JP4824046B2 - Production control board - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an effect control board that is provided in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and in particular, changes the probability of jackpot.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board enters a specific start winning opening, three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) displayed on the display unit move from top to bottom. A game machine is widely used in which, when the same or related symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line), the game becomes a big win, the big winning opening is opened, and the big win game can be played.

  In such gaming machines, the main control board operates in each mode of jackpot, probability change, time reduction, and normal, and there are those that produce effects for each mode according to the command output from this main control board. There was something that made the game more interesting and made the game more interesting until the jackpot was finalized.

  Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine that maintains a sense of expectation of a game by not displaying a display of whether the mode after the jackpot is a time-saving mode or a probability-changing mode up to a predetermined number of revolutions (for example, , See Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2004-337366 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, the mode is not notified until the predetermined number of revolutions, so that the expectation of the game can be maintained. There was a problem of losing interest, such as stopping the game. In addition, since the mode can be understood even for a customer who wants to play a new game on the game table, there is a problem that a game by a new customer is not started indefinitely.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an effect control board capable of improving the fun of a game for a player who continuously plays a game and a new player in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the effect control board according to the present invention is an effect control board that controls the effect contents of the display means for displaying the effect of a gaming machine with a large probability of jackpot. A display for controlling the display content of the display means, and a normal state in which a common background image is displayed on the display means regardless of whether the probability after a jackpot is high or low, and an image showing the state of the probability Display control means having a probability notification state for displaying on the display means, the display control means from the normal state when the current time input from the time measuring means is a predetermined notification time In the probability notification state, in the probability notification state, if the gaming state is a high probability during symbol variation, an image showing the high probability state is displayed, and the gaming card If the game state is a high probability, the image indicating the high probability state is not displayed and a predetermined time elapse condition is satisfied while waiting for a customer who does not change the symbol. An image showing a probability state is displayed, and if the gaming state is a low probability, an image showing the high probability state is not displayed.

  In addition, the display control unit is configured to set the probability notification state for a predetermined period from the notification time to the probability notification state based on the timing of the timing unit.

  In addition, when the display control means is in the probability state notification period, and when the change of the symbol due to the start of the game is started from the waiting for the customer, the display control means indicates the state of the high probability if the gaming state is a high probability. An image is displayed, and if the gaming state is low probability, an image indicating the high probability state is not displayed.

  Further, the display control means displays the common background as a background of a fluctuating symbol when it is a big hit during the probability state notification period.

  According to the above configuration, the jackpot probability at the time of game is not notified to the player, but the notification is made at a predetermined time, so that the game can be performed without being aware of the probability state. Thereby, both the player who is playing the game continuously and the player who newly plays the game are given the fun of the game.

  According to the effect control board according to the present invention, it is possible to play a game without being aware of the state of probability, and it is possible to improve the fun of the game.

(Embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments of an effect control board according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 103, and a game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a prize opening that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. Is arranged.

  An image display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. Below the image display unit 104, a start winning opening 105 for starting winning is arranged. On the left side of the image display unit 104, a winning gate 106 is provided.

  The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and perform a lottery to open the start winning opening 105 for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 107, the number of winning balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning is paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  The above-described image display unit 104 starts a change in display of a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins a specific winning opening (at the time of starting winning), and the symbols stop after a predetermined time. When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big win state, the predetermined winning opening 109 located below is repeatedly opened for a predetermined period (for example, 15 rounds), and the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning game balls is paid out.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  In the frame member 110, an effect light portion (frame lamp) 111 is provided on two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. Each effect light unit 111 includes a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each light 112 is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light unit 111 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

  In addition, each light 112 can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. The effect light unit 111 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light unit 111 to three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each light 112 while changing the vertical direction. it can.

  The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. . Accordingly, it is possible to give the player an uplifting feeling due to the attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  Inside the operation handle 113, a light emitting unit (not shown) is provided. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of LEDs that emit light when energized. The light emitting unit, for example, energizes the LED when it becomes a big hit state, and causes the LED to emit light. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player and the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the degree of attention of the player in the big hit state can be increased.

  The light emitting unit includes a reflecting member that reflects the light emitted from the LED, and a motor that rotates the reflecting member so as to change the direction of reflection by the reflecting member. The light emitting unit can increase the effect of causing the light emitting unit to emit light by reflecting the light emitted from the LED in multiple directions using the reflecting member.

  In this way, by causing the light emitting unit to emit light and conspicuous light emission from the light emitting unit, it is possible to let the player and the surroundings know that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the player who has hit the big hit state The degree of attention can be increased. Then, by raising the player's attention level, the player who has been in a big hit state is given an uplifting feeling by being noted, and the gaming machine of this embodiment is continuously or repeatedly used, The operating rate of the machine can be improved.

  On the upper side and the side of the image display unit 104 (on the right side in the drawing in FIG. 1), there are provided effects (hereinafter referred to as “movable accessories”) 115, 116. The movable members 115 and 116 are provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the movable members 115 and 116 as if the blade is pulled out from the sheath and the removed blade is returned to the sheath again. The movable accessories 115 and 116 are driven by a solenoid or a motor.

