JP5277385B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing a special performance of a variable display game at a time hard to be expected by a player, having a wide variety of performances, and increasing excitement and enjoyment. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a warp passage for making a game ball going down through a playfield flow out to a stage. A starting memory state, where the number of the game balls can be stored up to the maximum upper limit when the game ball further enters the start pocket during the variable-display game, is reported by displaying only the number corresponding to the number of the balls in starting memory by a storage-display unit of a variable-display device. A display result of the variable display game not yet variably-displayed is reported in advance by changing the display mode of the start memory in the variable-display unit with the game balls flowing down the warp passage as a trigger. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention performs a game by launching a game ball into a game area, and when the result of the variable display game on the variable display device provided in the game area becomes a special display result, a special game advantageous to the player The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that is in a state, in which the production of a variable display game becomes more diverse and the entertainment of the game is improved.

  For example, on a game board of a first type of pachinko machine (for example, near the center of the game area), a variable display device (for example, an LCD or CRT, for example) that can display identification information (what is called a special figure) in a variable manner Or a display screen of a plurality of LEDs), and on the condition that a pachinko ball has won a specific winning part (starting winning opening) in the game area, a game with variable display on this display screen (ie , A variable display game) is performed.

An example of such a conventional gaming machine is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1.
JP-A-9-225092

  That is, in the case of the first type of pachinko machine, when a pachinko ball (hereinafter, simply referred to as a ball in some cases) wins a start winning opening (a so-called special winning opening) provided below the variable display device, Random numbers are extracted at a timing according to detection, and for example, information including the extracted random number values is stored as lottery information. In a normal state (a state that is not a big hit state described later), one variable display is sequentially performed on the screen of the variable display device for each of the lottery information storages (so-called start storages). When the lottery information is determined to be a win, the display result of the identification information variably displayed on the screen (so-called stop pattern mode) is a special display result (for example, “7, 7, 7”). In this way, the player is finally informed and notified that the player is given an advantageous state (special game state) called a big hit.

In this big hit state, the opening action (big hit round) that opens the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device called so-called attacker continues to win the special prize section (so-called V prize opening) provided in the big prize opening. As a condition, a special game executed up to 16 rounds is executed.
If a start winning that is the execution condition of the variable display game occurs in a state where the variable display game cannot be started immediately (for example, another variable display game is being executed or a big hit state), the variable display game Is stored as a start memory within a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

  In general, in the case of the first type of pachinko machine, a plurality of presentation modes of the variable display game are set, and one of the presentation modes is selected and executed by a random number. In this production mode, there is a production mode (reach production mode) that increases the expectation of a big hit. When this reach production mode is selected, for example, only one special design symbol is displayed just before the end of the variable display. A display (so-called reach action) is performed in which scrolling is performed slowly without stopping, and the other symbols are stopped at the symbols constituting the big hit. Usually, in this reach production mode, in order to increase the fun of the game or the expectation for the big hit, the character image for production is displayed on the variable display device, the decoration lamp is lit or blinked, and the sound effect is displayed. Productions such as output are also performed.

Usually, when the stop symbol becomes a specific jackpot symbol (for example, “6, 6, 6”), as a result of the above-mentioned variable display game, a big hit state is generated and the game is played after the big hit is over. It is common to generate a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player. The specific game state includes a probability variation state in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit is increased, and a state in which control is performed so that a ball can easily win a start winning opening.
Recently, in the first type of pachinko machines and the like, the size of the variable display device has increased, and the passing area of the ball in the game area has decreased. Many models have a structure in which a passage is provided and a ball flows into the stage above the start winning opening even by a route passing through the warp passage. Here, the stage is a shelf-like part formed at the bottom position of the center case (the lower side of the fluctuation display device), and the game ball can roll and the rolling game ball is directed to the start winning opening. It is a part that can flow down and is used to show the ball so that the player can take some time to see whether or not the game ball enters the start winning opening.

By the way, the conventional gaming machine as described above has the following problems.
In other words, in the case of a conventional gaming machine, the effect related to the variable display game is, for example, that the variable display game provides a predetermined pattern at a predetermined time. The pattern was understood, the unexpectedness was poor, and there was a limit to the improvement of interest.

In addition, in such a gaming machine, no influence is exerted on the production even if the gaming ball flows down the gaming area in any manner, so that it is related to the gaming property based on the behavior of the gaming ball inherent in the gaming machine. It was inadequate in terms of producing a highly interesting performance.
In addition, the game ball rolling on the stage for showing the ball is not in the state of rolling of the ball, it is only the player's interest whether or not it falls from just above the start winning opening and wins the starting winning opening. Targeted, the role of showing the ball to show the player how to roll the ball with a sense of expectation was low.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of performing a special performance of the variable display game at a time when it is difficult for a player to predict, making the production more diverse and improving the interest. It is an object.

To achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 is a variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game based on a plurality of identification information;
A start winning opening that is disposed below the variable display device and generates a start winning that is an execution condition of the variable display game by winning a game ball;
With
In the gaming machine in which the gaming state becomes a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the result of the variable display game becomes a special display result,
A game control means for receiving a detection signal of a game ball to the start winning opening and controlling the progress of the variable display game;
Production control means for performing display control in the variable display device based on a command from the game control means ;
A stage provided on the lower side of the variable display device, the game ball is capable of rolling, and the rolling game ball can flow toward the start winning opening;
With
Rutotomoni game balls flowing down a game area is provided an outlet of the warp path to flow out to the stage,
Providing a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball flowing out from the outlet of the warp passage to the stage;
The game control means can store a start memory state up to a maximum upper limit value when a game ball is further won in the start prize opening during the execution of the variable display game,
The production control means includes
Based on the command from the game control means, the display of the start memory state is displayed and notified in the memory display unit formed on the screen of the variable display device by the number corresponding to the start memory number,
The memory displayed based on a command from the game control means when the effect control means has received a detection signal of a game ball flowing out from the outlet of the warp passage to the stage from the game ball detection means. By changing the display mode of the start memory in the display unit, the result of the variable display game that has not yet been variable displayed is notified in advance.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a game for detecting game balls flowing game balls flowing down the game area Rutotomoni provided an outlet of the warp path to flow out to the stage, the stage from the outlet of the warp path Ball detection means is provided, and the game control means is capable of storing a start memory state up to a maximum upper limit value when a game ball wins further in the start winning opening during execution of the variable display game, and the effect control means is the basis of the instruction from the game control unit, the display of the starting memory state, informed by displaying the number corresponding to the start memory number in the memory display section formed on the screen of the variable display device, wherein It triggered by a detection signal of a game ball flowing to the stage than the outlet of the warp path from said game ball detection means that receives said performance control means, based on a command from the game control unit Since reports the results of the feeder displayed not yet variable display by changing the display mode of the start-up storage in the memory display section had the variable display game in advance, randomness is reflected in the effect due to the behavior of a sphere Therefore, it is possible to perform special effects of the variable display game at a time when it is difficult for the player to predict, and the effects can be made more diverse and interesting. For this reason, it can be set as the game machine which does not get tired even if it plays a game for a long time or several times.

It is a front view which shows the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows a stage and its periphery structure. It is a figure explaining the specific passing mode of a specific area, and the specific example of a special effect. It is a flowchart which shows an effect selection process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in a fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detailed content example of a normal production and a special production.

Hereinafter, an example in which the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described.
A. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a game board, and a game area 3 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front surface with a guide rail 2.
The game board 1 includes an out-ball inlet 4, a variable display device 12, a start winning port 13 of an ordinary electric accessory type, a variable winning device 14 (large winning port), a normal start gates 15 and 16, a so-called warp inlet. 17, 18, general winning opening 19, 20, special figure memory display 21, general figure display 22, general figure storage display 23, hitting direction changing member 24 called windmill (only a part is indicated, others are omitted) Many obstacle nails (not shown) are provided. A stage 41 for showing a ball is formed on the lower side of the center case 40 (the lower side of the variable display device 12) constituting the front surface and the periphery of the variable display device 12, and in this example, on the stage 41 A plurality of specific areas for monitoring the passage mode are provided (details will be described later). The center case 40 is a member that protrudes to the front side so as to surround the display unit of the variable display device 12, and has a concave chamber that is open to the front, and the bottom of the concave chamber is the stage. 41.
A game board decoration member 31 is arranged around the game board 1 and decoration lamps 32 and 33 are arranged on the left and right. The decorative lamps 32 and 33 are electric decoration members that decorate the game by blinking or lighting, for example, at the time of reach or big hit.
In addition, the special figure memory | storage display 21 is unnecessary when always performing the start memory display in the fluctuation | variation display apparatus 12, as shown in FIG. 6 mentioned later.

The variable display device 12 includes a screen capable of displaying identification information such as numbers and characters (hereinafter, referred to as a special figure in some cases), and can display special figures in a plurality of columns. In this case, for example, a special figure is displayed in three horizontal rows, and a special figure composed of numbers, characters, etc. is displayed in a stopped state (stopped display) in each column, or a fluctuating state (for example, a state in which the scroll is performed vertically) It is possible to display (that is, change display). Further, on the screen of the variable display device 12, an image for presentation such as a background image or a character image or an information notification image can be displayed separately from the above special figure.
In addition, if the game board 1 is provided with a fluctuation | variation display apparatus and plays a game using a pachinko ball, for example, what belongs to what is called a "1st kind", or "3rd kind" provided with the fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It may be a device belonging to the above or another model, and may take any configuration, but as an example, in this embodiment, a device belonging to the “first type” is used.

B. Control System Next, a control system of the pachinko machine of this example will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control system includes a game control device 100, a display control device 131, a sound control device 132, a decoration control device 133, and a discharge control device 140.
The game control device 100 is a higher-level control device (game control means) that performs overall control of the game (including control of game progress and direct or indirect control of each device for that purpose), and is necessary for pachinko games, etc. A game microcomputer 101 (manufactured as an IC for a so-called amuse chip), an oscillator 102 (clock generation circuit), an input / output interface 103, and a backup power supply 104 The gaming microcomputer 101 further includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (reference numeral omitted).

The input / output interface 103 of the game control device 100 includes detection signals from the special figure start winning hole sensor 111, the winning opening sensors A1 to AN, the ordinary drawing start gate sensor 112, the special winning opening sensor 113, and the general winning opening sensor 114. Is entered.
Here, the winning opening sensors A1 to AN are sensors that respectively detect pachinko balls that have won the general winning openings 19 and 20, and when there are n general winning openings on the game board, n winning opening sensors are arranged. Is done.
The special figure start winning hole sensor 111 is a sensor for detecting a sphere that has won a special drawing start winning opening 13, and the general figure start gate sensor 112 detects a sphere that has passed through the normal figure start gates 15 and 16. The special prize opening sensor 113 is a sensor (so-called continuation sensor) that detects a ball that has flowed into a special prize winning portion (so-called V prize opening) in the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 14, and is a general prize opening sensor. Reference numeral 114 denotes a sensor (a so-called count sensor) that detects a ball that has flowed into a general winning portion (a winning area that is not a V winning opening) in the large winning opening of the variable winning apparatus 14.

  On the other hand, from the input / output interface 103 of the game control device 100, the solenoid for general power 121, the above-mentioned general map display 22, the above-mentioned general map storage display 23, the above-mentioned special map storage display 21, and the external output terminal 122 are provided. Then, a signal is output to the movable member solenoid 123. Here, the power solenoid 121 is a solenoid that drives the start winning opening 13 described above. The external output terminal 122 is a terminal for transmitting board external information (for example, a big hit signal or the like) to the management device of the game store. The movable member solenoid 123 is a solenoid that drives the open / close door of the variable winning device 14.

