JP2022024448A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To further enhance the game amusement by a performance that operates a performance movable device.SOLUTION: A performance display device 41 having a display screen that can display an image for performance is arranged in a game region. Separately from an input device that receives a prescribed input operation by a player, a performance movable device 100 which can execute a prescribed operation for performance is provided. When the performance movable device is operated, an image of the performance movable device is displayed on a display screen of the performance display device. With this, an operation of the performance movable device can be appealed to a player by displaying the image of the performance movable device on the display screen of the performance display device, the bodily sensation received by the player from the operation of the performance movable device can be promoted, and the awareness of the player concentrating on the performance performed by the performance display device can be oriented to the performance movable device, therefore the game amusement by the performance operating the performance movable device can be further enhanced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

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

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board, it is common that the gaming area is equipped with an effect display device composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. It is possible to display various production images. For example, based on the fact that a game ball flowing down the game area is detected by a predetermined detection means (for example, a start port sensor), the display screen of the effect display device displays a variable display of identification information (for example, three decorative symbols). When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific state (for example, a big hit game) that is advantageous to the player is generated.

It is known that such a gaming machine is equipped with a production movable device capable of moving in a predetermined direction or moving in a predetermined direction (for example, Patent Document 1), and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, in order to enhance the interest of the game. Production A production using a movable device is performed. For example, by operating the effect movable device along with the variable display of the identification information, an effect suggesting that the result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to reach the stop display in a specific mode is performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-07995

However, with the increase in the number of gaming machines equipped with the above-mentioned effect movable device, the effect using the effect movable device has already become commonplace, and simply operating the effect movable device is no longer a hobby for playing games. There is a problem that it is difficult to sufficiently enhance the effect, and the operation of the effect movable device may be overlooked by a player who concentrates on the effect performed by the effect display device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further enhancing the gaming interest by the effect of operating the effect movable device.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
An effect display device arranged in the game area and having a display screen capable of displaying an image for effect, and an effect display device.
An input device that receives a predetermined input operation by the player, and
In addition to the input device, it is provided with an effect movable device capable of performing a predetermined operation for the effect.
When the effect movable device operates, the effect display device is characterized in that an image of the effect movable device can be displayed on the display screen.

In the gaming machine of the present invention described above,
The effect movable device may be operated outside the outer circumference of the window portion formed so that the player can see the game area.

Further, in the above-mentioned gaming machine of the present invention,
The effect movable device may be operated at a position in the game area that does not overlap the front surface of the display screen.

In such a gaming machine of the present invention,
The effect display device may display an image of the effect movable device on the display screen in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device.

Further, in such a gaming machine of the present invention,
The effect display device may display an image of the effect movable device on the display screen before the effect movable device operates.

According to the present invention, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment by the effect of operating the effect movable device.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board 20 of this Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which enlarged and showed the segment display part 50. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates one aspect of the display in an effect display device 41. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as a control related to the progress of the game. It is a flowchart which showed the symbol variation effect processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. It is a flowchart which showed the operation effect setting process of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the occurrence probability of the operation effect of this Example. It is a flowchart which showed the operation effect execution process of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the mode that the operation effect is performed by the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the operation effect setting process of the 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which showed the occurrence probability of the motion effect of 1st modification. It is a flowchart which showed the operation effect execution processing of the 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which expanded and showed the central apparatus 40 of the 2nd modification provided in the game area 21.

In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (game machine) called a "seven machine" or a "digipachi" will be described. In the embodiment, "front" and "table" indicate "front with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction close to the player (front side when viewed from the player)", and "rear" and "rear". "Back" indicates "backward with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction away from the player (back side when viewed from the player)". In addition, "upper" means "upper" when viewed from the player, "lower" indicates "lower" when viewed from the player, and "left" means "lower" when viewed from the player. It indicates that it is "left", and "right" indicates that it is "right" when viewed from the player.

A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the 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 (left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (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 (left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-shaped members, and forms an 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 the game area described later of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). Further, a small window portion 4c is formed in the lower right of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted in the small window portion 4c. The player can visually recognize the segment display portion described later of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the small window portion 4c (transparent plate 4d).

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right peripheral portion of the window portion 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left peripheral portion of the window portion 4a. Is provided. Further, a pair of upper speakers 6a are provided on the left and right above the window portion 4a, and lower speakers 6b are provided on the front side of the lower portion 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 on the game.

An upper dish portion 7 is provided below the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. The upper plate portion 7 stores game balls rented out via the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1. Further, a lower plate portion 8 is provided below the upper plate portion 7, and a game ball rented out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 or a game 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 a player is provided on the right side of the lower plate portion 8 of the front frame 4. The axis of rotation of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the back side of the launch handle 9. The game ball stored in the upper dish 7 is supplied to the launcher unit 261. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launcher unit 261 and the launch motor built in the launcher unit 261 is activated to play the game with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. The ball is fired.

Further, an effect button 10a that can be pressed by a player is provided on the front edge of the upper dish portion 7, and a pushing operation or a rotation operation by the player is provided on the left side of the lower dish portion 8. There is a jog shuttle 10b that can be used. Both of these effect buttons 10a and the jog shuttle 10b are effect operation units operated by the player, and the player may be involved in the game effect by operating the effect operation unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is possible.

Further, an effect movable device 100 is provided above the upper speaker 6a on the right side of the front frame 4 of the present embodiment. The effect movable device 100 of this embodiment has a shape imitating a helicopter, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is possible to execute an operation of moving in a predetermined direction for the effect. The operation of the effect movable device 100 will be described later with reference to another figure.

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

A central device 40 is provided substantially in the center of the game area 21, and the central device 40 includes an effect display device 41. 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 figure.

A normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol actuating 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 open upward, and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant (constant), so that the game ball can always enter. The game ball that has entered the first start port 24 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the first start port sensor 24s (see FIG. 3).

Below the first starting port 24 in the game area 21, a second starting port 25 is provided so that the possibility of entering the game ball can be changed. The second starting port 25 of this embodiment is provided with an opening / closing door 26 that is open toward the front and is rotatable with the upper end side tilted forward with the lower end side as an axis, and the opening / closing door 26 is omitted. It is possible to change between an upright closed state where the game ball cannot enter (or is difficult to enter) and an open state where the opening / closing door 26 rotates forward and the game ball can enter (or easily enter). be. FIG. 2 shows how the second starting port 25 is in the open state. The game ball that has entered the second start port 25 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the second start port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3).