  In the frame member 110, an effect button (chance button) 117 that receives an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The operation of the effect button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the effect button 117 is displayed, for example, during a specific reach effect during the game.

  In the frame member 110, a cross key 118 is provided next to the effect button 117. The effect button 117 and the cross key 118 constitute an operation unit (see reference numeral 300 in FIG. 3). In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

(Internal configuration of control unit)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit 200 includes a plurality of control units. In the example shown in the figure, a main control unit 201, an effect control unit 202, a prize ball control unit 203, and a lamp control unit 204 are included. The main control unit 201 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The production control unit 202 controls the production operation during the game. The prize ball control unit 203 controls the number of prize balls to be paid out. The lamp control unit 204 controls lighting of the lamps provided on the game board and the frame.

  Based on the program stored in the ROM 212, the main control unit 201 executes a CPU 211 that executes basic processing as the game content progresses, a RAM 213 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 211 performs arithmetic processing, and an input / output interface (I / O) 214, 215, etc. The main control unit 201 realizes its function by, for example, a main control board. Various commands set in the RAM 213 are sent to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203 at a predetermined timing.

  The main control unit 201 detects a starting winning port detecting unit (starting port SW) 221 that detects a winning ball that has won the starting winning port 105 via the I / O 214, and a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106. A gate detection unit (gate SW) 222, a normal winning port detection unit (normal winning port SW) 223 that detects a game ball won in the normal winning port 107, and a big win that detects a winning ball that won in the big winning port 109 A mouth detection unit (large winning mouth SW) 224 is connected. A plurality of the normal winning openings SW223 may be provided such as SW1 (223a) and SW2 (223b) according to the arrangement position of the normal winning openings 107. These detection units can be configured using proximity switches or the like.

  Detection results from the start winning port detection unit 221, the gate detection unit 222, the normal winning port detection unit 223, and the big winning port detection unit 224 are input to the main control unit 201.

  Further, the main control unit 201 does not drive the start winning solenoid 105 that opens the start winning opening 105 (tulip) for a certain period of time via the I / O 214 and the large winning opening solenoid 231 that opens and closes the special winning opening 109. Lighting control is performed for the illustrated holding lamp (for example, four are provided on the game board 101 of FIG. 1) 226. The big prize opening solenoid 231 performs an operation of opening the big prize opening 109 for a certain period at the time of a big hit. This jackpot is programmed in advance to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

  Next, the production control unit 202 controls production contents during the game. This effect control unit 202 is based on a command sent from the main control unit 201, and an effect control unit 202a that controls the contents of the effect, and an image / sound control unit that controls the image and sound instructed by the effect control unit 202a. 202b.

  The production control unit 202 a is an input / output interface between the CPU 241 that executes the production process, the ROM 242 that stores the production program, the RAM 243 that functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the CPU 241, and the main control unit 201. (I / O) 244, an input / output interface (I / O) 245 between the image / sound control unit 202b, and an input / output interface (I / O) 246 between the lamp control unit 204 are provided. Composed. In addition, a real-time clock (RTC) 247 serving as a time measuring means for measuring and outputting real time is connected to the production control unit 202a. The real-time clock 247 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power is turned off. Various data set in the RAM 243 is sent to the image / sound controller 202b at a predetermined timing. The RTC 247 is not limited to being arranged in the effect control unit 202, and the arrangement position is not limited to being arranged in the main control unit 201 or arranged alone.

  The image / sound control unit 202b displays on the CPU 251 that executes image and sound generation and output processing, the ROM 252 that stores various image data such as background images, design images, and character images and various sounds, and the image display unit 104. Input / output interface (I / O) 254 between the RAM 253 for storing image data and sound output via the speaker 277, and the production control unit 202a, and input / output between the image display unit 104 and the speaker 277 And an interface (I / O) 255. These CPUs 241 and 251 constitute display control means for the image display unit 104 and the like.

  The effect button 117 is connected to the effect control unit 202a of the effect control unit 202 via the I / O 244, and the operation of the effect button 117 is input to the effect control unit 202a.

  Based on the command sent from the main control unit 201, the effect supervision unit 202a reads the program stored in the ROM 242, determines the content of the effect, and outputs an instruction to the image / sound control unit 202b. The CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b performs various image processing and sound processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, and character image display processing based on the instructed contents of the rendering, and necessary image data. The audio data is read from the ROM 252 and written to the RAM 253. The background image, the design image, and the character image written in the RAM 253 are superimposed and displayed on the image display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  In this case, when the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 253 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. . The effect control unit 202 described above realizes its function by, for example, an effect control board.

  For the image display unit 104, the effect control unit 202 displays the contents of the effect during the game, for example, movement display of symbols, reach (a state in which two of the three symbols are aligned), and various display information at the time of jackpot Is generated and output. When the game is interrupted for a certain time, a screen waiting for the customer is displayed and output. Further, as will be described later, a probability change state notification as to whether or not it is in the probability change mode is displayed at a predetermined time based on the time of the RTC 247. In addition, the effect control unit 202 outputs data for outputting sound from the speaker 277.

