JP2020120733A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve game taste by progressing a continuous operation performance similar to a case where the continuous operation is executed, without depending on a player's continuous operation of actual operation means.SOLUTION: A game machine is equipped with a performance display device capable of executing various game performances, and also includes operation means for enabling a depressing operation by a player, and input detection means provided separately from the operation means and capable of detecting a prescribed input by the player. Further, by controlling the performance display device, the game machine can execute a continuous operation performance for instructing a player to execute a continuous operation of continuously depressing the operation means many times, and progresses the continuous operation performance according to continuous operations of the operation means. However, when the input detection means detects an input prior to the depression of the operation means according to the instruction of the continuous operation performance, even when the continuous operation of the operation means is not executed, the game machine progresses the continuous operation performance similar to a case where the continuous operation is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) for playing a game by shooting a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board.

A gaming machine that performs a game by shooting a game ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board is generally equipped with a performance display device including a liquid crystal display device, etc. It is possible to execute various game effects in order to improve the game. In such a gaming machine, an operating means (for example, an effect button) that allows the player to perform an operation such as pressing is provided, and the operation of the operating means is reflected and reflected in the game effect. ..

Further, in a gaming machine equipped with such an operating means, a game effect is provided in which the player is instructed to continuously operate the operating means many times (continuous operation), and the operation is advanced in accordance with the continuous operation of the operating means. It is known to execute (continuous operation effect) (for example, Patent Document 1), and the player can participate in the continuous operation effect by performing the continuous operation of the operating means according to the instruction.

JP, 2010-124836, A

However, in the gaming machine that executes the continuous operation effect as described above, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game by giving the player the impression that the result of the game effect is influenced by the continuous operation of the operating means of the player. However, there has been a problem that the continuous operation is troublesome for a player who is not good at the continuous operation of the operation means, and the interest in the game cannot be sufficiently enhanced.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and does not depend on the actual continuous operation of the operating means, but has a gaming interest by advancing the continuous operation effect as in the case where the continuous operation is performed. An object is to provide a game machine that can be enhanced.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine equipped with an effect display device and capable of executing various game effects on the effect display device,
Production control means for controlling the execution of the game production in the production display device,
Operation means that can be pressed by the player,
An input detection means provided separately from the operation means, capable of detecting a predetermined input by a player,
The effect control means,
As the game effect, it is possible to instruct the player to perform a continuous operation of continuously pressing the operation means many times, and to execute a continuous operation effect of advancing in accordance with the continuous operation,
When the input is detected by the input detection unit before the operation unit is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous operation effect, the case where the continuous operation is performed even if the continuous operation is not performed Similarly, the continuous operation effect is advanced.

In the gaming machine of the present invention described above,
The effect control means automatically performs the continuous operation in the continuous operation effect by performing the input to the input detection means before the operation means is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous operation effect. It may be possible to execute the notification to the effect.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention described above,
The effect control means,
As the game effect, after the effect information is variably displayed, the effect information is stopped and displayed, and the effect information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, so that it is possible to execute a variable effect that suggests a bonus to the player, It is possible to generate the continuous operation effect in the middle of the variable effect,
The notification may be executed between the start of the variable effect and the occurrence of the continuous operation effect.

In addition, in such a gaming machine of the present invention,
When the input detection unit detects the input, the effect control unit may switch the display instructing the continuous operation in the continuous operation effect to a display indicating that the continuous operation is automatically performed. ..

According to the present invention, regardless of the actual continuous operation of the operating means, by advancing the continuous operation effect similarly to the case where the continuous operation is performed, even a player who is not good at the continuous operation can enjoy the game. Can be increased.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing a board surface configuration of the game board 20 of the present embodiment. 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 50. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated one aspect of the display in the effect display device 41. It is the explanation drawing which shows one example of the battle production which is executed with production display device 41. It is the flowchart which shows the rough flow of the game control processing which CPU201 of main control baseplate 200 does as the control which relates to the progress of the game. It is the flowchart which shows the design fluctuation production processing which CPU221 of sub control baseplate 220 does. It is the flowchart which shows the production contents decision processing of this execution example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the relationship between the battle character which appears in a battle production, and the result of a jackpot determination. It is the flowchart which shows the consecutive hit production processing of this execution example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the notification of the operating method of the automatic continuous hitting function performed on the display screen of effect display device 41. It is the explanation drawing which illustrated the display to the effect that the automatic consecutive hitting function which is done on the display screen of production display device 41 is in operation.

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 (gaming machine) of a type called "seven machine" or "digital pachi" will be described. In the embodiment, “front” and “table” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine”, that is, “direction closer to the player (front side as seen from the player)”, and “rear” and “back”. The "back" indicates "backward with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction away from the player (back side when viewed from the player)". Also, "upper" means "upper" as seen by the player, "lower" means "lower" as seen by the player, and "left" as seen by the player. "Left" means "right", and "right" means "right" as seen from the player.

A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Device front side configuration:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1. One end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported by 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 (opened) 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 rotatably supported by the body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame body formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms the outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

A window portion 4a is formed in a substantially central portion of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize a game area, which will be described later, of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the window 4a (transparent plate 4b). Further, a small window portion 4c is formed on the lower right side 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 arranged on the back side through the small window section 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 6a are provided on the left and right above the window portion 4a, and a lower speaker 6b is provided on the lower front surface side 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 the effect in the game.

An upper plate portion 7 is provided below the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. In the upper plate portion 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 plate portion 8 is provided below the upper plate portion 7, and game balls lent out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 and games paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7. The sphere is stored.

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

A production button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided on the front edge of the upper plate portion 7, and a push operation and a rotation operation by the player are provided on the left side of the lower plate portion 8. A jog shuttle 10b capable of moving is provided. Further, on the left side of the effect button 10a, a direction button 10c which can be pressed by the player is provided, and the direction button 10c has four buttons (up button, down button) corresponding to four directions of up, down, left and right. , Left button, right button). The effect buttons 10a, the jog shuttle 10b, and the direction button 10c are all effect operation units operated by the player, and when operated by the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, 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, in the center of the game board 20, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed. The game ball shot from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) is discharged to the game area 21 through between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flows down from above the game area 21 to below. The game area 21 is visible to the player through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, so that the player can also see the state of the game ball flowing down through the game area 21 through the window portion 4a. is there.

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

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

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

Below the first starting port 24 in the game area 21, there is provided a second starting port 25 in which the possibility of entering a game ball can be changed. The second starting opening 25 of the present embodiment is provided with an opening/closing door 26 that is open toward the front and is rotatable about the lower end side with the upper end side tilted forward, and the opening/closing door 26 is substantially the same. It is possible to change between a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered (or difficult to enter) and an open state in which the opening/closing door 26 is rotated forward to allow the game ball to enter (or easy to enter). is there. FIG. 2 shows that the second starting port 25 is in the open state. The game ball that has entered the second starting port 25 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the second starting port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3).

