JP5900466B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine (pachinko machine) that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board on which a game area is formed.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a ball game machine that performs a determination (lottery) related to execution of a specific game advantageous to a player and starts a specific game based on a result of the determination being a specific result. In such a ball game machine, an effect display device such as a liquid crystal display generally performs a determination effect display for indicating the result of the determination described above.

  In recent years, there are various types of ball game machines as described above, and the contents of the judgment effect display, the process until the start of the specific game, the game state after the end of the specific game, etc. have diversified. Yes. For this reason, the content of the game in each ball game machine is becoming difficult for the player to understand. In order to deepen the player's understanding of the ball game machine, it has been proposed to display information related to the ball game machine on the effect display device.

  For example, the bullet ball game machine of Patent Document 1 displays a normal image explaining a game method as information related to the bullet ball game machine before the game is started. Then, when the game is started, the display of the normal image is finished, and the start image (image suggesting the start of the game) is displayed for 30 seconds, and then the normal image is displayed again. Further, when the game ball enters the start port during the display of the normal image, the display of the normal image is terminated.

JP 2000-24227 A

  However, in the bullet ball game machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the game is started and when the game ball enters the start port, information related to the bullet ball game machine (a game method in Patent Document 1) is displayed. It ends. For this reason, there is a possibility that the game may be advanced without the player understanding the information related to the bullet ball gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to increase a player's understanding of information related to a ball game machine.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
Determination means for determining whether or not to play a specific game advantageous to the player;
A determination effect execution means for displaying a determination effect display for indicating the result of the determination;
A ball game machine equipped with
Information effect execution means for starting an information effect display indicating information relating to the bullet ball game machine based on establishment of a predetermined game start condition and ending the information effect display based on establishment of a predetermined effect end condition. Prepared,
The information effect execution means does not end the information effect display even when the determination effect display is started during the execution of the information effect display.

  In such a ball game machine, when the game is started, an information effect display indicating information related to the ball ball game machine is performed. Therefore, when the game is started, the information related to the ball game machine is transmitted to the player. Can be confirmed. Further, even if the determination effect display is started when the information effect display is being performed, the information effect display is continued until a predetermined effect end condition is satisfied. Therefore, even if the determination effect display is started, the player can confirm the information effect display until a predetermined effect end condition is satisfied. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's level of understanding of the information relating to the ball game machine at the timing when the game is started, and thus to enhance the game interest.

  Here, “information relating to a ball game machine” indicates information indicating the meaning of a game effect (story, expectation level resulting from a specific result, etc.) performed on the ball ball machine, or the specification of the ball game machine. Information, information indicating a game history in the ball game machine, and the like can be exemplified.

In addition, the ball game machine of the present invention,
When the game start condition is satisfied, the information effect execution means may select an information effect display to be executed from among a plurality of information effect displays provided in advance, and perform the selected information effect display.

  According to such a ball game machine, an information effect display selected from a plurality of information effect displays is performed, so that various information related to the ball game machine can be confirmed by the player. As a result, it is possible to further increase the player's level of understanding of the information related to the ball and ball game machine, and to further enhance the game entertainment.

In addition, the ball game machine of the present invention,
Among the plurality of information effect displays, at least two information effect displays may have different execution times.

  According to such a ball game machine, since the execution time varies depending on the type of the information effect display, the execution time of the information effect display can be varied, and an appropriate execution time according to the contents of the information effect display and You can also

In addition, the ball game machine of the present invention,
When the determination effect display is performed when the information effect display is not performed, the determination effect execution means performs the determination effect display in a predetermined normal display mode, and the information effect display is performed. Sometimes, when the determination effect display is performed, the determination effect display may be performed in a simple display mode in which the display content is simplified as compared with the normal display mode.

  According to such a ball game machine, when the determination effect display is started while the information effect display is being performed, the determination effect display is performed in a simple display mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the determination effect display from interfering with the information effect display. As a result, it becomes possible to further enhance the player's understanding of information related to the ball game machine.

Here, as the “simple display mode” of the determination effect display, a display mode having a display area smaller than the normal display mode, a display mode having fewer types of symbols (so-called sprite images, etc.) displayed than the normal display mode, and a normal display mode The display mode etc. which are displayed on another display part (what is called a sub liquid crystal etc.) can be illustrated.
Moreover, the following configuration may be adopted for the ball game machine of the present invention. That is,
Determination means for determining whether or not to play a specific game advantageous to the player;
A determination effect execution means for displaying a determination effect display for indicating the result of the determination;
A ball game machine equipped with
Information display execution means for starting information display indicating information relating to the ball game machine based on establishment of a predetermined start condition and ending the information display based on establishment of a predetermined end condition;
The information display execution means displays the information display over the determination effect display without ending the information display even when the determination effect display is started during execution of the information display. Do
It is good as well.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the player's understanding degree with respect to the information which concerns on a ball game machine can be raised.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st symbol display apparatus of a present Example, and a 2nd symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the presentation display apparatus of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect (symbol fluctuation effect) of the effect performed with the effect display apparatus of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the description effect and selection effect of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the selection effect process of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the description production process of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the "simplified symbol variation effect" of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit effect process of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the "normal jackpot effect" and the "simplified jackpot effect" of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process of the modification 1. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit effect process of the modification 2.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (ball game machine) called a “seven machine” or a “digipachi” will be described.

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. An upper plate part 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. A speaker 5 y is provided on the left side of the upper plate part 5. An effect button BT is provided on the front side of the upper plate 5. As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to input instructions from the player by operating the effect button BT, and it is possible to perform a game effect according to the operation. . Further, a human body detection sensor 18 for detecting a player seated in front of the pachinko machine 1 is provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform a predetermined game effect by detecting the player seated in front of the pachinko machine 1 with the human body detection sensor 18. In addition, as the human body detection sensor 18, an element for detecting reflection of infrared rays or ultrasonic waves, an image pickup element for imaging a player, or the like is employed.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower plate portion 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement is transferred to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launching device unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11, and flows down from above the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and an effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background image can be variably displayed and stopped and displayed. Various effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the effect display device 27, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided diagonally to the right of the effect display device 27. Of these, the first symbol display device 28 can variably display the normal symbol and the first special symbol, and the second symbol display device 32 can variably display the second special symbol. Yes. Detailed configurations of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 will be described later. In the following, the first special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “first special figure”, and the second special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “second special figure”.

  A normal symbol left operation gate 36 and a normal symbol right operation gate 37 are provided at the left end and the right end of the game area 11, and inside these gates are operation gate switches 36 s for detecting the passage of a game ball, 37s are provided (see FIG. 5). Further, lamp wind turbines 24 and 25 are provided between the left and right normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 26. Further, a number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A start port unit 17 is provided below the central device 26. The starter unit 17 is configured by combining two starters up and down, and the first starter port 17a provided on the upper side is a game in which the size of the opening into which a game ball enters is unchanged (constant). It is a entrance where balls can always enter. On the other hand, the second start port 17b provided on the lower side includes a pair of blade pieces 17w that can be opened and closed to the left and right, a start port solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5) that operates the blade pieces 17w, and the like. It is a entrance that changes the possibility of entering a game ball by opening and closing the wing piece 17w. The game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through the passages provided in the respective ones. A first start port switch 17s is provided in a passage inside the first start port 17a, and a game ball that has entered the first start port 17a can be detected. Further, a second start port switch 17t is provided in the passage inside the second start port 17b, and a game ball that has entered the second start port 17b can be detected.

