JP5957644B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of switching and executing a plurality of performance modes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine capable of switching and executing a plurality of effect modes (stages) during the same gaming state (for example, a state in which a jackpot determination is performed). For example, the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs a selection effect for selecting one of a plurality of effect modes when an operation switch is operated, and executes the selected effect mode. There is also a gaming machine that automatically switches the effect mode as the game progresses.

JP 2008-173357 A

  In a gaming machine that automatically switches the effect mode, even if the effect mode that the player does not want is executed, the player cannot switch the effect mode on her own intention. On the other hand, in a gaming machine that switches the effect mode when the operation switch is operated, the game may proceed without the player knowing that the effect mode can be switched. Furthermore, there are cases where only a specific effect mode is selected even though there are other effect modes that can attract the player's interest. Accordingly, it has been impossible with the conventional technique to increase the proportion of the player to execute the desired presentation mode while fully utilizing the numerous presentation modes to entertain the player.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine that can fully attract a player's interest by increasing the proportion of the player's desired performance mode to be executed while fully utilizing a number of performance modes to entertain the player. The purpose is to provide.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes an effect executing means for executing an effect, a mode determining means for determining an execution mode that is an effect mode to be executed, from a plurality of effect modes that can be executed during the same gaming state, Effect control means for executing the execution mode by causing the effect execution means to execute an effect according to the execution mode determined by the mode determination means, and switching the execution mode during the same gaming state A game machine capable of acquiring game information obtained during a period in which the execution mode is continuously executed as a parameter , and the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit is greater than or equal to a threshold value Threshold determination means for determining whether or not the parameter has become at least the threshold value by the threshold determination means On condition that the cross-sectional, the a Ruho knowledge means to notify the player that whether or not to terminate the execution mode is a selectable state, the operating means by a player, the selectable In accordance with the operation of the operation means while it is notified that the state is in an incomplete state, an end determination means for determining whether or not to end the execution mode, and the mode determination means for operating the operation means. And an end frequency acquisition unit that acquires an end frequency that is a frequency at which the execution mode is ended, and the mode determination unit executes the execution when the end determination unit determines to end the execution mode. determining the effect mode other than the execution mode in the following the execution mode, the threshold value determining means, the higher the completion of the frequency obtained by the completion of the frequency obtaining means, lower the And performing determination by using the value.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the player is notified that the execution mode can be selected on the condition that the execution mode continues for a certain period of time. The player can select whether or not to end the execution mode based on the content of the execution mode that has been performed for a certain period of time. Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can increase the rate at which the effect mode desired by the player is executed while allowing the player to enjoy many effect modes.

In addition , the player is notified at an earlier stage that the higher the frequency at which the player ends the execution mode, the more the player can select whether to end the execution mode. Therefore, the gaming machine can perform notification at a more optimal timing according to the frequency with which the player ends the execution mode.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the jackpot relation information storage area of RAM52. 4 is a flowchart of main processing in the main board 41. It is a flowchart of the special symbol process performed by the main process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol process performed by the main process. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the production mode in the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of sub control board processing in a sub control board 58; It is a flowchart of the notification effect start process performed by sub control board | substrate process. It is a flowchart of special effect mode processing executed in sub-control board processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the selectable state notification image. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating execution mode completion | finish information and completion | finish frequency. It is a flowchart of the presentation mode determination process performed by sub control board | substrate process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data structure of a threshold value determination table.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game board 2 is provided in the upper half of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 is substantially square (see FIG. 2), and the front surface is protected by a front frame 13 holding a transparent glass plate. An upper plate 5 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. The upper plate 5 supplies game balls to the launcher and receives prize balls. An operation button 9 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 5. A lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided immediately below the upper plate 5. On the right side of the lower plate 6, a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch of the game ball is provided. Speakers 48 are respectively provided on the left and right corners of the upper portion of the front frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. An effect device 8 for executing various effects is provided in the approximate center of the game area 4. A normal symbol start gate 12 is provided on the left side of the effect device 8. A special symbol starting electric accessory 15 is disposed below the stage device 8, and a special winning opening 16 is provided below the special symbol starting electric accessory 15. The special symbol start electric accessory 15 includes an opening / closing member, and when the opening / closing member is opened, it becomes easy to win a game ball. The big winning opening 16 also includes an opening / closing member, and the game ball can win the big winning opening 16 only when the opening / closing member is opened.

  The rendering device 8 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the rendering device 8 includes a display screen 28 formed of an LCD at the center. Various videos are displayed on the display screen 28. In order to notify the player of the result of the jackpot determination, there are provided three side-by-side demo symbol display units. The pachinko machine 1 performs an effect (hereinafter referred to as “notification effect”) for confirming and displaying a combination of demo symbols indicating the result of the jackpot determination after changing the demo symbols displayed on the three demo symbol display units. Thus, the result of the jackpot determination is notified to the player. Although details will be described later, on the display screen 28, a selectable state notification image 29 (see FIG. 12) indicating that it is possible to select whether or not to end the effect mode being executed is displayed. The

  A movable accessory 30 is provided on the right side of the display screen 28. The movable accessory 30 performs various effects by moving the movable part. Below the movable accessory 30 is provided a display unit 24 that displays the result of the jackpot determination and the number of reserved balls. The display unit 24 includes a special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, a special symbol memory number display LED, and a normal symbol memory number display LED. The special symbol display unit includes two 7-segment LEDs, and displays a special symbol indicating the result of the jackpot determination. The normal symbol display unit displays the result of the normal hit determination by turning on and off the LED. The special symbol memory number display LED displays the number of game balls (the so-called “special symbol operation holding ball number”) for which the result of the jackpot determination has not been displayed yet. The normal symbol memory number display LED displays the number of game balls for which the normal hit determination result has not been displayed yet (so-called “normal symbol operation holding ball number”).

