JP5074550B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that conceals whether a gaming state after a winning game is a high-probability state or a low-probability state and has a degree of expectation that it is latent in a probability-changing state. .

  In general, a ball game machine draws a lot about whether or not to generate a special game (so-called big hit) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire a large number of prize balls at once, and the lottery result, on the other hand, a 7-segment display In the special symbol display device, such as a special symbol variation display game, on the other hand, in conjunction with this special symbol variation display game, a plurality of decorative symbols are varied in a liquid crystal display device as a decorative symbol display means. The display is made in order of the state and the variable stop state, thereby enjoying the design game.

  Here, as the types of jackpots, normally, the game state after the jackpot ends is shifted to a low probability state in which the jackpot winning probability is a predetermined probability, and a high probability state with a higher winning probability. And “probable big hit” to shift to. In addition, recently, the game state after the end of the hit game is shifted to a high probability state, but “hidden probability change big hit” that puts the high probability state in a concealed state and the game state at the time of winning is continued as it is “small There is a ball game machine that includes a "hit".

  In this type of ball game machine, if you win the big chance or big hit of the latent probability, for example, the same two rounds of winning game, and the performance state after the winning game is the same or very similar to each other, The game state after hitting is not directly informed to the player whether the game state is a high probability state or a low probability state, so that the expectation to be a high probability state is given ( Patent Document 1) below.

JP 2006-1116016 A

  However, if the game state after hitting is a high probability state or a low probability state, placing this in a concealed state may cause an interest in the game to be lost.

  The special symbol that directly informs the result of the big hit lottery is always displayed by a special symbol display device such as a 7-segment display, and if you look at the special symbol stop mode displayed on this special symbol display device, It is possible for the player to discriminate whether there is a chance or a chance of latent change. However, the stop mode when the special symbol is hit is displayed only for a short time until the next fluctuation after hitting starts. For this reason, it is actually difficult to distinguish or easily overlooked. In addition, there are many types of special symbols displayed on the special symbol display device. As a result, it is not easy to know what types of special symbols exist and whether the displayed special symbol type represents a high probability state or a low probability state. For this reason, some players give up discrimination, and partly create a tendency to avoid such models, such as not trying to see the stop mode of special symbols displayed on the special symbol display device at all.

  Such a player is not interested in the special symbol type indefinitely, memorizes the special symbol type, and determines whether the special symbol type at the time of hit is a latent probability variation big hit or not. It ends without being able to enjoy the fun of that.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to display the special symbol type information in a mode that can be easily visually confirmed by a display system different from the original display system under a predetermined condition. The object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine having

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. The parentheses indicate corresponding elements in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(1) Special symbol display means (special symbol display device 38) for displaying special symbols;
A decorative symbol display means (liquid crystal display device 36) arranged at a position where a decorative symbol is displayed and the display area is larger than that of the special symbol and is easily visible;
A main control unit (20) for overall control of game operations;
An effect control unit (24) that controls the effect by the effect device including the decorative symbol display means based on a control command from the main control unit;
Have
The main control unit
Lottery means for lottery of a plurality of types of hits that provide a special game advantageous to the player when the starting condition is established,
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns;
Special symbol display control means for causing the special symbol display means to variably display and stop display a predetermined special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determining means;
A function of generating a first winning game having a relatively large profit state to be provided to the player in the special game when the special symbol of the first winning (probable big hit) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol displaying means; When the special symbol of the second hit (latency probability change big hit) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means, the second win is less than the first big hit game in the special game. A function for generating a game and a function for generating a third winning game that is the same as or similar to the second big winning game when a special symbol for the third winning (small hit) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means. Including per game generating means,
If the first winning game is won, the gaming state after the end of the first winning game is shifted to a high probability state where the winning lottery probability is relatively high, and the winning lottery probability is relatively high. When the second win is won under a low low probability state When the second big hit game is finished, the gaming state is transferred to the high probability state, and the third win is won under the low probability state Game state transition means for continuing the gaming state after the third per-game is ended to the low probability state,
The production control unit
A decorative symbol display control means (FIG. 7) for causing the decorative symbol display means to display the variable symbol in a variable manner and to stop display in response to the variation of the special symbol;
Production modes in the second per game and the third per game are the same or similar, and in the high probability state after the second per game and the low probability state after the third per game Are the same or similar, and production control means (S100, S200) for concealing the second hit and the third hit,
Special symbol information storage means (ROM 242) for storing the special symbol information in advance so that it can be used in advance for a plurality of special symbols related to at least the second of the second per unit and the third per unit,
The execution condition is that the player has a time allowance on the display for a certain time or longer that allows the player to visually confirm the shape of the special symbol (S101, T1 in FIG. 11). Based on the establishment of the timing start condition for notifying the symbol with an image (S105, S107, T3 in FIG. 11), the special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage means is read out, and the special symbol of the special symbol is read out. Special symbol notification control means for displaying the notification image (51) on the decorative symbol display means in a size and length of time that the player can easily recognize;
Comprising
A ball game machine characterized by that.

(2) Special symbol display means (special symbol display device 38) for displaying special symbols;
A decorative symbol display means (liquid crystal display device 36) arranged at a position where a decorative symbol is displayed and the display area is larger than that of the special symbol and is easily visible;
Image display means provided in a movable or fixed position in the vicinity of the decorative design display means;
A main control unit (20) for overall control of game operations;
An effect control unit (24) for controlling the effect by the effect device including the decorative symbol display means and the image display means based on a control command from the main control unit;
Have
The main control unit
Lottery means for lottery of a plurality of types of hits that provide a special game advantageous to the player when the starting condition is established,
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns;
Special symbol display control means for causing the special symbol display means to variably display and stop display a predetermined special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determining means;
A function of generating a first winning game having a relatively large profit state to be provided to the player in the special game when the special symbol of the first winning (probable big hit) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol displaying means; When the special symbol of the second hit (latency probability change big hit) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means, the second win is less than the first big hit game in the special game. A function for generating a game and a function for generating a third winning game that is the same as or similar to the second big winning game when a special symbol for the third winning (small hit) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means. Including per game generating means,
If the first winning game is won, the gaming state after the end of the first winning game is shifted to a high probability state where the winning lottery probability is relatively high, and the winning lottery probability is relatively high. When the second win is won under a low low probability state When the second big hit game is finished, the gaming state is transferred to the high probability state, and the third win is won under the low probability state Game state transition means for continuing the gaming state after the third per-game is ended to the low probability state,
The production control unit
A decorative symbol display control means (FIG. 7) for causing the decorative symbol display means to display the variable symbol in a variable manner and to stop display in response to the variation of the special symbol;
Production modes in the second per game and the third per game are the same or similar, and in the high probability state after the second per game and the low probability state after the third per game Are the same or similar, and production control means (S100, S200) for concealing the second hit and the third hit,
Special symbol information storage means (ROM 242) for storing the special symbol information in advance so that it can be used in advance for a plurality of special symbols related to at least the second of the second per unit and the third per unit,
The execution condition is that the player has a time allowance on the display for a certain time or longer that allows the player to visually confirm the shape of the special symbol (S101, T1 in FIG. 11). Based on the establishment of the timing start condition for notifying the symbol with an image (S105, S107, T3 in FIG. 11), the special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage means is read out, and the special symbol of the special symbol is read out. A special symbol notification control means for displaying the notification image (51) on the image display means in a size and a length of time that the player can easily recognize;
Comprising
A ball game machine characterized by that.

  (3) The special symbol notification control means sets the execution pattern that the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determination means is a specific pattern having a time margin on display for the predetermined time or more (S101), After the execution condition is satisfied, the notification image of the special symbol is set as the start condition that a specific effect pattern for performing image notification of the special symbol is selected by lottery among the effect patterns specified by the variation pattern. The bullet ball game machine according to (1) or (2) above, characterized in that

(4) It further has a manual operation means (frame effect button 13) connected to the effect control unit,
The special symbol notification control unit sets the execution condition that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit is a specific pattern having a time allowance on display for the predetermined time or more (S101), and the execution condition Is established, a specific effect pattern for performing image notification of the special symbol is selected by lottery from among the effect patterns specified by the variation pattern (S105, S107), and an effect based on the specific effect pattern is executed. The above-mentioned (1) or (2) is characterized in that the notification image of the special symbol is displayed (S212 to S214), with the start condition being that the manual operation means is turned on in the middle (S211 to S212). ).

(5) It further has a manual operation means connected to the effect control unit,
The effect control unit includes standby effect transition means (T1 to T2 in FIG. 11) for shifting the effect display of the decorative symbol display means to the standby effect state on condition that the changing operation of the special symbol is not performed. In addition,
The special symbol notification control means sets the execution condition that the effect display of the decorative symbol display means has shifted to the standby effect state by the standby effect transition means, and after the execution condition is satisfied, a certain time has elapsed. In addition, in the above (1) or (2), the notification image of the special symbol is displayed (T2 to T5 in FIG. 11) on the basis that the manual operation means is turned on. Ball game machine.