  Below the start opening unit 17, a big prize device 31 is provided. The big winning device 31 is constituted by a big winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 31e for opening / closing the big winning opening 31d, a big winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for operating the opening / closing member 31e, and the like. Has been. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the special winning opening solenoid 31m is operated to open the opening / closing member 31e, and the special winning opening 31d is opened. As a result, a big hit game (specific game) that is advantageous for a player who enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability of a game ball is started. In addition, a big winning opening switch 31s is provided inside the big winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 31d. An out port 48 is provided below the grand prize winning device 31, and a back ball prevention member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A shows the first symbol display device 28, and FIG. 3B shows the second symbol display device 32. First, the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating 16 small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these 16 LEDs, 5 LEDs constitute the normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining 11 LEDs constitute the first special symbol display unit 30. Further, the normal symbol display unit 29 is composed of one LED (normal symbol LED 29a) for displaying a normal symbol and four LEDs (normal symbol hold display LED 29b) for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols. It is configured. In addition, the first special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying the first special symbol (first special symbol LED 30a) and four LEDs for displaying the number of reserved first special symbols ( First special figure hold display LED 30b). In the following, the holding of the first special symbol (first special figure) is also referred to as “first special figure holding”, and the holding number of the first special figure is also referred to as “first special figure holding number”.

  The 2nd symbol display apparatus 32 shown in FIG.3 (b) becomes a structure which removed the normal symbol display part 29 with respect to the 1st symbol display apparatus 28 mentioned above. That is, the second symbol display device 32 is provided with a second special symbol display unit 33 composed of eleven LEDs, and the seven LEDs provided in the approximate center of the second symbol display unit 33 display the second special symbol. It is LED for displaying (second special symbol LED 33a), and the remaining four LEDs are LEDs for displaying the number of reserved special symbols (second special symbol LED 33b). Hereinafter, the holding of the second special symbol (second special figure) is also referred to as “second special figure holding”, and the holding number of the second special figure is also referred to as “second special figure holding number”. If there is no need to distinguish between them, “first special figure hold” and “second special figure hold” are collectively referred to as “special figure hold”.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is configured using a liquid crystal display, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background image 27d of the background are displayed on the display screen. . The three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display in synchronization with the start timing of the special symbol variable display in the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33. The variation display is performed in various modes until the variation time elapses. Then, the variation display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is completed in synchronization with the end timing of special symbol variation display (special symbol stop display).

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and so on. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub-control board 220 that controls the effect of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the display and sound of images under the control of the sub-control board 220 The audio / video control board 230 that outputs the image, the decoration drive board 226 that drives the various LEDs and the lamps 4b to 4f under the control of the sub-control board 220, and the payout that controls the operation of paying out the rented or winning balls A control board 240 and a launch control board 260 for controlling the launch of the game ball are configured. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus.

  When the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switches 36s, 37s, etc., the detection signal is input. A command for instructing various operations determined according to the switch is transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the dispensing control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces 17w provided in the second start port 17b, and a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, Furthermore, the 1st symbol display device 28, the 2nd symbol display device 32, etc. are connected via the relay terminal board (not shown), These various solenoids 17m and 31m, 1st symbol display device 28, 2nd symbol These operations are also controlled by transmitting a drive signal toward the display device 32.

  The sub-control board 220 is connected to an image / audio control board 230, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, by sending a command for designating display contents and audio contents to the image / sound control board 230, or by sending drive signals of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f to the decoration drive board 226, the effect of the game I do. Further, when the sub-control board 220 detects a player's operation on the effect button BT via the effect button board 228, the sub-control board 220 performs an effect corresponding to the operation. Further, when the human body sensor 18 detects the player seated in front of the pachinko machine 1, the sub-control board 220 performs a predetermined game effect.

  The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads out data (for example, sprite data or moving image data for displaying an effect design or a character image) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 235 to generate an image, and Output to the display screen. Further, when receiving a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 reads out voice data corresponding to the command from the voice ROM 236, and outputs a voice based on the voice data from the speaker 5y via the amplifier board 224.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 via a relay terminal board (not shown). Is transmitted to the device 13. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Further, when the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m, whereby the prize ball is paid out.

B. Overview of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate part 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate part 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes either the normal symbol operation left gate 36 or the normal symbol operation right gate 37 provided on the left and right of the game area 11, the first symbol display provided on the lower left side of the effect display device 27. In the device 28, the normal symbol variation display is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes the normal symbol LED 29a and the normal symbol hold display LED 29b. It is installed. Among these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to perform the normal symbol variation display (flashing). Then, after repeating blinking for a predetermined time, when the normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, it becomes a hit of the normal symbol, and the second start port 17b (starting below the start port unit 17 is started). Mouth) is open for a predetermined opening time. On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is out of the normal design and the second start port 17b does not open. Further, when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation left gate 36 or the normal symbol operation right gate 37 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of the game ball is stored in the RAM 203 as the normal symbol hold (normal figure hold). After the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is performed based on the ordinary diagram suspension. Up to four common figure holds can be stored, and the number of stored common figure holds (the number of common figure holds) lights up the number of common figure hold display LEDs 29b corresponding to the number of held common figures. Is done by.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the first special symbol display unit 30, and the first special symbol (first special symbol) is variably displayed. It is possible. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the second special symbol display unit 33 provided in the second symbol display device 32 can display the second special symbol (second special symbol) in a variable manner. . Of these, the first special symbol corresponds to the first start port 17a, the second special symbol corresponds to the second start port 17b, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol corresponds to the corresponding start port. When a game ball enters, the change display starts. Further, as described above, the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 have the same configuration, and accordingly, the first special symbol and the second special symbol change in the same manner. Display.

  The first special symbol and the second special symbol are variably displayed until a predetermined fluctuation time elapses, and then stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol according to the result of the big hit determination. Then, a display (hereinafter also referred to as “determined display”) is performed to maintain the state in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed until a predetermined time elapses in order to determine the jackpot symbol or the off symbol that has been stopped. In this embodiment, as the symbols to be stopped (stop symbols), 100 types of big hit symbols and one type of off symbol are provided for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, each of the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 is composed of seven LEDs, and each jackpot symbol and off symbol are the LEDs to be lit. The combinations are set differently. In the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, each of the seven LEDs (the first special symbol LED 30a and the second special symbol LED 33a) blinks for a predetermined variation time to display the variation of the special symbol. When the fluctuation time elapses, a predetermined combination of LEDs is turned on to stop and display any of the big hit symbols or the off symbol. Then, when any of the jackpot symbols is stopped and displayed, a jackpot game in which the jackpot 31d is opened (a jackpot is generated). That is, the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) function as identification information for indicating the result of the jackpot determination, and the specific result of the variable display and the stop display of the jackpot symbol is obtained. A big hit game (specific game) is started. In the following, a game from the time when the special symbol is displayed in a variable state until the time when the variable display is finished and the jackpot symbol or the out-of-game symbol is finalized, that is, a game until the result of one special symbol variable display is obtained. Is also referred to as “symbol fluctuation game”.