  The lamp control unit 204 inputs / outputs between the CPU 261 that executes processing for lamp lighting, the ROM 262 that stores control data such as lamp lighting, the RAM 263 as a work area of the CPU 261, and the production control unit 202a. An interface (I / O) 264 and an input / output interface (I / O) 265 between the effect light unit 111 and the movable accessories 115 and 116 and a panel lamp (not shown) are configured.

  The lamp control unit 204 controls lighting of the effect light unit 111 provided on the game board 101, the base frame, or the like based on control data such as lamp lighting output from the effect control unit 202a of the effect control unit 202. Is output. In addition, data for controlling the operation of the movable accessories 115 and 116 is output.

  Next, the prize ball control unit 203 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 282. The prize ball control unit 203 includes an input / output interface (I / O) between the CPU 281 that executes the prize ball control process, the RAM 283 that functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the CPU 281, and the main control unit 201. ) 284 and an input / output interface (I / O) 285 between motors and switches for prize ball operation. The prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by, for example, a prize ball board.

  The prize ball control unit 203 performs control for paying out the number of prize balls at the time of winning a prize to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291 connected via the I / O 285. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled.

  The winning ball control unit 203 controls the paying unit 291 to pay out the number of winning balls corresponding to the game balls won in each winning port (start winning port 105, normal winning port 107, large winning port 109). Do it. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to detection units at various places for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out via the I / O 285, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, the prize ball control unit 203, and the lamp control unit 204 configured as described above are provided on different printed circuit boards (main control board, effect control board, prize ball board, and lamp board). It is done. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

(Configuration of operation unit)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation unit. In FIG. 3, the operation unit 300 includes an effect button (indicated as “CHANCE” in FIG. 3) 117 and a cross key 118. The effect button 117 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment is realized by a convex button.

  The effect button 117 may be an input pad that employs a touch panel system in addition to the convex button. A cross key 118 is used to change cursors 301 to 304 that change the positions of characters and graphics displayed on the image display unit 104, and “ENTER” to determine the characters and graphics that are selected by operating the cursor keys 301 to 304. ”Key 305.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
An example of the basic operation of the gaming machine having the above configuration will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201, and the winning status of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 203. The winning ball control unit 203 has the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning status. Make a withdrawal.

  In addition, every time a game ball wins at the start winning opening 105, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 repeatedly displays and stops the design of the image display unit 104. . When the big hit occurrence has been determined, the corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 is stopped in alignment with a predetermined symbol. At the same time, control for opening the special winning opening 109 is performed.

  The effect control unit 202 displays various effects in addition to the symbol change display on the image display unit 104 during the reach of the jackpot occurrence period and during the reach until the jackpot occurrence, or at the time of reach notice. . In addition, a specific drive is performed for various types of accessories, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the effect light unit 111 are performed.

  When a big hit occurs, the big winning opening 109 is opened a plurality of times. For example, 15 rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is set, for example, when 10 game balls are won or for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). At this time, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out with 15 winning balls per winning game ball to the big winning opening 109. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot state is canceled and the normal gaming state is restored.

  In addition, the effect control unit 202 displays and outputs a customer waiting screen when the game is interrupted for a certain period of time. Further, based on the time measured by the RTC 247, the probability variation state is notified at a predetermined time.

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of main processing performed by the main control unit (main control board). Based on the various processes shown in FIG. 4, the operation of the effect control unit 202, prize ball control unit 203, and lamp control unit 204, which are peripheral parts, is controlled.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the main control unit 201 activates the illustrated process when the power is turned on. First, waiting for a time to stabilize the activation of the peripheral portion (for example, 1000 ms) is performed (step S401), and RAM 213 access permission is performed (step S402). Next, the state of the RAM clear switch is detected (step S403).

  If the detection result is ON (step S403: Yes), the process proceeds to step S407, and each process (steps S407 to S409) is performed. If it is OFF (step S403: No), then the state of the backup flag is detected (step S404). If the backup flag is ON (step S404: Yes), it is determined whether the checksum is normal (step S405). If the backup flag is OFF (step S404: No), the process proceeds to step S407.

  If the checksum is normal (step S405: Yes), a recovery process after power interruption (another routine) is executed (step S406), and the process proceeds to step S410. On the other hand, when the checksums do not match or otherwise (step S405: No), the process proceeds to step S407.

