stores a control program describing a series of effect control procedures, effect data, and the like. Moreover, RAM253 is a memory | storage part provided with the work area which memorize | stores temporarily the data set by the process of the production control board side CPU251.

  A speaker 7, a frame decoration LED 8, a panel decoration LED 35, and a mode setting switch 31 are connected to the effect control board 25. The effect control board 25 controls the sound effect of the speaker 7 and the light emitting operation of each LED, etc., and enhances the effect.

  In addition, to the effect control board 25, a left effect button 13, a center effect button 14, and a direction key unit 15 are connected. When the player presses the effect buttons 13 and 14 during the effective period, a detection signal is transmitted to the effect control board 25, and the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 changes. The direction key unit 15 includes an up direction key 15a, a right direction key 15b, a down direction key 15c, a left direction key 15d, and an enter key 15e (see FIG. 7A). The direction signals 15a to 15e also send detection signals to the effect control board 25 by operation.

  Further, a liquid crystal control board 26 is connected to the effect control board 25. The liquid crystal control board 26 receives a command from the effect control board 25 and performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 36.

  The liquid crystal control board 26 includes a liquid crystal control CPU 261, a liquid crystal control ROM 262, a liquid crystal control RAM 263, a video display processor VDP 264, an image data ROM 265, and a VRAM 266 therein.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 261 is a so-called processor unit, and generates liquid crystal control data necessary for performing display control based on the liquid crystal control command received from the effect control board 25. The data is output to the video display processor VDP 264.

  The liquid crystal control ROM 262 is a storage unit that stores a program that describes the operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU 261, and the liquid crystal control RAM 263 is a storage unit that functions as a work area or a buffer memory.

  The video display processor VDP 264 is a processor that performs image processing of image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The image data ROM 265 is a storage unit that stores image data necessary for the video display processor VDP 264 to perform image processing. The VRAM 266 is a storage unit that temporarily stores image data processed by the video display processor VDP 264. is there.

  With the above configuration, the liquid crystal control board 26 performs image processing based on the liquid crystal control command transmitted from the effect control board 25, and displays effect images and moving images on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the process when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5 (a), a case will be described in which a transition to the power saving mode is made after the game is stopped. FIG. 5A shows communication of control commands among the main control board 24, the effect control board 25 and the liquid crystal control board 26. When the game is stopped, the main control board 24 transmits a “customer waiting demo command” to the effect control board 25.

  Here, “game stop” means a state in which there is no reserved ball when the change of the special symbol is stopped. Therefore, even if the player continues to fire the game ball, if the condition is satisfied, the main control board 24 transmits a “customer waiting demo command”.

  When the game is stopped, the main control board 24 and the effect control board 25 are in a normal state, and the liquid crystal display device 36 is in “A: symbol change screen (stopped)”. The “symbol changing screen (stopped)” is a normal game screen in which a special symbol (decorated symbol) is stopped, and continues for 180 seconds after the game is stopped.

  When 30 seconds have elapsed since the game stopped, “D: device display (left effect button)” is added to “A: symbol change screen (stopped)”. “Device display (left effect button)” is to display an effect button mark 13 ′ imitating the left effect button 13 on the screen (see FIG. 6A).

  Thereafter, when 180 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped, the effect control board 25 transmits a “power saving demonstration display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26. As a result, “S: Power-saving customer waiting display” is executed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The “power saving customer waiting display” is a low power consumption demonstration display performed when the “power saving mode” is selected.

  The time from the game stop is measured during the process executed on the effect control board 25. If the game ball wins the first special symbol starting port 38a or the second special symbol starting port 38b (start winning) before the elapse of 180 seconds, this timer is cleared. If the player continues to fire the game ball, there is a high possibility that the player will win a start before the lapse of 180 seconds, and the “S: waiting for power saving display” is rarely executed.

  When “S: waiting for power saving display” is being executed, the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35 are turned off except for some LEDs, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a low power consumption state. Specifically, “S: waiting for power saving display” is a black screen with a company logo or a “power saving” character (not shown).

  Further, when 330 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped, when a person who intends to play the game operates the left effect button 13 (or the center effect button 14), the effect control board 25 is directed toward the liquid crystal control board 26. A “waiting for customer effect display command” is transmitted. Then, the liquid crystal display device 36 returns to “A: Symbol change screen (stopped)”. The opportunity to return to this screen may be that the player has started playing and the game ball has started and won, that is, the decoration pattern on the liquid crystal display device 36 has started to change.

  Next, a case where the left effect button 13 is operated during a period in which “D: device display” is performed will be described with reference to FIG. For example, when 120 seconds have elapsed from the game stop and the player operates the left effect button 13, the liquid crystal display device 36 is switched to “M: menu screen”.

  The “menu screen” is a screen for performing various settings of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (see FIGS. 6B to 6D), and has a hierarchical structure including at least two layers. Although details will be described later, when a predetermined setting item is selected in the first layer, the screen is switched to the screen in the second layer, and the setting can be performed.

  Before the “D: device display” is performed, that is, for 30 seconds after the game is stopped, the player may switch to the “M: menu screen” by operating the left effect button 13. Further, after the liquid crystal display device 36 becomes “M: menu screen”, when the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 180 seconds), the display returns to “A: symbol variation screen (stopped)”.

  Next, an example of the symbol variation screen and the menu screen of each layer will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, FIG. 6A is an example of the above-mentioned “A: Symbol change screen (stopped)”. Immediately after the change is stopped, the stationary state of the three decorative symbols 58 is displayed. When 30 seconds have elapsed since the change of the symbol change (game stop), “D: device display” (effect button mark 13 is displayed below the display area. ') Appears.

