JP2022154892A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible for an administrator of a game hall to notify a player who intends to start a game of specific information by using a display device displaying a standby image.SOLUTION: On the basis of a fact that a game ball shot into a game area is detected by ball detection means, a display device 41 variably displays identification information and then stops the display. A game machine includes input detection means for detecting an input by a player or an administrator of a game hall. When a predetermined time elapses without the identification information being displayed in a variable manner on the display device, a standby image 45 is displayed on the display device. When a non-disclosure specific input is detected by the input detection means during the display of the standby image, specific information (cleaned) is displayed on the display device. In this way, while the standby image is displayed on the display device, the specific information is individually displayed by the administrator performing the specific input, so that the player who intends to start a game can grasp the specific information from the display on the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine (pachinko machine) in which games are played by shooting game balls into a game area formed on a game board.

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls toward a game area formed on a game board is generally equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a player shoots the game ball. When a game ball shot into the game area by rotating the handle is detected by a predetermined detection means (eg, a starter sensor), the display device displays identification information (eg, three decorative patterns) in a variable manner. things are prevalent. Then, when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, a specific state advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game) is generated.

In such a game machine, when a predetermined period of time elapses without the identification information being displayed and the display device enters a standby state (so-called customer waiting state), a standby image (so-called demo image) is displayed. (For example, Patent Document 1). In addition, when a player finishes playing and leaves the gaming machine, the manager (clerk) of the gaming hall cleans the gaming machine and disinfects it as a countermeasure against infectious diseases for the next player who plays the game. done.

JP 2017-225672 A

However, with conventional gaming machines, even the manager of the gaming hall cannot individually display specific information (such as that cleaning or disinfection has been completed) on the display device that is displaying the standby image. For a player who wants to start the game, although he can see from the standby image on the display device that the game machine is vacant, there is a problem that it is difficult to know whether the game machine has been cleaned or disinfected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and uses a display device displaying a standby image to notify specific information from a game hall manager to a player who is about to start a game. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of

In order to solve at least part of the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. i.e.
In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls into a game area formed on a game board,
ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position;
a display device capable of displaying various images;
display control means for controlling the display on the display device, and based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detection means, the identification information is variably displayed on the display device and then displayed stationary;
and an input detection means for detecting an input by a player or an administrator of the gaming hall,
The display control means causes the display device to display a standby image when a predetermined time elapses without the identification information being displayed on the display device, and causes the input detection means to display the standby image during the display of the standby image. The display device is caused to display the specific information when the non-disclosed specific input is detected.

In the gaming machine of the present invention described above,
The display control means may cause the display device to display, as the specific information, that the gaming machine has been cleaned.

In such a gaming machine of the present invention,
The display control means may superimpose the standby image being displayed on the display device and display the specific information in a transparent state.

In addition, in such a gaming machine of the present invention,
The display control means may end the display of the specific information when the game ball is detected by the ball detecting means while the specific information is being displayed on the display device.

In addition, in such a gaming machine of the present invention,
comprising storage means for storing the specific input;
The specific input may be changeable by the manager when the gaming machine is powered on.

According to the present invention, it is possible to notify a player who is about to start a game of specific information from the manager of the game hall by using the display device displaying the standby image.

1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. It is an explanatory view showing the board surface configuration of the game board 20 of the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged segment display portion 50; FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one mode of display on the effect display device 41; It is a flow chart showing a rough flow of game control processing performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control relating to the progress of the game. 4 is a flowchart showing standby image display processing of the present embodiment performed by a CPU 221 of a sub-control board 220; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of specific information being displayed on the effect display device 41 displaying a standby image; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific input change screen 47 displayed on the effect display device 41;

In order to clarify the content of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (game machine) of the type called "seven machine" or "digi-pachi" will be described. In the embodiment, "front" and "front" indicate "front with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction approaching the player (front side as viewed from the player)", and "back" and "front". "Back" indicates "rear side with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction away from the player (back side as seen from the player)". "Upper" means "upper" as seen from the player, "lower" means "lower" as seen from the player, and "left" as seen from the player. It indicates "left", and "right" indicates "right" as seen from the player.

A. Equipment configuration of pachinko machine:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front face of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. 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 body frame 2 . The body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate 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 a later-described game area of the game board 20 arranged on the far side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). A small window portion 4c is formed in the lower right portion 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. A player can visually recognize a segment display portion, which will be described later, of the game board 20 arranged on the far 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. A pair of upper speakers 6a are provided on the upper left and right sides of the window portion 4a, and a lower speaker 6b is provided on the lower front side of the body frame 2. As shown in FIG. These upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c, upper speaker 6a, and lower speaker 6b are driven in order to enhance the effect of the game.

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

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

In addition, on the edge of the front side of the upper plate portion 7, a production button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided. jog shuttle 10b is provided. Further, to the left of the effect button 10a, a direction button 10c that can be pressed by the player is provided. button, left button, right button). These effect buttons 10a, jog shuttle 10b, and direction buttons 10c are all effect operation units operated by the player. can be involved in

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the board 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 game area 21 is formed in the center of the game board 20 . A game ball shot from the shooting device unit 261 (see FIG. 3) passes between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, is released to the game area 21, and flows down the game area 21 from above. Since the game area 21 is visible to the player through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, the game ball flowing down the game area 21 can be visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a as a matter of course. be.

