JP5520396B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that enables a player to have a longer expectation.
An effect button can change to at least two states, a normal state and a protruding state. When the button effect is started, a slot image simulating the reel of the slot machine is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, and each reel is sequentially stopped, and finally three symbols indicating the effect button in the normal state are prepared. The effect that the player pushes the effect button in the normal state is performed, and when the three symbols indicating the effect button in the protruding state are gathered, the effect button protrudes and the effect that causes the player to press the effect button in the protruding state Is done.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including an operation unit that is operated by a player and can be changed into at least two types of states.

  Some conventional gaming machines include an operation unit that is operated by a player and can be changed into at least two types of states (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine operating switch device capable of automatically projecting a push button.

JP 2007-307281 A

  By the way, in a gaming machine having an operation unit that can change to at least two types of states, when the reliability of the jackpot etc. is suggested by the state of the operation unit (for example, in the gaming machine operation switch device of Patent Document 1, If the push button protrudes, it indicates a higher degree of reliability than if the push button does not protrude), and the player cannot grasp the reliability until the state of the operation unit changes. There is a problem that it is difficult to hold for a long time.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that enables a player to have a longer expectation.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column show the correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention at all. .

  The gaming machine (1) according to the present invention is based on acquisition means (100, S213 to S216, S223 to S226) for acquiring acquisition information when the start condition is satisfied, and the acquisition information acquired by the acquisition means. Special game determination means (100, S309) for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a game that causes the effect means (5) to perform a game effect when the determination by the special game determination means is performed. An effect control means (130, 140, 150), and an operation unit (26) operated by a player, which can be changed into at least two states of a first state (normal state) and a second state (protruding state). The game effect control means is configured to move the operation unit forward based on a determination result by the special game determination means when performing a predetermined game effect (button effect). The operation unit state determination means (130) for determining whether the state is the first state or the second state, and the operation unit state determination at a predetermined timing (timing in FIGS. 5D and 6D) The operation unit control means (150) for controlling the operation unit so as to be determined by the means, and before the predetermined timing, the operation unit is in the first state or the second state. Suggestion effect control means (140) for performing the suggestion effect that suggests, and the operation portion is controlled to the first state or the second state by the operation portion control means in a predetermined period after the predetermined timing. Specific game effect control means (130) for performing a specific game effect different from the predetermined game effect in response to an operation of the operation unit by a player.

  The suggestion effect control means specifies any one of a first state symbol indicating that the operation unit is in the first state and a second state symbol indicating that the operation unit is in the second state. Is specified (FIG. 5 (B), FIG. 6 (B)), and then the state symbol corresponding to the state determined by the state determining means is specified (FIG. 5 (C), FIG. 6 (C)). You may make a suggestion.

  According to the present invention, the player can have a longer expectation.

Schematic front view of pachinko machine 1 Schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 Explanatory drawing for demonstrating each state of effect button 26 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the button production using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the production button 26. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the button production using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the production button 26. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the button production using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the production button 26. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the control apparatus with which the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the game control board 100 Detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of jackpot determination processing in step S309 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the production control board 130 Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the image sound control process performed in the image sound control board 140 The flowchart which shows an example of the lamp control process performed in the lamp control board 150

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Example of schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a game board 2 provided with an accessory related to winning or determination and a frame member 3 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 3 supports a transparent glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval. The glass board and the game board 2 form a game area 10 in which a game ball can flow down. Has been.

  When the player grasps the handle 20 and rotates the lever 21 in the clockwise direction, the game balls stored in the upper plate 28 are guided to the launching device (not shown), and with a hitting force according to the rotation angle of the handle 20 Fired into the game area 10. This game area 10 is provided with game nails, windmills, etc. (not shown), and the launched game balls are guided to the upper position in the game area 10 and contacted with the game nails, windmills, etc. It falls along the game board 2 while changing the moving direction. Note that the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player operates the stop button 22.

  The upper plate 28 stores game balls and prize balls supplied to the launching device. Below the upper plate 28, a lower plate 29 for collecting prize balls is provided. When the player operates the take-out button 23 arranged close to the lower plate 29, a part of the lower surface of the lower plate 29 is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower plate 29 are arranged below the lower plate 29. Drop into a box not shown.

  When the player performs a so-called “left strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the left area in the game area 10 as exemplified by the arrow 31. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called “right strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the right region in the game region 10 as illustrated by the arrow 32.

  A first starting port 11, a second starting port 12, two normal winning ports 14, a first gate 15, and an electric tulip 17 are provided in the passing path of the left-handed game ball as a prize and a winning combination. It has been. In addition, in the passing path of the right-handed game ball, the second starting port 12, the big winning port 13, the two normal winning ports 14, the second gate 16, and the electric tulip are used as a prize and a winning combination. 17 is provided.

  The game ball launched into the game area 10 enters the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the big winning port 13, and the normal winning port 14 in the process of flowing down along the game board 2. And win. As a result, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the winning location are paid out to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. The game balls that have not won a prize are discharged from the game area 10 through the discharge port 18.

  The first start port 11 as the first start region is a start port that is always open, and the second start port 12 as the second start region is operating the electric tulip 17 as a normal electric accessory. It is a starting port that is opened only when it is open. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins through the first start port 11, or when a game ball wins through the second start port 12, a jackpot game (special game) advantageous to the player Is determined, and the determination result is displayed on the display 4 described later.

  In the following description, the determination executed on condition that a game ball wins the first start port 11 is referred to as “first special symbol determination”, and the game ball wins on the second start port 12 is a condition. The determination to be executed is referred to as “second special symbol determination”, and these determinations are collectively referred to as “special symbol determination”.

