JP2018015057A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suppressing a decrease of attention to variable display.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine performs variable display and can control a game into an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot game state) advantageous to a player. The Pachinko game machine can execute reservation change performance (discomfort reservation change performance) in which a display mode of reservation display newly displayed in reservation display means is first changed to a special mode different from a normal mode only for a short time and then is returned to the normal mode. The short time is shorter than a variable display time of variable display having the shortest variable display time. Variable display based on reservation display where reservation change performance is executed is higher in the degree of expectation which control into an advantageous state occurs than variable display based on reservation display where no reservation change performance is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

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

  Some gaming machines can perform variable display (fluctuation) of identification information (display symbols, etc.) when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, and can control the game to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player. There has also been proposed a gaming machine that stores variable display that has not yet been started as hold information, and that performs hold display corresponding to the stored hold information.

  As this type of gaming machine, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228561 discloses a game machine that increases the degree of attention to the hold display by changing the display mode of the hold display.

JP 2012-55424 A

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, there is a possibility that the player pays attention only to the change in the display mode of the hold display, and the attention to the variable display may fade.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decrease in attention to variable display.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention provides:
A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous for a player with variable display,
Hold storage means (for example, a first start prize command buffer or a second start prize command buffer) capable of storing information relating to variable display as hold information;
In response to the new hold information stored in the hold storage means, the hold display corresponding to the newly stored hold information is displayed, and the hold information is read from the hold storage means. A hold display means for erasing the hold display corresponding to the read hold information (for example, the first hold display unit 5HL and the second hold display unit 5HR);
A hold change effect executing means (for example, executing a hold change effect that changes the display mode of the hold display newly displayed on the hold display means to a special mode different from the normal mode for a short time and then returns to the normal mode (for example, And CPU 120 for effect control for executing step S803),
The short time is shorter than the variable display time of the variable display having the shortest variable display time,
The variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is executed has a higher expectation to be controlled to the advantageous state than the variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is not executed.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in attention to variable display.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, the hold display when the hold change effect is executed changes to the special mode when the hold information corresponding to the hold display is newly stored (for example, , (See pattern H1 shown in FIG. 9B).
According to such a structure, when hold information is memorize | stored, since a hold display changes to a special aspect, new gameability can be given.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) above, the hold display when the hold change effect is executed changes to the special mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the hold information corresponding to the hold display is newly stored. (For example, refer to patterns H2 to H5 shown in FIG. 9B).
According to such a configuration, the hold display changes to a special mode in the middle of the variable display, so that a new game can be given.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), there may be a plurality of special modes (see, for example, FIGS. 11 to 13).
According to such a structure, since the kind of special aspect can be increased, game entertainment can be improved.

(5) In the gaming machine of (3) above, there may be a plurality of types of the predetermined time (see, for example, FIG. 9B).
According to such a configuration, the timing at which the hold display changes to the special mode can be changed, so that the game entertainment can be improved.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above, a variable display-compatible light emitting unit (for example, a fourth symbol display device) that performs light emission display according to execution of variable display for the short period of time. It may be set to be shorter than the blinking cycle.
According to such a configuration, since it is difficult to notice the change to the special mode of the hold display, it is possible to further suppress a reduction in attention to the variable display.

(7) In the gaming machine of any of (1) to (5) above, the hold display corresponding to the read hold information is erased for a short period of time and displayed at the position of the erased hold display. The held display that is displayed may be shorter than the time required for shifting.
According to such a configuration, since it is difficult to notice the change to the special mode of the hold display, it is possible to further suppress a reduction in attention to the variable display.

(8) The gaming machine of any one of the above (1) to (5) performs a re-variable display in which the variable display is performed again after temporarily stopping until the display result is derived and displayed after the variable display is executed. An executable re-variable display executing means may be provided, and the short time may be shorter than a temporary stop time in the re-variable display.
According to such a configuration, since it is difficult to notice the change to the special mode of the hold display, it is possible to further suppress a reduction in attention to the variable display.

(9) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (8), the hold change effect is executed and the hold display for the executed hold change effect is erased. It is possible to execute a re-holding change effect in which the hold display returned to the normal mode by the change effect is changed again to the special mode for a short time and then returned to the normal mode (for example, as shown in FIG. 9B). Alternatively, see patterns H4 and H5.
According to such a configuration, since the change to the special mode of the hold display occurs a plurality of times, it is possible to further improve the game entertainment.

(10) In the gaming machine of (9) above, each time the special mode hold display is displayed, the type of the special mode may be changed (see, for example, FIGS. 11 to 13).
According to such a configuration, the interest of the hold change effect and the rehold change effect is increased.

(11) In the gaming machine of the above (10), the special mode includes a character display mode for displaying a readable character, and the pending display of the character display mode is executed a plurality of times. The degree of expectation controlled by the state may be suggested (see, for example, FIG. 13).
According to such a configuration, the interest of the hold change effect and the rehold change effect is further increased.

(12) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (11), there is a reserved area concealment effect in which the reserved area where the reserved display is displayed is concealed depending on whether or not the reserved change effect is executed. The execution rate may be different (see, for example, FIG. 9C).
According to such a configuration, the reserved area is concealed, so that attention can be paid by variable display.

(13) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (12), the execution of the hold change effect is restricted according to the gaming state (for example, Yes in steps S303, S304, and S305 shown in FIG. 8). In the case of determination, it may be possible that the discomfort hold change effect is not executed).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to concentrate consciousness on variable display.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control process process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of various commands. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern in one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of determination of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a pending | holding display setting process. It is a figure which shows the example etc. of determination of the execution presence or absence of discomfort hold change production. It is a figure which shows an example of an uncomfortable feeling change change production. It is a figure which shows an example of an uncomfortable feeling change change production. It is a figure which shows an example of a sense of strangeness hold change production again. It is a figure which shows an example of a sense of strangeness hold change production again. It is a figure which shows an example of a reservation area concealment effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. In this game area, a game ball (game medium) is fired and driven from a predetermined ball hitting device.

  At predetermined positions on the game board 2, a first special symbol display device 4A, a second special symbol display device 4B, an image display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A, an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, A normal symbol display 20, a first hold indicator 25A, a second hold indicator 25B, a universal hold indicator 25C, a passing gate 41, and the like are provided. Speakers 8L and 8R capable of reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area is provided. The resilience of the game ball is adjusted according to the amount. At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, an upper plate for holding (reserving) game balls and a lower plate for holding (reserving) excess balls from the upper plate are provided. A stick controller 31A is attached to the member forming the lower plate, and a push button 31B is provided to the member forming the upper plate.