  “Device display” displays “menu screen display with (CHANCE)”, but there are cases in which figures and characters are scrolled to make them stand out. And if a player operates the left production button 13, it will switch to the menu screen mentioned later. Note that the four circular marks 59 on the lower left of the display area are on-hold display, and here, there is no holding ball.

  FIG. 6B is an example of the first layer of “M: menu screen”. As shown in the figure, a company logo mark and a game machine model name are displayed above the display area. In addition, items of “volume adjustment”, “LED adjustment”, “customization”, “character selection”, “game description”, and “return” are listed on the left side of the display area.

  On the other hand, since the direction key mark 15 ′ is displayed on the right side of the display area, the player recognizes that any item can be selected using the direction key portion 15. Actually, the player can move the cursor 60 in the vertical direction by operating the upward key 15a and the downward key 15c. After selecting any item, the player can make a determination by pressing the center determination key 15e.

  Next, FIG. 6C is an example of the second hierarchy of “M: menu screen”. For example, in the first hierarchy, when the player selects the item “volume adjustment”, the second hierarchy is switched to the volume adjustment screen. On the volume adjustment screen, the characters “volume adjustment” and a speaker mark are displayed. Also, a 10-stage meter is displayed with “MIN” as the minimum volume at the left end and “MAX” as the maximum volume at the right end so that the volume can be recognized.

  “LED adjustment” is an item for adjusting the amount of light of the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35, and can be adjusted in 10 steps as with the volume. For example, it is used to suppress the amount of light when the light emitted from the LED is dazzling.

  Although details of “customization” will be described later, “notice frequency setting” and “background selection” are included in addition to “BGM selection” for selecting background music in the normal gaming state. Details of “notification frequency setting” will be described later. “Background setting” is an item for changing the background, such as “mountain stage” or “sea stage”.

  “Character selection” is an item for selecting a character related to a game story, and an image of each character is displayed to allow the player to select one of them. Thereby, the effect which the character selected by the notice effect, the reach effect, and the effect at the time of a big hit appears is performed. Depending on the number of consecutive big hits, the number of games (number of rotations), etc., there may be a character that is added later and can be selected.

  In the second hierarchy of “M: Menu screen”, there is also “Game description” (not shown). “Game description” is an item for explaining a game method during a normal game or a special game in 60 to 90 seconds. The game history of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the story or spec for each model may be explained. Each display in the second hierarchy includes a direction key mark 15 ′ for facilitating the selection operation and an item “return”, but the illustration is omitted here.

  Next, FIG. 6D is an example of the third hierarchy of “M: menu screen”. For example, in the “customization” of the second hierarchy, when the player selects “BGM selection”, the third hierarchy is switched to the BGM selection screen. On the BGM selection screen, “BGM1” to “BGM8” are shown, and one of them can be selected. Again, there may be a BGM that is added later and can be selected according to the number of consecutive big hits.

  In the “customization” of the second hierarchy, when the player selects “notice frequency setting”, the screen switches to the notice frequency setting screen. In the notice frequency setting screen, the items “one notice system”, “group notice system” and “hold notice system” are listed in the display area, so the player recognizes that the frequency of occurrence of each notice effect can be set To do.

  The “one-shot notification system” is a notice effect with a big hit confirmation lamp or a confirmation sound. In addition, the “group notice system” is a notice effect with a high expectation degree of big hit through which many mini characters pass through the screen. In addition, the “holding notice system” is a notice effect that changes the shape and color of the hold display (circular mark 59 in FIG. 6A) according to the expected degree of jackpot. Again, there may be a notice effect that is added later and can be selected according to the number of consecutive big hits.

  Next, the menu screen guide function will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7A, in order to prompt the player to operate the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c, an image in which the direction key marks 15a 'and 15c' are lit is displayed. Further, when the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item “volume adjustment”, the contents are displayed in the window 61 at the upper right of the display area. This is a guide function (guide display) on the menu screen so that the current volume level can be known before actually selecting the “volume adjustment” item.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the cursor 60 is matched with the “character selection” item by the player's operation, a character selection screen is displayed in the window 61. Thus, the player recognizes that the “character C” in the double frame is currently selected and other characters can be selected before actually selecting the “character selection” item.

  As described above, the window 61 shows the contents (for example, real-time information) from the upper hierarchy to the lower hierarchy, so that the contents can be confirmed before actually proceeding to each item. As a result, the operation of selecting and returning an item whose contents are difficult to understand is not repeated, and the operating rate of the gaming machine is increased. Note that the window 61 may display image information to the extent that the contents of lower layers can be understood.

  Next, another example of the menu screen guide function will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item "customization", the contents are displayed in the window 61 as shown in FIG. . The contents of “customize” are difficult to understand, especially by looking at the characters, but the items of “BGM selection”, “notice frequency setting” and “background setting” are shown in the window 61. Recognize that each notice effect can be customized.

  At this time, the cursor 60 may be moved into the window 61 by the player operating the right direction key 15b. Further, when an item in the window 61 has a lower hierarchy, a new window may appear and its contents may be shown.

  When the player selects and determines “customize”, the screen is switched to the customization screen (second layer) shown in FIG. In the customization screen, items “BGM selection”, “notice frequency setting”, “background selection”, and “return” are listed on the left side of the display area. Then, when the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item of “advance notice frequency setting”, the content is displayed in the window 62 at the upper right of the display area.

  As described above, when the cursor 60 is placed on each item of the second hierarchy, the contents of the third hierarchy are displayed. Further, as described above, there are a plurality of types of “single notification system”, and the setting of whether to perform this notification is performed in the fourth layer. Accordingly, in the third hierarchy, the contents of the fourth hierarchy are displayed in a new window (guide display).

