JP5871883B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that allows a player to operate an effect button to improve the interest of the game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Game machines in recent years have a liquid crystal display device, and it has become mainstream to display various moving images and effect images of still images on the liquid crystal display device to enhance the player's game. Generally, in a gaming machine, a lottery is performed by a main control device (main control board) when a game ball enters a starting port (starting area), and a control command of an effect pattern determined based on the lottery is produced. The effect control board is transmitted to the control device (effect control board), and the effect control board causes the image control board or the like that controls the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device to perform an effect corresponding to the control command. In particular, in recent gaming machines, the production patterns have been diversified by increasing the size of the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device, mounting various types of objects, and increasing the number of lamps in the lamp device, etc., providing various effects to the players It is devised to do.

  Some gaming machines that provide such various performance patterns further include a performance button called a chance button that can be operated by the player to further improve the game performance (for example, Patent Documents). 1). The effect button described in Patent Document 1 has a circular operation surface, and is configured such that the button shines by light emission of a light emitting diode (LED) incorporated in the button, and when it becomes operable during a game. The LED is lit to prompt the player to operate (press).

  In addition, when the reach effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device and the operation of the effect button is enabled, the operation of the effect button is notified in order to prompt the player to operate the effect button ( An effect is also known in which an effect button image resembling an effect button to be displayed is superimposed on a reach effect image on a liquid crystal screen (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, in order to prompt the player to operate the effect button within the period during which the effect button can be operated, the effect button image is superimposed on the reach effect image on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device. An effect is also known in which a number indicating a countdown of the remaining time is displayed on a liquid crystal screen (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Furthermore, when displaying on the LCD screen an effect that informs (suggests) the operation of the effect button to the player, the remaining time during which the operation of the effect button is valid is, for example, “10 seconds remaining” or “remaining An effect is also known in which a sentence such as “1 second” is displayed and notified to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

JP 2004-081603 A JP 2009-066611 A JP 2008-200247 A JP 2007-029656 A

  As described above, some of the conventional gaming machines notify the player who is playing the game that the operation of the effect button is possible. However, in conventional gaming machines, it has not been said that notifications (suggestions) for promptly urging the player to operate the effect buttons are properly performed to the player.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine having a production button, but even when the production button is in an operable state, an image relating to the notification of the production button is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device. Is not displayed. For example, in the gaming machine, the effect button itself is lit, but for a player who is concentrating on the game and watching the liquid crystal screen or game board, the timing that the effect button itself is lit is It is not always possible to confirm.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine that displays on a liquid crystal screen of a liquid crystal display device an effect button image that informs (implies) the operation of the effect button to the player when the operation of the effect button becomes possible. However, the display timing of the effect button image is simultaneously with the start timing of the operation of the effect button. Therefore, when the effect button image is displayed on the LCD screen and the player notices the display, the operation button start time has already passed and the operation available time has started. The production buttons will be operated.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, an effect button image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device in order to prompt the player to operate the effect button, and a number indicating a countdown is “Please press the button within the time limit”. A gaming machine that is displayed together with a character display is described. However, in the case of a player unfamiliar with the gaming machine, whether it is a countdown indicating the remaining time of the operable time currently in progress or a countdown indicating the time until the operable start timing from which the operation is possible May be confused.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 4 describes a gaming machine that displays a character display related to the remaining time of operation of the effect button in units of 1 second such as “10 seconds remaining” or “1 second remaining”. However, since it is necessary and complicated for the player in the game to read the characters, and the display is updated every second, the remaining time that the operation button can be operated for the player in the game Is difficult to grasp as a visual image.