In addition, the game control device 100 transmits a command signal as effect control information to the display control device 131 that controls the above-described variable display device 12. Here, the effect control information includes sound control information and decoration control transferred from the display control device 131 to the sound control device 132 and the decoration control device 133 in addition to display control information for controlling the variable display device 12. Contains information. The sound control device 132 is a device that drives the speaker 34 (shown in FIG. 2) based on a command signal (including sound control information) from the display control device 131 to control output of sound effects and the like. The decoration control device 133 is a device that controls the decoration lamps 32 and 33 on the game board 1 based on a command signal (including decoration control information) from the display control device 131.
In this case, the display control device 131, the sound control device 132, and the decoration control device 133 are formed, for example, on the same substrate and housed in the same case, and are integrated as one unit. Is configured. 2 illustrates a case where bidirectional communication is performed between the display control device 131 and the sound control device 132 or the decoration control device 133, but the display control device 131 to the sound control device 132 or the decoration control device. The configuration may be such that one-way communication is performed with respect to 133.
The display control device 131 constituting the effect control means 130 is supplied with detection signals from the five sensors SA to SE constituting the game ball detecting means of the present invention. The passage mode is monitored (details will be described later). The sound control information and the decoration control information may be edited and output by the display control device 131 based on a command signal (for example, display control information) from the game control device 100. In any case, when the display control device 131 supervises display control, sound control, and decoration control in this way, the three types of presentation operations of display, sound, and decoration (lamp) are reliably synchronized and accurately performed. Will be executed.

Further, the game control device 100 outputs a signal such as prize ball data to the discharge control device 140. That is, the game control device 100 corresponds to the winning value of the winning opening when the winning prize sensors 111, 113, 114, A1 to AN provided for the respective winning openings of the gaming board 1 detect the winning of the ball. The information on the number of prize balls set in advance (prize ball data) is transmitted to the discharge control device 143. Then, the discharge control device 140 receives the prize ball data and performs prize ball discharge control according to the received prize ball data.
In addition, power supply to the game control device 100, the display control device 131, and the like is performed by a power supply device 150 that generates a predetermined voltage using commercial power as an input. However, in the event of a power failure, the backup power supply 104 in the game control device 100 and the backup power supply 134 in the display control device 131 supply power to the memory in the game control device 100 and the display control device 131 (for example, the RAM of the microcomputer 101). The game state data and the like are held.

The display control device 131 is also composed of a microcomputer (not shown) including a CPU, and controls the image display of the variable display device 12 based on the display control information transmitted from the game control device 100. For example, when a variation display game is executed, display control information including combination data of stop symbols and variation time data (that is, variation pattern data) is transmitted from the game control device 100 in this case. The display control device 131 finally determines the effect mode of the variable display that satisfies the data of the display control information, and the variable display that causes the variable display device 12 to display the special figure in a variable manner and stop it. It is configured to play games.
Note that in this case, the display mode of the special figure that is actually implemented by the control of the display control device 131 is the final range obtained by random number extraction by the display control device 131 within the range of the conditions given by the display control information. It is the composition which chooses automatically.

C. Outline of Game Next, an outline of a game performed in the gaming machine of this example and a flow of the game will be described.
First, at the beginning of the game (or before the start of the game), the customer is waiting, and display control information for instructing display of the customer waiting screen is transmitted from the game control device 100, and the variable display device 12 is displayed. A customer waiting screen (moving image or still image) is displayed on the screen.
Then, when the ball that is driven into the game area via the guide rail 2 wins the start winning opening 13 that is a so-called chucker (that is, when there is a start winning), the display control information that commands the above-described variation display And the like are transmitted from the game control device 100, and the variable display in which the special figure varies on the display screen of the variable display device 12 is performed, and the variable display game is performed.
In this variable display game, in some cases, for example, in order to give the player a sense of expectation for a big hit at a time near the end of the variable display, a special display of variable display (so-called reach action) in a special mode or related Sound output or lamp lighting is performed (that is, reach production is performed).
In the variable display game, the passing mode of a game ball in a specific area on the stage 41 is monitored, and if the monitoring result is a preset passing mode (a specified passing mode), a special effect is executed. (Details will be described later).

  If this variable display game result (a combination of stopped special figures) is a special display result (for example, a doublet such as “7, 7, 7”), a privilege called a big hit is given to the player. In terms of control, a value such as a big hit random number is extracted and stored in the game control device 100 on the condition that there has been a start winning prize, and this extracted and stored random value (lottery information) and a preset determination value Is determined at the time of determination, and based on the result of the comparison determination, whether or not to make a big hit and a rough mode of variation display (that is, variation pattern) are determined in advance, and the display control information based on this determination is displayed on the display control device 131. Then, the final variation display mode is determined in the display control device 131, and the variation display is started.

When the jackpot is reached, the opening / closing door of the big winning opening of the variable winning device 14 is temporarily opened for a period up to, for example, ten winnings within a range not exceeding a specified time (for example, 30 seconds). Operation is performed. The opening operation is performed a plurality of times, for example, up to 16 rounds with a predetermined interval period on condition that continuous winning balls are detected (ball detection by the special winning hole sensor 113). Also, in this jackpot state, display control information for directing display of a jackpot screen for producing the jackpot state or informing the player of the number of jackpot rounds is transmitted from the game control device 100, and the display of the variable display device 12 is displayed. Such a big hit display is executed on the screen.
Even during the special display variable display game, when a ball is further won in the start winning opening 13, lottery information is stored up to the maximum upper limit value (for example, four), and the lottery information is stored. The number is notified by lighting of the special figure memory display 21 (or display by the fluctuation display device 12 described later). Then, after the variable display game is completed, the variable display game of the above special figure is sequentially repeated based on the storage of the lottery information (that is, the start memory).
In other words, when the variable display game ends with a big hit, the game shifts to a big hit state. If the variable display game ends and the start memory is stored, the variable display game is executed again. If the variable display game ends and the start memory is not stored, the process returns to the waiting state for the customer, the big hit ends and the start memory is stored. If not, the process returns to the waiting state for customers.