On the right side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21, a large winning opening 28 having a large opening in a substantially rectangular shape toward the front is provided. The large winning opening 28 is provided with an opening / closing door 29 that can rotate with the upper end side tilted forward with the lower end side as an axis. The door 29 can be rotated forward to change to an open state in which a game ball can enter. FIG. 2 shows that the large winning opening 28 is in an open state. The game ball that has entered the large winning opening 28 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the large winning opening sensor 28s (see FIG. 3).

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

Further, around each of the above-mentioned gaming devices, a windmill type wheel 31 that affects the path through which the gaming ball flows down and a large number of gaming nails (not shown in FIG. 2) are provided. Further, an out opening 33 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area 21, and the ball can be entered into any of the above-mentioned first starting opening 24, second starting opening 25, large winning opening 28, and other winning opening 30. The missing game ball is discharged from the out port 33 to the back surface side of the game board 20.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails and the like, the left region of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) flows down to the first starting port 24 and the other winning openings 30 described above. A game ball can be entered. On the other hand, a game ball flowing down the right area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass or enter the normal symbol operating gate 27, the second starting port 25, and the large winning opening 28. be. In the following, launching a game ball so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 is also referred to as "left-handed", and launching the game ball so as to flow down the right area of the central device 40. Is also expressed as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters any of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, and the other winning openings 30, three game balls are paid as prize balls. When a game ball is put out and a game ball enters the large winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

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

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, and the like. Focusing on the functions, the main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, the sub control board 220 that controls the control related to the production of the game, and the sub control board 220 control the images. The image sound control board 230 that controls the display and sound output, the lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of the lamp under the control of the sub control board 220, and the control related to the rental and payout of the game ball. It is composed of a payout control board 240, a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of the game ball, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations (CPU 201, 221, 231 and the like in FIG. 3) and a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU (ROM 202, 222 in FIG. 3). , 232, etc.), RAM (RAM 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, input / output circuits, and various other peripheral LSIs are connected to each other by a bus. Has been done.

The main control board 200 includes a first start port sensor 24s that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 24, and a second start port sensor 25s that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 25. Gate sensor 27s that detects game balls that pass through the normal symbol actuating gate 27, large prize opening sensor 28s that detects game balls that have entered the large winning opening 28, and other that detects game balls that have entered the winning opening 30 The winning opening sensor 30s or the like is connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first starting port sensor 24s, the second starting port sensor 25s, the gate sensor 27s, the large winning opening sensor 28s, the other winning opening sensor 30s, and the like. , The command corresponding to the sensor to which the detection signal is input is transmitted to the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like.

Further, on the main control board 200, the start port solenoid 26m for driving the opening / closing door 26 that can switch between the open state and the closed state of the second start port 25, and the open state and the closed state of the big winning opening 28 are switched. A large 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 a drive signal to the starting port solenoid 26m, the winning opening solenoid 29m, and the segment display unit 50.

The image / audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, the effect operation board 228, and the like are connected to the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the commands and performs a game effect according to the contents. That is, a command for designating a display image or output sound is transmitted to the image / sound control board 230, and the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter, “various”) are sent to the lamp control board 226. The game is produced by transmitting a command for designating the light emission pattern of the lamps 5a to 5c).

Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 detects the player's operation on the effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b (hereinafter, also referred to as “effect operation unit 10a, 10b”) via the effect operation board 228, the operation is performed. Reflect it and perform a game production. Further, the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b of the present embodiment have a built-in vibration motor, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a drive signal via the effect operation board 228 to cause the effect button 10a. And the jog shuttle 10b can be vibrated. The effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b of the present embodiment correspond to the "input device" of the present invention.

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

Further, the effect movable device 100 is connected to the sub control board 220 of this embodiment. The effect movable device 100 includes a drive means such as a drive motor, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 controls the operation of the effect movable device 100 that moves in a predetermined direction by transmitting a drive signal to the effect movable device 100. do.

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

Further, the launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and the launch device 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 launch handle 9, the launch motor 262 can be operated, and the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9.

B. Outline of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the player rotates the launch handle 9 with the game balls 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. 2 is shown. It is used and fired toward the game area 21 described above. Since the strength with which the game ball is launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, the player can make the game ball flow down to a desired region by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, a game ball may be fired (left-handed) so as to flow down to the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), or a game ball may flow down to the right area of the central device 40. Can be fired (right-handed).

As described above, a left-handed game ball can enter the first starting port 24. When the game ball enters the first starting port 24 and is detected by the first starting port sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (big hit judgment random number, etc.) is acquired, and whether it is a big hit based on the value of the judgment random number. After making a big hit determination to determine whether or not it is out of alignment, the segment display unit 50 displays the variation of the first special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as “first special symbol”). Further, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25. When the game ball enters the second starting port 25 and is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, a determination random number is acquired and a big hit determination is made, and then the second special symbol is displayed on the segment display unit 50. (Hereinafter, also referred to as "second special figure") is displayed in a variable manner. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first special figure and the second special figure, it may be simply referred to as a "special symbol".

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the segment display unit 50. As described above, the segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through the small window unit 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. As shown in the figure, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 for displaying the first special figure and a second special figure display unit 52 for displaying the second special figure, respectively. It is composed of 9 LEDs. The first special figure and the second special figure are variablely displayed by blinking nine LEDs (switching the LED to be turned on) on the corresponding display units 51 and 52, and the predetermined combination of LEDs is turned on. Stop is displayed. At this time, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the LED of the combination corresponding to the jackpot symbol is turned on, and if the result is off, the LED of the combination corresponding to the missed symbol is turned on.

Even if the game ball enters the first starting port 24 or the second starting port 25, the start condition of the new variation display is not satisfied during the variation display of the first special figure or the second special figure. In this case, the value of the judgment random number acquired by entering the ball into the first starting port 24 is stored as the first special figure hold, and the value of the determination random number acquired by entering the ball into the second starting port 25 is stored in the second special figure. Store as figure hold. After that, when the start condition of the new variation display of the special symbol (1st special figure or 2nd special figure) is satisfied, a big hit judgment is made based on the 1st special figure hold or the 2nd special figure hold, and the corresponding special Display the fluctuation of the design. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, up to four such first special figure hold and second special figure hold can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 has a first special figure hold display unit 53 for displaying the number of first special figure hold storage (first special figure hold number) and a second special figure hold storage unit 53. A second special figure holding display unit 54 for displaying the number (second special figure holding number) is provided, and each is composed of two LEDs. In these hold display units 53 and 54, if the number of holds is 0, both LEDs are turned off, if the number of holds is 1, one LED is turned on, and if the number of holds is 2, the number of holds is 2. Two LEDs are lit, one LED blinks if the number of holds is three, and two LEDs blink if the number of holds is four.

