JP2019154739A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To execute an elaborate game performance by securing a display range as necessary, even when a notification area is provided in a display screen of a performance display device.SOLUTION: When game balls shot toward a game area are detected by predetermined detection means, acquisition information is acquired and stored. When identification information is variably displayed on the basis of the stored acquired information and the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game advantageous to a player is executed. As a game performance to be executed along with variation display of the identification information, a first performance and a second performance suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first performance can be displayed on the display screen of a performance display device 41. Using a part of the display screen, notification areas 42a, 42b capable of displaying notification information 43a, 43b to be notified to the player are provided. The size of the notification area is different between the first performance and the second performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board.

  In a gaming machine that plays a game by launching a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board, the game ball is acquired based on detection of the game ball by a predetermined detection means (for example, a start port sensor). There is known a technique for storing acquired information, and based on the acquired information, identification information (for example, a special symbol) is variably displayed and then stopped. When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, a specific game (for example, a big hit game) advantageous to the player is executed.

  In such a gaming machine, it is possible to display a game effect that is performed in accordance with a change display of identification information on the display screen of the effect display device. For example, it is well known that three effect symbols are variably displayed while switching the numbers 1 to 9, and the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in a specific manner than the normal reach effect or the normal reach effect. Suggested super reach production is performed. Further, the effect display device is provided with a notification area by using a part of the display screen, and notifies the player by displaying notification information indicating that the acquired information is stored in the notification area. (Patent Document 1). And the possibility that the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner is also suggested depending on the display manner of the notification information in the notification area.

JP 2014-8134 A

  However, in game machines that perform game effects such as normal reach effects and super reach effects in accordance with the variable display of identification information, the display range on the effect display device has been expanded in order to make it more appealing than normal reach effects during super reach effects. Even when trying to do so, there is a problem that the display of the super reach effect may be limited by the notification area provided in the display screen.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and even if a notification area is provided in the display screen of the effect display device, a game effect that ensures a display range as necessary and is elaborate. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing the above.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on detection of the game ball by a predetermined detection means;
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, identification information display means for stopping and displaying the identification information after being variably displayed;
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player;
A first effect as a game effect performed in accordance with the variable display of the identification information or a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect is displayed. An effect display device having a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to notify the player using a part of the display screen is provided,
The size of the notification area is different between the first effect and the second effect.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if the notification area | region is provided in the display screen of an effect display apparatus, the display range can be ensured as needed and the game effect which carried out elaboration can be performed.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board 20 of a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which expanded and showed the segment display part. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the symbol fluctuation effect in the effect display apparatus 41. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the relationship between the display mode of the holding | maintenance symbol 43, and the result of prior determination. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the race effect performed with the effect display apparatus 41. FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which CPU201 of the main control board 200 performs as control which concerns on progress of a game. It is the flowchart which showed the special operation process of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the jackpot determination table of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the fluctuation pattern determination table notionally. It is the flowchart which showed the symbol fluctuation production process which CPU221 of the sub control board 220 performs. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the holding | maintenance display area | region 42 of the production | presentation display apparatus 41 was changed in connection with CPU221 of the sub control board | substrate 220 performing a symbol variation production process.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (game machine) of a type called “seven machine” or “digipachi” will be described. In the embodiment, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine”, that is, “direction approaching the player (front side as viewed from the player)”, and “rear” and “front”. “Back” indicates “backward with respect to the gaming machine”, that is, “a direction away from the player (back side when viewed from the player)”. “Up” means “up” as viewed from the player, “down” means “down” as seen from the player, and “left” means from the player “Left” indicates “right”, and “right” indicates “right” as viewed from the player.

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front portion of the pachinko machine 1. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (released) to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame 3. The game board 20 is exposed. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

  A window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted into the window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize a game area, which will be described later, of the game board 20 disposed on the back side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). Further, a small window portion 4c is formed at the lower right of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted into the small window portion 4c. The player can visually recognize a segment display section, which will be described later, of the game board 20 disposed on the back side through the small window portion 4c (transparent plate 4d).

  An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right peripheral edge of the window 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left peripheral edge of the window 4a. Is provided. A pair of upper speakers 6 a are provided on the left and right above the window 4 a, and a lower speaker 6 b is provided on the front side of the lower part of the main body frame 2. The upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, the left side lamp 5c, the upper speaker 6a, and the lower speaker 6b are driven in order to enhance a game effect.

  An upper plate part 7 is provided below the window part 4 a in the front frame 4. In the upper plate part 7, game balls lent out through the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1 are stored. In addition, a lower tray portion 8 is provided below the upper tray portion 7, and a game ball lent out beyond the capacity of the upper tray portion 7 or a game paid out exceeding the capacity of the upper tray portion 7. The ball is stored.

  A launching handle 9 that can be rotated by the player is provided on the right side of the lower plate portion 8 in the front frame 4. The rotation shaft of the firing handle 9 is connected to a launching device unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the back side of the firing handle 9. The launcher unit 261 is supplied with a game ball stored in the upper plate part 7. When the player rotates the firing handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launching device unit 261, and the launching motor built in the launching device unit 261 is activated to play the game with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle 9. A ball is fired.

  In addition, an effect button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided at the edge on the front side of the upper plate portion 7, and a push operation and a rotation operation by the player can be performed on the left side of the lower plate portion 8. A jog shuttle 10b is provided. These effect buttons 10a and jog shuttle 10b are both effect operation units operated by the player, and when operated by the player when a predetermined condition is established, a predetermined game effect is performed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 20. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed at the center of the game board 20. A game ball launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) passes between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23 and is released to the game area 21, and flows down from above the game area 21. Since the game area 21 is visually recognized by the player through the window 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, the state of the game ball flowing down the game area 21 can also be visually recognized through the window 4a. is there.

  A central device 40 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 21, and an effect display device 41 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 40. The effect display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and various images for effects can be displayed on the display screen. The display contents of the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  A normal symbol operation gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, it is detected by the built-in gate sensor 27s (see FIG. 3) and flows downward.

  A first start port 24 is provided below the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. In the first start port 24, the possibility of entering a game ball is unchanged (constant), and the game ball can always enter. The game ball that has entered the first start port 24 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and is detected by the first start port sensor 24s (see FIG. 3).

  Below the first start port 24 in the game area 21, a second start port 25 that changes the possibility of entering a game ball is provided. The second starting port 25 of the present embodiment includes an opening / closing door 26 that can be rotated by tilting the upper end side forward with the lower end side as an axis, and the opening / closing door 26 is substantially upright so that a game ball cannot enter ( Alternatively, it can be changed between a closed state in which it is difficult to enter) and an open state in which the open / close door 26 is rotated forward to allow a game ball to enter (or easily enter). FIG. 2 shows a state where the second start port 25 is in an open state. The game ball that has entered the second start port 25 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the second start port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3).

  On the right side of the first start port 24 in the game area 21, there is provided a large winning port 28 that is largely opened in a substantially rectangular shape toward the front. The grand prize winning opening 28 includes an opening / closing door 29 that can be rotated by tilting the upper end side forward with the lower end side as an axis, and the opening / closing door 29 is substantially upright so that a game ball cannot enter and is opened and closed. The door 29 can be changed to an open state in which the game ball can enter by rotating forward. FIG. 2 shows a state where the special winning opening 28 is in an open state. The game ball that has entered the special winning opening 28 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the special winning opening sensor 28s (see FIG. 3).