  Furthermore, in paragraph 0231 of Patent Document 4, “the microcomputer for production control (101)... Controls display of the operation promotion display 9c that prompts the operation of the production button (120) and operates the production button (120). Is controlled to display the remaining time display 9b indicating the remaining time of the effective time during which “is effective”. That is, the timing at which the notification image for prompting the player to operate the effect button is displayed at the same time as the operation button operation start timing. Therefore, when the effect button image is displayed on the LCD screen and the player notices the display, the operation button start time has already passed and the operation available time has started. The production buttons will be operated.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and informs the player who is playing the game that the operation of the effect button can be performed at a timing just before the operation of the effect button becomes effective. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of notifying a player who is playing a game of the timing at which an effect button can be operated.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention performs main control means for outputting a control command, display means for displaying an effect image, and display control of the effect image on the display means in accordance with the control command. An effect control means; and an operation means operable by the player; a storage means for storing a notification image for prompting the player to operate the operation means; a read-out notification image from the storage means; Display control means to be displayed on the display means, and the notification image includes a first notification image for prompting a player to operate the operation means, and a remaining time in which the operation of the operation means is valid. A second notification image for indicating to the player, wherein the display control means displays the first notification image in a first display mode for a predetermined time before the operation of the operation means becomes effective. To display the operation means. The first notification image is displayed in the second display mode in a state where the operation is valid, and the second display mode is changed so that the display mode changes with the passage of the remaining time in the state where the operation of the operation means is valid. A notification image is displayed, and the first notification image is characterized in that the period displayed in the first display mode is shorter than the period displayed in the second display mode. .

According to the present invention, at the timing just before the operation of the effect button becomes effective, the player who is playing is notified that the operation of the effect button can be performed, and the player who is playing the operation of the effect button it is possible to notify the possible timing.

It is a front view which shows the structure of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the back surface side of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the main control board of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the presentation control board of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the effect button image display process in step S14 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing chart regarding the effect button image display process when the effect button in the gaming machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is not operated. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement timing chart regarding the effect button image display process when the effect button in the gaming machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is operated. It is a figure which shows the example of the various effect images displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention before the operation button operation time possible start. It is a figure which shows the example of the various effect images displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention after the operation possible time of an effect button is started.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back side of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a gaming board 2 in which a gaming area 6 in which gaming balls flow down is formed, and a glass frame 110 is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the gaming area 6 of the gaming board 2. An operation handle 3 is rotatably provided on the glass frame 110.

  When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3 b in the operation handle 3 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3 and transmits a touch signal to the firing control board 106. When the firing control board 106 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 3b, the firing control board 106 permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 3 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 3a connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 3a is applied to a firing solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 4a, the firing solenoid 4a is operated according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is directed toward the game area 6 with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3. Fire.

  The game ball fired as described above moves up between the rails 5 a and 5 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 2, and then falls in the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 7. Each general winning opening 7 is provided with a general winning opening detecting switch 7a. When the general winning opening detecting switch 7a detects the entering of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls) is provided. Will be paid out.

  Further, at the lower position of the game area 6, similarly to the general winning port 7, a first start port 9 and a second start port 10 through which game balls can enter are provided. The second starting port 10 has a pair of movable pieces 10b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b is maintained in a closed state, and a second mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b are in an open state. It is movable and controlled. When the second starting port 10 is controlled in the first mode, it is impossible or difficult to receive the game ball due to the obstacle 10d positioned right above the second starting port 10. On the other hand, when the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 10b function as a tray, and it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 10. That is, when the second start port 10 is in the first mode, there is almost no opportunity for entering a game ball, and when the second start port 10 is in the second mode, the opportunity for entering a game ball is increased.

  The first start port 9 and the second start port 10 are provided with a first start port detection switch 9a and a second start port detection switch 10a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, respectively. When the switch detects the entry of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as “hit a lottery”), is performed. Also, when the first start port detection switch 9a and the second start port detection switch 10a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a first grand prize winning port 11 is provided below the game area 6 (just below the second starting port). The first grand prize opening 11 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 11b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. On the other hand, when the long winning game is started, the first grand prize opening / closing door 11b is opened, and the first big prize opening / closing door 11b guides the game ball into the first grand prize opening 11. It functions as a saucer, allowing game balls to enter the first grand prize opening 11.

  In addition, a second grand prize winning port 90 is provided immediately below the first starting port 9 below the game area 6. The second grand prize opening 90 normally contains the second big prize mouth tray device 90b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball, but a short hit game or a small hit game is started. Then, the second grand prize receiving tray device 90b slides in the forward direction, and the game ball can enter.

  The first grand prize port 11 and the second grand prize port 90 are provided with a first grand prize port detection switch 11a and a second grand prize port detection switch 90a, respectively. When the two major winning opening detection switch 90a detects the entry of a game ball, a preset prize ball (for example, nine game balls) is paid out.