  On the screens of the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the image display device 5, a special symbol and a decorative symbol are variably displayed. These variable indications are based on the occurrence of the first start winning due to the game ball passing (entering) the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A, or on the normal variable winning ball device 6B. Execution is possible based on the occurrence of the second start winning due to the game ball passing (entering) through the formed second starting winning opening. Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes). A special symbol (also referred to as a “special symbol”) is displayed in a variable manner (variable display). The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. On the screen of the image display device 5, variable display of a special symbol (also referred to as “first special symbol”) by the first special symbol display device 4 </ b> A in the special symbol game and special symbol (“first” by the second special symbol display device 4 </ b> B). Corresponding to each of the variable displays (also referred to as “2 special drawings”), a decorative symbol as identification information is variably displayed in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display portions such as three. This variable display of decorative designs is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged on the screen of the image display device 5. And in response to the start of one of the changes in the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game, In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, the variation of decorative symbols (for example, vertical scroll display) is started. After that, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as the variable display display result in the special graphic game, the fixed decorative symbol (displayed as the variable graphic display result in each decorative symbol display area 5L, 5C, 5R) The final stop symbol) is stopped and displayed. The display result in the variable display of special symbols and decorative designs is also referred to as a variable display result. The variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is also referred to as a special figure display result. In this way, on the screen of the image display device 5, a special game using the first special graphic in the first special symbol display device 4A or a special graphic using the second special graphic in the second special symbol display device 4B. In synchronism with the figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative patterns that can be identified is performed, and a finalized decorative pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (also simply referred to as “derivation”). It should be noted that, for example, to derive and display various display symbols such as special symbols and decorative symbols, the display of identification information such as decorative symbols is stopped and variable display is terminated.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, a first hold display unit 5HL and a second hold display unit 5HR are provided. The first hold display unit 5HL and the second hold display unit 5HR are display units for performing a hold display corresponding to the variable display that has not yet been started in the image display device 5. The 1st reservation display part 5HL displays the 1st special figure reservation memory number so that identification is possible. The second hold display unit 5HR holds the variable display corresponding to the special figure game that displays the second special figure hold storage number in an identifiable manner based on the occurrence of the first start prize or the second start prize. That is, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of decorative symbols has been established, but a variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, etc., the start condition is still started in response to the established start condition. There is no variable display hold. If the special game using the first special figure cannot be started when the first start winning is generated, the first special figure holding memory number is incremented by 1 and the special figure using the first special figure is added. Game execution is put on hold. If the special game using the second special figure cannot be started when the second start prize is generated, the second special figure holding memory number is incremented by 1 and the special figure using the second special figure is added. Game execution is put on hold. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the first special figure holding memory number is decremented by 1 (decrement), and the special figure game using the second special figure is executed. Is started, the second special figure reserved memory number is decremented by 1 (decremented). If the first special figure holding storage number reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, “4”) when the first start winning is generated, the special drawing game based on the start winning is invalidated, and the prize is Only the ball may be paid out. In addition, if the second special figure holding storage number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “4”) when the second starting winning is generated, the special drawing game based on the starting winning is invalidated, Only the ball may be paid out. The decrease in the number of reserved memories (the first special figure reserved memory number or the second special figure reserved memory number) due to the start of the special figure game is also referred to as digestion of the pending.

  In the first hold display section 5HL, a hold display corresponding to the hold storage of the special figure game using the first special figure is performed. In the second hold display section 5HR, a hold display corresponding to the hold storage of the special figure game using the second special figure is performed. For example, when the upper limit value of the number of first special figure hold memory is “4”, the first hold display portion 5HL is provided with four display parts corresponding to the upper limit value, and the hold number “1” in order from the right end. ”,“ 2 ”,“ 3 ”,“ 4 ”. For example, when the upper limit value of the second special figure reservation storage number is “4”, the second hold display portion 5HR is provided with four display parts corresponding to the upper limit value, and the hold number “1” in order from the left end. ”,“ 2 ”,“ 3 ”,“ 4 ”.

  Various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. 2 are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. A game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like are mounted on the main board 11 shown in FIG. The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals from various switches for detecting game balls and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The solenoid circuit 111 transmits the solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory and the solenoid 82 for the big prize door. The solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory can be changed between a state where the game ball hardly passes (or a state where it does not pass) and a state where it easily passes through the second start winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B. . The solenoid 82 for the special electric accessory allows the game ball to change between a state where the game ball does not pass and a state where it easily passes through the large winning opening formed in the special variable winning ball device 7.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, and based on reception of the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, the image display device 5, the speaker 8L, Various circuits for controlling the rendering operation by the electrical components for rendering such as 8R and the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED are mounted. The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 includes an effect control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, display control unit 123, random number circuit 124, I / O 125, and the like. The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. For example, a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing is mounted. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control that is provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the game effect lamp 9, LED for decoration, etc. A lamp driver circuit that performs on / off driving is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, detection signals from various switches such as a gate switch 21, a start port switch (first start port switch 22 </ b> A and second start port switch 22 </ b> B), and a count switch 23 are transmitted to the main board 11. Wiring is connected. Further, the main board 11 is connected with wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control, such as the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the normal symbol display device 20. The gate switch 21 detects a game ball (gate passing ball) that has passed through the passing gate 41. Based on the detection of the gate passing ball by the gate switch 21, variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 can be executed. The first start port switch 22A detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning port. The second start port switch 22B detects a game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning port. The count switch 23 detects a game ball that has passed (entered) a large winning opening formed in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. When a game ball that has passed through various winning holes such as the first starting winning hole, the second starting winning hole, and the big winning hole is detected, a predetermined number of balls corresponding to each winning hole is determined. As a game ball is paid out.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the image display device 5, a voice control command used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And a lamp control command used for controlling the lighting operation of the decoration LED and the like. Each of these effect control commands has, for example, a 2-byte configuration, the first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1” and the first bit of the EXT data may be set to “0” in advance.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM 101 that stores a game control program and fixed data, and a RAM 102 that provides a game control work area. A CPU 103 that executes a game control program to perform a control operation, a random number circuit 104 that updates a numerical data indicating a random number value independently of the CPU 103, and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 It is prepared for. As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed.

  The effect control CPU 120 mounted on the effect control board 12 uses the effect control program read from the ROM 121, fixed data, and the like to execute a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric parts. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the effect control CPU 120 writes the various data to the RAM 122 and temporarily stores them, and the effect control CPU 120 stores the effect data in the RAM 122. Fluctuation data reading operation for reading out various fluctuation data temporarily stored, the reception control CPU 120 for receiving the input of various signals from the outside of the presentation control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the presentation control CPU 120 for I / O A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via O125 is also performed.

  The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 determines the control content of the display operation in the image display device 5 based on the display control command from the effect control CPU 120. For example, the display control unit 123 performs control for executing decorative display variable display and various effect displays by determining the switching timing of effect images to be displayed on the display screen of the image display device 5.

  In the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11, various random values used for controlling the progress of the game are obtained by, for example, a random number circuit 104 or a game random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. The numerical data shown is counted (generated) in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling the progress of the game is also called a game random number. On the effect control board 12, for example, a random counter for effects provided in a predetermined area of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122 counts numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the execution of the effect in an updatable manner ( Generated).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game using a game ball is performed, and a predetermined game value can be given based on the game result. As an example of a game using a game ball, a game ball is played based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) performed by a player on a hitting operation handle installed on the lower right side of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Fired towards the area. When the game ball that has flowed down the game area passes (enters) through various winning holes, the game ball as a prize ball is paid out. If the variable symbol display result for special symbols and decorative symbols is “big hit”, the big prize opening is opened and the game ball easily passes (enters), which is an advantageous state advantageous to the player. It becomes a big hit game state.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control process. In the game control process shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S11). When it is determined that the start winning has occurred (step S11; Yes), the winning random number is acquired and determined (step S12). The random number at the time of winning only needs to include a random value MR1 for determining the variable display result, a random value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and a random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern among the game random numbers. . The determination result in step S12 only needs to include “general when lost”, “super reach determination when lost”, and “big hit”. When it is determined that the variable display result is determined to be “big hit”, that is, controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state, using the random number MR1 for determining big hit, It becomes a judgment result. When it is determined that the variable display result is determined to be “losing” instead of “big hit”, that is, it is determined that it is not controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state, the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is used. Then, it is determined whether or not the super reach variation pattern is determined regardless of the number of stored storage. When it is determined that the super reach variation pattern is determined, the determination result is “Super reach determination at the time of loss”, whereas when it is not determined that the super reach variation pattern is determined. The determination result is “general when lost”. For example, in the determination example of the loss variation pattern as shown in FIGS. 6B1 and 6B2, the same determination value is “295” regardless of the number of first special figure hold memory and the number of second special figure hold memory. ”To“ 300 ”are assigned to the variation patterns PA2-2 and PA2-3. In such a setting, when the random value MR3 is any one of “295” to “300”, the determination result may be “super reach determination at the time of loss”.