On the right side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21, there is provided a big winning opening 28 that is largely opened in a substantially rectangular shape toward the front. The special winning opening 28 is provided with an opening/closing door 29 which is rotatable about the lower end side with the upper end side tilted forward. It is possible to change the door 29 to an open state in which the game ball can enter by rotating forward. In FIG. 2, the special winning opening 28 is shown 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).

Two other winning openings 30 are provided to the left of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21. The other winning holes 30 are open upward, and there is no change in the possibility of entering a game ball, and the game ball can always enter. The game ball that has entered the other winning hole 30 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the other winning hole sensor 30s (see FIG. 3).

In addition, around each of the above-mentioned gaming devices, there are provided a windmill type wheel 31 that influences the path along which the gaming balls flow down, and a large number of gaming nails, although not shown in FIG. Furthermore, an outlet 33 is provided at the bottom of the game area 21, and the player can enter any of the first starting opening 24, the second starting opening 25, the big winning opening 28, and the other winning opening 30 described above. The game balls that were not present are discharged from the outlet 33 to the back side of the game board 20.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the area on the left side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) flows down to the above-described first starting opening 24 and other winning openings 30 due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails and the like. A game ball can enter. On the other hand, in the normal symbol operation gate 27, the second starting opening 25, and the special winning opening 28, a game ball flowing down the area on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass or enter. is there. In the following, firing the game ball so as to make the left area of the central device 40 flow down is also expressed as “left hitting”, and firing the game ball so as to make the right area of the central device 40 flow down. Is also referred to as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters any of the first starting opening 24, the second starting opening 25, and the other winning openings 30, five gaming balls are paid out as the winning balls. When a game ball is thrown out and enters the special winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

Further, in the lower right of the game area 21 on the game board 20, there is provided a segment display section 50 for displaying information on a game by combining a plurality of LEDs. The segment display section 50 is visible to the player through the small window section 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. The display contents of the segment display section 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 showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards and various boards. Focusing on the function, when roughly classified, a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub control board 220 that controls the control of the game production, and an image under the control of the sub control board 220 An image/sound control board 230 that controls the display and sound output, a lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of the lamp under the control of the sub-control board 220, and a control that rents and pays out the game balls. It is composed of a payout control board 240 and a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards include CPUs (CPUs 201, 221, 231 and the like in FIG. 3) that execute various logical operations and calculation operations, and ROMs (ROMs 202 and 222 in FIG. 3) that store various programs and data executed by the CPUs. 232, etc.), a RAM (RAM 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, and various peripheral LSIs such as an input/output circuit are interconnected by a bus. Has been done.

On the main control board 200, a first starting port sensor 24s for detecting a game ball entering the first starting port 24, a second starting port sensor 25s for detecting a game ball entering the second starting port 25, A gate sensor 27s that detects a game ball that passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, a big winning hole sensor 28s that detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 28, and other that detects a game ball that has entered another winning opening 30 The winning opening sensor 30s and the like are connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first starting opening sensor 24s, the second starting opening sensor 25s, the gate sensor 27s, the special winning opening sensor 28s, and the other winning opening sensor 30s. The command corresponding to the sensor that has received the detection signal is transmitted to the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, or the like.

Further, on the main control board 200, a starting opening solenoid 26m for driving the opening/closing door 26 capable of switching the second starting opening 25 between the open state and the closed state, and switching between the open state and the closed state of the special winning opening 28. A special winning opening solenoid 29m for driving a 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 starting opening solenoid 26m, the special winning opening solenoid 29m, and the segment display section 50.

An image/audio control board 230, a lamp control board 226, an effect operation board 228, etc. are connected to the sub control board 220. When receiving the various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 analyzes the content of the command and performs a game effect according to the content. That is, a command for designating a display image or an output sound is transmitted to the image/voice control board 230, and the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter, referred to as “various types” to the lamp control board 226. The gaming effect is performed by transmitting a command designating a light emission pattern of the “lamps 5a to 5c”). Further, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 controls the player's operation of the effect button 10a, the jog shuttle 10b, and the direction button 10c (hereinafter also referred to as "effect operation section 10a, 10b, 10c") via the effect operation board 228. When detected, a game effect corresponding to the operation is performed.

The image/sound control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233. Upon receiving the command from the sub-control board 220, the CPU 231 of the image/voice control board 230 instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads out image data (for example, sprite data or moving image data) used to display 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, the audio data corresponding to the command is read from the audio ROM 236, and the signal of the audio data is transmitted 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").

The payout control board 240 is connected with a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper plate portion 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 detection signal thereof is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to lend a game ball while communicating data with the payout control board 240. When the payout control board 240 receives a payout command instructing the payout of game balls from the main control board 200, it drives the payout motor 243 to pay out the game balls.

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 has a launch motor 262 for launching a game ball, a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the launch handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that the player is touching the firing handle 9, the firing motor 262 can be activated, and the gaming ball is fired at a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle 9.

B. Game outline:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game progresses as follows. When the player rotates the firing 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 using. Since the strength of launching the game ball corresponds to the rotation angle of the firing handle 9, the player can cause the game ball to flow down to a desired area by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 9. For example, the game ball is shot so as to flow down the area on the left side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) (the player hits left), or the game ball is drawn down to flow the area on the right side of the central device 40. Can be fired (right-handed).

As described above, the left-handed game ball can enter the first starting opening 24. When the game ball enters the first starting port 24 and is detected by the first starting port sensor 24s, a predetermined determination random number (big hit determination random number, etc.) is acquired, and whether the big hit is based on the value of the determination random number. After performing the big hit determination to determine whether it is out of alignment, the segment display unit 50 performs variable display of the first special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as "first special symbol"). In addition, a game ball that has been hit to the right can enter the second starting opening 25. When the game ball enters the second starting opening 25 and is detected by the second starting opening sensor 25s, a random number for determination is acquired and a big hit determination is made, and then the second special symbol is displayed on the segment display unit 50. The variable display (hereinafter, also referred to as “second special map”) is displayed. In addition, below, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the first special drawing and the second special drawing, they may be simply referred to as “special symbols”.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the segment display section 50 in an enlarged manner. As described above, the segment display section 50 is visible to the player through the small window section 4c (see FIG. 1) provided on the front frame 4. As shown in the figure, the segment display section 50 is provided with a first special figure display section 51 for displaying the first special figure and a second special figure display section 52 for displaying the second special figure. It is composed of 9 LEDs. The first special diagram and the second special diagram are variably displayed by blinking nine LEDs on the corresponding display units 51 and 52 (switching the LEDs to be turned on), and in a state in which LEDs of a predetermined combination are turned on. It is stopped. 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 out, the LED of the combination corresponding to the out-going symbol is turned on.