On the other hand, when the ball passes through the normal map start gates 15 and 16 during the game, the normal variable display game is performed by the variable display of the normal map display (in this case, a single digit number). Is called. And if this variable display game result (stopped usual figure) is a predetermined | prescribed aspect (for example, "7"), the game value called per figure will be provided.
A game is held for about 0.5 seconds, for example, in an open state in which the pair of opening and closing members of the start winning opening 13 are opened in a reverse C shape. As a result, it becomes easier for the ball to win the start winning opening 13, and the number of executions of the special display variable display game increases accordingly, and the possibility of winning a big hit increases.
Also, during the above-mentioned fluctuation display game of the ordinary figure, when a ball is awarded to the ordinary figure starting gates 15 and 16, the ordinary figure memory display 23 is turned on and in this case, up to four are stored. After the game is over, the usual variable display game is repeated based on the memory.

D. Specific Area Next, the specific area of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the stage 41 and its peripheral configuration.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the specific areas in this example are provided at five positions A to E on the stage 41, and game balls passing through the specific areas A to E are provided. The sensor SA to SE shown in FIG. The sensors SA to SE are proximity sensors that detect a game ball based on, for example, a change in magnetic field due to the approach of the game ball (metal), and are provided, for example, inside the stage 41 or on the lower surface side.
Further, the upper surface of the stage 41 is a plane slightly inclined forward as a whole, and a guide groove that makes it easy for the game ball coming here to fall to the start winning opening 13 at a position directly above the starting winning opening 13. 42 is formed.
In this case, among the plurality of specific areas, the specific area E is provided at the position of the guide groove 42 and the specific area B is provided at a position slightly behind the guide groove 42. Further, the specific area A is provided on the left side of the specific area B, the specific area C is provided on the right side of the specific area B, and the specific area D is provided on the further back side of the specific area B.
In addition, the position of each specific area on the upper surface of the stage 41 is given a different color or pattern so that the player can understand the difference between the specific areas or the specific areas. ) May be drawn.

Also, warp outlets 43 and 44 are provided on the inner side surface of the center case 40 located on both sides of the stage 41, as shown in FIGS. These warp outlets 43 and 44 are outlets of the warp passage through which the game balls that have entered the warp inlets 17 and 18 described above, respectively, and as shown in FIG. K first rolls toward the center on the stage 41.
As shown in FIG. 3 (b), a game ball K hitting the obstacle nail 45 near the stage 41 is placed on the stage 41 from the outside of the center case 40 (that is, a route other than the warp path). (From also).
In any case, the game ball K that has flowed into the stage 41 rolls on the stage 41 in various orbits depending on the flow path, the flow direction, the speed at the time of flow, and the spin state. It falls from the front of the stage 41 and, in some cases, wins the start winning opening 13.

E. Passing Mode and Special Effect Next, a specific example of the specified passing mode and special effect of the specific area will be described with reference to FIG.
(A) First Example In the first example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a specified passing mode (a game ball is continuously detected in three specified specific areas as a special effect start condition) This is an example in which a large number of special effects are set.
Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball has continuously passed through the specific areas A, B, and C in the order of the specific areas A → B → C, as a special effect, the memory display unit on the screen of the variable display device 12 Reach notice notification is performed (a specific example will be described later with reference to FIG. 6).
Similarly, when it is determined that the specific areas C, B, and A have been continuously passed, a reach notice is given by sound (start winning prize sound; effect sound at the start winning prize), and the specific areas D, B, and E are displayed. When it is determined that it has passed continuously, a reach notice is given by the decoration part (decoration lamp), and when it is determined that it has passed continuously through the specific areas E, B, D, storage display on the screen of the variable display device 12 This is to notify the jackpot notice in the department.
In addition, each notice notification notifies the result of determining the random number acquired at the stage where the notice of the notice is determined (or when the start prize is generated, etc.) when the start prize memory exists. is there. For example, in the case of jackpot notice notification, the result of determining the jackpot random number is notified, and in the case of reach notice notification, the result of determining the jackpot random number or reach random number is notified.
In addition, for example, whether the sensor SB detection signal is activated, the sensor SB detection signal becomes active within a predetermined time after the detection signal of the sensor SA becomes active. When the detection signal of the sensor SC becomes active, it is determined by determining that the game ball has continuously passed through the specific areas A, B, and C.

(B) Second Example Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the second example is a specified passing mode as a special effect start condition (three specified specific areas for three detections of game balls). This is an example in which two types of special effects corresponding to this are set.
Specifically, when it is determined that game balls are detected once in each of the specific areas A, B, and C in three detections of game balls (regardless of the order of detection), the special effects vary. Reach notice notification on the storage display unit on the screen of the display device 12 is performed.
Similarly, when the detection is performed once in each of the specific areas B, D, and E, a big hit notice is given on the storage display unit on the screen of the variable display device 12.
Note that each time a game ball is detected in any specific area (that is, any sensor), the above determination stores information on the specific area or sensor (information on any of A to E) at that time. In addition, when the number of storages is three times, it is performed by determining whether or not the combination of stored data is the above combination (that is, A, B, C or B, D, E). The stored data may be reset when the number of memories reaches three times, but if the specific area at the time of the first or second detection is a place that is not in the above combination, You may make it reset at the time.

F. Operation of Control System Next, the control contents of the gaming machine performed by the above-described control system will be described.
(A) Main routine of game control apparatus First, the outline of the main routine of the game control apparatus 100 (microcomputer 101) will be described.
When power is supplied and the reset signal is canceled and the microcomputer 110 is activated, first, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on. If the power is turned on, initialization processing (such as initialization of a work area in the RAM) is performed. ) Is performed.
Next, special figure game processing is performed. In this special game processing, overall control of the entire variable display game is performed. That is, at a predetermined timing, a determination process such as a big hit random number (a process for determining whether or not a big hit random number extracted and stored in a timer interruption process described later) is a big hit, a process for setting a big hit flag in the case of a big hit, Processing to set a special symbol stop symbol combination (variable display result), processing to set a special symbol variation pattern (whether or not to perform reach production, what kind of variation time to reach) Are included).