When the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game in which the big winning opening 28 is opened is executed. In the big hit game, a round game is repeated a plurality of times in which the opened big winning opening 28 is closed when a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls enters or a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. .. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols are provided, and the number of round games performed in the jackpot game differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbol displayed as stopped (for example, 4 times, 6 times, 10 times). times). As described above, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls. Therefore, the larger the number of round games (the number of rounds), the larger the number of players. It is possible to win the prize ball of.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-handed display unit 55 composed of three LEDs. As described above, a right-handed game ball can enter the large winning opening 28, and during the big hit game, the right-handed is advantageous for the player, so the LED of the right-handed display unit 55 is turned on. Let me.

Further, as described above, a normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and a right-handed game ball can pass through the normal symbol operating gate 27. .. When the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a judgment random number for hitting a normal figure) is acquired, and whether it is a hit or miss based on the value of the judgment random number. After performing the normal symbol hit determination, the segment display unit 50 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal diagram display unit 56 for displaying a normal symbol, and is composed of two left and right LEDs. The normal symbol is variablely displayed by blinking two LEDs (switching the LED to be turned on) on the normal figure display unit 56, and is stopped and displayed with one LED turned on. At this time, if the result of the normal figure hit determination is a normal figure hit, the left LED corresponding to the normal figure hit symbol is turned on, and if it is off, the right LED corresponding to the off symbol is turned on. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the normal symbol, the normal symbol hit game is performed in which the second starting port 25 is opened for a predetermined time and then returns to the closed state.

Even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, if the start condition of the new fluctuation display is not satisfied, such as during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol, the value of the acquired determination random number is reserved. It is possible to store up to four. After that, when the start condition of the new variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol hit determination and the variable display of the normal symbol are performed based on the normal symbol hold. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal figure hold display unit 57 composed of two LEDs, and the storage number of the normal figure hold (the number of normal figure hold) is the normal figure hold. It is displayed on the display unit 57.

The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal figure differs depending on whether it is in the “electric support state” or the “non-electric 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 normal figure hit determination will be a normal figure hit (probability of normal figure hit) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball enters the second starting port 25 (that is, the possibility that the variation display of the second special figure is performed) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and the electric support state is increased. Since right-handed hitting is advantageous for the player inside, the LED of the right-handed hitting display unit 55 is turned on as in the case of the big hit game.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols provided are roughly classified into a "normal hit symbol" and a "probability variation hit symbol", and even if the special symbol is stopped and displayed at any jackpot symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed. After the jackpot game is over, the electric support state is set. Then, when the normal hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the probability (big hit probability) that the result of the big hit determination becomes a big hit is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability) after the end of the big hit game, and the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is set. When it reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), it is set to the non-electric support state. On the other hand, when the probability variation hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability after the end of the jackpot game, and is continued until the next jackpot game together with the electric support state. In the following, a state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as a “probability change state”. Further, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shorter and easier to set than in the non-electric support state. Therefore, the state in which the electric support state and the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is referred to as the "time reduction state". May be called.

Further, in conjunction with the variable display of the above-mentioned special symbols (first special figure and second special figure), the effect display device 41 displays various images for effect. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one aspect of display in the effect display device 41. On the display screen of the effect display device 41, three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c and a background image 41d (an image of an automobile in the example of FIG. 5) as the background image can be displayed as the design for the effect. .. 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 decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c also have a plurality of numbers in the effect display device 41. (For example, nine numbers from "1" to "9") are switched one after another and displayed in a variable manner (hereinafter, also referred to as "design variable effect"). In addition to the numbers, the decorative design may be a design of characters, figures, symbols, etc., and may be in a form in which the player can identify the type.

FIG. 5A conceptually shows how the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed in a variable manner all at once. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left decorative symbol 41a is first stopped and displayed at any of "1" to "9", then the right decorative symbol 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the middle. The decorative symbol 41b is stopped and displayed. At this time, if the special symbols (1st special symbol or 2nd special symbol) are off and displayed as a stop, the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped in a combination (doublet) that does not have the same number. On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, it is stopped and displayed with the same number combination (doublet). 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 decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are all stopped and displayed with the same odd number.

By associating the display contents of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in the effect display device 41 with the display contents of the special symbol in this way, two of the three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5 (b). If the numbers are the same at the time, the player will pay close attention to the variable display of the decorative symbols (design variation effect), as if the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed at the end are also the same numbers. In this way, the effect performed while the last decorative symbol is variablely displayed while the two decorative symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol is called "reach effect", and by generating the reach effect, the game is enjoyed. It is possible to increase. In addition, such reach production includes a normal reach production (normal reach production) and a reach production that lasts longer than the normal reach production (super reach production), and is decorated by developing into a super reach production. The possibility that the symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed in doublets (big hit reliability) is increased.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, an image of the effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b is displayed immediately before the remaining one of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is stopped and displayed due to the occurrence of the reach effect. It is possible to generate an effect (operation instruction effect) that is displayed on the display screen of 41 to instruct the player to operate the effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b, and the player can generate the effect button 10a or jog according to the operation instruction effect. When the shuttle 10b is operated, the operated effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b is vibrated. By performing such an operation instruction effect, when the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are aligned and stopped and displayed, the player gives the impression that the doublet is aligned by his own operation, and the game is enjoyed. Can be increased.