A central device 40 is provided substantially in the center of the game area 21 , and the central device 40 is provided with an effect display device 41 . The performance display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and can display various images for performance and information about the pachinko machine 1 on its display screen. The display contents of the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another drawing. Also, the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "display device" of the present invention.

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

Below the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21, a first start port 24 is provided. The first starting port 24 is open upward, and the possibility of entering a game ball is unchanged (constant), so that a game ball can enter at all times. A game ball entered into the first starting hole 24 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s (see FIG. 3). The position of the first starting port 24 of this embodiment corresponds to the "predetermined position" of the present invention, and the first starting port sensor 24s of this embodiment corresponds to the "ball detection means" of the present invention. is doing.

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

On the right side of the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, there is provided a big prize winning hole 28 that opens forward in a substantially rectangular shape. The large winning opening 28 is provided with an opening/closing door 29 that can rotate with the upper end side tilted forward about the lower end side. The door 29 can be rotated forward to change to an open state in which a game ball can enter. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the big winning opening 28 is in an open state. A game ball entering the big winning hole 28 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the path and detected by the big winning hole sensor 28s (see FIG. 3).

Two winning openings 30 are provided on the left side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21 . The other prize winning opening 30 is open upward, and the possibility of entering the game ball does not change, and the game ball can always enter. A game ball entered into the other prize winning opening 30 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the path and detected by the other winning opening sensor 30s (see FIG. 3).

In addition, a windmill-type wheel 31 that affects the path along which game balls flow, and a large number of game nails (not shown in FIG. 2) are provided around each of the above-described game devices. Furthermore, an out port 33 is provided at the bottom of the game area 21, and a ball enters any of the above-described first start port 24, second start port 25, big winning port 28, and other winning ports 30. The missing game balls are discharged from the out port 33 to the back side of the game board 20.例文帳に追加

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails, etc., the above-described first starting port 24 and other prize winning ports 30 flow down the area to the left of the central device 40 (effect display device 41). A game ball can enter. On the other hand, game balls flowing down the area on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass through or enter the normal symbol operation gate 27, the second starting port 25, and the big prize winning port 28. be. Below, shooting a game ball so as to flow down the area on the left side of the central device 40 is also expressed as "left hitting", and shooting a game ball so as to flow down the area on the right side of the central device 40 is also referred to as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters either the first starting hole 24 or the winning hole 30, three game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second starting hole When a game ball enters the opening 25, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball, and when a game ball enters the big winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls. .

Furthermore, a segment display section 50 is provided at the lower right side of the game area 21 on the game board 20 to display information related to the game by combining a plurality of LEDs. The segment display portion 50 can be visually recognized by the player through a small window portion 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. FIG. Note that the display contents of the segment display section 50 will be described later using another drawing.

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 the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As illustrated, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards and various boards. Focusing on the functions, it can be roughly divided into a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub-control board 220 that controls the performance of the game, and an image under the control of the sub-control board 220. An image/audio control board 230 that controls display and sound output, a lamp control board 226 that controls lamp light emission under the control of the sub-control board 220, and a game ball rental and payout control. It is composed of a payout control board 240 and a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards include CPUs (CPUs 201, 221, 231, etc. in FIG. 3) that execute various logic operations and calculation operations, and ROMs (ROMs 202, 222 in FIG. 3) that store various programs and data executed by the CPUs. , 232, etc.), a RAM (RAMs 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU temporarily stores data during program execution, input/output circuits, etc. It is

The main control board 200 includes a first starting hole sensor 24s that detects a game ball entering the first starting hole 24, a second starting hole sensor 25s that detects a game ball entering the second starting hole 25, A gate sensor 27s for detecting a game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 27, a big winning hole sensor 28s for detecting a game ball entering the big winning hole 28, and others for detecting a game ball entering the winning hole 30. A winning opening sensor 30s and the like are connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first starting sensor 24s, the second starting sensor 25s, the gate sensor 27s, the big winning sensor 28s, and the other winning sensor 30s. , and transmits a command corresponding to the sensor that has received the input of the detection signal to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like.

The main control board 200 also includes a starter solenoid 26m for driving the open/close door 26 capable of switching between the open state and the closed state of the second starter port 25, and a starter solenoid 26m for switching between the open state and the closed state of the big prize winning port 28. A large winning opening solenoid 29m for driving the open/close door 29, a segment display section 50, and the like are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the starting solenoid 26m, the big win solenoid 29m, and the segment display section 50. FIG.

The sub-control board 220 is connected to an image/audio control board 230, a lamp control board 226, an effect operation board 228, and the like. When receiving various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 analyzes the contents of the commands and performs game effects according to the contents. That is, to the image/audio control board 230, a command specifying a display image and an output sound is transmitted, and to the lamp control board 226, the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter referred to as "various A game effect is performed by transmitting a command designating the light emission pattern of the lamps 5a to 5c. Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects an operation of the effect button 10a, the jog shuttle 10b, or the direction button 10c (hereinafter also referred to as "effect operation units 10a to 10c") via the effect operation board 228, the operation is detected. is reflected in the game performance, and information about the pachinko machine 1 is displayed.

