JP4417086B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a normal game time and a game time shortened from the normal time for one game (game).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine generally called a pachinko machine draws a big hit by an internal program when a game ball wins a starting winning opening provided on a gaming board. Then, when the lottery result is a big hit, a predetermined game value is given to the player. Such a gaming machine is equipped with a device for performing various effects related to the jackpot lottery result. For example, there is a game board equipped with a special symbol display device capable of variably displaying a special symbol for notifying an actual lottery result composed of a plurality of numbers, figures and the like, or a demonstration symbol for simply performing an effect. In the following description, a special symbol refers to a symbol simply referred to as a symbol. Several documents disclose general machine structures related to such gaming machines (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a front view of a conventional gaming machine. In FIG. 12, the gaming machine includes a gaming board 1201, a special symbol display device 1202, a start winning opening 1203, a normal symbol display device operating gate (left) 1204, and a normal symbol display device operating gate. (Right) 1205, a normal symbol display device 1206, a normal electric accessory 1207, special symbol operation memory display lamps (hereinafter referred to as holding lamps) 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, a variable winning ball device 1208, and the like. For convenience of explanation, not all the constituent members are shown.

  Examples of the special symbol display device 1202 include a variable display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a drum, and the like. The special symbol display device 1202 variably displays special symbols and demo symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures.

  When the game ball launched by the player wins, the start winning opening 1203 detects the winning ball, performs a big win lottery by an internal program, and gives an opportunity for symbol change of the special symbol display device 1202. The special symbol display of the special symbol display device 1202 and the change display of the demo symbol are stopped after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, and the lottery result is notified and produced.

  The normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 1204 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 1205 detect the passing ball when the game ball launched by the player passes, and the normal electric accessory (tulip) 1207 is detected. The opening lottery is performed, and the normal symbol display device 1206 gives an opportunity to change the normal symbol.

  The normal symbol display device 1206 variably displays a normal symbol to be displayed such as a 7-segment LED, and when a winning lottery of the above-mentioned normal electric accessory (tulip) 1207 is won, a specific normal symbol is stopped and displayed. Announce the winning. The normal electric accessory (so-called tulip) 1207 is opened when the normal symbol display device 1206 reports the small hit, and assists the winning at the start winning opening 1203.

  The holding lamps 1216, 1217, 1218, and 1219 store the information on the lottery result of each ball that won the start winning port 1203 during the change of the symbol in the holding memory for each ball in the RAM of the gaming machine. It lights up in conjunction ("ball hold"), and notifies the number of times that the symbol can be changed continuously. Further, the winning ball to the start winning port 1203 that is the target of the ball holding is hereinafter referred to as “holding ball”.

Here, in FIG. 12, when all the holding lamps are lit and there are four holding balls, the pattern variation with respect to the holding ball A indicated by the lighting of the holding lamp 1216 (hereinafter referred to as “holding digestion of the holding ball A”). ) Is started. The symbol variation due to the holding ball A after four holding balls, which is the first symbol change after the holding lamp is fully lit, is started after the holding lamp 1216 indicating the holding of the holding ball A is turned off. And the symbol variation (the first symbol variation after all the holding lamps are turned on) due to the holding ball A is normal (except in the case of the reach production) except in the case of the reach production which may be a big hit notification. It stops after the fluctuation of T _S seconds (<T _L ), which is the symbol fluctuation time shorter than the symbol fluctuation time T _L seconds. In this case, since the symbol variation time for one time is shortened, there is an effect of increasing the number of symbol variations per unit time (this function is hereinafter referred to as a time-shortening function or simply a time-shortening).

  In addition, when the gaming machine wins the above-mentioned jackpot, the symbols of the special symbol display device 1202 are preliminarily set to, for example, “1, 1, 1”, “2, 2, 2” to “9, 9, 9”. Stops at a specific combination of symbols and notifies a special prize (so-called jackpot). Depending on the model, there is also a gaming machine with a combination of two rows of symbols. The special prize is a point at which the game is switched from the first state to the second state, and the second state is an advantageous state for giving a predetermined game value to the player (big hit operation, during big hit).

  In recent gaming machines, the probability of a special prize inside a gaming machine in a game is usually obtained after digestion of the big hit action for a special symbol combination, for example, a special prize combination of “7, 7, 7” among the special symbol combinations ( There is a gaming machine having a function of a probability variation that increases from a low probability state (the probability variation in which this probability increases is hereinafter simply referred to as probability variation). Generally, such a probability change (high probability) state of a gaming machine with a probability change function is continued until the next jackpot acquisition. A combination of special award symbols related to probability variation is called a probable variation symbol, and a combination of special award symbols related to non-probability variation is called a non-probability variation symbol. During the probability change, the background color of the special symbol display device 1202 is generally changed, and the player is notified that the probability change is in progress.

  Also, in FIG. 12, when the ball passes through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 1204 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 1205, a lottery for opening the normal electric accessory (tulip) 1207 (ie, small The winning lottery is performed, but the probability of opening the ordinary electric accessory 1207 (small hit probability) is generally increased during the probability change. In addition, there is a gaming machine in which the probability of opening the normal electric accessory 1207 (small hit probability) is increased by a predetermined number of symbol fluctuations at a low probability after the big hit operation is finished. Low probability and high probability states exist not only in special prizes but also in small hits, but unless otherwise noted, indicate the probability of special prizes.

  In the state where the probability of hitting is increased, the ordinary electric accessory 1207 is frequently opened, and as a result, it becomes easier for the ball to enter the start winning opening 1203 during the variation of the symbol. For this reason, in this state, the hold lamp is always turned on, and the above-mentioned time reduction function works constantly, so the number of symbol fluctuations per unit time increases. A state in which the time-shortening function constantly operates for a predetermined number of symbol variations after the end of the above-described probability change is referred to as time-shortening. In this way, there is a gaming machine that becomes short in time after the end of probability change.

  In the above-described conventional example, when the probability function works only for the symbol variation due to the holding ball after 4 holding balls at low probability, depending on the model, the holding ball is holding after 4 or 3 holding balls. There is also a gaming machine in which the time-shortening function works in response to symbol changes caused by a ball. In a broad sense, the time-saving function works during a game when a ball is held for a predetermined number or more.

  Further, in FIG. 12, the variable winning ball apparatus 1208 has a variable winning award in the subsequent big hit operation when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 1202 is a combination of specific symbols determined in advance, that is, when it becomes a special prize. The opening / closing member 1209 attached to the front surface of the ball device 1208 is opened and closed.

  During the big hitting operation, the opening / closing member 1209 opens almost horizontally, and the big winning opening 1210 for receiving a winning game ball is opened, and a large number of winning game balls are received. When a game ball wins in the big winning opening 1210, the gaming machine pays out a large number of winning balls (also called out balls or safe balls) corresponding to the number of winning balls. The opening of the big winning opening 1210 continues until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or less) elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls win the big winning opening 1210 (this one opening is called a round).

  Further, the variable winning ball apparatus 1208 has a specific area 1211 inside (so-called V zone). If at least one game ball passes through the specific area 1211 while the big winning opening 1210 during the big hit operation is opened, the game machine is given an opportunity to generate a right for the next round. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... Until the maximum round (for example, 15R or less). If the game ball does not pass through the specific area 1211 during the round, the big hit operation is terminated without continuing to the maximum round.

  In addition, some conventional gaming machines have a shortening switch that is forcibly stopped (immediately stopped) when it is turned on by a player to generate a trigger. With this function, similar to the time-saving function described above, it is possible to shorten one symbol variation time and increase the number of symbol variations per unit time. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the shortening switch trigger is not immediately stopped but can be stopped after the fluctuation of the symbol is shortened after detection of the trigger.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a conventional gaming machine includes a model having a shortening switch 1250 which is an optical touch sensor attached to a gaming board 1201. A role, short switch 1250, nail and the like installed on the game board 1201 are covered with a transparent glass plate, and a game ball in which a space secured between the glass plate and the game board 1201 is launched. Will fall. When the special symbol display device 1202 displays a special symbol or a demo symbol in a variable manner, if the player holds his hand over the shortening switch 1250 through the glass plate, the shortening switch 1250 that detects the trigger generates a trigger and displays the special symbol. The change display of the special symbol or the demo symbol of the device 1202 can be stopped immediately or can be shortened and stopped. There is also a document disclosing a gaming machine having such a shortening switch (for example, Patent Document 4).