Further, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a hold display area 42 (dashed line in the figure) for displaying a hold symbol corresponding to the special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold) is displayed. The enclosed part) is provided. In the hold display area 42 of this embodiment, as the hold symbol (small circle in the figure), the unexecuted symbol 43 corresponding to the special figure hold in which the change display of the special symbol has not been executed, and the special symbol 43 in which the change display has already started. The running symbol 44 corresponding to the special figure hold that triggered the execution of the symbol is displayed, and if it is in the non-electric support state (when left-handed), the hold symbol corresponding to the first special figure hold is displayed. Is displayed, and if it is in the electric support state (when hitting right), the hold symbol corresponding to the second special figure hold is displayed. As described above, a maximum of four unexecuted symbols 43 can be stored in the hold display area 42 as shown in the example of FIG. Up to 4 can be displayed.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as a control related to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of FIG. 6 based on a timer interrupt generated at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 msec). In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process will be omitted.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S10). In the main control board 200 of this embodiment, various commands to be transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220 in each process 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 effect according to the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out the game ball.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs an input process (S20) following the output process (S10). As described above, when a game ball enters any of the first starting port 24, the second starting port 25, the large winning opening 28, and the other winning opening 30, the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. .. Therefore, in the input process (S20), various sensors (first starting port sensor 24s, second starting port sensor 25s, large winning port sensor 28s, other winning port sensor 30s, etc.) that detect entry with payout of the prize ball are performed. It is determined whether or not the game ball is detected. Then, when the game ball is detected, the payout command instructing the payout of the game ball is stored in the above-mentioned output buffer. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way 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 three game balls if the entry of the game ball is any one of the first start opening 24, the second start opening 25, and the other winning openings 30 as described above. , If it is a big winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

When the input process (S20) is completed, the random number update process (S30) is performed next. As described above, the normal figure hit determination and the big hit determination of the special symbol are performed based on the value of a predetermined determination random number. In addition to this, various decisions 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 from the end of the game control process to the start of the next game control process (timer interrupt occurs). It may be done in the meantime. Further, a dedicated circuit for updating the random number may be provided, and the random number may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

After 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 game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved figures has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment). If the judgment is made and the result is not reached, a random number for determining the normal figure is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a hold for the normal figure.

Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), the start port sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the start port sensor detection process (S50), when the game ball that has entered the first start port 24 is detected by the first start port sensor 24s, the number of reserved first special figures is the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not the value has been reached, and if it has not been reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure hold. Further, when 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 number of reserved second special figures 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 the second special figure hold. Here, as the judgment random number, a big hit judgment random number for performing a big hit judgment, a symbol determination random number for determining the type of the big hit symbol of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed in the case of a big hit, and a start of variable display of the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern determination random number for determining the fluctuation pattern from to the stop display is acquired.

Further, along with the storage of the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold, a hold addition command indicating the addition of the special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. .. This hold addition command is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10), and when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the command, the unexecuted symbol is displayed in the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41. Add 43.

When the start port sensor detection process (S50) is completed, the normal operation process (S60) is then performed. In the normal operation process (S60), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the variable display of the normal symbol or the game per normal symbol is being executed. If it is neither during the variable display of the normal symbol nor during the execution of the game per normal symbol, after confirming that the predetermined fixed time has passed from the stop display of the normal symbol, the number of reserved normal symbols is "0". Judge whether or not. If the number of normal figure holds is not "0" (if the normal figure hold is stored), the first stored normal figure hold is read, and the read normal figure hold (value of the random number determined per normal figure). Judgment is made based on. In this normal figure hit judgment, if the value of the normal figure hit judgment random number read out as the normal figure hold is a predetermined hit value, it is determined to be a normal figure hit, and if it is an outlier other than the hit value, it is determined to be outlier. .. As described above, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set higher (more hit values) than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 1/100. On the other hand, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 99/100.

Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether to stop and display the normal symbol with the normal symbol or the off symbol. Further, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started, and "1" is subtracted from the number of reserved symbols. As described above, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, whereas in the electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds. The fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

When the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is in progress, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed, and when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined normal symbol per symbol or out-of-balance symbol. Then, after waiting for the elapse of the fixed time, if the stopped and displayed normal symbol is an out-of-order symbol, the process of starting the variable display of the normal symbol again is performed. On the other hand, if the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a normal symbol, the normal symbol game is started.

During the normal game, the starting port solenoid 26m is driven to open the second starting port 25, and then the process of returning to the closed state is performed after the opening time has elapsed. 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 x 3 times). While it is set to open), the open time is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 times open) in the electric support state.

After the normal operation process (S60) is completed, the special operation process (S70) is subsequently performed. In the special operation process (S70), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is being displayed in a variable manner, the special symbol is being displayed in a definite manner, or the game is a big hit. If neither of these is the case, it is determined whether or not the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold number are "0", and the first special figure hold number or the second special figure hold number is "0". If not, the values of the various determination random numbers (big hit determination random number, symbol determination random number, fluctuation pattern determination random number) stored as the special figure hold are read out. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the second special figure hold is first stored, the second special figure hold stored first is read, and if the second special figure hold is not stored, the first is the first. The first special figure hold stored in is read (priority digestion of the second special figure hold).

In this way, the jackpot determination is performed based on the value of the jackpot determination random number read out as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold. In the big hit judgment, if the value of the read big hit judgment random number is a value corresponding to "big hit" (big hit value), it is judged as a big hit, and if it is a value corresponding to "outlier" (outlier value), it is judged as a miss. do. As described above, in the probabilistic state, the jackpot probability is set higher (more jackpot values) than in the non-probability change state. For example, in the non-probability change state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/300. In the probable change state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/100.

Then, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined. As described above, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided, and they are roughly classified into a normal hit symbol and a probability variation hit symbol, and either one is based on the value of the symbol determination random number read out as the first special symbol hold or the second special symbol hold. Determine the jackpot design of. On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is out of order, the out-of-order symbol is determined as the symbol to be stopped and displayed (stop symbol).

After determining the stop symbol of the special symbol in this way, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined. The fluctuation pattern is for identifying the time (variation time) from the start of the fluctuation display to the stop display of the special symbol (first special figure or the second special figure), and a plurality of prepared in advance. The fluctuation patterns of are different from each other in the set fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and the fluctuation time is shorter in the electric support state than in the non-electric support state. The pattern is easy to determine.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is started, and if it is the second special figure, "1" is subtracted from the second special figure hold number, and if it is the first special figure, the first special figure hold number. Subtract "1" from. Further, the variation pattern specification command for specifying the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol specification command for specifying the stop symbol are stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. These commands are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). 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 variation display of the special symbol, and does not execute the symbol variation effect in the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41. Move one of the symbols 43 (far left in the example of FIG. 5) to the position of the running symbol 44.