  In addition, around the gaming devices described above, there are provided other winning holes 30 through which game balls can enter, windmill type wheels 31 that influence the path through which the game balls flow, a large number of game nails 32, and the like. Yes. The game ball that has entered the other prize opening 30 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the other prize opening sensor 30s (see FIG. 3). Further, an out port 33 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 21 and below the second start port 25. The first start port 24, the second start port 25, the special winning port 28, and the like described above. The game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports 30 are discharged from the out port 33 to the back side of the game board 20.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails 32 and the like, a game ball flowing down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) enters the first start port 24 described above. Sphere is possible. On the other hand, the game balls flowing down the area on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass through or enter the normal symbol operation gate 27, the second start opening 25, and the big winning opening 28. is there. In the following, launching a game ball so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 is also expressed as “left-handed”, and launching a game ball so as to flow down the right area of the central device 40 Is also expressed as “right-handed”. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a game ball enters any one of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, and the other winning port 30, three game balls are paid out as a winning ball. When a game ball enters the big winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

  In addition, a segment display unit 50 that displays information related to a game by a combination of a plurality of LEDs is provided at the lower right of the game area 21 on the game board 20. The segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through a small window 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. The display contents of the segment display unit 50 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards and various boards. When the functions are roughly classified, the main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, the sub-control board 220 that controls the control of the game, and the control of the sub-control board 220 The image / sound control board 230 that controls the display and the output of sound, the lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of the lamp under the control of the sub-control board 220, and the control related to lending and paying out the game balls The payout control board 240 and the launch control board 260 for controlling the game ball are composed. These control boards include a CPU (CPUs 201, 221, 231 and the like in FIG. 3) for executing various logical operations and calculation operations, and a ROM (ROMs 202 and 222 in FIG. 3) in which various programs and data executed by the CPU are stored. 232), a RAM (RAM 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which temporary data is stored when the program is executed, and various peripheral LSIs such as an input / output circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Has been.

  The main control board 200 includes a first start port sensor 24s that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 24, a second start port sensor 25s that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 25, A special prize opening sensor 28s for detecting a game ball that has entered the special prize opening 28, a gate sensor 27s for detecting a game ball that passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and other game balls that have entered the prize opening 30 A prize opening sensor 30s or the like is connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a detection signal of a game ball from the first start port sensor 24s, the second start port sensor 25s, the big winning port sensor 28s, the gate sensor 27s, the other winning port sensor 30s, or the like. Then, a command corresponding to the sensor to which the detection signal is input is transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like. The first start port sensor 24s and the second start port sensor 25s of the present embodiment correspond to the “detecting means” of the present invention.

  In addition, the main control board 200 switches the start port solenoid 26m that drives the open / close door 26 that can switch between the open state and the closed state of the second start port 25, and the open state and the closed state of the special winning opening 28. A large winning opening solenoid 29m for driving the possible opening / closing door 29, a segment display unit 50, and the like are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the start opening solenoid 26m, the special winning opening solenoid 29m, and the segment display section 50.

  The sub-control board 220 is connected to an image / audio control board 230, a lamp control board 226, and an effect operation board 228. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and performs a game effect according to the contents. That is, a command for designating a display image and output sound is transmitted to the image / sound control board 230, and the upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c (hereinafter referred to as “various types”) are transmitted to the lamp control board 226. A game effect is performed by transmitting a command designating a light emission pattern of the lamps 5a to 5c ". Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 detects a player's operation on the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b (hereinafter also referred to as “effect operation units 10a and 10b”) via the effect operation board 228, the CPU 221 performs the operation. Perform the corresponding game effects.

  The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. When receiving the command from the sub-control board 220, the CPU 231 of the image / sound control board 230 instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (for example, sprite data, moving image data, etc.) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 235, generates an image, and outputs the image to the display screen of the effect display device 41. When the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it reads out the audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 236, and transmits a signal of the audio data to the amplifier board 224. Sound is output from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter also referred to as “various speakers 6a and 6b”).

  Connected to the payout control board 240 are a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper plate part 7, a card unit 242 arranged in parallel with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, the signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to rent out game balls while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Further, when the payout control board 240 receives a payout command instructing payout of the game ball from the main control board 200, the payout motor 243 is driven to pay out the game ball.

  Further, a launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and a launcher unit 261 is connected to the launch control board 260. The launcher unit 261 includes a launch motor 262 for launching a game ball, a touch switch 263 for detecting that a player is touching the launch handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that the player is touching the launch handle 9, the launch motor 262 can be operated, and the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9.

B. Overview of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the player rotates the launch handle 9 while the game balls are stored in the upper plate portion 7, the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied to the launcher unit 261 one by one, and FIG. It is fired toward the game area 21 described above. Since the strength at which the game ball is launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, the player can cause the game ball to flow down to a desired area by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, a game ball is fired so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) (left-handed), or a game ball flows down the right area of the central device 40 Can be fired (right-handed).

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a left-handed game ball can enter the first start port 24. When a game ball enters the first start port 24 and is detected by the first start port sensor 24s, a predetermined determination random number (such as a big hit determination random number) is acquired, and whether the big hit is based on the value of the determination random number After performing the jackpot determination to determine whether it is off, the segment display unit 50 displays a variation of the first special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as “first special diagram”). Also, a right-handed game ball can enter the second start opening 25. When a game ball enters the second start opening 25 and is detected by the second start opening sensor 25s, the determination display random number is acquired and the jackpot determination is performed. (Hereinafter also referred to as “second special figure”) is displayed. In the following, the first special figure and the second special figure may be simply referred to as “special symbols” when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the segment display unit 50 in an enlarged manner. As described above, the segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through the small window 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. As shown, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 for displaying the first special figure and a second special figure display part 52 for displaying the second special figure, respectively. It consists of 9 LEDs. The first special figure and the second special figure are variably displayed by blinking nine LEDs on the corresponding display units 51 and 52 (switching the LEDs to be lit), and a predetermined combination of LEDs is lit. Stopped display. At this time, if the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the LED of the combination corresponding to the big hit symbol is turned on, and if it is off, the LED of the combination corresponding to the lost symbol is turned on. The first special figure and the second special figure of the present embodiment correspond to “identification information” of the present invention, and the first special figure display unit 51 and the second special figure display unit 52 of the present example are This corresponds to “identification information display means” of the present invention. The jackpot symbol in this example corresponds to the “specific mode” of the present invention.

  Note that even if a game ball enters the first start port 24 or the second start port 25, the new start condition of the variable display is not satisfied, such as during the variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure. In this case, the value of the determination random number acquired by entering the first start port 24 is stored as the first special figure hold, and the value of the determination random number acquired by entering the second start port 25 is stored as the second special figure. Store as figure hold. After that, when a new variable display start condition for the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) is satisfied, the jackpot determination is performed based on the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and the corresponding special Performs variable display of symbols. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, up to four such first special figure hold and second special figure hold can be stored. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold are stored, even if the special symbol variation display cannot be started yet (the variation display start condition is satisfied). Even if it is not), it is possible to determine in advance whether it is a big hit or miss based on the stored first special figure hold or second special figure hold. This determination is called “preliminary determination”. Naturally, the result of the preliminary determination is coincident with the result of the jackpot determination performed when the special symbol variation display is started. As will be described later, a game effect that reflects the result of the prior determination can be performed before the start of the special symbol variation display.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 includes a first special figure hold display unit 53 for displaying the number of first special figure hold (first special figure hold number) and a second special figure hold. A second special figure hold display unit 54 for displaying a number (second special figure hold number) is provided, each of which is constituted by two LEDs. In these hold display sections 53 and 54, if the number of holds is zero, both LEDs are turned off, if the number of holds is one, one LED is lit, and if the number of holds is two, Two LEDs are lit, one LED blinks if the number of holdings is three, and two LEDs blinks if the number of holdings is four.