  According to the present invention, for example, during a specific symbol variation period or a demonstration screen display period, a special symbol notification image can be easily visually confirmed by a display system different from its original display system (large size). And time length). For this reason, in addition to the fun of the game based on the fact that “it is difficult to determine whether or not the special symbol at the time of hit is displayed in a stop mode for a short time and whether or not it is in a latent probability variation state”, The fun of adding a function (help function) of partially relieving a player's disadvantage based on the difficulty of determining whether or not is added is weighted. Therefore, the player's interest in the ball game machine can be increased without deteriorating the interest in this type of ball game machine in which the probability variation state is hidden. In addition, it is possible to naturally understand and memorize the types of special symbols handled by the ball game machine for players who have been not good at this type of ball game machine. You can enhance your interest in gaming machines.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the front side of the game board of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. In the ball game machine according to the present invention, it is a diagram schematically showing a signal system in which a special symbol is displayed on a special symbol display device and a liquid crystal display device. It is the figure which illustrated the hit special symbol table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern designation | designated command reception process based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation execution process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the scenario execution process of effect F in FIG. It is the figure which showed a mode that the content of the display screen changed as the scenario of effect F was performed in the procedure of FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the other specific example 1 in this invention. It is the figure which expanded and showed the information image of the special symbol displayed in the middle of the production of FIG. It is the figure which showed a mode that the alert image of the special symbol displayed on a screen in the other specific example 2 in this invention changes. It is the figure which showed the alerting image of the special symbol displayed on a screen by the other specific example 3 in this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<1. Outline of configuration: FIGS. 1 and 2>
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The illustrated pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 3 in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. And the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. The game area 3a is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 5 (see FIG. 2) disposed on the surface of the game board 3. A glass door frame 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a front operation panel 7 disposed on the lower side of the glass door frame 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls. The front operation panel 7 is provided with a ball lending button 11 and a prepaid card discharge button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface portion of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push button type frame effect button 13 that can be operated by turning on the built-in lamp and that can be changed when the built-in lamp is turned on. It has been. The upper tray 9 is provided with a ball removal button 14 for removing the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing unit is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Speakers 46 that generate sound effects are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15. Furthermore, a decoration lamp 45 is provided at various locations on the glass door frame 6 to produce a production effect by light decoration.

  Next, the game area 3a of the game board 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the substantially central portion of the game board 3, a variable display of symbols (decorative symbols) by numbers, characters, symbols, etc. is independently performed in three (left, middle, right) display areas. A liquid crystal display device 36 (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) as a possible image display device is provided. Directly below the liquid crystal display device 36, an upper start port 34, which is a first special symbol start port, and a lower start port 35, which is a second special symbol start port, are arranged up and down. Are provided with special symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a winning ball. The lower start opening 35 is provided with a pair of left and right movable wing pieces 47 so that the lower start opening 35 can be opened and closed, and constitutes a so-called tulip-shaped electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 41).

  A normal symbol start port 37 composed of a gate is provided on the left side above the upper start port 34. The normal symbol start port 37 detects a game ball passing through the normal symbol start port 37a (see FIG. 3). ) Is arranged.

  Below the lower start opening 35 is disposed a special variable prize winning device 42 configured to be able to open and close the big prize opening 40 by an open door 42b, and inside the big prize opening sensor 40a (detecting a winning ball) 3) is provided.

  A total of four general winning ports 43 are arranged on both sides of the special variable winning device 42, and a general winning port sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is formed in each of them.

  The upper start opening 34, the lower start opening 35, the normal symbol start opening 37, and the general winning opening 43 described above are winning means arranged in the game area where the game balls flow down, and special prizes provided for each of them. The symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a, the normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, and the general winning opening sensor 43a are winning detection switches for detecting a game ball that has entered the winning means. These winning detection switches can be constituted by non-contact switches such as photo switches and proximity switches, and contact switches such as micro switches.

  Further, in the vicinity of the upper right edge of the game area 3a, a special symbol display device 38 constituted by arranging two 7-segment indicators (with dots) side by side corresponding to the upper start opening 34 and the lower start opening 35, and 2 A normal symbol display device 39 in which two LEDs are arranged horizontally is provided. Further, in the game area 3a, there are a center ornament 48, a windmill 44 as a game ball drop direction changing member, a plurality of game nails (not shown), a plurality of light emitting devices (lamp, LED, etc .: not shown), and the like. It is arranged. Further, a lamp display device such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device are also provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the game board 3.

  Based on the winning of the game ball in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, the main control unit 20 (see FIG. 3) performs a lottery (big win lottery and symbol lottery) related to the big hit by random number lottery. A special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 in accordance with the lottery result, a special symbol variation display game is started, and the result is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed. . At this time, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in a form linked to the special symbol variation display game, and the decorative symbol variation display game is started. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display device 38 is selected by lottery. The result is displayed, and the result is also displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 by a decorative pattern.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 36 constitutes an image display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the image display device, a plasma display (PDP: Plasma Display Panel), an electronic paper display, an organic EL display (OELD: Organic). An electroluminescent display) may be used. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of an effect control unit 24 (see FIG. 3) described later. That is, an effect reflecting the lottery result in the special symbol variation display game, that is, a decorative symbol is variably displayed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is displayed. Production, reach production and background production). This notice effect includes notice notices such as guidance notices and conversation notices including notice images of special symbols.

  Therefore, when the result of the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38 is “big hit”, the result of the decorative symbol variation display game on the liquid crystal display device 36 also reflects “big hit” appears. Is done. The special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol indicating a big hit in a predetermined display mode (for example, two 7-segment displays are all in the “7” display state) and is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. , "Left", "Medium", "Right" display areas, a predetermined display mode (for example, each of "Left", "Middle", "Right") in which the decorative symbols reflect the above-mentioned lottery lottery results on the hit effective line In the display area, the three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed at the display states “7”, “7”, and “7”.

  When the big hit is made, the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a (see FIG. 3) is actuated to open the open door 42b, whereby the big prize opening 40 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the normal gaming state A big hit game is generated as a special game more advantageous to the player. In the big hit game, the open door 42b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) and the big winning opening 40 is opened, or until the predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls has won, Is opened, and then a predetermined number of times (for example, maximum 15R (round)) such as the opening door 42b is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) and the special winning opening 40 is closed (round game). It is supposed to be repeated.

  The jackpot game is started after the symbol indicating the jackpot is confirmed and displayed in the symbol variation display game. When the big hit starts, the opening effect by the big hit start fanfare is first performed, and after the opening effect is finished, the round game in which the big winning opening 40 is opened is performed a plurality of times with the predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. In addition, during a round game, a corresponding round effect is performed. Then, after the specified number of rounds is finished, an ending effect by a big hit end fanfare is performed, and the big hit ends.

  In addition, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 37 of the gate, the main control unit 20 performs a lottery (auxiliary per lottery) related to the subsistence by random number lottery. In accordance with the lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the two LEDs 39 is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 39, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. The stop display is made by a combination of lighting or a combination of both lighting. If the result of the normal symbol variation display game on the normal symbol display device 39 is “per assist”, the display part of the normal symbol display device 39 is in a predetermined pattern (for example, both of the two LEDs 39 are lit). Stop display.

  When the auxiliary hit is reached, the normal variation prize winning device solenoid 41a (see FIG. 3) for driving the left and right movable blade pieces 47 is activated, and the movable blade pieces 47 are formed in a reverse “C” shape. The lower start opening 35 is opened or expanded so that the game ball can easily flow in, and an auxiliary game state advantageous to the player (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) occurs. In this general electric open game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and the lower start opening 35 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 5). ) Until the game ball has won the normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35), and then the lower start opening 35 is opened, and then the movable wing piece 47 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). The operation of closing 35 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, once).

  Also, when the game ball wins the lower start opening 35 during the above-mentioned open game, the special symbol variation display game is similarly performed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is performed accordingly. The game balls that have not won the winning holes are discharged from the game area 3a through the out holes 49.

  If there is a detection signal input from the special symbol start port sensor 34a, 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a during the special symbol variation display game or the normal symbol variation display game, Based on the detection signal, start memory (so-called operation hold balls), which is data related to the start right for playing each variation display game, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit, except for those involved during variation display. Then, in order to make the starting memory number clear to the player, it is displayed as an image at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. Normally, the variation display game for each start memory is executed and controlled in the order in which the start memories are generated. In this embodiment, as the predetermined upper limit, up to four start memories for special symbols and normal symbols are stored in the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) provided in the main control unit 20, and the variation of the special symbol or normal symbol is determined. Held as a count.

(1-1. Game state after the end of the game)
After each winning game described above is completed, the game state is shifted to a predetermined gaming state based on the winning winning game state and the winning type. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, there are four types of game states: a normal game state, a probability variation state, a latent probability variation state, and a short time state as internal game states (game states managed on the main control unit 20 side). Is provided. First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, functions (means) related to the occurrence of various gaming states will be described.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) function in which the main control board 20 (main control CPU 201: see FIG. 3) plays a functional part. There are two types, a probability changing function related to a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol probability changing function”) and a probability changing function related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol probability changing function”).

  The special symbol probability changing function changes the jackpot probability variation state (hereinafter referred to as “big hit probability variation”) by changing the lottery probability of big hit from a low probability (for example, 1/399) to a high probability (for example, 1 / 39.9). This is a function for generating a state. In a gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function is operating, that is, in a big hit probability changing state, the big hit lottery probability is changed to a high probability state with a high probability, and the big hit is likely to occur. Therefore, it can be said that the gaming state expected by the player is a gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function is operating.

  The normal symbol probability changing function is a function that changes the probability per lot for auxiliary assistance from a normal probability that is low probability (for example, 1/256) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) to generate an auxiliary chance probability variation state. . In the game state (probability change per assist) in which the normal symbol probability change function is operating, the lottery probability per auxiliary will change to a high probability and the sub-attendance is likely to occur. Thus, an operating rate improvement state is achieved in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol probability changing function is synchronized with the activation timing of the special symbol short-time function described later, and the termination timing is also synchronized with the termination timing of the special symbol time-shortening function. It has become.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a function of shortening the variation time (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction”), which is functioned by the main control CPU 271. This includes time reduction functions related to special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol time reduction functions”) and normal time reduction functions (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol time reduction functions”). There are two types.