  The special winning opening 13 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. A plate for opening and closing the big prize opening 13 is provided at the opening of the big prize opening 13. The special winning opening 13 is normally closed by this plate. On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 4, the jackpot game in which the above-mentioned plate is operated to open the jackpot 13. Is executed. For this reason, the player can obtain more prize balls by making a right hit during the jackpot game compared to when the jackpot game is not being played.

  The electric tulip 17 is disposed close to the second starting port 12 and has a pair of blade members. The electric tulip 17 is configured to change its posture between a closed posture (see FIG. 1) in which the pair of blade members closes the second starting port 12 and an open posture (not shown) in which the second starting port 12 is opened. ing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second start port 12 is normally closed by an electric tulip 17. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16, it is determined whether or not the second start port 12 is to be opened although the prize ball is not paid out. Here, when it is determined that the second start port 12 is to be opened, the operation of returning to the closed posture after the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 has maintained the open posture for the specified time is performed a predetermined number of times. As described above, the second start port 12 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the electric tulip 17 is not operated, whereas the game ball is easily passed by the operation of the electric tulip 17. Become. In the following description, the determination executed on condition that the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16 is referred to as “ordinary symbol determination”.

  The normal winning opening 14 is always open like the first start opening 11 and is a winning opening through which a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by winning a game ball. Unlike the first starting port 11 and the like, even if a game ball wins the normal winning port 14, no determination is made.

[Configuration example of presentation means of pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game board 2 or the frame member 3 has various effects such as a liquid crystal display device 5, a speaker 24, a movable accessory 7, a panel lamp 25, and a rotation effect device 38, 39 is provided. Further, the frame member 3 incorporates a frame lamp 37 (see FIG. 8) not shown in FIG.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 is an image display device that displays an effect image, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at a position where it can be easily seen by the player. On this display screen, for example, various display objects such as a decorative symbol for notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, a character or item for performing a notice effect, a hold display image displayed as many as the number of special symbol determinations being held An effect image including is displayed. Note that the image display device may be configured by another image display device such as an EL display device.

  The speaker 24 produces a sound effect by outputting music, sound, sound effects, etc. in synchronism with the display effect performed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2. A light emitting element (for example, LED) is incorporated in the movable accessory 7, and the movable accessory 7 performs various effects by the movement and / or light of the movable accessory 7 itself.

  The panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 perform various effects by light, such as changing a lighting or blinking pattern and changing a light emission color. The rotation effect devices 38 and 39 perform various effects by using a built-in light emitting element and a rotating body that rotates around the light emitting element.

[Configuration example of operation means of the pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame member 3 is provided with an effect button 26 and a cross key 27 as operation means operated by the player. The effect button 26 is a push button for inputting operation information when pressed by the player. The cross key 27 is a so-called cross key for the player to perform a selection operation. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is a case where an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 is performed.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each state of the effect button 26. The effect button 26 has a function as an effect means in addition to a function as an operation means operated by the player. Specifically, the effect button 26 is switched between a normal state (see FIG. 3A) and a protruding state (see FIG. 3B) by a button motor 97 (see FIG. 8) not shown in FIG. It is possible to change to at least two kinds of states. That is, the effect button 26 is configured to be movable up and down by the driving force of the button motor 97.

  Further, the effect button 26 incorporates a button lamp 98 (see FIG. 8) which is a light emitting element (for example, LED). For example, the button lamp 98 is valid during an effective period when the operation of the effect button 26 by the player is valid. , The player can be prompted to operate the effect button 26.

  Note that the player can press the effect button 26 regardless of whether the effect button 26 is controlled to the normal state or the protruding state.

[Configuration Example of Display 4]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The display 4 mainly displays information related to the special symbol determination and the normal symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41, the second special symbol display 42, the first It has a special symbol hold indicator 43, a second special symbol hold indicator 44, a normal symbol indicator 45, a normal symbol hold indicator 46, and a game state indicator 47.

  When the first special symbol determination is performed, the first special symbol display 41 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the first special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol display 42 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the second special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the second special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. In the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 42, as a determination symbol, a jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, or the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” ”Is stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 43 displays the number of holds for the first special symbol determination. The second special symbol hold indicator 44 displays the number of holds for the second special symbol determination.

  When the normal symbol determination is performed, the normal symbol display 45 notifies the determination result of the normal symbol determination by suspending and displaying the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol. The normal symbol hold display 46 displays the number of holds for normal symbol determination. The game state display 47 displays the game state at the time when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is called “special symbol”, and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 45 is “normal symbol”. Shall be called.

[About button production]
Next, a button effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a button effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26, and FIG. 6 is another example of a button effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining still another example of the button effect using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26.

  The button effect is an effect that is performed using the liquid crystal display device 5 and the effect button 26 to increase the player's expectation for the jackpot. The button effects are performed at various timings during the game in order to suggest various degrees of reliability to the player. Specifically, for example, a button effect may be generated during a special symbol variation display to suggest a determination result of the special symbol determination (for example, the reliability of the jackpot winning), or during a jackpot game Suggesting the type (for example, the confidence level of promoting 8 jackpots and promoting to 16 round jackpots, or the confidence level of promoting to probable jackpots by pretending to be normal jackpots) can do.