  Subsequent to step S12, an effect control command serving as a start winning command is transmitted (step S13). The start winning command only needs to include a start opening winning designation command, a pending storage number notification command, and a winning determination result command. The start opening prize designation command is an effect control command for notifying that the occurrence of a start prize such as a first start prize or a second start prize can be specified. The reserved memory count notification command is an effect control command for notifying that the number of reserved memories such as the first special figure reserved memory count and the second special figure reserved memory count can be specified. The determination result command at the time of winning is an effect control command for identifiable notification of determination results such as “general when lost”, “super reach determination when lost”, and “hit”. The winning determination result command includes, for example, when a high opening control associated with a short-time control is performed, or when the game is in a big hit gaming state, the start winning (the first winning winning due to the game ball passing (entering) through the first starting winning opening (first entry) This includes notifying that “determination at the time of winning a prize is being limited” that restricts the determination of a specific pattern based on the occurrence of (one start winning prize). Thus, when the special figure game using the second special figure is executed in preference to the special figure game using the first special figure, the first start is performed during the high opening control or the big hit gaming state. The soundness of the game can be ensured by restricting the pre-reading notice based on winning a prize from being executed.

  FIG. 4A shows a start opening winning designation command (first starting opening winning designation command and second starting opening winning designation command), a reserved memory number notification command (first reserved memory number notification command and second reserved memory number notification). Command), a determination example of a winning determination result command. In this embodiment, a command B100H serving as a first start opening winning designation command and a command B200H serving as a second starting opening winning designation command are prepared in advance as start opening winning designation commands. Note that the subscript H indicates a hexadecimal number. In addition, as a reserved memory count notification command, a command C1XXH serving as a first reserved memory count notification command and a command C2XXH serving as a second reserved memory count notification command are prepared in advance. XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be a value arbitrarily set according to the instruction content by the effect control command. In the reserved memory count notification command, different EXT data (for example, any one of 00H to 04H) is set according to the special figure reserved memory count. Further, a command C4XXH serving as a winning determination result command is prepared in advance.

  FIG. 4B exemplifies the contents of notification by a winning determination result command. Of the winning determination commands, the command C400H notifies that the winning determination is being restricted. The command C401H notifies that the determination result in step S12 is “big hit”. Command C402H notifies that the determination result in step S12 is “Super reach determination at time of loss”. The command C403H notifies that the determination result in step S12 is “general when lost”.

  When it is determined in step S11 that a start winning has not occurred (step S11; No), after the command transmission in step S13 is performed, the value of the game process flag is determined (step S21). The game process flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area (such as a game control flag setting unit) of the RAM 102, and one of values “0” to “3” is variably set according to the progress of the game control.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “0” (step S21; “0”), it is determined whether variable display can be started (step S101). If it is determined that the variable display can be started (step S101; Yes), the variable display result is determined (step S102). In step S102, the random display value for determining the variable display result and the variable display result determination table are used to determine whether the variable display result is “lost” or “big hit” at a predetermined ratio. When the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a probable change state, the determined value in the variable display result determination table is such that the variable display result is determined as “big hit” at a higher rate than in the normal state or the short time state. It only has to be set. Subsequently, an internal flag such as a big hit flag is set (step S103). Next, after the value of the game process flag is updated to “1” (step S104), the game control process process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “1” (step S21; “1”), a variation pattern or the like is determined (step S111). In step S111, the rate at which the variable display result becomes “big hit” corresponding to each variation pattern by varying the decision rate of each fluctuation pattern depending on whether or not the variable display result is decided to be “big hit” (Big hit expectation) can be varied.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the variation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “losing”, the variable display state of the decorative symbol is “non-reach” that does not become the reach state, and the “reach” that becomes the reach state. ], And a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance, corresponding to the case where the variable display result (special drawing display result) is “big hit”.

  Here, the reach state means a decorative symbol that has not been stopped and displayed (“reach variation symbol”) when the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 forms a part of the jackpot combination. Is also a display mode in which the variation continues, or a display mode in which all or part of the decorative symbols change synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. When reaching reach during variable display, reach effect may be executed. The reach effect is a moving image different from the decorative design, such as reducing the variation speed of the decorative design, displaying a character image different from the decorative design on the screen of the image display device 5, changing the display mode of the background image, etc. This is an effect of performing an effect operation different from that before reaching the reach mode by reproducing and displaying the image or changing the variation mode of the decorative pattern. The reach effect includes not only the display operation in the image display device 5 but also the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation (flashing operation) in the light emitter such as the game effect lamp 9, and the like. An operation mode different from the previous operation mode may be included.

  In addition, during the variable display of decorative symbols, unlike the reach effect, the variable display of decorative symbols can indicate the possibility that the variable display status of decorative symbols will reach the reach state and the variable display result may be a “hit”. There may be a case where a variable display effect for notifying the player is executed depending on the mode or the like. As an example, it is only necessary that the “pseudo-continuous” variable display effect can be executed during decorative display of the decorative design. In the “pseudo-ream” variable display effect, in response to the start condition of the special figure game being satisfied once, a fixed decorative pattern that is a variable display result is derived and displayed after variable display of the decorative pattern is started. By the time, the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in all the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, and then all the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed. The effect display for changing the decorative design again (pseudo-continuous change) can be performed a predetermined number of times (for example, up to three times). The number of quasi-continuous fluctuations is displayed for the left, middle, and right decorative symbols, excluding the first variation after all decorative symbols are temporarily suspended after the decorative symbol variable display starts. This is the number of times that the decorative symbols re-variate in all of the areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. As an example, in the variable display effect of “pseudo-continuous”, a plurality of predetermined pseudo-ream chances of special combinations are displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. A decorative symbol (temporary stop symbol) that is one of the various types of lose combinations is temporarily stopped. In the temporary stop display, while the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, the decorative symbol is displayed to the player by, for example, performing a fluctuation display or changing the decorative symbol again immediately after stopping for a short time. What is necessary is just to alert | report that the decoration design which is not decided.

  During variable display of decorative designs, unlike the effects of reach production or “pseudo-ream”, for example, display of a predetermined production image, display of a message image or audio output, etc. A notice effect may be executed to notify the player in advance that there is a possibility that the variable display result may be a “hit” due to the effect action different from the variable display action. The notice effect includes a pre-read notice effect. The pre-reading notice effect may cause the variable display result to be a “big hit” depending on the presentation mode before the variable display for which the possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” is executed. It is a notice effect that can be announced. In this embodiment, as an example of the pre-reading notice effect, the display mode of the first hold display in the first hold display unit 5HL and the display mode of the second hold display in the second hold display unit 5HR are different from the normal mode. A discomfort suspending change effect, which will be described later, is executed.

  Among the variation patterns shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display content is “non-reach” is referred to as a non-reach variation pattern (also referred to as a non-reach loss variation pattern). A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display content is “reach” is referred to as a reach variation pattern (also referred to as a reach loss variation pattern). The non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the loss variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “lost”. A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “big hit” is referred to as a big hit variation pattern. The big hit variation pattern and the reach variation pattern include a normal reach variation pattern in which a reach effect in normal reach is executed and a super reach variation pattern in which a reach effect in super reach is executed. In correspondence with a plurality of variation patterns as shown in FIG. Therefore, when variable display using the variation pattern determined in step S111 is executed, after the variable display of special symbols or the like is performed in the variable display period corresponding to the special diagram variation time, the special diagram display result or the like The variable display result is derived and displayed. In addition, as a fluctuation pattern (pseudo continuous fluctuation pattern) accompanied by pseudo continuous fluctuation, not only a non-reach loss fluctuation pattern (PA1-4 shown in FIG. 5) but also a reach loss fluctuation pattern and a big hit fluctuation pattern (normal and super reach fluctuation patterns) (not shown). (Including fluctuation patterns).