  FIG. 13 is an example of a timing chart of a gaming machine in which the variation display of the special symbol display device 1202 is shortened and stopped when the shortening switch 1250 is turned on. When a game ball wins at the start winning opening 1203, the special symbol display device 1202 starts the variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol, and the special symbol is displayed for the duration of the variation pattern with the effect specified by the variation pattern determined at that time. And display the demo design in a variable manner. Here, the variation pattern refers to the appearance of screen variation such as discontinuity, reach, and special prize.

  In the example of FIG. 13, the display of the special symbol and the demo symbol is normally stopped after the end of the effect specified by the change pattern, but the time over the effect is the switch effective period of the shortening switch 1250 and is shortened to this period. When the switch 1250 is turned on and a trigger is generated, the special symbol display device 1202 stops after the variable display of the shortened second half effect.

JP 11-319252 A JP-A-11-70229 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-140881 JP 2002-159589 A

  However, in the gaming machine having the function shown in the example of FIG. 13 described above, after the trigger of the shortening switch 1250 occurs, the special symbol display device 1202 displays the shortened second half effect while the variable display is being displayed. When it is turned on and a trigger is generated, the special symbol display device 1202 variably displays the same second half effect from that time. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in the above-mentioned prior art in that it is a double effect, and it is undesirable for the effect to give the player a misunderstanding of game confusion or failure. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prevents double effects and improves the taste of the game.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine of the present invention has a notifying means (202) for notifying the effect, and instructs the notifying means to notify the effect when a game ball is detected. A gaming machine that notifies the player of the instructed effect by the notification means, and when a game ball is detected, the first to be notified from a plurality of first effects (FIG. 10, pattern ID). Selecting means (main control unit 308, step S503), and management means (main control unit 308, S705, special) for managing the time over the first effect by dividing it into a plurality of fluctuation elapsed time ranges. An effect table (FIG. 11) of the symbol display device 202 and a detecting means (main control unit 308, which detects an input from the outside while the notifying means notifies the first effect selected by the selecting means. Step 420, S700) and, the at the time when the input is detected by the detection means, the first based on any on whether the said detected moment of the plurality of fluctuation elapsed time over the first effect range Based on the acquisition means (main control unit 308, steps S705 to S742) for acquiring the elapsed time of the first production, the first production selected by the selection means, and the elapsed time obtained by the acquisition means. Deciding means (main control unit 308, step S725, FIG. 11) for determining the second effect to be notified from a plurality of second effects (FIG. 11, command ID of the latter-stage effect instruction); instruction means (main control unit 308 instructs the notifying second effect determined by the determination means from that point, step S730~S737, S742, S747, S4 0) and wherein the determining means includes a feature in that a second effect to be reported, determining a first effect different effect of which has been informed before the input by the detection means is detected To do.

  Here, it has data storing each identifier of the plurality of second effects, and the determining means indexes the identifier of the first effect selected by the selecting means and the identifier of the elapsed time. As described above, it is possible to search for the data and determine a second effect to be notified.

  In addition, when the gaming machine detects a game ball, the gaming machine performs a lottery and instructs the notification means to notify the effect of changing the symbol and the demonstration display. When the lottery is a win, the notification means A gaming machine that gives an instruction to stop the symbol at a specific symbol, wherein the plurality of first effects and the plurality of second effects are effects of the demonstration display.

  In addition, the term in the embodiment corresponding to the component of a claim, a figure number, and the code | symbol in a figure was shown by (). However, the constituent elements described in the claims are not limited to the constituent elements in the embodiment of the above () part.

  With the above configuration, in one embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, the display of the special symbol and the demo symbol is normally stopped after the end of the effect specified by the change pattern. It is a switch effective period, and the time over the production is divided into a plurality of fluctuation elapsed time ranges and managed. Then, when the shortening switch is turned on within each fluctuation elapsed time and a trigger is generated, a shortened second half effect based on the fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation elapsed time at that time is selected, and from that time the special symbol display device The shortened second half production is stopped after the variable display.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible for the gaming machine to exhibit a gaming mode in which double effects are prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which has the same function in each drawing, and duplication of description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, since the machine structure of the gaming machine can be the same as that of the conventional example as shown in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 3, etc., the description in this embodiment is a component related to the present invention and its supplement. For convenience of explanation, not all constituent members are shown in the figure. In addition, although many nails are arrange | positioned on the game board, in the following drawings, not all the nails are shown in figure for the sake of simplicity.

(Device configuration)
FIG. 2 shows an example of a front view of the gaming machine 200 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has a gaming board 201 on which a game machine character or the like is mounted on a board surface, a special symbol display device 202, a start winning opening 203, a normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204, a normal symbol. Display device operation gate (right) 205, normal symbol display device 206, normal electric accessory 207, variable winning ball device 208, gaming machine handle 212, special symbol operation memory display lamps (hereinafter referred to as holding lamps) 216, 217, 218, 219, a shortening switch 250, and the like.

  Examples of the special symbol display device 202 include a variable display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode), a dot matrix display device, a drum, and the like. The special symbol display device 202 variably displays special symbols and demo symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. In the following description, a special symbol refers to a symbol simply referred to as a symbol.

  The control circuit configuration of the special symbol display device 202 includes a CPU, a program ROM, a RAM, an image processing LSI (hereinafter referred to as VDP (Video Display Processor)), a character ROM, a video RAM, a variable display device, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the special symbol display device 202 has a variable display device that can display an image such as a background and each of the plurality of symbols as a moving image, and a specific symbol that the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 202 is predetermined. A special prize (so-called jackpot) is given when the combination becomes. The special prize is a point at which the game is switched from the first state to the second state, and the second state is an advantageous state for giving a predetermined game value to the player (big hit operation, during big hit).

  In the present embodiment, a gaming machine capable of displaying various effects on the special symbol display device 202 based on a command instruction from the main control unit (described later) of the gaming machine to the CPU of the special symbol display device 202 is assumed. Yes. As the special symbol display device 202, a conventional special symbol display device having a variable display device applied to a gaming machine is applicable, and since the configuration is already well known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description of the configuration will be given. Will not be needed. 9 and 10 are examples of commands from the main control unit of the gaming machine to the CPU of the special symbol display device 202 in the present embodiment.

  When the game ball launched by the player wins, the start winning opening 203 detects a winning by the occurrence of a trigger of an internal special symbol start switch 301 (described later in the description of FIG. 3), and the symbol variation of the special symbol display device 202 is detected. Give an opportunity. The special symbol display of the special symbol display device 1202 and the change display of the demo symbol are stopped after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, and the lottery result is notified and produced.

  The normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205, when a game ball launched by the player passes, the internal normal symbol operation switch 302 (described later in the description of FIG. 3). , The passing ball is detected, and the normal symbol display device 206 is triggered to change the normal symbol.

  The normal symbol display device 206 variably displays normal symbols to be displayed such as a 7-segment LED. The ordinary electric accessory (so-called tulip) 207 is opened when the ordinary symbol display device 206 stops displaying a certain ordinary symbol (so-called small hit), and assists the winning in the start winning opening 203.

  The variable winning ball device 208 is attached to the front surface of the variable winning ball device 208 in the subsequent big hit operation when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 202 is a predetermined combination of symbols, that is, when a special winning is achieved. The opening / closing member 209 is opened and closed.

  During the big hitting operation, the opening / closing member 209 opens almost horizontally, and the big winning opening 210 for receiving a winning game ball is opened, and a large number of winning game balls are received. When a game ball wins the big prize opening 210, the gaming machine sets the number of game balls to the big prize opening 210 by the occurrence of a trigger of a big prize opening switch 303 (described later in the description of FIG. 3) in the variable prize winning ball device 208. Grasping and winning the winning ball (out, safe ball) will be given out. The opening of the special winning opening 210 continues until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or less) elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined special winning opening number) wins the special winning opening 210 ( This one opening is called a round).

  Further, the variable winning ball device 208 has a specific area 211 inside (so-called V zone). The specific area 211 has a width equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball symmetrically from a center line that bisects the big winning opening 210 in the horizontal direction parallel to the board surface of the game board 201.

  When at least one game ball passes through the specific area 211 while the big winning opening 210 during the big hit operation is opened, a trigger of a specific area switch 304 (described later in the description of FIG. 3) in the variable winning ball apparatus 208 is generated. The gaming machine is given an opportunity to generate the right for the next round. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... Until the maximum round (for example, 15R or less). If the game ball does not pass through the specific area 211 during the round, the big hit operation ends without continuing until the maximum round.