  The game balls entering the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are held on the first special symbol (first special symbol hold) or until the special symbol change display based on the ball starts. It is stored in the storage area (special figure storage area) of the RAM 203 as the second special symbol reservation (second special figure reservation). The first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can each be stored up to four. The stored number of the first special figure hold (the number of the first special figure hold) is displayed by turning on the first special figure hold display LEDs 30b corresponding to the number of the hold. The number of second special figure hold (second special figure hold number) is displayed by turning on the second special figure hold display LEDs 33b corresponding to the hold number.

  In response to the symbol variation game of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs a game effect using the effect symbols (identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, etc.). Hereinafter, a game effect corresponding to a symbol variation game is also referred to as a “symbol variation effect”. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 27. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display constituting the effect display device 27, a left symbol display area in which the left identification symbol 27a is displayed, a middle symbol display region in which the middle identification symbol 27b is displayed, and a right identification symbol 27c are displayed. The right symbol display areas are formed, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed using these display areas. When the special symbol variation display is started in either the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c also start the variation display at the same time in the effect display device 27. To do. In the present embodiment, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed as identification symbols is prepared.

  FIG. 6A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right identification symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle identification symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is a special symbol (first special symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 described above. Or it is comprised so that it may interlock | cooperate with the stop display aspect of a 2nd special symbol. For example, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a “big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are symbol combinations (solo eyes) that have the same symbol. Stopped display. In addition, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped at the “off symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol combination (separated pattern). The identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed are stopped and displayed until the special symbol fixed display time elapses. That is, as with the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol), the effect symbols (identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, etc.) also function as identification information for indicating the result of the jackpot determination. The symbol variation effect performed using the symbol can be regarded as a determination result effect for indicating the result of the jackpot determination.

  Thus, the special symbols displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other. In addition, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are also stopped and displayed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more noticeable than the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, it is normal for a player to play a symbol variation game while looking at the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the left identification symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right identification symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In such a case, the player may watch the variation display of the identification symbol (design variation effect) as to whether the middle identification symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last is also stopped at the same symbol and the so-called jackpot game is started. It will be. In this way, the effect performed in a state where the two identification symbols are stopped with the same symbol (a mode that can be a big hit symbol) and the last identification symbol is variably displayed is called “reach effect”. It is possible to enhance the entertainment interest of the game by generating.

C. Game control processing:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 for controlling the progress of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the game control process, “Prize ball related process”, “Normal symbol game process”, “Second start opening closing process”, “Special figure hold related process”, “Special symbol game process”, “Big hit game process” Each process is repeatedly executed. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is configured to perform a game control process based on a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined cycle. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 4 msec. That is, the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is executed as a timer interrupt process every 4 msec in the CPU 201. During the game control process, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out the game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the switches related to the winning of the game ball (the first starting port switch 17s, the second starting port switch 17t, the big winning port switch 31s, etc.) It detects whether or not a ball has entered. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 240. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and according to the result, a drive signal is sent to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device (not shown). Is sent out to actually pay out a prize ball.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process following the prize ball related process (S50) (S100). This determination is made by detecting whether or not the second start port 17b is open. If the second start port 17b is not in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the second start port 17b is in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S100: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is omitted.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold) exists (whether or not it is “0”). If a general symbol hold exists, a normal symbol hit determination is performed. Here, the common figure hold stores information indicating the value of the random number for determining the common figure acquired when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37, and in the present embodiment, the memory is stored. The upper limit of the number (holding number) is “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol or with the off symbol. Subsequently, after the normal symbol variation time is set, the normal symbol variation display is started, and when the variation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the symbol of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the second start port solenoid 18m is operated to rotate the blade piece 17w provided in the second start port 17b to both sides, thereby starting the second start. Open the mouth 17b.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the second start port 17b is in an open state (S190). And when it is an open state (S190: yes), the process (2nd start port closing process) for making the 2nd start port 17b into a closed state from an open state is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the 2nd starting port 17b is not an open state (S190: no), since it is not necessary to perform a 2nd starting port closing process, it abbreviate | omits.

  In the second starting port closing process (S200), when any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, the opening time of the second starting port 17b has elapsed, or a prescribed number of games are stored in the second starting port 17b. It is determined whether any of the conditions for entering the ball is satisfied, and when any of the conditions (starting port opening end condition) is satisfied, the opened second starting port 17b is closed. Perform the process. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number (when the start port opening end condition is not satisfied), The second start port closing process (S200) is terminated with the second start port 17b open.

  Here, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be roughly divided into a setting state of a probability that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit (big hit probability), and an opening when the second start port 17b is in an open state. It is determined based on the time setting status. Among these, the game state based on the setting state of the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to either “open extended state” or “non-open extended state”. Compared to the “non-open extended state”, the “open extended state” has a higher probability (probability per ordinary figure) that the result of the above-mentioned normal symbol hit determination result is “hit”, and the normal symbol change time (normal figure change time) ) Is short and the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to be long. Therefore, in the open extended state, the second start port 17b is frequently opened and the period in which the second start port 17b is in the open state is longer than in the non-open extended state. The possibility of entering is increased.

  In order to realize such a configuration, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the gaming state is set to “open extended state”, the “variable shortening flag” and “open extended flag” are set to ON. When the game state is set to “non-open extended state”, these flags are set to OFF. Then, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability per base map to a high probability (for example, “99/100”) and sets the base map change time to a short time (for example, “99/100”). For example, “1 second” is set, and based on the “open extension flag” being set to ON, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a long time (for example, “1.5 seconds × 3 times open = 4.5 seconds "). On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability per base drawing to a low probability (for example, “2/100”) and sets the base map variation time to a long time (for example, “ 20 seconds "), and based on the fact that the opening extension flag is set to OFF, the opening time of the second start port 17b is short (for example," 0.1 seconds × 3 times opening = 0.3 seconds "). )).

  Thus, when the process related to the second start port 17b is performed (S190 to S200), the process for storing the special figure hold (the special figure hold related process) is performed (S250). In the special figure hold-related process, when a game ball enters the first starting port 17a, the number of the first special symbol hold (the number of the first special figure hold) has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). If not, the determination random number is acquired and stored as the first special figure hold. In addition, when a game ball enters the second start port 17b, if the number of reserved special symbols (the number of second special symbols held) has not reached the upper limit (“4” in the present embodiment), the determination random number Is acquired and stored as the second special figure hold. Here, as the determination random number, a jackpot determination random number for performing a jackpot determination, which will be described later, a jackpot symbol determination random number for determining a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed as the first special chart or the second special chart when a big hit occurs, Fluctuation pattern determination random numbers and the like for determining the fluctuation pattern until the stop display is obtained.