  FIG. 6A shows an example of determining the big hit variation pattern. When it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit” and the game state is controlled to the big hit gaming state, for example, the variation pattern at the time of big hit is determined based on the setting of the determined value as shown in FIG. At this time, the random number MR3 for determining the variation pattern is compared with a predetermined value set in advance in the jackpot variation pattern determination table. Then, a variation pattern to be a usage pattern is determined according to a determination result as to which range includes the random value MR3 in the range of the determination values illustrated in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, any one of the variation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-3 is determined as the variation pattern at the time of the big hit.

  FIG. 6B1 and FIG. 6B2 show examples of determining the loss variation pattern. In the normal time when the time reduction control is not performed, for example, the fluctuation pattern at the time of the loss is determined based on the setting of the determination value as shown in FIG. 6 (B1). On the other hand, during the time reduction in which the time reduction control is performed, the variation pattern at the time of loss is determined based on the setting of the determination value as shown in FIG. 6 (B2), for example. At this time, the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is compared with a predetermined value set in advance in the loss variation pattern determination table. In a normal state, a variation pattern to be a usage pattern is determined according to a determination result as to which range includes the random value MR3 in the range of determination values shown in FIG. 6 (B1). During the time reduction, a variation pattern to be a usage pattern is determined according to a determination result as to which range includes the random value MR3 in the range of the determination values shown in FIG. 6B2. During the time reduction, the ratio of the fluctuation pattern having a shorter special figure fluctuation time than the normal time is higher. As a result, in the time-short state in which the time reduction control is performed, the ratio determined as the second display time that is shorter than the first time as the variable display time for variable display is higher than in the normal state in which the time-short control is not performed. Although not shown in FIG. 6, each of the pseudo-continuous variation patterns prepared as described above also includes the random value MR3 in the jackpot variation pattern determination table or the loss variation pattern determination table (normal time and short time). What is necessary is just to determine by presetting the determination value compared.

  Returning to FIG. 3, following step S111, an effect control command that is a variable display start command is transmitted (step S112). The variable display start command only needs to include a change start command, a variable display result notification command, and a change pattern designation command. After the command transmission in step S112, the game process flag is updated to “2” (step S113), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “2” (step S21; “2”), it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S121). If it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S121; No), control for variable display of special symbols and the like is performed (step S122), and the game control process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S121 that the variable display time has elapsed (step S121; Yes), control for stopping and displaying special symbols and the like is performed (step S123). Subsequently, a variable display end command is transmitted (step S124), and a gaming state at the end of variable display is set (step S124A). In step S124A, the time saving state in which the time saving control is performed is terminated when a predetermined time saving end condition is satisfied, for example, when the number of executions of variable display reaches a predetermined time saving end determination value. Is set to control to the normal state. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125). If it is “big hit” (step S125; Yes), the value of the game process flag is updated to “3”. (Step S126) If it is “losing” instead of “big hit” (Step S125; No), the value of the game process flag is updated (initialized) to “0” (Step S127), and then the game control is performed. End process processing.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the value of the game process flag is “3” (step S21; “3”), it is determined whether or not the big hit game state is over (step S131). ). When it is determined that the big hit is not finished (step S131; No), the big hit control controlled to the big hit gaming state is performed (step S132), and the game control process is finished. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S131 that the big hit has ended (step S131; Yes), the gaming state after the big hit ends is set (step S133). In step S133, for example, in accordance with the big hit type, settings for starting the time reduction state in which the time reduction control is performed, settings for starting the probability variation state in which the probability variation control is performed, and the like are performed. Subsequent to step S133, the value of the game process flag is updated (initialized) to “0” (step S134), and the game control process process is terminated.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the supply of the power supply voltage is received from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated to execute a predetermined effect control main process. In the effect control main process, the effect control is initially set by executing an initialization process or the like. After that, every time a predetermined control interrupt time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses and a control control timer interrupt occurs, command analysis processing, effect control process processing, effect random number update processing, etc. are executed. Is done. When an interrupt for command reception occurs separately from the timer interrupt for effect control, a control signal serving as an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is fetched, for example, in a predetermined area (effect control buffer setting unit) of the RAM 122. The effect control command is stored in a provided effect control command reception buffer or the like. For example, in the command analysis process, when it is determined that the start winning command is received, the received command is stored in the start winning command buffer. When a first start opening winning designation command or a first special figure reserved memory number designation command is received as a start winning command, a start winning command (first starting opening prize designation command, first special figure reserved memory number designation command) , Symbol determination result designation command, variation pattern judgment result designation command) are stored in a first start winning command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. When a second start port winning designation command or a second special figure reserved memory number designation command is received as a start winning command, a start winning command (second start opening prize designation command, second special figure reserved memory number designation command) , Symbol determination result designation command, variation pattern judgment result designation command) is stored in a second start winning command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. In the command analysis process, if there are any missing or inconsistent commands at the start winning prize, the pre-reading notice effect setting will be set until the variable display of the hold information corresponding to those commands is executed (digested). It may be restricted not to be performed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 7, first, a hold display setting process is executed (step S161). The hold display setting process updates the first hold display on the first hold display unit 5HL and the second hold display on the second hold display unit 5HR at the time of the start winning when the first start win or the second start win occurs. Includes processing for. Further, in the effect control process, after execution of the hold display setting process, it is described in advance in an effect control computer program according to the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area (such as an effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 122. A process selected from the plurality of processes performed is executed. The processing executed in accordance with the value of the effect process flag includes variable display start waiting processing (step S170), variable display start setting processing (step S171), variable display effect processing (step S172), and wait processing per special figure. (Step S173), an attacker opening effect process (Step S174), and an ending effect process (Step S175) are included.

  The variable display start waiting process of step S170 shown in FIG. 7 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”, and includes a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative symbols. . The variable display start setting process of step S171 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”, and includes a process for setting and determining variable display of decorative symbols and other various effect operations. It is. The effect processing during variable display in step S172 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”, and includes processing for performing various effects control during variable display of decorative symbols. The special symbol waiting process in step S173 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”, and when the definite decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed, the big hit game The process etc. which determine whether it is controlled by a state are included. The effect process at the time of opening the attacker in step S174 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”, and includes a process for enabling an effect to be executed in a predetermined period in which the big winning opening such as a big hit game state is in an open state. It is. The ending effect process in step S175 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”, and includes a process for enabling the effect at the end of the big hit gaming state.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process executed in step S161 of FIG. 7 as the hold display setting process. The hold display setting process is, for example, a determination process for executing a “discomfort hold change effect (hereinafter also referred to as a hold change effect)” using data stored in a hold display data storage unit provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 121. And setting processing.

  Here, the discomfort hold change effect is a short display mode of the hold display newly displayed on the hold display part (first hold display part 5HL, second hold display part 5HR) to a special form different from the normal form. The effect is to return to the normal mode after changing only the time. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the normal mode of lighting in a predetermined color (for example, white) is changed from a round shape to a special mode for lighting in a color (for example, red) different from the predetermined color for a short time. The timing for changing to the special mode will be described later.

  Further, the short time (a period in which the hold display is in a special mode) is set shorter than the shortest fluctuation time. In the example of FIG. 5, since the shortest variation time is “3 s” of the variation pattern PB1-3 related to “short-to-medium short”, the “short time” may be shorter than the variation time. As will be described later, in consideration of the fact that the discomfort holding change effect is not executed during the time reduction, the “short time” is the shortest fluctuation time other than during the time reduction (in the example of FIG. 5, “4s of the fluctuation pattern PA1-3 )) May be shorter. By setting the short time in this way, the hold display can be returned from the special mode to the normal mode at least before the hold display is shifted. Other examples of short time will be described later.