  Furthermore, in the gaming area 6, a normal symbol gate 8 is provided on the right side of the second starting port 10 so as to pass the game ball. The normal symbol gate 8 is provided with a gate detection switch 8a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 8a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol lottery is performed.

  The lowermost part of the game area 6 is a discharge port for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the general winning port 7, the first starting port 9, the second starting port 10, and the first major winning port 11. 12 is provided.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects. Specifically, a liquid crystal display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal screen (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 6. Further, both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2 are An effect lighting device 16 is provided, and on the left side of the operation handle 3, an effect button 17 on which a player can perform an operation such as an effect is provided. The effect buttons 17 are also called “operation buttons” or “chance buttons”, and are constituted by convex buttons, and the player performs operations such as pressing the buttons. The effect button 17 may be an input pad or the like that employs a touch panel method, instead of a button that is pressed.

  The effect lighting device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light 16a.

  The effect button 17 is displayed only when, for example, an effect button image resembling the effect button 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 and the player is prompted to operate the effect button. It becomes effective. The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection switch 17a. When the effect button detection switch 17a detects a player's operation, the liquid crystal display device 13, the effect lighting device 16 and the Further effects are executed by the audio output device 18 or the like.

  Further, the liquid crystal display device 13 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. For example, when a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10, the effect symbol 30 for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed. For example, the effect symbol 30 scrolls and displays three numbers, and stops the scrolling after a predetermined time, and displays a specific symbol (number) in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 30, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 18 composed of a speaker, and in addition to each of the above-described effect devices, a sound effect is also performed.

  Below the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, a first special symbol hold indicator 22, a second special symbol hold indicator 23, A normal symbol hold indicator 24 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 19 notifies a jackpot lottery result performed when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. In other words, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 19. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, a jackpot lottery will be performed. However, the jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 20 is for informing the lottery result of the jackpot that was performed when a game ball entered the second starting port 10, and the display mode is as described above. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the one special symbol display device 19.

  Further, the normal symbol display device 21 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8. When the normal symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 21 is turned on, and then the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that this normal symbol also does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8, but the normal symbol display device 21 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Is displayed in a variable manner.

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if the big hit lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot is reserved. More specifically, the right to win a jackpot where a game ball enters and is retained at the first start port 9 is retained as a first hold, and a game ball is retained and retained at the second start port 10. The jackpot lottery right is reserved as a second hold.

  For these holds, the upper limit reserved number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 Lights up. Further, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 blinks and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold The two LEDs on the display 22 flash. In addition, the second special symbol hold indicator 23 displays the number of the second reserved reserves as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23. Displayed on the device 24.

  The glass frame 110 supports a glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (on the player side). The glass plate is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110.

  The glass frame 110 is connected to the outer frame 100 via a hinge mechanism portion 111 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and the other end side in the left-right direction using the hinge mechanism portion 111 as a fulcrum. (For example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 100. The glass frame 110 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate, and can rotate like a door using the hinge mechanism 111 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 100 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame 100 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 110 is also provided with a door opening switch 33 that detects whether or not the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame 100.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 101, an effect control board 102, a payout control board 103, a power supply board 107, a game information output terminal board 108, and the like are provided. In addition, a power plug 50 and a power switch (not shown) for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, game progress control by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The main control board 101 is a device that controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 101 includes a main CPU 101a, a main ROM 101b, and a main RAM 101c. The main CPU 101a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 101b based on the input signals from the detection switches and timers, performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device and display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 101a.

  On the input side of the main control board 101, a general winning opening detection switch 7a, a gate detection switch 8a, a first starting opening detection switch 9a, a second starting opening detection switch 10a, a first large winning opening detection switch 11a, a second A big prize opening detection switch 90 a is connected so that a detection signal of a game ball is input to the main control board 101.

  Further, on the output side of the main control board 101, a start opening / closing solenoid 10c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 10b of the second start opening 10 and a large winning opening opening / closing operation for opening / closing the first large winning opening opening / closing door 11b. A solenoid 11c and a second grand prize opening / closing solenoid 90c are connected, and a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, and a hold display, which constitute the symbol display device. The first special symbol hold indicator 22, the second special symbol hold indicator 23, and the normal symbol hold indicator 24 that constitute the device are connected, and various signals are output via the output port.