  In this way, when the special symbol hold related process is performed (S250), a process for executing the special symbol game (special symbol game process) is performed (S300). In the special symbol game process, the following process is performed when the big hit game is not being played. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol (either the first special figure or the second special figure) is being displayed in a variable display or a final display. If the special symbol is neither variable display nor final display, processing for starting the special symbol variable display (symbol variable game) is performed.

  That is, when the second special figure hold is stored, the second special figure hold is read, and when the second special figure hold is not stored, the first special figure hold is read. When the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is read, it is determined whether or not the high-accuracy flag is set to ON.

  Here, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is set to either the “open extended state” or the “non-open extended state” described above, and the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (big hit) "High probability state" with a high probability) or "Low probability state" with the probability lower than the high probability state. The high probability flag is a flag that is set to ON when the gaming state is set to a high probability state (a state in which the probability changing function is activated).

  If it is in the low probability state, the determination result based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read special figure hold will be a “big hit” with a low probability (for example, 1/300). For example, a jackpot determination is performed in which the determination result based on the jackpot determination random number becomes “big hit” with a high probability (for example, 1/30). When the big hit determination is performed, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) from when the special symbol starts to display the fluctuation until it stops is decided based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number included in the read special figure hold. Furthermore, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, based on the big hit symbol determination random number included in the special figure hold, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed in the current symbol variable game is determined from 100 types of big hit symbols. If the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (ie, it is a miss), only one type of missed symbol is determined as it is as a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game.

  In this way, the jackpot determination is made based on the special figure hold, and when the fluctuation pattern and the symbol to be stopped and displayed (one of the 100 types of big hit symbols or the off symbol) are determined, the special is based on the fluctuation pattern. Starts variable display of symbols. At this time, a variation pattern designation command for designating the type of variation pattern of the special symbol for which variation display has been started this time, or a stop symbol designation command for designating a stop symbol for the special symbol that is stopped and displayed via the variation display, It is transmitted toward the sub-control board 220 as a “time command”.

  After that, when the fluctuation time elapses, the special symbol in the variable display is stopped and displayed with the predetermined symbol. The execution of the stop display ends the symbol variation game. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed, a “symbol stop command” indicating that the special symbol during the variable display is stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot flag is set to ON to start the jackpot game. The big hit flag is a flag indicating that a big hit game is being executed (during the big hit game). In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, a “big hit start command” indicating that the big hit game is started is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

  Thus, when the special symbol game process is performed (S300), it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S350). As a result, when the jackpot game is being executed (S350: yes), that is, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the immediately preceding symbol variation game, or the jackpot game has been started or before that, If it is, the process related to the progress of the jackpot game (the jackpot game process) is performed (S400). Here, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as the big hit game, the round game in which the big winning opening 31d is opened is executed 15 times. Therefore, in the big hit game process, the control process is performed 15 times so that the special winning opening 31d is opened, and when 30 seconds elapse or when 10 game balls are entered, the game is closed. Thus, after 15 round games are played, a process for ending the big hit game is performed.

  In this process, first, a “big hit end command” indicating the end of the big hit game is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. Subsequently, the high-accuracy flag, the fluctuation shortening flag, and the release extension flag are set to ON in order to set the game state after the big hit game to the high probability state and the open extension state. Then, the value of the high-accuracy counter is set to “70” in order to continue the high-probability state and the extended extended state until 70 symbol variation games are executed at the maximum (if no big hit occurs) The number of times is 70 times and the number of short-time continuations is 70 times). The value of the high-accuracy counter is decremented by “1” every time a symbol variation game is performed, and when the value becomes “0”, the gaming state is set to a low probability state and a non-open extended state (high Set the certain flag, fluctuation shortening flag, and release extension flag to OFF). In this way, when the process related to the big hit game is performed (S350 to S400), the process returns to the top of the game control process and the process after the prize ball related process (S50) is performed. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 that executes the special symbol game process (S300) and the jackpot game process (S350 to S400) functions as "symbol variable game execution means" and "specific game execution means".

D. Process for executing the game production:
Next, processing for executing a game effect (such as a symbol variation effect or a jackpot game effect) in accordance with the progress of the game will be described. The game effect is performed using effect devices such as various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f, the speaker 5y, and the effect display device 27. Specifically, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 sends various driving signals to the various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f via the decorative driving board 226 in accordance with the progress of the game, so that the various LEDs / lamps 4b to 4f are transmitted. Are made to emit light with light emission patterns corresponding to various effects. Further, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command (effect command) to the image / sound control board 230 in accordance with the progress of the game. When the CPU 231 of the image / sound control board 230 receives the effect command from the sub-control board 220, the type of image data corresponding to the effect command, the display position of the image data, the enlargement / reduction ratio of the image data, etc. (drawing list) ) And the determined drawing list is transmitted to the VDP 234. When the VDP 234 receives the drawing list, the VDP 234 reads out image data from the image ROM 235 based on the received drawing list, and outputs the read image data to the effect display device 27 in the position and display method based on the drawing list. When the CPU 231 of the image / sound control board 230 receives the effect command from the sub-control board 220, it determines the sound data (music data, etc.) corresponding to the effect command, and the determined sound data is sent from the sound ROM 236. read out. Then, sound (music or the like) based on the read sound data is output from the speaker 5y via the amplifier board 224. As described above, the image / sound control board 230 according to the present embodiment responds to the effect commands independently of the sub control board 220 after receiving the commands (effect commands) corresponding to the various effects from the sub control board 220. Image and audio output can be performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the “CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220” is the main player, and the game effects are performed in cooperation with the “decorative drive board 226” and the “CPU 231 and VDP 234 of the image / audio control board 230”. It has become a thing. In the following, a process for executing a game effect will be described with reference to “CPU 221 of sub-control board 220”, which is the execution subject of the game effect.

D-1. Selection effect processing:
In the following, the selection effect process will be described. As preparation, first, “explanation effect” and “selection effect” will be described. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, there may be a “description effect” in which “description of the pachinko machine 1 (information related to the pachinko machine 1)” is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 as a game effect. The “description of pachinko machine 1” includes the following “description of game effects”, “description of relationship between game effects and jackpot expectation”, “description of specifications”, “game history”, etc. The

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an explanation effect and a selection effect. Among them, FIG. 8A illustrates “Description of the theme of the game effect” as the explanation effect. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, various game effects such as a symbol variation effect and a jackpot effect, which will be described later, are executed. The game effects are based on some theme such as animation or drama. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, as the “description of the theme of the game effect”, the story of the theme of the game effect and the description of the characters are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27. To display.