  First, an example of a button effect (an example of a button effect performed when the reliability is “medium”, hereinafter referred to as “medium reliability button effect”) will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the start timing of the medium reliability button effect is reached, a slot image imitating the reel of the slot machine is displayed at the center of the liquid crystal display device 5 as illustrated in FIG. The slot image includes a symbol indicating the effect button 26 in the normal state (the rightmost symbol in the slot image of FIG. 5A) and a symbol indicating the effect button 26 in the protruding state (slot image of FIG. 5A). A reel image in which three symbols in the horizontal direction are displayed in the vertical direction, and the symbol indicating the loss (the central symbol in the slot image in FIG. 5A) is displayed in the vertical direction. It is. It should be noted that the reel images constituting the slot image are not displayed on the screen all of a plurality of symbols arranged in the vertical direction, but a part thereof is displayed on the screen.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the slot image in which each reel image is in a stopped state, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the symbols of each reel image appear to scroll from top to bottom. Each reel image is variably displayed. Along with this, the button lamp 98 emits light in order to cause the player to press the effect button 26 for aligning the same three symbols.

  In contrast, when the player presses the effect button 26, the reel images are sequentially stopped and displayed each time the effect button 26 is pressed, and at the timing when the player presses the effect button 26 for the third time. Thus, three symbols indicating the effect button 26 in the normal state are aligned on the active line (see FIG. 5C). This informs the player in advance that it is necessary to press the effect button 26 in the normal state.

  Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, an effect image that prompts the player to press the effect button 26 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, and the button lamp 98 emits light. The button lamp 98 continues to emit light until the effective period for accepting the operation of the effect button 26 by the player ends. When the player operates the effect button during this effective period, a specific game effect different from the button effect is produced. (For example, notification of the result of the special symbol determination).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, another example of the button effect (an example of the button effect performed when the reliability is “high”. Hereinafter, referred to as “high reliability button effect”) will be described. To do.

  6A and 6B are the same as FIGS. 5A and 5B described above, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the player presses the effect button 26 in the state of FIG. 6B, the reel image is sequentially stopped and displayed every time the effect button 26 is pressed, and the player presses the effect button 26 for the third time. At the same time, three symbols indicating the projecting effect buttons 26 are aligned on the active line (see FIG. 6C). This notifies the player in advance that it is necessary to press the projecting effect button 26 in the protruding state.

  Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, an effect image that prompts the player to press the effect button 26 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, and the button motor 97 is activated so that the effect button 26 is in the normal state. The button lamp 98 emits light in order to notify that the effective period has been reached. When the player depresses the effect button 26 in this state, a specific game effect different from the button effect (for example, notification of the result of the special symbol determination) is performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, another example of the button effect (an example of the button effect performed when the reliability is “low”. Hereinafter, referred to as “low reliability button effect”) will be described. To do.

  7A and 7B are the same as FIGS. 5A and 5B described above, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the player presses the effect button 26 in the state of FIG. 7B, the reel images are sequentially stopped and displayed each time the effect button 26 is pressed, and the player presses the effect button 26 for the third time. At different timings, three different symbols are stopped and displayed on the active line (see FIG. 7C). In this case, the button effect ends without performing the effect as shown in FIG. 5D or FIG. 6D (the effect of causing the player to press the effect button 26 after the same three symbols are arranged). To do.

  Hereinafter, an example of the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing the button effect described above and an example of processing performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described in detail.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
On the back side of the game board 2, a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided in addition to a ball tank for storing game balls sent to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 controls the game control board 100 that controls the progress of the game, such as various determinations and command transmission, and the effects based on the commands received from the game control board 100 An effect control board 130 for controlling the image, an image sound control board 140 for controlling the effects by images and sounds, a lamp control board 150 for controlling effects by various lamps and movable bodies, and the like. Note that the configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the effect control board 130, the image sound control board 140, and the lamp control board 150 may be configured as one board.

[Configuration Example of Game Control Board 100]
The game control board 100 includes a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102, and a main RAM 103. The main CPU 101 performs various arithmetic processes related to determination and the number of payout balls based on a program stored in the main ROM 102. The main RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 101 executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The game control board 100 includes a first start port switch 111, a second start port switch 112, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 113, a first gate switch 114, a second gate switch 115, a big winning port switch 116, and a big winning port control unit. 117, the normal winning opening switch 118, and the respective indicators 41 to 47 constituting the indicator 4 are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 11 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second start port switch 112 detects that a game ball has won the second start port 12 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The electric tulip opening / closing part 113 opens and closes the second start port 12 by operating an electric solenoid coupled to the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 so as to be able to transmit driving in response to a control signal from the game control board 100. To do. The first gate switch 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the first gate 15 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second gate switch 115 detects that the game ball has passed through the second gate 16 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The big prize opening switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 13 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. Based on a control signal from the game control board 100, the special prize opening control unit 117 opens and closes the special prize opening 13 by operating an electric solenoid coupled to a plate that closes the special prize opening 13 so that the drive transmission is possible. To do. The normal winning opening switch 118 detects that the game ball has won the normal winning opening 14 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100.

  When the main CPU 101 of the game control board 100 receives a detection signal from the first start port switch 111, the second start port switch 112, the big winning port switch 116, or the normal winning port switch 118, the game ball wins. A payout control board (not shown) is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is managed based on information from the payout control board. Although a detailed description is omitted, the payout control board supplies the game ball to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29 by controlling a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the ball tank.

  The main CPU 101 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Also, various random numbers are acquired as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is input, and the second special symbol determination is executed using the acquired random numbers. And when it determines with it being a jackpot, the jackpot game is performed by opening and closing the jackpot 13 via the jackpot controller 117.

  Further, the main CPU 101 acquires a random number at the timing when the detection signal from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115 is input, and executes normal symbol determination using the acquired random number. And when it determines with opening the 2nd starting port 12, the 2nd starting port 12 is temporarily open | released by operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip opening / closing part 113.

  Further, the main CPU 101 causes each of the display devices 41 to 47 constituting the display device 4 to execute the processing described above with reference to FIG.