If the fluctuation display of the special symbol is being displayed, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. As described above, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to the fluctuation pattern, and when the fluctuation time elapses, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined stop symbol (big hit symbol or out-of-order symbol). In addition, set the time (fixed time) for confirming and displaying the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed. Further, a variable stop command indicating a stop display of the special symbol 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). Upon receiving the fluctuation stop command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 ends the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41, and deletes the executing symbol 44 in the hold display area 42.

During the definite display of the special symbol, it is determined whether or not the definite time has elapsed, and when the definite time has elapsed, it is determined whether the definitely displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol or a missed symbol. As a result, if it is an out-of-time symbol, it is determined whether or not it is in the time-saving state, and if it is in the time-saving state, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time-saving state is counted. Then, when the counted number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), the electric support state is terminated and the normal state, which is the non-electric support state, is set. Further, 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 is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

On the other hand, when the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is the jackpot symbol, the opening pattern (number of rounds, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the jackpot 28 in the jackpot game is set, and the jackpot game is started. As described above, the number of rounds differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbol displayed as a stop display (confirmed display). Further, the jackpot game start command indicating the start of the jackpot 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 round game is started by driving the big winning opening solenoid 29m to open the big winning opening 28. After that, when a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 28 or the opening time elapses, the round game is ended with the large winning opening 28 closed, and the next round game is waited for the closing time to elapse. To start. Then, when all the set number of rounds have been exhausted, the jackpot game ends. Further, the jackpot game end command indicating the end of the jackpot 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).

Further, the game state after the end of the big hit game is set according to the type of the big hit symbol displayed as a stop display (confirmed display). That is, if the jackpot symbol is a probabilistic hit symbol, it is set to a probabilistic state (electric support state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability), and if the jackpot symbol is a normal hit symbol, it is set to a time saving state (big hit probability is a normal probability). Set to the electric support state set to). Further, the 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 completed in this way, the game control process of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt every 4 msec occurs, the game control process of FIG. 6 is executed again. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Further, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands to the sub control board 220 while executing the game control process. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines the specific content of the effect based on the received command, and the effect display device 41, various speakers 6a, 6b, various lamps 5a to 5c, the effect operation unit 10a, 10b, Various game effects are executed using the effect movable device 100. Hereinafter, the processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 will be described.

C-2. Design fluctuation production processing:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect processing of the present embodiment performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. This symbol variation effect processing is performed based on a timer interrupt generated in a predetermined cycle. In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process will be omitted.

When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 starts the symbol variation effect processing, it first determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main control board 200 (S100). As described above, the variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) whose variation display is started by the segment display unit 50. Then, when the variation pattern designation command is received (S100: yes), the content of the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 41 is determined according to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command (S101). As described above, the fluctuation pattern corresponds to the fluctuation time of the special symbol, and the effect execution time of the large number of symbol variation effects is the same as the fluctuation time corresponding to any of the fluctuation patterns. In the process of S101, the symbol variation effect of the effect execution time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined (selected) as the current symbol variation effect from among a large number of symbol variation effects.

In addition, the result of the jackpot determination (whether it is a jackpot or a miss) is reflected in the content of the symbol variation effect. As described above, the main control board 200 transmits a stop symbol designation command for designating the stop symbol of the special symbol together with the variation pattern designation command, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 is based on the received stop symbol designation command. It is possible to grasp the result of the jackpot judgment. A large number of symbol variation effects include the reach effect described above, and if the result of the jackpot judgment is a jackpot, it is common to perform a reach effect, and from a normal reach effect to a super reach compared to when the pattern is off. There is a high possibility that it will develop into a production. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot judgment is wrong, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is often specified, and of course, the production execution time of the symbol fluctuation production is also short, so when there is no room for reach production or the like. Is a symbol variation effect that only momentarily displays the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c in a variable manner.

In addition, according to the result of the jackpot determination, the stop mode of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c at the end of the symbol variation effect is determined, and in the symbol variation effect at the time of disengagement, the same number is used to determine the unevenness. do. On the other hand, in the pattern variation effect at the time of a big hit, doublets with the same number are determined.

When the content of the symbol variation effect is determined in this way, a process (operation effect setting process) for setting the operation effect using the effect movable device 100 is executed (S102). As described above, the effect movable device 100 of the present embodiment is installed above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and can execute an operation of moving in a predetermined direction.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation effect setting process of this embodiment. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the operation effect setting process (S102), first, the operation effect generation lottery is performed (S110). This operation effect generation lottery is performed based on the value of the generation lottery random number acquired when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command, and whether or not to generate the operation effect is to be generated. Determine the timing of occurrence of.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the probability of occurrence of the operation effect of this embodiment. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the timing of occurrence of the operation effect, two of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c have the same number as the "at the time of the fluctuation start" when the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c start the variable display. There are two types, "at the time of reach", which is displayed as stopped. Then, the value of the above-mentioned generated lottery random number is associated with either the operation effect of the two types of generation timing or the operation effect "none", and the occurrence probability of the operation effect at each generation timing corresponds to each other. It is predetermined by the number of values of the generated lottery random numbers attached. In addition, the probability of occurrence of the motion effect differs depending on whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, there is a 50% probability that an motion effect will occur at the start of fluctuation, a 30% probability that an motion effect will occur at the time of reach, and a 20% probability that an motion effect will occur. No motion effect will occur. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot judgment is wrong, there is a 5% probability that an motion effect will occur at the start of fluctuation, a 10% probability that an motion effect will occur after reach, and an 85% probability that no motion effect will occur. Will be. That is, it is suggested that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c may be stopped and displayed in doublet due to the occurrence of the motion effect (big hit reliability), and when the motion effect occurs at the start of the fluctuation, The jackpot reliability is higher than it occurs during reach. If an operation effect is generated at the time of disengagement, at least a reach effect is performed as a symbol variation effect.