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main board 41, a sub control board 58, a lamp driver board 46, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47.

  The main board 41 controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main board CPU unit 50 of the main board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a ROM 53 that stores a control program and the like. An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main board CPU unit 50. The main board 41 executes a program each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57. The main board 41 is connected to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, the output port 55, and the start port switch 70 via the I / O interface 54. The output port 55 outputs information on the pachinko machine 1 to a game hall management computer (not shown). The start port switch 70 detects a game ball won in the special symbol start electric accessory 15.

  The sub control board 58 includes a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583, and is connected to the lamp driver board 46, the effect control board 43, the speaker 48, and the operation buttons 9. The sub control board 58 performs comprehensive control such as effects according to the command transmitted from the main board 41. The lamp driver board 46 controls the movable accessory 30 and the like. The effect control board 43 includes a CPU 43 a and the like, and controls display of the display screen 28 in accordance with a command received from the sub control board 58. The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 45a and the like. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main board 41, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls.

  The relay board 47 is connected with a normal symbol operation switch 71, a special prize opening / closing solenoid 72, an electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 73, a special prize opening switch 75, and the display unit 24. The normal symbol operation switch 71 detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start gate 12. The big prize opening / closing solenoid 72 opens and closes the opening / closing member of the big prize opening 16 during the big hit game. The electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 73 opens and closes the opening / closing member of the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 during the normal winning game. The big prize opening switch 75 detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 16.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the game ball launching device 37, and supplies DC stabilized power to each board and the game ball launching device 37. The game ball launching device 37 launches one game ball to the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in the present embodiment).

  The jackpot relation information storage area of the RAM 52 will be described with reference to FIG. The jackpot relation information storage area is used in a special symbol process (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of a main process, which will be described later, and stores a random number that is acquired when a game ball is won in the special symbol starting electric accessory 15. The jackpot relation information storage area is provided with a plurality of storage areas. When a game ball wins the special symbol starting electric accessory 15, if the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is less than 4 (0 to 3), random numbers are stored in order from the memory area with the smallest number. The CPU 51 uses the storage area with the smallest number among the random numbers in the storage areas that have not yet been processed as a determination area, and performs various processes such as jackpot determination on the random numbers stored in the determination area. When the processing related to the random number stored in the determination area (specifically, the notification effect for informing the determination result and the jackpot game executed when the determination result is a big hit) is finished, the storage area with the next smallest number Is set as a determination area, and processing such as jackpot determination is repeated. Note that the random numbers in the storage area that has been processed may be deleted as appropriate.

  In each storage area, a jackpot random number field in which the value of the jackpot determination counter is stored, a special symbol determination random number field in which the value of the special symbol determination counter is stored, and a variation pattern determination in which the value of the variation pattern determination counter is stored A random number field is provided. When a game ball wins the special symbol start electric accessory 15, the value of each random number acquisition counter counted at that time is stored in each column. The jackpot random number is used for jackpot determination. The special symbol determination random number is used to determine a special symbol. The variation pattern determination random number is used to determine an effect pattern (demonstration variation pattern) of a notification effect for notifying the result of the jackpot determination. The RAM 52 is provided with a normal hit relation information storage area for storing a random number acquired when a game ball is won in the normal symbol start gate 12. The normal hit relation information storage area is configured in the same manner as the big hit relation information storage area.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, processing by the main board 41 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the ROM 53. The main process of the control program (see FIG. 5) is executed by the CPU 51 when the CPU 51 senses an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms by the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 3).

  First, command output processing is performed (S10). In the command output process, a control command is output to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, and the like. The control command output here is a control command stored in the RAM 52 in the main process executed last time.

  Next, a switch reading process is performed (S11). In the switch reading process, a process for detecting a game ball is performed from the detection results of the normal symbol start gate 12 and each switch (see FIG. 3) provided at each winning opening.

  Next, a counter update process is performed (S12). In the counter update process, the value of the random number acquisition counter stored in the RAM 52 is added, and the value of the timer counter is subtracted.

  Next, special electric accessory processing is performed (S13). In the special electric accessory processing, processing for controlling the operation of the jackpot game (mainly opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member of the big winning opening 16) and processing regarding the game state generated after the end of the jackpot game are performed.

  Next, special symbol processing is performed (S14). Although details will be described later, in the special symbol processing, processing such as jackpot determination, determination of a special symbol, and determination of a variation pattern is performed (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Next, ordinary electric accessory processing is performed (S15). In the ordinary electric accessory process, a process for controlling the operation of the normal hit game is performed when the normal hit is reached. If the time-short state has occurred, the CPU 51 opens the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 longer than in the non-time-short state.