  Next, an update mark on the menu screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, selectable characters, BGM, and notice effects may be added according to the number of consecutive big hits, but when actually added, as shown in FIG. The update mark 63 is added to the setting item of the first hierarchy. Although any setting item in the hierarchy lower than the first hierarchy has been updated, an update mark 63 is displayed in the first hierarchy in order to make the player aware of the update without proceeding to that hierarchy.

  Further, when the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item "customization", the contents are displayed in the window 61 at the upper right of the display area. In the window 61, since the update mark 63 is added to “BGM selection”, the player recognizes that a selectable BGM has been added (hereinafter also referred to as “release”).

  Next, when the player selects and decides “customize”, the screen is switched to the customization screen of FIG. In the customization screen, items “BGM selection”, “notice frequency setting”, “background selection”, and “return” are listed on the left side of the display area, and an update mark 63 is added to “BGM selection”.

  Then, when the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item “BGM selection”, the contents are displayed in the window 62 at the upper right of the display area. According to the display content of the window 62, “BGM3” of the double frame is currently selected, and other BGMs can be selected. Further, since the update mark 63 is added to “BGM5”, the player recognizes that “BGM5” is newly added. The “?” Display in the window 62 means an unreleased BGM.

  The update mark 63 may disappear when the cursor 60 points to an item with the update mark 63, or may actually disappear when the item is selected once.

  Next, an example of guide display for displaying real-time information will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when a selectable character is added according to the number of consecutive big hits, an update mark 63 is added to the item “character selection” in the first hierarchy. Further, when the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item “character selection”, the contents are displayed in the window 61 in the upper right of the display area.

  In FIG. 10A, currently selectable character images are displayed, and unselectable characters (unreleased characters) are indicated by “?” Display. Here, the update mark 63 is not added to the characters in the window 61, but the display in the window 61 is completely linked to the current release status, and can be said to be real-time information.

  FIG. 10B is the same in that an image of a currently selectable character is displayed in the window 61, but an update mark 63 is added to a newly added character. As a result, the player can obtain the latest information without having to go down to a lower hierarchy.

  Next, an example of guide display for displaying image information will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the player operates the up direction key 15a and the down direction key 15c and the cursor 60 is matched with the item “character selection”, the contents are displayed in the window 61 at the upper right of the display area.

  As an example in the case where image information is displayed on the window 61, display is performed so that the contents of the setting item with the cursor 60 can be understood regardless of the current state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, images of all characters are displayed even when there are characters that cannot actually be selected (unreleased characters).

  By doing this, when the character is fully released (all selectable), it is possible to inform the player what will happen, and the player's willingness to collect the character is intensified as a result. This will improve your willingness to participate in games. In this case, it can be said that a notification image for informing the “future image” of the lower layer can be displayed in the upper layer.

  On the other hand, as another example, as shown in FIG. 11B, there is one that displays one character image that can be selected in a window 61. Thereby, the player can generally understand the contents of the setting item. As described above, the display in the window 61 may have a portion that matches the current state, but it is not necessary to reflect the current state.

  That is, the difference from FIG. 10 is that the image information is not real-time information. As data storage of gaming machines, if real-time information is always grasped and reflected in all setting items, the control burden increases. Therefore, the image information has an advantage that the control burden can be reduced while notifying the player of the information of the lower hierarchy so that at least a part of the information is displayed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, another mode 1 of processing when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12A, the main control board 24 transmits a “customer waiting demonstration command” to the effect control board 25 when the game is stopped. When the game is stopped, the main control board 24 and the effect control board 25 are in a normal state, and the liquid crystal display device 36 is in “A: symbol change screen (stopped)”.

  When 5 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped, “D1: device display (direction key)” is added to “A: symbol change screen (stopped)”. Although details will be described later, here, a direction key mark 15 ′ is displayed, and volume adjustment and LED adjustment are made possible by operating the direction key portion 15 of the player.

  After that, when 15 seconds have elapsed since the game stopped, “D2: Device display (D: device display (direction key part)” and “D2: device display (direction key part)” are displayed. Left production button) ”is added. Here, the effect button mark 13 ′ is displayed so that the player can move to the menu screen by operating the left effect button 13. Then, the screen is switched according to the player's operation of the left effect button 13 or the direction key portion 15.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, for example, when the player operates the direction key unit 15 when 10 seconds have elapsed since the game stopped, “A: symbol change screen (stopped)” and “D1: device display”. “X: Mini adjustment screen” is added to the state where “(direction key part)” is displayed. Hereinafter, transition of the screen display of the time chart will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, FIG. 13A shows a state (arrow) in which the decorative symbol is fluctuating in the liquid crystal display device 36. Further, the hold display (circular mark 59) at the lower left of the display area indicates a state where there is no hold ball. Therefore, if there is no new start prize before the decorative symbol stops, the decorative symbol stops for a while.

  Next, FIG. 13B shows a state in which the three decorative symbols 58 are stopped on the liquid crystal display device 36. In FIG. 12, the time t = 0s is when all the decorative symbols 58 are stopped, and the stopped state of the decorative symbols 58 is maintained for a period of 0 ≦ t <5 s.

  Next, FIG.13 (c) has shown the mode of the liquid crystal display device 36 when it becomes time t = 5s. Here, a direction key mark 15 ′ appears above the display area, and a message indicating that the volume can be adjusted by operating the player's direction key unit 15 is displayed (“D1: Device display 1 (direction key unit in FIG. 12). ) "). This display is maintained for a period of 5 ≦ t <15 s.

  When the player operates the direction key portion 15 in the state of FIG. 13C, the display is switched to the display of FIG. Specifically, a volume adjustment window 64 appears in the approximate center of the display area (“X: mini adjustment screen” in FIG. 12). Since the direction key mark 15 ′ remains above the display area, the volume can be adjusted by the player further operating the direction key unit 15. Volume adjustment is an item that is particularly frequently used, and can be adjusted without going through the menu screen (first layer).