  The special symbol time reduction function is a function for generating a special symbol time reduction state in which the variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol fluctuation display game is shortened. In the game state in which the special symbol time shortening function is in operation, the time of one special symbol variation display game, that is, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from when the special symbol starts to change until the final display) is average For example, in the case of time or reach loss variation, the time is reduced from 30 seconds (when the special symbol time reduction function is not in operation) to 5 seconds (when the special symbol time reduction function is in operation). In other words, the average variation time of the special symbol is shortened compared with the normal gaming state, and the lottery number improving state is improved in which the number of big hit lotteries per unit time is improved as compared with the normal gaming state.

  The normal symbol short-time function is a function for generating a normal symbol short-time state in which the variation time of the normal symbol in the normal symbol variation display game is shortened. Under the gaming state in which the normal symbol time reduction function is activated, the time of one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the time from when the normal symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, 10 seconds (normal symbol) The time-saving function is shortened to 1 second (when the normal symbol time-saving function is in operation), and the lottery frequency improving state is improved in which the number of lotteries per auxiliary time per unit time is higher than in the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol time-shortening function is synchronized with the operation timing of the special symbol time-shortening function, and the termination timing is also synchronized with the termination timing of the special symbol time-shortening function. It has become.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an open extension function in which the main control unit 20 serves as its function unit.

  The open extension function is a function of generating an open extension state in which the movable blade piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened and the number of times of opening is extended. Under a gaming state (a big hit probability change state) in which the opening extension function is operating, the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, for example, and the opening / closing frequency is, for example, once (opened) The operating rate is improved two times (when the extended extension function is in operation) from when the extension function is not in operation), and the operating rate improvement state in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state; Become. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation trigger for the opening extension function is synchronized with the operation trigger for the special symbol short-time function, and the termination trigger is also synchronized with the termination trigger for the special symbol short-time function. ing. Thus, under the gaming state in which the open extension function is in operation, the normal symbol probability changing function and the normal symbol time-shortening function are also in operation, so that a gaming state in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is remarkably improved occurs.

  The game state can be changed by operating one or more types of the functions described above. Here, in the present embodiment, the operation triggers of the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol shortening function, and the open extension function are synchronized with the operation trigger of the special symbol shortening function. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function, the special symbol time shortening function, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time shortening function, and the open extension function are referred to as “probability changing state (probability changing)”. The gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function is removed from the function is referred to as “short-time state (short time)”, and the gaming state in which only the special symbol probability changing function is operated is referred to as “latency probability changing state (latency probability changing)”. The state in which the function is not in operation is referred to as “normal game state (normal state or normal state)”.

(1-2. High base gaming state)
In the present embodiment, the functions related to the above normal symbols, that is, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the open extension function are synchronized with the operation trigger of the special symbol short-time function, so the three functions are the same. It will work at the moment. However, when attention is paid to the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time-shortening function, and the open extension function, respectively, when at least one of these functions is activated, the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 is improved. Since the operating rate is improved and the winning frequency to the lower start opening 35 is increased, the game condition is that the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game for deriving the big win lottery result is higher than the normal gaming state. It will shift to the “high base game state (starting condition improved state)”. As used herein, the “high base gaming state” refers to a gaming state when a function related to a normal symbol is operated as described above, and a function related to a special symbol, that is, a special symbol probability changing function and a special symbol time-saving function. It is different from the gaming state when one of them is activated.

  Focusing on the special symbol related functions individually, when the special symbol probability changing function is activated, a big hit is more likely to occur than the normal gaming state, that is, the winning probability of the big hit lottery is higher than the normal gaming state. When the special symbol short-time function is activated (when the big hit probability variation state is entered), the special symbol variation display game has a “special symbol short-time gaming state” in which the digestion time of the special symbol variation display game is faster than the normal gaming state. In this respect, it is distinguished from the “high base gaming state” in which the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game is higher than the normal gaming state.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the “high base gaming state”, a gaming state provided with an open extension function that significantly improves the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is treated as a “high base gaming state”. The movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 corresponds to a state in which the open extension function is not provided under the “high base game state” in which the open extension function is provided (in this embodiment, “normal game state”). Compared to (Yes), the player operates in a high base gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

(1-3. Type of jackpot)
Next, jackpot types managed on the main control unit side will be described.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the types of jackpots to be drawn in the special symbol fluctuation display game are “15R non-probable big jackpots” for non-probable big jackpots, “15R probable big jackpots” and “15R latency” for probable big jackpots. “Probable big hit”.

  Of these jackpot games with big hits, 15R non-probable big hits and 15R probable big hits have a 30-second opening time for the big winning opening 40 during one round game as a profit state. (The number of times the big prize opening 40 is opened) is the maximum prescribed number of 15 rounds. In the 15R latent probability variation big hit, 15 rounds are similarly opened, but the opening time of the big winning opening 40 during one round game is set to 0.1 seconds shorter than the above. Therefore, the 15R probability variation big hit is a big hit with a relatively large profit state, and the 15R latent probability variable big hit is a specific big hit (specific hit) with a relatively small profit state.

  In addition, after the jackpot game is over, a bonus game state corresponding to the jackpot is generated. Specifically, the “probability change state” occurs until the next big hit is confirmed (a big hit game is generated) for the 15R probability change big hit, and the latent probability change state occurs until the next big hit for the 15R latent probability change big hit. In the probable big hit, a “short-time state” occurs until the special symbol variation display game number of times reaches the end of a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or until the big hit is determined within the predetermined number of times. ing. Here, since the open extension function is given during the probability changing state or the short time state, these gaming states are “high base gaming states”.

  In addition to the above-mentioned big hits, there is provided a “small hit” to which a hit state (small win game) is given in which the big winning opening 40 is opened and closed 15 times in substantially the same game operation mode as in the case of the 15R latent probability variation big hit. is there. The “small hit” is a hit other than the big hit 15R probability variation big hit and the specific hit 15R latent probability variation big hit, and performs a hit operation that approximates the specific hit. The small hit game is performed in a game operation mode in which it is difficult for the player to distinguish the difference from the case of 15R latent probability variation big hit.

  Therefore, the game value given to the player during the small hit game is substantially the same as the game value given to the player during the big hit game due to the 15R latent probability change big hit. However, after the small hit game is over, the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is continued as it is, and in this respect, the nature is different from the big hit in which the above-mentioned special gaming state occurs. For example, when the “small hit” is won during the normal gaming state, the gaming state after the end of the small winning game is the normal gaming state that is the gaming state at the time of the small hit winning. Hereinafter, unless otherwise required, the small hits are treated in the same row as one of the big hit types without being distinguished from other big hits.

  When one of the above-mentioned jackpots is won, the special symbol reflecting the lottery result is displayed as it is for the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38. In other words, the 7-segment display of the special symbol display device 38 is a special symbol for notifying the probability variation big hit, the special symbol for notifying the probability variation big hit, or the special symbol notifying that there is a possibility of either the probability variation big hit or the non-probability big hit. A symbol is displayed. On the other hand, on the liquid crystal display device 36 of the image display device, a symbol game corresponding to the special symbol variation display game is displayed using another symbol called a decorative symbol.

  In addition, for decorative symbols, even if the winning jackpot is usually a promising big hit, it is not always displayed with a decorative symbol that makes the probable big jackpot obvious from the beginning, and the special symbol is synchronized with the fluctuation stoppage. Production control such as final display of the decorative pattern is performed. Normally, the player enjoys the game while watching the decorative symbol variation display game on the liquid crystal display device 36. Therefore, even if the game result is a decorative symbol indicating the non-probable big hit type, the player is expected to have a big odd hit. This is to leave a feeling.

(1-4. Production control)
First, a decorative design displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display area of the liquid crystal display device 36 is provided with a decorative symbol display unit 361 that displays decorative symbols. The decorative symbols of the decorative symbol display unit 361 are displayed in conjunction with the special symbol change display and stop display on the special symbol display device 38.

  The decorative symbol display unit 361 includes three symbol display areas including a left symbol display area where the left symbol A is displayed, a middle symbol display area where the middle symbol B is displayed, and a right symbol display area where the right symbol C is displayed. It is configured. In each symbol display area, a symbol variation direction is set in the vertical direction (vertical direction) which is a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas. Each symbol display area can display symbols consisting of “1” and “9”. Of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 36, the portion excluding the decorative symbol display unit 361 is a background display region in which various background symbols including characters, figures, symbols, characters, and the like are displayed.

  The decorative symbol starts to change when the special symbol starts to be changed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed on any of the symbols, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol. For decorative symbols, combinations of even symbols with the same three digits correspond to normal jackpot symbols with special symbols, and combinations of odd symbols with the same three digits correspond to odd jackpot symbols with special symbols, such as “1, 2, 3”, etc. Chance symbols (so-called chance eyes) that are predetermined specific out-of-band symbols other than winning symbols, such as combinations of odd numbers such as “1/3/5”, etc. are special symbols, such as latent probability variation big hit symbols or small symbols Corresponding to winning symbols, combinations of symbols other than those correspond to outliers of special symbols. The stage of appearance of this chance eye and the chance eye is common to the latent probability variation big hit and the small hit, thereby concealing the distinction between the latent probability variation big hit and the small hit.