In addition, even if the game ball enters the first starting port 24 or the second starting port 25, the start condition of the new variable display is not satisfied during the variable display of the first special figure and the second special figure. In this case, the value of the judgment random number acquired by entering the first starting opening 24 is stored as the first special map reservation, and the value of the judgment random number acquired by entering the second starting opening 25 is determined by the second special character. It is stored as a figure hold. After that, when the start condition of the new variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is satisfied, the jackpot determination is performed based on the first special symbol suspension or the second special symbol suspension, and the corresponding special Variable display of symbols is performed. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment can store up to four such first special figure reservations and second special figure reservations, respectively. If both the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold are stored, the big hit determination based on the second special figure hold is performed in preference to the first special figure hold (the second special figure hold). Since the figure hold is preferentially consumed), the big hit determination based on the first special figure hold is performed when the second special figure hold is not stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 displays a first special figure hold display section 53 for displaying the number of stored first special figure hold (first special figure hold number), and a second special figure hold storage. A second special figure reservation display section 54 for displaying the number (second special figure reservation number) is provided, and each is composed of two LEDs. In these hold display portions 53 and 54, if the number of hold is 0, two LEDs are turned off, if the number of hold is 1, one LED is turned on, and if the number of hold is 2, Two LEDs light up, one LED blinks when the number of reservations is three, and two LEDs blink when the number of reservations is four.

When the first special drawing or the second special drawing is stopped and displayed with a big hit symbol, the big winning game in which the special winning opening 28 is opened is executed. In the big hit game, the open big winning opening 28 is repeated a plurality of times in which the upper limit number (for example, 9) of game balls enters or is closed after a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed. .. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided, and the number of round games performed in the big hit game is different depending on the type of the big hit symbols stopped and displayed (for example, 10 times, 13 times, 15 times). Times). As described above, the right-hit game ball can enter the big winning opening 28, and when the game ball enters the big winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls, The big hit game allows the player to win a large amount of prize balls.

Further, as described above, the normal symbol operation gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and the game ball hit to the right can normally pass through the symbol operation gate 27. .. Normally, when the game ball passing through the symbol actuation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (general figure permissible judgment random number, etc.) is acquired, and whether or not the general figure is hit based on the value of the judgment random number. After performing the normal symbol hit determination, the segment display unit 50 performs variable display of normal symbols.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a general figure display section 56 for displaying a normal symbol, and is composed of two left and right LEDs. Ordinary symbols are variably displayed by blinking two LEDs on the universal symbol display section 56 (switching the LEDs to be lit), and are stopped and displayed with one of the LEDs lit. At this time, if the result of the universal figure hit determination is a universal figure hit, the left LED corresponding to the regular figure hit symbol is turned on, and if it is out, the right LED corresponding to the detached symbol is turned on. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a universal symbol, the universal symbol game in which the second starting port 25 returns to the closed state after being opened for a predetermined time is performed, so the second starting port 25 The possibility that a game ball will enter (that is, the possibility that the variable display of the second special map will be displayed) increases.

In addition, even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, if the new variable display start condition is not satisfied due to the normal symbol variable display, etc. It is possible to store up to four as. After that, when the new variable display start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, the universal symbol hit determination based on the suspension of the universal symbol and the variable symbol display of the regular symbol are performed. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a universal figure reservation display section 57 composed of two LEDs, and the number of stored universal figure reservations (number of retained figure figures) is reserved for general figure reservations. It is displayed on the display unit 57.

The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the per-universal game is different depending on whether it is the "electric power support state" or the "non-electric power support state". In the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. Further, in the electric support state, the probability that the result of the universal figure hit determination is a universal figure hit (probability of hitting a regular figure) is higher than that in the non-electric power support state, and the variation time of the normal symbol is set to be short. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball will enter the second starting opening 25 (that is, the possibility that the variable display of the second special figure will be displayed) is higher than that in the non-electric support 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 by turning on the three LEDs in the electric support display unit 58, the electric support display unit 58 is turned on. Indicates that it is in a state.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of big hit symbols are roughly classified into a "normal hit symbol" and a "probable variation hit symbol", and a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is either. Even if the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the electric power support state is set after the end of the big hit game. And, if it is a normal hit symbol, after the big hit game, the probability that the result of the big hit judgment is a big hit (big hit probability) is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability), and the number of times the special symbol is changed is a predetermined number When it reaches (for example, 100 times), it is set to the non-electric power support state. On the other hand, in the case of the probability variation hit symbol, the jackpot probability is set to a higher probability than the normal probability after the jackpot game is over, and the jackpot game 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 “probable 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 to be shorter than that in the non-electric support state, it is the electric support state, and the jackpot probability is the normal probability. The state set to may be called a "time saving state".

Further, in conjunction with the variable display of the special symbols (first special figure and second special figure) described above, various images for effects are displayed on the effect display device 41. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating one mode of display on 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 effects symbols and a background image 41d that is the background thereof. When the variable display of the special symbol is started on 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, 41c are also plural numbers in the effect display device 41. (For example, nine numbers "1" to "9") are sequentially switched to perform an effect (hereinafter, also referred to as "symbol change effect"). The identification pattern may be a design in which characters, figures, symbols, etc. are designed in addition to the numbers, as long as the player can identify the type.

FIG. 5(a) conceptually shows a state in which three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed in a varying manner all at once. When the predetermined time has elapsed after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 41a is first stopped and displayed at any of "1" to "9", then the right identification symbol 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the middle. The identification pattern 41b is stopped and displayed. When the special symbols (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) are stopped and displayed as the special symbols (the first special symbol or the second special symbol), the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed in a combination that is not aligned with the same number (variation). On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, it is stopped and displayed in a combination (doublet) with the same numbers. In particular, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a probability variation hit symbol that is more advantageous than the normal hit symbol for the player, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed with the same odd number.

In this way, by making the display contents of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in the effect display device 41 correspond to the display contents of the special symbol, two of the three identification symbols are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5(b). When the numbers are the same, the identification symbols that are stopped and displayed at the end may have the same numbers, and the player pays close attention to the variable display of the identification symbols (symbol variation effect). In this way, the production performed while variably displaying the last identification symbol in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol is called "reach effect", and the entertainment effect is generated by generating the reach effect. It is possible to increase. In addition, such a reach effect is provided with a normal reach effect (normal reach effect) and a reach effect (super reach effect) that lasts longer than the normal reach effect, and is identified by developing to the super reach effect. This suggests that there is a high possibility that the symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c will be stopped and displayed by doublets (big hit reliability).