  FIG. 8B illustrates “explanation of relationship between game effect and jackpot expectation” as an explanatory effect. In the pachinko machine 1, the expectation level (hit expectation degree) that a big hit is generated in the symbol variation effect varies depending on the contents of the symbol variation effect such as the type of character and the type of reach effect displayed during the symbol variation effect. Specifically, in the symbol variation game that is a big hit, the symbol variation effect that displays the character A with a higher probability than the character B is executed, and in the symbol variation game that is out of the symbol variation, the character variation is displayed with a higher probability than the character A. Perform the production. Thereby, the probability (expected degree) that a big hit occurs in the symbol variation effect is higher when the character A is displayed than when the character B is displayed during the symbol variation effect. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, as the “description of the relationship between the game effect and the jackpot expectation level”, the jackpot expectation level for each displayed character is displayed in the effect display device 27. On the display screen.

  Further, in FIG. 8C, “specification explanation” is illustrated as an explanation effect. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8C, as the “explanation of the specifications”, the so-called pachinko machine 1 such as the jackpot probability, the probability variation continuation count, the short-time continuation count, the jackpot game round count, The specifications (specifications) are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27.

  FIG. 8D illustrates “game history” as an explanatory effect. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game history includes the total number of symbol variable games per day (today) in the pachinko machine 1, the number of jackpot games, the number of symbol variable games since the end of the previous jackpot game, and the like. It is remembered. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8D, these game histories are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27.

  Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a “selection effect” for causing the player to select an explanation effect to be executed is performed prior to the explanation effect as described above. In the selection effect, as shown in FIG. 8 (e), the above-described items indicating the four explanation effects are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27. Also, the execution time of the explanation effect is displayed in correspondence with the item indicating each explanation effect (“60 seconds”, “30 seconds”, “15 seconds”, “10 seconds” in the figure). That is, each explanation effect has a different execution time, and the execution time is displayed so that the player can confirm. As will be described in detail later, when any explanation effect is selected by the player during execution of the selection effect, the selected explanation effect is executed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the selection effect process of the present embodiment. In the selection effect process, a process related to the selection effect shown in FIG. When the selection effect process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the symbol variation effect is being executed (S500). As a result, if the symbol variation effect is not being executed (S500: no), it is determined whether the selection effect is being executed (S502). If the selection effect is not being executed (S502: no), it is determined whether or not a game by a new player is started on the pachinko machine 1 (S504).

  In the determination process of S504, when the human body detection sensor 18 (see FIG. 5) does not detect the player for a predetermined time and a new player is detected, the game by the new player starts with the pachinko machine 1. It is judged that it was done. In addition, when performing such a determination process, even if the player who is playing the game with the pachinko machine 1 leaves the pachinko machine 1 for a meal break or the like and then plays the game with the pachinko machine 1 again, for example. There is a possibility that it is determined that a game by a new player has started (even if they are the same player). In view of this, if an imaging element is employed as the human body detection sensor 18, this determination process can be performed with higher accuracy. That is, it is possible to determine whether the player is the same player or a new player by imaging the player a plurality of times at a predetermined imaging timing and comparing the captured images of the players. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the game start condition is established based on the detection of the player by the human body detection sensor 18, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 that performs the determination process of S504 together with the human body detection sensor 18 is a game start detection means. As a function.

  As a result of the determination process in S504, if it is determined that a game by a new player has started (S504: yes), the selection effect shown in FIG. 8E is started. As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a game by a new player is started when neither the symbol variation effect nor the selection effect is being executed, the selection effect is started. That is, when the symbol variation effect is being executed, it is unlikely that a new player will start a game, and if the selection effect is started while the symbol variation effect is being executed, the selection effect will be added to the currently executing symbol variation effect. Are performed in duplicate, making it difficult to visually recognize any effects. Therefore, the selection effect is not started during the execution of the symbol variation effect (S500: yes). Of course, the selection effect is not started even during the execution of the selection effect (S502: yes). On the other hand, when a game by a new player is started during the execution of the explanation effect, the explanation effect is ended and the selection effect is started. In this way, even if another player quits the game while the explanation effect is being executed, the selection effect is started when the game by the new player is started, so the explanation effect is given to the new player. It is possible to select.

  If it is determined in S502 that the selected effect is being executed (S502: yes), it is determined whether or not the effect button BT (see FIG. 5) has been operated (S508). As a result, when the effect button BT is operated (S508: yes), the description effect item that is a selection candidate in the selection effect shown in FIG. 8E is switched (S510). In the example shown in FIG. 8E, the item “Explanation of the theme of the game effect” is displayed as a selection candidate by surrounding it with a thick frame. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, every time the effect button BT is operated from the state shown in FIG. 8 (e), the selection candidate is “description of relationship between game effect and jackpot expectation” → “description of spec”. → When “game history” is switched, and the effect button BT is operated next, the item “explanation of the theme of the game effect” is displayed again as a selection candidate. In addition to the configuration for displaying the explanation effect item as a selection candidate in a thick frame, the configuration in which the color of the selection candidate item is different from other items, or the vicinity of the selection candidate item Various configurations such as a configuration for displaying an image such as an arrow may be employed. Of course, when the production button BT is not operated, the selection candidate is not switched (the process of S510 is omitted).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether it is the end timing of the selection effect (S512). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the selection effect ends in 10 seconds from the start. Therefore, in the process of S512, it is determined whether or not 10 seconds have elapsed since the selection effect was started. As a result, when it is the end timing of the selection effect (S512: yes), the selection effect is ended (S514), and an explanation effect corresponding to the item being displayed as a selection candidate (FIGS. 8A to 8D). Any).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the effect button BT is operated during the execution of the selection effect (S508: yes), when a selection instruction input by the player is generated, it is displayed as a selection candidate. Switch the explanation effect item. When the end timing of the selection effect comes, an explanation effect corresponding to the item being displayed as a selection candidate is started. Therefore, the player can execute the explanation effect by setting the desired explanation effect item as the selection candidate until the selection effect ends.

D-2. Explanation production process:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the explanation effect process of the present embodiment. The explanation effect process is executed following the selection effect process described above with reference to FIG. When the explanation effect process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether any explanation effect is being executed (S600). As a result, if any explanation effect is being executed (S600: yes), it is determined whether or not the effect button BT has been operated (S602). As a result, when the effect button BT is operated (S602: yes), the explanation effect being executed is ended (S604). On the other hand, when the effect button BT is not operated (S602: no), it is determined whether it is the end timing of the explanation effect being executed (S606). That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 8E, the execution time is set for each explanatory effect. Therefore, in the determination process of S606, it is determined whether or not the execution time of the explanation effect has elapsed since the explanation effect being executed was started. As a result, when it is the end timing of the explanation effect being executed (S606: yes), the explanation effect is ended (S604). If the explanation effect is not being executed (S600: no), the processing of S602 to S604 is omitted.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the effect button BT is operated during the execution of the explanatory effect (S602: yes), in other words, when the end instruction input by the player is generated, in other words, the effect ends. If the condition is satisfied, the explanation effect being executed is terminated. In addition, when the execution time of the explanation effect elapses after the explanation effect being executed is started, the explanation effect being executed is ended even when the effect end condition is satisfied. Note that the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs an explanatory effect indicating information related to the pachinko machine 1 based on the start of a game by a new player. Therefore, the explanation effect corresponds to the “information effect display” of the present invention, and the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 corresponds to the “information effect execution means” of the present invention.