  The gaming machine handle 212 has a touch sensor (not shown) on the surface, and is provided with a stop button 213. When the touch sensor detects that the player has gripped the gaming machine handle 212 and the gaming machine handle 212 is rotated clockwise 215 or counterclockwise 214 in this state, a variable resistor (non- When detected, the ball launcher 317 (described later with reference to FIG. 3) is triggered to continuously launch game balls. The player turns the gaming machine handle 212 clockwise 215 or counterclockwise 214 to adjust the launch route of the game ball launched onto the game board 201. Further, when the player presses the stop button 213, the launching of the game ball of the ball launcher 317 is stopped.

  The holding lamps 216, 217, 218, and 219 store information on each ball that has won the start winning port 203 during the change of the symbol in a holding memory for each ball on the RAM 310 described later with reference to FIG. Lights up in conjunction with (hereinafter referred to as “holding a sphere”), and notifies the number of times that the symbol can be varied continuously. In addition, the winning ball to the starting winning port 203 that is the target of the holding of the ball is hereinafter referred to as “holding ball”.

  The shortening switch 250 is an optical touch sensor attached to the game board 201. A role, short switch 250, nail, etc. installed on the game board 201 are covered with a transparent glass plate, and a game ball in which a space secured between the glass plate and the game board 201 is launched. Will fall. When the special symbol display device 202 displays a special symbol or a demo symbol in a variably displayed state, if the player holds his / her hand over the shortening switch 250 through the glass plate, the shortening switch 250 that detects this will generate a trigger and display the special symbol. The change display of the special symbol or the demo symbol of the device 202 can be stopped immediately or can be shortened and stopped.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the gaming system showing the control circuit configuration of the gaming machine 200 and the connection of the gaming machine 200, the hall computer 327, the out ball detection device 329, and the information display device 330. In FIG. 3, the control circuit configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment includes a special symbol start switch 301, a normal symbol operation switch 302, a big prize opening switch 303, a specific area switch 304, a reset circuit 305, a power supply circuit 306, and an input port 307. , Main control unit 308, ROM 309, RAM 310, output port 311, special symbol display device 202, normal symbol display device 206, big prize opening operating solenoid 312, normal electric accessory operating solenoid 313, lamp display device 314, sound effect generator 315, a prize ball payout device 316, a ball launching device 317, a shortening switch 250, other switches 318, an external information board 321 and the like.

  The special symbol start switch 301 generates a trigger when a game ball that is launched by a player and wins the start winning slot 203 passes through this switch, detects the winning, and triggers the symbol variation of the special symbol display device 202. give.

  The normal symbol operation switch 302 generates a trigger when a game ball which is launched by the player and passes through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205 passes this switch. Then, the normal symbol display device 206 is given an opportunity to change the normal symbol.

  The big winning opening switch 303 generates a trigger when the game ball that has won the big winning opening 210 passes this switch in the subsequent big hit operation when the special winning is won, and the main control unit 308 detects the winning of the gaming ball. I do.

  The specific area switch 304 generates a trigger when a game ball that has passed through the specific area 211 while the special winning opening 210 is opened passes through this switch, and the main control unit 308 detects the right generation of the next round.

  The reset circuit 305 sets the main control unit 308 to an initial state. The power supply circuit 306 supplies power to the entire circuit of FIG. The input port 307 takes in signals from each unit and transfers them to the main control unit 308.

  The main control unit 308 is a CPU that controls the entire gaming machine, and may be a one-chip CPU that incorporates a ROM 309 and a RAM 310, or a CPU that has an external bus connection between the ROM 309 and the RAM 310.

  The ROM 309 stores a program for controlling the gaming machine for the main control unit 308. Specifically, the game control program of FIG. 4 that defines the contents of the game control process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 308 is stored. The ROM 309 further stores values of various parameters for controlling the gaming machine, including a command ID for instructing the special symbol display device 202.

  The RAM 310 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 308, data for arithmetic processing, various counters such as a random number counter related to the game, and a holding memory for recording information of each holding ball. Have.

  The output port 311 outputs a signal for each unit and transfers it from the main control unit 308.

  The big prize opening operation solenoid 312 is one of the components in the variable prize ball device 208, and when the special prize is won, the opening / closing member 209 attached to the front surface of the variable prize ball device 208 is opened in the subsequent big hit operation. To do.

  The ordinary electric accessory actuating solenoid 313 opens the ordinary electric accessory 207 when the ordinary symbol display device 206 stops displaying the ordinary symbol of the small hit.

  The lamp display device 314 is a display device for lamps related to the game, and selectively turns on / off a plurality of lamps according to an instruction from the main control unit 308. As a result, the hold lamps 216 to 219 are also turned on as information is recorded in the hold memory on the RAM 310 and turned off when the hold ball is held.

  The sound effect generator 315 generates sounds related to the game. The winning ball payout device 316 pays out winning balls when winning is detected by the special symbol start switch 301, the big winning opening switch 303, the other switch 318, and the like.

  When the ball launcher 317 detects the player's ball launch operation with the gaming machine handle 212, the ball launcher 317 launches the ball onto the game board 201.

  The other switch 318 generates a trigger when a game ball that has won a prize other than the start prize opening 203 and the big prize opening 210 passes this switch, and the main control unit 308 detects a winning of the game ball.

  The external information board 321 is a board for providing information from the CPU of the main control unit 308 to the outside (the hall computer 327, the information display device 330, etc.). The hall computer 327 and the information display device 330 are electrically connected to the gaming machine via an external information board 321 of the gaming machine. The CPU of the main control unit 308 outputs information indicating stop of symbol variation, big hit state, probability variation state, etc. to the outside via the external information board 321.

  In FIG. 3, the hall computer 327 collects data on the operation status from each gaming machine, collects output from each out-ball detecting device 329, and manages the operation of the game hall. Alternatively, the game state is notified to each information display device 330. Since the hall computer 327 is a well-known hall computer used in a game arcade, the control circuit configuration thereof need not be described again.

  The out ball detecting device 329 is installed inside an island facility composed of a game machine installation facility and a game ball replenishment system, and is a game ball that is out through the game board surface of the game machine (a game ball that has been launched, And an out ball detection signal is transmitted to the hall computer 327. Conventionally, the structure and control circuit configuration of the out-ball detecting device are well known to those skilled in the art, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The information display device 330 is a display device installed at the upper part of the gaming machine, for example, and notifies the player of the gaming state through a lamp, a screen, or the like according to an instruction from the gaming machine and the hall computer 327.

  The information display device 330 may apply a well-known game hall information disclosure system. For example, as a display of game status (game data disclosure), for example, the number of symbol rotations, number of jackpots, exit ball, difference ball, total game number, etc. It is also possible to display the player's personal data and to collect personal data of the player. As the information disclosure system, various products such as Heiwa no Yobidas (trademark) are well known, and therefore the control circuit configuration will not need to be explained again.

(Description of operation)
In the system configuration described above, the operation of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described below.
The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a gaming machine that has a probability changing function and is short in time after the end of a big hit, and is displayed in two rows of special symbols that are so inconspicuous that a player is inconspicuous at one corner of the special symbol display device 202. In addition, this is a gaming machine that varies a large demo symbol that produces an effect on the front of the special symbol display device 202. When the game ball wins the start winning opening 203, the special symbol display device 202 starts to change the special symbol and the demo symbol, and the special symbol is displayed for the duration of the variation pattern with the effect specified by the variation pattern determined at that time. And display the demo design in a variable manner. Here, the variation pattern refers to the appearance of screen variation such as discontinuity, reach, and special prize.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the display of the special symbol and the demo symbol is normally stopped after the end of the effect specified by the change pattern, but the time over the effect is the switch effective period of the shortening switch 250. Is divided into a plurality of fluctuation elapsed time ranges and managed. Then, when the shortening switch 250 is turned ON and a trigger is generated within each fluctuation elapsed time, a shortened second half effect based on the fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation elapsed time at that time is selected, and the special symbol display device 202 is selected from that time. Is characterized in that the shortened second half production is stopped after the variable display.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a timing chart showing a transition between a state recognized and managed by the main control unit 308 when controlling the gaming machine 200 and a state of the special symbol display device 202. In FIG. 1, the main control unit 308 becomes a non-probability special award when the non-probability low probability (step S100) (step S107), a big hit operation (step S108), a short time (step S109), a low probability state (step S107) An example of transition to S110) is shown. In FIG. 1, steps in the same state are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 exemplifies the reach effect and the left and right special symbol variation due to the above-described demo symbols leading to the big hit operation (step S108).