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

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

A firing control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240 , and a firing device unit 261 is connected to the firing control board 260 . The shooting device unit 261 has a shooting motor 262 for shooting game balls, a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the shooting handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that the player is touching the shooting handle 9, the shooting motor 262 is activated, and the game ball is shot with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the shooting handle 9.例文帳に追加

B. Game overview:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game progresses as follows. When the player rotates the shooting handle 9 while the game balls are stored in the upper plate portion 7, the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied one by one to the shooting device unit 261, and as shown in FIG. It is shot toward the game area 21 described above. Since the strength of hitting the game ball corresponds to the rotation angle of the shooting handle 9, the player can change the rotation angle of the shooting handle 9 to make the game ball flow down to a desired area. For example, a game ball is shot so as to flow down to the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) (left hitting), or a game ball is flowed down to the right area of the central device 40 can be fired (or hit right).

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 (such as a big hit judgment random number) is acquired, and whether it is a big hit or not based on the value of the judgment random number. After performing a big hit determination to determine whether or not it is out, a variable display of the first special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as "first special symbol") is performed in the segment display section 50. FIG. Also, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25 . When the game ball enters the second starting hole 25 and is detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s, the judgment random number is acquired and the big hit is judged, and then the segment display part 50 displays the second special symbol. (hereinafter also referred to as "second special figure") is displayed. In addition, below, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it may simply be referred to as a "special symbol".

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged segment display section 50. As shown in FIG. As described above, the segment display portion 50 can be visually recognized by the player through the small window portion 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. FIG. As illustrated, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 that displays the first special figure and a second special figure display unit 52 that displays the second special figure. It consists of 9 LEDs. The first special figure and the second special figure are variably displayed by blinking nine LEDs (switching the LEDs to be lit) on the corresponding display units 51 and 52, and with a predetermined combination of LEDs lit Stop is displayed. At this time, if the result of the big hit determination is a big win, the LEDs of the combination corresponding to the big win pattern are lit up, and if the result is a loss, the LEDs of the combination corresponding to the winning pattern are lit up.

In addition, even if the game ball enters the first start port 24 or the second start port 25, the condition for starting a new variable display is not satisfied during the variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure. In the case, the value of the judgment random number obtained by entering the first starting port 24 is stored as the first special figure reservation, and the value of the judgment random number obtained by entering the second starting port 25 is stored as the second special Store as figure pending. After that, when the condition for starting a new variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is satisfied, the big hit determination is performed based on the first special symbol reservation or the second special symbol reservation, and the corresponding special symbol The variable display of the pattern is performed. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, each of such first special figure suspension and second special figure suspension can be stored up to four.

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

When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stop-displayed as a big win symbol, a big win game is executed in which the big winning opening 28 is opened. In the jackpot game, a round game is repeated a plurality of times in which the opened jackpot 28 is closed when a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls enter or after a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. . 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 symbols stopped and displayed (for example, 4 times, 6 times, 10 times, etc.). times). As described above, when game balls enter the big winning hole 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls. It is possible to win prize balls.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a right-handed display section 55 composed of three LEDs. As described above, a right-handed game ball can enter the big winning hole 28, and since right-handed hitting is advantageous for the player during the jackpot game, the LED of the right-handed display unit 55 is lit. Let

Further, as described above, the normal symbol operation gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and the game ball struck to the right can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 27. . When the game ball passing through the normal pattern operation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a normal pattern hit judgment random number) is acquired, and whether it is a normal pattern hit or not based on the value of the judgment random number. After the normal pattern hit determination is performed, the segment display unit 50 performs normal symbol variation display.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a normal pattern display section 56 for displaying normal patterns, and is composed of two left and right LEDs. The normal symbol is variably displayed by blinking two LEDs (switching the LED to be lit) in the normal symbol display unit 56, and is stopped while one LED is lit. At this time, if the result of the normal pattern hit determination is a normal pattern hit, the LED on the left side corresponding to the normal pattern hit pattern is lit, and if it is a loss, the right LED corresponding to the lost pattern is lit. Then, when the normal pattern is stop-displayed as the normal pattern winning pattern, the normal pattern winning game is performed in which the second starting port 25 is opened for a predetermined time and then returned to the closed state.

In addition, even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 27, if the conditions for starting a new variable display are not satisfied during the variable display of the normal symbol, the value of the acquired determination random number is reserved for the normal symbol. It is possible to store up to four items as After that, when the condition for starting a new variable display of normal symbols is satisfied, normal pattern hit determination and variable display of normal symbols are performed based on the normal pattern reservation. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal pattern hold display unit 57 composed of two LEDs. It is displayed on the display unit 57 .

The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal pattern differs depending on whether it is "electrical support state" or "non-electrical 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. In addition, in the electric sapo state, the probability that the result of the normal pattern hit determination is a normal pattern hit is higher than in the non-electric support state (normal pattern hit probability), and the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is set short. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball enters the second starting port 25 compared to the non-electric support state (that is, the possibility that the second special figure will be displayed) increases, and the electric support state During the middle, since hitting to the right is advantageous for the player, the LED of the hitting to the right display section 55 is turned on in the same way as during the jackpot game.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot patterns provided are roughly divided into "normal winning patterns" and "variable winning patterns", and even if the special patterns are stopped and displayed in any of the jackpot patterns, An electric support state is set after the end of the jackpot game. Then, when the normal winning pattern is stopped and displayed, the probability that the result of the jackpot determination will be a big hit (jackpot probability) is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability) after the end of the jackpot game, and the number of variations of the special pattern is set. reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), the non-electrical support state is set. On the other hand, in the case of stopping display of the probability variable winning pattern, the big winning probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability after the big winning game is finished, and is continued until the next big winning game together with the electric support state. Below, the state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as "probability variable state". In addition, in the electric sapo state, it is easier to set the special symbol fluctuation time shorter than in the non-electric sapo state, so the state in which the electric sapo state and the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is called the "time saving state". sometimes referred to as