  In the hold display setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not an effect control command (start opening prize designation command, prize determination result command, hold memory count notification command, etc.) transmitted at the time of starting winning is received. Determination is made (step S301). In the processing of step S301, for example, whether or not a start opening winning designation command, a winning determination result command, and a pending storage number notification command are newly stored in the first start winning command buffer or the second starting winning command buffer. By confirming the above, it may be determined whether or not a command is received at the time of start winning.

  If no command is received in step S301 (step S301; No), the hold display setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a command received (step S301; Yes), a winning determination result corresponding to the received winning determination result command is specified (step S302). At this time, it is determined whether or not “winning time determination is being restricted” is specified (step S303). If it is a winning determination result other than “during winning determination limitation” (step S303; No), it is determined whether or not the time reduction control is being performed (step S304). If it is not during the time-saving control (step S304; No), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories before the start winning prize is “0” (step S305). For example, the effect control CPU 120 obtains the total reserved memory acquired based on the first reserved memory number notification command and the second reserved memory number notification command transmitted based on the occurrence of the start winning corresponding to the variable display to be notified. When the number is “1”, it may be determined that the reserved storage number before the start winning prize is “0”.

  When the number of reserved memories before the start winning prize is not “0” (step S305; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the discomfort holding change effect at a determination ratio as shown in FIG. Step S306). In the determination example shown in FIG. 9A, the determination ratios for setting the discomfort hold change effect to “executed” differ depending on the winning determination result. In this example, when the determination result at the time of winning is “general at the time of loss”, it is always determined as “no execution”. The winning determination result is set so that the determination rate of “executed” increases in the order of “reach determination at lose”, “super reach determination at lose”, and “big hit”. In the example of FIG. 9A, when the discomfort holding change effect is executed, the variable display result is more likely to be a “big hit” than when it is not executed. Note that when the winning determination result is “general when lost”, “executed” may be determined at a predetermined rate. In addition, when the discomfort hold change effect is executed, the possibility that the decorative symbol variable display state becomes a reach state may be higher than when the discomfort hold change effect is not executed. The determination example of FIG. 9A (and the determination examples shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C described later) is defined by, for example, a table stored and prepared in advance in the ROM 121. Various values are determined by extracting numerical data indicating random values for determination such as a pending change effect updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter and referring to the table. In step S306, it may be determined whether or not to execute a hold change effect (for example, an effect that does not return to the normal mode while the hold display is changed to the special mode) other than the unnatural hold change effect.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S307, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the hold change effect is determined to be “executed” in step S306 (step S307). If the hold change effect is determined to be “no execution” (step S307; No), or if the determination in steps S303, S304, and S305 is Yes, the process of step S309 is executed. That is, not only when the execution of the hold change effect is not decided or when the determination at the time of winning is being restricted, but also when the number of held memories before the start winning is “0” or during the time-shortening control, the discomfort hold change Production is not executed. Thus, by restricting the execution of the hold change effect according to the game state, the player's consciousness can be concentrated on the variable display.

  When the hold change effect is determined to be “executed” (step S307; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 changes the change effect pattern (execution mode of the discomfort hold change effect) at a rate as shown in FIG. 9B, for example. Is determined (step S308).

  In the example of determination shown in FIG. 9B, a plurality of types of change effect patterns (depending on whether the number of reserved memories before the start winning is from 1 to 3 and the remaining fluctuation time at the start winning, H1 to H5) are determined. These change patterns determine how many times the display changes to the special mode and the timing at which the hold display changes to the special mode.

  H1 to H3 are patterns in which the hold display changes to a special mode only once. As for the timing to change to the special mode, H1 is set at the same time as the start prize, H2 and H3 are set after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start prize (H2 is 5 seconds after the start prize and H3 is 10 seconds after the start prize). Yes. H4 and H5 are patterns related to “a sense of strangeness hold change effect (hereinafter also referred to as a rehold change effect)”. The re-holding change effect is a special display of the hold display that has been returned to the normal mode by the hold change effect until the hold display for the executed hold change effect is erased. This is an effect in which the mode is changed for a short time and then returned to the normal mode (see FIGS. 12 and 13 to be described later). That is, in the re-hold change effect, the hold display changes to a special mode a plurality of times. H4 is a pattern in which the hold display changes to the special mode twice, and H5 is a pattern in which the hold display changes to the special mode three times.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 6 (B1) and (B2), when the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, “2”), the average variation time is longer than when the number of reserved memories is less than a predetermined value. As shown in FIG. 9B, the variation effect pattern is determined depending on the number of stored memories before the start winning and the remaining time of variation at the start winning. For example, the change effect pattern H4, H5 related to the change effect pattern related to the re-holding change effect, or the longer the predetermined time that is the timing of changing to the special mode, the smaller the remaining time of variation at the start winning prize is, for example. Thus, it is possible to determine an appropriate hold change effect (including a rehold change effect) according to the remaining time of fluctuation at the time of winning. It should be noted that the remaining time of fluctuation at the time of starting winning a prize may be specified based on the timer value of the effect control process timer.

  Returning to FIG. 8, after the processing in step S308, in the case of No determination in step S307, or in the case of Yes determination in steps S303, S304, and S305, the effect control CPU 120, for example, as shown in FIG. Whether to execute the reserved area concealment effect is determined based on the ratio (step S309).

  As shown in FIG. 14, the reserved area concealment effect is an effect that hides the hold display units (the first hold display unit 5HL and the second hold display unit 5HR) for a predetermined period. During execution of the reserved area concealment effect, for example, the current number of reserved memories may be displayed at a predetermined location on the display screen of the image display device 5 in a mode in place of the reserved display. FIG. 14 is a display example of the number of reserved memory numbers, where “3” represents the first special figure reserved memory number and “0” represents the second special figure reserved memory number. The reserved area concealment effect may be executed in such a manner as to hide at least one of the first reserved display part 5HL and the second reserved display part 5HR. Further, the reserved area concealment effect may be performed not only by hiding the reserved display part but also by image processing that makes the reserved display invisible.

  In the determination example shown in FIG. 9C, the determination ratio of whether or not to execute the hold area concealment effect is determined according to whether or not the hold change effect is executed. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, when the hold change effect is executed, execution of the hold area concealment effect is determined at a higher rate than when the hold change effect is not executed. . In this way, when the hold change effect is executed, the expected change of the hold area concealment effect is increased, so that the hold change effect can be an aspect of the notice effect of the hold area concealment effect.