  The decoration control variation mode (effect pattern) and the stop symbol are determined by the effect control unit 24 based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 20. Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 20 indicates the variation pattern of the special symbol, and specifically indicates the effect contents such as the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect. The main control unit 20 determines a variation pattern of the special symbol at random (by random number lottery) according to the determination result of the special symbol, and based on the determined variation pattern of the special symbol, the effect control unit 24 The effect pattern of the decorative symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 361 is determined.

  In addition, the production control unit 24 makes the production mode the same or similar during the 15 round latency probability change big hit game and the 15 round small hit game, and the high probability state after the latent probability change game and after the small hit game The appearance mode in the low probability state is the same or similar, and the difference between the latent probability variation hit and the small hit is concealed.

  Next, the production mode will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a “normal effect mode” for notifying that the game state is an uncertain change state as the effect mode of the effect related to the current game state to be notified, and the jackpot lottery probability. Conceal the win-winning probability state and the “probability confirmation effect mode” that produces an effect that clearly informs that it is in a high probability state, and the “short time effect mode” that produces an effect that definitely informs that the time is short A special effect mode for setting a state, specifically, a “concealment effect mode” that conceals the current gaming state and gives the player a sense of expectation of the latent probability changing state is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described plurality of effect modes are set, and it is configured to be able to go back and forth between the effect modes. Specifically, if the transition destination is in the probability variation state, the transition control is performed to the “probability modification effect mode”, if it is in the short time state, to “time reduction effect mode”, and if in the latent probability variation state, the transition control is performed to the concealment effect mode (genuine). . In the case of winning the small hit and shifting to the normal gaming state, the transition control to the concealment effect mode (gase) is performed.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of a control device that performs gaming machine control in accordance with the progress of the game as described above.

  The control device includes a main control unit 20 that controls the overall game operation, an effect control unit 24 that receives an effect control command from the main control unit 20 and performs effect control on an image, light, sound, and a movable body. It is composed around. The effect control unit 24 is connected to a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device. In the present specification, the term “production device” widely refers to devices that produce an image, light, sound, or operation of the movable body, such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a lamp, an LED, a sound generator, and a movable body.

  Connected to the main control unit 20 is an external concentrated terminal board 21 having external terminals for outputting various information from the main control unit 20 to the outside of the gaming machine. Furthermore, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and a launch control board 28 for controlling the launching device 32 and a game ball payout apparatus 19 are connected to the payout control board 29. Reference numeral 31 denotes a power supply board. The power supply board 31 is connected to an external power supply (not shown), generates a required power supply from an AC voltage (AC24V: main power supply) supplied from a transformer, and is applied to each control board. Supply. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating a main control CPU 201, a main control ROM 202 storing a control program and control data describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, and a main control in which a work area is formed. A RAM 203 is mounted to constitute a one-chip microcomputer. Although not shown, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) having a function of generating a pulse output with a constant period and a function of measuring time, and an interrupt controller circuit for giving an interrupt signal to the CPU are provided.

  The main control unit 20 includes a special symbol start port sensor 34 a that detects a winning at the upper start port 34, a special symbol start port sensor 35 a that detects a win at the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. An ordinary symbol start opening sensor 37a for detecting passage, a general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting a winning at the general winning opening 43, and a large winning opening sensor 40a for detecting a winning at the large winning opening 40 are connected. The control unit 20 can receive each of these detection signals.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 includes a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 39, a normal variation winning device solenoid 41a for controlling opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start port 35, and a wide of the large winning port 40. A special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a for controlling opening / closing of the open door 42b is connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 draws whether it is a “hit” that generates a special game advantageous to the player or a “losing” that does not generate this special game, and specially determines according to the success / failure information that is the result of the lottery. A design variation pattern and a stop symbol are determined, and an effect control command for at least the lottery result, the variation pattern, and the stop symbol is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

  In addition, when the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is zero, that is, the main control unit 20 enters a standby state in which the special symbol is not changed, a “standby effect command” is sent to inform the effect control unit 24 of this. Send.

  The effect control command from the main control unit 20 is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main control unit 20 via the effect control unit 24.

(2-2. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating an effect control CPU 241, an effect control ROM 242 storing a control program describing effect control procedures, effect data, and the like, an effect control RAM 243 in which a work area is formed, It is equipped with. The effect control ROM 242 stores in advance special symbol information for a plurality of types of special symbols related to a part of the latent probability variation big hit and small hit. A calendar 244 composed of a clock / calendar LSI is mounted. Although not shown, a sound source IC, a CTC, an interrupt controller circuit, and the like are provided. The main roles of the effect control unit 24 are reception of effect control commands from the main control unit 20, effect pattern lottery, control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, frame lamp / LED light emission control, movable These include body movement control and notification of various errors.

  The effect control unit 24 includes an optical display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and the LED, and an acoustic control unit for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, in order to perform the effect processing for light and sound. ing.

  In addition, in response to the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 draws an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern, and causes the effect display to be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a frame effect button 13 serving as an effect intervention operation means. The frame effect button 13 is a push button that can be manually operated by the player. When the player participates in the stop button chance game in the special effect mode, or when the player participates in a player participation type promotion effect game. Or, when an operation is requested as a start condition when displaying a special symbol notification image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36, the player operates the notification image.

  In addition, the effect control unit 24 generates a control data necessary for performing display control of the liquid crystal display device 36 and outputs the control data to the VDP, and a liquid crystal control including a program describing an operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. It has a ROM and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a video display processor (VDP) that is connected to the liquid crystal control CPU and performs image expansion processing, an image data ROM that stores image data required for image expansion by the VDP, and a VDP. A VRAM or the like for temporarily storing the image data developed by is also provided.

  Information related to the gaming status is first the basic control information required based on the result of the jackpot lottery (whether it is a jackpot or lose), the current gaming status, the number of suspended balls, the stop symbol, etc. Is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24.

  On the side of the production control unit 24, the production pattern of the production scenario specified by the symbol variation pattern sent from the main control unit 20 is determined by lottery from among many production patterns prepared in advance. A control signal instructing execution of the effect pattern is sent from the effect control unit 24 to the liquid crystal display device 36, the sound generator 46a, the light display device 45a, the movable body, and the like. Thereby, the reproduction of the image on the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, the reproduction of the sound effect corresponding to the effect pattern, the lighting and blinking driving of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED, and the operation of the movable body are realized. The

  The production control command is composed of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of the same 1-byte length. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT) Corresponding to each, a strobe signal is output. That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the main control CPU 201 sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and the first strobe signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from this setting. Is sent. Further, event (EVENT) information is set and output after the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second time of the strobe signal is transmitted after the elapse of the predetermined time from the setting. When the strobe signal is transmitted, the effect control CPU 241 generates an interrupt corresponding to the strobe signal, and receives a command by this interrupt processing. The strobe signal is controlled by the main control CPU 201 to be in an active state for a predetermined period during which the effect control CPU 241 can reliably receive a command.

(2-3. Special symbol display system: FIGS. 4 and 5)
In FIG. 4, a special symbol reflecting the lottery result is uniquely prepared by the effect control unit 24 in addition to the display system displayed on the special symbol display device 38 including a 7-segment display which is a special symbol display means. It is the figure which showed roughly the structure of the ball game machine which has a display system displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 whose special symbol is a decoration symbol display means.

  The main control unit 20 performs a lottery regarding the big hit (a big win lottery and a symbol lottery) based on the fact that the game ball wins the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35 and the start condition is satisfied, and according to the lottery result The special symbol display device 38 is variably displayed and the special symbol variation display game is started. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the result is displayed on the special symbol display device 38. When this special symbol variation display is performed, an effect control command for the variation pattern and the stop symbol is transmitted to the effect control unit 24, and the liquid crystal display device 36 performs the effect scenario of the effect pattern selected in accordance with the variation pattern. The design variation of the decorative design is performed at, and the result is displayed.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives the variation pattern, the effect control unit 24 reads the special symbol information stored in advance in the effect control ROM 242 under a predetermined condition, and allows the player to easily recognize the notification image of the special symbol. And the time length is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The predetermined condition is that both the execution condition and the start condition are satisfied.

  In the case of this embodiment, first, as an execution condition, the type of variation pattern specified by the variation pattern is a time margin on the display for a certain time or longer enough for the player to visually confirm the shape of the special symbol. Judge whether there is something. If it is confirmed that there is a time allowance and the execution condition is satisfied, it is next determined as a timing start condition whether or not it is time to notify the special symbol as an image. Here, it is determined whether or not the frame effect button 13 has been turned ON as a temporal start condition. However, as another embodiment, a notification image of a special symbol may be displayed on the assumption that the start condition is satisfied when the execution condition is satisfied. In any form, when the start condition is satisfied, the special symbol information stored in the effect control ROM 242 is read, and the size and time length that allows the player to easily recognize the notification image of the special symbol. Now, the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  As for the special symbol designation command transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the production control unit 24, one special symbol designation command is assigned to each of the special symbols, and each special symbol designation command represents the type of jackpot. It has become. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in the special symbol list of FIG. 5, the special symbol designation command “7” and “8” of the 15R probability big hit and 15R normal big hit (15R non-probable big hit) are the back numbers of the special symbol designation commands. Codes “B002H” and “B003H” are associated, and special symbols “J”, “P”, “c”, “u.”, “Ni”, “ha.”, “B.”, “D”, “e” for 15R latent probability big hits. “E.” (10 types in total) is associated with the common code “B004H” of the special symbol designation command, and the special symbols “b”, “c.”, “D.”, “H”, “h.” “O”, “o.”, “Q.”, “R”, “u” (10 types in total) are associated with the common code “B005H” of the special symbol designation command. Although not shown, the code “B001H” is associated with “losing”.