  When the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game in which the big winning opening 28 is opened is executed. In the big hit game, a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls enter the opened big winning opening 28, or when a predetermined open time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, a round game that is closed multiple times (for example, 15 times) repeated. As described above, when a game ball enters the big winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as a winning ball, so that the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls by the big hit game. The jackpot game of this embodiment corresponds to the “specific game” of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-handed display unit 59 composed of two LEDs. As described above, a right-handed game ball can enter the big winning opening 28, and during the big hit game, it is advantageous for the player to make a right-hand hit. By illuminating the LED, the player is prompted to make a right strike.

  Further, as described above, the normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and a right-handed game ball can pass through the normal symbol operating gate 27. . When a game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined determination random number (such as a determination random number per ordinary figure) is acquired, and whether or not the normal figure is hit or lost based on the value of the determination random number After the normal symbol hit determination is performed, the segment display unit 50 displays the variation of the normal symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a universal display unit 56 composed of two left and right LEDs. The normal symbol is variably displayed by blinking the two LEDs (switching the LED to be lit) on the universal symbol display unit 56, and is stopped and displayed when one of the LEDs is lit. At this time, if the result of the normal symbol determination is normal symbol, the left LED corresponding to the symbol per symbol is turned on, and if it is off, the right LED corresponding to the symbol out is lit. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed per symbol, the game is played per symbol that is closed after the second start port 25 is opened, so that a game ball is placed in the second start port 25. Is likely to enter the ball (that is, the possibility that the variation display of the second special figure is performed).

  Even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, if the start condition of the new variation display is not satisfied, such as during the variation display of the normal symbol, the value of the acquired determination random number is normally suspended. It is possible to store up to four as. After that, when a new change display start condition for the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol hit determination and the normal symbol change display are performed based on the general symbol hold. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a general map hold display unit 57 composed of two LEDs. It is displayed on the display unit 57.

  The opening time of the second start port 25 in a game per game differs depending on whether it is “electric support state” or “non-electric support state”. In the electric support state, the opening time of the second start port 25 is set longer than that in the non-electric support state. Further, in the electric support state, the probability that the result of the determination per base drawing is per base diagram (probability per base diagram) is higher than that in the non-electric support state, and the variation time of the normal symbol is set short. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that a game ball enters the second start port 25 (that is, the possibility that the variation display of the second special figure is performed) is higher than in the non-electric support state.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided, which are roughly divided into “normal hit symbols” and “probable hit symbols”, and a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is provided. Regardless of which jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the electric support state is set after the jackpot game ends. And in the case of a normal winning symbol, after the big hit game is finished, the probability that the result of the big hit determination will be a big hit (hit probability) is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability), and the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is a predetermined number of times When (for example, 100 times) is reached, the non-electric support state is set. On the other hand, in the case of a probable winning symbol, the jackpot probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability after the jackpot game ends, and is continued until the next jackpot game together with the electric support state. Hereinafter, a state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as a “probability variation state”. Also, in the electric support state, since the variation time of the special symbol (the first special figure and the second special figure) is set shorter than that in the non-electric support state, it is the electric support state and the jackpot probability is a normal probability. The state set to “” may be referred to as “time-short state”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with an electric support display unit 58 composed of three LEDs, and the electric support display unit 58 turns on the three LEDs to turn on the electric support. Indicates that it is in a state. In addition, as described above, in the electric support state, the possibility of entering the game ball into the second starting port 25 is higher than in the non-electric support state, and it is advantageous for the player to make a right strike in the electric support state. Thus, as in the big hit game, the player is prompted to make a right strike by turning on the two LEDs of the right strike display section 59.

  Further, in conjunction with the variation display of the special symbol (first special diagram and second special diagram) described above, the effect display device 41 produces an effect (hereinafter referred to as “symbol variation effect”) in which various images for the effect are displayed. Say). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 41. On the display screen of the effect display device 41, it is possible to display three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c as background symbols, a background image 41d as the background, and the like. When the variation display of the special symbol is started in the first special symbol display unit 51 or the second special symbol display unit 52 of the segment display unit 50, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are also a plurality of numbers in the effect display device 41. (For example, nine numbers from “1” to “9”) are switched one after another and displayed in a variable manner. Note that the identification symbol may be a symbol, graphic, symbol, or the like as a design in addition to numerals, as long as the player can identify the type.

  FIG. 5A conceptually shows how the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 41a is first stopped and displayed at any one of “1” to “9”, then the right identification symbol 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the middle The identification symbol 41b is stopped and displayed. The three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed with a combination (unevenness) that is not aligned with the same number when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is removed and stopped. On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, it is stopped and displayed with a combination of the same numbers (horizontal eyes). In particular, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the probability variation symbol that is more advantageous than the normal symbol for the player, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed together with the same odd number.

  In this way, by making the display contents of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c on the effect display device 41 correspond to the display contents of the special symbols, two of the three identification symbols are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5B. When the numbers are the same, the player pays attention to the variation display (design variation effect) of the identification symbols, so that the identification symbols that are stopped and displayed at the end are also aligned with the same numbers. In this way, the effect performed while the two identification symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol and the last identification symbol is variably displayed is called a “reach effect”. By generating this reach effect, It is possible to enhance interest. In addition to the normal reach effect (normal reach effect), the reach effect is provided with a super reach effect in which the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are more likely to be stopped and displayed with a doublet than the normal reach effect. .

  In addition, in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a hold display area 42 (a chain line in the figure) for indicating that a special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold) is stored. (The part surrounded by) is provided. In the hold display area 42 of the present embodiment, one hold symbol 43 is displayed for one storage of the special figure hold. The same number of reserved symbols 43 as the number of reserved figures are displayed, and if the non-electric support state (when left-handed), the same number of reserved symbols 43 as the first special figure reserved number are displayed. In other words, in correspondence with the fact that a maximum of four first special figure holds and two second special figure holds can be stored, the hold display area 42 has a maximum of four hold symbols 43 as in the example of FIG. It can be displayed. The hold display area 42 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “notification area” of the present invention, and the hold symbol 43 of the present embodiment corresponds to “notification information” of the present invention. In the hold display area 42 of the present embodiment, the result of the above-described prior determination can be reflected in the display mode of the hold symbol 43.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the display mode of the hold symbol 43 and the result of the prior determination. In the reserved symbol 43 of the present embodiment, the display mode is different in color, and four types of white, blue, yellow, and red are provided. As described above, the pre-judgment is to determine in advance whether a big hit or miss is made based on the stored special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold), and the existence of the stored special figure hold. The display mode (color) of the reserved symbol 43 representing “” is selected with different probabilities according to the determination result (whether it is a big hit or missed).

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the result of the pre-determination is a big hit, the probability of being selected as the color of the reserved symbol 43 is the lowest in white, higher in the order of blue and yellow, and the probability of selecting red. The highest is set. On the other hand, if the result of the prior determination is out of place, the probability of being selected as the color of the reserved symbol 43 is set such that red is the lowest, yellow and blue are higher in this order, and white is the highest probability of being selected. . Accordingly, the “big hit expectation” indicating the possibility that the result of the pre-judgment is a big hit (the possibility that the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol) is the lowest when the color of the reserved symbol 43 is white, blue, It becomes higher in order of yellow, and highest in red.

  By reflecting the result of the prior determination in the color of the holding symbol 43 in this way, the player's attention can be drawn to the holding symbol 43 displayed in the holding display area 42, and the player's expectation is changed. It will be possible to enhance the entertainment interest. In addition, the difference in the display mode of the reserved symbol 43 reflecting the result of the prior determination is not limited to the color, and may be a difference in shape or a difference in size. In addition, the timing of changing the display mode of the reserved symbol 43 is not limited to when a new reserved symbol 43 is displayed (added), and the display mode of the held symbol 43 already displayed may be changed in the middle.