Further, in conjunction with the variable display of the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) described above, the effect display device 41 displays various images for effect. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one mode of display on the effect display device 41. As shown in FIG. On the display screen of the production display device 41, three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c as patterns for production, and a background image 41d (an image of a car in the example of FIG. 5) serving as the background thereof can be displayed. . When the variable display of the special symbols is started in the first special symbol display portion 51 or the second special symbol display portion 52 of the segment display portion 50, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed with a plurality of numbers in the effect display device 41 as well. (For example, 9 numbers from "1" to "9") are sequentially switched one after another and displayed in a variable manner (hereinafter also referred to as "symbol variation performance"). In addition to numbers, such decorative patterns may be patterns such as characters, figures, symbols, etc., as long as the player can identify the type. The decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c of this embodiment correspond to "identification information" of the present invention.

FIG. 5(a) conceptually shows how the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are all variably displayed. As shown in the figure, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c of this embodiment are arranged in the horizontal direction, and each of them is vertically scrolled from top to bottom to perform variable display. After the start of the variable display, the left decorative pattern 41a is first stopped and displayed as one of "1" to "9", then the right decorative pattern 41c is stopped and finally the middle decorative pattern 41b is stopped. Is displayed. At this time, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are a combination (discrete eyes) of the same number when the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) is stopped and displayed as a missing pattern. In contrast to the stop display, when the special symbols are the jackpot symbols and the stop display is performed, the combination of the same numbers (double number) is stop displayed. In particular, when the special symbols are stop-displayed with odd winning symbols which are more advantageous to the player than the normal winning symbols, the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed with the same number "3" or "7". be done.

By making the display contents of the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c on the production display device 41 correspond to the display contents of the special patterns, two of the three decorative patterns are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5(b). If the numbers are the same at the time of winning, the player will pay attention to the variable display of the decorative symbols (symbol variation performance), assuming that the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed at the end will also have the same numbers. In this way, the production performed while the last decorative pattern is variably displayed in a state where the two decorative patterns are stopped and displayed as the same pattern is called "ready-to-win production". It is possible to increase In addition, such ready-to-reach production includes normal reach production (normal reach production) and reach production (super reach production) that lasts longer than normal reach production. The possibility that 41b and 41c will be stop-displayed with double eyes (big hit reliability) is increased.

In addition, at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a reservation display area 42 (indicated by a dashed line enclosed part) is provided. In the pending display area 42 of the present embodiment, as pending symbols (small circles in the figure), a non-executed symbol 43 corresponding to a special symbol pending which has not yet executed a variable display of a special symbol, and a special symbol 43 which has already started variable display. An executing symbol 44 corresponding to the special figure reservation that triggered the execution of the symbol is displayed. Then, if it is a non-electrical support state (when hitting left), a hold symbol corresponding to the first special figure hold is displayed, and if it is an electric support state (when hitting right), a hold corresponding to the second special figure hold Show symbols. As described above, a maximum of four unexecuted symbols 43 can be stored in the reservation display area 42 as shown in the example of FIG. Up to four can be displayed.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control relating 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 the timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined period (for example, every 4 msec). In the following description, description of well-known processing such as initialization processing of the CPU 201, interrupt prohibition processing, and interrupt enable processing will be omitted.

When the game control process is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first performs an output process (S10). In the main control board 200 of this embodiment, various commands to be sent to various control boards including the sub-control board 220 in each process to be described later are temporarily stored in an 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 an effect in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out game balls.

After the output process (S10), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the input process (S20). As described above, when a game ball enters any one of the first starting hole 24, the second starting hole 25, the big winning hole 28, and the other winning hole 30, the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. . Therefore, in the input process (S20), various sensors (first starting sensor 24s, second starting sensor 25s, big winning sensor 28s, other winning sensor 30s, etc.) for detecting incoming balls with payout of prize balls. Regarding, it is determined whether or not the game ball is detected. Then, when the game ball is detected, a payout command for instructing the payout of the game ball is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command thus stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10). The payout control board 240 that has received the payout command pays out three game balls if the game ball enters either the first starting hole 24 or the winning hole 30 as described above, and the second starting hole. If it is 25, one game ball is paid out, and if it is a large winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

After completing the input process (S20), next, a random number update process (S30) is performed. As described above, the general pattern hit determination and the special symbol jackpot determination are performed based on a predetermined determination random number value. In addition to this, various decisions to be described later are made based on the value of the dedicated random number. These random numbers are updated in the random number update process (S30). In addition, the update of the random number is not only in the random number update process (S30) in the game control process, but also from the time the game control process is once finished until the next game control process is started (timer interrupt occurs). It may be done in between. Alternatively, a dedicated circuit for updating the random number may be provided, and the random number may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

After completing the random number update process (S30), the gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when the game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbol reservations has reached the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If it is determined and has not reached, the determination random number per normal pattern is acquired, and the obtained random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a normal pattern hold.

Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), the starting door sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the starting hole sensor detection process (S50), when the game ball entering the first starting hole 24 is detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s, the first special figure reservation number is the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not it has reached, and if it has not reached, a predetermined judgment random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure reservation. Also, when the game ball entering the second starting port 25 is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, it is determined whether the second special figure reservation number has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). Then, if it has not reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random value is stored in the RAM 203 as the second special figure reservation. Here, as the judgment random number, the big hit judgment random number for judging the big hit, the symbol determination random number for deciding the type of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed in the case of the big hit, and the start of the variable display of the special symbol. Acquire a variation pattern determination random number or the like for determining the variation pattern from to stop display.

In addition, along with the storage of the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, a reservation addition command indicating the addition of the special figure reservation (first special figure reservation or second special figure reservation) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. . This pending addition command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). Add execution symbol 43 .

When the starting port sensor detection process (S50) ends, next, normal operation process (S60) is performed. In the normal operation process (S60), mainly the following processes are performed. First, it is determined whether or not normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner or a game per normal pattern is being executed. When neither normal pattern variable display nor normal pattern per game is being executed, after confirming that a predetermined fixed time has passed since the normal pattern stop display, the normal pattern pending number is "0". Determine whether or not If the normal pattern reservation number is not "0" (if the normal pattern reservation is stored), read the first stored general pattern reservation, and read the general pattern reservation (normal pattern per judgment random number value) Judgment per normal pattern is performed based on. In this normal pattern hit determination, if the value of the normal pattern hit determination random number read as a normal pattern hold is a predetermined hit value, it is determined to be a normal pattern hit, and if it is an outlier value other than the hit value, it is determined to be out. . In addition, as described above, in the electric sapo state, the probability of hitting the normal pattern is set higher than in the non-electric sapo state (the hit value is more). On the other hand, in the electric sapo state, the probability per normal figure is set to 99/100.

Then, based on the result of the normal pattern hit determination, it is determined whether the normal pattern should be stop-displayed as a normal pattern-hit pattern or should be stop-displayed as a losing pattern. Furthermore, the normal pattern fluctuation time is set, the normal pattern fluctuation display is started, and "1" is subtracted from the normal pattern pending number. As described above, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. Variation time is set to 1 second.

When the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether or not the variable time has elapsed, and when the variable time elapses, the normal pattern is stopped and displayed with the decided normal pattern winning pattern or the winning pattern. Then, after waiting for the fixed time to pass, if the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a lost symbol, the process of starting the variable display of the normal symbol again is performed. On the other hand, when the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a normal per pattern, a normal per per pattern game is started.

During the regular game, after driving the starting port solenoid 26m to open the second starting port 25, after the opening time elapses, processing is performed to return it to the closed state. 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. open), while in the electric sapo state the open time is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 open times).

After the normal operation process (S60) ends, the special operation process (S70) is performed. In the special operation process (S70), mainly the following processes are performed. First, it is determined whether the special symbols (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) are being displayed in a variable manner, the special symbols are being fixedly displayed, or the jackpot game is being played. If neither of these is the case, it is determined whether the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number are "0", and the first special figure reservation number or the second special figure reservation number is "0 If not, read out the values of various determination random numbers (big hit determination random number, symbol determination random number, variation pattern determination random number) stored as special figure reservation. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the second special figure suspension is first stored, the first stored second special figure suspension is read, and if the second special figure suspension is not stored, the first It is designed to read the first special figure reservation stored in (prioritize the second special figure reservation).

In this way, the big hit determination is performed based on the value of the big hit determination random number read as the second special figure reservation or the first special figure reservation. In the jackpot judgment, if the value of the read-out jackpot judgment random number corresponds to "jackpot" (jackpot value), it is judged to be a big hit, and if it is a value (outlier) corresponding to "outlier", it is judged to be out. do. As described above, in the definite variable state, the jackpot probability is set higher than the non-variable state (there are many jackpot values). For example, in the non-variable state, the jackpot probability is set to about 1/300. , If the variable probability state, the probability of a big hit is set to about 1/100.

Then, if the result of the big-hit determination is a big-hit, a big-hit symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined. As mentioned above, a plurality of jackpot symbols are provided, and they are roughly divided into normal winning symbols and definite odd winning symbols, and either one based on the value of the symbol determination random number read as the first special figure reservation or the second special figure reservation , is determined as a symbol to be stopped and displayed (stop symbol). On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is a loss, the winning symbol is determined as the stop symbol.

After determining the stop pattern of the special symbols in this manner, the variation pattern of the special symbols is determined. The variation pattern is for identifying the time (variation time) from when the special symbol (the first special figure or the second special figure) starts the variable display to the stop display, and is prepared in advance. are different in the set fluctuation time. The variation pattern is determined based on the value of the variation pattern determination random number read as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and in the electric sapo state, the fluctuation time is shorter than in the non-electric sapo state. Patterns are easier to determine. In addition, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the above-mentioned reach effect etc. are often performed, and in order to easily secure the execution time, the fluctuation time is compared to the case where the result of the big hit determination is off. Longer fluctuation patterns are easier to determine.