Furthermore, in the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a battle effect as a super reach effect. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a battle effect executed by the effect display device 41. In the battle effect of this embodiment, the player-side character 42 and the opponent character 43 compete, and the player-side character 42 is displayed with "PLAYER".

Then, in the battle effect, depending on the win or loss of the player-side character 42, a symbol (stop symbol) that is stopped and displayed in the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is suggested. That is, if the player-side character 42 wins the opponent character 43, the special symbol is suggested to be stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, whereas if the player-side character 42 is defeated by the opponent character 43, the special symbol is given. It suggests that the design is disengaged and stopped. By executing such a battle effect, it is possible to expect the player to win the player-side character 42 and enhance the interest of the game. During execution of the battle effect of the present embodiment, although the variable 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. It is displayed in the upper left corner of. These identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed as the result of the battle effect is shown.

Further, in the battle effect, it is possible to execute an effect (a continuous hit effect) that instructs the player to perform a continuous operation (hereinafter referred to as “continuous hit”) of continuously pressing the effect button 10a many times. In the example shown in FIG. 6, along with the execution of the continuous stroke effect, the character 44 of “continuous hit!” is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41, and the button image 45 imitating the effect button 10a and the effect button are displayed. A continuous stroke gauge 46 indicating the number of continuous strokes of 10a is displayed. Then, as the player repeatedly hits the effect button 10a, the number of times of consecutive hits is accumulated in the consecutive hit gauge 46 (the hatched portion is increased) to indicate the progress of the consecutive hit effect, and the consecutive hit gauge 46 is filled. In this case, for example, the player-side character 42 may be deployed to perform a big skill on the opponent character 43. In this way, by giving the player the impression that the result of the game effect is influenced by the continuous hitting of his own effect button 10a, the interest of the game can be enhanced.

In addition to the above, as the continuous hit effect, the player-side character 42 generates a continuous hit effect in a scene in which the opponent character 43 makes a big move, and the player repeatedly hits the effect button 10a to continuously hit the gauge. A case may be provided in which, when 46 is satisfied, the player-side character 42 develops to avoid the major skill of the fighting character 43. In addition, when the player side character 42 receives the attack of the opponent character 43 and falls, a continuous hit effect is generated, so that when the player hits the effect button 10a repeatedly and the continuous hit gauge 46 is filled, the player There may be provided a case where the side character 42 stands up. Alternatively, when the player repeatedly hits the effect button 10a in accordance with the instruction of the continuous hit effect, the player-side character 42 may attack the opponent character 43 in synchronization with the pressing of the effect button 10a.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a rough flow of the game control processing executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as the control relating to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of FIG. 7 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, interrupt prohibition process, and interrupt permission process will be 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 the present embodiment, various commands to be transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220 in each processing described later are temporarily stored in the output buffer secured in the RAM 203. 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 production according to the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out the game balls.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs an input process (S20) subsequent to the output process (S10). As described above, when a game ball enters any of the first starting opening 24, the second starting opening 25, the special winning opening 28, and the other winning opening 30, the gaming ball is paid out as a winning ball. .. Therefore, in the input process (S20), a game ball is detected with respect to various sensors (first starting opening sensor 24s, second starting opening sensor 25s, big winning opening sensor 28s, other winning opening sensor 30s, etc.) that detect the entering ball. Judge whether or not. When the game ball is detected, the payout command for instructing the payout of the game ball is stored in the above output buffer. The payout command thus stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10). The payout control board 240 that has received the command pays out five game balls if the game balls enter the first starting opening 24, the second starting opening 25, and the other winning openings 30 as described above. In the case of the special winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

When the input process (S20) is completed, next, a random number update process (S30) is performed. As described above, the ordinary figure hit determination and the special symbol big hit determination are performed based on the value of a predetermined determination random number. In addition to this, various determinations 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. 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 once ended until the next game control process is started (timer interrupt is generated). It may be done in between. Alternatively, 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, the gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when the gaming sensor passing through the normal symbol actuation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, whether or not the number of reserved universal figures has reached the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment) is determined. If it is determined that the number has not reached, a random number per figure is obtained, and the obtained random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a figure reservation.

Following the gate sensor detection processing (S40), the starting opening sensor detection processing (S50) is performed. In the starting opening sensor detection process (S50), when the first starting opening sensor 24s detects a game ball that has entered the first starting opening 24, the first special figure reservation number is the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If it has not reached, a predetermined determination random number is obtained, and the obtained random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure reservation. In addition, when the game ball that has entered the second starting port 25 is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number has reached the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). Then, if it has not reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a second special figure reservation. Here, as the determination random number, a big hit determination random number for performing a big hit determination, a symbol determination random number for determining the type of a big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed as a special symbol in the case of a big hit, and a start of a variable display of the special symbol The fluctuation pattern determination random number for determining the fluctuation pattern from the time to the stop display is acquired.

When the starting opening sensor detection process (S50) is completed, a normal operation process (S60) is then performed. In the normal operation process (S60), the following process is mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner or the game is being executed per ordinary figure. If neither normal display variable display nor normal figure per game is being executed, after confirming that the predetermined fixed time has elapsed from the stop display of normal design, is the normal figure hold stored? Determine whether or not. If the universal figure hold is stored, the stored universal figure hold is read out first, and the universal figure hold is determined based on the read universal figure hold (the value of the random number for determining the universal figure). In this figure hit determination, if the value of the figure hit judgment random number read out as the figure hold is a predetermined hit value, it is judged as a hit, and if it is an outlier other than the hit value, it is judged as out. .. As described above, in the electric power support state, the probability of hitting a public figure is set to be higher (the hit value is higher) than in the non-electric power support state. On the other hand, in the electric power support state, the probability of hitting a universal figure is set to 99/100.

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

If the variation of the normal symbol is being displayed, determine whether the variation time has elapsed, and if the variation time has elapsed, stop and display the regular symbol with the determined per-design symbol or out-of-design, Subtract "1" from the number of universal figures reserved. Then, after the elapse of the fixed time, when the normal symbol stopped and displayed is a detached symbol, the process of starting the variable display of the normal symbol again is performed. On the other hand, when the normal symbol stopped and displayed is a symbol for a universal figure, the game for a regular figure is started.

During the normal game, the starting opening solenoid 26m is driven to open the second starting opening 25, and after the opening time elapses, a process of returning to the closed state is performed. As described above, in the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than 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). In contrast, the open time is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds×3 times open) in the electric power support state.