  The special symbols stored in the ROM 242 of the effect control unit 24 are assigned one special stop symbol number for each special symbol type (7-segment display pattern). In the case of this embodiment, as shown in the special symbol list of FIG. 5, special stop symbol numbers “01H” and “02H” for 15R probability variable big hit, 15R normal big hit, and special stop for 15R latent big hit (total 10 types) Symbol numbers “03H” to “0CH” are associated with special stop symbol numbers “20H” to “29H” for small hits (10 types in total). The effect control ORM 242 stores the special symbol types thus distinguished by the special stop symbol numbers, and is thereafter read out as necessary and individually displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. FIG. 4 shows a message notice 52 including the special symbol image “J” that “the latency is confirmed when the special symbol stops at J!” Appears during the variation time of the special symbol.

  In this way, by storing one special stop symbol number in association with one special symbol type, the effect control unit 24 distinguishes each special symbol type from each other and stores it in the ORM 242. In addition, after that, it is possible to read out randomly or according to a certain rule as required, and to display them on the liquid crystal display device 36 individually. Also in the main control unit 20, one special stop symbol number is associated with one special symbol type and stored in the ROM 202, and thereafter read out and similarly displayed on the special symbol display device 38. However, in the main control unit 20, the corresponding special symbol type determined by the winning jackpot type is displayed on the special symbol display device 38. This is different from the case of.

  When the big win of either 15R latency probability variation big hit or small hit is won, the special symbol display device 38 displays the special symbol type corresponding to those hits, but the special symbol type (7-segment display pattern) This stop mode is solved when the next symbol variation starts. Therefore, the period during which the special symbol type (7-segment display pattern) is displayed is very short and disappears immediately.

  However, in the case of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, when the execution condition and start condition described above are satisfied, a special symbol type related to the latent probability variation big hit and small hit is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, and the contents of the special symbol are notified by an image. Is done. Therefore, each time the player meets the chance to see the special symbol type displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, whether or not the special symbol type, that is, the 7-segment display pattern (latent probability fixed pattern) belonging to the latent probability variation jackpot. It becomes possible to increase the discriminating knowledge about and increase the knowledge cumulatively.

  Here, specific examples of the establishment of the execution condition and the establishment of the start condition include the following A1 to A2.

  (A1) When a variation pattern is received, it is defined as “execution condition” that the variation pattern is a specific pattern having a time allowance on display for a certain time or more. After the execution condition is satisfied, The notification image of the special symbol is displayed with the “start condition” being that the specific effect pattern for performing the image notification of the special symbol is selected from the effect patterns specified by the variation pattern.

  (A2) When a variation pattern is received, it is defined as “execution condition” that the variation pattern is a specific pattern having a time allowance on display for a certain time or more, and after the execution condition is satisfied, Among the variation patterns, a specific effect pattern for performing image notification of the special symbol is selected, and the frame effect button 13 is turned ON during the execution of the effect based on the specific effect pattern, as a “start condition”. A notification image is displayed.

  FIG. 4 corresponds to the case of A1 or A2 above, and the received variation pattern is the specific pattern, and a specific effect pattern for performing image notification of a special symbol is selected by lottery, or The notification image 51 of the special symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 based on the fact that the frame effect button 13 is turned on during the execution of the effect is illustrated. Specifically, the decorative symbol ABC is still moving up and down during the special symbol variation time, and during the period before the first symbol A, which stops first, stops, the special symbol stops at J. Then, a message notice 52 including a special symbol image “J” “Hidden confirmation!” Appears along with the character 53.

  Further, regarding the establishment of the execution condition and the establishment of the start condition, specific examples in the embodiment during the period in which the special symbol changing operation is stopped include the following B1 to B10.

  (B1) “Execution condition” means that the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 serving as the decorative symbol display means is shifted to the standby effect state because the special symbol changing operation is not performed, and that the execution condition is satisfied. As a “start condition”, a notification image of a special symbol is displayed. That is, when a standby effect command is received from the main control unit 20, a special symbol notification image 51 is immediately displayed.

  (B2) A special symbol notification image is defined as “execution condition” that the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has shifted to the standby effect state, and after the execution condition is satisfied, that “lottery” is selected as the “start condition”. 51 is displayed.

  (B3) A special symbol notification that an effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has shifted to a standby effect state is an “execution condition”, and that a certain period of time has elapsed after the execution condition has been established. The image 51 is displayed. When a certain amount of time has elapsed after shifting to the stand-by production state, a so-called demonstration screen (demonstration production display screen) is usually displayed. Therefore, in the case of a model equipped with such a demonstration execution means, it entered during the demonstration screen display period. This is the “start condition”.

  (B4) “Execution condition” means that the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has shifted to the stand-by effect state, and after the execution condition is established, the fact that a certain period of time has passed and the lottery has been won is designated as “start condition” A special symbol notification image 51 is displayed. In the case of a model that becomes a demo screen after a certain period of time has passed after transitioning to the standby production state, the fact that the lottery is won during the demonstration screen display period is set as the “start condition”.

  (B5) The fact that the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has shifted to the standby effect state is referred to as an “execution condition”. After the execution condition is satisfied, the fact that the lottery is won and the frame effect button 13 is turned on is “ As a “start condition”, a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed.

  (B6) The fact that the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has shifted to the standby effect state is set as an “execution condition”, and after the execution condition is satisfied, a certain time has elapsed and the frame effect button 13 has been turned ON. As a “starting condition”, a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed. In the case of a model that becomes a demo screen after a certain period of time has elapsed after shifting to the standby effect state, the “start condition” is that the frame effect button 13 is turned ON during the demonstration screen display period.

  (B7) The fact that the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has shifted to the standby effect state is set as an “execution condition”, and after the execution condition is established, the lottery is won and a certain time has passed (the lottery has been won) And the predetermined time has passed, whichever comes first) and the fact that the frame effect button 13 has been turned ON is set as a “start condition”, and a notification image 51 of a special symbol is displayed. In the case of a model that becomes a demo screen after a certain period of time has elapsed after shifting to the standby effect state, for example, the fact that the lottery is won and the frame effect button 13 is turned ON during the demonstration screen display period is set as the “start condition”. It will be.

  (B8) In the above (B5) to (B7), when it is determined to perform the image notification of the special symbol, the special effect is provided on the condition that the frame effect button 13 is turned on during a specific acceptable period. A symbol notification image 51 is displayed.

  (B9) In the above (B5) to (B7), when it is determined that the special symbol image notification is performed, the frame effect button 13 is turned on a predetermined number of times or more during a specific acceptable period. As a notification image 51 of a special symbol is displayed.

  (B10) In the above (B5) to (B7), when it is decided to include the cross key as the manual operation means and to perform the image notification of the special symbol, the manual operation means including the cross key can be specifically accepted. A special symbol notification image 51 is displayed on the condition that the ON operation is performed in a predetermined order during the period.

<3. Processing on the production control unit side: FIGS. 6 to 10>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, processing contents on the side of the effect control unit 24 will be described in detail.

(3-1. Production control unit side processing: FIG. 6)
When the gaming machine is turned on, a power-on signal indicating that the power is turned on is sent from the power board 31 to each control board. Upon receiving this power-on signal, the control subject of the effect control unit 24 (hereinafter, the entire control subject of the effect control unit 24 will be described only by the effect control CPU 241) starts the effect control unit side processing shown in FIG. To do.

  In the effect control unit side process, a command reception process (step S100) and an effect execution process (step S200) are performed.

  In the command reception process (step S100), the effect control CPU 241 monitors whether or not the effect control command has been received from the main control unit 20, and when the effect control command from the main control unit 20 is received, Various corresponding setting processes are performed. In the effect execution process (step S200), an effect according to the content set in the command reception process (step S100) is executed by the effect device.

(3-2. Variation pattern designation command reception processing: FIG. 7)
FIG. 7 shows a variation pattern designation command reception process performed when a variation pattern designation command is received in the command reception process (step S100). In this process, the production scenario corresponding to the received variation pattern, that is, the movement of the decorative design or the notice is set.

  First, when a variation pattern designation command is received, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern designation command is for the specific pattern K (step S101). Here, the “specific pattern K” refers to the display of the special symbol notification image 51 among the variation patterns, and a certain time (for example, 5 seconds) sufficient for the player to visually confirm the shape of the special symbol. ) This is a variation pattern with a time margin on display, and in the case of this embodiment, the variation before the stop of the left symbol A (see FIG. 4) that stops first among the three decorative symbols ABC is stopped. It indicates a fluctuation pattern with a long time of 5 seconds or more. In the case of such a variation pattern of the specific pattern K having a long previous variation time, even if the notification image 51 of the special symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 during the previous variation period, the player visually recognizes the special symbol. There is enough time on display to confirm the shape of the display. Therefore, if it is confirmed that the variation pattern is the specific pattern K, an “execution condition” which is a precondition for displaying the notification image 51 of the special symbol is established.

(3-2-1. When not specific pattern K)
If it is not the variation pattern of the specific pattern K (step S101: NO), one effect pattern D is selected by lottery with reference to the effect pattern table (first effect pattern table) for the first effect pattern group (step S101). S102). Here, the effect pattern table associates at least a variation pattern designation code, a decoration pattern variation pattern, a variation time, and a notice effect in advance as an effect pattern, and associates a plurality of effect patterns for each variation pattern designation code. It is a table. By referring to this effect pattern table, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designation code is determined by selecting one of the effect pattern groups belonging to the variation pattern designation code by lottery.