  Next, normal symbol processing is performed (S16). In the normal symbol process, a normal hit random number is acquired when the normal symbol operation switch 71 detects a game ball. Based on the acquired random number, processing such as ordinary hit determination, storage of commands for controlling fluctuations in ordinary symbols, and the like are performed. The probability of being determined to be a normal hit during the short-time state is higher than the probability of being determined to be a normal hit during the non-time-short state. The variation time of the normal symbol is shorter in the time-short state than in the non-time-short state.

  Next, a payout process (S17), an error check (S18), and an information output process (S19) are performed. In the payout process, the payout of prize balls is controlled. In the error check, when an error occurs, the error is notified using the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like. In the information output process, various types of information are output to a game hall management computer (not shown).

  Details of the special symbol process (S14) will be described with reference to FIGS. First, flags used in special symbol processing will be described. The RAM 52 stores a jackpot gaming state flag, a display state flag, and the like. The jackpot game state flag is “ON” when “1” is stored during the jackpot game, and “0” is stored and “OFF” when the jackpot game is not played. The special symbol display state flag stores “1” when the special symbol on the display unit 24 is fluctuating, “2” when the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state, and “0” when the symbol is neither fluctuating nor stopped. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the special symbol process is started, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 (S21). When the start opening switch 70 provided on the special symbol start electric accessory 15 detects the winning of the game ball, the winning ball flag corresponding to the start opening switch 70 is displayed in the main process switch reading process (S11, see FIG. 5). “ON”. If this flag is not “ON” and the game ball has not won (S21: NO), the process directly proceeds to the determination of S31. If a game ball has won the special symbol starting electric accessory 15 (S21: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol actuated balls is “4” (S22). If the number of special symbol actuated balls stored in the RAM 52 is “4” (S22: YES), since the reserved balls have reached the upper limit that can be held, the process proceeds to the determination of S31 as it is.

  When the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is not “4” (S22: NO), “1” is added to the number of special symbol operation reservation balls stored in the RAM 52 (S23). A command to increase the number of reserved balls indicating that the number of special symbol operation reserved balls has increased is stored in the RAM 52 (S24). The stored reserved ball number increase command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the main process to be executed next. Next, various random numbers are acquired and stored in the storage area with the smallest number among the empty storage areas in the jackpot relation information storage area (see FIG. 4) (S25). Specifically, the value of the jackpot determination counter is stored in the jackpot random number column, the value of the special symbol determination counter is stored in the special symbol determination random number column, and the value of the variation pattern determination counter is stored in the variation pattern determination random number column. The

  Next, it is determined whether or not the game state is a jackpot gaming state (S31). If the jackpot gaming state flag is “ON” and it is determined that the jackpot gaming state is in effect (S31: YES), the processing returns to the main processing as it is. If it is not in the jackpot gaming state (S31: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S32). If the display state flag is not “1” and the special symbol is not changing (S32: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is being stopped (S33). If the display state flag is not “2” and the stop display is not being performed (S33: NO), the process proceeds to S35 (see FIG. 7), and a big hit determination is performed.

  In the jackpot determination, first, it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol actuated balls is “1” or more (S35). If the number of special symbol operation reservation balls stored in the RAM 52 is not equal to or greater than “1” (S35: NO), there is no game ball for which a big hit determination is to be made, and the process directly returns to the main process. If it is “1” or more (S35: YES), “1” is subtracted from the number of special symbol actuated balls stored in the RAM 52 (S36). The determination area of the jackpot relation information storage area (see FIG. 4) is shifted to the storage area of the next number (S37).

  Next, a jackpot determination according to the gaming state is performed (S38). The determination table for performing jackpot determination is provided with a low probability determination table used during a non-probability variation state and a high probability determination table in which the probability of determining a jackpot is higher than in a non-probability variation state. Yes. The jackpot determination is performed by referring to one of the determination tables depending on whether or not a probability variation state has occurred.

  When it is determined that the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot (S39: YES), a special symbol indicating a jackpot is determined (S40). Next, if it is in the time-short state (S41: YES), the table in the time-short state and the big win in the special symbol variation pattern determination table (not shown) is referred to, and varies depending on the value of the variation pattern determination random number column. A pattern is determined (S42). The variation pattern is a variation pattern of the demo symbol used when notifying the player of the determination result by the jackpot determination. This variation pattern is executed by the display screen 28, the movable accessory 30, the speaker 48, etc. in synchronization with the variation time of the special symbol displayed on the display unit 24 (equal to the variation time of the demo symbol) and the variation of the special symbol. The notification effect pattern to be performed is determined. The sub control board 58 controls the notification effect based on the variation pattern determined by the main board 41. The special symbol variation pattern determination table is a table for determining the variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern determination random number column. The special symbol variation pattern determination table is provided with a plurality of tables according to the gaming state at the time of jackpot determination (during a non-short-time state or a state of short-time state) and the result of the jackpot determination (big hit or miss).

  If it is not in the time-short state (S41: NO), the variation pattern is determined by the table in the case of the non-time-short state (normal state) and the jackpot (S43). If the determination result is out of order (S39: NO), a special symbol ("-" in this embodiment) indicating that it is out of position is determined (S46). If it is in the time-short state (S47: YES), the fluctuation pattern is determined by the table of the time-short state and the deviation (S48), and if not in the time-short state (S47: NO), the fluctuation pattern is determined by the normal state and the deviation table. Is determined (S49).