  With reference to FIG. 1, the state transition of the main control part 308 and the special symbol display apparatus 202 when there is no trigger of the shortening switch 250 is explained in full detail. In the figure, various commands transmitted from the main control unit 308 to the special symbol display device 202 are illustrated, but not all necessary commands are illustrated. The command transmitted from the main control unit 308 will be described later in the processing description of the program with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, the main control unit 308 detects a winning ball at the start winning opening 203 when the background color of the special symbol display device 202 is normal blue (step S100) and wins the non-probable special prize. And At this time, the main control unit 308 transmits, for example, a variation pattern designation command (variation pattern ID = 2 (special prize notification with non-probable variation after super reach)) 101 to the special symbol display device 202. The special symbol is started to be varied (120), and the demo symbol variation 110 of the variation pattern time designated by the variation pattern designation command is started. In this case, the special symbol display device 202 performs a super-reach demo symbol variation 110 for a normal production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds. Here, the variation pattern refers to the appearance of screen variation such as discontinuity, reach, and special prize. The variation display mode of the large demonstration symbol of the reel described above is determined by the variation pattern.

The normal performance time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds is the switch effective period of the shortening switch 250, and the main control unit 308 divides the normal performance time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds into a plurality of “change progresses”. Manage by dividing into “time range”. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the range of the first variation elapsed time “T ₀ ” seconds is defined as the variation elapsed time ID (hereinafter, TID) = 0, and the range of the next variation elapsed time “T ₁ ” seconds is defined as TID = 1. The range of the last fluctuation elapsed time “T ₂ ” seconds is managed as TID = 2. In addition, in FIG. 1, the normal production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds in the case of the Super Reach demo symbol variation 110 is shown, but the normal production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds is formed. The number of seconds (T ₀ , T ₁ , T ₂ ) in each fluctuation elapsed time range of TID = 0 to ₂ is uniquely determined by the fluctuation pattern IDs of various demo symbol fluctuations such as non-reach, reach, super reach, etc. It is determined.

After the start of the variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol, after the production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds have elapsed, the main control unit 308 transmits the symbol stop command 105 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 The fluctuations are sequentially stopped so that the left and right special symbol fluctuations 120 become a combination of non-probable variation symbols. In this example, the time of the symbol variation 120 until the left and right special symbols are stopped is “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds. At this point, the Super Reach demo symbol variation 110 also stops variably due to the big hit effect.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 308 becomes a special prize for non-probability change at the time of non-probability change (step S107), the main control unit 308 transmits the big hit command 106 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 is a big hit demo. A screen 130 is displayed. And it changes to jackpot operation (step S108). The special symbol display device 202 displays a big hit demo screen until the main control unit 308 transmits a background color designation command to the special symbol display device 202 after the big hit operation (step S108) is completed. The big hit operation (step S108) includes 15 rounds in which the opening time of the big winning opening 210 is 30 seconds and an interval between rounds of 3 seconds.

  After the big hit operation (step S108) is finished, the main control unit 308 transmits a background color designation command to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 displays the special symbol and the demo symbol from the demo screen during the big hit. The screen is changed to a variable screen, and the background color is green, and the time is short (step S109). The main control unit 308 displays a variation screen for a predetermined number of symbol variations, and then transmits a background color designation command to the special symbol display device 202. The special symbol display device 202 changes the background color from green to blue in the short time. Then, it is notified that the normal game has returned to the low probability state (step S110).

  Here, a case where the main control unit 308 detects the trigger 150 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 2 will be described. With reference to FIG. 1, the state transition of the main controller 308 and the special symbol display device 202 in this case will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 1, the main control unit 308 detects a winning ball at the start winning opening 203 when the background color of the special symbol display device 202 is normal blue (step S100) and wins the non-probable special prize. And At this time, the main control unit 308 transmits a variation pattern designation command (variation pattern ID = 2 (special prize notification with non-probability variation after super-reach)) 101 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 has left and right special symbols. Is started (121), and the demo symbol variation 111 of the variation pattern time designated by the variation pattern designation command is started.

When detecting the trigger 150 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 2, the main control unit 308 selects the latter half effect based on the variation pattern ID and the TID, and for example, sends the latter half effect B instruction command 151 to the special symbol display device 202. Send. In this case, special symbol display device 202 until it receives a late effect B instruction command 151 performs demonstration symbol variation 111 of super reach, followed by a demonstration symbol variation 112 of the second half directing B T _B seconds.

After the second half transmits a demonstration B instruction command 151 to the special symbol display device 202, after _{T B} seconds, the main control unit 308 transmits the symbol stop command 115 to the special symbol display device 202, the special symbol display device 202 right and left The variation is sequentially stopped so that the special symbol variation 121 becomes a combination of non-probable variation symbols. At this time, the demonstration symbol variation 112 of the latter half production B is also stopped.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 308 becomes a non-probability special prize at the time of non-probability change (step S107), the main control unit 308 transmits a big hit command 116 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 is a big hit demo. A screen 130 is displayed. Hereinafter, up to step S110, the state transition is the same as that described above when there is no trigger of the shortening switch 250.

  A case where the main control unit 308 detects the trigger 170 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 1 is described. With reference to FIG. 1, the state transition of the main controller 308 and the special symbol display device 202 in this case will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 1, the main control unit 308 detects a winning ball at the start winning opening 203 when the background color of the special symbol display device 202 is normal blue (step S100) and wins the non-probable special prize. And At this time, the main control unit 308 transmits a variation pattern designation command variation pattern ID = 2 (special prize notification with a non-probability variation symbol after super reach)) 101 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 displays the right and left special symbols. The variation starts (122), and the demo symbol variation 113 of the variation pattern time designated by the variation pattern designation command is started.

When detecting the trigger 170 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 1, the main control unit 308 selects the latter half effect based on the variation pattern ID and the TID, and for example, sends the latter half effect A instruction command 171 to the special symbol display device 202. Send. In this case, special symbol display device 202 until it receives a late effect A instruction command 171 performs demonstration symbol variation 113 of super reach, followed by a demonstration symbol variation 114 of the second half directing A T _A seconds.

After the second half transmits a demonstration A instruction command 171 to the special symbol display device 202, after _{T A} seconds, the main control unit 308 transmits the symbol stop command 125 to the special symbol display device 202, the special symbol display device 202 right and left The variation is sequentially stopped so that the special symbol variation 122 becomes a combination of non-probable variation symbols. At this time, the second-stage effect A demo symbol variation 114 also stops varying.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 308 becomes a special prize of non-probability change at the time of non-probability change (step S107), the main control unit 308 transmits a big hit command 126 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 is a big hit demo. A screen 130 is displayed. Hereinafter, up to step S110, the state transition is the same as that described above when there is no trigger of the shortening switch 250.

  Further, a case where the main control unit 308 detects the trigger 190 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 0 is described. With reference to FIG. 1, the state transition of the main controller 308 and the special symbol display device 202 in this case will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 1, the main control unit 308 detects a winning ball at the start winning opening 203 when the background color of the special symbol display device 202 is normal blue (step S100) and wins the non-probable special prize. And At this time, the main control unit 308 transmits a variation pattern designation command (variation pattern ID = 2 (special prize notification with non-probability variation after super-reach)) 101 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 has left and right special symbols. Is started (123), and the demo symbol variation 117 of the variation pattern time designated by the variation pattern designation command is started.

  When detecting the trigger 190 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 0, the main control unit 308 selects the latter half effect based on the variation pattern ID and the TID, and for example, sends the latter half effect C instruction command 191 to the special symbol display device 202. Send. In this case, the special symbol display device 202 performs the super-reach demonstration symbol variation 117 until the latter-half effect C instruction command 191 is received, and then performs the second-half effect C demo symbol variation for 0 second (that is, the second-half effect C and Is an immediate stop of the demo symbol variation, and is a still image display of the demo symbol of the latter half production C).

  After the second half effect C instruction command 191 is transmitted to the special symbol display device 202, after the elapse of 0 seconds (that is, simultaneously), the main control unit 308 transmits a symbol stop command 135 to the special symbol display device 202. Sequentially stops the fluctuations so that the left and right special symbol fluctuations 123 become a combination of non-probable variation symbols. At this time, the still image of the demonstration symbol of the second half production C (immediate stop) is displayed.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 308 becomes a non-probability special prize at the time of non-probability change (step S107), the main control unit 308 transmits a big hit command 136 to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 is a big hit demo. A screen 130 is displayed. Hereinafter, up to step S110, the state transition is the same as that described above when there is no trigger of the shortening switch 250.

  FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic diagrams showing transition examples of the gaming situation up to the special prize of the gaming machine of the present embodiment corresponding to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 8A shows a game situation in which the trigger of the shortening switch 250 is not present. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a gaming situation in which the trigger 190 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 0 is detected. FIG. 8C shows a gaming situation in which the trigger 170 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 1 is detected. FIG. 8D is a diagram showing a gaming situation in which the trigger 150 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 2 is detected.

  In each of FIGS. 8A to 8D, a small special symbol left reel 202 a and right reel 202 b are displayed in two rows at the left corner of the special symbol display device 202. The special symbol left reel 202a and right reel 202b can be varied from top to bottom. When winning the jackpot, the special symbol on the special symbol display device 202 stops at a predetermined combination of symbols such as a probable variation symbol “A, A”, a non-probable variation symbol “F, F”, etc. (Big hit) is notified. In the event that the lottery is lost, the special symbol on the special symbol display device 202 stops with a combination of different symbols such as “B, C” and the like, and the loss is notified.

In FIG. 8 (a), after the game machine starts to change between the special symbol and the demo symbol, the special symbol display device 202 changes the left and right special symbol variation 120 indefinitely after the production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds have elapsed. The variation is sequentially stopped so as to obtain a combination of symbols “F, F”. In this example, the time of the symbol variation 120 until the left and right special symbols are stopped is “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds. At this point, the Super Reach demo symbol variation 110 also stops variably from the left with a big hit effect of “2, 2, 2”.

  In FIG. 8B, when the gaming machine detects the trigger 190 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 0 after the start of the variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol, the special symbol display device 202 displays the right and left special symbol variation 123. The fluctuations are sequentially stopped so as to be a combination of non-probable variation symbols “F, F”. At this point, the demonstration symbol variation 117 is stopped immediately with the effect of “STOP !!”.

In FIG. 8C, when the gaming machine detects the trigger 170 of the shortening switch 250 at the time of TID = 1 after the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol and the demo symbol, the special symbol display device 202 will super-reach until that time. perform deeds of the demo symbol variation 113, then the demo symbol variation 114 of the late director a character of "chance" is coming from the left T _a seconds. After the T _A seconds have elapsed, the special symbol display device 202 sequentially stops the fluctuation so that the left and right special symbol fluctuations 122 become a combination of the non-probability variable symbols “F, F”. At this time, the demonstration symbol variation 114 of the latter half production A is also stopped by the production of “STOP !!”.

In FIG. 8D, when the gaming machine detects the trigger 150 of the shortening switch 250 when TID = 2 after the start of the variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol, the special symbol display device 202 is super-reach up to that point. perform deeds of the demo symbol variation 111, then the character of the "lucky" is a demonstration symbol variation 112 of the late director B flowing from the left T _B seconds. After T _B seconds, special symbol display device 202 stops the sequential variation so that the special symbol variation 121 of the left and right combination of non-probability variation symbol "F, F '. At this time, the demonstration symbol variation 112 of the latter half production B is also suspended by the production of “STOP !!”.

(Program processing explanation)
Processing related to the above-described operation of the gaming machine of this embodiment is performed according to the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing procedure of FIG. 4 shows game control processing contents executed by the CPU of the main control unit 308. This is an interrupt process activated every cycle t (for example, 4 msec), and is a game control interrupt process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 308 reading and executing the game control program stored in the ROM 309. is there.

  In FIG. 4, when the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 308 performs initial settings related to images, lamps, sounds, games, and the like (step S400). For example, the big hit flag, the probability variation flag, the hour / middle flag, the shortening switch flag, and the latter half production instruction flag on the RAM 310 are set to OFF by default.

  After that, the main control unit 308 increments (+1) the big hit random number loop counter on the RAM 310 by the process of step S410 every cycle t, thereby generating the big hit random number for the special prize. At the same time, in step S410, the main control unit 308 generates a small hit random number for a normal symbol by incrementing (+1) the small hit random number loop counter on the RAM 310. In the present embodiment, the loop counter means a counter that cyclically updates a value from 0 to a predetermined maximum value.

  During the process of step S420, the main control unit 308 reads the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter and buffers it on the RAM 310 when the special symbol start switch 301 is detected by the special symbol start switch 301. Further, when the special symbol start switch 301 detects that the ball has won the start winning opening 203 during the symbol variation, the main control unit 308 reads the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter and stores it in the reserved ball holding memory on the RAM 310. Buffer (sphere hold). Each time this step is repeatedly executed during symbol variation, the value of each jackpot random number is continuously stored in the reserved memory on the RAM 310 for a plurality of reserved balls.

  When the main control unit 308 detects the passage of the sphere of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205) during the process of step S420, the small hit random number The small hit random number is read from the loop counter and buffered on the RAM 310.

  Further, during the process of step S420, the main control unit 308 detects the winning at the start winning port 203 by the special symbol start switch 301, detects the winning at the big winning port 210 at the time of the big hit operation by the big winning port switch 303, and others. The result of winning detection to the other winning openings other than the start winning opening 203 and the big winning opening 210 by the switch 318 is saved on the RAM 310. In particular, when detecting a prize at the big prize opening 210, the main control unit 308 also increments (+1) the big prize opening counter on the RAM 310. Further, the main control unit 308 turns on the V flag on the RAM 310 when the specific area switch 304 detects a game ball that has passed the specific area 211.

  In addition, during the process of step S420, when the main control unit 308 detects the trigger of the shortening switch 250, it sets the shortening switch flag to ON.

  The error occurrence status of the gaming machine is checked by the main control unit 308 performing the process of step S430.

  The main control unit 308 performs control related to the game such as symbol variation and accessory control in the game management process in step S440. At the start of fluctuation of the special symbol due to the winning ball at the starting winning port 203 or the reserved use of the holding ball, the reach random number read from the reach random number loop counter on the RAM 310, the symbol random number read from the symbol random number loop counter, and the starting winning port Based on the big hit random number of the winning ball to 203 or the big hit random number stored in the holding memory of the holding ball, the main control unit 308 stops the fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol left reel 202a and the right reel 202b. A symbol designating command or the like is prepared on the RAM 310.

  This process is performed when the main control unit 308 performs the game management process of step S440 and determines that it is the time of starting symbol variation. Here, the variation pattern refers to the appearance of screen variation such as discontinuity, reach, and special prize. The variation display mode of the large demonstration symbol of the reel described above is determined by the variation pattern.

  Further, in step S440, the main control unit 308 stores predetermined winning opening opening data on the RAM 310 for instructing the large winning opening operating solenoid 312 to open the large winning opening 210 for a predetermined time during the big hit operation. Set in the area.

  Further, when the normal symbol starts to change due to the passage of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 (or normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 205), the main control is performed based on the small hit random number on the RAM 310. The unit 308 prepares stop symbol data for normal symbols. This process is performed when the main control unit 308 performs the game management process in step S440 and determines that it is the normal symbol variation start time. The process in step S440 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S420, the special symbol start switch 301 saved on the RAM 310 is detected at the start winning opening 203, the big winning opening switch 303 is used to detect the winning at the big winning opening 210 during the big hit operation, and the other switches 318 are used. The main control unit 308 sets the payout number of each prize ball in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 in response to each result of the winning detection other than the starting prize opening 203 and the big prize opening 210 (step S450). ).

  In addition, the main control unit 308 performs processing in step S460 in order to transmit game state information from the main control unit 308 to the outside of the gaming machine (mainly the hall computer 327 or the information display device 330) via the external information board 321. To convey information to the outside.

  When the gaming machine controls output data such as lamp, sound, image, prize ball payout, and accessory action, the main control unit 308 controls the output data by the process of step S470. For example, the main control unit 308 instructs the lamp display device 314 to turn on the hold lamp or prepares it on the RAM 310 according to the storage status of the jackpot random number in the hold memory in order to notify the hold ball. An image control command (symbol stop command or the like) is transmitted to the special symbol display device 202.