In the operation effect setting process of FIG. 8, when the operation effect generation lottery (S110) is performed as described above, it is determined whether or not the operation effect is generated as a result of the generated lottery (S111). Then, when the motion effect is generated (S111: yes), the motion effect generation timing is set at the start of fluctuation or at the reach according to the lottery result (S112). On the other hand, when the motion effect is not generated (S111: no), the process of S112 is omitted, the motion effect setting process of FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

In the symbol variation effect processing of FIG. 7, when the operation effect setting process (S102) is restored, the symbol variation effect is started (S103). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command for designating the content of the symbol variation effect determined in the process of S101 to the image / sound control board 230. The image / sound control board 230 that has received the command displays the image corresponding to the command on the effect display device 41, and outputs the sound corresponding to the command from the various speakers 6a and 6b. As a result, the effect display device 41 starts variable display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, and is accompanied by the above-mentioned reach effect and operation instruction effect.

When the symbol variation effect is started, a process of executing the operation effect (operation effect execution process) according to the content set in the operation effect setting process of S102 is subsequently performed (S104). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation effect execution process of this embodiment. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the operation effect execution process (S104), it first determines whether or not it is the timing at which the operation effect is generated (S120). As described above, in the operation effect of this embodiment, the time when the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c start to fluctuate and the time when they reach are provided as the generation timing. If the result is that the motion effect is not generated in the generation lottery of S110, the timing of the motion effect does not occur, as a matter of course.

Then, when it is the generation timing of the effect effect (S120: yes), the operation of the effect movable device 100 is started (S121), and the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 (S122). ). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 operates the effect movable device 100 by transmitting a drive signal to the effect movable device 100. Further, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command for designating an image of the effect movable device 100 toward the image / sound control board 230, and the image / sound control board 230 that has received the command produces an image corresponding to the command. Output to the display screen of the display device 41.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment performs an operation effect. First, FIG. 11A shows an enlarged upper portion of the front frame 4, and as described above, the effect movable device 100 of the present embodiment is provided above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. It has a shape that imitates a helicopter. Further, the initial position before the effect movable device 100 operates is set above the upper speaker 6a on the right side as shown by a broken line in the figure.

Then, when the effect movable device 100 operates, while rotating the propeller of the helicopter, it moves to the left as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 11A, and is positioned in front of the upper lamp 5a. do. Further, in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device 100, an image of the effect movable device 100 (here, a helicopter) is cut as a background image 41d on the display screen of the effect display device 41 as shown in FIG. 11 (b). It is displayed in. The image displayed on the effect display device 41 may be a live-action image of the effect movable device 100 or an image in which the effect movable device 100 is illustrated, and the effect movable device 100 may be provided to the player. Any image that reminds you of it will do.

On the other hand, in the determination of S120 in FIG. 10, if it is not the timing at which the operation effect is generated (S120: no), the processes of S121 and S122 are omitted, and then it is determined whether or not the operation effect is being executed. (S123). Then, when the motion effect is not being executed (S123: no), the motion effect execution process of FIG. 10 is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 7.

On the other hand, when the operation effect is being executed (S123: yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation effect (operation of the effect movable device 100) (S124). The operation effect of this embodiment ends when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start. Then, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (S124: no), the operation effect execution process of FIG. 10 is terminated while the operation effect is continued, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation effect (S124: yes), the operation effect ends (S125). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 returns the effect movable device 100 to the initial position by transmitting a drive signal to the effect movable device 100, and at the same time, issues a command indicating the end of the operation effect to the image / sound control board 230. The image / sound control board 230 that has transmitted and received the command ends the image display of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41. When the motion effect is finished in this way, the motion effect execution process of FIG. 10 is terminated, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

In the symbol variation effect processing of FIG. 7, after returning from the operation effect execution process (S104), it is next determined whether or not a variation stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S105). If the fluctuation stop command has not been received yet (S105: no), the symbol variation effect processing of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated while the symbol variation effect is continued, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, FIG. 7 shows again. Executes the symbol variation effect processing.

Then, during the execution of the symbol variation effect, no new variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control board 200, and the variation pattern designation command is not received in the determination of S100 (S100: no). ), The processing of S101 to S103 is omitted, and after the operation effect execution processing (S104) described above is performed, it is determined again whether or not the fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 200 (S105).

When the fluctuation stop command is received (S105: yes), the symbol variation effect being executed by the effect display device 41 is terminated (S106). At this time, the stop mode of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is the mode determined by the processing of S101, and if the result of the jackpot determination is wrong, the numbers are not the same, whereas the jackpot is not the same. If so, it is doublet with the same number. Further, as described above, an operation instruction effect may be performed with the occurrence of the reach effect, and when the player detects the operation of the effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b, the operated effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b is pressed. Vibrate.

When the symbol variation effect is completed in this way, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt is generated at a predetermined cycle, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 7 is executed again. Then, when a new variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S100: yes), a series of processes after S101 are executed to perform a new symbol variation effect.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect movable device 100 capable of executing the operation of moving from the initial position to the operation position as the operation effect receives the operation by the player in the operation instruction effect. It is provided separately from the portions 10a and 10b, and when the effect movable device 100 is operated, the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41. By doing so, unlike the effect operation units 10a and 10b, which are premised on displaying an image on the effect display device 41 in order to instruct the player to operate, the effect display device 41 dares to display the image of the effect movable device 100. By displaying on the display screen of, the operation of the effect movable device 100 is appealed to the player, the player is encouraged to experience the operation of the effect movable device 100, and the player concentrates on the design variation effect performed by the effect display device 41. Since the consciousness of the player who is playing can be directed to the effect movable device 100, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment by the motion effect.

In particular, the effect movable device 100 of the present embodiment operates outside the outer periphery of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4 (above the window portion 4a), and the effect display device 41 in the window portion 4a operates. It tends to be difficult for the player who concentrates on the symbol variation effect to be noticed to notice the operation of the effect movable device 100. Therefore, by displaying the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41, it is possible to appeal the operation of the effect movable device 100 to the player and enhance the game entertainment.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device 100. Since it is possible to simultaneously appeal that the operation is being performed by the image on the effect display device 41, it is possible to effectively promote the experience that the player receives.