  Further, the main control board 101 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing a gaming machine in a hall computer or the like of a gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 108.

  The main ROM 101b of the main control board 101 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.

  For example, the main ROM 101b has a jackpot determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not a special symbol variation stop result is a big hit, and when determining whether or not a normal symbol variation stop result is a hit. Reference hit determination table, fall determination table for determining whether or not to end the high probability gaming state Symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol of a special symbol, determination for determining a gaming state change flag based on the special symbol Table, jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state based on the gaming state change flag and the data in the gaming state buffer, special electric accessory operation for determining the opening / closing conditions of the first big prize opening / closing door 11b Aspect determining table, long hitting open mode determining table, short hitting open mode determining table, small hitting open mode determining table Variation pattern determination table or the like for determining the variation pattern of the special symbols are stored.

  Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The main RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the main RAM 101c includes a normal symbol reserved number storage area, a normal symbol reserved storage area, a first special symbol reserved number storage area, a second special symbol reserved number storage area, a determination storage area, a first special symbol storage area, a first 2 special symbol memory area, remaining probability count storage area for high probability gaming state, remaining variation count storage area for short-time gaming state, round game count storage area, open count storage area, winning prize entry pitch storage area, gaming status storage An area, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, a game state change flag storage area, an effect transmission data storage area, and various timer counters are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 108 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 101 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 108 is wired to the main control board 101 and provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of the game store.

  The power supply board 107 supplies power to the gaming machine via the power plug 50, and includes a backup power source composed of a capacitor. The power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine is monitored, and the power supply voltage is less than a predetermined value. When this happens, a power interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 101. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 101a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 101a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. The effect control board 102 includes a sub CPU 102a, a sub ROM 102b, and a sub RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 101 to the effect control board 102. . The sub CPU 102a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 102b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 101 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 17a and the timer and performs arithmetic processing. Based on this, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the image control board 105. The sub RAM 102c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 102a performs arithmetic processing.

  The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program, data necessary for determining various games, tables, and the like.

  For example, the sub ROM 102b stores a variation effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 101. Note that this table only lists characteristic tables among the tables of the present embodiment as an example, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. .

  The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the sub RAM 102c is provided with a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, and the like. Note that these storage areas merely list characteristic storage areas of the storage areas of the present embodiment as an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control board 102 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 102d for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 102a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 102d is normally operated by power from the gaming machine 1 when power is supplied to the gaming machine 1, and is supplied from backup power mounted on the power supply board 107 when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off. It operates with a power source that operates. Therefore, the RTC 102d can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Note that the RTC 102d may be provided with a battery on the effect control board 102 and operated by the battery.

  Alternatively, the RTC 102d may not be provided, and the time may be measured by counting up a counter provided in the sub RAM 102c having a function as a backup RAM every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms).

  The payout control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 103 includes a payout CPU 103a, a payout ROM 103b, and a payout RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 103a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 103b based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 32, the door opening switch 33, and the timer for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out. At the same time, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 101 based on the processing. The payout control board 103 is connected to a payout motor 31 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. Based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 101, the payout CPU 103a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 103b and performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 31 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 103a.

  Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 103, and if a game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game ball is fired on the launch control board 106. Sending fire control data that allows

  When the launch control board 106 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3b and the input signal from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization control of the launch solenoid 4a is performed, and the game ball is launched.

  Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) since one piece is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The lamp control board 104 includes a lamp CPU 104a, a lamp ROM 104b, and a lamp ROM 104b for controlling the lighting of the effect lighting device 16 provided on the game board 2 and controlling the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. A lamp RAM 104c is provided. The lamp control board 104 is connected to the effect control board 102 and performs the above-described controls based on the data transmitted from the effect control board 102.

  The image control board 105 includes an image CPU 105a, an image ROM 105b, an image RAM 105c, a VRAM 105d, an audio CPU 105e, an audio ROM 105f, and an audio RAM 105g for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 13. The image control board 105 is connected to the effect control board 102 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and the liquid crystal display device 13 and the audio output device 18 are connected to the output side thereof.