  Returning to FIG. 8, following step S <b> 309, the effect control CPU 120 stores data indicating that various determination results can be specified in association with a hold number corresponding to a new start prize in the hold display data storage unit. (Step S310). Subsequently, after the update setting of the hold display at the time of starting winning is performed (step S311), the hold display setting process is ended. For example, when the first special figure holding memory number increases by 1 because the game ball has passed (entered) through the first start winning opening, the first holding display in the first holding display section 5HL is newly increased by one. Add the first hold display. On the other hand, when the second special figure holding memory number increases by 1 due to the passing of the game ball through the second starting winning opening, a new second holding display is added to increase the second holding display on the second holding display section 5HR by one. Add hold display. The hold display added at this time has, for example, a round solid shape, but when the change effect pattern H1 is determined in step S308, the added hold display immediately changes to a special mode (additional) The hold display to be made may be a special mode from the beginning). A specific effect example such as a hold change effect will be described later.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process executed in step S171 of FIG. In the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines a final stop symbol or the like to be a finalized symbol as a variable symbol display result (step S551). As the process of step S551, the CPU 120 for effect control is based on variable display contents such as the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and the variable display result indicated by the variable display result notification command. To determine the final stop symbol. For example, the variable display contents according to the combination of the fluctuation pattern and the variable display result include “non-reach (loss)”, “reach (lack)”, “non-probability change (big hit)”, “probability change (big hit)”, etc. is there. If the special figure display result is “losing” and the variation pattern is a non-reach variation pattern, the production control CPU 120 determines the combination of the final decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbol constituting the non-reach combination, and the non-reach If it is not a variation pattern, the combination of the definite decorative symbols that is the final stop symbol constituting the reach combination is determined. On the other hand, when the special figure display result is “big hit”, the combination of the confirmed decorative symbols that are the final stop symbols constituting the big hit combination is determined. In this case, a decorative symbol with the same symbol number that is stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the display area of the image display device 5 is determined. . The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, numerical data indicating random values for determining the decorative symbols of each combination updated by the effect random counter provided in a predetermined area of the random number circuit 124 or the RAM 122 and stores them in the ROM 121 in advance. Various definitive decorative symbols may be determined by referring to the decorative symbol determining table for each combination stored and prepared.

  When the variation pattern is a pseudo-continuous variation pattern, the effect control CPU 120 also determines a combination of decorative symbols (temporary stop symbols) to be temporarily stopped and displayed. The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, numerical data indicating a random number value for determining a temporary stop symbol that is updated by the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter, and determines the temporary stop symbol determination that is stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared. By referring to the table or the like, a temporary stop symbol (decorative combination symbol) is determined.

  Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 determines the effect control pattern as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S552). For example, the effect control CPU 120 selects and uses one of a plurality of prepared effect control patterns (special-fluctuation effect control patterns) corresponding to the change pattern indicated by the change pattern determination result designation command. Set as a pattern. Further, the production control CPU 120 selects one of a plurality of production control patterns (holding change production control pattern) corresponding to the setting in the hold display setting process in step S161, and sets it as a use pattern.

  Subsequently, the CPU 120 for effect control, for example, the initial of the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern determination result specifying command. A value is set (step S553). Then, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative design or the like on the display screen of the image display device 5 is performed (step S554). At this time, the CPU 120 for effect control, for example, displays the display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern (the effect control pattern at the time of special figure fluctuation) determined in the process of step S560. , Etc., to start the variation of the decorative symbols in the “left”, “middle” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided in the display area of the image display device 5. Just do it.

  Subsequently, in response to the start of variable display of decorative symbols, settings for updating the hold storage display in the hold display units (first hold display unit 5HL and second hold display unit 5HR) are performed (steps). S555). For example, the display portion corresponding to the hold number “1” in the hold display portion may be deleted and the entire display portion may be moved to the left one by one. The stored contents in the hold display data storage unit may be shifted in accordance with such update of the hold display. That is, the stored data in the storage area corresponding to the hold number “1” is erased in the hold display data storage unit, and the storage areas lower than the hold number “1” (corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”). The storage data in the storage area is shifted up by one entry. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S556), and the variable display start setting process ends.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display effect processing executed in step S172 of FIG. When the production process during variable display is started, the production control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on the timer value of the production control process timer (step S801). . The effect control CPU 120 updates (for example, subtracts 1) the timer value of the effect control process timer, and when an end code is read from the effect control pattern corresponding to the updated effect control process timer value, for example. In addition, it may be determined that the variable display time has elapsed.

  When it is determined in step S801 that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S801; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not it is the hold change effect period (step S802). The hold change effect period may be determined in advance in, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the change effect pattern determined in step S308 of FIG. When it is a hold production period (step S802; Yes), control for performing a hold change production is performed (step S803). After the execution of step S803 or in the case of No determination in step S802, it is determined whether it is a reserved area concealment effect period (step S804). The reserved area concealment effect period may be determined in advance in the effect control pattern determined according to the reserved area concealment effect, for example, when it is determined in step S309 in FIG. . If it is the reserved area concealing effect period (step S804; Yes), control for executing the reserved area concealing effect is performed (step S805).

  After the execution of step S805 or in the case of No determination in step S804, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not it is the reach effect period for executing the reach effect (step S806). The reach production period may be determined in advance, for example, in the production control pattern determined according to the variation pattern. When it determines with it being a reach production period (step S806; Yes), CPU120 for production control performs control for performing a reach production (step S807).

  After the execution of step S807 or in the case of No determination in step S806, the CPU 120 for effect control includes other variable display operations for decorative symbols based on the settings in the effect control pattern determined corresponding to the variation pattern. Control for executing an effect during variable display is performed (step S808).

  If it is determined in step S801 that the variable display time has elapsed (step S801; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S809). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S809; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and awaits.

  When the symbol confirmation command is received in step S809 (step S809; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 transmits a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, for example. Control is performed to derive and display the final stop symbol (determined decorative symbol) that is the display result in variable symbol display (step S810). Subsequently, a predetermined time is set as a jackpot start designation command reception waiting time (step S811). Next, the effect control CPU 120 updates the value of the effect process flag to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the waiting process per special figure (step S812), and ends the effect process during variable display.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, an example of the effect operation when the discomfort holding change effect is executed will be described.

  FIG. 10 shows an execution example of the discomfort hold change effect when any of the change effect patterns H1 to H3 shown in FIG. 9B is determined in the process of step S308 shown in FIG. FIG. 10A shows a state in which the number of reserved memories is “1” in the hold display section (for example, the first hold display section 5HL and the second hold display section 5HR) before the start winning prize. When a start winning is generated in this state, as shown in FIG. 10B, the special figure hold storage number is incremented by 1, and a hold display is newly displayed according to the addition. Then, in accordance with the newly added hold display, an uncomfortable hold change effect for changing the hold display from the normal mode to the special mode in which the color is changed is executed for a short time. If “short time” is set as shown in a specific example later, the hold display changes to a special mode for a moment (for example, 1 to 2 s or 1 s or less), so it is difficult for the player to notice the change. . For this reason, it is possible to give a sense of incongruity, for example, “something may have happened to the added hold display”, and it is possible to give a sense of expectation to the variation resulting from the changed hold display. It is desirable that the “short time” is a time during which the player feels uncomfortable.

  The change display pattern changes to a special mode at the same time as the start winning when the change effect pattern is H1, 5 seconds after the start winning for H2, and 10 seconds after the start winning for H3 (see FIG. 9B). ). In this way, the change effect pattern is prepared so that there are a plurality of types of predetermined time which is a period from the start winning prize until the hold display changes to the special mode. Then, after the hold display becomes a special mode, the hold display returns to the normal mode after a predetermined short time. As described above, if there are a plurality of the predetermined times, the hold display changes to a special mode during the variable display, so that a new game can be given.

  The special mode is not limited to a mode in which the color is changed from the normal mode as shown in FIG. For example, the special mode may be a mode in which the shape is changed from the normal mode as shown in FIG. 11 (a) (in this figure, a change to a star shape), or as shown in FIG. 11 (b). It may be an aspect that changes to a character image (character display), or may be an aspect that is displayed with an effect that shines as shown in FIG. In this way, there may be a plurality of special modes. Then, since the kind of special mode can be increased, the game entertainment can be improved. In addition, the display mode of the special mode is not limited as long as the player can notice a change from the normal mode. FIG. 9B shows an example in which the timing at which the hold display changes to the special mode differs according to the determined change effect pattern, but the special display according to the determined change effect pattern. You may comprise so that the display aspect of an aspect may differ.