D. Modification example:
Although the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to carry out the pachinko machine 1 in the following modification mode. In the description of the modification, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

D-1. First modification example:
In the above-described embodiment, the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device 100. However, the timing for displaying the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41 is not limited to this, and may be displayed before the effect movable device 100 operates.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation effect setting process of the first modification. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the operation effect setting process (S102) of the first modification, first, as in the above-described embodiment, the operation effect generation lottery is performed (S130). However, in the lottery for generating the motion effect in the first modification, it is determined whether or not the motion effect is generated, and when it is generated, the display timing of the image of the effect movable device 100 is determined.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the probability of occurrence of the motion effect of the first modification. In the pachinko machine 1 of the first modification, the generation timing of the operation effect (operation timing of the effect movable device 100) is set to "at the time of reach" in which two of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed with the same number. At the same time, as the display timing of the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41, the "preceding display" before the effect movable device 100 operates and the "preceding display" linked with the operation of the effect movable device 100 ". There are two types, "linked display". Then, the value of the generated lottery random number is associated with either two types of operation effects having different display timings of the images of the effect movable device 100 and the operation effect "none", and the operation effects of each display timing are associated with each other. The probability of occurrence is predetermined by the number of values of the associated generated lottery random numbers. In addition, the probability of occurrence of the motion effect differs depending on whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the motion effect of the preceding display occurs with a probability of 50%, the motion effect of the interlocking display occurs with a probability of 30%, and the probability of 20%. It means that the motion effect does not occur. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot judgment is wrong, the motion effect of the preceding display occurs with a probability of 5%, the motion effect of the interlocking display occurs with a probability of 10%, and the motion effect does not occur with a probability of 85%. It will be. That is, the occurrence of the motion effect suggests the jackpot reliability, and when the motion effect of the preceding display occurs, the jackpot reliability is higher than the motion effect of the interlocking display. If an operation effect is generated at the time of disengagement, at least a reach effect is performed as a symbol variation effect.

In the operation effect setting process of FIG. 12, when the operation effect generation lottery (S130) is performed as described above, it is determined whether or not the operation effect is generated as a result of the generated lottery (S131). Then, when the motion effect is not generated (S131: no), the motion effect setting process of FIG. 12 is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

On the other hand, when the motion effect is generated (S131: yes), when the motion effect generation timing is set at the time of reach (S132), then, according to the lottery result, whether or not it is the motion effect of the preceding display is determined. Judgment (S133). Then, in the case of the operation effect of the preceding display (S133: yes), the image preceding display flag is set to ON (S134). The image advance display flag is a flag indicating that the display timing of the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41 is the advance display, and is a storage area of the image advance display flag in the RAM 223 of the sub control board 220. Is secured. On the other hand, in the case of the operation effect of the interlocking display instead of the preceding display (S133: no), the process of S134 is omitted, the operation effect setting process of FIG. 12 is terminated, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG. do.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation effect execution process of the first modification. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the operation effect execution process (S104) of the first modification, it first determines whether or not the image preceding display flag is set to ON (S140). As described above, the image advance display flag is set to ON when the operation effect of the advance display is used. When the image advance display flag is set to ON (S140: yes), it is next determined whether or not it is the advance display timing of the image of the effect movable device 100 (S141). The preceding display timing of the first modification is set to "at the first stop" when the first one of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is stopped and displayed. When it is the advance display timing (S141: yes), the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 (S142).

On the other hand, if it is not the advance display timing of the image of the effect movable device 100 (S141: no), the processing of S142 is omitted, and then whether or not it is the generation timing of the operation effect (operation timing of the effect movable device 100). Is determined (S143). As described above, the timing of occurrence of the motion effect of the first modification is set at the time of reach. When it is the timing of occurrence of the motion effect (S143: yes), the operation of the effect movable device 100 is started (S144), and then the image advance display flag is set to OFF (S145). On the other hand, if it is not the timing at which the operation effect is generated (S143: no), the processes of S144 and S145 are omitted.

In the above, the process when the image preceding display flag is set to ON in the determination of S140 has been described, but when the image preceding display flag is not set to ON (S140: no), the above-described implementation is performed. Similar to the example, it is determined whether or not it is the occurrence timing of the motion effect (S146), and if it is the occurrence timing of the motion effect (at the time of reach) (S146: yes), the operation of the effect movable device 100 is started. (S147), the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 (S148). If the result is that the motion effect is not generated in the generation lottery of S130, the timing of the motion effect does not occur, as a matter of course.

If it is not the timing at which the motion effect is generated (S146: no), the processes of S147 and S148 are omitted, and then it is determined whether or not the motion effect is being executed (S149). Then, when the motion effect is not being executed (S149: no), the motion effect execution process of FIG. 14 is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 7.

On the other hand, when the motion effect is being executed (S149: yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the motion effect (operation of the effect movable device 100) (S150). Then, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (S150: no), the operation effect execution process of FIG. 14 is terminated while the operation effect is continued, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation effect (S150: yes), the operation effect ends (S151). That is, the effect movable device 100 is returned to the initial position, and the image display of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41 is terminated. The timing at which the image display of the effect movable device 100 is terminated in the case of the operation effect of the preceding display is not limited to the time when the effect movable device 100 is returned to the initial position and the operation is completed, and the effect movable device 100 is in operation. May be. When the motion effect is finished in this way, the motion effect execution process of FIG. 14 is terminated, and the process returns to the symbol variation effect process of FIG.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first modification, the timing for displaying the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41 is not only the interlocking display linked with the operation of the effect movable device 100 but also the interlocking display. , The preceding display before the effect movable device 100 operates is provided. In this way, if the image of the effect movable device 100 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 prior to the operation of the effect movable device 100 to give a notice, the effect is movable as a premise that the effect movable device 100 operates. It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by expecting the player to display the image of the device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first modification, even if the image of the effect movable device 100 is not displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41 at the preceding display timing (at the time of the first stop), the operation of the effect movable device 100 is performed. Since there is a possibility that it will be displayed in conjunction with, it is possible to maintain the game entertainment.

D-2. Second modification example:
The effect movable device 100 of the above-described embodiment is adapted to operate outside the outer periphery of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4 (above the window portion 4a). However, the effect movable device 100 may be operated in the game area 21 (inside the window portion 4a) as long as it does not overlap the front surface of the display screen of the effect display device 41.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the central device 40 of the second modification provided in the game area 21. In the pachinko machine 1 of the second modification, instead of the effect movable device 100 imitating the helicopter of the above-described embodiment, the effect movable device 100 with a dog motif is provided above the effect display device 41 in the central device 40. ing. The effect movable device 100 of the second modification is provided with a vibration motor, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 generates vibration by transmitting a drive signal to the effect movable device 100 when executing the operation effect. It is possible to make it.