  Furthermore, in the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a race effect using a horse race as a motif as a symbol variation effect. It should be noted that the race effect of the present embodiment suggests that there is a higher possibility that the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) will be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol than the normal reach effect (normal reach effect). Production. The race effect of the present embodiment corresponds to the “second effect” of the present invention, and the symbol variation effect other than the race effect of the present embodiment corresponds to the “first effect” of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a race effect executed by the effect display device 41. The race effect of the present embodiment is such that a plurality of racehorses 45 displayed on the effect display device 41 compete to reach the goal 46, and among the plurality of racehorses 45, the racehorses associated with the players ( Hereinafter, “PLAYER” is displayed on the specific racehorse 45a.

  In the race production, the specific racehorse 45a suggests a symbol (stop symbol) that is stopped and displayed as a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) depending on the order of arrival of the specific racehorse 45a. When 45a reaches the first place, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “probable hit symbol”. When the second symbol is reached, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “normal hit symbol”. That is, if the arrival order of the specific racehorse 45a is within 2nd place, it is suggested that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot design. Suggest that. By executing such a race effect, it is possible to make the player expect the result of the race (the order of arrival of the specific racehorses 45a), and to enhance the gaming interest. During the execution of the race effect of the present embodiment, although the display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is continued on the effect display device 41, the display range is reduced, and in the example shown, the effect display device. 41 is displayed in the upper left corner. These identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed as the result of the race effect is shown.

  Further, in the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment, when the race effect is executed, the hold display area 42 (the part surrounded by the one-dot chain line in the figure) provided at the lower part of the display screen is reduced. In the empty area generated by the reduction of the holding display area 42, a race information display area 44 (a part surrounded by a broken line in the drawing) for displaying information related to the race is provided. Details of the change of the hold display area 42 in the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control related to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of FIG. 8 based on a timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 msec). In the following description, description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt disable process, and the interrupt enable process is omitted.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first performs an output process (S10). In the main control board 200 of this embodiment, various commands to be transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220 are temporarily stored in an output buffer secured in the RAM 203 in each process described later. In the output process (S10), various commands stored in the output buffer are transmitted to various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub control board 220 controls the effect in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out the game ball.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs an input process (S20) following the output process (S10). As described above, when a game ball enters one of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, the big winning port 28, and the other winning ports 30, the game ball is paid out as a winning ball. . Therefore, in the input process (S20), a game ball is detected with respect to various sensors (such as the first start opening sensor 24s, the second start opening sensor 25s, the big winning opening sensor 28s, and the other winning opening sensor 30s). Determine whether or not. When a game ball is detected, a payout command for instructing payout of the game ball is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10).

  When the input process (S20) is completed, a random number update process (S30) is performed. As described above, the normal hit determination and the special symbol jackpot determination are performed based on the value of a predetermined determination random number. In addition to this, various determinations to be described later are made based on the value of a dedicated random number. In the random number update process (S30), these random numbers are updated. Note that the random number is updated not only in the random number update process (S30) in the game control process, but also after the game control process is finished once until the next game control process is started (timer interrupt is generated). It may be performed in between. Further, a dedicated circuit for updating the random number may be provided, and the random number may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

  When the random number update process (S30) is completed, a gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when a game ball is detected by the gate sensor 27s, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved drawings has reached the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). Then, a random number for determining a common figure is acquired, and the obtained random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a general figure hold.

  Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), a start port sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the start port sensor detection process (S50), when a game ball is detected by the first start port sensor 24s, it is determined whether or not the first special figure holding number has reached the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If not reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure hold. Further, when a game ball is detected by the second start port sensor 25s, it is determined whether or not the second special figure holding number has reached the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). The determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random value is stored in the RAM 203 as the second special figure hold. Here, as the determination random number, the big hit determination random number for performing the big hit determination, the symbol determination random number for determining the type of the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed with the special symbol in the case of the big hit, or the start of the special symbol variation display Fluctuation pattern determination random numbers for determining the variation pattern from to the stop display are acquired. The determination random number stored as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold in this embodiment corresponds to the “acquired information” of the present invention. This corresponds to the “acquired information storage means” of the present invention.

  Further, in the start port sensor detection process (S50), the above-described prior determination is performed. In other words, it is determined whether it is a big hit or miss in advance based on the value of the determination random number stored as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and this pre-judgment starts the variable symbol display of special symbols. Since this is basically the same as the jackpot determination described later, details will be described later. When the preliminary determination is performed, a preliminary determination result transmission command indicating the result of the preliminary determination is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This prior determination result transmission command is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

  When the start port sensor detection process (S50) is completed, a normal operation process (S60) is performed. In the normal operation process (S60), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol variation display or a game per game is being executed. If neither normal symbol fluctuation display nor normal symbol game is being executed, after confirming that the fixed time has elapsed since the normal symbol stop display, is the universal symbol hold stored? Judge whether or not. If the universal map hold is stored, the first stored universal map hold is read, and the universal map determination is performed based on the read general map hold (the value of the random number for determining the universal map). As described above, in the electric support state, the probability per base map is set higher than that in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the probability per base figure is set to 1/100. In the electric support state, the probability per ordinary map is set to 99/100.

  Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the normal symbol per symbol or the stop symbol with the off symbol. Furthermore, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set, and the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. As described above, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter than that in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the change time is set to 20 seconds, whereas in the electric support state, The variation time is set to 1 second.

  When normal symbols are being displayed, it is determined whether or not the variation time has elapsed, and when the variation time has elapsed, after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the symbols per regular symbol or out-of-design. Then, subtract "1" from the number of pending orders. Then, after the fixed time has elapsed, if the normal symbol that has been stopped and displayed is out of the symbol, the process of starting the variable symbol display again is performed. On the other hand, if the normal symbol that is displayed in a stopped state is a symbol per regular symbol, a game per symbol is started.

  During a game per game, after the start opening solenoid 26m is driven to open the second start opening 25, a process of returning to the closed state is performed when the opening time elapses. As described above, in the electric support state, the opening time of the second start port 25 is set longer than that in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the opening time is 0.3 seconds (0.1 seconds × 3 times open). On the other hand, in the electric support state, it is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds × 3 times open). When the normal operation process (S60) is thus completed, the special operation process (S70) is subsequently performed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the special operation process of this embodiment. When starting the special operation process (S70), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the first special figure or the second special figure is being variably displayed (S71). If neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being displayed (S71: no), it is subsequently determined whether or not the first special figure or the second special figure is being finalized ( S72). When the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is stopped and displayed, the stopped and displayed state is maintained until a predetermined time elapses in order to determine the symbol that is stopped and displayed (big hit symbol or off symbol). The confirmation display is performed.

  If neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being confirmed (S72: no), it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S73). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is being played, and a storage area for the big hit flag is secured in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. If the jackpot flag is not set to ON, that is, if the jackpot game is not in progress (S73: no), then whether or not the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold number are “0”. Is determined (S74). If both the number of first special figure hold and the number of second special figure hold are “0” (S74: yes), the special operation process of FIG. 9 is terminated without starting the special symbol variation display. Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the number of first special figure hold or the number of second special figure hold is not “0” (S74: no), the above-described various determination random numbers (hit determination random number, symbol determination) stored as special figure hold The values of random numbers and variation pattern determination random numbers are read (S75). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the second special figure hold is stored first, the second special figure hold stored first is read, and if the second special figure hold is not stored, the first special figure hold is stored. Is read out from the first special figure hold. Therefore, when both the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold are stored, the second special figure hold is read prior to the first special figure hold (the second special figure hold is preferentially digested). Therefore, the first special figure hold is read only when the second special figure hold is not stored.