  Further, the “short time” in which the hold display is displayed in a special manner is set shorter than the shortest variation time as described above. As a specific example, the “short time” is (i) the hold display. Is set shorter than the shift time (the time required for the hold display corresponding to the read hold information to be erased and the displayed hold display to shift to the position of the deleted hold display). . In this way, if the short time is made shorter than the time required for the hold display to shift, for example, it is changed to a special mode for a shorter time than the hold shift time that a heavy user or the like grasps as a sensation. Therefore, the change can be made difficult to notice. Further, (ii) it may be set shorter than the temporary stop time (temporary stop symbol display period) at the time of execution of the pseudo continuous variation. In this way, for example, when a temporary stop of a decorative design is executed, a player who recognizes that this variation is a pseudo-continuation and is paying attention to variable display will notice a change to a special mode of hold display It can be difficult. If “short time” is set as in (i) and (ii) and it is difficult to notice the change to the special mode of the hold display, it is possible to better suppress the decrease in attention to the variable display. . In such a case, for example, the “short time” is shorter than the hold display shift time set in the hold display update setting in step S555 or the temporary stop time set by the fluctuation pattern designation command related to the pseudo-continuous. You only have to set it. For example, the short time may be determined in advance in an effect control pattern corresponding to the change effect pattern.

  As another example of “short time”, (iii) may be equal to or shorter than a blinking cycle of a fourth symbol display (an example of a variable display compatible light emitting unit) that performs light emission display in response to execution of variable display. . The fourth symbol display is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the image display device 5 and displays predetermined information so that the player can easily know the progress of the game. The 4th symbol display is composed of an LED (for example, a multi-color LED) and the like, and blinks in a predetermined color (for example, red) when the first special game or the second special game is being executed. The 4th symbol indicator lights up in a predetermined color when the variable display result of the first special figure game or the second special figure game is “big hit” based on the big hit gaming state. You may do. The 4th symbol display is composed of a plurality of LEDs, liquid crystal displays, and the like, and variable display of predetermined identification information (for example, “◯” (circle) and “x” (cross) is displayed as the 4th symbol display. (Alternative display may be performed). In the fourth symbol display, display control is performed by the effect control board 12 via a relay board, for example. In this way, if the short time is set to be shorter than the blinking cycle corresponding to the execution of variable display, it is possible to make the change to the special mode of the hold display more difficult to notice. In addition, “short time” is a display period of a predetermined effect image (such as a preview image), a light emission period of a predetermined effect among effects produced by the effect effect lamp 9, and an effect of a predetermined effect among the effects produced by the speakers 8L and 8R. It may be set shorter than the duration of sound. This also makes it difficult to notice the change to the special mode of the hold display.

  After the discomfort hold change effect is performed as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the variable display of the decorative pattern is executed with the digestion of the hold, and FIG. 10 (c) shows the hold related to the discomfort hold change effect. The example which the variable display accompanying digestion of a state will be in the reach state is shown. After that, the final stop symbol of the big hit combination is derived and displayed on the image display device 5. As described above, when the discomfort hold change effect is executed, there is a higher possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” than when it is not executed. In addition, when the discomfort hold change effect is executed, there is a higher possibility that the reach effect in the super reach will be executed, and the variable display state of the decorative pattern becomes the reach state, compared to the case where it is not executed. It may be made to become. That is, the variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is executed has a higher expectation of being controlled in an advantageous state than the variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is not executed. Thereby, while giving a player a sense of expectation by changing the hold display to the special mode, the special mode changes only for a short time, so that it is possible to suppress a reduction in attention to the variable display.

  FIG. 12 shows an execution example of the discomfort hold change effect when the change effect pattern H5 shown in FIG. 9B is determined in the process of step S308 shown in FIG. The change effect pattern H5 is a pattern related to the renewal feeling hold change effect. In this pattern, when a start win occurs in the state shown in FIG. 10A, first, after 5 seconds from the start win, after the hold display changes to a special mode as shown in FIG. 2), return to normal mode. Subsequently, after 10 seconds from the start winning prize, the hold display changes to the special mode as shown in FIG. 12B (second time), and then returns to the normal mode. Subsequently, after 15 seconds from the start winning prize, the hold display changes to the special mode as shown in FIG. 12C (third time), and then returns to the normal mode. In this way, if a plurality of discomfort hold change effects (re-discomfort hold change effects) are executed, a change to the special mode of the hold display occurs a plurality of times, so that it is possible to further improve the game entertainment. .

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the case where the renewal feeling hold change effect is executed, the type of the special mode may be changed every time the special mode hold display is displayed. FIG. 12 shows a star whose shape has been changed after a hold display (second time) in a special shape of a rectangle whose shape has changed following a hold display (first time) in a special mode in which the color has changed from the normal mode. An example is shown in which the hold display (third time) is performed in a special manner with the mold.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the case where the renewal feeling hold change effect is executed, the special mode includes a character display mode that displays a readable character, and the hold display of the character display mode is executed a plurality of times. Thus, the degree of expectation controlled to the big hit gaming state may be suggested. For example, the hold display changes to a mode indicating “heat” in the first special mode (FIG. 13A), and changes to a mode indicating “I” in the second special mode (FIG. 13B). ) In the third special mode, the mode changes to a mode representing “!!!!” (FIG. 13C) or “?” (FIG. 13D). In the case of transition from FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B to FIG. 13C, “Hot !!” is displayed when the special mode hold display is continuously read. In this way, a phrase related to the degree of expectation may be expressed by a special mode hold display that is executed a plurality of times. In addition, when the transition from FIGS. 13A and 13B to FIG. 13D is made, if the special mode hold display is continuously read, it becomes “hot?”. In this way, a phrase whose expectation is unclear as a result may be expressed by a special mode hold display executed a plurality of times. Such a change in the special mode may be executed by a change pattern H4 in which the change to the special mode is performed twice. Further, the change to the special mode may be performed four or more times. As described above, when the hold display of the character display mode is executed a plurality of times, if the expectation degree controlled to the advantageous state is suggested, the interest of the hold change effect and the re-hold change effect increases.

  The change mode of the special mode as shown in FIG. 12 or 13 may be determined in advance in a change pattern determination table as shown in FIG. 9B, for example. In addition, after the number of times of becoming the special mode is determined, a change mode of the special mode may be determined a plurality of times according to the determined number of times. Further, the ratio of whether the special mode hold display changes from the state shown in FIG. 13B to the state shown in FIG. 13C or the state shown in FIG. 13D is, for example, step S302. It may be determined according to the determination result at the time of winning specified in. For example, when the winning determination result is “big hit”, the special mode hold display may be easily changed from the state shown in FIG. 13B to “!!” shown in FIG. 13C. . Also, in the case shown in FIG. 12, it may be determined according to the determination result at the time of winning what kind of change the special aspect of the hold display becomes. In addition, when the change to the special mode of the hold display is executed a plurality of times (that is, when the re-hold change effect is executed), the hold display is changed to the special mode every time the special mode hold display is displayed. The “short time” that is the period may be changed. In addition, this “short time” does not have to change every time the special mode hold display is displayed. For example, the “short time” in the first and second special modes is the same, and the third time The “short time” in the special mode may be different from the first and second “short time”. Similarly, the type of special mode may not change every time the hold display of the special mode is displayed. For example, the first and second special modes are similar, and the third special mode is 1 And, it may be different from the second special mode.

  When the discomfort hold change effect as exemplified above is executed, the hold area concealment effect shown in FIG. 14 is easily executed as described above. Thus, the uncomfortable feeling change change effect is an aspect of the notice effect of the reserved area concealment effect. If the reserved area concealment effect is executed, the reserved area is concealed, so that attention can be paid by variable display.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may not have all the technical features shown in the above embodiment, and a part of the configuration described in the above embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. It may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, only the fluctuation pattern in the case where the number of times of pseudo continuous fluctuation is 1 is illustrated in FIG. You may prepare.