Further, on the display screen of the effect display device 41, in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device 100 (or before the operation of the effect movable device 100), the effect movable device 100 (here, the dog) is displayed as the background image 41d. The image is cut in and displayed.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the second modification as described above, the effect display is displayed by operating (vibrating) the effect movable device 100 at a position that does not overlap the front surface of the display screen of the effect display device 41 even in the game area 21. The player who is concentrating on the symbol variation effect performed by the device 41 may not be noticed. Therefore, by displaying the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41, it is possible to appeal the operation of the effect movable device 100 to the player and enhance the game entertainment.

If the effect movable device 100 operates at a position overlapping the front of the display screen of the effect display device 41 in the game area 21, the eyes of the player who is concentrating on the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 41. It is not necessary to display the image of the effect movable device 100 on the display screen of the effect display device 41 in the first place because it is easy to stay.

Further, the operating position of the effect movable device 100 in the game area 21 is not limited to the central device 40 as long as it does not overlap the front surface of the display screen of the effect display device 41. For example, by forming the game board 20 with a transparent material such as synthetic resin and arranging the effect movable device 100 on the back surface side of the game board 20, the game nails and the flowing game balls in the game area 21 are rearward. The effect movable device 100 may be operated by the above.

Although examples and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge normally possessed by those skilled in the art can be appropriately added to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

For example, as the operation of the effect movable device 100, in the above-described embodiment, it moves from the initial position to the operation position, and in the above-mentioned second modification, it vibrates. However, the operation of the effect movable device 100 is not limited to movement or vibration in a predetermined direction. For example, by configuring the effect movable device 100 with a blower that rotates to generate wind, it is linked to the operation of the effect movable device 100 that sends wind toward the player (or rather than the effect movable device 100 operates). (Before), the image of the effect movable device 100 (here, the blower) may be displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the effect movable device 100 is operated, the image of the effect movable device 100 is always displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41. However, there may be a case where both the operation of the staging movable device 100 and the image display of the staging movable device 100 are performed, and a case where only the staging movable device 100 is operated without displaying the image of the staging movable device 100. .. Then, when both the operation of the staging movable device 100 and the image display of the staging movable device 100 are aligned, the jackpot reliability may be higher than only the operation of the staging movable device 100.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game ball supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. An example was explained. Not limited to this, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that imparts a gaming benefit in a form different from that of “paining a gaming ball”. For example, when a game ball enters various entrances, data indicating the amount of profit corresponding to the entry (magnitude of the game value) is stored to store a game profit (game). The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that imparts a value) to a player, and in this case as well, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. As a type of pachinko machine that converts game benefits (game value) into data and gives it to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return a game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various entrances or out ports and launch it again.

<Game machines A1 to A5 that can be extracted from the above-mentioned examples and modifications>
The pachinko machines 1 of the above-described examples and modifications can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A5.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
An effect display device arranged in the game area and having a display screen capable of displaying an image for effect, and an effect display device.
An input device that receives a predetermined input operation by the player, and
In addition to the input device, it is provided with an effect movable device capable of performing a predetermined operation for the effect.
A gaming machine characterized in that when the effect movable device operates, the effect display device can display an image of the effect movable device on the display screen.

In such a gaming machine A1, the image of the effect movable device is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device to appeal the operation of the effect movable device to the player, and the player is encouraged to experience the operation of the effect movable device. At the same time, since the consciousness of the player who is concentrating on the effect performed by the effect display device can be directed to the effect movable device, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment by the effect of operating the effect movable device.

<Game machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1
The effect movable device is a gaming machine characterized in that the player operates outside the outer circumference of a window portion formed so that the gaming area can be visually recognized.

In such a gaming machine A2, even if the effect movable device operates outside the outer periphery of the window portion, it tends to be difficult for the player who concentrates on the effect performed by the effect display device in the window portion to notice. Therefore, by displaying the image of the effect movable device on the display screen of the effect display device, it is possible to appeal the operation of the effect movable device to the player and enhance the game entertainment.

<Game machine A3>
In the gaming machine A1
The effect movable device is a gaming machine characterized in that it operates at a position in the gaming area that does not overlap the front surface of the display screen.

In such a gaming machine A3, the effect movable device operates at a position that does not overlap the front of the display screen of the effect display device even in the game area, so that the game is concentrated on the effect performed by the effect display device. It may not be noticed by the person. Therefore, by displaying the image of the effect movable device on the display screen of the effect display device, it is possible to appeal the operation of the effect movable device to the player and enhance the game interest.

<Game machine A4>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 and the gaming machine A3,
The effect display device is a gaming machine characterized in that an image of the effect movable device is displayed on the display screen in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device.

In such a gaming machine A4, it is possible to simultaneously appeal that the effect movable device is operating with an image on the effect display device, so that it is possible to effectively promote the experience received by the player.

<Game machine A5>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 and the gaming machine A3,
The effect display device is a gaming machine characterized in that an image of the effect movable device is displayed on the display screen before the effect movable device is operated.

In such a gaming machine A5, an image of the effect movable device can be displayed on the display screen of the effect display device to give a notice prior to the operation of the effect movable device. It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by expecting the player to display the image of the movable device on the display screen of the effect display device.

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

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 4 ... Front frame, 4a ... Window part,
10a ... Direction button (input device), 10b ... Jog shuttle (input device),
20 ... Game board, 21 ... Game area, 40 ... Central device,
41 ... Production display device, 41a, 41b, 41c ... Decorative design,
41d ... Background image, 100 ... Directional movable device,
200 ... Main control board, 201 ... CPU, 220 ... Sub control board,
221 ... CPU.

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball into a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
An effect display device arranged in the game area and having a display screen capable of displaying an image for effect, and an effect display device.
An input device that receives a predetermined input operation by the player, and
In addition to the input device, it is provided with an effect movable device capable of performing a predetermined operation for the effect.
A gaming machine characterized in that when the effect movable device operates, the effect display device can display an image of the effect movable device on the display screen. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The effect movable device is a gaming machine characterized in that the player operates outside the outer circumference of a window portion formed so that the gaming area can be visually recognized. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The effect movable device is a gaming machine characterized in that it operates at a position in the gaming area that does not overlap the front surface of the display screen. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The effect display device is a gaming machine characterized in that an image of the effect movable device is displayed on the display screen in conjunction with the operation of the effect movable device. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The effect display device is a gaming machine characterized in that an image of the effect movable device is displayed on the display screen before the effect movable device is operated.

Images