  Alternatively, the main control unit 308 instructs the prize ball payout device 316 to pay out a prize ball based on the number of prize balls paid out set on the RAM 310 by the process of step S470. Alternatively, the main control unit 308 opens or closes the large winning opening 210 on the front surface of the variable winning ball apparatus 208 based on the large winning opening opening data and the large winning opening closing data set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310. The big prize opening operating solenoid 312 is instructed.

  The reach random number loop counter and the design random number loop counter are updated by the main control unit 308 updating the random number counter n times (n is a natural number) using the interrupt remaining time in step S480.

  FIG. 5 shows the processing content of the game management processing in step S440 of FIG. In step S500, the main control unit 308 checks the big hit flag, and if the big hit flag is ON, the big hit is being hit, so the big hit process (step S520) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S550. When the big hit flag is OFF and the symbol change timer on the RAM 310 is 0, that is, neither big hit nor symbol change, the big hit random number (the big hit random number of the winning ball to the start winning port 203 or the hold on the start winning port 203) If the random number of the winning ball in the memory is stored on the RAM 310, it is checked, and if it is determined that the variation of the winning ball in the start winning port 203 or the holding ball is suspended, the process proceeds to step S501. Proceed.

  In step S <b> 501, the main control unit 308 determines a special symbol for starting symbol variation based on the jackpot random number related to symbol variation stored in the RAM 310. When the big hit random number is not the value of the special prize, the special prize flag on the RAM 310 is turned off. When it is determined that the value is the special prize value, the special prize flag is turned on.

  Here, when the probability variation flag is ON, the number of special prize values for determining a special prize is increased to increase the special prize probability. If the hour / middle flag is ON, the hour / hour variation counter on the RAM 310 is decremented (−1). If the hour / hour variation counter is 0 as a result, the hour / middle flag is turned OFF.

  In step S501, when the probability variation flag is ON, the main control unit 308 instructs the special symbol display device 202 to set the background color to red in order to specify a background color designation command (command ID = command ID). 6; see FIG. 9) is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310. When the probability variation flag is OFF and the hour and middle flag is ON, in order to instruct the special symbol display device 202 to set the background color to green, information on the background color designation command (command ID = 6) in which the event is set to green is used. A predetermined area on the RAM 310 is set. When the probability variation flag and the short / middle flag are OFF, in order to instruct the special symbol display device 202 to set the background color to normal blue, information on the background color designation command (command ID = 6) in which the event is set to blue is used. A predetermined area on the RAM 310 is set.

  In step S502, the main control unit 308 determines a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 202 from the special prize determination result, the reach random number read from the reach random number loop counter and the symbol random number read from the symbol random number loop counter. .

In step S502, for example,
(I) The special prize determination is “special prize flag ON”, the reach type of the demo symbol variation uniquely determined from the reach random number is “super reach”, and the symbol number of each of the left and right symbols uniquely determined from the symbol random number is “ AH, AH ″ (hexadecimal notation) are assumed. Then, the main control unit 308 stores information on the left and right stop symbol designation commands (each command ID is 1, 2 in order; see FIG. 9) in the predetermined area on the RAM 310. Set to.
Here, when each of the left and right symbol numbers “AH, AH” is a probability variation symbol, the main control unit 308 checks the probability variation flag, and when the probability variation flag is OFF, the main symbol is a probability variation special prize at a low probability. Since there is, the probability variation flag is turned ON. If the probability variation flag is already ON, the probability variation flag is set to ON because the probability variation is a special prize in the probability variation state.
(II) The special prize determination is “special prize flag ON”, the reach type of the demo symbol variation uniquely determined from the reach random number is “super reach”, and the symbol number of each of the left and right symbols uniquely determined from the symbol random number is “ It is assumed that FH and FH ″ (hexadecimal notation). Then, the main control unit 308 sets information of left and right stop symbol designation commands (each command ID is 1 and 2 in order) in which the left and right symbol numbers are set as events in a predetermined area on the RAM 310.
Here, when the left and right symbol numbers “FH, FH” are non-probable variation symbols, the main control unit 308 checks the probability variation flag, and when the probability variation flag is OFF, the non-probability variation at the low probability. Since it is a special prize, the probability variation flag is turned OFF. If the probability variation flag is already ON, it is a non-certain variation special award at the time of probability variation, so the probability variation flag is turned off, the hour / middle flag is turned on, and a predetermined number of symbol fluctuations that continues during the hour / hour variation is set in the hour / minute variation counter.
(III) The special prize judgment is “OFF special prize flag”, the reach type of the demo symbol variation uniquely determined from the reach random number is “no reach”, the symbol number of each of the left and right symbols uniquely determined from the symbol random number in order It is assumed that it is “BH, CH” (hexadecimal notation). In this case, the main control unit 308 sets information on the left and right stop symbol designation commands (each command ID is 1 and 2), in which each symbol number is set as an event, in a predetermined area on the RAM 310.

  Next, in step S503, the main control unit 308 determines a variation pattern of the demo symbol variation based on the determination of the special prize, the reach random number, and the symbol random number. For example, in the case of “Special Award Flag ON, Super Reach, Probability Variation” in (I) above, “Variation Pattern ID = 3 (Special Award Notification with Probability Variation Symbol after Super Reach); Refer to FIG. 10” is determined as variation pattern information. The Then, the main control unit 308 sets information of a variation pattern designation command (command ID = 4; see FIG. 9) in which the determined variation pattern information is set as an event in a predetermined area on the RAM 310.

The main control unit 308 transmits a variation pattern designation command (command ID = 4) having “variation pattern ID = 3” as an event to the special symbol display device 202 as a trigger of the shortening switch 250 by the processing of step S470 later. If there is no, the special symbol display device 202 that has received it displays the demonstration symbol variation of the reach effect for the normal effect time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds, and ends with the big hit effect.

  Alternatively, in the case of “Special Award Flag ON, Super Reach, Non-Probable Variation” in (II) above, “Variation Pattern ID = 2 (Special Award Notification with Non-Probability Variation after Super Reach); see FIG. 10” It is determined. Then, the main control unit 308 sets information of a variation pattern designation command (command ID = 4) in which the determined variation pattern information is set as an event in a predetermined area on the RAM 310.

The main control unit 308 transmits a variation pattern designation command (command ID = 4) having “variation pattern ID = 2” in the event to the special symbol display device 202 as a trigger of the shortening switch 250 by the processing of step S470 later. If there is no, the special symbol display device 202 that has received it displays the demonstration symbol variation of the reach effect for the normal effect time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds, and ends with the big hit effect.

When the information of each command required for the symbol variation is set, in step S504, the main control unit 308 changes the demonstration effect variation in which the normal performance time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds is uniquely determined from the variation pattern ID. The symbol variation timer for monitoring the symbol variation and the shortening switch timer for monitoring the trigger of the shortening switch are set to the normal production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds after setting the corresponding predetermined values. .

The normal production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds is unique for each variation pattern ID, and the number of seconds differs for each variation pattern ID. In step S504, the main control unit 308 determines the number of seconds (T ₀ , T ₁ , T _{2) in} the range of each variation elapsed time of TID = 0 to 2 that constitutes the normal production time “T ₀ + T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds. ) Is also uniquely determined by the determined variation pattern ID.

  Similarly, in FIG. 5, the main control unit 308 checks that the small hit random number related to the normal symbol variation is stored in the RAM 310 as the processing target, and checks the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 204 (or normal). When it is determined that the normal symbol variation starts with the passage of the sphere of the symbol display device operation gate (right) 205) (step S550), the process proceeds to step S551.

  Next, the main control unit 308 determines the small hit of the normal symbol variation to start based on the small hit random numbers related to the normal symbol variation stored in the RAM 310. When the small hit random number is not the small hit value, the small hit flag on the RAM 310 is turned off, and when it is determined that the small hit value is set, the small hit flag is turned on (step S551).

  Here, when the probability variation flag is ON or the hour / medium flag is ON, the number of small hit values for determining the small hit is increased, and the small hit probability is increased.

  The main control unit 308 determines a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 206 from the small hit determination result. For example, it is assumed that the small hit determination is “small hit flag ON” and the stop symbol data of the normal symbol uniquely determined from the small hit determination result is “7H” (hexadecimal notation). Then, the main control unit 308 sets the normal symbol stop symbol data in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (step S552).

  Next, the main control unit 308 sets variation instruction data for instructing normal symbol variation in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (step S553).

  When each data required for the normal symbol fluctuation is set, the main control unit 308 sets a normal symbol fluctuation timer for monitoring the normal symbol fluctuation to a predetermined value (step S554).