  The image ROM 105b stores a large number of image data such as effect symbols 30 and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the image CPU 105a reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102. At the same time, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM 105b to the VRAM 105d, and display control in the liquid crystal display device 13 is performed. For example, based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102, the image CPU 105a reads out a background image, various effect design images such as a reach effect and a special reach effect, a character image, a notification image, and the like from the image ROM 105b and writes them into the VRAM 105d. These images are displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  On the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to appear in front of the background image, and the notification image is displayed so as to be in front of the effect image and the character image. . At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 105d by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM 105f stores a large amount of audio data output from the audio output device 18, and the audio CPU 105e reads out a predetermined program based on the command transmitted from the effect control board 102, and Audio output control in the output device 18 is performed.

  Next, image effect control displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the main control board 101 of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing described below is realized by the main CPU 101a of the main control board 101 executing a program stored in the main ROM 101b.

  When the main CPU 101a of the main control board 101 detects that a game ball has won a winning winning opening as a main process with each detection switch (step S1), it acquires a random number (step S2). Then, the main CPU 102a transmits an effect pattern control command to the effect control board 102 based on the acquired random number value (step S3).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the effect control board 102 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing described below is realized when the sub CPU 102a of the effect control board 102 executes a program stored in the sub ROM 102b.

  When receiving the effect pattern control command from the main control board 101 (step S11), the sub CPU 102a of the effect control board 102 determines whether or not the effect pattern control command is a specific command (step S12). In the present embodiment, a reach effect command will be described as an example of a specific command.

  In other words, in this embodiment, when the effect control board 102 receives the reach effect command from the main control board 101, the effect control board 102 controls the image control board 105, and the first effect pattern moving image (reach) corresponding to the reach effect command. The effect pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. Then, when the player operates the effect button 17 within the operable time of the effect button 17, the effect control board 102 acquires the operation information via the effect button detection switch 17 a, and sets the image control board 105. By controlling, the moving image of the second effect pattern (special reach effect pattern) is displayed instead of the reach effect pattern currently displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the player operates the effect button 17, a special reach effect pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13, thereby allowing the player to For example, a sense of expectation that the degree of expectation of jackpot is high can be given.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the received effect control command is a specific command (YES), the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 to cause the liquid crystal display device 13 to display the effect pattern (1) (reach). (Effect pattern) is displayed (step S13). Specifically, the image CPU 105a reads the first effect pattern moving image from the image ROM 105b based on the command from the sub CPU 102a, and causes the liquid crystal display device 13 to display the effect pattern (1) (reach effect pattern). .

  Next, the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 to notify the player to operate the effect button 17 for a predetermined period on the liquid crystal display device 13 on which the reach effect pattern is displayed. An effect button image resembling the effect button 17 is superimposed and displayed (step S14). A detailed description of the effect button image display process in step S14 will be described later.

  Next, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the effect button 17 has been operated by the player (step S15). As a result, when it is determined that the effect button 17 has been operated (YES), the sub CPU 102a further enables the operation of the effect button 17 in which the operation of the effect button 17 is set in advance corresponding to the specific command. It is determined whether or not the operation is within a predetermined period (within the effect button operation time) (step S16).

  As a result of the determination in step S <b> 16, when it is determined that the player's button operation is an operation within the effect button operable time (YES), the sub CPU 102 a controls the image control board 105 to control the liquid crystal display device 13. The display of the effect button image superimposed on the liquid crystal screen is terminated (step S18). Then, the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 at the same time as performing the display end process of the effect button image, and receives the fact that the operation of the effect button 17 was successful within the effective time. The moving image of the pattern is read from the image ROM 105b and the effect pattern (2) (special reach effect pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 (step S19).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the received effect pattern command is not a specific command (NO), the sub CPU 102a performs another effect process according to the received effect pattern command (step S21).