  Finally, FIG. 13E shows the state of the liquid crystal display device 36 when time t = 15 s. Here, an effect button mark 13 ′ appears below the display area, and a message indicating that the screen is shifted to the menu screen is displayed by the player's operation of the left effect button 13 (“D2: device display 2” in FIG. 12). This display is maintained until a new start prize or a left effect button 13 is operated by the player thereafter.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, another mode 2 of processing when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the main control board 24 is the same in that a “customer waiting demonstration command” is transmitted to the effect control board 25 when the game is stopped. Here, in the liquid crystal display device 36, “R1: Update notification” is performed in addition to “A: Symbol change screen (stopped)”. The “update notification” is a display for notifying that a selectable character or the like is added according to the number of consecutive big hits or the like.

  When 5 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped, “D1: device display (direction key part)” is added to “A: symbol change screen (stopped)”. Here, the direction key mark 15 ′ is displayed, and the volume adjustment and LED adjustment can be performed by operating the direction key portion 15 of the player. Also, “R1: Update notification” is replaced with a more detailed “R2: Update notification (detail)”.

  After that, when 15 seconds have elapsed since the game stopped, “D2: Device display (D: device display (direction key part)” and “D2: device display (direction key part)” are displayed. Left production button) ”is added. Here, an effect button mark 13 ′ is further displayed so that the player can move to the menu screen by operating the left effect button 13. Also, “R2: Update notification (detail)” is replaced with “R3: Update notification (detail + direction key portion)” that prompts the operation of the direction key unit 15. Then, the screen is switched according to the player's operation of the left effect button 13 or the direction key portion 15.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, for example, when the player operates the direction key unit 15 when 20 seconds have elapsed since the game stopped, the screen is switched to “Y: selection screen”. That is, it is possible to jump to the “character selection screen (second layer)” or the “BGM selection screen (third layer)” without going through the menu screen (first layer). Hereinafter, transition of the screen display of the time chart will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, FIG. 15A shows a state (arrow) in which the decorative design fluctuates in the liquid crystal display device 36. Further, the hold display (circular mark 59) at the lower left of the display area indicates a state where there is no hold ball. Further, here, when a selectable character or the like is added, an update mark 63 for informing it is displayed while the decorative symbol is changing. At this point, it is unknown which item has been updated.

  The update mark 63 is not necessarily a mark, but it is preferable that a part of the display mode displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 is different depending on the presence or absence of update information. Furthermore, it is preferable that the update mark 63 is not displayed during the high-speed fluctuation of the symbol, and is displayed after the low-speed fluctuation or after the first decorative symbol is stopped. By displaying the update mark 63 when the symbol approaches the timing of the stop of fluctuation, the player can concentrate more on the game.

  Further, during a specific notice image or a reach with a high expectation level (so-called super reach), an effect is often produced using the entire display area, and decorative designs are often displayed in small corners on the screen. Accordingly, the update mark 63 is not displayed even at such timing. Changes such as moving the display position of the update mark 63 outward from the normal time or displaying the update mark 63 smaller than the normal time may be performed. This is a consideration for concentrating the player's consciousness on the variation and production of decorative symbols in the above specific situation.

  Next, FIG. 15B shows a state in which the three decorative symbols 58 are stopped on the liquid crystal display device 36. In FIG. 14, the time when all the decorative symbols 58 are stopped is defined as time t = 0s, and the stopped state of the decorative symbols 58 is maintained for a period of 0 ≦ t <5 s. At this time, a window 65 appears in the lower right of the display area (“R1: Update notification” in FIG. 14). In the window 65, displays indicating “character selection” and “BGM selection” appear, so that the player can recognize the setting item updated this time.

  In this way, the update notification mode is made different between when the symbol changes and when the change stops. Only small update marks 63 are displayed so that the player can concentrate on the game during the change of the symbol, and when the change of the symbol is stopped, the display is large and the details can be understood.

  Next, FIG. 15C shows the state of the liquid crystal display device 36 when time t = 5 s. Here, a direction key mark 15 'appears above the display area, and a message indicating that the volume can be adjusted by operating the player's direction key unit 15 is displayed ("D1: device display 1 (direction key unit in FIG. 14)". ) "). This display is maintained for a period of 5 ≦ t <15 s.

  At this time, a number indicating the number of updates is added to the display indicating “character selection” and “BGM selection” in the window 65 (“R2: update notification (details)” in FIG. 14). Thus, the player can know the details of the item updated this time as time passes.

  Next, FIG. 15D shows a state of the liquid crystal display device 36 when time t = 15 s. Here, an effect button mark 13 'appears below the display area, and a message indicating that the player is to move to the menu screen by operating the left effect button 13 ("D2: device display 2 (left effect in FIG. 14)" is displayed. button)").

  At this time, in addition to the display of “character selection” and “BGM selection”, a new direction key mark 15 ′ appears in the window 65 (“R3: Update notification (detail + direction key in FIG. 14)”. Part) "). Thereby, the player recognizes that the character selection and the BGM selection can be performed by operating the direction key unit 15 (vertical direction).

  This display is maintained thereafter until a new start prize is received or the left effect button 13 is operated by the player. Although not shown this time, when the player operates the direction key portion 15 (left-right direction), a volume adjustment window 64 appears (see FIG. 13D).

  Then, when the player operates the direction key portion 15 in the state of FIG. 15D to select and determine “character selection”, the display is switched to the display of FIG. Specifically, the screen is switched to the “character selection screen” in the second hierarchy (“Y: selection screen” and “D1: device display 1 (direction key portion)” in FIG. 14).