  Next, a variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern and instructing the variation of the special symbol and the demo symbol (start of notification effect) is stored in the RAM 52 (S52). The stored command is output to another board such as the sub control board 58 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 5) of the main process to be executed next. Next, the variation time of the special symbol determined according to the variation pattern is set in the special symbol variation time counter which is a timer counter (S53). “1” indicating that the special symbol is changing is stored in the display state flag (S54), and the process returns to the main process.

  In addition, in the determination of S32 shown in FIG. 6, when “1” is stored in the display state flag and it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S32: YES), has the change time elapsed? It is determined whether or not (S57). If the value of the special symbol variation time counter set in S53 (see FIG. 7) is “0” and it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S57: YES), the special symbol variation stop ( A special symbol stop command for instructing (end of notification effect) is stored in the RAM 52 (S58). The predetermined stop display time is stored in a special symbol stop time counter which is a timer counter (S59). “2” indicating that the special symbol is being stopped and displayed is stored in the display state flag (S60), and the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S57 that the variation time has not yet elapsed (S57: NO), the process directly returns to the main process.

  In the determination of S33, “2” is stored in the display state flag, and when it is determined that the special symbol is being stopped (S33: YES), the value of the counter set in S59 is used. Then, it is determined whether or not the stop display time has elapsed (S61). If the value of the special symbol stop time counter is not “0” and the stop display time has not yet elapsed (S61: NO), the process returns to the main process as it is. When the stop display time has elapsed (S61: YES), “0” indicating that the special symbol is neither fluctuating nor stopped is stored in the display state flag (S62). Next, a game state transition process is performed (S63), and the process returns to the main process. In the gaming state transition process (S63), when the determination result is a big hit, the big hit gaming state flag is set to “ON”, and the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. In this case, a jackpot game start command indicating that the jackpot game is to be started is stored in the RAM 52. Further, if the termination conditions of the short-time state and the probability variation state are satisfied, these gaming states are terminated, and the gaming state shifts to the non-short-time state and the non-probability variation state.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the effect mode which the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment performs is demonstrated. The effect mode is a mode for determining the type of notification effect. When one of the variation patterns indicating the content of the notification effect (effect time, result of jackpot determination notified by the effect, etc.) is determined, the effect mode in which the notification effect indicated by the determined variation pattern is generated at that time It is executed corresponding to For example, when the effect mode changes, the character appearing during the notification effect, the background, the type of notice effect, the type of reach effect, and the like change.

  The production mode of the present embodiment is roughly divided into two types, a normal production mode and a special production mode. The normal performance mode is a performance mode that is executed more frequently than the special performance mode. In the special effect mode, the specific effect is easily executed when the determination result is a big hit, and the specific effect is difficult to execute (or not executed at all) in the case of a loss. That is, when the special effect mode is being executed, the player can have a strong expectation (or certainty) for the jackpot if a specific effect determined according to the executed special effect mode is executed.

  In the normal effect mode, three effect modes of mode A, mode B, and mode C are provided. In mode A, the step-up notice is frequently executed. The step-up notice is a notice method for notifying the player of the degree of expectation of jackpot by changing the notice effect in a predetermined mode stepwise. When the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the sub-control board 58 increases the step-up notice stepwise change compared to the case of a loss. In mode B, the frequency of performing the character notice is high. The character notice is a notice method for displaying a character (including a background change or the like) according to the degree of expectation of jackpot, presence / absence of reach production, or the like. In mode C, the frequency of reaching the reach state with the slip effect increases. The slip effect is an effect in which at least one of the demo symbols is temporarily stopped or decelerated and then accelerated again to shift to the reach effect.

  In the special effect mode, three effect modes of mode X, mode Y, and mode Z are provided. In mode X, when the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the frequency at which the step-up notice is executed increases. If the determination result is out of order, the step-up notice is difficult to execute. Therefore, the player can have a strong expectation for the jackpot only by executing the step-up notice. Similarly, in mode Y, when the determination result is a big hit, the frequency of executing the character notice increases. Therefore, the player can have high expectations simply by executing the character notice. In mode Z, when the determination result is a big hit, the frequency of reaching the reach state with the slip effect increases. Therefore, the player pays attention to the effect in the hope that the slip effect will be executed.

  When the special effect mode is being executed, the player can have a strong expectation for the jackpot only by executing a specific effect (step-up notice, character notice, or slip effect). On the other hand, the frequency with which a specific effect is executed is lower than when the normal effect mode is executed. Further, when the special effect mode is executed, it is difficult to have strong expectations unless a specific effect is executed. Therefore, the degree to which the player prefers the special performance mode varies depending on the personality and mood of the player. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can increase the proportion of execution of the effect mode desired by the player while making the player enjoy a number of effect modes including the special effect mode. Details of the processing will be described below.

