JP5915787B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, combination gaming machines (arranged ball gaming machines), and slot machines.

In recent years, in gaming machines, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of various control processes and reducing the control burden, the operation control of gaming machines is distributed to a plurality of control units, for example, control processes related to the progress of games are handled by the main control unit (main control means). )
The structure which performs by the sub control part (effect control means) is performed by the sub control part (effect control means). And recently, production patterns (particularly display production-related production patterns) are diversified, and the processing load of the sub-control unit that performs production control tends to increase. For this reason,
A plurality of sub-control units that perform effect control are provided, and effect control processing is performed in a distributed manner (for example, Patent Document 1).

The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is provided with operation means (for example, an effect button) for changing the contents of an effect that is in progress for the purpose of improving the game entertainment. Thereby, the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect operation executed using a predetermined effect device (for example, an effect display device, a movable accessory device, etc.). When a plurality of sub-control units that perform effect control are provided, it is common to connect the operating means to one sub-control unit among the plurality of sub-control units.

JP 2004-65378 A

By the way, in a gaming machine in which an operation unit is connected to one sub-control unit of a plurality of sub-control units (production control unit) that performs production control, during execution of a predetermined game production such as a symbol variation production or a jackpot production, An effect (operation effect) according to the operation of the operation means can be generated. As this operation effect, for example, a display effect for displaying a predetermined image, a sound effect for outputting a predetermined sound,
A movable accessory effect that moves a predetermined movable accessory can be given.

The operation effects to be generated according to the operation of these operation means may be generated independently or may be generated in conjunction with each other, and as the types of operation effects (operation effect patterns) are diversified, More accurate execution control of operation effects is important.

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the sub control unit to which the operation unit is connected is configured not to grasp the execution state of the effect control process in the other sub control unit. However, there is a problem that a situation may not occur that is not accurately reflected in the effect control process in the other sub-control unit. This is a factor that lowers the accuracy of the effect control based on the operation of the operation means, which is not preferable in terms of the quality of the gaming machine.

Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention provides an effect based on the operation of the operation means in a gaming machine including the effect control means connected to the operation means and the effect control means for controlling the effect reflecting the operation of the operation means. The purpose is to improve the accuracy of control.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A first effect control means connected to the main control means for controlling a lamp effect using a lamp device;
A second effect control unit that is connected to the first effect control unit and controls the display effect using the effect display device based on a control signal transmitted from the first effect control unit;
Operation means connected to the first effect control means and operable by a player;
With
A gaming machine that transmits an operation signal indicating that the operation means has been operated from the first effect control means to the second effect control means when the operation means is operated,
When the second effect control means receives the operation signal, the second effect control means transmits, to the first effect control means, a response signal that can specify the display effect status by the effect display device when the operation signal is received. And
When the first effect control means receives the response signal, the first effect control means executes the lamp effect based on the received response signal.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1 disclosed by reference in this specification is
A main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A first effect control means connected to the main control means for controlling the effect using the first effect device;
A second effect control means connected to the first effect control means and for controlling the effect using the second effect device based on a control signal transmitted from the first effect control means;
Operation means connected to the first effect control means and operable by a player;
With
A gaming machine that transmits an operation signal indicating that the operation means has been operated from the first effect control means to the second effect control means when the operation means is operated,
When the second effect control means receives the operation signal, the second effect control means sends an operation response signal that can specify the effect execution status of the second effect device when the operation signal is received to the first effect control means. Send
When the first effect control means receives the operation response signal, the first effect control means uses the first effect device based on the effect execution status of the second effect device specified by the received operation response signal. It is characterized by executing the corresponding production.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1,
When the first effect control means receives the operation response signal, the first effect control means transmits an effect designation signal for designating an operation corresponding effect using the second effect device to the second effect control means,
The second effect control means may execute an operation corresponding effect using the second effect device with an execution pattern specified based on the received effect designation signal.
In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1,
The first effect device is constituted by at least one of a lamp device, a sound effect output device, and a movable accessory,
The second effect device may be constituted by an effect display device.

Next, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2 disclosed for reference in the present specification is connected to the main control means that controls the progress of the game and the main control means, and controls the execution of the game effect according to the progress of the game. An effect using the second effect device based on a control signal transmitted from the first effect control means, connected to the first effect control means, the first effect control means for controlling the effect using the first effect device. A plurality of types of operation effect patterns including a second effect control means for controlling the operation, an operation means connected to the first effect control means and capable of being operated by the player, and an operation effect pattern with an operation effect corresponding to the operation of the operation means. Effect pattern storage means for storing effect patterns, and effect pattern selection means for selecting a specific effect pattern from a plurality of types of effect patterns in accordance with a selection rate preset for each of the plurality of types of effect patterns. And when the operation effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern selection means and the operation means is operated, the first effect control means sends an operation signal indicating that the operation means has been operated to the second effect control means. An operation response signal capable of specifying an effect execution status of the second effect device when the operation signal is received. Is transmitted to the first effect control means, and the first effect control means, when receiving the operation response signal, of the second effect device specified by the received operation response signal. Based on the performance execution status, an operation corresponding effect using the first effect device is executed, and an operation specifying signal for specifying an operation corresponding effect using the second effect device is transmitted to the second effect control means. Production It is characterized in that it comprises means.

According to this, in the first effect control means to which the operation means is connected, when the second effect control means receives the operation signal (when the operation means is operated), the second effect device performs the effect. The execution situation can be specified, and the operation corresponding effect corresponding to the execution status of the effect can be executed. As a result, the operation of the operation means can be accurately reflected in each of the effect control performed by the second effect control means and the effect control performed by the first effect control means.
Therefore, the effect accompanying the operation of the operation means can be performed in a form in which the effect in the first effect device and the effect in the second effect device are accurately linked (linked), and the effect control based on the operation of the operation means can be performed. Accuracy can be improved.

In addition, the operation corresponding effect can be realized by one or both of the effect using the first effect device and the effect using the second effect device. That is, as the operation corresponding effect executed by the operation corresponding effect executing means, the operation corresponding effect (directly controlled by controlling the first effect device and the operation corresponding effect (first) controlled indirectly by the second effect device). For example, an operation corresponding effect performed by transmitting a control signal from the first effect control means to the second effect control means.

Further, the gaming machine of the reference invention 3 disclosed by reference in the present specification is the gaming machine of the reference invention 2, wherein the first effect device is at least one of a lamp device, a sound effect output device, and a movable accessory.
The second effect device is constituted by an effect display device.

According to the present invention, in a gaming machine including a first effect control unit to which an operation unit is connected and a second effect control unit that controls an effect in which the operation of the operation unit is reflected, an effect based on the operation of the operation unit The accuracy of control can be improved.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the sub control part of 1st Example, and an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect display process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the button notice effect process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the button notice effect display process of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect symbol displayed by button notice effect display processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect display process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the button effect process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the button effect display process of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect symbol displayed in a button effect display process.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 8 show an embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine called a seven machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine).
Shown in

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part. The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit.

The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) having a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 4.
Lamps (not shown) such as LEDs are provided around the game board 20 in the front frame 4. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking as the game progresses in order to enhance the gaming effect.

The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
The upper dish part 5 includes a dish outer edge part 5a, a discharge port 5b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and a ball release button 5c for discharging the game balls of the upper dish part 5 to the lower dish part 6. It has. Dish outer edge 5
On the upper surface of a, an effect button 5d (operation means), a ball rental button 5e, and the like are provided. The effect button 5d is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the outer edge 5a of the dish, and moves downward when the player performs a pressing operation, and upwards by elastic means (for example, a spring member) (not shown) when the pressing is released. It is configured as a moving push button.

The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 6 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate portion 6. An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. 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.

The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed.

Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 10a to 10d as sound effect output devices for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the game state. The speakers 10a to 10d are connected to the gaming machine 1
The upper speakers 10a and 10b provided at the upper part of the game machine 1 and the lower speakers 10c and 10d provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1 are provided. Further, a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. Game area 21
Inside, a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33, a starting port 28, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, a first decorative member 50, a first 2. A gaming device such as a decorative member 60 is provided. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

The central device (center accessory) 24 is arranged at a substantially central portion of the game area 21, and the effect display device 2.
5 is provided. In this embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area of the effect display device 25.