D-3. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect process of the present embodiment. The symbol variation effect process is executed following the explanation effect process described above with reference to FIG. When the symbol variation effect process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a variation start command is received (S700). As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the change start command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the special symbol change display (symbol change game) is started. . As a result, when the change start time command is received (S700: yes), it is determined whether or not the selection effect is being executed (S702). As a result, when the selection effect is not being executed (S702: no), it is determined whether the explanation effect is being executed (S704). If the explanation effect is not being executed (S704: no), as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the "normal symbol variation effect" is started using the entire display area of the effect display device 27 (S706). ). This “normal symbol variation effect” is an aspect of the determination effect display performed in the normal display mode.

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 7, the change start command includes a change pattern specifying command for specifying the type of change pattern (change time) of the special symbol for which change display is started this time, and stop after change display. A stop symbol designation command for designating a stop symbol of the special symbol to be displayed is included. Therefore, when starting the “normal symbol variation effect”, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 identifies the variation pattern of the special symbol that started the variation display this time and the stop symbol of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed after the variation display. To do. Then, an effect pattern is determined based on the identified variation pattern, and the symbol variation effect is executed based on the effect pattern. For example, if the variation pattern is a big hit, the symbol variation effect is executed with an effect pattern that displays the character A with a higher probability than the character B. If the variation pattern is out of the character B, the character B has a higher probability than the character A. The symbol variation effect is executed with the effect pattern to be displayed. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 with the same symbol combination (double eye). If the symbol is a disjoint symbol, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in a symbol combination (unevenness) that is not aligned with the same symbol.

  On the other hand, when the timing at which the change start command is received is when the selection effect is being executed (S702: yes) or when the explanation effect is being executed (S704: yes), that is, when the selection effect is being executed or when the description effect is being executed. If the special symbol variation display (symbol variation game) is started, the symbol variation effect simplified from the “normal symbol variation effect” is executed (S708). FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a “simplified symbol variation effect” is executed during the selection effect, and FIG. 12B is a “simplified symbol variation effect” during the explanation effect. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates a mode that is performed. As shown in FIG. 12, the “simplified symbol variation effect” of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is executed in a display area smaller than the “normal symbol variation effect” superimposed on the currently selected selection effect or explanation effect. Is done. Specifically, instead of the identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed in the “normal symbol variation effect”, smaller identification symbols 27x, 27y, and 27z are variably displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen. . Also, in the “simplified symbol variation effect”, fewer effect symbols are displayed than in the “normal symbol variation effect”. For example, in the “simplified symbol variation effect”, an image (effect symbol) such as a character displayed in the “normal symbol variation effect” is not displayed. Furthermore, in the “simplified symbol variation effect”, a sound whose volume is smaller than that of the “normal symbol variation effect” is output from the speaker 5y. In the “simplified symbol variation effect”, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the three identification symbols 27x, 27y, 27z are stopped and displayed in the symbol combination (solo eye) having the same symbol. When the stop symbol is a disjoint symbol, the three identification symbols 27x, 27y, and 27z are stopped and displayed in a symbol combination (separated pattern) that is not aligned with the same symbol. Such a “simplified symbol variation effect” is an aspect of the determination effect display performed in the simple display mode.

  Thus, when the process related to the start of the symbol variation effect is performed (S700 to S708), it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command is received (S710). As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the symbol stop command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the special symbol variation display (symbol variation game) is ended. As a result, when the symbol stop command is received (S710: yes), the identification symbol 27a, 27b, 27c or the identification symbol 27x, 27y, 27z is stopped and displayed as described above, or “normal symbol variation effect” or The “simplified symbol variation effect” is ended (S712). If the explanation effect is ended based on the passage of time or the operation of the effect button BT during the execution of the “simplified symbol variation effect”, the explanation effect of the explanation effect is kept until the “simplified symbol variation effect” is ended. The last displayed image (for example, “End of explanation effect” or the like) is kept displayed. In this way, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable because nothing is displayed in the area other than the display area of the “simplified symbol variation effect”.

D-4. Jackpot presentation processing:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the big hit effect process of the present embodiment. The jackpot effect process is a process related to the jackpot effect indicating that the game is a big hit game, and is executed following the symbol variation effect process described above with reference to FIG. When the big hit effect process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a big hit start command has been received (S800). As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the jackpot start command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the jackpot game is started. As a result, when the jackpot start command is received (S800: yes), it is determined whether or not the selection effect is being executed (S802). As a result, when the selection effect is not being executed (S802: no), it is determined whether or not the explanation effect is being executed (S804). If the explanation effect is not being executed (S804: no), as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the “normal jackpot effect” is started using the entire display area of the effect display device 27 (S806). . For example, by displaying various moving images based on the material handled by the pachinko machine 1 over the entire display area of the effect display device 27, it indicates that a big hit game is being played. The “normal jackpot effect” is an aspect of the jackpot effect display (specific game effect display) performed in the normal display mode.

  On the other hand, when the timing of receiving the jackpot start command is during execution of the selection effect (S802: yes) or when the description effect is being executed (S804: yes), that is, during execution of the selection effect or execution of the description effect. When the big hit game is started, the big hit effect simplified from the “normal hit effect” is executed (S808). FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the “simplified jackpot effect” is executed during the selection effect, and FIG. 14C is a diagram illustrating the execution of the “simplified jackpot effect” during the description effect. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates a mode to do. As shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, the “simplified jackpot effect” of the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is smaller than the “normal jackpot effect” superimposed on the currently selected selection effect or explanation effect. Runs in the display area. Specifically, the “big hit” character image 27w is displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen. In addition, the “simplified jackpot effect” displays fewer effect symbols than the “normal jackpot effect”. For example, in the “simplified jackpot effect”, the moving image displayed in the “normal jackpot effect” is not displayed. Further, in the “simplified jackpot effect”, a sound whose volume is smaller than that of the “normal jackpot effect” is output from the speaker 5y. The “simplified jackpot effect” is an aspect of the jackpot effect display (specific game effect display) performed in the simple display mode.

  Thus, when the processing related to the start of the big hit effect is performed (S800 to S808), it is determined whether or not the big hit end command is received (S810). As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the jackpot end command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 when the jackpot game is finished. As a result, when the jackpot end command is received (S810: yes), the running jackpot effect ("normal jackpot effect" or "simplified jackpot effect") is ended (S812). If the explanation effect ends during the execution of the “simplified jackpot effect”, the image displayed at the end of the explanation effect (for example, “end of the explanation effect”) until the “simplified jackpot effect” ends. (Letters etc.) remain displayed. In this way, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable because nothing is displayed in the area other than the display area of the “simplified big hit effect”.