  With reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 15, sub control board processing executed by the sub control board 58 will be described. In the sub-control board process, a process for controlling effects by the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like is performed according to a command transmitted from the main board 41. In particular, in the sub control board process, an effect mode to be executed (hereinafter referred to as “execution mode”) is determined from among the plurality of effect modes, and the notification effect is controlled according to the determined execution mode. The sub control board process is executed in the CPU 581 according to the program stored in the ROM 583.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the sub control board process is started, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received from the main board 41 (S71). If it has not been received (S71: NO), the process proceeds directly to the determination of S73. When the variation pattern designation command is received (S71: YES), the notification effect start process is executed (S72), and the process proceeds to the determination of S73. In the notification effect start process, a process related to a parameter for determining a period during which the execution mode is continuously executed and a process of controlling the notification effect according to the execution mode and the variation pattern are mainly performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the notification effect start process, it is determined whether or not the effect mode has been changed (S91). Although details will be described later, in the effect mode determination process (see FIG. 15) in the sub-control board process, a process for changing the execution mode is performed. More specifically, in the effect mode determination process, when the execution mode is changed, a process for determining the next execution mode is performed. In the effect mode determination process, if the process for changing the execution mode is not performed (S91: NO), “1” is added to the continuation number counter for counting the continuation number of the execution mode (S92), and the process Proceeds to S96. The number of execution mode continuations is the number of times that the jackpot determination (S38, see FIG. 7) has been performed since the execution mode at that time was started. The value of the continuation number counter is used as one of parameters indicating a period during which the execution mode is continuously executed.

  When the process for changing the execution mode is being performed (S91: YES), the next execution mode determined in the effect mode determination process is set in the RAM 582 (S93). The duration counter for measuring the duration of the execution mode at that time is reset, and the measurement of time by the duration counter is started (S94). The continuation counter is reset to the initial value “0”, and “1” is added (S95). The process proceeds to S96.

  Next, “1” is subtracted from the value of the reserved ball count counter for counting the number of special symbol actuated balls (S96). The notification effect is controlled according to the current execution mode and the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command (S97). For example, even when the same variation pattern is specified, if the execution mode is mode A, the notification effect is made so that the frequency of step-up notices is higher than when the other effect modes are executed. Is controlled. If the execution mode is mode Z, even if the same variation pattern is specified, the slip effect is more likely to be executed at the big hit than when the other effect modes are executed (it is difficult to execute at the time of loss). . Processing returns to sub-control board processing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the process (S71, S72) related to the variation pattern designation command is completed, it is determined whether or not a reserve ball number increase command is received from the main board 41 (S73). If it has not been received (S73: NO), the process proceeds directly to the determination of S75. When the reserve ball number increase command is received (S73: YES), “1” is added to the value of the reserve ball number counting counter (S74), and the process proceeds to the determination of S75.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special performance mode is being executed (S75). As described above, the special effect mode is an effect mode in which a specific effect is easy to be executed in the case of a big hit, and a specific effect is difficult to be executed in the case of a loss (see FIG. 8). If the execution mode is not one of the special performance modes (S75: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S79 as it is. When the special effect mode is being executed (S75: YES), the special effect mode process is performed (S76), and the process proceeds to the determination of S79. In the special effect mode process, a process for ending the special effect mode according to the operation of the operation button 9 by the player is mainly performed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the special effect mode process, it is determined whether or not the player is informed that it is in a selectable state (S101). The selectable state is a state in which the player can select whether or not to end the execution mode. As shown in FIG. 12, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment displays a selectable state notification image 29 including a message “If the button is pressed, the mode is changed!” On the display screen 28, thereby selecting a state. Inform the player that this is the case. However, the method for notifying that the state is selectable can be changed as appropriate. For example, you may alert | report using an audio | voice. You may alert | report by light-emitting LED etc. which were provided in the inside of the operation button 9 (refer FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). A display unit different from the display screen 28 may be provided separately to display an image indicating that it is in a selectable state.

  When it is not notified that the state is selectable (S101: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is not changing, that is, whether or not the notification effect is not executed ( S102). In S102, for example, when the value of the reserved ball number counter is “0” and the predetermined time has passed without the notification effect being executed (for example, when the demo screen is displayed), the special symbol is not displayed. You may judge that it is changing. You may determine that it is not changing at the time when the notification effect ends and the value of the reserved ball number counter is “0”. If the special symbol is changing (S102: NO), it is determined whether or not the operation button 9 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer (whether or not it has been pressed for a long time) (S103).

  If the special symbol is fluctuating (S102: NO) and the operation button 9 is not pressed for a long time (S103: NO), at least one of the duration counter and the duration counter is set. It is determined whether or not each threshold is exceeded (S104). Although details will be described later, the threshold value of each counter is set in advance in the effect mode determination process (see FIG. 14). If the values of the two counters are both less than the respective threshold values (S104: NO), the process returns to the sub-control board process (see FIG. 9) as it is.

  If at least one of the two counter values is equal to or greater than the threshold (S104: YES), it is determined whether or not the selectable notification timing has arrived (S105). The selectable notification timing is a timing (display timing of the selectable state notification image 29) for notifying the player that the state is selectable. The selectable notification timing may be set to an appropriate timing in advance. For example, the start time of the notification effect (during the start of demo symbol variation) or the like may be set in advance as the selectable notification timing. If the selectable notification timing has not arrived (S105: NO), the process directly returns to the sub-control board process. If the selectable notification timing has arrived (S105: YES), the selectable state notification image 29 (see FIG. 12) is displayed on the display screen 28 (S106), and the process returns to the sub-control board process. In other words, if the execution mode continues for a specified time or a specified number of times, it is notified at an appropriate timing that it is in a selectable state.