The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the second decoration device 60.
Is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 constitute a so-called side decoration. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operating gate 27, a normal symbol operating gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, the normal symbol starts to fluctuate.

The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

The first start port 28a is a normal start port configured as a fixed start port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant. It is possible. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable start port in which changes. The second start port 28b is in a state where the possibility of entering is high when the pair of blade pieces is opened, and is in a state where the possibility of entering is low when the pair of blade pieces is closed. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of blade pieces opens and the second start port 28b is opened.
And the second start port 28b functions as an ordinary electric accessory.

Inside the start port 28, a start port entrance detection switch 28s (FIG. 3) for detecting the entrance of a game ball.
And a start-up solenoid 28c (see FIG. 3) for operating the pair of blade pieces. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second start port 28b has a possibility of entering a game ball. It becomes an open state that becomes larger. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced. As the game balls enter the start ports 28a and 28b, the special symbols described later start to fluctuate.

The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the big winning device 33 is
A grand prize opening 33a that is opened in a band shape, and an opening / closing plate 33b that opens and closes the grand prize opening 33a
And a large winning opening solenoid 33c (see FIG. 3) for operating the open / close plate 33b, and a ball entry detection switch 33s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the entry of a game ball.

The left winning opening 34, 35 and the right winning opening 36,
37 is provided. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a combination of these LEDs constitutes a normal symbol display portion 51, a general symbol hold display portion 52, and a special symbol hold display portion 53. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a special symbol display unit 61 is configured by a combination of these LEDs. The first decorative member 50 and the second decorative member 50
The decorative member 60 includes a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, and a special symbol hold display unit 53.
In addition to the LEDs constituting the special symbol display unit 61, various LED lamps 262 (see FIG. 3) for production (decoration) are provided.

The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and after a predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits and stops display in the normal symbol display mode or the dismissed normal symbol display mode. Is done. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second).

In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. This random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is used determines whether or not the second starting port 28b is activated when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. This is used to determine whether or not a normal symbol is appropriate. The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. When it is determined to be a winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the winning normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done. Note that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is correct and the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the number of normal symbols held, and the number of game balls that have passed the normal symbol operation gate 27 is set to the maximum number of holds (4 in this embodiment).
Can be suspended. Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. The normal symbol holding and holding digest are performed by the main control unit 200 described later. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 described later.

Next, the special symbol will be described. The special symbol functions as a lottery symbol indicating the result of the special symbol success / failure determination. The special symbol display unit 61 is composed of seven LEDs.
A special symbol is displayed by ED. Each LED constituting the special symbol display unit 61 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of special symbol display modes can be displayed by a combination of turning on and off the LEDs. And among the special symbol combinations displayed by the seven LEDs, a specific combination is set as a combination of a winning special symbol (big winning symbol), and a combination other than the winning special symbol is removed and a special symbol (outgoing symbol) is set. Is set. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

In the special symbol display unit 61, when the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to fluctuate, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a combination of a big hit symbol or a combination of missed symbols. The special symbol display control is performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

Here, in this embodiment, each display unit of the normal symbol display unit 51, the universal symbol hold display unit 52, the special symbol hold display unit 53, and the special symbol display unit 61 is configured by a combination of a plurality of LEDs. A 7-segment display can be used instead of the LED. Further, the general symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53 are configured by a combination of a plurality of LEDs, and the normal symbol display unit 51 and the special symbol display unit 61 are configured by a segment display, or the normal symbol display unit 51. Alternatively, the general symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of LEDs, and only the special symbol display unit 61 may be configured by a 7-segment display.

Next, reservation of special symbols will be described. The special symbol hold display section 53 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs.

The number of game balls that have entered the starting port 28 is the maximum number of reservations (4 in this embodiment) as the number of special symbol reservations.
The number of unstarted times (holding number) is digested and the number of special symbol holdings is one each time the next special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the special symbol is started. Decreases by increments. Note that special symbols are reserved and digested by the main control unit 200 described later.

In the present embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is prepared to determine whether or not to start a special game (big hit game) when a game ball enters the start port 28. Has been. Along with the special symbol holding (the game ball entering the starting port 28), a special symbol success / failure determination random number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 described later.

The special symbol success / failure determination random number is set with a winning value for winning / failure determination, and the special symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the start port 28 matches the winning value. A big hit is determined. The special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the special symbol starts the variable display. Then, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit, the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be a big hit symbol (probability big hit symbol or normal big hit symbol).
Note that the type of jackpot symbol of the special symbol is determined based on a special symbol determining random number. On the other hand, when the special symbol winning / failing determination is out of place, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed by the special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be the out symbol.

The special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The variation pattern of the special symbol is a variation pattern table (variation pattern storage means) in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol success / failure determination is executed.
Is selected by lottery.

A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and are selected and used according to the gaming state. The plurality of variation pattern tables include a hit variation pattern table selected when the success / failure determination result is a big hit, and a miss variation pattern table selected when the success / failure determination result is unacceptable. Further, the determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the determination of the stop symbol of the special symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

Next, the jackpot game (special game) will be described. When the special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display unit 61 is a hit special symbol (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit)
In addition, the main control unit 200 starts a big hit game (special game) which is relatively advantageous to the player. The jackpot game is started by setting the jackpot game flag to ON. The big hit game is to give a player a profit (prize ball) with respect to entering the game ball into the big prize opening 33a by operating the big prize device 33, in other words, by opening and closing the big prize opening 33a a plurality of times. It is. The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a special electric accessory game process described later.

During the big hit game (during special game), the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 for one pitch) according to the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 33a. Award balls). Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, the special winning device (special electric accessory) 33 is continuously operated, and the special winning opening 33a is continuously opened. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened and a gaming ball is received. This game ball receiving state is ended when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and the open big winning opening 33a is closed. As the predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a after the start of the game ball receiving state reaches a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or after the start of the gaming ball receiving state, A case where the number of game balls that have entered the ball 33a reaches a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) can be exemplified.

In the case where one round is from the start to the end of the game ball receiving state, the big hit game is ended by performing a predetermined number of rounds. In the big winning device 33, after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed since the game ball receiving state is finished, the big winning port 33a is opened to enter the game ball receiving state again, and the next round starts. The game ball accepting state in which one round is from the start to the end is repeatedly continued until a predetermined number of continuous rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) is completed.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the special game (big hit game) is finished, a specific game (so-called time-short game and probability variable game) in which the variable time shortening function, the open time extending function, and the probability varying function are activated is started. Multiple types of jackpots are set in the special symbol success / failure determination. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol), after the special game is over, When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is the probability variation big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is the probability variation big hit symbol), the probability variation game is started after the special game ends.

If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal big hit symbol), after the special game (big hit game) ends, the variable time shortening function and the opening time of the second start port 28b are extended. The function to extend the open time is started, and the short-time game is started. The variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are activated or stopped by the control of the main control unit 200. The variable time shortening function includes a normal symbol varying time shortening function for shortening a normal symbol varying time and a special symbol. A special symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the symbol variation time is included. The variable time shortening function and the open time extending function operate until the next special game is started after the special game ends or until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches a predetermined number (100 times in this example). .

When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probability variation jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a probability variation jackpot symbol), after the special game (big hit game) ends, the probability variation function starts to operate and the probability variation game starts. The probability variation game is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. In this probability variation game, in addition to the above-described variable time shortening function and opening time extension function, the probability of special symbol success / failure determination, that is, the special symbol is a big hit symbol. The normal probability change state in which the probability variation function that changes (improves) the probability of stopping display is activated, and the latent probability variation state in which only the probability variation function is activated without the above-described variation time shortening function and open time extension function being activated. ing. The probability variation function operates until the next special game starts after the special game ends.

Next, the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 will be described. In the display area of the effect display device 25, an effect symbol display unit 25a for displaying effect symbols is provided. The effect symbol of the effect symbol display unit 25a is displayed in conjunction with the change display and stop display of the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 61.

The effect symbol display unit 25a includes a right symbol display area in which the right symbol is displayed, a middle symbol display area in which the middle symbol is displayed, and three symbol display areas including a left symbol display area in which the left symbol is displayed. ing. Each symbol display area has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Each symbol display area is "1
”To“ 9 ”can be displayed respectively.