  Thereafter, one effect pattern D (effect D scenario) selected from the first effect pattern table in step S102 is set (step S103), and the variation pattern designation command receiving process is terminated.

(3-2-2. Specific Pattern K)
When it is determined in step S101 of FIG. 7 that the received variation pattern designation command is for the specific pattern K (step S101: YES), the effect pattern table (first effect pattern) for the group of second effect patterns (special effect patterns) With reference to (2 effect pattern table), one special effect pattern is selected by lottery (step S104). Here, the “group of special effect patterns” includes a group of special effect patterns E that are not scheduled to appear the special image notification image 51 (message notice 52 in FIG. 4) during each effect scenario. This special symbol notification image 51 is composed of a group of production patterns F scheduled to appear.

  Next, the special effect pattern selected by the lottery is the special effect pattern E in which the message notice 52 is not scheduled to appear, or the special effect pattern F in which the message notice 52 is scheduled to appear. It is determined whether or not there is (step S105).

  When the one selected from the special effect pattern group is one of the special effect patterns E for which the message notice 52 is not scheduled to appear (step S105: NO), the selected special effect pattern E (special effect E scenario) is set (step S106). Then, the variation pattern designation command reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the one selected from the special effect pattern group is one of the special effect patterns F for which the message notice 52 is scheduled to appear (step S105: YES), the selection is made. The special effect pattern F (scenario of the special effect F) is set (step S107). Then, the variation pattern designation command reception process is terminated.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the “specific pattern K” indicates that the left pattern A (see FIG. 4) to be stopped first is a variation pattern with a long previous variation time until it stops, and the “execution condition” described above. However, if expressed as a result, the specific pattern K generates a special effect F in which the notification image of the special symbol is scheduled to appear among the variation patterns. It is also a pattern that triggers the lottery.

(3-3. Production execution processing: FIG. 8)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect execution process (step S200). In this effect execution process, a branch for each effect set in the variation pattern designation command reception process (FIG. 7) is performed (step S201), and the corresponding effect scenario is executed.

  When the scenario of effect D or effect E is set in the variation pattern designation command reception process (FIG. 7), the scenario of effect D or the scenario of effect E is executed (steps S202 and S203). If a scenario for effect F is set, the corresponding scenario for effect F is executed (step S204).

(3-3-1. Scenario execution process of effect F: FIGS. 9 and 10)
FIG. 9 schematically shows the contents of the scenario execution process of effect F, and FIG. 10 schematically shows how the effect contents are developed on the screen.

  When execution of the scenario of effect F is started (step S211), the decorative symbols A, B, and C are changing on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, and during the change period, as shown in FIG. 10B, a message notice 54 “Let me tell you a good thing!” Is displayed in a conversation notice form by the character 53, and a frame effect button is displayed below it. 13 button images 55 are displayed to prompt the player to operate the frame effect button 13.

  When the scenario of effect F progresses to this stage, the program of FIG. 9 proceeds to step S212, and the frame effect button 13 is displayed during the period in which this button image 55 is displayed (during the symbol change period before the left symbol stops). Wait for the to be turned ON. That is, until the frame effect button 13 is turned on (step S212: NO), it is determined whether or not the effective time (ON operation reception time) of the frame effect button 13 has passed (step S214). If the effective time of 13 has not yet elapsed (step S214: NO), the process returns to step S212 and waits for the frame effect button 13 to be turned on. Here, the effective time of the frame effect button 13 is set in advance for a predetermined period of time from when the decorative symbol starts to change until the left symbol stops.

  When the frame effect button 13 is turned ON during the effective time before the left symbol stops (step S212: YES), as shown in (c) of FIG. 10, a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed. (Step S213). As a result, the character 53 appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 as the message notice 52 including the special symbol image “J” “The latent figure is confirmed when the special figure stops at J!”. This special symbol image “J” is an example of a special symbol type that is selected by lottery from a large number of special symbol types stored in advance in the production control ROM 242 in advance. Special symbol types are displayed as images and introduced.

  If the effective time of the frame effect button 13 elapses after the frame effect button 13 is turned ON or without the frame effect button 13 being turned ON, the process proceeds to step S215. Run the rest of scenario F.

  In FIG. 10, it is assumed that the frame effect button 13 is turned on and the message notice 52 is displayed. In the remaining scenario of this effect F, for example, as shown in FIG. Reach is applied at “7”, and then the screen is blacked out as shown in FIG. 10E, and immediately after that, the decorative pattern “7” appears as shown in FIG. Expand to be a big hit.

  In the period until the left symbol fluctuates in this way ((a) to (c) in FIG. 10), the message notice including the special symbol image “J” that “the latency is confirmed when the special symbol stops at J!”. 52 is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. Therefore, the player naturally understands and memorizes that the special symbol of the special symbol image “J” is the latent probability variation jackpot. Since this special symbol is selected and displayed by lottery from a number of special symbol types stored in advance, it is not always displayed, but is always the same or different at a rate determined by the lottery probability. A special symbol is displayed. Accordingly, the player can gradually increase his / her knowledge of the special symbol types handled by the ball game machine as he / she continues to play with the game machine. Can be increased.

  However, if all of the types of special symbols are notified by the notification image 51, the significance of concealing the latent probability variation state is diminished, and therefore the types of special symbols to be notified are part of a plurality of special symbols. It is preferable to limit to.

<Other specific example 1: FIGS. 11-12>
FIG. 11 shows another specific example. This is a specific example of a mode (B6 described above) in which the special symbol notification image 51 is displayed on the condition that the frame effect button 13 is operated during the period in which the demonstration effect is displayed in FIG. is there. In the figure, the left column shows a control flow of effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 36, the middle column shows the change on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 when the button is operated and the timing of the button operation, and the right column shows the button operation. The figure shows the change on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 and the time when there is no button operation when no operation is performed.

  The production control unit 24 receives the standby production command transmitted from the main control unit 20 when the symbol variation is stopped on the main control unit 20 side to be in a standby state and there is no reserved memory (see FIG. 11). See T1).

  When receiving the standby effect command, the effect control unit 24 displays the standby effect on the liquid crystal display device 36 until a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds elapses from that point (see T2 in FIG. 11). Specifically, the standby effect is such that the display image at the time when the decorative symbol stops (in FIG. 11, three symbols are stopped at “246”) is displayed and maintained as the standby effect state. As described above, when the standby effect command is received and the effect control unit 24 shifts to the standby effect state, an “execution condition” which is a precondition for displaying the notification image 51 of the special symbol is established.

  Next, when 30 seconds, which is the waiting time in the standby effect state described above, elapses, the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 is switched to a demonstration screen that displays a demonstration video (see T3 in FIG. 11). When entering the demonstration screen display period, the button operation of the frame effect button 13 is accepted without restriction (or only within a certain restriction period) from that time (see T4 in FIG. 11).

  When the frame effect button 13 is turned ON once (or up to a predetermined number of times) within this button operation reception period, a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 (see T5 in FIG. 11). As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 12, the special symbol notification image 51 is displayed side by side with the special symbol image 56 of “b. After appearing for a certain period of time, the display returns to the demonstration screen (see T6 in FIG. 11). Then, the demo screen is continuously displayed until the variation pattern designation command is received, and the process is terminated (see T7 in FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, when the frame effect button 13 is not turned ON during the display period of the demonstration screen (which coincides with the button operation reception period in this example), the special symbol notification image 51 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. Not displayed, the display of the liquid crystal display device 36 remains the demonstration screen. The demo screen continues to be displayed until the variation pattern designation command is received.

  As described above, in this example, the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 36 shifts to the standby effect state, the “execution condition” is satisfied, and the frame effect button 13 is turned on during the demonstration screen display period that is 30 seconds later. As a result of the operation, a “start condition” is established, and a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed. This special symbol notification image 51 is displayed with a special symbol image 56 of “b.” And a message notice 52 of “latency confirmed!”, So that the player will naturally display the special symbol “b.” Understand and remember that it is a promising big hit. This special symbol is selected and displayed by lottery from among many special symbol types stored in advance, and different special symbols or the same special symbol is displayed at a ratio determined by the lottery probability. For this reason, the player waits for the demonstration screen to appear, such as before starting the game on the gaming machine, and presses the frame effect button 13 while the demonstration screen is appearing. The symbol notification image 51 can be made to appear, and the self-knowledge of the special symbol type handled by the bullet ball game machine can be gradually increased as this is repeated. However, if multiple types of special symbols or two or more special symbols are notified by the notification image 51 within the business hours of the day, it is less meaningful to conceal the latent probability variation state. It is preferable to limit the types of special symbols to be notified to a part of a plurality of special symbols, such as “only one type”.

<Other specific example 2: FIG. 13>
In the above embodiment, the special symbol notification image 51 is displayed during the symbol variation time or during the stand-by presentation or during the demonstration presentation. The notification image 51 of the special symbol is displayed in the display format, and the content of the image is updated every time a predetermined number of days elapses, for example, when the update time in units of one week comes, and the special symbol image is displayed during the calendar display. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which 56 or 56 are increased and displayed.