Here, the predetermined timing is basically when the variation start condition is satisfied. When the variation start condition is met, when the variation display game is started when there is a start opening prize in the waiting state for the customer and the variation display game ends in a normal state other than the big hit state, there is a start memory and the variation display game is again Is executed when the big hit ends and there is a start memory, and the variable display game is executed again. However, as a special effect, when notifying the contents of an unexecuted variation display game as shown in FIG. 6B described later, the contents to be notified (for example, whether to perform reach) are determined in advance. It is necessary to determine at least the contents of the special effect in the special figure game process or the process within the timer interrupt process (to be described later, for example, sensor input monitoring process) and the special effect is executed. It is done until it is done.
In this special figure game process, a process of setting various output data related to the special figure variable display game is also performed. That is, the contents (command data) of the control information (command) to be transmitted to the display control device 131, the decoration control device 133, the sound control device 132, etc. are set in accordance with the game state of the special display variable display game. To do. Further, the process of deleting the digested start-up memory information is also performed, for example, in this special figure game process step.

Next, processing for the usual variable display game is performed. That is, processing for setting the content of control information to be transmitted to the sound control device 132, the decoration control device 133, etc. in accordance with the state of the usual variable display game is performed.
Next, random number update processing is executed. Here, the random number related to the special drawing and the random number related to the general drawing are updated. The random numbers related to the special figure include, for example, a big hit random number (a random number that determines whether or not to make a big hit), a reach random number (a random number that determines whether or not a reach effect is performed when there is a loss), a reach mode random number ( A random number for determining a variation pattern when performing a reach effect), a jackpot stop symbol random number (a random number for determining a jackpot stop symbol), and the like. In the generation of the random number, the special figure and the ordinary figure are increased by, for example, “1” and updated. Therefore, each time this routine is repeated, the special figure and ordinary random numbers change, and the random number extracted value maintains the at-randomness. Such random number update processing may be performed partly or entirely in the timer interrupt processing described later, or periodically and irregularly in both the main routine and the timer interrupt processing. You may do it.
Note that the above main routine (except for the startup process such as the initialization process) is repeatedly executed, for example, sequentially.

(B) Timer Interrupt Processing of Game Control Device Next, an outline of timer interrupt processing of the game control device 100 (microcomputer 101) will be described.
This timer interruption process is activated by the timer activation process in the main routine described above, and is executed, for example, every 0.5 msec.
In this timer interrupt processing, first, register saving and interrupt prohibition processing is executed as necessary, and then input processing is executed. In this input process, the detection signals of the above-described sensors (special drawing start winning hole sensor 111, ordinary drawing starting gate sensor 112, special winning opening sensor 113, general winning opening sensor 114, winning opening sensors A1 to AN, etc.) are detected. Perform a read. Specifically, the output value of each sensor is determined at each timer interruption period, and when the output value of the same level continues for a specified number of times (for example, twice), the level of this output value is detected by each sensor. Read as deterministic value of signal. When it is read that any one of the sensors or switches is read, a flag (input flag) indicating that is set.

Next, output processing for setting and outputting the output data set in the main routine described above to the output port is executed, and then each of the set control devices (display control device 131, discharge control device 140, sound control device 132) is executed. , Processing for transmitting control information to the decoration control device 133) (command transmission processing) is executed.
Next, sensor input monitoring processing is executed. This monitors the input flag set as described above, and executes processing such as extracting and storing a value such as a big hit random number when the input flag of the special figure start winning a prize sensor 111 is set, for example. Is.
Thereafter, in order to resume the main routine, the saved register is restored, the interrupt is permitted, and the process is interrupted (returned).

(C) Effect Selection Processing in Display Control Device Next, effect selection processing performed in the display control device 131 will be described with reference to FIG. The display control device 131 executes the process of FIG. 5 at predetermined intervals by a timer interrupt or the like.
First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the special effect is currently being executed. If it is being executed, the process proceeds to step S6, and if not being executed, the process proceeds to step S2.
In step S <b> 2, it is determined whether or not the special effect is in an effective state (whether or not the monitoring of the passage mode of the specific area is in an effective state). For example, in the mode that is in the valid state only when the variable display mode of the special figure is in the reach state, it is determined whether or not it is currently in the reach state, and in the reach state, it is determined to be in the valid state, otherwise It is determined that the state is invalid. The reach state means a state where a so-called reach action is executed in a narrow sense, but here, the reach state may be entered from the start of the variable display where the reach action is executed. The state in which is executed may be a reach state.

  And if it determines with an effective state by step S2, it will progress to step S3 and will determine whether the monitoring result of the passage mode of specific field AE is the regulation passage mode explained by Drawing 4, for example, If it is a prescribed passage mode, the process proceeds to step S4, and execution of the corresponding special effect is determined. Note that the monitoring process of the passage modes of the specific areas A to E (the process of monitoring whether or not a specified passage mode has occurred by monitoring the passage modes) is based on the detection signals of the sensors SA to SE, for example, FIG. However, this monitoring process may be performed in step S3 described above or executed by a separate processing routine in the display control device 131. In the above step S3, a mode in which only the result of the monitoring process is determined may be performed.

If it is determined in step S2 that the state is invalid, and if it is determined in step S3 that the passage is not in a prescribed manner, the routine is terminated and the process returns.
Further, after step S4, the special performance end condition is set in step S5, and then the process returns. The condition for ending special effects is not particularly limited. For example, the condition may be terminated when the monitoring results of the passage modes of specific areas A to E become a specific passage mode. It may be ended when the number of executions or the execution time of the variable display game reaches a predetermined value. In addition, there may be a mode in which different end conditions are set according to the type of passage mode of the specific areas A to E that causes the start of the special effect or the type of special effect.