  Since the direction key mark 15 ′ is displayed on the upper right of the display area on the “character selection screen”, the player can further select the favorite character by operating the direction key unit 15. As indicated by the numbers in the window 65 in FIG. 15D, the update marks 63 are newly added to the three characters D to F this time and can be selected.

  Further, although not shown this time, when the player selects and determines “BGM selection” in the state of FIG. 15D, the screen switches to the “BGM selection screen” of the third hierarchy. As described above, the “update notification” in the window 65 is not limited to merely “notification means” for notifying that there is update information. That is, since it can be said that it is a “guidance means” that can jump directly to a setting item with update information without going through the menu screen of the first layer, the time required for various settings is greatly reduced.

  The “guidance means” here may indicate a navigation display that means “jumping directly to the second or third hierarchy when this button is pressed”, or a symbol variation screen (FIG. 15A). ) May directly refer to the control for jumping directly to the second or third hierarchy.

  Although not shown in the figure, when the player operates the left effect button 13 in the state of FIG. 15D, the menu screen of the first layer is displayed. Is displayed to understand that. In this case as well, it is possible to adopt a configuration that allows jumping directly from the first hierarchy to the third hierarchy, and it is not always possible to jump to an item with update information only from the symbol variation screen.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the game management process performed on the main control side will be described. The game management process described below is a timer interrupt process that is executed for the main loop on the main control side when the power-on process ends normally.

  First, the main control means (main control board 24) performs timer management processing (step S10). The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of timers such as a special symbol accessory operation timer, which will be described later, and clocks the time relating to the game.

  The main control means manages a number of timers by updating various timers (subtracting the timers) according to the processing state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the main control means performs input management processing. This is a process of storing information input to various sensors of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a winning counter. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, the main control means performs a prize ball management process. This is a process performed when a game ball flowing down the game area of the game board 4 wins the first special symbol starting port 38a or the general winning port 42. For example, the general winning opening sensor 42c inside the general winning opening 42 detects a game ball and transmits a ball detection signal to the main control means.

  When receiving the above signal, the main control means transmits a control signal for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to the payout control board 29 (further, the game ball payout device 19). At this time, if a special winning opening prize invalid flag, which will be described later, is turned on, a control signal for paying out a winning ball due to winning in the special winning opening is not transmitted and no payout is performed.

  Thereafter, the special winning opening prize invalid flag is set to OFF at a predetermined timing. As the predetermined timing, it is preferable to set the time when a match between the number of winnings and the number of winnings is confirmed (including power-off) or when a special game is finished.

  When receiving the control signal, the game ball payout device 19 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to the upper storage tray 11 (or the lower storage tray 12 when the upper storage tray 11 is full). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the main control means performs a normal symbol management process. This is a process performed when a game ball flowing down the game area of the game board 4 passes through the normal symbol start gate 40b. Specifically, the start gate passage sensor 40c inside the normal symbol start gate 40b detects a game ball that has passed through the gate, and transmits a ball detection signal to the main control means.

  When the main control means receives the signal, it obtains a random number for random drawing of normal symbols. A maximum of four lottery random numbers can be stored, and whether or not the lottery random numbers are determined is lottered in the order of storage.

  Further, the main control means transmits a control signal to the LED display device 43. In the LED display device 43, the normal symbol is changed by the blinking of the LED, and the normal symbol stops after displaying a winning or losing mode according to the lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the main control means performs a normal electric accessory management process. This is a process for controlling the operation of the ordinary electric accessory according to the lottery result of the ordinary symbol. In the normal symbol management process (step S40), when the normal symbol is stopped in the hit state, the main control means transmits a control signal to the solenoid for the ordinary electric accessory, and the second special symbol start port for a predetermined time. The opening / closing member 38b is opened.

  The main control means controls to close the opening / closing member when the predetermined time has elapsed or when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls have won the second special symbol start opening 38b before the predetermined time has elapsed. A signal is sent to the solenoid for an ordinary electric accessory. Thereby, the opening / closing member is closed.

  In the normal symbol management process, when the normal symbol is stopped in a disengaged manner, the opening / closing member is not opened, and the main control means does nothing and ends the normal electric accessory game process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the main control means performs a special symbol management process. This is a process performed when a game ball flowing down the game area of the game board 4 wins the first special symbol start port 38a or the second special symbol start port 38b.

  Although details will be described later, when the start winning port sensor 38c detects a game ball, the start winning port sensor 38c transmits a ball detection signal to the main control means, and the main control means draws a special symbol.

  Further, the main control means transmits a control signal to the LED display device 43. In the LED display device 43, a special symbol is changed by a plurality of LEDs, and the special symbol stops in a hit or miss manner according to a lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, the special symbol variation is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 with a decorative symbol that can be surely recognized by the player. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S70.

  Finally, in step S70, the main control means performs a special electric accessory management process. This is a process of controlling the operation of the special electric accessory (large winning device 39) according to the lottery result of the special symbol.

  Although details will be described later, when the special symbol stops in a winning manner, it becomes a so-called big hit and a special game consisting of a plurality of rounds is given to the player. As will be described later, in the special symbol management process (step S60), when the special symbol is stopped in a detaching manner, the special electric accessory management process is immediately terminated. When the special electric accessory management process ends, the game management process also ends.

  Next, the special symbol management process performed in the game management process will be described with reference to FIG. In the special symbol management process, the main control means determines a special symbol operation status (waiting for variation, during variation, during confirmation time), which will be described later, and manages each processing.

  First, the main control means performs a start port check process 1 (step S61). This is to determine the winning of a game ball to the first special symbol start port 38a, store a big hit determination random number or the like in a reserved storage area, and create a reserved look-ahead command if necessary. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S62, the main control means performs a start port check process 2. Here, the same process as the start opening check process 1 is performed for the winning of the game ball to the second special symbol start opening 38b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S63.