When the normal operation process (S60) is completed, the special operation process (S70) is subsequently performed. In the special operation processing (S70), the following processing is mainly performed. First, during the variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol), during the confirmation display of the special symbol, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit game. If none of these, it is determined whether or not the second special figure hold is stored, and if so, various determination random numbers stored as the second special figure hold first (that is, a big hit). The value of the judgment random number, the pattern determination random number, the variation pattern determination random number, etc.) is read. If the second special figure hold is not stored, it is determined whether or not the first special figure hold is stored. If it is stored, various types stored first as the first special figure hold are stored. Read the value of the judgment random number.

In this way, the big hit determination is performed based on the value of the big hit determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold. That is, if the value of the read big hit judgment random number is a predetermined big hit value, it is judged as a big hit, and if it is an outlier other than the big hit value, it is judged as out. As described above, in the probability variation state, the jackpot probability is set higher (the jackpot value is larger) than in the non-determination variation state. For example, in the non-determination variation state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/300, In the state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/100.

When the result of the big hit determination is "big hit", the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined. As described above, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided, and are roughly divided into normal hit symbols and probability variation hit symbols, and a plurality of symbols are read based on the value of the symbol determination random number read out as the first special symbol hold or the second special symbol hold. Decide which of the big hit symbols. On the other hand, when the result of the big hit determination is “out”, it is determined to stop and display the special symbol with the off symbol.

In this way, when the symbol to be stopped and displayed with the special symbol is determined, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. The variation pattern is for identifying the time (variation time) from when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) starts the variable display to the stop display (variable time). The fluctuation patterns of No. 1 and No. 2 differ from each other in the set fluctuation time. The variation pattern is determined based on the value of the variation pattern determination random number read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and the change time is shorter in the electric support state than in the non-electric support state. The pattern is easy to determine.

When the variation pattern is determined, the variation display of the special symbol is started. Further, with the start of variable display, a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern of a special symbol and a stop symbol designation command for designating a symbol to be stopped and displayed 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). By receiving these commands, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executes the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol.

If the special symbols are being displayed in a varying manner, it is determined whether or not the varying time has elapsed. As described above, the variation time is set in the variation pattern, and when the variation time elapses, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined jackpot symbol or the deviating symbol. In addition, when the variable display ends, if the second special figure is a stop display, "1" is subtracted from the second special figure reservation number, and if the first special figure is a stop display, the first special figure reservation number is "1" is subtracted from. Furthermore, the time (fixing time) during which the stopped special display is fixedly displayed is set. Then, the variable stop command indicating the stop display of the special symbol is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10). The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 ends the symbol variation effect of the effect display device 41 based on the variation stop command.

During the confirmation display of the special symbol, it is determined whether or not the confirmation time has elapsed, and after the confirmation time has elapsed, it is determined whether the special symbol stopped and displayed is a big hit symbol or a deviation symbol. As a result, if it is an out-of-design, it is determined whether or not it is a time-saving state (electric jackpot state in which the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability), and if it is a time-saving state, fluctuation of the special symbol during the time-saving state. Count the number of times. When the counted number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), the electric support state is ended and the game state is set to the normal state. Further, along with the change of the game state, the game state designation command indicating the 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).

On the other hand, if the special symbol stopped and displayed is a big hit symbol, the big winning game 28 opening pattern (number of rounds, opening time, closing time, etc.) is set, and the big hit game is started. In addition, the big hit game start command indicating the start of the big hit game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

During the big hit game, the special winning opening solenoid 29m is driven to open the big winning opening 28 to start the round game. After that, when the opening time elapses or when the maximum number of game balls enters the special winning opening 28, the special winning opening 28 is closed and the round game is finished, and after waiting for the closing time, the next round game is played. To start. When all the set number of rounds have been exhausted, the big hit game is ended. In addition, the big hit game end command indicating the end of the big hit game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

Furthermore, the game state after the end of the big hit game is set according to the kind of the big hit symbol which is stopped and displayed. That is, if the big hit design is a probability variation hit design, it is set to the probability variation state (electric jackpot state where the big hit probability is set to a high probability), and if the big hit design is a normal hit design, a time saving state (the big hit probability is the normal probability) Set to the power support state set in. Further, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10). When the special operation process (S70) is finished in this way, the game control process of FIG. 7 is once finished, and when the timer interrupt occurs every 4 msec, the game control process of FIG. 7 is executed again.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 advances the game on the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control processing as described above. Further, 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 processing. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the specific content of the effect based on the received command, and designates the display content or the audio content on the image/voice control board 230 or the lamp control board 226 to display the effect. Various game effects using the device 41, various speakers 6a and 6b, and various lamps 5a to 5c are executed. In the following, the process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 (the symbol fluctuation effect process) for the control of the symbol fluctuation effect performed on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variable display of the first special figure and the second special figure. Will be described.

C-2. Design variation production process:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the 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 that occurs in a predetermined cycle. In the following description, description of well-known processes such as initialization processing of the CPU 221, interrupt prohibition processing, and interrupt permission processing will be omitted. Further, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "effect control means" of the present invention.

When starting the symbol variation effect process, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S100). As described above, the variation pattern designation command is a command that designates a variation pattern of a special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) whose variable display is started in the segment display section 50. Then, when the variation pattern designation command is received (S100: yes), processing for determining the content of the symbol variation effect to be executed by the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol (effect content determination processing) is performed ( S101).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the effect contents determination processing of this embodiment. In the effect content determination process (S101), first, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a specific variation pattern (S102). A predetermined specific variation pattern is included in the plurality of variation patterns of the present embodiment, and when a variation pattern other than the specific variation pattern is designated by the variation pattern designation command (S102: no). The symbol variation effect is determined according to the designated variation pattern (S103).