E. Effects obtained by the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment:
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, an explanation effect is performed when a game is started by a new player. Therefore, when the game is started, information regarding the pachinko machine 1 is confirmed by the player. be able to. Further, even if the symbol variation effect or the big hit effect is started when the explanation effect is being performed, the explanation effect is not ended until the execution time has elapsed, and the “simplified symbol variation effect” is performed. Therefore, it is possible to allow the player to confirm the explanation effect until the execution time elapses while preventing the symbol variation effect from interfering with the explanation effect. As a result, the player's level of understanding of the information related to the pachinko machine 1 can be increased at the timing when the game is started, and as a result, the gaming interest can be enhanced.

  In addition, since one explanation effect is performed from among a plurality of explanation effects, various information related to the pachinko machine 1 can be confirmed by the player. Moreover, since the player performs the explanatory effect selected by operating the effect button BT, the player can confirm the information desired by the player among the information related to the pachinko machine 1. As a result, the player's understanding of the information related to the pachinko machine 1 can be further increased, and as a result, the gaming interest can be further enhanced.

  Further, since the execution time varies depending on the explanation effect, the explanation effect to be executed can vary the execution time of the explanation effect, and thus the time during which the “simplified symbol variation effect” can be executed. In addition, since the player performs the explanation effect selected by operating the effect button BT, the player can select the execution time of the explanation effect, and thus the time when the “simplified symbol variation effect” can be executed. . For example, for a player who already understands the information of the pachinko machine 1 and does not need to confirm the explanation effect, or a player who wants to perform a “normal symbol variation effect” immediately after starting the game. Can select an explanation effect with a short execution time. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the gaming interest.

  In addition, when the effect button BT is operated while the explanation effect is being executed, the explanation effect can be ended even if the execution time has not elapsed. Therefore, the execution time of the explanation effect, and hence the time when the “simplified symbol variation effect” can be executed can be set as the time desired by the player. For example, for a player who already understands the information of the pachinko machine 1 and does not want to confirm the explanation effect, or a player who wants to perform a “normal symbol variation effect” immediately after starting the game. The explanation effect can be ended immediately. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the gaming interest.

F. Modified example:
F-1. Modification 1
In the embodiment described above, when the symbol variation game is started during the execution of the explanation effect, the “simplified symbol variation effect” is executed as the symbol variation effect related to the symbol variation game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following configuration may be used.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation effect process of the first modification. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the symbol variation effect processing of the first modification, it determines whether or not a variation start command has been received (S900). As a result, when the change start time command is received (S900: yes), it is determined whether or not the selection effect is being executed (S902). As a result, when the selection effect is not being executed (S902: no), it is determined whether or not the explanation effect is being executed (S904). If the explanation effect is not being executed (S904: no), the “normal symbol variation effect” (see FIG. 6) is started as in the above-described embodiment (S906).

  On the other hand, when the timing at which the change start command is received is during the execution of the selection effect (S902: yes), the “simplified symbol change effect” (see FIG. 12A) as in the above-described embodiment. Is started (S908). On the other hand, if the timing at which the variation start command is received is during the execution of the explanation effect (S904: yes), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation game started this time is a symbol variation game that is a big hit. (S910). As a result, even if it is not a symbol variation game that is a big hit (is a symbol variation game that is out of play) (S910: no), the "simplified symbol variation effect" is started (S908). On the other hand, in the case of the symbol variation game that is a big hit (S910: yes), the explanation effect being executed is ended (S912), and the entire display area of the effect display device 27 is used to end this time. The symbol variation effect (hereinafter also referred to as “descriptive symbol variation effect”) for displaying the content corresponding to the type of explanation effect (see FIGS. 8A to 8D) is started (S914). For example, when the symbol variation game that is a big hit is started during the explanation effect in which “game history” is displayed, the number of times of the big hit game in the game history is 1 in response to the start of this big hit game. The “descriptive symbol variation effect” for displaying the state of increasing the number of times is started. By performing the “descriptive symbol variation effect” in this way, not only the information related to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed, but also the player can recognize that the symbol variation game that is a big hit is being executed. . As a result, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment while increasing the understanding of the information related to the pachinko machine 1. In particular, when performing a “descriptive symbol variation effect” that displays how the number of big hit games in the game history increases, the player can directly recognize that the big symbol winning game is being executed. Since it is possible, the entertainment interest can be further enhanced.

  Thus, when the process related to the start of the symbol variation effect is performed (S900 to S914), it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command is received (S916). As a result, when the symbol stop command is received (S916: yes), the symbol variation effect being executed ("normal symbol variation effect", "simplified symbol variation effect", "descriptive symbol variation effect") (S918) is terminated.

F-2. Modification 2
In the above-described embodiment, when the big hit game is started during the execution of the explanation effect, the “simplified big hit effect” is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following configuration may be used.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the big hit effect process of the second modification. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the big hit effect process of the modified example 2, it determines whether or not a big hit start command has been received (S950). As a result, when the jackpot start command is received (S950: yes), it is determined whether or not the selection effect is being executed (S952). As a result, when the selection effect is not being executed (S952: no), it is determined whether or not the explanation effect is being executed (S954). If the explanation effect is not being executed (S954: no), the “normal jackpot effect” is started as in the above-described embodiment (S956).

  On the other hand, if the timing for receiving the big hit start command is during execution of the selection effect (S952: yes), the “simplified big hit effect” is executed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment (S958). On the other hand, when the timing for receiving the jackpot start command is during the execution of the explanation effect (S954: yes), the explanation effect being executed is ended (S960), and the entire display area of the effect display device 27 is displayed. The jackpot effect (hereinafter also referred to as “descriptive jackpot effect”) for displaying the contents corresponding to the type of the explanation effect (see FIGS. 8A to 8D) ended this time is started (S962). ). For example, when the big hit game is started during the explanation effect in which “game history” is displayed, the number of times of the big hit game in the game history increases once in response to the start of this big hit game. The “descriptive jackpot effect” to be displayed is started. Thus, by performing the “descriptive jackpot effect”, not only the information related to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed but also the jackpot effect can be performed in the entire display area of the effect display device 27. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment while increasing the understanding of the information related to the pachinko machine 1. In particular, when performing a “descriptive jackpot effect” that displays how the number of jackpot games in the game history increases, the player can directly recognize that the jackpot game is being executed. Furthermore, amusement interest can be enhanced.

  In this way, when processing related to the start of the big hit effect is performed (S950 to S962), it is determined whether or not a big hit end command has been received (S964). As a result, when the jackpot end command is received (S964: yes), the jackpot effect being executed (any one of “normal jackpot effect”, “simplified jackpot effect”, “descriptive jackpot effect”) Is finished (S966).