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which there are a plurality of scheduled display locations, and the number of special symbol images 56 displayed at the planned display locations increases every time a predetermined number of days elapses. In this example, the update time of the image content arrives in units of one week, and from the start of business to the first week, as the display content A, the special symbol image 56 in the special symbol notification image 51 in the liquid crystal display device 36. Only one (special symbol “b”) is displayed ((a) of FIG. 13). From the start of business until the second week thereafter, “d” of the special symbol image 56 is added to the notification image 51 of the special symbol as the display content B, and two special symbol images “b” and “d” are added. 56 is displayed ((b) of FIG. 13). That is, the number of displayed special symbol images 56 increases from one to two. From the start of business to the third week, as the display content C, “b”, “d” and “e” of the special symbol image 56 are displayed and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in the notification image 51 of the special symbol. The number of special symbols increases from 2 to 3 ((c) of FIG. 13). After reaching three, one of them is updated every week.

  In this way, the player can see the special symbol image 56 that increases with each week, so that the player's interest in the ball game machine can be increased.

  This ball game machine is configured as follows, for example.

Calendar means (calendar 244) for measuring the time and date that can be specified;
Reference date and time storage means (RAM 243) for storing reference date and time data indicating a predetermined reference date and time (business start date and time);
An elapsed period calculation means (CPU 241) for calculating an elapsed period from the reference date and time to the current date and time based on the reference date and time data stored in the reference date and time storage means;
A set value storage means (RAM 243) for storing a set value (number of days) determined as a comparison target with the elapsed period;
Determination means (CPU 241) for determining whether or not the elapsed period calculated by the elapsed period calculation means coincides with the set value stored in the set value storage means;
Selection means (CPU 241) for selecting the special symbol information used for image notification of the special symbol from the special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage unit based on the determination result by the determination unit;
Based on the special symbol information selected by the selection unit, the special symbol is displayed on the decorative symbol display unit (liquid crystal display device 36) or the image display unit (second liquid crystal display device or image display device such as electronic paper). Display output means (effect control unit 24) for performing a process of displaying the notification image of
Means for increasing the number of special symbols to be displayed by the display output means when the relevant date is reached, updating the relevant date as the reference date and time, repeatedly calculating the elapsed time from the reference date and time, and CPU 241).

<Other specific example 3: FIG. 14>
FIG. 14 shows that a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed in the calendar display format by using the function of the calendar 244, and every time a predetermined number of days elapses, for example, when an update time in units of one week comes. This is an example of a mode in which the image content is updated and one or more special symbol images 56 are displayed while being displayed on the calendar. 13 differs from the case of FIG. 13 in that a special symbol notification image 51 is displayed as a calendar display image in units of weeks, and a special symbol image is displayed at a display position of the corresponding day in the calendar display image. To do. The day on which the special symbol image is displayed may be a day at a predetermined interval or may be determined by lottery as to which day of the week is to be displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 14, “31st day” surrounded by a dotted line in the calendar display image indicates that the current day is the current day, and the corresponding day selected by lottery among the days constituting each week. On the 7th, 12th, 23rd, and 29th, special symbol images 56 of “b”, “d”, “e”, and “e.” Are displayed.

  In this way, the player can see the special symbol image 56 that increases with each week, so that the player's interest in the ball game machine can be increased.

  This ball game machine is configured as follows, for example.

Calendar means (calendar 244) for measuring the time and date that can be specified;
Reference date and time storage means (RAM 243) for storing reference date and time data indicating a predetermined reference date and time (business start date and time);
An elapsed period calculation means (CPU 241) for calculating an elapsed period from the reference date and time to the current date and time based on the reference date and time data stored in the reference date and time storage means;
A set value storage means (RAM 243) for storing a set value (number of days) determined as a comparison target with the elapsed period;
Determination means (CPU 241) for determining whether or not the elapsed period calculated by the elapsed period calculation means coincides with the set value stored in the set value storage means;
Selection means (CPU 241) for selecting the special symbol information used for image notification of the special symbol from the special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage unit based on the determination result by the determination unit;
Based on the special symbol information selected by the selection means, the decoration symbol display means (liquid crystal display device 36) or image display means (second liquid crystal display device or image display device such as electronic paper) is displayed. A calendar display output means (effect control unit 24) for performing a process of displaying a notification image of the special symbol at a display location of the corresponding day in the calendar display image;
Means for increasing the number of special symbols to be displayed by the display output means when the relevant date is reached, updating the relevant date as the reference date and time, repeatedly calculating the elapsed time from the reference date and time, and CPU 241).

  In the embodiments listed as the other specific examples 1 to 3 above, the specific symbol image 56 is increased every time the predetermined number of days elapses, but it is free to determine how to increase this pattern. 1 type for the first day, 2 types for the 1st week, 3 types for the 2nd week ..., (b) 1 to 2 types for the 1st day, 1 to 3 types for the 1st week, 1 to 4 types for the 2nd week (C) 1 to 2 types for the first day, 2 to 4 types for the first week, 4 to 6 types for the second week, and so on. In addition, although the business start date of the hall is assumed as the first day, the day when the game machine is carried in and installed or the first day managed by the player can be set as the reference date.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, when the operation of the frame effect button 13 is validated, the fact is displayed by a button icon on the screen, or a notification means such as lighting a lamp incorporated in the frame effect button 13 is used. Can be notified. For example, the button icon is displayed on the screen and the lamp in the frame effect button 13 is lit to indicate that the button operation can be accepted during the entire period or part of the period during which the decorative symbols are changing. Can be notified.

  Further, the operation of the frame effect button 13 is validated, but a configuration that does not notify that the operation of the frame effect button 13 is valid may be adopted. For example, although the operation of the frame effect button 13 is enabled at a specific timing (during a short time) during the demonstration effect display period, the timing is not notified to the player, and can be known by chance or on a specific homepage. Based on the information, a special symbol can be notified on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 only when a button operation is performed at the timing.

  In the above embodiment, when a special symbol image is displayed in the special symbol notification image 51, the special symbol is selected by paying attention to the distribution value of the jackpot type (see the bottom row of the special symbol list in FIG. 5). You can also As the sort value of the big hit type, the sort value is 4/200 (the special symbols “J”, “P”, “c”, “u”, “ni” in FIG. 5), and the sort value is 6/200 (in FIG. 5). Special symbols “c”, “b.”, “D”, “e”, “e.”). Therefore, the special symbol having a high distribution value can be set to have a higher probability of being displayed as the specific symbol image 56 in the notification image 51 of the specific symbol than the special symbol having a low distribution value.

  If it does in this way, it will be said that it is a special symbol with a higher probability of being selected by big hit lottery, so that a distribution value is high. For this reason, the specific symbol image 56 that the player sees also has a higher chance of being seen when the distribution value is high than when the distribution value is low. As a result, a player's desire to know what type of particular symbol “J” to “D” with a low allocation value that cannot be easily seen belongs.

  In the above embodiment, the special design information is stored in advance in the effect control ROM 242 for some special symbol types related to both the latent probability variation big hit and the small hit. However, the special symbol information may be stored in advance in the effect control ROM 242 for all the special symbol types related to both the latent probability variation big hit and the small hit. Further, a part or all of the special symbol information relating to at least the latent probability variation big hit of the latent probability variation big hit and small hit may be stored in advance so as to be usable.

  In the above embodiment, the game machine of the type that immediately transmits a standby effect command when the number of held balls becomes zero has been described. This can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that transmits a demonstration effect command from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24 when it has elapsed. In the case of this type of gaming machine, the production control unit 24 enters the standby production state from the time when the control command indicating that the number of reserved balls is zero and switches to the demonstration production state when the demonstration production command is received. become.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example of mainly reporting the specific symbol of the latent probability variation big hit has been described. However, the specific symbol of the small hit probability variation may be informed, or the specific symbol of the latent probability variation big hit and the specific symbol of the small hit It is good also as a form which alert | reports both.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, it comprised so that a special symbol might be displayed on the screen of the same liquid crystal display device 36 on which the variable display of a decoration symbol is performed. However, the display device that displays the special symbol is not limited to the liquid crystal display device 36. Any special symbol display means may be used as long as the display area is larger than the special symbol display device 38 and is easily visible, and the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display means so that the intended purpose of the present invention is achieved. be able to. For example, an electronic paper provided so as to be superimposed on the screen of the special symbol display device 38, a separate device provided so as to be fixed in the vicinity of the screen of the special symbol display device 38, or movable within the screen area of the special symbol display device 38. A special design notification image can be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device.

  In the above embodiment, a ball game machine has been described in which a 15R non-probable big hit, a 15R probable big hit, a 15R latent probable big hit, and a small hit are provided. The present invention can be applied to a ball game machine having a latent probability variation big hit (second hit) and a small hit (third hit). Therefore, the main control unit 20 has a relatively large profit state to be provided to the player in the special game when the special symbol of the probable big hit (first hit) is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. When a special symbol of the first chance game (15 rounds × 30 seconds) and the special symbol of the latent probability variation big hit (second hit) are stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, the special game is provided to the player A function for generating a second per game (15 rounds × 0.1 seconds) in which the profit state is less than the first big hit game, and a special symbol for small hits (per third) are stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means. A winning game generating means including a function of generating a third winning game (15 rounds × 0.1 seconds) that is the same as or similar to the second big winning game. In addition, when the main control unit 20 wins the probability variation big hit (first hit), the main control unit 20 shifts the gaming state after the probability variation big hit game is finished to a high probability state where the winning lottery probability is relatively high. When the winning probability change big hit (second hit) is won in the low probability state where the lottery probability is relatively low, the gaming state after the latent probability changing big hit game is transferred to the high probability state, and the low probability state When the small hit (third hit) is won, the game state transition means for continuing the game state after the small hit game is ended to the low probability state is provided. Also in this case, the effect control unit 24 uses the same or similar effect modes during the latent probability changing big hit game and the small hit game, and the high probability state after the latent probability changing big hit game and the low probability state after the small hit game. The production control means (S100, S200) for concealing the distinction between the latent probability variation big hit and the small hit is provided.