  In the processing after step S407, RAM clear is performed on the RAM 213 (step S407). Next, the cleared work area of the RAM 213 is set (step S408), and initial settings are respectively made for the peripheral parts (effect control unit 202, prize ball control unit 203, lamp control unit 204) (step S409). The process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, first, a timer interruption time (for example, an interval of 4 msec) is set for the real-time clock (RTC) 247 provided in the effect control unit 202. Next, a power-off monitoring process (details are omitted), which are various processes at the time of power-off (power-off detection, checksum creation, backup flag ON, etc.), is executed (step S411), and the fluctuation pattern random number used for jackpot determination After the update process is performed (step S412), interrupts are prohibited (step S413), initial value random numbers used for jackpot determination are updated (step S414), and interrupts are permitted again (step S415). Thereafter, during a period in which power is supplied, the process returns to step S411, and the processes of steps S411 to S415 are continued.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing for the main processing. The timer interrupt process operates to interrupt the main process of FIG. 4 every predetermined period (for example, 4 msec) set in the RTC 247 during the power supply period. First, a random number update process is performed (step S501), and a switch process at the time of starting port winning is performed (step S502). Thereafter, a special winning opening process is performed (step S503), a symbol process is performed (step S504), a prize ball process is performed (step S505), and these output processes are performed (step S506).

  In the switch process of step S502, every time the start port SW221 provided in the start winning port 105 detects a game ball, a random number is obtained for each hold number with a predetermined hold number (for example, four balls of a hold lamp) as an upper limit. In the big prize opening process of step S503, when the acquired random number is a numerical value corresponding to the big prize, it is determined that the big prize is won, and as described above, the big prize opening solenoid 231 provided in the big prize opening 109 is opened a predetermined number of times. Perform the process to be performed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the recovery process in the main process. The contents of the recovery process shown in step S406 of FIG. 4 are described. It operates at the time of recovery after power is cut off. First, a work area of the RAM 213 at the time of recovery is set (step S601). Next, it is determined whether the mode at the time of power-off is a big hit (step S602), whether the probability is changing (step S604), or whether the time is short (step S606).

  When the mode at the time of power-off is a big hit (step S602: Yes), a big hit state command is transmitted to the effect control unit 202 (step S603), and then the peripheral part (prize ball control unit 203, lamp control unit). 204) is set (step S609), the backup flag is turned OFF (step S610), and the recovery process is completed.

  When the mode at the time of power-off is not big hit (step S602: No), it is next determined whether or not the probability change is in progress, and when it is in the probability change (step S604: Yes), the probability control state with respect to the effect control unit 202 is determined. A command is transmitted (step S605), and the process proceeds to step S609. If the mode at the time of power-off is not changing reliably (step S604: No), then it is determined whether the time has been shortened. If the time has been shortened (step S606: Yes), the state control unit 202 is in a time-saving state. A command is transmitted (step S607), and the process proceeds to step S609. When the mode at the time of power-off is not short (step S606: No), a normal state command is transmitted to the effect control unit 202 (step S608), and the process proceeds to step S609.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the symbol processing. This is the processing content in step S504 in FIG. If the symbol process is a big hit (step S701: Yes), the process ends without changing the symbol. If it is not a big hit (step S701: No), it is determined whether the symbol is changing (step S702). If it is not changing (step S702: No), it is determined whether there is at least one holding number U. (Step S703). If there is no pending number (U = 0) (step S703: No), the process ends without changing the symbol.

  If the number of holdings is one or more (step S703: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting the number of holdings by one is set as a new holding number (step S704), and a variation content selection process (another routine) is performed (step S705). Next, a variation start command is set in the RAM 213 (step S706), and the symbol variation is started (step S707). Then, the measurement starts and ends the fluctuation period in which the symbols are changing (step S708).

  In step S702, if the symbol is changing (step S702: Yes), it is then determined whether the changing time has ended (step S709). If the variation time has not ended (step S709: No), the process ends. If the variation time has ended (step S709: Yes), a symbol variation stop command is set (step S710). Is finished (step S711). At this time, the symbol variation time is reset (step S712), and another routine is stopped (step S713).

  Although the process ends as described above, the following steps are processed when a customer waiting display to be described later is performed. First, it is determined whether there is at least one hold number U (step S714). If the number of holdings is 1 or more (step S714: Yes), the process ends. If there is no pending number (U = 0) (step S714: No), a customer waiting command is set in the RAM 213 (step S715), and the process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the variation content selection processing. This is the processing content in step S705 of FIG. In the variation content selection process, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress (step S801). If the probability change is in progress (step S801: Yes), the high probability determination value is set in the RAM 213 (step S802). Step S801: No), a low probability determination value is set (Step S803).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S804). If it is a big hit (step S804: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is a probable change (step S805). When the probability is changed (step S805: Yes), the probability variation jackpot is set (step S806). When the probability variation is not (step S805: No), the normal jackpot is set (step S807), and the process is terminated.

  If it is not a big hit in step S804 (step S804: No), it is determined whether it is a reach (step S808). If it is reach (step S808: Yes), reach lose is set (step S809). If it is not reach (step S808: No), it is set (step S810), and the process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the stopping process. This is the processing content in step S713 of FIG. In the stop process, it is determined whether the symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S901). If the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (step S901: No), it is determined whether the value for time reduction (time remaining rotational speed) J is 0 (step S902). ). If the value J for time reduction is 0 (step S902: Yes), the process is terminated, and if it is not 0 (step S902: No), a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value J is set as a new J (step S903). Thereafter, if J is not 0 (step S904: No), the process ends. If J is 0 (step S904: Yes), the normal gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S905), and the process ends.