On the other hand, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the termination condition set in step S5 is satisfied. If satisfied, the process proceeds to step S7, and if not satisfied, the process returns.
In step S7, the setting is changed to the normal effect state (the state where the special effect is not executed), and the process returns.
According to the effect selection process described above, when the special effect is in the normal effect state and the special effect is in the effective state, the special effect is executed (hereinafter, the special effect state depending on the case). Or a special production end condition is set. When the set end condition is satisfied in this special effect state, the normal effect state is restored (that is, the SP mode ends).

G. Detailed Specific Examples of Special Effects etc. Next, detailed specific examples of special effects (display examples on the screen of the variable display device 12 and the like) will be described.
(A) Display example in special effect effective state FIG. 6A is a display example on the variable display device 12 in the reach state when the special effect (monitoring of the passage mode) is effective in the reach state. In this case, a storage display portion G1, which is an area for displaying the start-up storage state of the special figure, is formed in the belt-like portion at the top of the screen. In this memory display portion G1, four circular marks G2 simulating the lamps of the special-purpose memory display are displayed corresponding to the upper limit value of the starting memory, and the number of lighting states corresponding to the starting memory number is on. (For example, the brightness is increased or the color is changed). FIG. 6A shows that the mark G2 shown in black is in a lighting state, and that there are start memories for the number of marks G2 in the lighting state (in this case, three). Yes. Note that such display on the start-up memory state variation display device 12 is not limited to the reach state, but may be always performed in the normal performance state as shown in FIG.
And the area other than the memory display part G1 in the screen is a variable display area G3 in which a special figure is mainly displayed. In this case, the left and right symbols stop at “3”, and the central symbol is displayed. Reach action is displayed that slowly scrolls vertically.

In addition, a mode switching notification unit G4 is formed in the lower center of the variable display region G3 to notify the monitoring state of the passage modes of the specific regions A to E and the prescribed passage mode for changing the state, and next to it. A character “SP mode get chance” indicating that the special effect is in an effective state (that is, a state in which the special effect state can be transferred) is displayed.
In this case, for example, when it is determined that the detection of the game ball in each of the specific areas A, B, and C has been performed once for each of the three detections of the game ball (regardless of the detection order), the special effect state is set. It is a mode (a mode shown in FIG. 4 (b)) for performing a reach notice on the memory display unit G1 as an effect, and the mode change notification unit G4 has specific areas A, B, and C (specifying a special effect state) Marks G5 to G7 including characters indicating the passage mode of the image are displayed, and only those corresponding to the specific area where the passage is detected are highlighted (for example, the characters are thickened, the brightness is increased, or the color is changed) Displayed).
In FIG. 6A, marks G5 and G6 with thick characters are in an emphasized state, and sphere detection has been performed in specific areas A and B (that is, if detection is performed in specific area C next, The SP mode is entered).
Further, when detection is performed in a specific area that is not in the specified passage mode (in this case, the specific areas D and E) and the stored data of the above-described passage mode monitoring is reset, the emphasis state of the marks G5 to G7 is released. Is done.

(B) Display Example in Special Effect State (SP Mode) FIG. 6B is an image example (specific example of result suggesting effect) during variable display in the special effect state. Moreover, the mark of the memory | storage display part G1 in a normal production | presentation state and a special production | presentation state is shown in the upper stage of FIG.
In this case, in the memory display unit G1, instead of the circular mark G2 described above, an image G8 of a character with a tongue (wolf), an image G9 of a surprised character, an image G10 of a character who exhales and is enthused Alternatively, a horizontal bar mark G11 is displayed. Of these, the image G8 is displayed in the case of start-up memory that is lost (losing without reach), the image G9 is displayed in the case of start-up memory that may cause reach, and the image G10 is reliably generated. The image G11 is displayed when there is no start memory (see the upper part of FIG. 7). Note that “start-up memory that may cause reach” means, for example, that the variation pattern determined by the game control device 100 may be determined as the reach mode in the final determination process of the variation display mode by the display control device 131. This is the starting memory when there is a certain fluctuation pattern.
Needless to say, the display on the memory display unit G1 during the special effect (such as the display of the reach notice as described above) is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. For example, even in the case of start-up memory that is simply lost (when start-up storage is not likely to reach), the image G9 may be selected and displayed randomly by random lottery, and the expectation may be enhanced.

Also, in this case, for example, when it is determined that the detection of the game ball in the specific areas B and D has been performed once each in two detections of the game ball (regardless of the detection order), the special effect state is terminated. In this mode, the mode switching notification unit G4 displays marks G12 and G13 including characters indicating the specific areas B and D (the specified passage mode for ending the special performance state). Only the region corresponding to the specific area where is detected is displayed in an emphasized state.
In FIG. 6B, the thick mark G12 is in the emphasized state, and the sphere is detected in the specific area B (that is, if it is detected in the specific area D next, the special effect state is Will be terminated).
Further, a character “SP mode release information” indicating that the end information of the special effect state is displayed is displayed beside the mode switching notification unit G4.
6A and 6B illustrate a case where only the specific area related to mode switching is displayed by the mode switching notification unit G4, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to such a mode. . For example, an image such as a character representing each of all the specific areas A to E may be displayed, and these images may be highlighted so that the monitoring state of the passing mode and the specified passing mode to be changed can be understood. In this case, characters or the like representing the specific areas A to E may be displayed in the same positional relationship as the actual positional relationship on the stage 41. If all the specific areas are displayed in this way or are displayed in an actual positional relationship, the player can intuitively grasp the contents of the notification, which makes it easier to understand.

(B) Other effects in the special effect state Next, in the lower part of FIG. 7, in the normal effect state and the special effect state, a sound generating unit (speaker 34 controlled by the sound control device 130) and a decoration unit (decoration). An effect content example (example of result suggesting effect by sound and decoration) in the decoration lamps 32, 33 and the like controlled by the control device 133 is shown.
First, in the normal performance state, the sound generation unit outputs a sound effect of “polon” when there is a start prize. Further, in the normal performance state, the decoration unit performs a decoration effect corresponding to each variable display game (that is, no emphasis decoration is performed in a variable display game that loses at least without reaching).