  Next, the main control means determines whether or not the condition device operation flag is ON (step S63). The condition device is a device that operates when a condition for continuing the big hit is established when the big hit occurs. If the condition device operation flag is on, the process proceeds to step S68. If the condition device operation flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S64. That is, the processing after step S64 is processing in the normal game mode in which no big hit has occurred.

  If the condition device operation flag is not turned on (NO in step S63), the main control means performs special symbol operation status determination (step S64). If the special symbol operation status (hereinafter also referred to as a special symbol operation status) is set to “00H” or “01H”, the special symbol is “waiting for variation”, and the process proceeds to step S65.

  If the special figure operation status is set to “02H”, the special symbol is “changing”, and the process proceeds to step S66. Further, when the special figure operation status is set to “03H”, the special symbol “during confirmation time” is set, and the process proceeds to step S67. Hereinafter, each process of the special figure operation status will be described.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a special symbol variation start process performed in the special symbol management process will be described.

  First, in FIG. 18A, the main control means determines whether or not the special figure 2 reserved ball number is 0 (step S81). When the number of reserved balls in FIG. 2 is 0, the process proceeds to step S82, and when the number of reserved balls in FIG. 2 is not 0, the process proceeds to step S86 (see FIG. 18B).

  If the number of reserved balls in FIG. 2 is 0 (YES in step S81), the main control means determines whether or not the number of reserved balls in special figure 1 is 0 (step S82). When the number of reserved balls in FIG. 1 is 0, the process proceeds to step S83, and when the number of reserved balls in FIG. 1 is not 0, the process proceeds to step S86 (see FIG. 18B).

  If the number of reserved balls in special figure 1 is 0 (YES in step S82), the main control means determines whether or not the special figure operation status is 00H (step S83). Although details will be described later, “01H” is set as the special figure operation status immediately after the special symbol confirmation time processing (FIG. 17: step S67) is executed.

  When the special figure operation status is “00H”, the special symbol variation start process is terminated, and when the special figure operation status is not “00H” (in the case of “01H”), the process proceeds to step S84.

  If the special figure operation status is “00H” (NO in step S83), the main control means transmits a customer waiting demonstration command (step S84). The “customer waiting demonstration command” is sent from the main control means (main control board 24) to the sub-control means (effects) when the number of reserved balls in both the special figure 1 and special figure 2 is 0 and the special figure operation status is “01H”. It is transmitted toward the control board 25) (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S85.

  In step S85, the main control means sets 00H as the special figure operation status. With this set, the special symbol variation start process ends, but thereafter, in the special symbol variation start process, the process of “YES” in the determination of step S83 is repeated unless pending information is generated.

  If the number of reserved balls in special figure 1 is not 0 (NO in step S82), or if the number of reserved balls in special figure 2 is not zero (NO in step S81), the main control means The number of reserved balls is decremented by 1 (FIG. 18B: step S86). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S87.

  In step S87, the main control means transmits a hold subtraction command. Since the main control means transmits a “hold subtraction command” to the sub control means, 1 is subtracted from the hold display of the LED display device 43 and the hold display displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S88.

  In step S88, the main control means sets special symbol operation confirmation data. Specifically, “00H” is set as the special symbol operation confirmation data when special figure 1 starts to change, and “01H” is set when special figure 2 starts to change. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S89.

  In step S89, the main control means shifts the reserved storage area. The reserved storage areas 1 to 4 having the same number as the maximum number of reserves are shifted by 1 as the number of reserved balls is subtracted. At this time, 0 is set for the holding storage area 4 in which the latest holding information is stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S90, the main control means performs a special electric accessory activation determination random number determination process. This is a so-called special drawing lottery process in which a random number determination process is performed by determining a hit random number determination table corresponding to a special figure. Also, a process for storing the big hit determination flag in the work area is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S91.

  In step S91, the main control means performs a special stop symbol creation process. Here, a symbol table selection table corresponding to the special symbol is selected, and a random symbol value for symbol determination and a big hit determination flag are acquired to create a special symbol stop symbol. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S92.

  In step S92, the main control means performs a game state transition preparation process. Here, when the big hit determination flag is ON, the game state transition table corresponding to the big hit type is selected, and values are stored in various buffers with reference to this table. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S93.

  In step S93, the main control means performs special figure variation pattern creation processing. This is a process of selecting a variation pattern distribution table and creating a variation pattern of a special figure based on a variation pattern random number. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S94.

  In step S94, the main control means sets the changing flag in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 to ON. Specifically, the changing flag of one special figure that will change from now on is turned on. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S95.

  In step S95, the main control means transmits a decorative design designation command. The decorative symbol is a symbol that is variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The main control means (main control board 24) creates a “decorative symbol designation command” and transmits it to the sub-control means (effect control board 25). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S96.

  Finally, the main control means performs various settings at the start of fluctuation (step S96). Specifically, “00H” (erase) is set in the random number storage area 0. Also, since the special symbol operation status is set to “02H” (being changed), in the next special symbol management process, in the special symbol operation status determination (FIG. 17: step S64), a special symbol changing process (described later) ( FIG. 17: Branches to step S66). Thereafter, the special symbol variation start process is terminated. Returning to FIG. 17, the process then proceeds to step S <b> 68 (described later).

  When the special symbol operation status determination (step S64) determines that the special symbol operation status is “02H” (during variation), the main control means performs special symbol variation processing (step S66).

  To briefly explain the special symbol variation processing, the main control means determines whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer which is a timer related to the variation time of the special symbol is 0, and this timer becomes 0. In this case, a “variation stop command” is transmitted to the sub-control means.