  When the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold is read out in this way, a big hit determination process (S76) is performed. In the big hit determination process (S76), the big hit determination is performed while referring to the big hit determination table using the value of the big hit determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold. The big hit determination table is a table in which a big hit determination result of “big hit” or “out” is associated with the value of the big hit determination random number, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. In addition, as described above, during the probability variation state, the big hit probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability, and a big hit is more likely to occur than in the non-probability variation state. It is divided into for state use.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the jackpot determination table of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 (a) shows a jackpot determination table for a non-probability change state, and FIG. 10 (b) shows a jackpot determination table for a probability change state. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), in the jackpot determination table for the non-probable variation state, “hit” is set to the random values 0 to 217 out of the random values 0 to 65535, and “ “Out” is set. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the jackpot determination table for the probability variation state, “hit” is set to the random values 0 to 655 among the random values 0 to 65535, and the remaining random values are “Out” is set.

  In the big hit determination, the big hit determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold corresponds to “big hit” by referring to the big hit determination table selected according to whether or not the probability change state is in effect It is determined whether the value is a value (big hit value) or a value corresponding to “out” (outlier). Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the determination result of “big hit” is obtained with a probability of about 1/300 in the non-probable change state, and the “big hit” with a probability of about 1/100 in the probabilistic state. Is obtained. Similarly, in the above-described prior determination, whether or not the big hit is determined is determined by referring to the big hit determination table using the value of the big hit determination random number stored as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold.

  In this way, if the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped is determined. As described above, there are a plurality of jackpot symbols, which are roughly classified into normal hit symbols and probability variation hit symbols. The determination of the jackpot symbol is performed with reference to a jackpot symbol determination table (not shown) using the value of the symbol determination random number read as the second special symbol hold or the first special symbol hold. The jackpot symbol determination table is a table in which a symbol determination random number value and a plurality of jackpot symbols are associated with each other, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Then, the jackpot symbol associated with the read symbol determination random number value is determined as a symbol to be stopped (stop symbol) and stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is off, the off symbol is stored in the RAM 203 as a stop symbol.

  Subsequent to the jackpot determination process (S76) as described above, a variation pattern determination process (S77) is performed. Here, the fluctuation pattern is for identifying the time (fluctuation time) from when the special symbol (the first special figure or the second special figure) starts the variable display to the stop display (fluctuation time). The obtained variation patterns have different variation times. In the variation pattern determination process (S77), a special symbol for starting variation display is referred to while referring to the variation pattern determination table using the value of the variation pattern determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold. Determine the variation pattern. The variation pattern determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the variation pattern determination table. As shown in the figure, the variation pattern determination table associates the value of the variation pattern determination random number with the variation pattern ID assigned to each of the plurality of variation patterns, and is set to the plurality of variation patterns. The variation times are different from each other. Such variation pattern determination tables are roughly classified into a probability variation state table, a time-short state table, and a normal state table that is neither the probability variation state nor the time-short state, depending on the gaming state. As described above, the electric support state is set in the probability variation state and the short time state, whereas the electric support state is not set in the normal state. In the electric support state, the variation time of the special symbol (the first special figure and the second special figure) is set shorter than that in the non-electric support state. Therefore, a variation pattern having a shorter variation time than the variation pattern determination table for the normal state is set in the variation pattern determination table for the probability variation state and the short time state.

  Further, the variation pattern determination table roughly divided according to the game state is subdivided into a big hit table and a release table, respectively, according to the result of the big hit determination. When the result of the big hit is a big hit, the reach effect described above is often performed, and in order to make it easy to secure the execution time, the fluctuation time is longer in the big hit table than in the out table. The fluctuation pattern is set. The subdivision of the various variation pattern determination tables is not limited to this, and may be subdivided according to the type of special symbol (whether the first special figure or the second special figure), for example. Furthermore, it may be subdivided according to the number of stored special figure reservations. The larger the number of special figure reservations, the faster the change pattern with a shorter fluctuation time is set in order to expedite the suspension. It may be a decision table.

  In the variation pattern determination process (S77), referring to the variation pattern determination table selected according to the current gaming state, the result of the jackpot determination, the type of special symbol, the number of stored special diagram, etc. The fluctuation pattern associated with the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold is determined as the current fluctuation pattern.

  When the variation pattern determination process (S77) is completed, the special symbol variation display is started (S78). In addition, a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern and a stop symbol designation command for designating a stop symbol are stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. These commands are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). As will be described later, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives these commands and executes the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol.

  When the special symbol variation display is started in this way, the special operation process of FIG. 9 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the game control process, the number-of-holds process (S90) is performed following the special operation process (S70). In the hold number processing (S90), the stored first special figure hold number and second special figure hold number are confirmed, and a hold number transmission command indicating these hold numbers is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The hold number transmission command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10), and the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the command and holds the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold. The increase / decrease in the number is confirmed. If the number is increased, the reserved symbol 43 is added to the reserved display area 42 of the effect display device 41. If the number is decreased, the reserved symbol 43 is deleted. Further, as described above, when the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is newly stored in the start port sensor detection process (S50), a predetermination result transmission command indicating a predetermination result is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 that has received the command is displayed in the hold display area 42 by transmitting this pre-result transmission command to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10). It is possible to reflect the result of prior determination in the mode (color) of the reserved symbol 43 to be performed.

  When the pending number process (S90) is performed, the game control process of FIG. 8 is once ended, and when a timer interrupt occurs every 4 msec, the game control process of FIG. 8 is executed again. Then, when the series of processes after the output process (S10) is performed and the special operation process (S70) is resumed, it is determined in the determination of S71 shown in FIG. (S71: yes), a special symbol stop process (S79) is performed.

  In the special symbol stop process (S79), first, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol during variation display has elapsed. As described above, the variation time of the special symbol is set to the variation pattern determined at the start of the variation display. If the variation time has not yet elapsed, the special symbol suspension process ( S79) is ended, the special operation process of FIG. 9 is also ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  After that, while the game control process of FIG. 8 is repeated, if the variation time of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) during the fluctuation display has elapsed, the stored stop symbol (the big hit symbol or the off symbol) ) To stop displaying special symbols. Also, along with the special symbol stop display (end of change display), if it is the second special figure, “1” is subtracted from the number of the second special figure hold, and if it is the first special figure, the number of the first special figure hold "1" is subtracted from. Then, the variable stop command indicating the special symbol stop display is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). Furthermore, the time (definite time) for definite display of the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is set.