The effect symbol starts to be displayed when the special symbol starts to be changed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop symbol of the special symbol.
In the effect design, the display mode of the even number design with the same 3 digits corresponds to the normal big hit design of the special design.
The display mode of odd symbols with the same digit corresponds to the probability variation jackpot symbol of the special symbol, and the display mode of the symbols other than those corresponds to the off symbol of the special symbol.

The determination of the variation pattern (variation pattern) and stop symbol of the effect symbol is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200. Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 is:
Shows the special symbol variation pattern. Specifically, the special symbol variation time and the reach effect where two digits of the three-digit effect symbol are stopped and displayed in the same symbol (a state that may lead to a big hit) The contents of effects such as the presence / absence of an effect indicating that the continuation is continued. The main control unit 200
The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined at random (by random number lottery) according to the determination result of the special symbol. Based on the special symbol variation pattern determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 determines the effect pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a.

The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured so as to be able to perform a reach effect using effect symbols. Reach production is a state in which production symbols other than production symbols that will be the final stop symbols are stopped in a state that matches the combination of jackpot symbols (stopped display with symbols that constitute jackpot symbols) As shown in FIG. 5, it refers to an effect performed in a state in which the possibility of a big hit is continuing before all effect symbols are stopped and displayed. For example, it is assumed that when the effect symbols stop in the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, and all of these display symbols are aligned with the same symbol, it is a big hit. At this time, the state where the left symbol and the right symbol other than the middle symbol as the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol is referred to as a reach state. Reach production based on production symbols is a special symbol success / failure determination (winning reach), and a special symbol success / failure judgment is determined to be a reach (decreased reach). Done.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform a notice effect that suggests the occurrence of a reach effect. The notice effect of the present embodiment is realized by the control of the sub-control unit 260 (selection / determination of effect pattern in the sub-control unit 260). The notice effect suggests that there is a possibility that a “reach state” may occur by using a character displayed in the display area of the effect symbol display unit 25a as a notice effect symbol to advance a series of stories.

The notice effect design is configured to be variably displayed according to a predetermined notice effect pattern. This notice effect pattern defines the presence or absence of a notice effect symbol displayed on the effect display unit 25a and an operation effect (button notice effect) using the effect button 5d during a series of stories. In addition, after the sub-control unit 260 determines the effect pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a, the notice effect pattern is stored in advance in which a plurality of notice effect patterns are stored corresponding to the determined effect pattern. It is selected by lottery from the production selection table.

A plurality of notice effect selection tables are prepared, and are selected and used according to the gaming state. In the plurality of notice effect selection tables, the notice effect selection table in which the possibility (selection rate) of the notice effect pattern (operation effect pattern) accompanied by the button notice effect is selected higher than the other notice effect patterns. And a notice effect selection table in which the possibility (selection rate) of selecting the notice effect pattern with the button notice effect is lower than other notice effect patterns. Note that the sub-control unit 260 selects a specific notice effect pattern from the notice effect selection table, and determines the variation mode of the notice effect symbol. For this reason, in this embodiment, the notice effect selection table corresponds to the effect pattern storage means of the present invention, and the sub-control unit 260.
Corresponds to the effect pattern selection means of the present invention. The notice effect selection table is stored in the ROM of the sub-control unit 260, and the ROM of the sub-control unit 260 substantially constitutes the effect pattern storage means.

Here, the operation effect refers to the effect display device 25 when the player operates the effect button 5d.
This refers to an effect (effect based on the operation of the effect button 5d) that can change the effect display and the effect sound in the sound effect output devices (speakers 10a to 10d).
In the present embodiment, after the three effect symbols start to be displayed on the effect display device 25 (from the start of the symbol change effect), until the effect symbol is first stopped (for example, the first stop symbol). As a part of the notice production, the design of this time will be announced and the ending (the presence or absence of reach production, reliability, etc.) will be suggested in advance. The button notice effect (operation effect) that can reflect the operation of the effect button 5d is performed. Specifically, the effect button 5d is regarded as a shutter button of a camera,
A shutter notice effect for taking a picture of a character displayed as a notice effect symbol by operating the effect button 5d is performed as a button notice effect. The button notice effect (operation effect)
It is not limited to such a shutter notice effect.

The operation of the effect button 5d is invalid during normal times, but the button operation valid period during which the operation of the effect button 5d is valid is during execution of the button notice effect. The button operation effective period is a predetermined time set in advance. In addition, during the button operation valid period, the production button 5
The player is notified that the operation of d is valid, and a button operation promotion effect is urged to prompt the player to operate the effect button 5d. For example, this button operation promotion effect displays a message “Please press the effect button” on the display area of the effect display device 25 as an operation promotion image, or displays a design imitating the design of the effect button 5d as an operation promotion image. It can be implemented by doing. In the case of the effect button 5d with a built-in lamp, the lamp of the effect button 5d may be turned on as a button operation promotion effect.

Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280.
The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board (prize ball control board) 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a as peripheral control boards. Each has.

Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). When the power is turned on, the system reset signal is sent to each control unit 200, 230, 2
60, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game.
A command signal (command data) for instructing processing contents is transmitted to 30, 260, and each sub-control unit 2
Reference numerals 30, 260, and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

The main control board 200a of the main control unit 200 includes a CPU 200b, a CPU core, and a built-in RAM.
(Hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), and the like, and a gaming machine 1 using the RAM as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM.
It governs overall operation control (basic progress control of games). The main control unit 200 includes a CPU 200.
“b” is the main component of the determination unit for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined by a determination program stored in the ROM. The main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, a start opening prize detection switch 28 s, and a big prize opening ball detection switch 33 s so that these signals are input to the main controller 200. It is configured. The panel output relay board 202 includes:
The normal symbol display unit 51, the special symbol display unit 61, the start port solenoid 28c, and the big prize port solenoid 33c are connected, and a control signal from the main control unit 200 is output.

The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes the CPU 20 of the main control unit 200.
A CPU (not shown) having the same configuration as that of 0b is provided. To the payout control unit 230, a firing control unit 250 including the firing control board 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

The sub control board 260a constituting the sub control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components having a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port (not shown), and the like, and is connected to the main control unit 200 at the input / output port. Yes. The sub-control unit 260 constitutes a first effect control unit that controls execution of the game effect according to the progress of the game, and is configured to perform drive control of the decoration effect device (first effect device). Yes. Examples of the decoration effect device include various lamp devices, sound effect output devices (speakers 10a to 10d), and movable accessories (not shown).

Various LEDs and lamps 262 (various lamp devices) are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. The various LEDs / lamps 262 are for enhancing the gaming effect, and these lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect. The sub-control unit 260 includes a sound effect output device (speakers 10a to 10d).
) Are connected (see FIG. 4). From the speakers 10a to 10d, various musical pieces, voices, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. Furthermore, a volume control switch 264 and an effect button 5d are connected to the sub-control unit 260. The CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 plays games such as symbol variation effects and jackpot effects based on various commands from the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 (various control commands such as reception of effect pattern designation commands and input of effect button operation signals). Selection / execution processing of execution patterns of various game effects according to progress, selection / execution processing of various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns, and sound effect output devices (speakers 10a to 10)
Selection / output processing of sound effect data output from d) is performed. The effect button 5d corresponds to the operating means of the present invention.

Next, the relationship between the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280. The sub-control unit 260 is provided with a sound source IC 260c and a sound source ROM 260d, and the sound source ROM 260d stores sound data of music used for symbol variation effects and jackpot effects. From the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 to the sound source IC 260c, a sound effect designation signal for designating audio data (music) to be output according to the progress of the game, and a sound volume when outputting the audio data (music) A volume designation signal for designating is transmitted.

An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260. Production display control unit 28
On the effect display control board 280a constituting 0, the CPU 280b, RAM (not shown), RO
An arithmetic circuit component (not shown) having M, an input / output port, and the like is provided, and is connected to the sub-control unit 260 at the input / output port. The effect display control unit 280 uses the RAM as a work area according to the control program stored in the ROM by the CPU 280b.
5 (second rendering device) is configured to perform drive control. Furthermore, the production display control unit 2
80 includes a VDP (video display processor) 280c and a CGROM 280d. The effect display device 25 is connected to the VDP 280c, and CGROM2
In 80d, the image data of the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device 25 is stored.