  In step S901, if the symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S901: Yes), it is then determined whether the symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol (step S906). If it is a probability variation jackpot symbol (step S906: Yes), the probability variation gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S907), the jackpot is started (step S908), the opening is started (step S909), and the processing is terminated.

  In step S906, if it is not a probable big hit symbol (step S906: No), the time-saving gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S910), and the initial value (for example, 100) of the time-saving value J is set (step S911), The process proceeds to step S908 and subsequent steps.

(Processing procedure of production control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the effect control unit 202 will be described. The effect control unit 202 performs a predetermined main effect process (not shown) that receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit and displays an effect.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the effect display process performed by the effect control unit (effect control board). The effect display process is interrupted and executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the main effect process.

  First, it is determined whether the production is in progress (step S1001). If the production is not in progress (step S1001: No), it is determined whether a change start command is received from the main control unit 201 (step S1002). When the change start command is not received (step S1002: No), the process is terminated. When the change start command is received (step S1002: Yes), the waiting time for waiting for the customer is reset (step S1003), the waiting time for the customer is reset (step S1004), and the effect pattern selection process is performed (step S1005). Background selection processing is performed (step S1006), an effect is started (step S1007), and the processing ends.

  If the effect is being produced in step S1001 (step S1001: Yes), it is determined whether a change stop command has been received (step S1008). When the variable stop command is received (step S1008: Yes), the production is ended (step S1009), the customer waiting standby time is started and measurement of the customer waiting standby time is started (step S1010). When the change stop command is not received (step S1008: No), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the background selection process. This is the processing content shown in step S1006 of FIG. The background is not a design such as a number used for a jackpot, but a background design for presentation superimposed on the design used for the jackpot. First, it is determined whether it is a big hit (step S1101), and if it is a big hit (step S1101: Yes), the background A that does not notify the probability change is set in the RAM 253 (step S1105), and the process is terminated.

  If it is not a big hit (step S1101: No), it is determined whether the probability is changing (step S1102). If the probability is not changing (step S1102: No), the process proceeds to step S1105, and if the probability is changing (step S1102: Yes), it is determined whether it is the notification period of the probability variation state (step S1103). In the example shown in the figure, 15:00 to 15:05 is set as the notification period of the probability change state. If the current time measured by the RTC 247 is outside the range of the probability change state notification period (step S1103: No), the process proceeds to step S1105, and if the current time is within the range of the probability change state notification period (step S1103). : Yes), the background B for notifying the probability change state is set in the RAM 253 (step S1104), and the process ends.

(Probability change notification timing example-1)
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of the probability change state notification timing. In the example shown in the figure, the jackpot probability has become a high probability (probability variation state) at the time of the jackpot end (time t1), and as shown in the figure, the symbol variation continues due to the holding ball after the jackpot, etc. It shall be. At this time t1, the normal background A is displayed on the image display unit 104.

  Then, at 15:00 described above, when the probability change state notification period T1 starts (probability change state notification time t2), the background A is switched to the background B, and the player is informed that the background B is in the probability change state. Inform. Then, at 15:05, when the probability change state notification period T1 ends (time t3), the background B is switched to the background A, and the probability change state notification is stopped. During the probability change state notification period T1, not only the display of the pattern background B on the image display unit 104 but also the lamp control unit 204 for the lamp such as the effect light unit 111 and the like is different from the normal time. It is good also as a structure which controls the blinking lamp for the purpose.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for notifying the probability change state. After the time t1 in FIG. 12, the background image 1301 of the background A is displayed on the image display unit 104 after the jackpot ends. This background image 1301 is a normal background, not a background for notifying the probability variation state, and the player cannot know that the probability variation state is present. Then, the pattern 1302 is rotating on the background image 1301. In this way, the design 1302 is repeatedly stopped and rotated on the background image 1301.

  When the probability change state notification time (time t2) is reached, the symbol 1302 is switched to the background image 1303 of the background B for probability change notification while being repeatedly rotated and stopped as before. This background image 1303 is an image different from the background image 1301, and is displayed only during the probability variation state notification period T1 (for example, 15: 00 to 15: 05).

  As described above, even in the probability variation mode, the probability variation state notification is not intentionally performed, so that the game can be continued without being aware of whether or not the probability is certain during the game. For example, when a gaming machine is in the probability variation mode, if the player is aware that the probability is certain, the game will be reduced to half of the fun of the next big hit, but the gaming machine is in the probability variation mode. If you are playing in a state where you don't know how, you will be able to increase the fun and expectation of a big win as a probable change.

  However, if the gaming machine as described above is in the probability variation mode and the state where it is hidden is continued, there is no way to notify the state of entering the probability variation. Therefore, as described above, by providing the probability variation state notification period only for a predetermined period, it is possible to notify the player whether or not the gaming machine is in the probability variation mode. It becomes possible to recognize whether or not there is.