As described above, the variation pattern corresponds to the variation time of the special symbol, and the effect execution time of the large number of symbol variation effects coincides with the variation time corresponding to any of the variation patterns. In the process of S103, the symbol variation effect of the effect execution time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined (selected) from a large number of symbol variation effects. Although a large number of symbol variation effects include the reach effect described above, if a variation pattern with a short variation time is specified, naturally, the effect execution time of the symbol variation effect is also short and the reach effect, etc. When there is no room to do, a symbol variation effect is selected in which the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are momentarily varied and displayed. When the symbol variation effect is determined according to the variation pattern in this way, the effect content determination process of FIG. 9 is ended, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

On the other hand, when the specific variation pattern is designated by the variation pattern designation command (S102: yes), the battle character of the battle effect is determined (S104). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the battle effect can be executed as the super reach effect as described above, and if the change pattern designated by the change pattern designation command is the specific change pattern, the battle effect is executed. It is set. Further, in the battle effect of the present embodiment, any of the battle characters A to D appears so that the battle character A is the strongest among the battle characters A to D, and the battle character B and the battle character C in this order. It becomes weaker, and the battle character D is set to the weakest. Then, which of the battle characters A to D is to appear is determined with different probabilities according to the result of the big hit determination (whether it is big hit or miss). It should be noted that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can grasp the result of the big hit determination (whether it is the big hit symbol or the missed symbol) based on the symbol stop command from the main control substrate 200.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the relationship between the battle character appearing in the battle effect and the result of the jackpot determination. In the illustrated example, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the probability that the battle character appears in the battle effect is the lowest, the battle character B is the highest, the battle character C is the highest, and the battle character D is the highest. ing. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination is wrong, the probability of appearing in the battle effect is set to be highest for the battle character A, lower for the battle character B and lower for the battle character C, and lowest for the battle character D. Therefore, the “big hit reliability”, which represents the height of the possibility that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (the possibility that the identification patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed by a doublet), is determined by the battle character A in the battle production. When it appears, it is the lowest, and it rises in the order of the battle character B and the battle character C.

In the effect content determination process of FIG. 9, after determining the battle character for the battle effect, it is subsequently determined whether or not the continuous hit effect is executed within the battle effect (S105). In the battle effect of the present embodiment, as described above, it is possible to execute the consecutive hit effect for instructing the player to repeatedly hit the effect button 10a, and the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the consecutive hit effect. Whether or not to execute is determined by a lottery. It should be noted that it is not limited to the lottery, and whether or not the continuous striking effect is executed may be determined in advance in association with the variation pattern (specific variation pattern) designated by the variation pattern designation command. Further, the effect button 10a of the present embodiment corresponds to the "operation means" of the present invention, and the continuous hit effect of the present embodiment corresponds to the "continuous operation effect" of the present invention.

Then, when the continuous hit effect is executed within the battle effect (S105: yes), the timing for generating the continuous hit effect is determined (S106). As for the timing of occurrence of the repeated hit effect, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the player side character 42 plays the big move from the fighting character 43 immediately before the player side character 42 makes a big move to the fighting character 43 in the battle play. A scene to be set, a scene in which the player-side character 42 is attacked by the opponent character 43 and collapsed, and the like are set, and one of them is determined.

On the other hand, when the continuous hit effect is not executed in the battle effect (S105: no), the process of S106 is omitted, and when the effect content determination process of FIG. 9 is finished as it is, the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

In the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 8, when returning from the effect content determination process (S101), the symbol variation effect is started (S110). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 sends a command for designating the symbol variation effect determined in the effect content determination process (S101) to the image/audio control board 230. Upon receiving the command, the image/voice control board 230 displays an image corresponding to the command on the effect display device 41 and outputs a voice 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, 41c is started, and thereafter, the normal reach effect and the super reach effect (battle effect) are additionally provided. The identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c of the present embodiment correspond to "effect information" of the present invention, and the symbol variation effect of the present embodiment corresponds to "variation effect" of the present invention.

When the symbol variation effect is started, it is determined whether or not the battle effect is executed with the symbol variation effect, that is, whether or not the content of the battle effect (competition character) is determined in the effect content determination process (S101) (S111). ). When executing the battle effect (S111: yes), the following continuous hit effect process (S112) is performed. On the other hand, when the battle effect is not executed (S111:no), the repeated hit effect process (S112) is omitted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the continuous hit effect processing of this embodiment. When the continuous hit effect processing (S112) is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not it is the timing of occurrence of the continuous hit effect (S113). As described above, when the continuous hit effect is executed in the battle effect, the generation timing of the continuous hit effect is determined in the process of S106 in the effect content determination process of FIG. Then, if it is not the timing of occurrence of the continuous hit effect including the case where the continuous hit effect is not executed in the battle effect (S113: no), subsequently, it is determined whether or not the continuous hit effect is already being executed (S119). If the continuous striking effect is not being executed (S119: no), the continuous striking effect process of FIG. 11 is ended as it is, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

In the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 8, when returning from the continuous striking effect process (S112), next, it is determined whether or not a variation stop command is received from the main control board 200 (S130). As described above, the fluctuation stop command is a command indicating stop display of the special symbol. Then, when the fluctuation stop command is not received (S130: no), the symbol fluctuation effect process of FIG. 8 is temporarily terminated while the symbol fluctuation effect is continued, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, the FIG. The symbol variation effect process is executed.

At this time, if 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), if the process of S101 to S110 is omitted and the battle effect is executed as the symbol variation effect (S111: yes), the continuous hit effect process (S112) is restarted.

In the continuous hit production process of FIG. 11, it is again determined whether or not it is the occurrence timing of the continuous hit effect (S113), and if it is the occurrence timing of the continuous hit effect (S113: yes), the operation method of the automatic continuous hit function is notified. (S114). The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment has an automatic continuous hitting function for advancing the continuous hit effect in the same manner as when the player actually hits the effect button 10a, even if the player does not hit the effect button 10a. This automatic continuous hitting function is designed to be operated upon receipt of a predetermined input from the player, and to notify the operating method on the display screen of the effect display device 41.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying notification of an operating method of the automatic continuous hitting function performed on the display screen of the effect display device 41. As shown in the figure, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a notification area 47 is provided below the display screen of the effect display device 41 during execution of the battle effect. In addition, since the left button or right button of the direction button 10c provided separately from the effect button 10a is set as the predetermined input for operating the automatic continuous hitting function, the direction is set in the notification area 47. By pressing the left or right button of the button 10c, a message indicating that the automatic repeated hitting function is activated ("automatic continuous hit is possible on the left and right in the figure") is displayed. The direction button 10c of this embodiment corresponds to the "input detecting means" of the present invention.

In the continuous stroke production process of FIG. 11, when the operating method of the automatic continuous stroke function is notified, it is determined whether or not the pressing operation of the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c is detected (S115). If neither the left button nor the right button of the direction buttons 10c is detected (S115: no), the player is instructed to repeatedly hit the effect button 10a without activating the automatic continuous hit function. The character 44 (see FIG. 6) of “continuous hit!” is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 (S116), and the continuous hit effect is started.

On the other hand, when the pressing operation of the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c is detected (S115: yes), after the automatic continuous hitting function is activated (S117), the effect display that the automatic continuous hitting function is operating is displayed. It is displayed on the display screen of the device 41 (S118), and the continuous hit effect is started.