From the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, a main control command (a command for specifying a variation pattern, a command for determining whether or not to win, a command for specifying the number of rounds of a big hit game, etc.) indicating the progress of the game is a control signal. As sent.

From the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280, various effect commands for instructing execution of various effect displays in accordance with the game progress status specified based on the main control command are transmitted as control signals. The CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 determines a specific display mode in the effect display device 25 based on the effect command, outputs an effect display specifying signal for specifying the display mode to the VDP 280c, and performs the operation on the effect display device 25. Control of the effect display (second
(Drive control of the rendering device).

As described above, the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 is the CPU 200 of the main control unit 200.
Responsible for the selection and execution control of various game effects (design variation effects, jackpot effects, etc.) according to the progress of the game based on various commands (various control commands) from b, It is configured to carry out control (drive control of the decoration effect device) for executing a sound effect or the like). Further, the CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 performs control to execute a display effect (effect using a symbol displayed on the effect display device 25) based on various commands (various effect commands) from the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260. It is configured to perform (drive control of the effect display device 25). Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 260b of the sub control unit 260 and the CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 are configured to perform effect control in a distributed manner, and the CPU 260b of the sub control unit 260 is configured. Corresponds to the first effect control means of the present invention, and the CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 corresponds to the second effect control means of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the effect display device 25 corresponds to the second effect device of the present invention, and various lamp devices and sound effect output devices (speakers 10a to 10d) as decoration effect devices.
These correspond to the first effect device of the present invention.

By the way, if the sub control unit 260 to which the effect button 5d is connected does not grasp the execution state of the effect display control in the effect display control unit 280, the operation of the effect button 5d is the effect in the effect display control unit 280. There is a problem that a situation that cannot be accurately reflected in display control may occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the effect button 5d is within the button effect period (within the button operation effective period).
Is operated, the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 causes the effect button 5 to be displayed by the player.
A button effect designation command (operation signal) indicating that d has been operated is sent to the effect display control unit 280.
Configured to send to. On the other hand, when receiving the button effect designation command from the sub control unit 260, the CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 receives the current effect display device 2.
5 obtains (stores) the effect display status (effect execution status), generates an operation response command (operation response signal) that can specify the effect display status, and transmits the command to the sub-control unit 260. It is configured.

Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to signal transmission from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280, signal transmission from the effect display control unit 280 to the sub control unit 260 can be performed. In addition, bidirectional communication is performed between the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280.

When the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 receives an operation response command from the effect display control unit 280 in the process of executing the button notice effect (operation effect), the CPU 260b analyzes the command and analyzes the command (operation button 5d). The effect display status of the effect display device 25 at the time of the operation) is specified, and the effect corresponding to the specified effect display status (operation corresponding effect) is executed.
Specifically, an execution pattern (operation-corresponding effect pattern) of an effect (operation-related effect) corresponding to the operation result of the effect button 5d (the current effect display status specified by the operation response command) is determined and determined. In order to perform a decoration effect (a lamp effect, a sound effect, and a movable accessory effect) based on the executed pattern (operation corresponding effect pattern), and to perform a display effect based on the determined execution pattern (operation corresponding effect pattern), An operation result image designation command for designating an image (operation result image) to be displayed in the display area (effect symbol display unit 25a) of the effect display device 25 is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280. The effect display control unit 280 displays the image designated by the operation result image designation command in the display area of the effect display device 25.

Thus, the sub-control unit 260 of the present embodiment can grasp the execution state of the effect display control in the effect display control unit 280 when the effect button 5d is operated by the player. In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 260 transmits the button effect designation command (operation signal) to the effect display control unit 280, and the effect display status (effect execution status) of the effect control unit 280. Operation corresponding effect executing means for executing the corresponding operation corresponding effect is configured. Further, the effect display control unit 280 constitutes response signal transmission means for transmitting an operation response command (operation response signal) to the sub-control unit 260.

Hereinafter, the button notice effect (operation effect) accompanied by the operation of the effect button 5d of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment.
The effect display control process of performing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the sub-control unit 26.
It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol variation effect process which CPU260b of 0 (henceforth only the sub control part 260) performs according to the control program stored in ROM. FIG.
Is accompanied by the execution of the symbol variation effect process shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 28 of the effect display control unit 280.
It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect display process which 0b (henceforth an effect display control part 280) performs according to the control program stored in ROM. here,
Symbol variation effect processing (FIG. 5) by the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 28 corresponding thereto.
The symbol variation effect display processing by 0 will be described in association with each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control unit 260 receives a symbol variation start command (a variation pattern designation command and a special symbol stop information designation command) from the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as the main control unit 200). ) Is determined (S10).
0). The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating an effect pattern (design variation effect mode and execution time) corresponding to the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 61. Yes, the main control unit 200 transmits to the sub-control unit 260 when the special symbol display unit 61 starts to display the variation of the special symbol. The special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol (big hit symbol, off symbol). Like the variation pattern designation command, the main control unit 200 performs sub This is transmitted to the control unit 260.

As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has not been received (S100:
NO), the process proceeds to S110. The processing after S110 will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S100: YES), the main control unit 2
It is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination performed at 00 is a big hit (S101).
Whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit can be determined based on the type of stop symbol of the special symbol designated by the special symbol stop information designation command.

As a result, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit (S101:
YES), the winning effect pattern and the winning symbol of the effect symbol are determined (S102). On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S101: NO), the effect pattern losing effect pattern and the losing symbol are determined (S103).

Next, it is determined whether or not the button notice effect adjustment flag for adjusting the selection rate of the notice effect pattern accompanying the button notice effect is OFF (S104). This button notice effect adjustment flag is a flag that is turned on when the sub control unit 260 cannot properly receive an operation response command (operation response signal) from the effect display control unit 280 due to, for example, the influence of noise during communication. Yes, it is set in a button notice effect process (S109) described later.

When the button notice effect adjustment flag is ON, the sub control unit 260 cannot appropriately receive the operation response command, and therefore cannot specify the effect display status in the effect display control unit 280. Therefore, when the button notice effect using the effect button 5d is executed, a situation may occur in which the operation of the effect button 5d cannot be accurately reflected in the effect control in the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280. It becomes.

The sub-control unit 260 of the present embodiment (when the button notice effect adjustment flag is OFF)
S104: YES), since it can be determined that the sub-control unit 260 can specify the effect display status in the effect display control unit 280, the notice effect pattern with the button notice effect among the plurality of notice effect selection tables ( A notice effect pattern is selected based on a normal notice effect selection table in which the selection rate of the operation effect pattern) is set higher than the selection rate of the notice effect pattern without the button notice effect (S105).

On the other hand, when the button notice effect adjustment flag is ON (S104: NO), it can be determined that the effect display status in the effect display control unit 280 cannot be specified by the sub control unit 260. Based on the notice effect selection table in which the selection rate of the notice effect pattern (operation effect pattern) accompanied by the button notice effect is set lower than the notice effect selection table used in the normal time among the effect selection tables, Select (S106)
. It should be noted that the selection process of the notice effect pattern in S105 and S106 can include selection (determination) as to whether or not the notice effect is to be performed. In this case, when the notice effect is determined to be performed, execution of the notice effect is performed. A pattern ("notice effect pattern with operation of effect button 5d" or "notice effect pattern without operation of effect button 5d") is selected.

Here, for example, in the notice effect selection table (normal notice effect selection table) when the button notice effect adjustment flag is OFF, the selection rate of the notice effect pattern with the button notice effect is 5/10, and the button notice The selection rate of the notice effect pattern without effect can be set to 5/10. In contrast, in the notice effect selection table when the button notice effect adjustment flag is ON, the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern with the button notice effect is 1/10, and the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern without the button notice effect is selected. Can be set to 9/10. In addition,
In the notice effect selection table when the button notice effect adjustment flag is ON, the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern with the button notice effect is set to 0/10, and the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern without the button notice effect is set to 10/10. Also good. In this case, when the button notice effect adjustment flag is ON, the notice effect accompanying the button notice effect is not executed 100%.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the sub control unit 260 can determine that the effect display status of the effect display device 25 performed under the control of the effect display control unit 280 cannot be specified, the button notice is given. The notice effect pattern is selected based on the notice effect selection table in which the selection rate of the notice effect pattern with effect is set low. Therefore, the sub control unit 260 suppresses the execution of the button notice effect in a situation where the effect display status of the effect display device 25 (the effect execution status that is the progress status of the control of the effect display control unit 280) cannot be specified. Can do.