  When the special operation process of FIG. 9 is terminated in a state where the special symbol is stopped and displayed (determined display) in this way, in the next special operation process, it is determined in S72 that the special symbol is being displayed (S72: yes), special symbol confirmation processing (S80) is performed. In the special symbol determination process (S80), first, it is determined whether or not the fixed time has elapsed from the special symbol stop display. If the fixed time has not yet elapsed, the special symbol determination process (S80) is terminated as it is, The special operation process of FIG. 9 is also terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  After that, when the special symbol confirmation time has elapsed, it is determined whether the special symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is a jackpot symbol or a missing symbol. If the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is out of the design, it is next determined whether or not it is in a time-short state. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is counted by the time-counter counter during the time-short state, and the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 has a storage area for the time-counter. Yes. As described above, in the non-probable change state and the electric support state (short-time state), when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), the non-electric support state (normal state) is set. Yes. For this reason, when the number of fluctuations counted by the time counter reaches a predetermined number, the electric support state is terminated and the gaming state is set to the normal state. Further, if it is not in the time saving state but in the probability changing state or in the normal state, the special operation processing of FIG. 9 is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a jackpot symbol, the jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot game is being played is set to ON, and the opening pattern of the jackpot 28 in the jackpot game (number of rounds, Set the opening time, closing time, etc.). A jackpot start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

  When the special operation process of FIG. 9 is ended in the state where the big hit flag is set to ON in this way, in the next special operation process, it is determined that the big hit flag is set to ON in the determination of S73 (S73: yes). The big hit game process (S81) is performed. In the big hit game process (S81), first, the big prize opening solenoid 29m is driven to open the big prize opening 28 to start the round game. After that, when the opening time elapses or when a specified number of game balls enter the big winning opening 28, the big winning opening 28 is closed to end the round game, and the next round game is waited for the closing time to elapse. To start. Then, when all of the set round times are consumed, the big hit flag is set to OFF. A jackpot end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). It should be noted that the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment that performs jackpot game processing corresponds to “specific game execution means” of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set according to the type of the jackpot symbol that is confirmed and displayed. In other words, if the jackpot symbol is a probable hit symbol, the probability change state (electric support state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability) is set. If the jackpot symbol is a normal hit symbol, the time-short state (the jackpot probability is a normal probability). Set to the power support state set to. In addition, a game state designation command indicating a game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

  When the special operation process of FIG. 9 is terminated in the state where the big hit flag is set to OFF in this way, in the next special operation process, the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number are not “0” (S74). : No), a process (S75 to S78) for newly starting the variable symbol display is performed.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. As described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands to the sub control board 220 while executing the game control process. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines the specific contents of the presentation based on the received command, and designates the display contents and the voice contents on the image / sound control board 230 and the lamp control board 226, thereby producing the presentation display. Various game effects using the device 41, the various speakers 6a and 6b, and the various lamps 5a to 5c are executed. In the following, processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 (symbol variation effect processing) for controlling the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the first special diagram and the second special diagram. Will be described.

C-2. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a symbol variation effect process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. This symbol variation effect process is performed based on a timer interrupt generated at a predetermined cycle. In the following description, description of well-known processing such as initialization processing of the CPU 221, interrupt prohibition processing, interrupt permission processing, etc. will be omitted.

  When starting the symbol variation effect processing, the CPU 221 of the sub control substrate 220 first determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main control substrate 200 (S100). As described above, the fluctuation pattern designation command is a command for designating a fluctuation pattern of a special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) for which fluctuation display is started in the segment display unit 50. When a variation pattern designation command is received (S100: yes), a process (effect content determination process) is performed to determine the content of the symbol variation effect executed by the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol ( S101). In the symbol variation effect of the present embodiment, not only the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b and 41c but also the special symbol is a big hit symbol than the above-described reach effect (normal reach effect, super reach effect) or normal reach effect. This includes race effects that suggest a high probability of being stopped. A large number of such symbol variation effects are provided, and the time required to execute the effects (effect execution time) is different.

  In the effect content determination process (S101), the symbol variation effect to be executed is determined in accordance with the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command. As described above, the variation pattern corresponds to the variation time of the special symbol, and the effect execution time of the provided symbol variation effect coincides with the variation time corresponding to any variation pattern. For this reason, the symbol variation effect of the effect execution time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined as the current symbol variation effect from among a large number of symbol variation effects. If a variation pattern with a short variation time is specified, naturally, the execution time of the symbol variation effect is also short, and if there is no room for performing the reach effect, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed in an instantly varying manner. Only the design variation effect is determined.

  In addition, in the symbol variation effect of this embodiment, it is possible to execute a race effect using a horse race as described above, and if the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern designation command is a specific variation pattern, the race effect is performed. To do. This specific variation pattern is set so as to be easily determined when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, but may also be determined when the result of the big hit determination is out of place (see S77 in FIG. 9). In addition, in the case of performing a race effect, the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c (symbol variation effect) is started, and then the race effect is developed from the middle. Is set to a length capable of securing the time for performing the race performance.

  And when performing a race effect, the content of a race effect is determined according to the stop symbol of a special symbol. As described above, in the race production according to the present embodiment, the stop symbol of the special symbol is suggested by the arrival order of the specific racehorses 45a associated with the player among the plurality of racehorses 45. Therefore, if the stop symbol of the special symbol is “out of symbol”, the specific racehorse 45a is set to be 3 or less. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is “ordinary hit symbol”, the specific racehorse 45a is set. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is “probable per hit”, the specific racehorse 45a is set to be first. Note that the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can grasp the stop symbol of the special symbol based on the stop symbol designation command from the main control board 200.

  When the effect content determination process (S101) is completed as described above, the symbol variation effect is started (S102). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command for designating the symbol variation effect determined in the effect content determination process (S101) to the image / audio control board 230. The audio / video control board 230 that has received the command displays an image corresponding to the command on the effect display device 41, and outputs audio corresponding to the command from the various speakers 6a and 6b. Thereby, in the effect display device 41, the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c is started, and then the reach effect and the race effect are accompanied.

  When the symbol variation effect is started, it is next determined whether or not the race effect is started (S103). When the race effect is started (S103: yes), the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41 is changed. (S104). As described above, the race effect of the present embodiment is developed from the middle after the start of the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, and the holding display area of the effect display device 41 is executed when the race effect is executed. 42 is reduced. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the hold display area 42, a large display area 42a and a small display area 42b are prepared with different image areas in the display screen of the effect display device 41. In the symbol variation effect, the large display area 42a is provided in the display screen of the effect display device 41, whereas in the process of S104, the display is switched to the small display area 42b smaller than the large display area 42a.

  On the other hand, when it is not the timing to start the race effect or when the symbol variation effect other than the race effect is being executed (S103: no), the hold display area 42 is not changed (the process of S104 is omitted). Subsequently, it is determined whether a change stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S105). If the variation stop command has not been received (S105: no), the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 12 is once terminated while the symbol variation effect is continued, and when a timer interrupt is generated at a predetermined cycle, FIG. The symbol variation effect process is executed.

  When the symbol variation effect is being executed, a new variation pattern designation command is not transmitted from the main control board 200, and the variation pattern designation command is not received in the determination of S100 (S100: no). ), Omitting the processing of S101 to S102 and performing the processing related to the hold display area 42 (S103, S104), it is then determined again whether or not a change stop command has been received (S105).

  When the change stop command is received (S105: yes), the symbol change effect is ended (S106). At this time, the combination of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 41 is determined based on the stop symbol designation command from the main control board 200, and the special symbol stop symbol is an out symbol. If there is a combination that is not aligned with the same number (disjoint), if it is a big hit symbol, it is a combination that is aligned with the same number (horizontal), especially if it is a probable variable symbol, the same odd number The numbers are aligned.

  When the symbol variation effect is finished in this way, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 12 is once ended. When a timer interruption occurs at a predetermined cycle, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 12 is executed again. When a new variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S100: yes), a series of processes after the effect content determination process (S101) are performed.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory view exemplifying how the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41 is changed as the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the symbol variation effect process. The hold display area 42 of the present embodiment is provided at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, and in FIG. 13, the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41 is shown enlarged. First, FIG. 13A shows a state in which a large display area 42a is provided on the display screen of the effect display device 41 as the hold display area 42 in the symbol variation effect other than the race effect. In the background of the large display area 42a of the present embodiment, an illustration image imitating a part of an elliptical course (baba) of a racetrack is displayed.