(Probability change state notification example-2)
FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing another example of the probability change state notification timing. This example is an example in which the display timing of the background B for probability variation notification is shifted until the next symbol variation when the symbol variation is occurring at the time t1 of the probability variation state notification. Compared with the timing shown in FIG. 12, since the symbol fluctuates at the time t2, the probability variation state notification period T2 is started from the stop of the fluctuation of the symbol (timing t2 ′). Further, in the example of this figure, since the symbol fluctuates at the time t3 as to the end timing of the probability variation state notification period T2, it is terminated when the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped (timing t3 ′).

  In the configuration example of FIG. 14, the effect control unit 202 notifies whether or not the mode is the probability variation mode in accordance with the reception timing of the symbol variation start command transmitted from the main control unit 201. Therefore, when there is no change in the symbol, that is, when the player is not playing at the time t1 of the probability variation state notification, the probability variation state notification is not performed. If the player is playing a game at the time t1 of the probability variation state notification, the probability variation state notification is performed to notify whether or not the probability variation mode is in effect.

(Example of timing of notification of probability change during waiting for a customer-part 1)
Next, an example of the probability change state notification when waiting for a customer will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when waiting for a customer. When the gaming machine is not played, a display screen for waiting for a customer is displayed on the image display unit 104 after the change of the symbol is stopped. The customer waiting process shown in FIG. 15 is interrupted and executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 4 ms) to a main effect process (not shown).

  The waiting time for waiting for customers is a period of time (for example, 1 minute) from when the change of symbols stops without playing a game until the display screen for waiting for customers is displayed. The waiting time for waiting for customers is measured in step S1010 of FIG. Until the customer waiting time elapses, the stopped symbols and background are displayed. After the customer waiting time elapses, the customer waiting time is displayed, and the image display unit 104 has a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). A display screen for waiting for a predetermined customer is displayed.

  Then, at the time of execution of the customer waiting interruption shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not the effect control unit 202 is currently processing the effect (step S1501). If it is during production (step S1501: Yes), the process is terminated. If the performance is not in progress (step S1501: No), it is determined whether the customer is waiting (step S1502). If the customer is not waiting (step S1502: No), it is next determined whether the customer waiting time has elapsed (step S1503).

  If the customer standby time has not elapsed (step S1503: No), the processing is terminated, and if the customer standby time has elapsed (step S1503: Yes), display of the customer standby is started (step S1504). . At this time, the waiting time for waiting for the customer is reset (step S1505), the customer waiting time is started to be measured (step S1506), and the process is terminated.

  In step S1502, if the customer is waiting (step S1502: Yes), it is determined whether a predetermined customer waiting time (for example, the above 1 minute) has elapsed (step S1507). If the customer waiting time has not elapsed (step S1507: No), the process is terminated, and if the customer waiting is terminated (step S1507: Yes), it is determined whether the probability change is in progress (step S1508). If it is during the probability change (step S1508: Yes), it is determined whether it is the notification period of the probability change state (step S1509). If the current time of the RTC 247 is between the notification period of the probability change state (for example, 15: 00 to 15:05) (step S1509: Yes), the display data of the background B for notification of the probability change state when waiting for the customer is stored in the RAM 253. (Step S1510), and the process proceeds to step S1512. On the other hand, when the probability change is not in progress (step S1508: No) and not during the probability change state notification period (for example, 15: 00 to 15:05) (step S1509: No), the normal background A (for notification of the probability change state) Display data for a background different from the background B) is set in the RAM 253 (step S1511), and the process proceeds to step S1512.

  In step S1512, the display waiting for the customer is terminated in order to perform display using the background B or A in step S1510 or step S1511 (step S1512). At this time, the customer waiting time is reset (step S1513), the customer waiting waiting time is started to be measured (step S1514), the stop symbol displayed at the start of the customer waiting is displayed again (step S1515), and the process is terminated. .

  FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing an example of the timing of the probability change state notification when waiting for a customer. 16 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. In the example shown in the figure, it is in a state of high probability (probability variation state) at the time of jackpot end (time t1), and for the symbol, as shown in the figure, the symbol variation continued for a predetermined number of times due to the holding ball after the jackpot. And At time t11, the normal background A (that is, the background that does not notify the probability variation state) is displayed on the image display unit 104. Thereafter, when the customer waiting standby time elapses from time t11 and time t12 is reached, a customer waiting screen is displayed.

  And after 15:00 mentioned above during the display of this waiting for the customer, after entering the probability change state notification period T1 at the time t2, after displaying the waiting for the customer for a predetermined period (t12 to t21, for example, 30 seconds), At time t21, the background is switched to the background B for notifying the probability change state, and the background B is notified to the player during the predetermined period T11 until the time t22.

  After this background B is also displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), a customer waiting screen is displayed again at time t22. Thereafter, at 15:05, after the probability change state notification period T1 ends (time t3), the normal background A is displayed after the display of waiting for the customer. Thus, even when waiting for a customer, the probability change state can be notified after the display of the customer wait during the probability change state notification period T1.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for the probability change state notification when waiting for a customer. After the time t11 in FIG. 16, the background image 1701 of the background A is displayed on the image display unit 104 after the jackpot ends. The background image 1701 is a normal background, not a background for notifying the probability variation state, and the player cannot know that the probability variation state is present. In order to wait for the customer, the pattern 1702 is stopped on the background image 1701.