Next, the sub-control unit 260 transmits an effect pattern designation command, a stop symbol designation command, and a notice effect designation command, which are symbol variation effect start commands, to the effect display control unit 280 (S107). The effect pattern designation command transmitted in S107 is S102.
, 103 is a command for designating the type of effect pattern of the effect symbol determined in 103, and the stop symbol designating command is a command for designating the type of stop symbol of the effect symbol determined in S102, 103. The notice effect designation command transmitted in S107 is S10.
This is a command for designating the notice effect pattern selected in 5 or S106.

Next, the sub-control unit 260 determines whether or not a button notice effect is included in the current symbol variation effect,
That is, it is determined whether or not the notice effect pattern selected in S105 or S106 is a notice effect pattern with a button notice effect (presence / absence of button notice effect) (S108). As a result, when it is determined that the notice effect pattern is accompanied by the button notice effect (the button notice effect is present) (S108: YES), the button notice effect process described later is performed (S109). If it is determined that the notification effect pattern does not involve the button notification effect (no button notification effect) (S108: NO), the button notification effect process is skipped and the process proceeds to S110.

Here, the effect display control unit 280 receives a symbol variation effect start command (effect pattern designation command, stop symbol designation command, notice effect designation command) from the sub-control unit 260 as shown in FIG. 6 (S200). : YES), an effect display (design variation effect display) for causing the effect display device 25 to display the effect symbol in a variably displayed state is started (S201).
. In addition, the mode (effect display pattern) of the effect display performed by the effect display device 25 is specified by the notice effect specifying command and the effect pattern specifying command.

Then, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not the button notice effect is included in the notice effect pattern specified by the notice effect designation command (the presence or absence of the button notice effect) (S202).
). As a result, when it is determined that the button notice effect is included (the button notice effect is present) (S202: YES), button notice effect display processing is performed (S203). In addition, when the symbol change effect start command is not received from the sub-control unit 260 (S200: NO), or when it is determined that the button notice effect is not included (no button notice effect) (S202: NO). Then, an effect display that does not include the button effect designated by the effect pattern designation command and the notice effect designation command is performed, and the process proceeds to S204. The processing after S204 will be described later.

Next, button notice effect processing (FIG. 5: S109) and button notice effect display processing (FIG. 6: S203) of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of button notice effect processing performed by the sub-control unit 260 (of the CPU 260b) according to the control program stored in the ROM. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the button notice effect display process performed by the effect display control unit 280 (of the CPU 280b) according to the control program stored in the ROM accompanying the execution of the button notice effect process shown in FIG. is there. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image (notice effect symbol) displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 in the button notice effect display process.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control unit 260 determines whether it is time to validate the operation of the effect button 5d, that is, whether the start time of the button operation valid period has arrived (S109a). ). As a result, when it is determined that it is not the timing to activate the operation of the effect button 5d (S109a: NO), the standby state is entered until the operation of the operation of the effect button 5d is activated. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to activate the operation of the effect button 5d (S109a: YES), an effect button enable command is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280 (S109b), and the effect button 5d is displayed. The input of the operation signal is validated (S109c).

On the other hand, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not an effect button validation command has been received from the sub-control unit 260, as shown in FIG. 8 (S203a). As a result, when it is determined that the effect button enabling command has not been received (S203a: NO), the standby state is maintained until the effect button enabling command is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the effect button validation command has been received (S203a: YES), an operation promotion image that prompts the operation of the effect button 5d is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25, and the effect button 5d is displayed. The player is notified that it has become valid (S203b).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the lower area of the display area of the effect display device 25 is “
The message “Please press the production button” is displayed as an operation promotion image, thereby notifying the player that the production button 5d has been activated. For example, the notification of the effect button activation is performed by displaying a button image imitating the design of the effect button 5d in the display area of the effect display device 25, or displaying a predetermined character and balloon, A dialogue prompting the operation of the button 5d may be displayed.

In this embodiment, a shutter notice effect (a specific example of an operation effect) is used as a button notice effect.
It is carried out. In the shutter notice effect of the present embodiment, a character moving from the left side to the right side is displayed in the upper area of the display area of the effect display device 25, and an effect of taking a picture of the moving character by operating the effect button 5d is performed. Yes. The button notice effect is not limited to the shutter notice effect but may be other notice effects as long as the effect is accompanied by the operation of the effect button 5d.

Returning to FIG. 7, when the sub control unit 260 validates the input of the operation signal of the effect button 5d (
S109c), it is determined whether or not the operation signal of the effect button 5d is turned on, that is, whether or not the player has operated the effect button 5d (S109d). As a result, when the operation signal of the effect button 5d is ON, that is, when the player operates the effect button 5d (S1).
09d: YES), a button effect designation command indicating that the effect button 5d has been operated by the player is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280 (S109e). Then, the input of the operation signal of the effect button 5d is invalidated (S109f).

On the other hand, when the operation signal of the effect button 5d is not ON (S109d: NO)
Then, it is determined whether or not the preset operation valid period of the effect button 5d has elapsed (S109).
n). If the operation valid period of the effect button 5d has not elapsed (S109n:
NO), a standby state is maintained until the operation signal of the effect button 5d is turned on. When the operation valid period of the effect button 5d has elapsed (S109n: YES), an effect button invalidation command is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280. Then, the operation signal of the effect button 5d is invalidated (S109p).

Next, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not a button effect designation command is received from the sub-control means 260, as shown in FIG. 8 (S203c). As a result, when it is determined that the button effect designation command is received (S203c: YES), the image at the time of operating the effect button 5d is displayed in the upper area of the display area of the effect display device 25 (S203d).
), The operation promotion image of the effect button 5d is deleted (S203e). Then, in the effect display control unit 280, the current effect display state, that is, the effect display contents in the effect display device 25 when the effect button 5d is operated (the effect display device 25 when the effect button 5d is operated).
Is obtained (stored), and an operation response command (operation response signal) that can specify the acquired current display state is generated. It transmits to the control part 260 (S203f).

Here, as an image to be displayed when the effect button 5d is operated, in this embodiment, an image imitating the design of the camera is displayed in the upper area of the display area of the effect display device 25 as shown in FIG. At the same time, a message “Execution” is displayed in the lower area of the display area of the effect display device 25. That is, an image indicating that the operation of the effect button 5d is reflected may be displayed, and the content (type) of the image is not particularly limited. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the player that the operation of the effect button 5d has been normally performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined that the button effect designation command has not been received (S203c: NO), it is determined whether or not the effect button invalidation command has been received from the sub-control unit 260. (S203i). As a result, when the production button invalidation command has not been received (S203i: NO), the standby state is maintained until the operation signal of the production button 5d is turned on, and when the production button invalidation command has been received. (S203i: YES)
Then, the image when the effect button 5d is not operated is displayed (S203j), and the operation promotion image of the effect button 5d is deleted (S203k). As an image when the effect button 5d is not operated, for example, messages such as “shooting failure” and “time out” can be displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25, and the operation of the effect button 5d is reflected. The content (type) of the image is not particularly limited as long as the image indicates that it has not been performed (the operation valid period of the effect button 5d has passed). Then, when the non-operating image of the effect button 5d is displayed and the operation promotion image of the effect button 5d is deleted, the effect display control unit 280 transmits an operation response command (operation response signal) to the sub-control unit 260. The button notice effect display process ends.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the sub control unit 260 determines whether or not an operation response command (operation response signal) has been received from the effect display control unit 280 (109g). As a result, when the operation response command is received (S109g: YES), the operation result effect (operation corresponding effect) corresponding to the operation response command is executed (S109h, S109i), and the button notice effect process is terminated. . That is, the sub-control unit 260 executes an effect corresponding to the current effect display status (the effect display content when the effect button 5d is operated) of the effect display control unit 280.