[Configuration Example of Production Control Board 130]
The effect control board 130 includes a sub CPU 131, a sub ROM 132, a sub RAM 133, and an RTC (real time clock) 134. The sub CPU 131 performs a calculation process when controlling the presentation based on the program stored in the sub ROM 132. The sub RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub CPU 131 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. The RTC 134 measures the current date and time (date and time).

  The sub CPU 131 sets the production contents based on game information related to special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, jackpot game, and the like transmitted from the game control board 100. In that case, the input of the operation information from the production | presentation button 26 or the cross key 27 may be received, and the production | generation content according to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 131 transmits a command instructing execution of the effect of the set effect content to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

[Configuration Example of Image Sound Control Board 140]
The image sound control board 140 is not shown in the figure, but the overall CPU, control ROM, control RAM, VDP (Video Display Processor), sound DSP (Digital
Signal Processor) and the like. Based on the program stored in the control ROM, the general CPU performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image or sound representing the effect whose effect content is set on the effect control board 130. The control RAM is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the general CPU executes the program or a work area for data processing.

  The overall CPU controls the operation of the VDP and the sound DSP by generating a control signal based on the command from the effect control board 130 and the program stored in the control ROM and outputting the control signal to the VDP and the sound DSP.

  Although not shown in the figure, the VDP displays an image ROM that stores material data necessary for generating the effect image, a drawing engine that executes the rendering process of the effect image, and an effect image drawn by the drawing engine. An output circuit for outputting to the display device 5 is provided. The drawing engine draws the effect image in the frame buffer using the material data stored in the image ROM based on the control signal from the general CPU. The output circuit outputs the effect image drawn in the frame buffer to the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not shown in the figure, the acoustic DSP is connected to an acoustic ROM for storing various acoustic data related to music, voice, sound effects, etc., and an SDRAM used as a work area for data processing by the acoustic DSP. ing. The acoustic DSP reads the acoustic data corresponding to the control signal from the overall CPU from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 24.

[Configuration Example of Lamp Control Board 150]
The lamp control board 150 includes a lamp CPU 151, a lamp ROM 152, and a lamp RAM 153. Based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 152, the lamp CPU 151 is a board lamp 25 provided in the game board 2, a frame lamp 37 built in the frame member 3, a movable accessory 7, rotation effect devices 38 and 39, buttons Arithmetic processing for controlling the operation of the lamp 98 and the button motor 97 is performed. The lamp RAM 153 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the lamp CPU 151 executes the program, or a work area such as data processing.

  The lamp ROM 152 stores light emission pattern data and operation pattern data. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating the light emission patterns of the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, the light emitting elements provided in the movable accessory 7, the light emitting elements included in the rotation effect devices 38 and 39, and the button lamp 98. It is. The operation pattern data is data indicating the operation pattern of the movable accessory 7 and the rotation effect devices 38 and 39 and the operation pattern of the button motor 97 (the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the button motor 97).

  The lamp CPU 151 reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 152 to the lamp RAM 153, and the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the movable accessory 7. The light-emitting elements provided in the light-emitting element, the light-emitting elements of the rotation effect devices 38 and 39 and the light emission of the button lamp 98 are controlled.

  In addition, the lamp CPU 151 reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 152 to the lamp RAM 153, so that the movable accessory 7, the rotation effect device 38, The driving of each stepping motor that operates 39 and the button motor 97 that moves the effect button 26 up and down is controlled.

[Timer interrupt processing by game control board 100]
Next, timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100. The game control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 9 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the game control board 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 9 and after is performed according to a command issued by the main CPU 101 based on a program stored in the main ROM 102.

  First, the main CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, and a normal design random number (step S1).

  Here, the jackpot random number is a random number for determining jackpot or loss. The design random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach when it is determined that the reach is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern when a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The normal symbol random number is a random number for determining whether or not to open the second start port 12. The jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, and the normal design random number are incremented by “1” every time the process of step S1 is performed. Note that a loop counter is used as a counter for performing the processing of step S1, and each random number returns to “0” after reaching a preset maximum value.

  Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 executes a switch process when a detection signal is input from each switch (step S2). This switch process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S2, the main CPU 101 executes special symbol determination, displays the special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and displays the determination result of the special symbol determination. A special symbol process including a process of stopping and displaying the determination symbol to be displayed is executed (step S3). This special symbol process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S3, the main CPU 101 includes a process of executing normal symbol determination, causing the normal symbol display unit 45 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and then stopping and displaying the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Normal symbol processing is executed (step S4).

  Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 101 performs the electric tulip process for operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip opening / closing part 113 when it is determined that the second start port 12 is opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. Is executed (step S5).

  Subsequent to the process of step S5, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is a big win in the process of step S3, the main prize opening control process for controlling the special prize opening control unit 117 to open the special prize opening 13 is performed. Execute (Step S6).

  Subsequent to the process of step S6, the main CPU 101 executes a prize ball process for controlling the payout of the prize ball according to the winning of the game ball (step S7).

  Subsequent to step S7, the main CPU 101 transmits to the effect control board 130 information necessary for determining various commands and effect contents set (stored) in the main RAM 103 in the process step before step S7. Processing is executed (step S8).

[Switch processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 10 is a detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence or absence of a detection signal input from the first start port switch 111 as illustrated in FIG. 10, and is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. For the random number (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number), the first start port switch process including the process of acquiring the value at the time when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input is executed. (Step S21). The first start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Next, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence or absence of a detection signal input from the second start port switch 112, and the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is received for various random numbers that are appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A second start port switch process including a process of acquiring a value at the time of input is executed (step S22). The second start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 101 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115, and the first gate switch 114 or the normal symbol random number that is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A gate switch process for obtaining a value at the time when the detection signal from the second gate switch 115 is input is executed (step S23).