  Further, when it is determined in step S15 that the operation of the effect button 17 has not been performed (NO), the timing at which the predetermined period (effect button operation possible time) during which the operation of the effect button 17 is valid ends (effect). It is determined whether or not it is a button operation end timing (step S17). As a result, when it is determined that it is not the production button operation end timing (NO), the process returns to the above-described step S15.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S16 that the operation is within the effective time (NO), or if it is determined in step S17 that it is the production button operation end timing (YES), the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105. Then, the display of the effect pattern (1) on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 is ended (step S20).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the effect button image display processing in step S14 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation timing chart related to the effect button image display process when the effect button 17 is not operated in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation timing chart related to the effect button image display process when the effect button 17 is operated in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing examples of various effect images that are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention before the start of the operation time of the effect button 17. Furthermore, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating examples of various effect images that are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention after the effectable button 17 can be operated.

  The timing at which the reach effect pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 in step S13 is indicated by time t1 in FIG. At time t1, for example, the reach effect pattern shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. Note that an effect button image and a gauge image, which are notification images to the player described later, are not yet superimposed on the reach effect pattern displayed at this time.

  Then, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the time has reached t2, that is, whether or not it is the display timing of the notification image indicating to the player that the operation of the effect button 17 is soon possible on the liquid crystal display device 13 (step). S14a). As a result, when it is determined that the time is t2 and it is the display timing of the notification image (YES), display of the effect button notice image is started (step S14b). Here, in the present embodiment, the effect button preview image displayed until the operation of the effect button 17 becomes valid is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 after time t3 that is the operation start timing of the effect button 17. A fade-in image represented by a moving image that displays a notification image (effect button image) that is gradually clarified by a fade-in effect is used. That is, the image CPU 105a reads the fade-in image in which the effect button image is gradually clarified and displayed from the image ROM 102b under the control of the sub CPU 102a and is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. Superimposed on the production pattern.

  Specifically, the effect button preview image is superimposed and displayed on the reach effect pattern for a predetermined time before the player can operate the effect button 17 (in this embodiment, at timing t2). Notify that the operation of the effect button 17 will be effective soon. In this embodiment, as the effect button preview image displayed from time t2 to t3, the position F2 where the effect button image is displayed with the bundle of light F1 from the left side of the screen as shown in FIG. 9B. A fade-in image (F3) in which light is accumulated at that position as shown in FIG. 9C is applied, and this moving image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. In addition to the fade-in image of the effect button image, the effect button 17 can be operated with the same timing and effect as the display of the fade-in image (F3) of the effect button image as the effect button preview image of the present embodiment. A fade-in image (F4) is also displayed in which a gauge image indicating the time with a bar-shaped gauge is gradually and clearly displayed.

  Next, the sub CPU 102a determines whether or not the time has reached t3, that is, whether or not a predetermined period (effect button operable time) in which the operation of the effect button 17 is valid has come (step S14c). ). As a result, when it is time t3 and the operation of the effect button 17 is enabled (YES), the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 to display the notification image having the above-described fade-in effect. The display of a certain effect button preview image is ended and, as shown in FIG. 10A, a clearly drawn effect button image B1 and a gauge image (G1) are displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. (Step S14d). As described above, in the present embodiment, the timing at which the gauge image (G1) is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 and the timing at which the operation of the effect button 17 can be matched.

  After the effect button image B1 and the gauge image (G1) are displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 in step S14d, the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 and displays it on the liquid crystal screen. Display of the remaining time in which the bar-shaped gauge portion in the gauge image (G1) is sequentially decreased with the passage of time is started (step S14e). Here, in the image ROM 105b of the present embodiment, a plurality of sheets in a mode in which the bar-shaped gauge portion is gradually reduced from a full display mode indicating a state before the lapse of time to a zero display mode indicating a state where all the time has elapsed. Gauge images (for example, 90 frames for displaying for 3 seconds) are stored. In the present embodiment, as an example, a gauge portion expressed in a display mode such as a bright color indicates the remaining time, and a display mode such as a dark color or a background color (that is, a background is visually recognized due to a transparent color) The gauge part expressed by is used to indicate the elapsed time. Then, the image CPU 105a sequentially reads the gauge images from the image ROM 105b as time passes, and sequentially switches and updates them on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  As an example, in this embodiment, the image CPU 105a gradually changes the display of the gauge portion of the gauge image as time elapses from the state of FIG. 10A under the control of the sub CPU 102a. Displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 so as to gradually reduce the portion indicating the remaining time as in the gauge image (G2) shown in b). When the remaining time finally becomes zero (time t4 in FIG. 7), the portion indicating the remaining time on the gauge image (G3) is also eliminated as shown in FIG. 10 (c). In this way, the display mode of the effect button image is displayed separately before and after the operation of the effect button 17 is actually enabled, so that the player can start operating the effect button 17 soon or has already started. It can be notified visually that it is easy to understand.