  When the special symbol is not changing (S102: YES) and when the operation button 9 is pressed for a long time (S103: YES), the selectable state notification image is displayed regardless of the values of the two counters. 29 is displayed on the display screen 28 (S106). Processing returns to sub-control board processing. That is, when a specific condition (non-change in special symbol or long press of the operation button 9) is established, it is notified that the state is selectable regardless of the degree in which the execution mode is continued. More specifically, when the special symbol does not change, the number of jackpot random numbers for which the notification of the jackpot determination result has not yet been completed is zero. In this case, since the game state is stagnant, it is highly likely that the player desires to change the execution mode. Further, when the operation button 9 is pressed for a long time, there is a high possibility that the player strongly desires to change the execution mode. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can execute an effect that suits the player's wishes by immediately informing that it is in a selectable state.

  When it is informed that it is in a selectable state (S101: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation button 9 has been operated (S111). If it has not been operated (S111: NO), it is determined whether or not the image erasing timing has come (S112). The image erasing timing may be set at an appropriate timing in advance. As an example, when the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed by long-pressing the operation button 9 or continuing the execution mode, the point in time when the display time reaches a predetermined time may be set as the image erasing timing. Further, when the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed due to the non-change of the special symbol, the next time when the change of the special symbol starts may be set as the image erasing timing. If the image erasing timing has not arrived (S112: NO), the process directly returns to the sub-control board process.

  If the image erasing timing has arrived (S112: YES), the selectable state notification image 29 is erased from the display screen 28 (S115). Execution mode end information (described later) is stored in the RAM 582 (S116), and the process returns to the sub-control board process. When the operation button 9 is operated during the notification of the selectable state (S111: YES), the change flag is set to “ON” in order to store the fact that the execution mode is changed to another production mode (S114). . Next, the selectable state notification image 29 is deleted (S115), execution mode end information (described later) is stored in the RAM 582 (S116), and the process returns to the sub-control board process.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the RAM 582 stores execution mode end information and end frequency. The end information is information indicating whether or not the worker has ended each of the special performance modes. In the present embodiment, for each of the modes X, Y, and Z, “End” indicating that the user has ended the special performance mode, or indicates that the user has continued without ending the special performance mode. “Continue” is stored as end information. Specifically, when the image erasing timing has arrived without the operation button 9 being operated (S112: YES), “continuation” is stored in S116. If the operation button 9 is operated during the notification of the selectable state (S111: YES), “End” is stored in S116. The end information is stored for the latest three times for each of the special performance modes.

  The end frequency is a frequency at which the operator operates the operation button 9 to end the execution mode (special effect mode). The CPU 581 calculates the end frequency based on the end information. Although details will be described later, the calculated end frequency is used to determine the threshold value of the duration counter and the threshold value of the continuation number counter. In the present embodiment, the end frequency includes the number of continuous ends and the end ratio.

  The number of times of continuous end is the number of times that each special effect mode is continuously ended according to the operation of the operation button 9. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the mode Y is continuously ended during the notification of the most recently selectable state twice. Therefore, the continuous end count “2” is calculated. Since the mode Z has not ended during the notification of the immediately preceding selectable state, the number of consecutive ends “0” is calculated.

  The termination ratio is a ratio of the number of times that the special effect mode is terminated in response to the operation of the operation button 9 with respect to the number of times that the selectable state is notified to the player. In the present embodiment, the end ratio is calculated based on end information regarding all special performance modes. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the end ratio of mode X is “3/3”, the end ratio of mode Y is “2/3”, and the end ratio of mode Z is “1/3”. Therefore, the end ratio of all the special performance modes is “6/9”.

  Needless to say, the method for storing and calculating the end information and the end frequency can be changed. For example, by storing the end information separately for each special effect mode, it is possible to determine the player's preference for each special effect mode. However, the present invention can be realized even if the end information is stored without being divided into each special performance mode. The stored end information is not limited to the latest three end information. The present invention can be realized even when only one of the number of continuous ends and the end ratio is calculated as the end frequency. It is not necessary to calculate the number of continuous ends separately for each special performance mode. The end ratio may be calculated separately for each special performance mode.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 can erase the execution mode end information and the end frequency stored in the RAM 582 to return to the initial values. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 determines that the player has changed when a predetermined time has passed without the game being executed, erases the end information and the end frequency, and sets the initial value stored in the ROM 583 to the initial value. return. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an effect is performed according to the preference of the player before the change. Note that the predetermined time for determining that the player has changed can be set as appropriate. For example, as described above, the selectable state notification image 29 can be displayed when the demonstration screen is displayed after a lapse of time without performing the notification effect. In this case, the predetermined time for determining that the player has changed may be set longer than the time until the demonstration screen is displayed. Further, the pachinko machine 1 initializes the end information and the end frequency when a predetermined operation of the operation button 9 is performed while the game is not being performed. Therefore, the player can perform the game according to his / her preference by erasing the stored information according to the previous player's game by operating the operation button 9 when starting the game. it can.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the processing related to the special effect mode (S75, S76) is completed, it is determined whether or not a special symbol stop command is received from the main board 41 (S79). If not received (S79: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S84 as it is. When the special symbol stop command is received (S79: YES), the process of stopping the demonstration effect and stopping the notification effect is performed (S80). The effect mode determination process is performed (S81), and the process proceeds to the determination of S84. Details of the effect mode determination process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game start command is received from the main board 41 (S84). If not received (S84: NO), the process directly returns to the determination of S71. When the jackpot game start command is received (S84: YES), the jackpot game effect process is executed (S85), and the process returns to the determination of S71.