FIG. 13: is explanatory drawing which illustrated the display to the effect that the automatic continuous hitting function performed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 is operating. In the illustrated example, when the automatic continuous hitting function operates, the character 48 of “automatic continuous hitting” indicating that the automatic continuous hitting function is in operation is displayed on the effect display device 41 instead of the character 44 of “continuous hitting!” in FIG. Displayed on the display screen. Even during the operation of the automatic continuous hitting function, the button image 45 and the continuous hitting gauge 46 are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41.

When the continuous hit effect is started in this way, in S119 of the continuous hit effect process of FIG. 11, it is determined that the continuous hit effect is being executed (S119: yes). Therefore, whether or not the pressing operation of the effect button 10a has been detected. Is determined (S120). Then, when the pressing operation of the effect button 10a is detected (S120: yes), the continuous hit effect is advanced (S121). As described above with reference to FIG. 6, as the continuous hit production is executed, the continuous hit gauge 46 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41, and when the player presses the effect button 10a, the continuous hit gauge 46 is continuously hit. By accumulating the number of times, the progress of the continuous striking effect is represented. The player-side character 42 may attack the opponent character 43 in association with the pressing of the effect button 10a.

On the other hand, when the pressing operation of the effect button 10a is not detected (S120: no), it is subsequently determined whether or not the automatic continuous hitting function is in operation (S122). When the automatic continuous hitting function is in operation (S122: yes), the continuous hitting effect is advanced even if the player does not press the effect button 10a (S121). As shown in FIG. 13, the continuous hitting gauge 46 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 even during the operation of the automatic continuous hitting function, and it is automatically determined that the effect button 10a is continuously hit (pressed). Is accumulated.

On the other hand, when the automatic continuous hitting function is not in operation (S122: no), the process of S121 is omitted and it is determined whether or not the effective period of the continuous hitting effect has elapsed (S123). The effective period of the continuous hit effect is preset in accordance with the development of the battle effect, and if the effective period of the continuous hit effect has not yet elapsed (S123: yes), the continuous hit effect is continued and the continuous hit effect of FIG. The effect process is once ended and the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 8 is returned to, and the continuous striking effect process of FIG. 11 is executed again in a predetermined cycle.

When the effective period of the continuous hit effect has elapsed (S123: yes), the continuous hit effect is ended (S124). If the automatic continuous hit function is not activated and the player does not continuously hit (press) the effect button 10a, the continuous hit effect will end without proceeding. After that, the continuous striking effect process of FIG. 11 is ended, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

In the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 8, when returning from the continuous striking effect process (S112), it is determined whether or not a variation stop command is received from the main control board 200 (S130). When the fluctuation stop command has not been received yet (S130: no), the symbol fluctuation effect process of FIG. 8 is temporarily terminated while the symbol fluctuation effect is continued, and the symbol fluctuation effect process of FIG. 8 is executed again in a predetermined cycle. To do.

After that, when the fluctuation stop command is received (S130: yes), the symbol fluctuation effect is ended (S131). At this time, the combination of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 41 is determined based on the stop symbol designating command from the main control board 200, and the stop symbol of the special symbol is a detached symbol. If there is a combination that does not have the same numbers (Barachi), if it is a jackpot pattern, it has a combination that has the same numbers (Zero). In particular, when the big hit symbol is a probability variation hit symbol that is more advantageous to the player than the normal hit symbol, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed together with the same odd number. Further, when the battle effect is executed as the symbol variation effect, the winning or losing of the player side character 42 is determined based on the stop symbol specifying command, and if the stop symbol of the special symbol is the off symbol, the player side While the character 42 is defeated by the fighting character 43, the player-side character 42 wins the fighting character 43 if it is a jackpot pattern.

When the symbol variation effect is finished in this way, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 8 is once terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 8 is executed again. Then, when a new variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S100: yes), the above-described series of processing from S101 is performed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a continuous hit effect instructing the player to repeatedly hit the effect button 10a within the battle effect that is performed as a symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41. Yes, the continuous hit effect is advanced in response to the continuous hit of the effect button 10a. Furthermore, if the left button or the right button of the direction buttons 10c is pressed before the effect button 10a is pressed in accordance with the instruction of the continuous hit effect, the automatic continuous hit function is activated and the effect button 10a is not continuously hit. As in the case where the effect button 10a is repeatedly hit, the continuous hit effect is advanced. Thereby, even if the player does not continuously hit the effect button 10a in accordance with the instruction of the hit effect, if the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c is pressed instead, the effect button 10a is automatically hit. Since the continuous hit production progresses, even a player who is not good at continuous hitting of the effect button 10a can participate in the continuous hit production and enhance the interest of the game.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect display device 41 indicates that the automatic continuous hit function is activated by pressing the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c before starting the continuous hit effect (the timing of occurrence of the hit effect). It is designed to be displayed on. In this way, by notifying the operation method of the automatic continuous hitting function in advance, it is possible to encourage a player who does not know the operation method of the automatic continuous hitting function to use the automatic continuous hitting function and participate in the continuous hitting effect.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c is operated in accordance with the notification of the operation method of the automatic continuous hitting function, the effect button 10a in the continuous hit effect of the effect display device 41 is changed. The display for instructing repeated hits (“continuous hit!”) is switched to a display indicating that the automatic continuous hit function is operating (“automatic hit”). As a result, the player can confirm that the pressing of the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c is accepted and the automatic continuous hitting function is operating, based on the change in the display.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim, and a person skilled in the art can Improvements based on the knowledge usually possessed by those skilled in the art can be appropriately added to the range easily replaced by them.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the operation method of the automatic continuous hit function is informed immediately before the continuous hit effect is started (the timing at which the continuous hit effect is generated). However, the timing of notifying the operation method of the automatic continuous hitting function is not limited to this, and may be any time before the effect button 10a is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous hit effect, and commands the continuous hitting of the effect button 10a in the continuous hit effect. It may be notified at the same time as the display (“continuously hit!”). Also, regardless of whether or not the continuous hit effect occurs, the notification of the operation method of the automatic continuous hit function is performed between the start of the pattern variation effect (battle effect) and the occurrence of the continuous hit effect. It becomes possible to increase the player's expectation that a repeated hit effect may occur in the battle effect by arranging an interval from the occurrence of.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the notification of the operation method of the automatic continuous hitting function is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41, but the present invention is not limited to this, and if the player can visually recognize the effect display device. It may be displayed on a display provided separately from 41. Further, the notification of the operating method of the automatic continuous hitting function is not limited to the display, but may be notified by voice.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, each time a continuous stroke effect is generated in the battle effect as the symbol variation effect, the operation method of the automatic continuous stroke function is notified, and a predetermined input (the left button or the right button of the direction button 10c is performed). When pressed), the automatic continuous hitting function was activated. However, once the predetermined input is performed, the automatic continuous hitting function may be permanently activated, and the automatic continuous hitting function may be canceled based on another input or a separate input. Further, the player may be allowed to select whether the operation of the automatic continuous hit function is permanent or every time the continuous hit effect is generated. For example, when the left button of the direction button 10c is pressed, the automatic continuous hit function may be activated permanently, and when the right button is pressed, the automatic continuous hit function may be activated only for the relevant continuous hit effect. It should be noted that the number of times of the repeated hit effect in the battle effect is not limited to once, and may be performed multiple times.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the continuous hit effect is generated within the battle effect. However, the occurrence of the repeated hit effect is not limited to the battle effect, and may be, for example, the so-called promotion effect. That is, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are temporarily stopped and displayed in the same even number (for example, "4") (stop mode corresponding to the normal winning symbol of the special symbol), and the identification symbols 41a, 41b are again displayed. , 41c generate a continuous hit effect when the variable display is started, and when the player hits the effect button 10a repeatedly and the continuous hit gauge 46 is filled, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are the same odd number. (For example, “7”) may be displayed in a stopped state (a stop mode corresponding to the probability variation winning symbol of the special symbol).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pressing operation of the direction button 10c is set as the predetermined input for activating the automatic continuous hitting function. However, the predetermined input is not limited to the pressing operation of the direction button 10c, and may be the pressing operation or the rotating operation of the jog shuttle 10b. Further, the contact sensor may be used to detect the input when the player touches it, or the non-contact sensor may be used to detect the input when the player holds a part of the body over a predetermined position.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 which gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall. I explained an example. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine of a type that gives a gaming advantage in a form different from the “payout of gaming balls”. For example, when a game ball enters the various entrances, the data showing the amount of profit (the value of the game value) corresponding to the game is stored, so that the game profit (game The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that imparts (value) to a player, and in this case, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. As a pachinko machine of a type in which a game profit (game value) is converted into data and given to a player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game balls discharged to the back surface of the game board through various entrances or exits to the launch position and launch the game balls.