  In the above description, it has been described that the discomfort hold change effect is a “big hit” as an example of the advantageous state, but the advantageous state to be notified is not limited thereto. For example, the advantageous state may be any state advantageous to the player, such as a probability changing state in which probability changing control is performed and a time shortening state in which time shortening control is performed.

  In the above description, in order to notify the effect control board 12 side of the change pattern indicating the change mode, such as the change time, the type of reach effect, and the presence or absence of pseudo-continuous, one change pattern command is transmitted when the change is started. Although the example to perform was shown, you may make it notify a variation pattern to the production | presentation control board 12 side by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 is in the first command before reaching reach, such as the presence or absence of a pseudo-ream (if not reaching, before the so-called second stop) A command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode is sent, and in the second command, the type of reach, presence / absence of re-lottery effect, etc. have been reached (if it does not reach, after the so-called second stop) You may make it transmit the command which shows fluctuation | variation time and a fluctuation | variation aspect. In this case, the effect control board 12 may perform the effect control in the change display based on the change time derived from the combination of the two commands. In the game control microcomputer 100, the change time is notified by each of the two commands, and the specific change mode executed at each timing is selected on the side of the effect control board 12. Good. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate.

  Further, the variable display result displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B and the special symbol variably displayed are numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". It is not limited to what consists of etc. For example, a lighting pattern during variable display of a special symbol may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off, and a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off and one pattern in which at least some LEDs are lit (for example, a lost symbol) Are also included in the special symbol variable display (in this case, the one pattern (eg, the lost symbol) appears to blink). Further, the special symbol displayed during variable display may be different from the special symbol displayed as the variable display result. As a special symbol variable display, for example, “−” is blinked, and as a variable display result, other special symbols (“7” for “big hit”, “1” for “losing”, etc. ) Is also included in the special symbol variable display. In addition, the variable display of the decorative design includes a blinking display or scroll display of one type of decorative design.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ratio (including the determination ratio and the like; the same applies to the probability) may include 0%. That is, the ratio may be between 0 and 100%. For example, to make one ratio different from the other ratio means that one ratio is, for example, 30%, the other ratio is 70%, and the other ratio is, for example, 0%, and the other ratio is 100%. Including. Further, the sum of one ratio and the other ratio may not be 100% (there may be a part that is not included in either one or the other and may have a predetermined ratio). In addition, when the ratio of the other is higher than the ratio of one, the ratio of one is set to 0% and the ratio of the other is set to 100%. These may be defined by the contents of a table that defines the ratio.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to the one that performs probability change control in which the big hit type is “probable change” when a big hit symbol indicating a predetermined number is derived and displayed as a variable symbol display result of the special symbol. A probability variation determination device type pachinko gaming machine in which probability variation control is performed based on the fact that a game ball has passed through a specific area in an attacker provided in the game machine may be used.

  Further, in the above description, an example has been described in which a prefetch determination is performed on the main side and a command corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the sub side, but a command indicating a random number value is transmitted from the main side and a prefetch determination is performed on the sub side. You may make it do.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings, and is an enclosure that encloses gaming media and gives points based on the occurrence of winnings It can also be applied to a type game machine.

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium to a computer device included in a gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. Alternatively, it may be distributed by preinstalling in a storage device such as a computer device. Further, the program and data may be distributed by downloading from another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a removable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Further, the game may be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

(1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 described above executes a hold change effect in which the display mode of the newly displayed hold display is changed to a special mode different from the normal mode for a short time and then returned to the normal mode. . In addition, the variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is executed has a higher expectation of being controlled in an advantageous state than the variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is not executed. According to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the special mode changes only for a short time while changing the hold display to the special mode, and the special mode changes only for a short time. be able to.

(2) The hold display when the hold change effect is executed may be changed to a special mode when the hold information corresponding to the hold display is newly stored. (3) Further, the hold display when the hold change effect is executed may be changed to a special mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the hold information corresponding to the hold display is newly stored. According to such a configuration, the hold display changes to a special mode in the middle of the variable display, so that a new game can be given. In addition, the change to the special mode of the hold display is not executed during high-speed fluctuation, and when a predetermined decorative design (for example, a decorative design of the decorative design display area 5L) stops (may be simultaneously with the stop, It may be performed immediately after), and attention may be paid to fluctuations.

(4) Since there are a plurality of special modes (see FIG. 11 and the like), it is possible to improve game entertainment. Note that the special aspect may be one type. (5) In addition, since the predetermined time of (3) has a plurality of types (see FIG. 9B), the timing at which the hold display changes to a special mode can be varied, which improves the game entertainment Can be made. The predetermined time may be one type.

(6) Further, the short time may be equal to or shorter than the blinking cycle of the variable display compatible light emitting unit that performs light emission display according to execution of variable display. In this way, if the short time is set to be shorter than the blinking cycle corresponding to the execution of variable display, it is possible to make the change to the special mode of the hold display more difficult to notice. (7) The short time may be shorter than the time required for the hold display to shift. In this way, for example, since it is possible to change to a special mode for a shorter time than the hold shift time that a heavy user or the like grasps as a sensation, the change can be made more difficult to notice. (8) Further, the short time may be shorter than the temporary stop time in the pseudo continuous fluctuation. In this way, for example, when a temporary stop of a decorative design is executed, a player who recognizes that this variation is a pseudo-continuation and is paying attention to variable display will notice a change to a special mode of hold display It can be difficult. If it is possible to set “short time” and make it difficult to notice the change to the special mode of the hold display as described above, it is possible to better suppress the reduction of attention to the variable display.

(9) Since the re-holding change effect can be executed, the change to the special mode of the holding display occurs a plurality of times, so that the game entertainment can be further improved. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not perform a rehold change effect only once, and the change to the special mode of the hold display newly displayed is performed.

(10) Each time the special mode hold display is displayed, the type of the special mode may be changed (see FIG. 11 or the like). (11) The special mode displays a readable character. It may be made to suggest the expectation degree controlled to an advantageous state by including the character display mode to be performed and performing the pending display of the character display mode over a plurality of times (see FIG. 13). In this way, the interest of the hold change effect and the re-hold change effect increases. Note that the type of the special mode does not have to change every time the special mode hold display is displayed.

(12) Since the ratio of executing the hold area concealment effect in which the hold area where the hold display is displayed is concealed is different depending on whether the hold change effect is executed or not, the variable display is used for attention. be able to. In addition, it is not necessary to change the execution ratio of the reserved area concealment effect according to whether or not the reserved change effect is executed, or the reserved area concealment effect may not be executed.

(13) Further, the execution of the hold change effect is restricted according to the gaming state (see steps S304 to S305), so that the consciousness can be concentrated on the variable display. Note that the execution of the pending change effect need not be limited.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 5 ... Image display apparatus, 5L, 5C, 5R ... Decoration symbol display area, 5HL ... 1st reservation display part, 5HR ... 2nd reservation display part, 11 ... Main board, 12 ... Production control board, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Game control microcomputer, 103 ... CPU, 120 ... Production control CPU, 123 ... Display control part

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
Hold storage means capable of storing information relating to variable display as hold information;
In response to the new hold information stored in the hold storage means, the hold display corresponding to the newly stored hold information is displayed, and the hold information is read from the hold storage means. A hold display means for erasing the hold display corresponding to the read hold information;
A hold change effect executing means for executing a hold change effect for returning to the normal mode after changing the display mode of the hold display newly displayed on the hold display unit to a special mode different from the normal mode for a short time; With
The short time is shorter than the variable display time of the variable display having the shortest variable display time,
The variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is executed has a higher expectation to be controlled in the advantageous state than the variable display based on the hold display in which the hold change effect is not executed.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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