  When the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 5 to FIG. 4 of the caller, based on the information of each command required for the symbol variation set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310, the processing of the above-described step S470, The variation pattern designation command and the left and right stop symbol designation commands are sequentially transmitted to the special symbol display device 202. The special symbol display device 202 starts the special symbol variation and the demo symbol variation by the variation pattern designation command, grasps the mode of the demo symbol variation, and displays each of the left and right symbols to be stopped when receiving a subsequent symbol stop command. Is grasped by the left and right stop designating commands.

In particular, when there is no trigger of the shortening switch 250, the special symbol display device 202 that has received the variation pattern designation command changes the demonstration symbol variation of the effect uniquely determined by the variation pattern to the normal performance time “T ₀ uniquely determined by the variation pattern. “+ T ₁ + T ₂ ” seconds are displayed, and the presentation ends.

  The main control unit 308 transmits a desired display instruction (command) to the special symbol display device 202, and the special symbol display device 202 displays a desired moving image on the variable display device according to the command. The I / F (interface) between 308 and the special symbol display device 202 and the control method (image processing, time management of symbol variation, etc.) of the special symbol display device 202 itself have a variable display device applied to the gaming machine. Since it can be the same as the case where the conventional special symbol display apparatus is used, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Similarly, when the main control unit 308 returns the processing from FIG. 5 to FIG. 4 which is the caller, the main control unit 308 performs the above-described processing in step S470 based on each data required for normal symbol variation set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310. The change instruction data is output to the normal symbol display device 206. As a result, the normal symbol display device 206 starts symbol variation.

  The process shown in FIG. 5 is called again from the process shown in FIG. 4 by the interrupt process. In step S500, the main control unit 308 determines that the big hit flag is OFF and the symbol change timer is not 0, that is, the symbol change is not being made. If it is determined (step S505 → S506), the symbol variation timer is subtracted by the interrupt period t (for example, 4 msec) (step S506). If it is determined in step S500 that neither big hit, symbol change start nor symbol change is in progress, the main control unit 308 advances the process from step S505 to step S509.

  In step S530 subsequent to step S506, the main control unit 308 performs processing commensurate with the presence or absence of the trigger of the shortening switch. Hereinafter, the shortening switch process (step S530) will be described with reference to FIG. 7 with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 7, the main control unit 308 checks the shortening switch flag in step S700. When the shortening switch flag is OFF, the main control unit 308 returns the process to the process of FIG. When the shortening switch flag is ON, the main control unit 308 checks the latter half production instruction flag in step S703. When the latter half production instruction flag is OFF, the main control unit 308 checks the symbol variation timer in step S705, and the demo symbol variation is the first variation elapsed time “T ₀ ” seconds, the next variation elapsed time “T ₁ ” seconds, It is determined which of the last variation elapsed time “T ₂ ” seconds is in each variation elapsed time range.

When the demo symbol variation is in the range of “T ₀ ” seconds, the main control unit 308 sets 0 in the variable area of the TID on the RAM 310 (step S710), and the demo symbol variation is in the range of “T ₁ ” seconds. If there is, TID is set to 1 (step S715), and if the demo symbol variation is in the range of “T ₂ ” seconds, TID is set to 2 (step S720), and the process proceeds to step S725.

  In step S725, the main control unit 308 refers to the data in the effect table shown in FIG. 11 on the basis of the change pattern ID of the change pattern designation command stored in the RAM 310 and the TID. The command ID of the instruction is acquired.

  The effect table shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the program ROM 309 and is searched using the variation pattern ID and TID as an index of the matrix, and the element of the table obtained as a search result is “command ID of the latter half effect instruction”. It is data of. For example, in the case of “variation pattern ID = 1, TID = 0”, command ID = 8 (second half effect B instruction command) is acquired from the effect table. When the command ID of the latter half production instruction is acquired, the main control unit 308 checks the command ID in step S730.

The main control unit 308, if the command ID = 7, and sets the symbol variation timer _{T A} seconds (step S740), the second half demonstration A instruction command; predetermined on RAM310 information (command ID = 7 see Figure 9) The area is set (step S742). The main control unit 308, if the command ID = 8, set the symbol variation timer _{T B} seconds (step S745), the second half demonstration B instruction command; predetermined on RAM310 information (command ID = 8 see Figure 9) The area is set (step S747). When the command ID = 9, the main control unit 308 sets the symbol variation timer to 0 seconds, which is immediately stopped (step S735), and stores information on the second half effect C instruction command (command ID = 9; see FIG. 9) in the RAM 310. It is set in the upper predetermined area (step S742).

  Next, the main control unit 308 advances the process to step S750, turns on the second half effect instruction flag, turns off the shortening switch flag in step S755, and returns to the process of FIG.

The main control unit 308 performs the latter half step A instruction command (command ID = 7), the latter half step B instruction command (command ID = 8), and the latter half step C instruction command (command ID = 9) by the processing in the subsequent step S470. either a) send to the special symbol display device 202, special symbol display device 202 which has received one of them, the demonstration symbol variation of late presentation a to display T _a seconds, or demonstration pattern of late presentation B the change to display T _B seconds, or to display a still image of the demo pattern of late presentation C (immediate stop) to end the production.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the latter half production instruction flag is ON, the main control unit 308 checks the symbol variation timer in step S760. When the symbol variation timer is 0, that is, when the symbol variation is not in progress, the main control unit 308 turns off the second half effect flag (step S765) and returns to the processing of FIG. 5, and when the symbol variation timer is not 0, returns to the processing of FIG. (Step S760 → Return).

  The main control unit 308 returns the process to the process of FIG. 5 of the caller, and when the symbol variation timer is determined to be 0 in step S507, information on the symbol stop command (command ID = 5; see FIG. 9) is stored on the RAM 310. A predetermined area is set (steps S507 → S508).

  When the symbol change timer is 0, that is, when the symbol is not changing, the main control unit 308 checks the special prize flag (step S509). If the special prize flag is ON, the main control unit 308 sets the big hit / medium flag to ON and the big hit command Information (each command ID is 3; see FIG. 9) is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (step S510). The main control unit 308 transmits a jackpot command to the special symbol display device 202 by the processing of the subsequent step S470, and the special symbol display device 202 that has received the command displays a mid-hit demo screen.

  Further, in step S510, the main control unit 308 sets the round counter and release timer on the RAM 310 to predetermined values, sets the interval timer to predetermined values (several seconds), turns off the V flag, and sets the big prize counter. Set to zero. Specifically, the round counter is set to 15 rounds and the release timer is set to 30 seconds.

  If it is determined in step S507 that the symbol variation timer is not 0, the main control unit 308 advances the process to step S550 (step S507 → S550). Further, the main control unit 308 checks the special prize flag (step S509), and if the special prize flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S550 (step S509 → S550).

  Here, the jackpot process (step S520) performed when it is determined that the jackpot is being hit in step S500 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the control unit 308 advances the process to step S550 after the big hit process (step S520).

  In FIG. 6, the main control unit 308 determines whether or not the release timer has reached 0 in step S600, that is, whether or not the opening of the special winning opening 210 has timed out. When the opening of the big winning opening 210 has timed out, since one round of the big hit action has ended, the main control unit 308 next closes the big winning opening 210 on the front surface of the variable winning ball apparatus 208 in step S620. Is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 to instruct the prize winning opening solenoid 312.

  Next, the main control unit 308 subtracts the value of the interval timer by an interrupt cycle t (for example, 4 msec) in step S625, and whether the interval timer has become 0 in step S630, that is, whether the waiting for opening of the big prize opening 210 has timed out. Determine whether or not. When the waiting for opening of the special winning opening 210 has timed out, the main control unit 308 advances the process to step S635.

  In step S635, the main control unit 308 determines whether the round counter has reached 0, that is, whether the big hit operation has ended. In the case of termination, the main control unit 308 turns off the big hit flag, and returns the process to the caller process of FIG. 5 (step S645 → return). If not finished, the main control unit 308 decrements the round counter (step S640).

  Further, following step S640, the main control unit 308 determines whether or not the V flag is ON (step S650). When the V flag is ON, the right for the next round has occurred, and in step S655, the main control unit 308 sets the release timer to a predetermined value, the interval timer to a predetermined value (several seconds), and V Turn off the flag and set the special prize counter to 0. Specifically, the release timer is set to 30 seconds and the interval timer is set to 3 seconds.