<Game machines A1 to A4 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiments>
The pachinko machine 1 of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A4.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine equipped with an effect display device and capable of executing various game effects on the effect display device,
Production control means for controlling the execution of the game production in the production display device,
Operation means that can be pressed by the player,
An input detection means provided separately from the operation means, capable of detecting a predetermined input by a player,
The effect control means,
As the game effect, it is possible to instruct the player to perform a continuous operation of continuously pressing the operation means many times, and to execute a continuous operation effect of advancing in accordance with the continuous operation,
When the input is detected by the input detection unit before the operation unit is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous operation effect, the case where the continuous operation is performed even if the continuous operation is not performed Similarly, a game machine characterized by advancing the continuous operation effect.

In such a gaming machine A1, even if the player does not continuously operate the operation means in accordance with the instruction of the continuous operation effect, if the predetermined input is made to the input detection means instead, the operation means is continuously operated. Since the continuous operation effect progresses as if it was operated, even a player who is not good at continuous operation of the operation means can participate in the continuous operation effect and enhance the enjoyment of the game.

<Game machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1,
The effect control means automatically performs the continuous operation in the continuous operation effect by performing the input to the input detection means before the operation means is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous operation effect. A gaming machine characterized by being able to execute a notification to the effect that it is said.

In such a gaming machine A2, even if the player does not continuously operate the operating means, the operation method of the function (hereinafter, automatic continuous operation function) for advancing the continuous operation effect in the same manner as the case of the continuous operation is provided. By notifying in advance, it is possible to encourage the player who does not know the operating method of the automatic continuous operation function to use the automatic continuous operation function and participate in the continuous operation effect.

<Game machine A3>
In the gaming machine A2,
The effect control means,
As the game effect, after the effect information is variably displayed, the effect information is stopped and displayed, and the effect information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, whereby it is possible to execute a variable effect that suggests the granting of a privilege to the player. It is possible to generate the continuous operation effect in the middle of the variable effect,
A gaming machine, wherein the notification is executed between the start of the variable effect and the occurrence of the continuous operation effect.

In such a gaming machine A3, the notification of the operating method of the automatic continuous operation function is performed between the start of the variable effect and the occurrence of the continuous operation effect, regardless of whether or not the continuous operation effect occurs. By providing a gap between the notification and the generation of the continuous operation effect, it is possible to increase the player's expectation that the continuous operation effect may occur in the variable effect.

<Game machine A4>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A3,
When the input is detected by the input detection unit, the effect control unit switches a display instructing the continuous operation in the continuous operation effect to a display indicating that the continuous operation is automatically performed. A gaming machine to do.

In such a gaming machine A4, the fact that the player's input to the input detection means is received and the automatic continuous operation function is operating (the continuous operation of the operation means is automatically performed) is based on the change in the display. It can be easily confirmed by the player.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine used in a gaming hall.

1...Pachinko machine (gaming machine), 10a...Direction button (operating means),
10b... Jog shuttle, 10c... Direction buttons (input detection means),
20... Game board, 21... Game area, 24... First start port,
25... 2nd starting opening, 27... Normal symbol operation gate, 28... Large winning opening,
41... Production display device, 41a, 41b, 41c... Identification pattern (production information),
200... Main control board, 201... CPU, 220... Sub control board,
221... CPU (production control means).

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine equipped with an effect display device and capable of executing various game effects on the effect display device,
Production control means for controlling the execution of the game production in the production display device,
Operation means that can be pressed by the player,
An input detection means provided separately from the operation means, capable of detecting a predetermined input by a player,
The effect control means,
As the game effect, it is possible to instruct the player to perform a continuous operation of continuously pressing the operation means many times, and to execute a continuous operation effect of advancing in accordance with the continuous operation,
When the input is detected by the input detection unit before the operation unit is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous operation effect, the case where the continuous operation is performed even if the continuous operation is not performed Similarly, a game machine characterized by advancing the continuous operation effect. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The effect control means automatically performs the continuous operation in the continuous operation effect by performing the input to the input detection means before the operation means is pressed according to the instruction of the continuous operation effect. A gaming machine characterized by being able to execute a notification to the effect that it is said. In the gaming machine according to claim 2,
The effect control means,
As the game effect, after the effect information is variably displayed, the effect information is stopped and displayed, and the effect information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, whereby it is possible to execute a variable effect that suggests the granting of a privilege to the player. It is possible to generate the continuous operation effect in the middle of the variable effect,
A gaming machine, wherein the notification is executed between the start of the variable effect and the occurrence of the continuous operation effect. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the input is detected by the input detection unit, the effect control unit switches a display instructing the continuous operation in the continuous operation effect to a display indicating that the continuous operation is automatically performed. A gaming machine to do.

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