The effect mode determination process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the change flag is “ON” (S121). As described above, when the operation button 9 is operated while the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed, the change flag is set to “ON” (S114, see FIG. 11). In this case, after the change flag is set to “OFF” (S122), one of the effect modes other than the effect mode that has been executed is determined as the next execution mode (S128) . The next execution mode may be determined according to a predetermined rule, or may be determined by lottery or the like. In the present embodiment, one of the effect modes other than the effect mode being executed is drawn with a predetermined probability. More specifically, the lottery probability is set so that the probability that the special effect mode is selected is lower than the probability that the normal effect mode is selected. The effect mode determined next to the special effect mode may always be determined from the normal effect mode. Thereby, the value of executing the special performance mode can be increased.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the effect mode determined in S128 is the special effect mode (S130). If it is not the special effect mode but the normal effect mode (S130: NO), the process directly returns to the sub control board process. If the determined effect mode is the special effect mode (S130: YES), the end frequency (see FIG. 13) calculated by the end information is acquired (S131). In accordance with the acquired end frequency, threshold values for the values of the duration counter and the continuation count counter are set (S132). Processing returns to sub-control board processing.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a threshold value determination table is stored in the ROM 583 of the sub control board 58. In the threshold value determination table, each value of the continuous end count and end ratio is associated with each threshold value of the duration counter and the continuation count counter in advance. Specifically, the table is created so that the threshold value is lower when the number of continuous ends is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, compared to when the number is less than the predetermined value. That is, as the number of continuous end times becomes larger, both the threshold value of the continuous time counter and the threshold value of the continuous number counter become lower. Similarly, the higher the end ratio, the lower the threshold of the duration counter and the threshold of the continuation count counter. As a result, the higher the frequency at which the player ends the execution mode, the earlier the notification of the selectable state is made (see S104, FIG. 11). Needless to say, specific values associated in the threshold determination table can be changed as appropriate.

  In the process of S132 in FIG. 14, the lower threshold is set out of the threshold determined by the number of continuous ends and the threshold determined by the end ratio. However, the threshold setting method can be changed. For example, the threshold may be set using only one of the number of continuous ends and the end ratio. In this case, the processing load on the CPU 581 is reduced, and the storage area of the RAM 582 is not easily compressed. The threshold may be set by randomly using the number of continuous ends and the end ratio.

  In the effect mode determination process, when the change flag is set to “OFF” (S121: NO), it is determined whether or not the execution mode continues for a predetermined time or more (S124). In the production mode, the predetermined time serving as a criterion for the determination in S124 is longer than the continuation time serving as a criterion for determining whether or not to notify that the selection is possible (S104, see FIG. 11). They are set in association with each other. If the execution mode has not continued for a predetermined time or longer (S124: NO), the process returns to the sub-control board process.

  When the execution mode continues for a predetermined time or longer (S124: YES), an end lottery for determining whether to end the execution mode automatically is performed with a predetermined probability (S125). If the end lottery is not won (S126: NO), the process returns to the sub-control board process and the execution mode continues. When the end lottery is won (S126: YES), the next execution mode is determined in the processing of S128 to S132, and the execution mode is automatically changed.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the player is notified that it is possible to select whether or not to end the execution mode on the condition that the execution mode continues for a certain time (endable state). The The player can select whether or not to end the execution mode based on the content of the execution mode that has been performed for a certain period of time. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can increase the rate at which the effect mode desired by the player is executed while making the player enjoy a number of effect modes. Specifically, although there are other performance modes that can attract the player's interest, only a specific performance mode is not continuously selected by the player. The game does not proceed without the player knowing that the production mode can be switched.

  In the present embodiment, even before the execution mode continues for a certain time or longer, if a specific condition is satisfied, the player can operate the operation button 9 to end the execution mode. Therefore, if the player already knows the contents of the execution mode and wants to end the execution mode, the execution mode is forcibly set even if the execution mode continues for a certain time or more by satisfying a specific condition. Can be terminated.

  Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 notifies that it is in an endable state when the number of jackpot random numbers that have not yet been notified of the jackpot determination result has become zero. Therefore, when an undesired production mode becomes the execution mode, the player can end the execution mode by interrupting the game, etc., setting the number of held balls to zero, and ending the notification of the determination result. it can. Therefore, the presentation mode can be easily switched only by taking a break or the like. Further, when the game ball does not win the special symbol start electric accessory 15 for a long time and the game is stagnated, it is notified that the game can be ended. Therefore, the player can change the mood by switching the effect mode when the flow of the game is bad.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 notifies the player that it is in an endable state when the operation button 9 is pressed for a long time. Therefore, the player can easily forcibly end the execution mode without waiting for the execution mode to continue for a certain period of time.