Here, the operation result effect (operation corresponding effect) corresponding to the operation response command is a movable effect effect, a sound effect using the sound effect output devices (speakers 10a to 10d), various LEDs for effects (decoration), A lamp effect using a lamp, a display effect using an effect display device 25, and the like can be cited. In this embodiment, a sound effect, a lamp effect, and a display effect are performed as operation result effects. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation result effect by the sound effect and the lamp effect is executed in the process of S109h, and the image (background image, character) displayed on the effect display device 25 as the operation result effect in the process of S109i. An operation result image designation command for designating an image or the like is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280, and an operation result effect by the display effect is executed. The execution pattern of the operation result effect (operation result effect pattern) is determined by the sub control unit 260 based on “the effect display contents when the effect button 5d is operated” specified by the operation response command from the effect display control unit 280. The sub-control unit 260 executes an operation result effect according to the determined execution pattern (including transmission of an operation result image designation command).
.

On the other hand, when the operation response command has not been received (S109g: NO), it is determined whether or not a standby time (for example, 200 milliseconds) that is a preset response period has elapsed (S109j). As a result, when the standby time has not elapsed (S109j: NO),
If an operation response command is received, the standby state is entered and if the standby time has elapsed (S
109j: YES), a standard operation result effect is executed (S109k, S109l).

Here, the standard operation result effect is the same as the operation result effect corresponding to the operation response command,
Examples include a movable accessory effect, a sound effect, a lamp effect, and a display effect, which are predetermined effects that are not affected by the effect display status of the effect display device 25 at the operation timing of the effect button 5d. In the present embodiment, a sound effect, a lamp effect, and a display effect are performed as standard operation result effects. Accordingly, in the process of S109k, a standard operation result effect by sound effects and lamp effects is executed. In step S109l, an operation result image designation command for designating an image (background image or character image) to be displayed on the effect display device 25 as a standard operation result effect is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280. The operation result effect is executed.

Next, the button notice effect adjustment flag is set to ON (S109m), and the button notice effect process is terminated. As described above, when the button notice effect adjustment flag is set to ON, the notice effect pattern is selected based on the notice effect selection table in which the selection rate of the notice effect pattern with the button notice effect using the effect button 5d is set low. (S104, S1 in FIG. 5)
06). In this embodiment, the button warning effect adjustment flag is set to ON when the standby time elapses even once. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the button warning effect adjustment is performed when the standby time has elapsed a predetermined number of times. The flag may be set to ON.

Next, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not an operation result image designation command has been received from the sub-control unit 260, as shown in FIG. 8 (S203g). As a result, when the operation result image designation command has not been received (S203g: NO), the process waits until the operation result image designation command is received, and when the operation result image designation command has been received (
S203g: YES), an operation result image corresponding to the operation result image designation command is displayed (
S203h), the button notice effect display processing ends.

Here, as an operation result image when the sub control unit 260 receives an operation response command from the effect display control unit 280, in this embodiment, when the operation timing of the effect button 5d is good, FIG. As shown in (2), the effect display device 2 so that the character can be specified.
An image imitating a photograph showing the whole body of the character is displayed in the display area 5.
Further, when the operation timing of the effect button 5d is late, as shown in FIG. 9D, an image imitating a photograph of a part of the character is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25. Note that the shutter notice effect is not limited to photography when the character moves, but for example, imitating an image that is in focus or a photo that is out of focus according to the operation timing of the effect button 5d. An image may be displayed. The operation result image may be a still image or a moving image. Then, the player determines whether or not the operation timing of the effect button 5d is good by looking at the mode of the operation result image, and based on the result, guesses the development and ending of the current symbol variation effect display, and the game Can enjoy.

On the other hand, as the operation result image when the sub control unit 260 has not received the operation response command from the effect display control unit 280, for example, as shown in FIG. 9E regardless of the operation timing of the effect button 5d. An image imitating a photograph in which no character is shown in the display area of the effect display device 25 can be displayed.

Next, a process after the button notice effect process and the button notice effect display are finished will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control unit 260 determines whether or not a symbol stop command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to instruct stop of the effect is received (S110).
). This symbol stop command terminates the special symbol variation display in the special symbol display unit 61 (
The main control unit 200 transmits to the sub-control unit 260 along with the special symbol stop display. The sub-control unit 260 receives the symbol stop command at the timing when the special symbol variation display ends (special). The timing at which the symbol is stopped and displayed). And when it determines with having received the symbol stop command (S110: YES), a symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect display control part 280 (S111). The symbol stop command transmitted in S111 is S
In 110, the symbol stop command received from the main control unit 200 may be transmitted as it is. If it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S110: NO), the process of step S111 is skipped.

On the other hand, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not a symbol stop command is received from the sub-control unit 260 as shown in FIG. 6 (S204). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol stop command is received (S204: YES), the symbol variation effect display end processing is performed (S205). Specifically, the effect display device 25 performs a process of ending the effect symbol change display (symbol change effect display) (stops the effect symbol display). On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S204: NO), the symbol variation effect display end processing of S205 is skipped.

Here, the correspondence between the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 8 and each means of the present invention will be described. The processing of S105 and S106 in FIG. The processing of S109e corresponds to the operation signal transmission means, and S109 in FIG.
Processes h and 109i correspond to the operation corresponding effect execution means, and the process of S203f in FIG. 8 corresponds to the response signal transmission means.

According to the present embodiment described above, after the three effect symbols start to be displayed on the effect display device 25 (from the start of the symbol change effect), until the effect symbol is first stopped and displayed (for example,
As part of the “notice effect” performed until the left symbol as the first stop symbol is stopped), a “button notice effect (shutter notice effect)” accompanied by the operation of the effect button 5d is performed. Then, during the button effect period in the execution process of the button notice effect, the effect display control unit 280 receives a button effect designation command (operation signal) indicating that the effect button 5d has been operated from the sub-control unit 260. When the command is received (when the effect button 5d is operated), an operation response command (operation response signal) that can specify the effect display status is output to the sub-control unit 260, and the sub-control unit 260 that has received the operation response command. Performs an operation result effect (operation corresponding effect) corresponding to the progress status of the effect display (effect display status) performed under the control of the effect display control unit 280. In this way, the effect control (button notification effect process) performed by the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control performed by the effect display control unit 280 are performed in the sub-control unit 260, with the effect of the player operating the effect button 5d. Control for realizing the notice effect accompanied by the operation of the effect button 5d (effect control based on the operation of the effect button 5d) by performing under the condition that (button notice effect display processing) is accurately linked (linked) This can greatly improve the interest of the notice effect.

Further, in the case where the sub control unit 260 has not received an operation response command (operation response signal) from the effect display control unit 280 within a preset standby time (response period), the effect display control is performed within the response period. Compared to the case where the operation response command (operation response signal) is received from the unit 280, the selection rate of the notice effect pattern that designates the button notice effect using the effect button 5d is reduced, so that the operation of the effect button 5d is sub-controlled. Occurrence of a situation that cannot be accurately reflected in the production control of the unit 260 and the production display control unit 280 (execution of a low-precise announcement production) can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the effect control based on the operation of the effect button 5d.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, after the three effect symbols start to be displayed on the effect display device 25 (from the start of the symbol change effect), until the effect symbol is first stopped (for example, the first stop). Although an example of performing an operation effect accompanied by an operation of the effect button 5d as a part of a notice effect that is performed until the left symbol as a symbol is stopped and displayed) After the three effect symbols have started to change display (after the start of the symbol change effect), the operation of the effect button 5d is performed during the execution of the reach effect that is performed while the two effect symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. The operation effect (reliability notification effect) of notifying the reliability of the jackpot as an opportunity is illustrated. The reliability notification effect is a display of an image showing the reliability of the jackpot in the display area of the effect symbol display unit 25a, thereby notifying the player of the reliability of the jackpot, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. Is intended to enhance

The sub-control unit 260 of this embodiment is configured to select an effect pattern displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a by lottery from an effect pattern selection table in which a plurality of effect patterns are stored. A plurality of effect design pattern selection tables are prepared, and are selected and used according to the gaming state. In the plurality of effect pattern selection tables, the selection rate of the effect pattern (the operation effect pattern, that is, the effect pattern including the reliability notification effect) accompanied by the button effect using the effect button 5d is set to the other effect patterns (button effect). The production pattern selection table set higher than the selection rate of the production pattern not accompanied, that is, the production pattern not including the reliability notification production), and the production pattern selection table set lower than the selection rate of other production patterns include. The sub-control unit 260 selects a specific effect pattern from the effect pattern selection table, and determines the variation pattern of the effect symbol. For this reason, in this embodiment, the effect pattern selection table corresponds to the effect pattern storage means of the present invention,
The sub-control unit 260 corresponds to the effect pattern selection means of the present invention. The effect pattern selection table is stored in the ROM of the sub-control unit 260, and the RO of the sub-control unit 260 is stored.
M substantially constitutes effect pattern storage means.