[First Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 (specifically, the first start port switch 111 is “ON”) following the random number update process in step S <b> 1. On the basis of whether or not an ON signal indicating that the first start port switch 111 has been turned ON is determined (step S210). Here, when it is determined that the first start port switch 111 is “ON” (step S <b> 210: YES), the hold number U <b> 1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol determination (step S211).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1 (step S211: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U1 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S212), and the first special symbol. As the acquisition information used for the determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 103 (steps S213 to S216).

[Second Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 (specifically, the second start port switch 112 is “ON” following the first start port switch process in step S <b> 21. It is determined whether or not the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” based on whether or not an “ON signal indicating that it has turned“ ”has been input (step S220).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” (step S220: YES), the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax2 (in this embodiment, “4”) of the second special symbol determination (step S221).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S221: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U2 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S222), and the second special symbol. As the acquisition information used for the determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 103 (steps S223 to S226).

[Special symbol processing by game control board 100]
Next, the details of the special symbol process executed by the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S3 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” ( Step S301). This jackpot game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the jackpot game is being executed, and is set to “ON” at the start of the jackpot game, and is set to “OFF” at the end of the jackpot game. Here, when it is determined that the game is a big hit game (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot game is not being played (step S301: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). If it is determined that the special symbol variation display is not being performed (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is equal to or greater than “1”. (Step S303). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U2 is “1” or more (step S303: YES), the holding number U2 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S304).

  If the main CPU 101 determines that the holding number U2 is not “1” or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the holding number U1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is “1” or more. Is determined (step S305). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U1 is not “1” or more (step S305: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hold number U1 is “1” or more (step S305: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the hold number U1 to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S306).

  Following the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process for the reserved storage area of the main RAM 103 (step S308). Specifically, when the shift process is executed following the process of step S304, the oldest acquired information stored in the reserved storage area for second special symbol determination is shifted to the determination storage area. The remaining acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area side. When the shift process is executed subsequent to the process of step S306, the oldest acquired information stored in the first special symbol determination holding storage area is shifted to the determination storage area, and the remaining The acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area side.

  Subsequent to step S308, the main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination processing based on the random number stored in the determination storage area (step S309). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is determined that it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined. Then, determination symbol setting information indicating the results of these processes is set in the main RAM 103. The jackpot determination process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S309, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (step S310). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to step S310, the main CPU 101 determines whether the symbol setting information set in step S309, the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or the second special symbol determination. Is set in the main RAM 103 including information indicating whether or not, setting information of the variation pattern set in the process of step S310, information on the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like (step S311). This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8.

  Subsequent to the process of step S311, the main CPU 101 starts the special symbol variation display based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command set in step S311 (step S312). At that time, when the processing of step S308 to step S311 is performed in a state where the acquisition information (random number) related to the first special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area, the special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display 41. When the processing of step S308 to step S311 is performed in a state where acquisition information (random number) related to the second special symbol determination is stored, the second special symbol display 42 displays the special symbol. Fluctuation display is started.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S312, the main CPU 101 starts measurement of a variation time that is an elapsed time since the start of the variation display in step S312 (step S313).

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S313 or determines that the special symbol is changing (step S302: YES), the main CPU 101 is selected by the process of step S310 from the start of the measurement of the changing time in step S313. It is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (step S315). Here, when it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (step S315: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the variation time has elapsed (step S315: YES), the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. Is set in the main RAM 103 (step S316). This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8. Thereby, the process etc. which stop-display the decoration symbol which was variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 in the aspect which shows the determination result of special symbol determination, etc. are performed.

  Subsequent to the process in step S316, the main CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display started in the process in step S312 (step S317). Specifically, the determination symbol set in the process of step S309 (a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display on which the special symbol is variably displayed. The stop display of the determination symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (for example, 1 second) elapses.

  Thus, the main CPU 101 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process after the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 as the first special symbol display 41. Alternatively, the second special symbol display 42 is stopped and displayed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S317, the main CPU 101 resets the variation time when the measurement is started in the process of step S313 (step S318), and performs a process during stop including a process of starting the jackpot game when the jackpot is won. It executes (step S319).

[Big hit judgment processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S309 of FIG. The main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area (step S3091). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area is a jackpot based on whether or not it matches a preset winning value.

  As described above, the main CPU 101 has a start condition in which acquisition information such as a jackpot random number acquired when a game ball is won at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 is stored in the determination storage area. If is established, it is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

  Following the processing of step S3091, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S3092). Here, when it is determined that the game is a jackpot (step S3092: YES), the type of jackpot is determined with reference to the symbol determination table for the jackpot stored in the main ROM 102 (step S3093).

  Then, the main CPU 101 sets jackpot symbol setting information corresponding to the determined jackpot type in the main RAM 103 (step S3094). As a result, the jackpot symbol set here at the time of the processing of step S317 is stopped and displayed as a determination symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and the jackpot game corresponding to the symbol is displayed. Will be done.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3092: NO), the main CPU 101 sets the lost symbol setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3095). As a result, the lost symbol set here in the process of step S317 is stopped and displayed as a determination symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. In this case, the jackpot game is not performed.

[Change pattern selection processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S309 in FIG. 13, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3091 is a jackpot (step S3101). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S3101: YES), the big hit variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3102).

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3101: NO), whether or not the reach random number stored in the determination storage area matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 102. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect that makes the player expect a big hit (step S3103). If it is determined that a reach effect is to be performed (step S3103: YES), the reach variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3104). Conversely, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3103: NO), the variation pattern table for loss is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3105).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern random number determination process with reference to the variation pattern table set in the main RAM 103 by the process of step S3102, the process of step S3104, or the process of step S3105 (step S3106). Specifically, when the big hit variation pattern table or the reach variation pattern table is set in the main RAM 103, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area is set as the variation pattern that is set. The variation pattern is selected by reading from the table.