  The present invention conceals whether the gaming state after the end of a hit game is a high probability state or a low probability state, and has a degree of expectation that the game state is latent in a probability variation state. Can be applied.

1 Pachinko machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
3a gaming area,
4 outer frame,
5 ball guide rail,
6 Glass door frame,
7 Front operation panel
8 Upper tray unit,
9 Top saucer,
11 Ball rental button,
12 Card return button,
13 Frame production button,
14 Ball release button,
15 Launch control handle,
19 game ball dispensing device,
20 Main control unit,
24 production control unit,
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
31 power supply board,
32 launcher,
34 Upper starting port (special symbol starting port),
35 Lower start (special design start),
36 liquid crystal display devices,
37 Normal design starting port,
38 Special symbol display device,
39 Normal symbol display device,
40 Grand Prize Winners,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
42 Special variable winning device,
43 General prize opening,
44 Windmill,
45 Decorative lamp,
45a optical display device,
46 speakers,
46a sound generator,
47 Movable wing pieces,
48 Center decoration,
49 Out mouth,
51 Special image notification image,
52 Message notice,
53 characters,
54 Message notice,
55 button image,
56 Special design image,
201 main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 main control RAM,
241 Production control CPU,
242 Production control ROM,
243 effect control RAM,
244 Calendar.

Claims (5)

Special symbol display means for displaying special symbols;
A decorative symbol display means in which a decorative symbol is displayed and the display area is larger than the special symbol and is arranged at a position where it is easy to visually recognize;
A main control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the game;
An effect control unit that controls the effect by the effect device including the decorative symbol display means based on a control command from the main control unit;
Have
The main control unit
Lottery means for lottery of a plurality of types of hits that provide a special game advantageous to the player when the starting condition is established,
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns;
Special symbol display control means for causing the special symbol display means to variably display and stop display a predetermined special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determining means;
A function of generating a first winning game having a relatively large profit state to be provided to a player in the special game when the special symbol per first is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means; and the special symbol A function for generating a second per game in which the profit state provided to the player among the special games is less than that of the first big win game when the special symbol per second is stopped and displayed on the display means; A winning game generating means including a function of generating a third winning game that is the same as or similar to the second big winning game when a special symbol for the third winning is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means;
If the first winning game is won, the gaming state after the end of the first winning game is shifted to a high probability state where the winning lottery probability is relatively high, and the winning lottery probability is relatively high. When the second win is won under a low low probability state When the second big hit game is finished, the gaming state is transferred to the high probability state, and the third win is won under the low probability state Game state transition means for continuing the gaming state after the third per-game is ended to the low probability state;
With
The production control unit
Decorative symbol display control means for causing the decorative symbol display means to variably display and stop the decorative symbol corresponding to the variation of the special symbol;
Production modes in the second per game and the third per game are the same or similar, and in the high probability state after the second per game and the low probability state after the third per game Are the same or similar, and production control means for concealing the second and third hits,
Special symbol information storage means for storing the special symbol information so as to be available in advance for a plurality of types of special symbols related to at least the second of the second and third units,
It is an execution condition that the player has time to display the special symbol for a certain period of time that allows the player to visually confirm the shape of the special symbol, and after the execution condition is satisfied, the special symbol is notified by an image. The special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage means is read out based on the establishment of a special start condition, and the notification image of the special symbol is large and long enough for the player to easily recognize the notification image. Special symbol notification control means to be displayed on the decorative symbol display means;
Manual operation means connected to the production control unit ;
Standby effect transition means for transitioning the effect display of the decorative symbol display means to the standby effect state on the condition that the variation operation of the special symbol is no longer performed,
The special symbol notification control means sets the execution condition that the effect display of the decorative symbol display means has shifted to the standby effect state by the standby effect transition means, and after the execution condition is satisfied, a certain time has elapsed. And the special symbol notification image display means for displaying the notification image of the special symbol, with the start condition that the manual operation means has been turned ON,
The special symbol notification image display means includes:
A calendar means for measuring time and date that can be specified;
Reference date and time storage means for storing reference date and time data indicating a predetermined reference date and time ;
An elapsed period calculating means for calculating an elapsed period from the reference date to the current date based on the reference date data stored in the reference date storage means;
A set value storage means for storing a set value for determining the number of days or date and time determined as a comparison target with the elapsed period;
Determining means for determining whether the elapsed period calculated by the elapsed period calculating means has reached a corresponding date or a corresponding date and time that matches the set value stored in the set value storage means;
When it is determined by the determining means that the date or date has been reached, the special symbol information used for image notification of the special symbol is selected from the special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage means. A selection means;
Display output means for controlling display of the notification image of the special symbol on the decorative symbol display means based on the special symbol information selected by the selection means,
A ball game machine characterized by that. Special symbol display means for displaying special symbols;
A decorative symbol display means in which a decorative symbol is displayed and the display area is larger than the special symbol and is arranged at a position where it is easy to visually recognize;
Image display means provided in a movable or fixed position in the vicinity of the decorative design display means;
A main control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the game;
An effect control unit that controls the effect by the effect device including the decorative symbol display unit and the image display unit based on a control command from the main control unit;
Have
The main control unit
Lottery means for lottery of a plurality of types of hits that provide a special game advantageous to the player when the starting condition is established,
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a variation pattern determining means for selectively determining any one of a plurality of predetermined variation patterns;
Special symbol display control means for causing the special symbol display means to variably display and stop display a predetermined special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determining means;
A function of generating a first winning game having a relatively large profit state to be provided to a player in the special game when the special symbol per first is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means; and the special symbol A function for generating a second per game in which the profit state provided to the player among the special games is less than that of the first big win game when the special symbol per second is stopped and displayed on the display means; A winning game generating means including a function of generating a third winning game that is the same as or similar to the second big winning game when a special symbol for the third winning is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means;
If the first winning game is won, the gaming state after the end of the first winning game is shifted to a high probability state where the winning lottery probability is relatively high, and the winning lottery probability is relatively high. When the second win is won under a low low probability state When the second big hit game is finished, the gaming state is transferred to the high probability state, and the third win is won under the low probability state Game state transition means for continuing the gaming state after the third per-game is ended to the low probability state;
With
The production control unit
Decorative symbol display control means for causing the decorative symbol display means to variably display and stop the decorative symbol corresponding to the variation of the special symbol;
Production modes in the second per game and the third per game are the same or similar, and in the high probability state after the second per game and the low probability state after the third per game Are the same or similar, and production control means for concealing the second and third hits,
Special symbol information storage means for storing the special symbol information so as to be available in advance for a plurality of types of special symbols related to at least the second of the second and third units,
It is an execution condition that the player has time to display the special symbol for a certain period of time that allows the player to visually confirm the shape of the special symbol, and after the execution condition is satisfied, the special symbol is notified by an image. The special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage means is read out based on the establishment of a special start condition, and the notification image of the special symbol is large and long enough for the player to easily recognize the notification image. Special symbol notification control means to be displayed on the image display means;
Manual operation means connected to the production control unit;
Standby effect transition means for transitioning the effect display of the decorative symbol display means to the standby effect state on the condition that the variation operation of the special symbol is no longer performed,
The special symbol notification control means sets the execution condition that the effect display of the decorative symbol display means has shifted to the standby effect state by the standby effect transition means, and after the execution condition is satisfied, a certain time has elapsed. And the special symbol notification image display means for displaying the notification image of the special symbol, with the start condition that the manual operation means has been turned ON,
The special symbol notification image display means includes:
A calendar means for measuring time and date that can be specified;
Reference date and time storage means for storing reference date and time data indicating a predetermined reference date and time ;
An elapsed period calculating means for calculating an elapsed period from the reference date to the current date based on the reference date data stored in the reference date storage means;
A set value storage means for storing a set value for determining the number of days or date and time determined as a comparison target with the elapsed period;
Determining means for determining whether the elapsed period calculated by the elapsed period calculating means has reached a corresponding date or a corresponding date and time that matches the set value stored in the set value storage means;
When it is determined by the determining means that the date or date has been reached, the special symbol information used for image notification of the special symbol is selected from the special symbol information stored in the special symbol information storage means. A selection means;
Based on the special symbol information selected by the selection unit, a display output unit that controls display of the notification image of the special symbol on the decorative symbol display unit or the image display unit,
A ball game machine characterized by that. The special symbol notification image display means includes:
When it is determined by the determination means that the relevant date or the relevant date / time has been reached, the relevant date or relevant date / time is updated as the reference date / time, and the elapsed time from the reference date / time is calculated again, and the display output is repeated. further Ru comprising a display number increasing means for increasing the number of special symbols to be displayed by means,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The performance control unit,
Further comprising a calendar display image display means for displaying a calendar display image of a calendar display format with multiple display planned portion in the decorative symbol display unit,
The display output means includes
Based on the special symbol information selected by the selection means, the notification image of the special symbol is displayed at the display location of the corresponding day in the calendar display image .
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 3 , characterized in that. The performance control unit,
Comprising a calendar display image of a calendar display format with multiple display planned portion to be al the calendar display image display means for displaying on the decorative symbol display unit or the image display means,
The display output means includes
Based on the special symbol information selected by the selection means, the notification image of the special symbol is displayed at the display location of the corresponding day in the calendar display image .
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that.

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