  As mentioned above, although the Example and the modification were demonstrated about this invention, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the determination as to whether or not a game has been started by a new player (determination of establishment of the game start condition) is configured to use the human body detection sensor 18, but various configurations are possible. It can be adopted. For example, it may be configured to determine that a game by a new player has been started by detecting that the firing handle 8 has been operated.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the player is allowed to select an explanation effect. However, the pachinko machine 1 may be automatically selected. For example, it is good also as a structure which selects an explanatory effect by the lottery which CPU221 of the sub control board | substrate 220 performs, or a structure which selects an explanatory effect based on a predetermined order.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the explanation effect that is a candidate for selection is switched when the effect button BT is operated. However, the structure or effect is switched when the effect button BT is pressed for a long time. Various configurations such as a configuration that switches when an operation unit different from the button BT is operated and a configuration that switches when a game ball passes through a predetermined area (for example, a gate) provided in the game area can be adopted.

  Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the explanation effect is ended when the effect button BT is operated while the explanation effect is being executed. However, the explanation effect is ended when the effect button BT is pressed for a long time. Various configurations such as a configuration in which the explanation effect is ended when an operation unit different from the effect button BT is operated, and a configuration in which the description effect is ended when the game ball passes a predetermined area (for example, a gate) provided in the game area. The configuration can be adopted.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the “normal symbol variation effect” and the “simplified symbol variation effect” are executed on the display screen of the effect display device 27. The “effect” is executed on the display screen of the effect display device 27, and the “simplified symbol variation effect” is another display device simpler than the effect display device 27 (for example, a liquid crystal display whose display screen is smaller than the effect display device 27. Or a dot matrix type display). In this case, as a matter of course, the explanation effect is not performed by another simple display device, but by the effect display device 27.

  Also, a first display device and a second display device, which are the same type of display devices, are provided, a “normal symbol variation effect” is executed on the first display device, and a “simplified symbol variation” is performed on the second display device. It is good also as a structure which performs "production". In this case, the information effect display may be executed only by the first display device among the first display device and the second display device, or may be executed by both the first display device and the second display device. Good. Of course, when information effect display is performed on both the first display device and the second display device, both the information effect display and the “simplified symbol variation effect” are executed on the second display device.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which performs the "simplified symbol variation effect" by making the density of the color of the image (effect symbol or animation) displayed lighter than the "normal symbol variation effect". Specifically, it may be configured to execute the “simplified symbol variation effect” by making the transmittance of the image to be displayed larger than the “normal symbol variation effect”, or the “normal symbol variation effect”. It is good also as a structure which performs the "simplified symbol fluctuation effect" by displaying the image (it may be an information effect display) which has predetermined | prescribed transmittance | permeability on the image displayed by (2). Moreover, it is good also as a structure which performs the "simplified symbol variation effect" by making the number and kind of the image which can be displayed smaller than "normal symbol variation effect".

  Further, in the above-described modified example 1, when the symbol variation game that is a big hit during the explanation effect is started, the “description symbol variation effect” is started. However, the symbol variation game that becomes a big hit during the explanation effect is started. It is good also as a structure which starts a "normal symbol fluctuation effect" if it starts.

  Further, in the above-described modification 2, the “explanatory jackpot effect” is started when the jackpot game is started during the explanation effect. However, when the jackpot game is started during the explanation effect, the “normal jackpot effect” is started. It is good also as a structure which starts.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and modification 2, the “simplified jackpot effect” is started when the jackpot game is started during the selection effect, but the selection effect is started when the jackpot game is started during the selection effect. May be configured to execute “normal jackpot effect” or “descriptive jackpot effect”.

  Moreover, in the Example and modification which were mentioned above, it was set as the structure which displays the information which concerns on a ball game machine (pachinko machine 1) as an information effect display (explanation effect). Not only this but the structure which displays "information different from the information which concerns on a bullet ball game machine" as an information effect display can also be mentioned.

That is,
Determination means for determining whether or not to play a specific game advantageous to the player;
A determination effect execution means for displaying a determination effect display for indicating the result of the determination;
A ball game machine equipped with
Information that starts information effect display indicating information different from information related to the bullet ball game machine based on establishment of a predetermined game start condition, and ends the information effect display based on satisfaction of a predetermined effect end condition Providing production execution means,
The information effect execution means can be a ball game machine that continues to execute the information effect display even when the determination effect display is started during the execution of the information effect display.

  In such a ball game machine, when the game is started, an information effect display indicating information different from the information related to the ball ball game machine is performed. Therefore, when the game is started, Information different from the information can be confirmed by the player. Further, even if the determination effect display is started when the information effect display is being performed, the information effect display is continued until a predetermined effect end condition is satisfied. Therefore, even if the determination effect display is started, the player can confirm the information effect display until a predetermined effect end condition is satisfied. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's level of understanding of information different from the information related to the ball and ball game machine at the timing when the game is started, and as a result, it is possible to increase the game interest.

  Here, “information different from information relating to ball game machines” includes event information on game halls, information on other ball game machines (information on game machines not yet installed in game halls, For example, information on other gaming machines installed in the hall). The “information different from the information related to the ball game machine” may be configured to be set by an attendant of the game hall. Further, the ball game machine is provided with a date / time measuring means (for example, a real-time clock) for measuring the date and time, and “information different from information related to the ball game machine” is changed based on the measurement result by the date / time measuring means. It is also possible to adopt a configuration (or display it as an information effect display).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port 17a, first game port provided on the game board) are used. 2) A pachinko machine that gives a player a profit (game value) as a result of a game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the game balls entering the start opening 17b, the big prize opening 31d, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives gaming profits in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. For example, when a game ball is entered into various winning holes, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the ball is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. Thus, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that gives a player a game profit (game value), and in this case, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained. . As a pachinko machine of the type in which game profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically, An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again.

  The present invention can be used for a ball game machine used in a game hall.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine), 17a ... 1st starting port, 17b ... 2nd starting port, 28 ... 1st symbol display device, 32 ... 2nd symbol display device, 31d ... Grand prize opening, 200 ... Main Control board 201 ... CPU (determination means), 220 ... sub control board, 221 ... CPU (determination effect execution means, information effect execution means).

Claims (2)

Determination means for determining whether or not to play a specific game advantageous to the player;
A determination effect execution means for displaying a determination effect display for indicating the result of the determination;
A ball game machine equipped with
Predetermined based on the establishment of start conditions, to initiate information Display showing information relating to the bullet ball game machine, an information display execution means for terminating said information Display based on the establishment of a predetermined termination condition Prepared,
The information display execution means, even when the judgment effect display during execution of the information Display is started, without terminating the information Display,
In the case where the determination effect display is performed when the information display is not performed, the determination effect execution means performs the determination effect display in a predetermined normal display mode, and the information display is performed. When the determination effect display is performed, the determination effect display is performed in a simple display mode in which display contents are simplified as compared with the normal display mode . Determination means for determining whether or not to play a specific game advantageous to the player;
A determination effect execution means for displaying a determination effect display for indicating the result of the determination;
A ball game machine equipped with
Information display execution means for starting information display indicating information relating to the ball game machine based on establishment of a predetermined start condition and ending the information display based on establishment of a predetermined end condition;
The information display execution means displays the information display over the determination effect display without ending the information display even when the determination effect display is started during execution of the information display. A ball game machine characterized by that .

Images