  In addition, various settings at the time of the fluctuation stop are performed, but the special symbol operation status is set to “03H” (during the confirmation time). The process branches to a special symbol checking time process (step S67) to be described later. Thereafter, the special symbol changing process is terminated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S68 (described later).

  When the special symbol operation status is determined to be 03H (during confirmation time) in the special symbol operation status determination (step S64), the main control means performs special symbol confirmation time processing (step S67).

  The processing during the special symbol confirmation time will be briefly explained, but when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped, the main control means sets the big hit time, subtracts the number of short times, and subtracts the ST number which is the probability variation of the limited number of times. Etc.

  When the special symbol accessory time timer reaches 0, the special symbol operation status is set to 01H (waiting for variation), so in the next special symbol management process, the special symbol operation status determination (step S64) The process branches to the symbol variation start process (step S65). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S68.

  Finally, in step S68, the main control means updates the special symbol display data. Specifically, the special symbol of the LED display device 43 is updated. Thereafter, the special symbol management process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the special electric accessory management process performed in the game management process will be described. In the special electric accessory management process, the main control means is a special electric accessory operation status (a jackpot start process, a special electric accessory operation start process, a special electric accessory operation process, a special electric accessory operation continuation determination process, which will be described later. , Jackpot end processing) is determined, and each processing is managed.

  First, the main control means determines whether or not the condition device operation flag is ON (step S71). If the condition device operation flag is on, the process proceeds to step S72. If the condition device operation flag is not on, the special electric accessory management process is terminated. That is, the processing after step S72 is processing when a big hit occurs.

  If the condition device operation flag is on (YES in step S71), the main control means performs a special electric accessory operation status determination (step S72). If the special electric accessory operation status (hereinafter also referred to as special electric operation status) is set to “00H”, it means “big hit start”, so the process proceeds to step S73.

  In the jackpot start process in step S73, various settings at the time of jackpot start for setting the total number of rounds and the like of the current special game (jackpot game) are performed. In this process, the special electric accessory operation status is set to “01H”. Further, the “big hit start interval command” is transmitted to the effect control board 25.

  Further, when the special electric operation status is set to “01H”, the special electric operation is being started, and thus the process proceeds to step S74. In the special electric accessory operation start process in step S74, after determining whether the big hit or the round is in progress, a “big prize opening command” is transmitted to the effect control board 25. In addition, various settings at the start of the opening operation are performed, and the special electric accessory operation status is set to “02H”.

  If the special operation status is set to “02H”, it means “special operation is in progress”, and the process proceeds to step S75. In the process of operating the special electric accessory in step S75, the maximum winning number of the big winning opening is mainly checked. When the maximum winning number is reached, the “interval between rounds command” is transmitted to the effect control board 25.

  Further, various settings at the end of the opening operation are performed, and the special electric accessory operation status is set to “03H”. If the special electric operation status is set to “03H”, the special electric operation continuation determination is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S76. In the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process in step S76, the number of rounds is counted by adding the continuous number counter until the current special game reaches the maximum number of rounds.

  If the maximum number of rounds has not been reached, various settings during continuation are performed, and the special electric accessory operation status is set to “01H”. When the maximum number of rounds is reached, various settings at the end are performed, and the special electric accessory operation status is set to “04H”. At this time, a “big hit end interval command” is transmitted to the effect control board 25.

  If the special operation status is set to “04H”, it is “being over big hit”, and the process proceeds to step S77. In the big hit end process of step S77, various settings at the time of the big hit end for resetting the above-mentioned condition device operation flag and the continuous number counter are performed.

  In this process, the special electric accessory operation status is set to “00H”. After these processes are completed, the main control means ends the special electric accessory management process.

  Hereinafter, the main process performed on the sub-control side will be described with reference to FIG. This main process includes an initialization process that is performed when the sub-control means (the effect control board 25) is activated.

  First, the sub-control unit performs an initialization process (step S101). This mainly performs various initial settings of the sub-control means, and is performed only once at the time of activation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

  Next, the sub-control unit determines whether or not the main loop update period has been reached (step S102). The main loop is a process from steps S104 to S109 described later, and its update cycle is 16 ms.

  If the update period of 16 ms elapses when the process proceeds to step S102, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, in the state before 16 ms elapses, the update cycle is not reached, so the process proceeds to step S103.

  When the update period of the main loop is not reached (NO in step S102), the sub-control unit performs various soft random number update processes (step S103). Thereafter, the processes in steps S102 and S103 are repeated until the main loop update period is reached. During this loop period, a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 21) with a period of 1 ms is executed. The sub-control means counts the number of interrupt processes and determines whether the above 16 ms has elapsed.

  If it is the main loop update cycle (YES in step S102), the sub-control means performs LED data update processing (step S104). As described above, steps S104 to S109 are processing of the main loop. Here, the data of the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35 is updated to change the light emission mode of the decoration LED. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the sub control means performs a received command analysis process. This analyzes the type of the received control command and executes various processes according to the control command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the sub control means performs a main scenario update process. Specifically, various production settings are made according to the control command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S107, and the sub-control means performs a sound output process. Specifically, sound is output from the speaker 7 according to the scenario. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the sub-control means performs solenoid update processing. Specifically, the detailed operation of the solenoid used in the special winning device 39 or the like is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the sub-control unit performs noise countermeasure processing. Specifically, it is checked whether the peripheral LSI is affected by noise. When this process ends, the process returns to step S102, and the subsequent processes are continued.

  Finally, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. The timer interrupt process is an interrupt process executed at a cycle of 1 ms with respect to the production control side main process (FIG. 20).