  Then, a customer waiting display image 1703 is displayed at time t12. When the probability change state notification time (time t2) is exceeded and time t21 is reached, the symbol 1702 remains in the stopped state as before, but is switched to the display image 1704 of the background B for probability change notification. This display image 1704 is an image different from the background image 1701, and is displayed only during the predetermined period T11 during the probability change state notification period T1 (for example, 15: 0 to 15:05).

  As described above, even when the gaming machine is not playing and is waiting for a customer, if the waiting for the customer is a probability change state notification period, the display of the background is changed to a display different from the normal time and the player is changed. The state can be notified.

(Timing example of probability change notification when waiting for a customer-part 2)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure when waiting for a customer. In the above example, the probability change state is notified by changing the background. In the following example, the probability change state is notified by changing the display waiting for the customer itself.

  First, it is determined whether an effect is being processed by the effect control unit 202 at the time of execution of a customer waiting interrupt (step S1801). If it is during production (step S1801: Yes), the process is terminated. If the performance is not in progress (step S1801: No), it is determined whether the customer is waiting (step S1802). If the customer is not waiting (step S1802: No), it is then determined whether the customer waiting time has elapsed (step S1803).

  If the customer waiting standby time has not elapsed (step S1803: No), the process is terminated, and if the customer waiting standby time has elapsed (step S1803: Yes), it is determined whether the probability change is in progress (step S1804). If the probability change is not in progress (step S1804: No), the display data for the customer waiting A is set in the RAM 253 (step S1807), and the process proceeds to step S1808.

  If it is in the probability change state in step S1804 (step S1804: Yes), it is determined whether it is the notification period of the probability change state (step S1805). If the current time of the RTC 247 is not during the notification period (for example, 15: 0 to 15:05) of the probability change state (step S1805: No), the process proceeds to step S1807. If the current time is in the notification period (for example, 15: 00 to 15:05) of the probability change state (step S1805: Yes), the display data of the customer waiting B for probability change notification at the time of waiting for the customer is set in the RAM 253. (Step S1806).

  After the display data waiting for customers in step S1806 or step S1807 is set, display of customer waiting A or customer waiting B on the image display unit 104 is started (step S1808). At this time, the waiting time for waiting for the customer is reset (step S1809), the customer waiting time is started to be measured (step S1810), and the process is terminated.

  If the result of the determination in step S1802 is waiting for a customer (step S1802: Yes), it is determined whether a predetermined customer waiting time (for example, the above 1 minute) has elapsed (step S1811). If the customer waiting time has not elapsed (step S1811: No), the processing is terminated. If the customer waiting time has elapsed (step S1811: Yes), the display of waiting for the customer is terminated (step S1812). At this time, the customer waiting time is reset (step S1813), the customer waiting waiting time starts to be measured (step S1814), the stop symbol displayed at the start of the customer waiting is displayed again (step S1815), and the process is terminated. .

  FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an example of the timing of notification of the probability change state when waiting for a customer. It is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. In the example shown in the figure, it is in a state of high probability (probability variation state) at the time of jackpot end (time t1), and for the symbol, as shown in the figure, the symbol variation continued for a predetermined number of times due to the holding ball after the jackpot. And Then, a normal background is displayed on the image display unit 104 at time t11. Thereafter, when the customer waiting standby time elapses from time t11 and time t12 is reached, a normal customer waiting A screen (that is, a customer waiting screen that does not notify the probability variation state) is displayed. Then, it is assumed that the probability change state notification period T1 is entered while the customer waiting A screen is displayed.

  After this customer waiting A is displayed for a certain period of time, a normal background is displayed again at time t21. Thus, when the display of the customer waiting A is started during the probability changing state notification period T1, the screen of the customer waiting B for notifying the probability changing state is displayed at the next waiting time display time (time t22). Display. The display of the customer waiting B is a display screen for notifying the probability variation state, and notifies the player during a predetermined period T11 until time t31.

  The display of the customer waiting B is displayed for a predetermined period T11 (for example, 1 minute), and then the normal background and the normal customer waiting A are alternately displayed again at time t31 after the probability change state notification period. . In this way, even when waiting for a customer, the customer waiting display itself can be changed during the probability change state notification period T1 to notify the probability change state.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the probability change state notification when waiting for a customer. After the time t12 in FIG. 19, a display screen 2001 of the customer waiting A is displayed on the image display unit 104. Thereafter, at time t21, a background image 2002 and a stopped pattern 2003 are displayed. The customer waiting A screen, the background image 2002, and the symbol 2003 are all backgrounds at the normal time, not the background for notifying the probability variation state, and the player cannot know that the probability variation state is present.