When the variation pattern is determined, the variable display of the special symbol is started, and if it is the second special symbol, "1" is subtracted from the second special symbol reservation number, and if it is the first special symbol, the first special symbol reservation number. Subtract "1" from Also, a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern of special symbols and a stop design designation command for designating a stop design 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 in the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol, and the non-execution in the pending display area 42 of the effect display device 41. One of the symbols 43 (the left end in the example of FIG. 5) is moved to the position of the symbol 44 being executed, and the positions of the other symbols 43 not being executed are also moved toward the symbol 44 being executed one by one. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment corresponds to the "display control means" of the present invention.

When the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether or not the variable time has elapsed. As described above, the variation time of the special design is set in the variation pattern, and when the variation time elapses, the special design is stop-displayed with the determined stop design (big win design or losing design). In addition, the time (fixed time) during which the stop-displayed special symbol is fixedly displayed is set. Furthermore, the variable stop command indicating the 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 variation 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 symbols 44 in execution in the reserved display area 42 .

During the confirmation display of the special pattern, it is determined whether or not the confirmation time has elapsed, and when the confirmation time has passed, it is determined whether the confirmed and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol or a winning symbol. As a result, when the design is out, 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 pattern in the time saving state is counted. When the counted number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), the electric support state is ended and the normal state, which is the non-electric support state, is set. Also, when the game state is changed, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

On the other hand, when the confirmed and displayed special pattern is a jackpot pattern, an opening pattern (number of rounds, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the jackpot opening 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 that is stopped (confirmed). Also, a 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 jackpot game, the round game is started by driving the jackpot solenoid 29m to open the jackpot 28.例文帳に追加After that, when a specified number of game balls enter the big winning opening 28 or when the opening time elapses, the round game is finished with the big winning opening 28 closed, and the next round game is played after the closing time has passed. to start. Then, when the set number of rounds is completely consumed, the jackpot game is terminated. Also, a 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 win game is set according to the kind of the big win symbol that is stopped and displayed (determined display). That is, if the jackpot pattern is a probability variation pattern, it is set to a probability variation state (an electric sapo state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability), and if the jackpot pattern is a normal hit pattern, the time saving state (the jackpot probability is a normal probability (Electric support state set to ). Also, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special action process (S70) ends in this way, the game control process of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs every 4 msec, the game control process of FIG. 6 is executed again. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 progresses the game on the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the above-described game control processing. In addition, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands to the sub control board 220 while executing game control processing. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the specific content of the effect based on the received command, and operates the effect display device 41, the various speakers 6a and 6b, the various lamps 5a to 5c, and the effect operation units 10a to 10c. Various game productions using are executed.

In such a pachinko machine 1, when a predetermined period of time elapses without the special symbol variable display being performed, the effect display device 41 does not perform the symbol variable effect (variable display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c). , a standby state (so-called customer waiting state) is entered, and a standby image (so-called demonstration image) is displayed on the effect display device 41 . In addition, when the player finishes playing and leaves the pachinko machine 1, the pachinko machine 1 is cleaned and disinfected as a countermeasure against infectious diseases by the manager (clerk) of the game hall for the next player who plays the game. etc. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the following standby image display processing, so that the effect display device 41 displaying the standby image is used to display the clerk of the game hall. It is possible to inform a player who is about to start playing specific information that cleaning and disinfection have been completed.

C-2. Standby image display processing:
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing standby image display processing of this embodiment performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 . This standby image display process is started based on a timer interrupt that occurs at predetermined intervals. In the following description, description of well-known processing such as initialization processing of the CPU 221, interrupt prohibition processing, and interrupt enable processing will be omitted.

When starting the standby image display process, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not the standby image is being displayed on the effect display device 41 (S100). If the standby image has not yet been displayed on the effect display device 41 (S100: no), next, the effect display device 41 performs a predetermined pattern variation effect (variation display of the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c) without performing it. It is determined whether or not time (for example, two minutes) has passed (S101). If the predetermined time has not yet passed (S101: no), it is determined that the player is continuing to play the game at the pachinko machine 1, so the standby image display process of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated. After that, when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, the standby image display processing of FIG. 7 is executed again.

On the other hand, when the predetermined time has passed without the symbol variation effect being performed on the effect display device 41 (S101: yes), it is determined that the player is not playing a game with the pachinko machine 1, so the effect is performed. A standby image is displayed on the display device 41 (S102). In the standby image, the decoration patterns 41a, 41b and 41 are not displayed, but the maker name and model name of the pachinko machine 1, introduction of appearing characters, call-in to players, and the like are displayed.