Next, an effect display control process for performing a button effect (operation effect) accompanied by an operation of the effect button 5d of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the symbol variation effect process of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the symbol variation effect display process of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is determined to be a big win (S101: YES), the sub-control unit 260 determines the stop symbol of the effect symbol as a winning symbol (S10).
2 '). On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out (S101: NO)
Then, the stop symbol of the effect symbol is removed and determined as the symbol (S103 ′).

Then, it is determined whether or not the button effect adjustment flag for adjusting the selection rate of the effect pattern accompanying the button effect is OFF (S104 ′). This button effect adjustment flag is a flag that is turned on when the sub control unit 260 cannot properly receive an operation response command (operation response signal) that can specify the effect display status from the effect display control unit 280. It is set in the effect process (S109 ′).

If the button notice effect adjustment flag is OFF as a result of the determination in S104 ′ (S10)
4 ′: YES), a specific effect pattern is selected based on a normal effect pattern selection table in which a selection rate of an effect pattern (operation effect pattern) accompanied by a button effect among a plurality of effect pattern selection tables is set high. (S105 '). On the other hand, the button effect adjustment flag is O
In the case of N (S104 ′: NO), a specific effect pattern based on the effect pattern selection table in which the selection rate of the effect pattern with the button effect is set lower than that in the normal effect pattern selection table. Is selected (S106 ′). As a result, the sub-control unit 260
However, it is possible to suppress the execution of the button effect in a situation where the effect display status of the effect display device 25 performed under the control of the effect display control unit 280 cannot be specified.

Next, a symbol variation effect start command (effect pattern designation command, stop symbol designation command) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280 (S107 ′). The effect pattern designation command transmitted in S107 ′ is a command for designating the effect pattern selected by the sub control unit 260 in S105 ′ and S106 ′ based on the variation pattern designation command received from the main control unit 200. The stop symbol designation command transmitted in S107 ′ is S102 ′, 1
This is a command for designating the stop symbol type of the effect symbol determined at 03 ′.

Next, the sub-control unit 260 determines whether or not there is a button effect, that is, whether or not the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern designation command is an effect pattern accompanied by a button effect (the presence or absence of a button effect) (S108 ′). ). As a result, when it is determined that the effect pattern is accompanied by a button effect (there is a button effect) (S108 ′: YES), a button effect process described later is performed (S109 ′).

Here, in the effect display control unit 280, as shown in FIG. 11, whether or not the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern designation command from the sub-control unit 260 is an effect pattern accompanied by a button effect (button effect Presence or absence) is determined (S202 ′). As a result, when it is determined that the effect pattern is accompanied by a button effect (there is a button effect) (S202 ′: YES).
Then, button effect display processing is performed (S203 ′).

Here, the button effect process performed by the sub-control unit 260 (CPU 260b) and the button effect display process performed by the effect display control unit 280 (CPU 280b) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the button effect process of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the button effect display process of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 in the button effect display process.

In the effect display control unit 280, as shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the effect button activation command has been received from the sub control unit 260 (S203a: YES), the effect button 5d.
An operation promotion image that prompts the player to perform the operation is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 to notify the player that the effect button 5d has been activated (S203b ′). It should be noted that the timing at which the effect button activation command is transmitted from the sub-control unit 260 is that two effect symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol in the display area of the effect display device 25, and one effect symbol continues to be variably displayed. It is a predetermined time during the execution of the “reach effect” performed in the state.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14A, the message “Please press the effect button” is displayed in the lower area of the display area of the effect display device 25, so that the effect button 5 is displayed to the player.
d is informed that it has become effective. In the button effect of this embodiment, the effect display device 2
An image simulating the design of a balance (triangular base, base-shaped balance bar) is displayed in the upper area of the display area of 5, and the balance bar on the triangular base is tilted to the right, An effect of causing the player to press the effect button 5d in a horizontal state is performed.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 12, the sub-control unit 260 determines whether or not the operation signal of the effect button 5d is turned on, that is, whether or not the player has operated the effect button 5d (S
109d). As a result, when the operation signal of the effect button 5d is ON (S10
9d: YES), a button effect designation command is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280 (S109).
e). Then, the input of the operation signal of the effect button 5d is invalidated (S109f).

On the other hand, when the operation signal of the effect button 5d is not ON (S109d: NO)
Then, it is determined whether or not the operation effective period of the effect button 5d has elapsed (S109n). And
When the operation effective period of the effect button 5d has elapsed (S109n: YES), an effect button invalidation command is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280 (S109o ′), and the effect button 5
The operation signal of d is invalidated (S109f). In this embodiment, even if the operation effective period of the effect button 5d has elapsed, the button effect is continued assuming that the effect button 5d has been pressed.

Next, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not a button effect designation command is received from the sub-control means 260, as shown in FIG. 13 (S203c). As a result, when it is determined that the button effect designation command is received (S203c: YES), the operation promotion image of the effect button 5d is deleted (S203e). On the other hand, if it is determined that the button effect designation command has not been received (S203c: NO), it is determined whether an effect button invalidation command has been received from the sub-control unit 260 (S203i ′). If the effect button invalidation command has not been received (S203i ′: NO), the effect button 5d
In the standby state until the operation signal is turned on and when the effect button invalidation command is received (S203i ′: YES), the operation promotion image of the effect button 5d is deleted (S20).
3e). As shown in FIG. 14B, the display of the image imitating the design of the balance is left in the upper area of the display area of the effect display device 25, but it may be deleted. And production button 5d
If the operation promotion image is deleted, the current effect display state (the state of the image imitating the design of the balance, that is, the inclination of the balance) can be acquired (stored), and the acquired current effect display state can be specified. An operation response command (operation response signal) is generated, and the generated command is sent to the sub-control unit 2
60 (S203f).

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the sub-control unit 260 determines whether or not an operation response command has been received from the effect display control unit 280 (109g). As a result, when the operation response command is received (S109g: YES), the operation result effect (operation corresponding effect) corresponding to the operation response command is executed (S109h, S109i), and the button effect process is terminated. That is, the sub-control unit 260 executes an effect corresponding to the current effect display status (the effect display content when the effect button 5d is operated) being performed under the control of the effect display control unit 280.

Here, in this embodiment, as an operation result effect (operation corresponding effect) corresponding to the operation response command, a sound effect using sound effect output devices (speakers 10a to 10d), various LEDs for effects (decoration), A lamp effect using the lamp and a display effect using the effect display device 25 are performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation result effect by the sound effect and the lamp effect is executed in the process of S109h, and the operation result of designating the image to be displayed on the effect display device 25 as the operation result effect in the process of S109i. The image designation command is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280, and the operation result effect by the display effect is executed. The execution pattern of the operation result effect (operation result effect pattern) is determined based on the “display effect contents when the effect button 5d is operated” specified by the operation response command from the effect display control unit 280.
0 is determined, and the sub-control unit 260 executes an operation result effect according to the determined execution pattern (including transmission of an operation result image designation command).

On the other hand, when the operation response command has not been received (S109g: NO), it is determined whether or not a standby time (for example, 200 milliseconds) that is a preset response period has elapsed (S109j). As a result, when the standby time has not elapsed (S109j: NO),
If an operation response command is received, the standby state is entered and if the standby time has elapsed (S
109j: YES), a standard operation result effect is executed (S109k, S109l). This standard operation result effect is a predetermined effect that is not affected by the operation of the effect button 5d, as in the first embodiment, and in this embodiment, a sound effect, a lamp effect, and a display effect are also provided. Thus, the standard operation result presentation is realized. Therefore, the standard operation result effect by the sound effect and the lamp effect is executed in the process of S109k, and the image (background image or character image) displayed on the effect display device 25 as the standard operation result effect in the process of S109l. The operation result image designation command for designating a) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280, and the standard operation result effect by the display effect is executed. Then, after executing the standard operation result effect, the button effect adjustment flag is set to ON (S109m ′), and the button effect process is terminated.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the effect display control unit 280 determines whether or not an operation result image designation command has been received from the sub-control unit 260 (S203g). As a result, when the operation result image designation command has not been received (S203g: NO), the process waits until the operation result image designation command is received, and when the operation result image designation command has been received (S203g). : YES), the operation result image corresponding to the operation result image designation command is displayed (S203h ′), and the button effect display process is terminated.