In the special production state, the sound generation unit outputs a start sound when there is a start prize and becomes a start-up memory that is lost (lost without reach), and there is a possibility that reach may occur. A “le” sound is output when the start memory is reached, and a “mi” sound is output when the start memory is surely reached.
On the other hand, in the special effect state, if one or a plurality of starting memories include a game that reaches a reach state, even if it is a variable display game that loses without reach, all the emphasis decorations are displayed. Run. Here, the emphasis decoration means a flashy decoration (enhancement effect on the decoration surface) in which the number of lamps constituting the decoration portion and the lighting frequency are increased.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of this example, since the special effect is executed by the passing mode of the game ball, the randomness due to the behavior of the ball is reflected in the effect, and the special display of the variable display game is performed at a time that is difficult for the player to predict. The production can be performed, the production can be more diversified, and the interest can be improved. For this reason, it can be set as the game machine which does not get tired even if it plays a game for a long time or several times.

In particular, in the above-described embodiment, as a special effect, a result suggesting effect that suggests in advance the result of the variable display game (whether or not it will be reached) is executed, so the player's expectation for the execution of the special effect is particularly increased. Further improvement of interest can be realized.
Further, in the above embodiment, when there is a start memory in which the variable display game has not yet been executed and the monitoring result of the specific area is determined to be a predetermined passing mode, the variable display game corresponding to the start memory is stored. A result suggesting effect (for example, FIG. 6B) that suggests the result in advance is executed. For this reason, the player can grasp in advance the entire contents of the plurality of stored start memories, the expectation for the special effect is greatly increased, and the effect improvement effect by the special effect can be remarkably enhanced.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the variable display game becomes a specific variable display mode (reach mode), since the monitoring of the passage mode (execution of the special effect) is in an effective state, the special effect is executed (started). The time when there is a possibility of being performed is limited to the reach state, and the production content can be made sharp. In addition, since the time when the player should watch the behavior of the game ball on the stage 41 with a special effect is limited, the player's attention can be concentrated only for a limited period, and the player is tired from this watch. This prevents the player from worrying about the special production process. As a result, the interest improvement effect by special effects can be made more practical.

Moreover, in the said form example, if the said monitoring result becomes a predetermined passage mode (for example, each detects in the specific area | regions B and D) during execution of a special effect, the said special effect will be complete | finished (FIG.6 (b)). reference). For this reason, the end time of the special effect changes randomly and becomes unpredictable, and the range of the effect is widened. Also in the end process of the special effect, it is interesting that the player pays attention to the behavior of the game ball on the stage 41. It is possible to further improve the fun of the game.
Further, in the above embodiment, for example, the player is notified of the monitoring state of the passing mode by the mode switching notification unit G4 of FIG. For this reason, the player is sure of the current state in the process until the special effect is executed (the situation such as how far the specified passing mode is cleared and how the game ball moves afterwards). It is possible to grasp the behavior of the game ball on the stage 41 in anticipation of the execution of the special performance, and to be able to surely enjoy it. be able to.

Further, in the above embodiment, the start winning opening 13 is disposed below the variable display device 13, and the stage 41 that performs so-called ball display is provided on the lower side of the variable display device 13 (above the start winning port 13). , A plurality of locations A to E on the stage 41 are specific areas, and game balls passing through the specific areas are detected by a plurality of sensors SA to SE (game ball detecting means), respectively.
For this reason, in addition to the production function that expects the ball on the stage 41 to enter the start prize opening or not, it also exhibits the production function that expects whether or not a special production will be executed. The effect of showing the above-mentioned sphere can be greatly improved and the interest can be improved. In addition, if the specific area is provided at a position separate from the stage, the player needs to pay attention to the behavior of the ball, which is bothersome. However, if this mode is provided on the stage, there is no such problem. Are better.
In the above embodiment, a plurality of specific areas are provided on the stage 41 and a plurality of sensors for detecting game balls passing through the specific areas are provided. 4 and FIG. 6 can be complicated as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, and the fun of watching the behavior of the game ball on the stage 41 in the hope of executing a special effect is more complicated. Can be

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of passage modes are set as a predetermined passage mode (a specified passage mode as a start condition of the special performance) in which the performance control unit 130 executes the special performance. When it is determined that the monitoring result is any one of the plurality of passage modes, the production control unit 130 executes a special effect with different contents depending on the passage mode that is the monitoring result. It has the following effects. In other words, any one of a plurality of special effects is executed depending on the behavior of the game ball, so that the special effects whose contents are difficult to predict are executed at a time when it is difficult for the player to predict. Is particularly enhanced.
Moreover, in the said form example, it becomes the structure which the display control apparatus 131 unifies the whole production including a sound and decoration based on the command of the game control apparatus 100 which is a high-order apparatus. For this reason, the types of display, sound, and decoration are different compared to the configuration in which the command signal is transmitted from the higher-level game control device 100 to each control device constituting the effect control means 130 and each effect operation is realized. It is possible to accurately perform the production operation in synchronization with each other.

In addition, this invention is not restricted to the aspect of the said example, There can be various deformation | transformation and application.
For example, in the above embodiment, a result suggesting effect that suggests in advance the contents of the startup memory in which the variable display game has not yet been executed is illustrated, but the result of suggesting the result of the currently running variable display game in advance You may make it perform suggestion production. In this case, the result of the currently displayed variable display game can be immediately determined, and the effect of improving the special effects can be further enhanced. Further, a result suggesting effect may be executed for both the unexecuted variation display game and the variation display game being executed.
Further, as the special effect, only the emphasis effect that emphasizes the effect of the variable display game than usual may be executed. In this case, the player's expectation can be easily increased by the special effect, and the above-described effect by the special effect can be easily obtained. That is, for example, the aforementioned result suggesting effect requires a special control process for notifying the contents of the start memory, but in this case, the control process is simplified because it is only necessary to switch the effect mode. There are inherent effects such as.