  In this embodiment, the fade-in image of the effect button image and the fade-in image of the gauge image indicating the remaining operable time of the effect button 17 are used as the effect button preview image, but either one of the fade-in images is used. May be displayed. In addition, instead of using the fade-in image as the effect button preview image, for example, the effect button image is used as it is without being processed, and the effect button image and the gauge image are used when the operation button 17 is actually operable. Both of them may be displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. In any case, the display mode of the effect button image is displayed separately before and after the operation of the effect button 17 is actually enabled, so that the player can start operating the effect button 17 soon. It is possible to easily and visually notify that it has started.

  Here, there is a slight time required for transmission of reflection, called reaction time, until the human body obtains information from the eyes and ears and actually moves the body. Generally, the human reaction time is said to be about 0.2 seconds. As an example, it has been introduced that the time of human blinking reflection (total reflection time) is 0.05 to 0.2 seconds (see Biology Dictionary 4th edition published by Iwanami Shoten).

  Therefore, when the player notices at the moment when the notification image (the effect button preview image or the like) for notifying the player that the operation of the effect button 17 is enabled is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13. Even in such a case, since it takes time to operate the effect button 17 for at least about 0.2 seconds, the player loses the opportunity to operate the effect button 17 at least by that much. In addition, a player who is playing a game is likely to be distracted by a game other than the performance displayed on the liquid crystal screen and lose the opportunity to operate the performance button 17 for 0.2 seconds or more.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player is displayed by displaying the effect button preview image with a display time of about 6 to 7 frames, that is, a display time of about 0.2 to 0.23 seconds (effect rate is 30 frames / second). On the other hand, the operation notification of the effect button 17 is appropriately performed. As described above, in this embodiment, the display of the effect button preview image is started on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 at a timing slightly before the operation of the effect button 17 becomes effective (for example, about 0.2 seconds before). . Thereby, the operable time of the effect button 17 set in advance in the gaming machine 1 can be substantially provided to the player. Note that the display time of the effect button preview image may be longer, for example, a display time of 8 frames or more (in the case of an effect rate of 30 frames / second, a display time of about 0.27 seconds or more).

  It should be noted that during the time when the effect button 17 can be operated, the display mode of the effect button image may not be changed as long as the effect button 17 is not operated, or the fine mode such as the size, position, and color of the effect button image. You may make it change.

  In the present embodiment, the effect button image and the gauge image are stored in the image ROM 105 b of the image control board 105. For example, in the image ROM 105b, a plurality of effect button images for expressing a scene in which the color, size, and the like change minutely, and the gauge indicating the remaining time during which the effect button 17 can be operated are zero from the full state. 90 frames of gauge images (images for 3 seconds) that change to the state, effect button images of 6 to 7 frames, fade-in images of gauge images, and the like are stored. Then, under the control of the sub CPU 102a, the image CPU 105a selects a gauge image from the image ROM 105b at a rate in accordance with the remaining time during which the effect button 17 can be operated, and reads it out to the VRAM 105d. Display on the screen.

  When the gauge image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13, the size of the gauge image is expanded or contracted according to the length of time during which the effect button 17 can be operated. The original gauge image may be reduced and displayed in the length direction or the like, and the original gauge image may be displayed in the length direction or the like when it is 3 seconds or longer. Thereby, it is possible to visually notify the player of the length of time during which the effect button can be operated.

  Further, the gauge image may be generated in real time according to the remaining time during which the effect button 17 can be operated, or may be generated in advance during the game, and accumulated (stored) in the image RAM 105c or VRAM 105d. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the amount of image data stored in the image ROM 105b from the beginning.

  In the case where the effect button image is not changed, one effect button image may be stored, and a gauge image expressing a change in gauge may be stored in 90 frames or more and 90 frames or less. Further, the image ROM 105b may store a fade-in image of 8 frames or more in order to display the effect button preview image for 0.2 to 0.23 seconds or more, which is generally called a human reaction time. Good.