  If the V flag is not ON, the right for the next round has not occurred (so-called big hit puncture), and therefore the main control unit 308 turns off the big hit flag in step S660 to indicate the end of the big hit operation. After step S655 or S660, the main control unit 308 returns to the caller processing of FIG. 5 (return).

  On the other hand, if the main control unit 308 determines in step S600 that the release timer is not 0, that is, the release of the big prize opening 210 has not timed out, in step S605, the main prize winning counter is set to the prescribed number of big prize openings (normally) Is 10 count). When the predetermined number of winning prizes has been reached, since one round of the big hit operation has ended, the main control unit 308 advances the process to step S620 described above. If the prescribed number of winning prizes has not been reached in step S605, the main control unit 308 advances the process to step S610.

  In step S <b> 610, the main control unit 308 sets in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 the big prize opening data for instructing the big prize opening operating solenoid 312 to open the big prize opening 210 on the front surface of the variable winning ball apparatus 208. To do. Subsequent to step S610, the main control unit 308, in step S615, subtracts the value of the release timer by the interrupt period t and returns the process to the caller process of FIG. 5 (step S615 → return).

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, when the main control unit 308 determines that the normal symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, during normal symbol variation (step S550 → S555), the main symbol variation timer sets the normal symbol variation timer to the interrupt cycle t (for example, 4 msec). Subtract by the amount (step S556).

  When the normal symbol variation timer becomes 0, the main control unit 308 sets symbol stop instruction data for instructing normal symbol variation stop in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 (steps S557 → S558).

  When the normal symbol variation timer is 0, that is, when the normal symbol is not varying, the main control unit 308 checks the small hit flag (step S559). If the small hit flag is ON, the main control unit 308 reads the normal electric accessory 207. Is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310 for instructing the normal electric accessory actuating solenoid 313 to be released for a predetermined time (step S560). In particular, when the probability variation flag is ON, the open state time of the ordinary electric accessory 207 is set longer than usual. This makes it easier for the ball to enter the start winning opening 203 during the probability change.

  When the main control unit 308 returns the process to the process shown in FIG. 4 of the caller, the latter half effect A instruction command and the latter half effect are obtained by the process of step S470 based on the information of the command set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310 described above. When either the B instruction command or the second half effect C instruction command is set, the command is transmitted to the special symbol display device 202.

Thus, special symbol display device 202, the second half of the demonstration symbol variation of the effect A Display T _A seconds, or demonstration symbol variation of late presentation B displays T _B seconds, or late presentation C of (immediate stop) The demonstration design still image is displayed and the presentation is finished.

  Alternatively, when the symbol stop command is set on the RAM 310, the main control unit 308 transmits the symbol stop command to the special symbol display device 202 by the process of step S470 described above. As a result, the special symbol display device 202 sequentially stops the left and right special symbols at each of the left and right symbols that have been grasped when the left and right stop symbol designation commands are received.

  Further, when the big prize opening data is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310, the main control unit 308 outputs the big prize opening data to the big winning opening solenoid 312 by the process of step S470 described above. As a result, the large winning opening 210 on the front surface of the variable winning ball apparatus 208 is opened. Alternatively, when the big winning opening closing data is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310, the main control unit 308 outputs the big winning opening closing data to the big winning opening actuating solenoid 312 by the process of step S470 described above. As a result, the large winning opening 210 on the front surface of the variable winning ball apparatus 208 is closed.

  In addition, when the big hit command is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310, the main control unit 308 transmits the big hit command to the special symbol display device 202 by the process of step S470 described above. The special symbol display device 202 displays a big-hit demo screen by a big-hit command. Alternatively, when the background color designation command is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310, the main control unit 308 transmits the background color designation command to the special symbol display device 202 by the processing in step S470 described above. The special symbol display device 202 changes the background color to blue, red, or green according to the event of the background color designation command.

  Similarly, when the main control unit 308 returns the process from FIG. 5 to the process of FIG. 4 of the caller, the symbol stop instruction is performed by the process of step S470 described above based on the data set in the predetermined area on the RAM 310 described above. The data and stop symbol data are output to the normal symbol display device 206. Thereby, the normal symbol fluctuation of the normal symbol display device 206 stops at the symbol specified by the stop symbol data. In addition, when the small hit processing instruction data is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 310, the main control unit 308 outputs the small hit processing instruction data to the ordinary electric accessory actuating solenoid 313 by the process of step 470 described above. . Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 207 is opened for a predetermined time.

  Finally, the processing in step S460 performed by the main control unit 308 in order to transmit the game state information from the main control unit 308 to the outside of the gaming machine via the external information board 321 will be described. If the big hit flag is ON in step S460, the main control unit 308 outputs a big hit signal. The big hit signal at this time is output to the information output device 330, and the information display device 330 notifies that the big hit is made by lighting or the like.

  Although the above-described embodiment has been described for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, modifications can be made in addition to the above-described embodiment. As long as the modification is based on the technical idea of the present invention described in the claims, the modification is within the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a timing chart which shows state transition of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the front view of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a lineblock diagram of a game system of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the game control program of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the game management process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the jackpot process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the shortening switch process of embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a transition of the game situation of the gaming machine of embodiment of this invention, (a) is the game situation without the trigger of a shortening switch, (b) detected the trigger of the shortening switch when TID = 0. (C) is a diagram showing a gaming situation in which a trigger of a shortening switch is detected when TID = 1, and (d) is a diagram showing a gaming situation in which a trigger of a shortening switch is detected when TID = 2. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a part of command transmitted to the special symbol display apparatus from the main-control part of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated some fluctuation pattern information of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a part of effect table of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the front view of the conventional game machine. It is a figure which shows the example of the timing chart of the game machine which a fluctuation display is shortened with the conventional shortening switch, and stops.

Explanation of symbols

101 Variation pattern designation command demo Symbol variation 110, 111, 113, 117
Left and right special symbol variation 120, 121, 122, 123
105, 115, 125, 135 Symbol stop command 106, 116, 126, 136 Big hit command second half effect B 112
Second half production A 114
Short switch trigger 150, 170, 190
Second half production B instruction command 151
Second half production A instruction command 171
Second half production C instruction command 191
200 gaming machine 201 gaming board 202 special symbol display device 202a, 202b special symbol reel 203 start winning opening 204 normal symbol display device operating gate (left)
205 Normal symbol display device operation gate (right)
206 Normal symbol display device 207 Normal electric accessory 208 Variable winning ball device 212 Game machine handle 216, 217, 218, 219 Reservation lamp 250 Shortening switch 301 Special symbol start switch 302 Normal symbol operation switch 303 Big prize opening switch 304 Specific area switch 305 Reset circuit 306 Power supply circuit 307 Input port 308 Main control unit 309, 323 ROM
310, 325 RAM
311 Output port 312 Large winning opening actuating solenoid 313 Normal electric accessory actuating solenoid 314 Lamp display device 315 Sound effect generating device 316 Award ball paying device 317 Ball launching device 318 Other switch 321 External information board 327 Hall computer 329 Out ball detecting device 330 Information display device

Claims (3)

A gaming machine that has an informing means for informing an effect, instructs the informing means to notify the effect when a game ball is detected, and informs the player of the instructed instruction by the informing means. There,
A selection means for selecting a first effect to be notified from a plurality of first effects when a game ball is detected;
Management means for managing the time span of the first performance by dividing it into a plurality of ranges of fluctuation elapsed time;
Detecting means for detecting an input from the outside while the first effect selected by the selecting means is informed by the informing means;
When the input is detected by the detection means, the elapsed time of the first effect is determined based on which of the plurality of fluctuation elapsed time ranges over the first effect is detected. Acquisition means for acquiring;
Determining means for determining a second effect to be notified from a plurality of second effects based on the first effect selected by the selecting means and the elapsed time acquired by the acquiring means;
An instruction means for instructing the notification means to notify the second effect determined by the determination means from that point ;
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines an effect different from the first effect that has been notified before the input is detected by the detecting means as the second effect to be notified. Having data storing each identifier of the plurality of second effects,
The determining means determines the second effect to be notified by searching for the data using the identifier of the first effect selected by the selection unit and the identifier of the elapsed time as an index. The gaming machine according to claim 1. When the gaming machine detects a game ball, the gaming machine performs a lottery and instructs the notification means to notify the effect of changing the symbol and the demonstration display. When the lottery is a win, the notification means Is a gaming machine that instructs to stop at a specific design,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first effects and the plurality of second effects are effects of the demonstration display.

Images