Here, as an operation result image when the sub control unit 260 receives the operation response command from the effect display control unit 280, in this embodiment, the operation timing of the effect button 5d specified by the operation response command is the balance bar. 14 is horizontal (good), FIG.
As shown in c), the balance bar state is displayed in the upper area of the display area of the effect display device 25, and the reliability of the current symbol variation effect display is determined in the lower area of the display area of the effect display device 25. Image (for example, a character with a reliability of “90%”) is displayed. Further, when the operation timing of the effect button 5d is in a state where the balance bar is not horizontal, FIG.
As shown in (d), the state of the balance bar is displayed in the upper area of the display area of the effect display device 25, and the reliability of the current symbol variation effect display is displayed in the lower area of the display area of the effect display device 25. It is assumed that an image not shown (for example, a character with reliability “??%”) is displayed. Here, even if the balance bar is not horizontal, if it is close to horizontal, the reliability of the current symbol variation effect display is definitely determined in the lower area of the display area of the effect display device 25. It is good also as displaying the image (for example, character of reliability "90% ??") which is not shown. in this way,
In the present embodiment, the original reliability is notified step by step according to the operation timing of the effect button 5d.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the player does not operate the effect button 5d within the operation effective period and the operation effective period has elapsed (S109n: YES), the sub-control unit 260 starts from the effect display control unit 280. When an operation response command has not been received and a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (S10
9j: YES), for example, as shown in FIG. 14E, a message “operation failure” can be displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25.

Here, the correspondence between the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 13 and each means of the present invention will be described. The processing of S105 ′ and S106 ′ in FIG. The process of S109e in 12 corresponds to the operation signal transmitting means, the processes of S109h and S109i in FIG. 12 correspond to the operation corresponding effect executing means, and the process of S203f in FIG. 13 corresponds to the response signal transmitting means.

According to the present embodiment described above, after the effect display device 25 has started the variable display of the three effect symbols (after the start of the symbol variation effect), the two effect symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. During the execution of the reach effect, the “reliability notification effect” (an aspect of the operation effect) for notifying the reliability of the big hit is triggered by the operation of the effect button 5d. Then, when performing the “reliability announcement effect” during the execution of the reach effect, the effect display control unit 280 receives a button effect designation command (operation signal) indicating that the effect button 5 d has been operated from the sub-control unit 260. Then, when the command is received (when the effect button 5d is operated), an operation response command (operation response signal) that can specify the effect display state is output to the sub-control unit 260, and the operation response command is received. The control unit 260 performs a reliability notification effect corresponding to the effect display state performed under the control of the effect display control unit 280 as an operation result effect (operation-corresponding effect). In this way, the effect control (button effect process) performed by the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 are performed in the sub-control unit 260 for the reliability notification effect (button effect) accompanied by the operation of the effect button 5d by the player.
Reaching an effect (reliability notification effect) that accurately reflects the operation status of the effect button 5d by performing under the condition that the effect display control (button effect display process) performed at is accurately linked (linked) Can be done as part of That is, the accuracy of the control (effect control based on the operation of the effect button 5d) for realizing the button effect (reliability notification effect) accompanied by the operation of the effect button 5d in the course of the design change effect (change display of the effect symbol). This greatly contributes to the improvement of the interests of reach production and overall design variation production.

Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the sub-control unit 260 receives an operation response command (operation response signal) from the effect display control unit 280 within a preset response period. In the case where there is not, there is an effect pattern (including a reliability notification effect) accompanied by a button effect using the effect button 5d, compared to the case where an operation response command (operation response signal) is received from the effect display control unit 280 within the response period. Since the selection rate of the production pattern) is reduced, the production button 5
Occurrence of a situation where the operation of d cannot be accurately reflected in the effect control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 (execution of a low-accuracy symbol variation effect or reach effect) can be suppressed.

Thereby, in the gaming machine 1 described in the present embodiment, the precision of effect control based on the operation of the effect button 5d can be improved in the same manner as the game machine 1 described in the first embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this,
As long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim, it is not limited to the wording of each claim, the scope is easily replaced by those skilled in the art, and improvements based on the knowledge that those skilled in the art normally have are made as appropriate. Can be added.

(1) For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which an operation effect (button effect) using the effect button 5d is performed in the notice effect and the reliability notification effect during the reach effect has been shown. An operation effect using the button 5d may be performed.

For example, in a gaming machine in which a plurality of jackpot rounds (for example, 15 rounds and 7 rounds) are set and a round promotion effect is performed during the jackpot game, a button effect may be performed in the round promotion effect. The round promotion effect is based on the premise that when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is 15 round big hit or 7 round big hit, the big bonus game is started with the production symbol stopped and displayed at the symbol corresponding to the 7 round big hit. Is called. Even if the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is 15 rounds big hit, after the effect design stops and displays the symbol corresponding to the 7th round big hit, it is notified that the special symbol success / failure determination result is 15 rounds big hit in the round promotion effect. In the event of a loss, the player will have a special symbol success / failure determination of 1 from 7 rounds
Impressed by the impression of being promoted to 5 rounds of big hit, the interest is improved.

Alternatively, during a jackpot game, when performing a probability variation promotion effect that notifies whether or not the probability variation function starts operating after the jackpot game ends, a button effect may be performed with this probability variation promotion effect. The probability variation promotion effect is performed on the precondition that when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probability variation big hit or a normal big hit, the production symbol is stopped and displayed with the normal big hit symbol and the big hit game is started. Even if the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable jackpot, if the production symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal jackpot symbol, and the probable promotion promotion informs that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big jackpot, The person receives the impression that the special symbol success / failure determination has been promoted from a normal jackpot to a promising jackpot, and the interest is improved.

The “round promotion effect” and the “probable change promotion effect” are executed under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and can be performed using, for example, the screen display of the effect display device 25. As a specific aspect of the probable promotion effect, for example, display the battle scenes of the friendly character and the enemy character,
By displaying a scene where characters such as “Round promotion” or “Probability change promotion” appear when a teammate wins, the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is 15 rounds big hit or probable big hit Can be suggested.

(2) Further, in the above embodiment, the appearance button 5d of the appearance type (so-called push button type) is illustrated as an aspect of the operation means, but the operation can be detected by detecting the operation by the player. If so, the form of the operation means is not particularly limited. For example, the appearance type button 5
Instead of d, it is possible to employ a contact type detection sensor that detects that a player's finger is touched, or a non-contact type detection sensor using a photoelectric element.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the sub control board 260a of the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 are configured by two independent boards, but these boards 260a and 280a are configured. Can also be composed of a single substrate.

(4) Moreover, in the said Example, although the game machine of this invention was applied to the pachinko game machine, it is not restricted to this. The present invention is applicable to any gaming machine that includes operation means such as a production button and performs production control according to the operation of the operation means in a distributed manner by a plurality of control units.
Arrange ball game machines) and slot machines can also be applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 5d ... Effect button (operation means), 10a-10b ... Speaker (1st effect device), 25 ... Effect display device (2nd effect device), 200 ... Main control part (main control means), 260
... sub-control unit (first effect control means, effect pattern storage means, effect pattern selection means, operation signal transmission means, operation corresponding effect execution means), 262 ... various LEDs and lamps (first effect device)
280 ... Production display control unit (second production control means, response signal transmission means).

Claims (1)

Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A first effect control means connected to the main control means for controlling a lamp effect using a lamp device;
A second effect control unit that is connected to the first effect control unit and controls the display effect using the effect display device based on a control signal transmitted from the first effect control unit;
Operation means connected to the first effect control means and operable by a player;
With
A gaming machine that transmits an operation signal indicating that the operation means has been operated from the first effect control means to the second effect control means when the operation means is operated,
When the second effect control means receives the operation signal, the second effect control means transmits, to the first effect control means, a response signal that can specify the display effect status by the effect display device when the operation signal is received. And
When the first effect control means receives the response signal, the first effect control means executes the lamp effect based on the received response signal.

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