  If the variation pattern table for losing is set in the main RAM 103, the number of reserved special symbol determination is specified based on the number of reserved storage areas in which various types of information are stored immediately before the shift process of step S308 is performed. Then, the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of holdings and the presence / absence of the current time is read out from the variation pattern table for loss to select the variation pattern.

  By selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in this way, the variation time of the special symbol is inevitably determined.

  When the main CPU 101 selects the variation pattern, the main CPU 101 sets the selected variation pattern setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3107). The variation pattern setting information is included in the variation start command and transmitted to the effect control board 130 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 103 by the jackpot determination process in step S309 described above.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control board 130]
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the sub CPU 131 of the effect control board 130 sets a CTC cycle, which is a cycle for performing timer interrupt processing to be described later. And sub CPU131 repeats the random number update process which updates the production random number etc. which are used in order to determine the content of production with the predetermined period shorter than a CTC period. That is, the sub CPU 131 repeats the timer interrupt process at the CTC cycle while repeating the random number update process at a predetermined cycle while the pachinko gaming machine 1 is activated.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, the timer interruption process executed in the effect control board 130 will be described. Here, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the effect control board 130. Similar to the timer interrupt process performed on the game control board 100, the sub CPU 131 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 16 every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds). Note that the processing performed on the effect control board 130 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 16 and subsequent drawings is performed according to a command issued by the sub CPU 131 based on a program stored in the sub ROM 132.

  First, the sub CPU 131 executes a command reception process for performing a process according to a command from the game control board 100 (step S10). This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S10, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 has been operated based on whether or not the operation information is input from the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 (step S11). ). If it is determined that the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 has been operated (step S11: YES), an operation command for notifying the fact is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S12). By transmitting this operation command to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, processing for realizing an effect on the effect according to the operation of the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 is performed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that neither the effect button 26 nor the cross key 27 is operated (step S11: NO), or executes the process of step S12, the sub CPU 131 executes a transmission process (step S13). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 133 by the processing of step S10 or step S12 is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150. By performing this command transmission process, the image acoustic control board 140 is instructed to execute an effect by image display, audio output, etc., and the execution of the effect by the lighting of various lamps or the operation of the movable accessory 7 is performed by the lamp. The control board 150 is instructed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S13, the sub CPU 131 executes a data transfer process (step S14). Specifically, since data relating to image acoustic control is transmitted from the image acoustic control board 140, the data is transferred to the lamp control board 150. Thereby, the lamp control board 150 controls the effects by the effect medium such as the movable accessory 7 and the panel lamp 25 so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24.

[Command reception processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the sub CPU 131 first determines whether or not the changing effect accompanying the changing display of the special symbol is being executed (step S <b> 101). Specifically, for example, the variation time of the special symbol is specified based on the information indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the variation start command transmitted from the game control board 100, and the variation start command is received. Based on whether or not the variation time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is being executed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the variation effect is not being executed (step S101: NO), whether or not the variation start command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the process of step S311 (see FIG. 13) has been received. Is determined (step S102). Here, when it is determined that the change start command has been received (step S102: YES), the change start command is analyzed (step S103).

  In this variation start command, as described above, the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process, whether the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or relates to the second special symbol determination It includes winning start information indicating whether it is a thing, setting information of a special symbol variation pattern, information indicating a gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like. Therefore, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be specified by analyzing the variation start command. That is, it is possible to identify the type of jackpot if the jackpot is a jackpot, a loss, or a jackpot. Further, by specifying whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern for loss based on the variation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach. . Similarly, the variation time of the special symbol can be specified based on the variation pattern setting information. Further, the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the gaming state.

  When the change start command is analyzed, the sub CPU 131 executes a change effect pattern selection process based on the analysis result (step S104).

  Although not shown in the figure, the sub-ROM 132 stores at least three effect tables, a jackpot effect table, an effect table with a los-reach effect, and an effect table without a los-reach effect, with regard to the change effect accompanying the change display of the special symbol. ing. Each of these effect tables is provided with a plurality of tables corresponding to the variation pattern (variation time) determined in the game control board 100. For example, the jackpot effect table is provided with tables for 60 seconds, 80 seconds, 120 seconds, and 160 seconds.

  The sub CPU 131 selects one table from the plurality of tables based on the setting information included in the change start command. For example, when the setting information includes information indicating “big jackpot” and information indicating a variation pattern for jackpot whose variation time is 60 seconds, the sub CPU 131 selects a jackpot effect table for 60 seconds. In addition, when the setting information includes information indicating “losing”, information indicating that the gaming state is the short-time gaming state, and information indicating a variation pattern for losing whose variation time is 10 seconds, the sub CPU 131 The losing reachless effect table for 10 seconds is selected.

  In the effect table, effect random numbers and effect patterns are associated with each other. The sub CPU 131 obtains the value at the time when the change start command is received for the effect random number that is updated each time the above-described random number update process is performed, and stores a number of effect patterns stored in the selected effect table. One effect pattern is selected by reading an effect pattern corresponding to the effect random number acquired in advance.

  By performing such a variation effect pattern selection process, the variation of the decorative pattern, the presence / absence of the reach effect, the presence / absence of the effect using the effect button 26, the presence / absence of the above-described button effect, the type of the background image The aspect of each effect that constitutes the effect is determined.

  If it is determined that the button effect is to be performed, the sub CPU 131 determines the above-described medium reliability button effect (see FIG. 5) based on the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process included in the change start command. 5), a high reliability button effect (see FIG. 6), or a low reliability button effect (see FIG. 7) is determined.