  Up to four reserved symbols 43 can be displayed in the large display area 42a, and these symbols are arranged along the course of the racetrack. Further, among the reserved symbols 43 displayed in the large display area 42a, the leftmost reserved symbol 43 is a running symbol 43a corresponding to the special symbol hold for which the special symbol variation display is being executed, and the remaining reserved symbols. Reference numeral 43 denotes an unexecuted symbol 43b corresponding to the special figure hold for which the special symbol variation display is not executed. Then, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed (variation display ends), the executing symbol 43a disappears (is deleted), and thereafter, the variability display of a new special symbol is started. One of the left ends of the unexecuted symbols 43b moves along the course to the position of the executing symbol 43a. Furthermore, the newly added reserved symbol 43 is displayed at the right end of the unexecuted symbol 43b.

  When the race effect is executed, the large display area 42a moves downward together with the unexecuted symbol 43b, and disappears from the display screen of the effect display device 41 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the execution symbol 43a remains in the display screen of the effect display device 41 although the display position is shifted downward.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13C, a small display area 42b smaller than the large display area 42a rises in the display screen of the effect display device 41 from below. In the background of the small display area 42b of the present embodiment, an illustration image imitating a part of the course of the racetrack is displayed as in the large display area 42a, and the course is drawn smaller than the large display area 42a. A running symbol 43a is displayed on the inside. The small display area 42b only needs to have a smaller image area in the display screen of the effect display device 41 than the large display area 42a, and an image of an illustration different from the large display area 42a is displayed in the background. May be.

  As described above, the display state (color) of the reserved symbol 43 reflects the result of the prior determination, and the color of the running symbol 43a can be stopped and displayed with the special symbol being variably displayed as a big hit symbol. Represents sex (expectation of jackpot). Therefore, it is necessary to display the running symbol 43a in the small display area 42b even during the race performance. Although the non-executed symbol 43b is not displayed (omitted) in the small display area 42b, after the race effect is finished as the special symbol being displayed is stopped, the new special symbol is displayed. Is started, the display returns to the large display area 42a and the unexecuted symbol 43b is displayed (see FIG. 13A).

  When the race effect is started in the empty area generated in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41 due to the change from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b as shown in FIG. 13 (d). An information display area 44 is provided. In the race information display area 44 of the present embodiment, the name of the specific racehorse 45a (equestrian riding) associated with the player among the plurality of racehorses 45, the rank of the specific racehorse 45a, and the specific race in the race. The current order of the horse 45a is displayed. The rank represents the possibility that the specific racehorse 45a will enter within the second place (expected degree of jackpot), and is divided into four stages of S rank, A rank, B rank, and C rank. The C rank is the lowest, the B rank is higher in the order of the A rank, and the S rank jackpot expectation is the highest. By displaying information on the specific racehorse 45a in the race information display area 44 in this way, the player's expectation on the result of the race (the order of arrival of the specific racehorse 45a) can be changed to enhance the gaming interest. it can.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the holding display area 42 is reduced (switched from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b) when the race effect is executed. Thereby, since the display range of the race effect in the display screen of the effect display device 41 can be ensured wider than the symbol variation effect other than the race effect, it is possible to execute an elaborate race effect. . As a result, it is possible to enhance the entertainment interest of the race production.

  In addition, when the reserved display area 42 reduced by the race effect is intentionally left (the small display area 42b is provided), the reserved display area 42 is simply erased (the reserved display area 42 originally existed). Compared to the case where the player is not even aware), it is easier for the player to notice the change in the hold display area 42, so it is possible to impress the player that it has developed into a race effect and to enhance the gaming interest It becomes.

  Then, by displaying the running symbol 43a in the reduced hold display area 42 (small display area 42b), it is possible to execute a sophisticated race effect as described above, and also during the race effect. The display of the running symbol 43a can be ensured.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the race effect is executed, the hold display area 42 is temporarily erased from the display screen of the effect display device 41, and then the reduced hold display area 42 (small display area 42b) is displayed. It appears on the display screen. In this way, by interposing a step of erasing in the process of reducing the hold display area 42 (switching from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b), the display of the executing symbol 43a is conspicuous, and the executing symbol 43a is displayed. It becomes possible to attract the attention of the player.

  Further, as the hold display area 42 is reduced (switched from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b), the display position of the execution symbol 43a is shifted downward (outer edge side of the display screen of the effect display device 41). As a result, it is possible to display the race effect by widening the central portion of the display screen of the effect display device 41.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the race information display area 44 is provided in an empty area generated by reducing the hold display area 42 (switching from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b). By displaying information related to the race effect (specific racehorse 45a) in the display area 44, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the race effect, so that it is possible to improve the gaming interest in the race effect.

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

  For example, in the embodiment described above, the hold display area 42 is provided at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 41. However, the position where the hold display area 42 is provided is not limited to this, and may be at the top of the display screen. Alternatively, it may be the left and right edges of the display screen. The running symbol 43a may be shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen when the race effect is executed.

  Further, the hold display area 42 does not necessarily have to be temporarily removed from the display screen of the effect display device 41 when the race effect is executed (the large display area 42a and the small display area 42b are not exchanged). The display range (image area) may be reduced while moving the image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the “notification area” of the present invention has been described by taking the hold display area 42 for displaying the hold symbol 43 as an example, but the “notification area” of the present invention is a notification to be notified to the player. It is only necessary to display information and is not limited to the hold display area 42. For example, as notification information, a character representing a big hit expectation degree that varies depending on the type, or data relating to a game played in the pachinko machine 1 (the number of fluctuations of a special symbol in a normal state, a big hit game continuously while the probability change state continues) A notification area for displaying the accumulated number of game balls paid out may be provided in the display screen of the effect display device 41. In this case, when the race effect described above is performed, the notification area may be reduced, the character display may be left as necessary notification information, and the data display may be omitted as needed notification information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the holding display area 42 is reduced (switched from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b) when the race effect is executed. However, the symbol variation effect that reduces the hold display area 42 at the time of execution is not limited to the race effect, but may be an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol in the symbol variation effect. That's fine. For example, when executing a super reach effect that is more likely to be displayed with a big hit symbol than a normal reach effect, the super display effect is more sophisticated than the normal reach effect by reducing the hold display area 42. It becomes possible to do. In addition, the race effects described above may be executed as a development of normal reach effects and super reach effects.

  In the above-described embodiment, the race effect is developed from the middle after the start of the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are not limited thereto. The race effect may be started simultaneously with the start of the variable display. In this case, the hold display area 42 may be reduced when executing the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c accompanied by the race effect.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. An example was explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine of a type that provides gaming profits in a form different from “payout of gaming balls”. For example, game profits (games) are stored by storing data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the entrance of a game ball at various entrances. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type in which a value is given to a player. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. As a pachinko machine of the type in which game profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called encapsulated game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back of the game board through various entrances or outs to the launch position and launch it again.

<Game machines A1 to A6 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiments>
The pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A6.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on detection of the game ball by a predetermined detection means;
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, identification information display means for stopping and displaying the identification information after being variably displayed;
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player;
A first effect as a game effect performed in accordance with the variable display of the identification information or a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect is displayed. An effect display device having a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to notify the player using a part of the display screen is provided,
In the second effect, the notification area is reduced as compared with the first effect.

  In such a gaming machine A1, since the notification area is reduced when the second effect is executed, the display range of the second effect in the display screen of the effect display device can be secured wider than the first effect. It is possible to execute the second effect that is more elaborate than the first effect. As a result, it is possible to enhance the entertainment interest of the second effect. In addition, the notification area reduced by the second effect is intentionally left, so that the notification area is simply erased compared to the case where the notification area is simply erased (when the player does not even notice that the notification area originally exists). Since it is easy for the player to notice the change of the area, it is possible to impress the player that the second effect is executed that the identification information is likely to be stopped and displayed in a specific manner, and to enhance the game entertainment Become.