  However, since the probability change state notification period T1 is entered at the time t2 during the period of the customer wait A, the customer wait B for notifying the probability change state is displayed thereafter. When the next waiting time display time t22 exceeds the probability change state notification time (time t2), the display is switched to the display image 2004 of the customer waiting B for probability change notification instead of the display of the customer waiting A display. The display image 2004 of the customer waiting B is an image different from the display image 2001 of the customer waiting A, and the “probability change” is performed only during the predetermined period T11 with the probability change state notification period T1 (for example, 15: 0 to 15:05) as the start. A display clearly indicating “medium” is displayed. Although the display image 2004 of the customer waiting B is clearly described as “probability change”, it may be configured to notify that the probability change is in progress by making the image different from the normal time without being specified.

  As described above, even in a period in which the gaming machine is not playing and is waiting for a customer, if this waiting for customer is a probabilistic state notification period, the display of waiting for the customer itself is changed to a display different from the normal time. It is possible to notify the probability variation state.

  By the way, when the probability change state notification period T1 is reached while waiting for the customer, when the game is started, the background of the probability change state notification B or the image of the customer wait B is displayed. It is supposed to do. Further, when the game is started after the probability variation state notification period T1 has elapsed, the symbol variation is performed in a state where the image of the background A that does not notify the probability variation state or the customer waiting A is displayed.

  When the game is started after the probability variation state notification period T1 has passed and the jackpot is reached, the symbol variation is performed in a state where an image of the background A that does not notify the probability variation state is displayed as usual. By the way, when the game is started during the probability variation state notification period T1 and the jackpot is won, the symbol variation is performed in a state where the image of the background A that does not notify the probability variation state is displayed in order to notify the jackpot. It has become.

  Furthermore, based on the number of symbol fluctuations counted by the main control unit 201, the production supervision unit 202a determines the background B for probability variation state notification until the number of symbol variations after the probability variation state notification time t2 reaches a predetermined number of times. Alternatively, it is possible to change the design using the image of the customer waiting B, and after the predetermined number of times is exceeded, the design is changed using the background A that does not notify the probability variation state or the image of the customer waiting A. .

  As described above, by providing a probability change state notification period for a predetermined period to notify whether or not the gaming machine is in the probability change mode, it is possible to clearly change the player during this probability change state notification period. It becomes possible to recognize whether or not. As a result, since the game can be performed without being conscious of the probability variation state, the expectation can be enhanced, while the probability variation state can be clearly known at a predetermined time.

  The probability variation state notification period can be arbitrarily set. For example, since it can be set as the time for attracting customers, if it is set to 5 minutes from 15:00 to 15:05 as described above, the ability to attract customers can be improved in this period. In addition, if the notification is made once per hour, or if notification is made in accordance with the opening time, it can be used for attracting customers at the time of opening.

  The gaming machine control method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as the effect control board. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for an effect control board provided in a gaming machine that does not basically notify a probability variation state, such as a pachinko gaming machine that performs a reach effect.

It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the main process which a main control part (main control board) performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process with respect to a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the recovery process in a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation content selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the effect display process which an effect control part (effect control board) performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a background selection process. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the timing of probability change state alerting | reporting. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of probability change state alerting | reporting. It is a timing chart which shows the other example of the timing of probability change state alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of a customer waiting. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the timing of the probability change state alerting | reporting at the time of a customer waiting. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the probability change state alert | report at the time of a customer waiting. It is a flowchart which shows the other process sequence at the time of a customer waiting. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the timing of the probability change state alerting | reporting at the time of a customer waiting. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the probability change state alert | report at the time of a customer waiting.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Game board 104 Image display part 201 Main control part 202 Production control part 202a Production control part 202b Image / sound control part 203 Prize ball control part 241,251 CPU
242,252 ROM
243,253 RAM
247 Real-time clock (RTC)

Claims (4)

In the production control board for controlling the production content of the display means for displaying the production of the gaming machine whose probability of jackpot varies,
Controls the display content of the display means, and shows a normal state in which a common background image is displayed on the display means regardless of whether the probability after a jackpot is high or low, and the state of the probability A display control unit having a probability notification state of displaying an image on the display unit;
The display control means includes
When the current time input from the total time means becomes to a predetermined broadcast time, it becomes the probability notification state from the normal state,
In the probability notification state,
During symbol variation , if the gaming state is high probability, display an image indicating the high probability state, and if the gaming state is low probability, do not display the image indicating the high probability state ,
When a predetermined time elapse condition is satisfied while waiting for a customer who is not changing symbols, if the gaming state is high probability, an image showing the high probability state is displayed, and if the gaming state is low probability An effect control board that does not display an image indicating the state of high probability . 2. The effect control board according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit sets a probability state notification period of a predetermined period from the notification time to the probability notification state based on the timing of the timing unit. The display control means includes
When in the prior SL probability state broadcasting period, when the variation of the symbols by the player starts from the plying is started to display an image showing the state of the gaming state is the high probability if high probability, the game The effect control board according to claim 2, wherein if the state is low probability, an image indicating the high probability state is not displayed . The display control means includes
3. The effect control board according to claim 2 , wherein the common background is displayed as a background of a fluctuating symbol when the jackpot is won during the probability state notification period.

Images