  In addition, in the state where there is a start memory in which the variable display game has not yet been executed, the memory content of the start memory is determined, and the variable display game has a sense of expectation such as a predetermined variable display mode (for example, a reach effect mode). If it is determined that there is a start memory that becomes a thing), the monitoring of the passage mode is enabled, and if it is determined that there is no start memory in which the variable display game has a predetermined variation display mode, the passage mode is determined. The monitoring may be disabled. In this case, only when there is a start memory that can be expected by the player, the special effect is executed according to the passing mode of the game ball, and it is possible to make the effect content sharp, and the player's attention is limited. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate on the gaze of the passing mode of the game ball only for a certain period of time, and the interest improvement effect can be made more practical.

The present invention also provides a special advantage that is advantageous to a player when a game ball is launched into a game area to play a game, and the result of the variable display game on the variable display device provided in the game area becomes a special display result. As long as the gaming machine is in a gaming state, it can be applied to, for example, an arrange ball gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, and the like other than pachinko machines.
In addition, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Next, technical matters relating to the invention of the present application will be described below.
Here, a plurality of “specific areas” may be provided, or only one place may be provided.
In addition, the “passing mode” may be a simple passing result (whether or not a specific area has been passed), a time interval at which a sphere passes through a specific area, or a sphere that has passed among a plurality of specific areas. A combination or order of specific areas may be used. The determination of the passage mode may be performed immediately or within a specified time when a detection signal is received from the game ball detection means, but based on the result of storing and accumulating the monitoring result of the passage mode. You may make it perform. For example, when a sphere passes a specified area within a specified time within a specified number of times, it is determined that it is a predetermined specified passing mode, or when the cumulative number of passes through the specified area reaches a specified number. It is also possible to determine that it is a passing mode. Moreover, when a sphere passes continuously within a specified time in a specified order or regardless of the order, it may be determined as a specified passing mode, or a plurality of specified areas When the sphere passes through all of the above in a specified order or regardless of the order, it may be determined as a specified passing mode. Alternatively, a specific prescribed number of times may be set for each of a plurality of specific areas, and when the cumulative number of passages of all the specific areas has reached the prescribed number of times, it may be determined that the prescribed passage mode is set.

Further, the “special effect” means an effect that has a higher degree of expectation for the player than the normal effect that is performed when the monitoring result is not determined to be the prescribed passage mode.
This “special effect” includes, for example, an effect that makes it easy for big hits to occur (for example, an effect of a variable display game is particularly flashy or a character appears frequently), or a result of a variable display game immediately. There may be an effect that can be understood (such as informing the determination contents of the start memory in advance or informing the display result of the variable display game in advance).
In addition, the “game ball detecting means” may be composed of one sensor or a plurality of sensors. For example, there may be a mode in which a plurality of the specific areas are provided, a plurality of sensors for detecting a sphere passing through the specific areas are provided in each specific area, and a game ball detecting means is configured by the plurality of sensors.

In addition, as specific modes of “special effects that notify the display result of the variable display game in advance”, a reach notice (notifying in advance that the reach action will be performed), a big hit notice (the result of the variable display game is a big hit) And a stop symbol notice (notifying the display result of the variable display game).
In addition, the effect of “notifying the display result of the variable display game in advance” may be performed on a display unit such as a variable display device, or may be performed by another decoration unit or by voice.
In addition, when the contents of the start-up memory that has not yet been variably displayed are notified in advance, all of the stored modes may be notified at once, or may be gradually notified (for example, a variable display game once You may make it alert | report the content for one start memory | storage every time it digests or a warp ball | bowl arises).

Here, “notify” means that information is clearly notified or information that can be estimated is notified.
In addition, the operation of the effect control means for performing the special effect when the passing mode is monitored and determined as the specified passing mode is not necessarily always effective, and only when a predetermined condition is established. An execution state or a valid state when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, and an invalid state when the predetermined end condition is satisfied (that is, a state in which no pass mode is determined or a predetermined pass mode is determined) A state in which the special effect is not executed may be employed.
Moreover, although the special effect of this invention and the above-mentioned prescribed | regulated passage aspect which performs this special effect may be the structure set only one kind, the thing from which the content differs may be set in multiple numbers.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 12 Fluctuation display apparatus 13 Start winning opening 40 Center case 41 Stage 100 Game control apparatus (game control means, start memory means)
130 presentation control means 131 display control device 132 sound control device 133 decoration control device AE specific area SA-SE sensor (game ball detection means)

Claims (1)

A variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game with a plurality of identification information;
A start winning opening that is disposed below the variable display device and generates a start winning that is an execution condition of the variable display game by winning a game ball;
With
In the gaming machine in which the gaming state becomes a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the result of the variable display game becomes a special display result,
A game control means for receiving a detection signal of a game ball to the start winning opening and controlling the progress of the variable display game;
Production control means for performing display control in the variable display device based on a command from the game control means ;
A stage provided on the lower side of the variable display device, the game ball is capable of rolling, and the rolling game ball can flow toward the start winning opening;
With
Rutotomoni game balls flowing down a game area is provided an outlet of the warp path to flow out to the stage,
Providing a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball flowing out from the outlet of the warp passage to the stage;
The game control means can store a start memory state up to a maximum upper limit value when a game ball is further won in the start prize opening during the execution of the variable display game,
The production control means includes
Based on the command from the game control means, the display of the start memory state is displayed and notified in the memory display unit formed on the screen of the variable display device by the number corresponding to the start memory number,
The memory displayed based on a command from the game control means when the effect control means has received a detection signal of a game ball flowing out from the outlet of the warp passage to the stage from the game ball detection means. A gaming machine characterized in that a result of the variable display game that has not yet been variable displayed is notified in advance by changing the display mode of the start-up memory in the display unit.

Images