  First, the sub control means initializes the CPU register (step S111). Specifically, the port refresh initial value is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112, and the sub-control unit performs output processing. Specifically, output processing of a solenoid or a motor used for the movable accessory is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the sub control means performs an effect button input state update process. Specifically, the input state is updated when the production buttons 13 and 14 are operated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the sub control means performs a switch input state update process. Specifically, input information such as the mode setting switch 31 is confirmed, and processing corresponding to the information is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the sub control means performs a liquid crystal control command transmission process. For example, when the left effect button 13 is operated while the game is stopped, the effect control board 25 transmits an effect command to the liquid crystal control board 26 (see FIG. 5B). Thereby, the liquid crystal display device 36 is switched to the menu screen. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the sub control means performs a motor update process. Specifically, the detailed operation setting of the motor used for the movable accessory is performed. Then, it progresses to step S117 and a sub control means performs LED data output processing. Specifically, LED data output for turning on and blinking the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35 at a necessary timing is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S118.

  In step S118, the sub control means performs an effect execution process. Specifically, the selected effect at the time of symbol variation and the effect that starts or changes by the operation of the effect buttons 13 and 14 are executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S119.

  Finally, the sub-control means increments the main loop update cycle work by 1 (step S119). This is a process of incrementing the main loop update cycle work by 1 in order to count 16 ms, which is the update cycle of the above-described main loop processing (FIG. 20: Steps S104 to S109). Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is terminated. The series of operations of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

  In the above embodiment, the menu screen for the player to adjust the volume and select the character includes at least the first layer and the second layer below it. In addition, there is a symbol display screen for displaying the gaming state above the first hierarchy. When an update occurs such as addition of a character in the second hierarchy, an update mark is displayed so that the player can know the update even if a hierarchy higher than the first hierarchy is displayed. Thereby, the display of the menu screen is very easy to understand.

  Although the illustrated embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be considered.

  When the user is in the first layer of the menu screen, a guide display of the contents of the third layer as well as the second layer may appear. Further, since the menu screen has at most the fourth to fifth layers, the guide display may be such that all the layers can be seen. Moreover, you may perform an audio guide with respect to a guide display.

  In a gaming machine in which a mini game is played during a game, a selectable character may be added when the points acquired in the game reach a predetermined value. In addition, in a gaming machine capable of leaving a game history, a selectable character may be added according to the number of times (days) played with the model.

In the case of a gaming machine equipped with RTC (Real Time Clock), selectable characters may be added depending on the elapsed time. For example, there are many unreleased characters immediately after the introduction of gaming machines, but the characters are released every week, and all characters are released after one month from the introduction. Can do. The same applies to BGM and notice effects.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine has been described as the present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. (So-called parrot machines) can also be applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Outer frame 3 Front frame 4 Game board 4a Game area 4b Decoration board 5 Front door 6 Glass board 7 Speaker 8 Frame decoration LED
9 Front plate 10 Launch handle 10a Launcher 11 Upper storage tray 12 Lower storage tray 12a Lower storage tray full sensor 13 Left production button 14 Center production button 15 Direction key part 16 Back mechanism board 17 Game ball storage tank 18 Tank rail 19 Game ball Dispensing device 20 Door open sensor 21 External terminal board 22 Terminal board case 23 Back cover 24 Main control board 24a Main control board case 25 Production control board 25a Production control board case 26 Liquid crystal control board 26a Liquid crystal control board case 27 RAM clear switch 28 Power supply Board 28a Power board case 29 Discharge control board 29a Discharge control board case 30 Launch control board 31 Mode setting switch 32 Abnormality notification LED
33 Stage member 34a Center decorative body 34b Left corner decorative body 34c Right corner decorative body 35 Panel decoration LED
36 Liquid crystal display device 37 Movable accessory 38 Start winning device 38a First special symbol starting port 38b Second special symbol starting port 38c Starting winning port sensor 39 Grand prize device 39a First big prize device 39b Second big prize device 39c Grand prize Mouth sensor 40a Production gate 40b Normal symbol start gate 40c Start gate passage sensor 41 Windmill
42 General winning opening 42c General winning opening sensor 43a Special symbol display device 43b Normal symbol display device 44 Guide rail 44a Outer guide rail 44b Inner guide rail 45 Firing passage 46 Return ball prevention piece 47 Out ball collection port 48 Ball gathering portion 49 Winning device 50 Magnetic sensor 51 Radio wave sensor 52 Vibration sensor

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes an effect screen that displays various effects related to a game, a setting screen that displays a setting related to a game, display means that can display the display means, display control means that controls the display means, and a player The display control means can switch and display from the effect screen to the setting screen when the operating means is operated , and the setting screen Has a plurality of selection items for one setting item, and the player can select any one of the selection items. The plurality of selection items cannot be selected until at least a predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, an additional selection item that can be selected when the predetermined condition is satisfied is included, and when the additional selection item becomes selectable, a specific display that can be recognized by the player is displayed on the effect screen. it is possible, Serial display control means, in the presentation screen, the at presentation and an aspect in which in a particular effect display of execution of the display and in non-execution, and wherein varying the display mode of the specific display.

Claims (1)

Display means capable of displaying information about the game;
A display control means for controlling the display means, and a gaming machine comprising:
The display control means is capable of switching and displaying a game hierarchy of a screen for performing a change display of symbols and a stop display and a setting hierarchy of a screen for performing settings relating to the game,
The setting hierarchy includes at least a first hierarchy and a second hierarchy lower than the first hierarchy, and the game hierarchy is in a hierarchy higher than the first hierarchy,
The contents of the setting items in the first hierarchy can be selected in the second hierarchy,
The setting items of the second hierarchy include additional selection items that are added and selectable when at least a predetermined condition is satisfied,
When the additional selection item is added to the second tier, a specific display that allows the player to recognize the addition in at least one of the tiers higher than the first tier is performed.
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means changes the display mode of the specific display between the change display of the symbol and the stop display.