On the other hand, in the judgment of S100, if the standby image is already being displayed on the effect display device 41 (S100: yes), the processing of S101 and S102 is omitted, and then the operation of the direction button 10c is detected. (S103). When the operation of the direction button 10c is detected (S103: yes), it is determined whether or not the operation of the direction button 10c is a specific input (S104). As described above, the direction button 10c has four buttons (up button, down button, left button, right button) corresponding to the four directions of up, down, left, and right, respectively. preset. Since this specific input is not open to the public, it is mainly performed by the game hall clerk, not the player. Then, when the pressing order of the direction buttons 10c matches the specific input (S104: yes), the specific information is displayed on the effect display device 41 that is displaying the standby image (S105). The direction button 10c of this embodiment corresponds to the "input detection means" of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which specific information is displayed on the effect display device 41 that is displaying a standby image. In the exemplified production display device 41 , the model name of the pachinko machine 1 “Nippon Ichi” is displayed as a still image as the standby image 45 together with an illustration of Mt. Fuji. Note that the standby image 45 is not limited to a still image, and may be a moving image. A specific information display area 46 for displaying specific information is provided at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 41. In this specific information display area 46, characters "cleaned" are displayed as specific information. Is displayed. Since the specific information display area 46 of the present embodiment is provided in the frontmost layer and is transparent, the specific information is displayed superimposed on the standby image 45 on the back.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S103 of FIG. 7 that the operation of the direction button 10c is not detected (S103: no), the processes of S104 and S105 are omitted, and it is determined in S104 that the pressing order of the direction button 10c is the specific input. If they do not match (S104: no), the process of S105 is skipped, and next it is determined whether or not a hold addition command has been received from the main control board 200 (S106). As described above, the hold addition command is a command indicating the addition of a new special figure reservation (first special figure reservation or second special figure reservation), and the game is played with the first start opening sensor 24s or the second start opening sensor 25s When the ball is detected, it is output from main control board 200 . Then, if the pending addition command has not been received (S106: no), the standby image display processing of FIG. Then, the standby image display processing of FIG. 7 is executed again.

After that, when the hold addition command is received (S106: yes), it is determined whether or not specific information is being displayed on the effect display device 41 (S107). Then, when the specific information is being displayed (S107: yes), the display of the specific information is ended (S108). That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a particular input is made by the clerk of the game hall with the direction button 10c and the particular information is displayed on the performance display device 41, the game ball enters the first start hole 24. up to is displayed.

On the other hand, when the specific information is not displayed on the effect display device 41 (S107: no), the process of S108 is omitted, and when the standby state is canceled, the waiting image 45 of the effect display device 41 is replaced with a symbol variation effect. (Varying display of decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c, see FIG. 5) is started (S109). When the symbol variation effect is started in this manner, the standby image display process of FIG. 7 is terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, the standby image display process of FIG. 7 is executed again. After that, when the symbol variation effect is not performed on the effect display device 41 and a predetermined time has passed (S101: yes), the standby image 45 is displayed again on the effect display device 41 (S102).

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a predetermined time elapses without the effect display device 41 performing a pattern variation effect (variation display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c), the effect display device 41 When a standby image 45 is displayed on the standby image 45, and a non-disclosed specific input is detected by the direction button 10c during the display of the standby image 45, the effect display device 41 is caused to display the specific information. In this way, when the pachinko machine 1 displaying the standby image 45 on the effect display device 41 performs a specific input with the direction button 10c by the clerk of the game hall, the specific information is individually displayed. A player who is going to start a game with , can grasp the specific information from the display of the effect display device 41 .

In particular, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the performance display device 41 is made to display, as the specific information, that cleaning has been completed (characters "cleaned"). If the clerk who has finished the cleaning work of the pachinko machine 1 performs a specific input with the direction button 10c, the player who is going to start the game can start playing from the display of the performance display device 41 when selecting the pachinko machine 1 in the game hall. Since it is known that the cleaning has been completed, the player can play the game with peace of mind.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the specific information is superimposed on the standby image 45 being displayed on the effect display device 41 and displayed in a transparent state. Therefore, it is possible to inform the player of the specific information while utilizing the standby image prepared with much effort to appeal the pachinko machine 1 to the player who is about to start the game.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball entering the first start hole 24 is detected by the first start hole sensor 24s while the specific information is being displayed on the effect display device 41, the specific information is displayed. is designed to end the If the game ball is detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s, it means that the game is started by a new player, and it can be determined that the specific information has already been grasped by the player, so the display of the specific information is terminated. By doing so, it is possible to avoid obstructing the visual recognition of the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 41. - 特許庁

Although the specific input has been described as being set in advance, the specific input may be stored in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 so that the game hall clerk can change the specific input. For example, a specific input change screen may be displayed on the effect display device 41 when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a specific input change screen 47 displayed on the effect display device 41. As shown in FIG. On the illustrated specific input change screen 47, along with a display indicating that the specific input can be changed ("Specific input can be changed" in the figure), the direction buttons 10c (four up, down, left, and right buttons) are displayed as specific inputs. Six input fields are provided corresponding to each of the six pressing orders. Further, it is also displayed that an input is made by pressing the direction button 10c and that a specific input is determined (confirmed) by pressing the effect button 10a.

After the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the clerk of the game hall presses the direction button 10c (either the up button, the down button, the left button, or the right button) while the specific input change screen 47 is displayed on the effect display device 41. Each time the button is pressed, the direction of the pressed button is displayed in the input field (in the illustrated example, right, right, left, down, up, right), and after all the input fields are filled, the effect button 10a is pressed. Then, the determined specific input is stored in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220, and the display of the specific input change screen 47 ends. The RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 in this case corresponds to the "storage means" of the present invention.

In this way, since the game hall clerk can arbitrarily change the specific input, it is possible to prevent the specific information from being erroneously displayed on the effect display device 41 when the player presses the direction button 10c. Become.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not depart from the scope described in each claim. Improvements can also be added as appropriate based on the knowledge that those skilled in the art generally have, as well as the range that can be easily replaced from them.