  For example, in the case of the high reliability button effect, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “big hit” or when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “losing”, the variation time of the special symbol is, for example, 100 seconds or more. However, it may be selected only when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “big hit”.

  In addition, the medium reliability button effect is selected, for example, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “big hit” or when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “losing” but develops to SP reach Is done.

  Further, since the low reliability button effect is a so-called gas effect, it is selected when the determination result of the jackpot determination process is “losing”, particularly when the SP reach is not developed.

  When it is determined that the button effect is to be performed, the sub CPU 131 types of effect images (for example, images illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7) displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 when these effects are performed. In addition, the display timing of the effect image and the like are also determined in the variation pattern selection process in step S104.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 sets a change effect start command for instructing the start of the change effect of the change effect pattern selected in the process of step S104 in the sub RAM 133 (step S105). This variation effect start command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S13. Thereby, the fluctuating effect in which the effect pattern is determined on the effect control board 130 is realized by the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

  The variation effect corresponding to the processing of step S105 is a determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination after the variation display of the special symbol is started on the second special symbol display 42 (or the first special symbol display 41). This is done until is stopped.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the variation effect is being executed (step S101: YES), the sub CPU 131 has received the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the process of step S316 (see FIG. 13). Whether or not (step S106). If it is determined that the symbol determination command has been received (step S106: YES), for example, a variation effect end command for instructing the end of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S107). This variation effect end command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S13. As a result, the fluctuating effect started in accordance with the process of step S105 ends.

[Image Sound Control Processing by Image Sound Control Board 140]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the image sound control process. The image sound control board 140 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 18 every predetermined time (for example, 33 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for a special case such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. To do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the overall CPU of the image sound control board 140 first determines whether or not a change effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S <b> 501). Here, if it is determined that the variable effect start command has been received (step S501: YES), the display content of the variable effect is set based on the information included in the received variable effect start command and the display list creation table (step S501). S502), a display list is created based on the set contents (step S503).

  Here, when execution of the low reliability button effect, the medium reliability button effect, or the high reliability button effect is instructed by the change effect start command, an effect image for realizing the instructed button effect is displayed. Set the display contents to include. In this case, the display content is set so as to include an effect image for realizing a specific game effect. The latter effect image may be any image as long as it has a function of notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, for example, directly or indirectly, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  Here, the display list is composed of commands for instructing execution of drawing in frame units. The type of image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) to draw the image, display priority, display magnification, and rotation. Various parameters such as angle and transmittance are included, and the display list creation table is a table used for creating this display list.

  The VDP of the image sound control board 140 reads out the effect data from the CGROM based on the display list created by the overall CPU, and executes a drawing process for performing the changing effect using the read effect data.

  When the general CPU executes the process of step S503, or determines that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S501: NO), has the variable CPU end command received from the effect control board 130 been received? It is determined whether or not (step S504). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect end command has been received (step S504: YES), a variation effect end process for ending the variation effect being executed in the VDP is executed (step S505).

  When the overall CPU executes the process of step S505 or determines that the variable effect end command has not been received (step S504: NO), the overall CPU executes a data transmission control process (step S506). Specifically, data related to image sound control performed on the image sound control board 140 is transmitted to the effect control board 130.

  On the other hand, the effect control board 130 transfers the data received from the image sound control board 140 to the lamp control board 150. Thus, various effect operations and the like are controlled by the lamp control board 150 so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24.

  In addition, although the control of the change effect performed in the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the command received from the effect control board 130 has been described here, the output control of the effect sound from the speaker 24 is performed as the change effect in the liquid crystal display device 5. Since it corresponds, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

[Ramp control processing by the lamp control board 150]
Next, a lamp control process executed on the lamp control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lamp control process executed in the lamp control board 150. The lamp control board 150 is transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the command from the effect control board 130 and the effect control board 130 in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 19 are repeatedly executed at regular intervals based on data relating to image sound control.

  First, the lamp CPU 151 of the lamp control board 150 executes a data reception process for receiving data relating to image sound control transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the effect control board 130 (step S601). The lamp CPU 151 performs various effect means (movable accessory 7, effect button 26, etc.) so as to synchronize with the effect by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24 based on the data regarding the image sound control received by the process of step S 601. To control.

  Following the processing in step S601, the lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the variable effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S602). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect start command has been received (step S602: YES), the light emission pattern data corresponding to the received variation effect start command is read from the lamp ROM 152 and set in the lamp RAM 153, thereby the panel lamp 25. The light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37, the light emitting elements provided on the movable accessory 7, the light emitting elements of the rotation effect devices 38 and 39, and the button lamp 98 are set (step S603). Then, based on the set light emission pattern data, light emission control of each light emitting element excluding the button lamp 98 is started (step S604).

  The lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the light emission start timing of the button lamp 98 has arrived when the process of step S604 is executed or when it is determined that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S602: NO). (Step S605). The light emission start timing of the button lamp 98 is specifically the start timing of the effective period of the effect button 26. Whether or not the light emission start timing has arrived is shown in FIG. 5B, FIG. 5D, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6D, and FIG. It is possible to determine based on whether or not data relating to image sound control indicating that display of the effect image exemplified has been received in the data reception process of step S601.

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the light emission start timing of the button lamp 98 has arrived (step S605: YES), the lamp CPU 151 starts light emission control of the button lamp 98 (step S606). Note that the light emission control started by the process of step S606 ends at the timing when the effective period of the effect button 26 ends.