<Game machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1,
The notification information includes necessary notification information that needs to be displayed in both the first effect and the second effect, and occasional notification information that can be omitted in the second effect,
In the second effect, the required notification information is displayed in the reduced notification area.

  In such a gaming machine A2, by displaying the necessary notification information in the reduced notification area, it is possible to execute the second presentation that is elaborate on the display screen, and is also required during the second presentation. Display of necessary notification information can be ensured.

<Game machine A3>
In gaming machine A2,
Displaying the notification information indicating the presence of the acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage means in the notification area;
About the necessary notification information indicating the presence of the acquired information that is performing the variable display of the identification information, it is displayed in either the first effect or the second effect,
The ad hoc notification information indicating the presence of the acquired information that has not been subjected to variable display of the identification information is displayed in the first effect, but the display in the second effect is omitted. Machine.

  In such a gaming machine A3, in the reduced notification area, by displaying the necessary notification information indicating the presence of the acquisition information (execution acquisition information) for which the variation display of the identification information is being executed, on the display screen The player can be notified of the presence of the execution-in-progress information even during the second production, while enabling the execution of the second production with an elaborate taste.

<Game machine A4>
In gaming machine A2 or gaming machine A3,
When the second effect is executed, the notification area is once erased from the display screen, and then the reduced notification area appears again.

  In such a gaming machine A4, it is possible to make the display of the necessary notification information stand out by interposing the stage of erasing the notification area in the process of reducing the notification area, and to attract the player's attention to the necessary notification information. Become.

<Game machine A5>
In any one of the gaming machines A2 to A4,
In the second effect, as compared with the first effect, the display position of the necessary notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen.

  In such a gaming machine A5, as the notification area is reduced, the display position of the necessary notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen, so that the center stage of the display screen is widened and the second effect is displayed. Is possible.

<Game machine A6>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A5,
Second game information for notifying a player about the second effect is displayed in an empty area generated by the reduction of the notification area.

  In such a gaming machine A6, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the second effect by displaying the second effect information in the empty area generated by the reduction of the notification area. It is possible to improve.

<Game machines B1 to B6 that can be extracted from the embodiment described above>
The pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above can be regarded as the following gaming machines B1 to B6.

<Game machine B1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on detection of the game ball by a predetermined detection means;
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, identification information display means for stopping and displaying the identification information after being variably displayed;
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player;
A first effect as a game effect performed in accordance with the variable display of the identification information or a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect is displayed. An effect display device having a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to notify the player using a part of the display screen is provided,
As the notification area, a large notification area and a small notification area having different image areas in the display screen are prepared,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the large notification area is provided in the display screen in the case of the first effect, and switches to the small notification area in the case of the second effect.

  In such a gaming machine B1, by switching from the large notification area to the small notification area when the second effect is executed, the display range of the second effect in the display screen of the effect display device is ensured wider than the first effect. Therefore, it is possible to execute the second effect that is more elaborate than the first effect. As a result, it is possible to enhance the entertainment interest of the second effect. In addition, the notification area is compared with the case where the notification area is simply deleted by leaving the small notification area in the second effect (when the player does not even notice that the large notification area originally exists). Since it is easy for the player to notice the change of the game, it is possible to impress the player that the second effect that the identification information is likely to be stopped and displayed in a specific manner is executed, and to enhance the gaming interest. .

<Game machine B2>
In gaming machine B1,
The notification information includes necessary notification information that needs to be displayed in both the first effect and the second effect, and occasional notification information that can be omitted in the second effect,
Both the necessary notification information and the occasional notification information can be displayed in the large notification area, and the necessity notification information is displayed in the small notification area without displaying the occasional notification information. A gaming machine.

  In such a gaming machine B2, by displaying the necessary notification information in the small notification area, it is possible to execute the second presentation that is elaborate on the display screen, and the necessary notification that is also required during the second presentation Information display can be ensured.

<Game machine B3>
In gaming machine B2,
Displaying the notification information indicating the presence of the acquisition information stored in the acquisition information storage means in the notification area;
About the necessary notification information indicating the presence of the acquired information that is performing the variable display of the identification information, it is displayed in either the first effect or the second effect,
The ad hoc notification information indicating the presence of the acquired information that has not been subjected to variable display of the identification information is displayed in the first effect, but the display in the second effect is omitted. Machine.

  In such a gaming machine B3, in the small notification area, the necessary notification information indicating the presence of the acquisition information (execution acquisition information) for which the variation display of the identification information is being executed is displayed on the display screen. It is possible to notify the player of the presence of the acquisition information during execution even during the second production while making it possible to execute the second production.

<Game machine B4>
In gaming machine B2 or gaming machine B3,
The gaming machine, wherein when executing the second effect, the small notification area appears on the display screen after the large notification area is erased from the display screen.

  In such a gaming machine B4, by interposing a step of erasing the notification area in the process of switching from the large notification area to the small notification area, the display of the necessary notification information is made conspicuous, and the player notices the necessary notification information. It becomes possible.

<Game machine B5>
In any one of the gaming machines B2 to B4,
In the second effect, as compared with the first effect, the display position of the necessary notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen.

  In such a gaming machine B5, the display position of the necessary notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen in accordance with the switching from the large notification area to the small notification area, so that the central portion of the display screen is widened. Two effects can be displayed.

<Game machine B6>
In any one of the gaming machines B1 to B5,
A gaming machine characterized in that second effect information for notifying a player about the second effect is displayed in an empty area generated by switching from the large notification area to the small notification area.

  In such a gaming machine B6, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the second effect by displaying the second effect information in the empty area generated by switching from the large notification area to the small notification area. It is possible to improve the game entertainment in the production.

<A gaming machine C1 that can be extracted from the embodiment described above>
The pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above can be regarded as the following gaming machine C1.

<Game machine C1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on detection of the game ball by a predetermined detection means;
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, identification information display means for stopping and displaying the identification information after being variably displayed;
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player;
A first effect as a game effect performed in accordance with the variable display of the identification information or a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect is displayed. An effect display device having a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to notify the player using a part of the display screen is provided,
The gaming machine characterized in that the size of the notification area is different between the first effect and the second effect.

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

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine) 4 ... Front frame 4a ... Window part
4b ... Transparent plate, 20 ... Game board, 21 ... Game area,
24 ... 1st starting port, 24s ... 1st starting port sensor (detection means),
25 ... 2nd starting port, 25s ... 2nd starting port sensor (detection means),
27 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 28 ... Large winning mouth,
41 ... production display device, 41a, 41b, 41c ... identification symbol,
41d ... background image, 42 ... hold display area (notification area),
42a ... large display area, 42b ... small display area,
43 ... reserved symbol (notification information), 43a ... executing symbol,
43b: Unexecuted symbols, 44 ... Race information display area,
45 ... Racehorse, 45a ... Specific racehorse, 46 ... Goal,
50 ... segment display part, 51 ... first special figure display part (identification information display means),
52 ... 2nd special figure display part (identification information display means), 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (specific game execution means), 203 ... RAM (acquisition information storage means),
220 ... sub-control board, 221 ... CPU.

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board,
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on detection of the game ball by a predetermined detection means;
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, identification information display means for stopping and displaying the identification information after being variably displayed;
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player;
A first effect as a game effect performed in accordance with the variable display of the identification information or a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect is displayed. An effect display device having a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to notify the player using a part of the display screen is provided,
The gaming machine characterized in that the size of the notification area is different between the first effect and the second effect.

Images