For example, in the embodiment described above, it was possible to display, as the specific information, on the effect display device 41 that the pachinko machine 1 has been cleaned. However, the specific information is not limited to this, and may be information such as that the pachinko machine 1 has been disinfected as a countermeasure against infectious diseases.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the special information is superimposed on the standby image 45 being displayed on the effect display device 41 and displayed in a transparent state. However, the specific information may be emphasized to the player by making the specific information display area 46 non-transmissive or hiding a part of the standby image 45 on which the specific information overlaps. However, by superimposing the specific information on the standby image 45 and displaying it in a transparent state as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to notify the player of the specific information while utilizing the prepared standby image 45 . .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the specific input is performed by pressing the direction button 10c. However, the input detection means for detecting the specific input is not limited to the direction buttons 10c as long as it can detect the input by the player or the store clerk. , a multi-digit personal identification number may be used as the specific input.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall. I explained an example. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives a game profit in a form different from "payout of game balls". For example, by storing data indicating the amount of profit (magnitude of game value) corresponding to the entry of a game ball into various ball entrances, a game profit (gaming The present invention can also be applied to a type of pachinko machine that gives a player a value), and in this case also, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Pachinko machines that convert game profits (game values) into data and give them to players include machines that circulate and use a plurality of game balls built into the pachinko machine. , a pachinko machine (a so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return game balls ejected to the back side of the game board through various ball inlets or outlets to the shooting position again and shoot them.

<Gaming machines A1 to A5 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiment>
The pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above can be regarded as gaming machines A1 to A5 as follows.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls into a game area formed on a game board,
ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position;
a display device capable of displaying various images;
display control means for controlling the display on the display device, and based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detection means, the identification information is variably displayed on the display device and then displayed stationary;
and an input detection means for detecting an input by a player or an administrator of the gaming hall,
The display control means causes the display device to display a standby image when a predetermined time elapses without the identification information being displayed on the display device, and causes the input detection means to display the standby image during the display of the standby image. A gaming machine characterized by displaying specific information on a display device when a non-disclosed specific input is detected.

In such a gaming machine A1, specific information is displayed individually by specific input by the manager of the gaming hall while the standby image is being displayed on the display device. It is possible to grasp the specific information from the display of the display device.

<Game machine A2>
In gaming machine A1,
The gaming machine, wherein the display control means causes the display device to display, as the specific information, that the gaming machine has been cleaned.

In such a gaming machine A2, if the manager of the gaming hall who has finished cleaning the gaming machine performs a specific input, the player who intends to start the game can use the display device when selecting the gaming machine in the gaming hall. From the display of , it can be seen that cleaning has been completed, so the player can play the game with peace of mind.

<Game machine A3>
In gaming machine A1 or gaming machine A2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the display control means causes the standby image being displayed on the display device to be superimposed and displayed in a state in which the specific information is transparent.

In such a gaming machine A3, specific information can be notified to a player who is about to start a game while utilizing the standby image prepared with much effort in order to appeal the gaming machine to the player.

<Game machine A4>
In any one gaming machine from gaming machines A1 to A3,
The gaming machine, wherein the display control means terminates the display of the specific information when the game ball is detected by the ball detecting means while the specific information is being displayed on the display device.

In such a gaming machine A4, if a game ball is detected by the ball detection means, it can be determined that a game has been started by a new player and the specific information has already been grasped by the player. By ending the display of , it is possible to avoid obstructing the visibility of the variable display of the identification information performed by the display device.

<Game machine A5>
In any one gaming machine from gaming machines A1 to A4,
comprising storage means for storing the specific input;
A game machine, wherein the specific input can be changed by the administrator when the power of the game machine is turned on.

In such a gaming machine A5, the manager of the gaming hall can arbitrarily change the specific input, so that it is possible to prevent the specific information from being erroneously displayed on the display device due to the player's input.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for gaming machines used in gaming halls.

1... Pachinko machine (gaming machine), 9... Shooting handle, 10a... Production button,
10b... jog shuttle, 10c... direction button (input detection means),
20... Game board, 21... Game area, 24... First start port,
24s... first starting port sensor (ball detection means), 25... second starting port,
27... normal pattern operation gate, 28... big winning opening, 30... other winning opening,
40... Central device, 41... Effect display device (display device),
41a, 41b, 41c... decoration pattern (identification information), 50... segment display part,
200... Main control board, 201... CPU, 220... Sub control board,
221... CPU (display control means), 223... RAM (storage means).

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls into a game area formed on a game board,
ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has flowed down the game area and reached a predetermined position;
a display device capable of displaying various images;
display control means for controlling the display on the display device, and based on the detection of the game ball by the ball detection means, the identification information is variably displayed on the display device and then displayed stationary;
and an input detection means for detecting an input by a player or an administrator of the gaming hall,
The display control means causes the display device to display a standby image when a predetermined time elapses without the identification information being displayed on the display device, and causes the input detection means to display the standby image during the display of the standby image. A gaming machine characterized by displaying specific information on a display device when a non-disclosed specific input is detected. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The gaming machine, wherein the display control means causes the display device to display, as the specific information, that the gaming machine has been cleaned. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the display control means causes the standby image being displayed on the display device to be superimposed and displayed in a state in which the specific information is transparent. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The gaming machine, wherein the display control means terminates the display of the specific information when the game ball is detected by the ball detecting means while the specific information is being displayed on the display device. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
comprising storage means for storing the specific input;
A game machine, wherein the specific input can be changed by the administrator when the power of the game machine is turned on.

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