  When the lamp CPU 151 executes the process of step S606 or determines that the light emission start timing of the button lamp 98 has not arrived (step S605: NO), the lamp CPU 151 determines whether or not the projection timing of the effect button 26 has arrived. Determination is made (step S607). Whether or not the projecting timing of the effect button 26 has arrived is determined based on, for example, data relating to image acoustic control indicating that display of the effect image illustrated in FIG. 6D on the liquid crystal display device 5 has started (step S601). It is possible to determine based on whether or not the data is received in the data reception process.

  When the lamp CPU 151 determines that the projecting timing of the effect button 26 has arrived (step S607: YES), the lamp motor 151 drives the button motor 97 to project the effect button 26 to the projecting state (step S608).

  When the lamp CPU 151 executes the process of step S608 or determines that the projection timing of the effect button 26 has not arrived (step S607: NO), the lamp CPU 151 receives the variable effect end command transmitted from the effect control board 130. It is determined whether or not (step S609). Here, when it is determined that the change effect end command has been received (step S609: YES), the light emission control started in the process of step S604 described above is ended (step S610).

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the reliability differs depending on the state of the effect button 26 when operating the effect button 26 (normal state or protruding state), the state of the effect button 26 is actually Before the change timing (for example, see FIG. 6D), a suggestion effect is suggested that suggests whether the effect button 26 is in a normal state or a protruding state. For this reason, the player can grasp the reliability at an earlier timing than the state of the effect button 26 actually changes, and as a result, the player can have a longer expectation.

  In the present embodiment, in the slot image, since both the symbol indicating the effect button 26 in the normal state and the symbol indicating the effect button 26 in the protruding state are displayed, the state of the effect button 26 is the normal state. This makes it possible for the player to easily grasp that there is a possibility of becoming a protruding state and a possibility of becoming a protruding state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, also in the above-mentioned suggestion effect (effect by the slot image in the liquid crystal display device 5), since the player presses the effect button 26, the suggestion effect becomes monotonous, and the player plays the game. It can suppress becoming negative.

  In the present embodiment, in the suggestion effect, after the effect image indicating whether the effect button 26 is in the normal state or the protruding state is displayed, the effect button 26 is in the normal state at the end of the suggestion effect. An image for specifying whether or not the projecting state is to be displayed (see, for example, FIG. 5C or FIG. 6C), and accordingly, the effect button 26 is controlled to the specified state. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the suggestion effect and the state of the effect button 26 are linked, and the suggestion effect can be effectively performed.

[Modification]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following forms may be sufficient. That is, in the said embodiment, although the suggestion effect is performed using the liquid crystal display device 5, not only the liquid crystal display device 5 but the suggestion effect is performed using arbitrary effect means (an accessory, a lamp, a speaker, etc.). You may do it.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the suggestion effect which suggests the state change of the effect button 26 is performed, not only the effect button 26 but at least 2 types of states (for example, red light emission state / white light emission state, vibration state / A suggestion effect suggesting a change in state of any operation unit (button, lever, etc.) operated by the player, which may change to a non-vibrating state, a rotating state / a stopped state, etc.) may be performed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the suggestion effect is performed with the slot image which imitated the reel of the slot machine, the content of the suggestion effect is not restricted to this. For example, the liquid crystal display device 5 may perform a suggestion effect in which a symbol indicating the effect button 26 in the normal state and a symbol indicating the effect button 26 in the protruding state are alternately displayed at a constant cycle. Good. As yet another example, a suggestion effect may be performed by a character string or a voice message without using the symbol indicating the effect button 26. Also, it is not essential for the player to press the effect button 26 during the suggestion effect.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the image (refer FIG.5 (C) and FIG.6 (C)) which specifies whether the production | presentation button 26 will be in a normal state or a protrusion state is displayed in the end stage of a suggestion production. It is not essential to display such an image.

  In addition, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized with other configurations and operation modes. Further, the order of processing, the set value, the threshold value used for determination, etc. in the flowcharts described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other orders and values without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say. Further, the screen diagrams and the like exemplified in the above embodiment are merely examples, and other modes may be used. The present invention can also be applied to any gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine that includes an operation unit and a production means.

1 Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
2 Game board 5 Liquid crystal display device 7 Movable accessory 24 Speaker 25 Panel lamp 26 Effect button 37 Frame lamp 38, 39 Rotation effect device 97 Button motor 98 Button lamp 100 Game control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
130 Production control board 131 Sub CPU
132 Sub ROM
133 Sub RAM
134 RTC
140 Image Sound Control Board 150 Lamp Control Board 151 Lamp CPU
152 Lamp ROM
153 Lamp RAM

Claims (2)

Acquisition means for acquiring acquisition information upon establishment of a start condition;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the acquisition information acquired by the acquisition means;
When the determination by the special game determination means is performed, a game effect control means for causing the effect means to perform a game effect;
An operation unit operated by a player, which can change into at least two types of states, a first state and a second state,
The game effect control means includes:
An operation unit state determination unit that determines whether to set the operation unit to the first state or the second state based on a determination result by the special game determination unit when performing a predetermined game effect;
Operation unit control means for controlling the operation unit so as to be in a state determined by the operation unit state determination unit at a predetermined timing;
Before the predetermined timing, suggestion effect control means for performing an suggestion effect suggesting whether the operation unit is in the first state or the second state;
In response to the operation unit being operated by a player during a predetermined period after the predetermined timing when the operation unit is controlled to the first state or the second state by the operation unit control means. A gaming machine having specific game effect control means for performing a specific game effect different from the game effect. The suggestion effect control means includes:
After suggesting that any one of the first state symbol indicating that the operation unit is in the first state and the second state symbol indicating that the operation unit is in the second state is specified, the The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the suggestion effect for specifying a state symbol corresponding to the state determined by the state determination unit is performed.

Images