  Here, in FIG. 8, the state at time t <b> 4 is a state in which the player has not operated the effect button 17, so the sub CPU 102 a controls the image control board 105 to control the liquid crystal display device 13 of the gaming machine 1. The display of the notification image (the effect button image and the gauge image) superimposed on the reach effect pattern displayed on is terminated, and the display of the reach effect pattern is also terminated at time t5. In the present embodiment, the display end timing of the effect button image and the display end timing of the gauge image are set to the same time t4. However, the display of the effect button image is ended first, and then the display of the effect button image is ended. The display end timing of both images may be changed. The display end timing of both images (time t4) and the reach end image display end timing (time t5) may be the same time.

  In addition, when the player operates the effect button 17 in the above-described step S15 and it is within the effect button operable period (time) (for example, at time t6 in FIG. 8), the sub CPU 102a performs image control. The substrate 105 is controlled to end the display of the effect button image and the gauge image that are superimposed on the reach effect pattern on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 (step S18). Then, the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 to display the special reach effect pattern on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 until time t5 instead of the reach effect pattern that has been displayed (step). S19).

  The specific configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above is not limited to the embodiment, and the present invention can be applied even if there is a design change or the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. included. For example, in the above embodiment, the reach effect command is used as an example of the specific command, but other commands may be used. For example, the specific command includes a jackpot command transmitted during the continuation of the jackpot state, a jackpot start command for starting the jackpot state processing, a jackpot end command for ending the jackpot state processing, A jackpot reach command for executing processing in the normal reach state, a power-on command for executing processing at the time of power-on in the peripheral portion, and a customer waiting demo command for executing a demonstration display in the non-game state in the peripheral portion , A customer waiting demonstration stop command for stopping the demonstration display in the non-gaming state in the peripheral part, a detach command for executing processing when the lottery result at the lottery is out of the peripheral part, a normal electric accessory (electric tulip ) Special lottery is short as well as open lottery and so-called fake jackpot Only it may be small per command and the like transmitted for the duration of the small contact state so as to open. In addition to the above, the specific command may be, for example, a power off command, a miss reach command, a miss non-reach command, a round start command, a round end command, or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the player is notified of the operable timing of the effect button 17 using the effect button image, the gauge image, and their fade-in images, but the notification image is not limited thereto. Never happen. Further, the method of displaying the effect button image, the gauge image, and their fade-in images in the liquid crystal screen, the display mode, and the like are not limited to the above embodiment.

  Further, the color, shape, and size of the effect button image and gauge image, the display position on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13 and the like are not limited to the above embodiment, and are within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Any change in design is included in the present invention.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine such as a sparrow ball gaming machine or an arrangement ball. The present invention can also be applied to other game machines such as a spinning machine such as a machine or a slot machine. Also in these gaming machines, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained by configuring in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 13 Liquid crystal display device 17 Effect button 101 Main control board 101a Main CPU
101b Main ROM
101c Main RAM
102 Production control board 102a Sub CPU
102b Sub ROM
102c Sub RAM
102d RTC
105 Image control board F1, F3, F4 Fade-in image (effect button preview image)
B1 effect button image G1, G2, G3 gauge image

Claims (1)

Main control means for outputting a control command, display means for displaying an effect image, effect control means for controlling display of the effect image on the display means in response to the control command, and an operation that can be operated by the player Means, and
Storage means for storing a notification image for prompting the player to operate the operation means;
Display control means for reading the notification image from the storage means and displaying it on the display means,
The notification image includes a first notification image for prompting the player to operate the operation means, a second notification image for indicating to the player the remaining time in which the operation of the operation means is valid, Including
The display control means includes
The first notification image is displayed in a first display mode for a predetermined time before the operation of the operation means becomes valid, and the first notification image is displayed in the second display state when the operation of the operation means is valid. In the display mode of
Displaying the second notification image so that the display mode changes with the passage of the remaining time in the state in which the operation of the operation means is valid ,
In the first notification image, the period displayed in the first display mode is shorter than the period displayed in the second display mode,
A gaming machine characterized by