  In the present embodiment, the higher the frequency at which the player ends the execution mode, the earlier it is notified that the player is ready to end. That is, the pachinko machine 1 can notify at a more optimal timing according to the frequency with which the player ends the execution mode. Specifically, when the player continuously ends a specific effect mode, the player is likely not to execute the effect mode. The pachinko machine 1 informs that it is in an endable state at an earlier stage as the number of continuous end times of the specific performance mode increases. On the other hand, if the number of continuous ends is small, the notification timing is delayed. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can notify that it can be terminated at a more optimal timing according to the player's preference. Further, the pachinko machine 1 can also notify the end possible state at an earlier stage as the end ratio becomes higher. The higher the end ratio, the higher the possibility that the player desires to change the production mode at an early stage. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can notify that it is in an endable state at the lowest timing according to the end ratio.

In the present embodiment, the display screen 28 corresponds to the “production execution means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 that determines the execution mode in S128 of FIG. 14 functions as the “mode determination means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 that controls the notification effect according to the execution mode in S97 of FIG. 10 functions as an “effect control means”. In S92, S94, and S95 of FIG. 10, the CPU 581 that acquires a parameter (counter value) indicating the time during which the execution mode is continuously executed functions as a “parameter acquisition unit”. The CPU 581 that determines whether or not the parameter is equal to or greater than the threshold value in S104 of FIG. 11 functions as a “threshold value determination unit” . CPU581 to be displayed on the display screen 28 a selection state notification image 29 in S106 of FIG. 11 functions as a "multi-address knowledge means". The operation button 9 corresponds to “operation means”. The CPU 581 that sets the change flag to “ON” in S114 of FIG. 11 functions as “end determination means”.

The CPU 581 that acquires the end frequency in S131 of FIG. 14 functions as an “end frequency acquisition unit”.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. First, in the above embodiment, the time that has elapsed since the execution mode was started (continuation time) and the number of jackpot determinations that have been made since the execution mode was started (the number of continuations) are the continuations of the execution mode. Acquired as a parameter for determining the period. However, other parameters can be used. For example, the number of times the reach effect is executed in the notification effect may be acquired as a parameter for determining the duration of the execution mode. When a specific reach production (for example, a super reach with a high degree of expectation of jackpot) is executed, it may be determined that the parameter is equal to or greater than a threshold value. It is also possible to use the number of normal hits as a parameter. As described above, various game information obtained during a period in which the execution mode is continuously executed can be used as a parameter. Note that the reach effect is an effect indicating that there is a possibility of a big hit, which is performed after a part of a plurality of demo symbols is stopped to reach a reach state.

  In the above embodiment, the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed by satisfying both the condition that the continuation time or the number of continuations is equal to or greater than the threshold and the condition that the selectable notification timing arrives (S104 to FIG. 11). (See S106). However, the condition for notifying that the state is selectable may be changed. For example, the condition may be that the parameter is equal to or greater than a threshold value. You may add conditions other than the conditions which the selectable timing comes (for example, that reach production is not performed).

  In the above embodiment, when the operation button 9 is operated while the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed, the execution mode is ended and changed to another effect mode. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the execution mode is extended on condition that the operation button 9 is operated. In this case, for example, the message of the selectable state notification image 29 (see FIG. 12) is changed to “If the button is pressed, the mode can be extended!” Or the like. In the special effect mode process shown in FIG. 11, when the operation button 9 is not operated (S111: NO) and the image erasing timing has arrived (S112: YES), the change flag may be set to “ON”. Further, in this case, on the condition that the operation button 9 is operated, the predetermined time (S124, see FIG. 14) for starting the execution mode end lottery may be extended. The threshold value of the counter for displaying the selectable state notification image 29 next may be reset. As described above, even when the execution mode is extended on the condition that the operation button 9 is operated, by applying the present invention, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined to change the execution mode, the next execution mode is automatically determined (S128, see FIG. 14). However, it is also possible for the player to select the next execution mode. For example, the pachinko machine 1 displays a plurality of effect modes on the display screen 28 as candidates for the next execution mode, and causes the player to select one of the displayed effect modes using the operation button 9 or the like. The execution mode may be determined. Needless to say, operation means other than the operation buttons 9 can be employed. For example, other shape operation means such as a cross key may be used, and a trackball or the like may be employed.

  In the above embodiment, one of the effect modes other than the effect mode that was being executed is determined as the next execution mode. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the same production mode as the execution mode that has been executed may be determined as the next execution mode. For example, when the variation pattern to be executed next is a variation pattern for executing a reach effect, or when the variation pattern is a jackpot variation pattern, the same effect mode as the effect mode that has been executed may be set as the next execution mode. . Thereby, the player can grasp by the execution mode that the reach effect is executed or the jackpot, and the game contents are further diversified.

  In the above embodiment, when a specific condition (design non-change or long press of the operation button 9) is satisfied, the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed regardless of the parameter indicating the duration of the execution mode. (See S102, S103, FIG. 11). However, it is also possible to omit the processing of S102 and S103 and display the selectable state notification image 29 only when the execution mode continues to some extent. In addition, a condition other than the non-change of the symbol and the long press of the operation button 9 may be the specific condition. For example, when a specific reach effect is executed, it may be notified that it is in a selectable state regardless of the parameters. Further, a specific condition may be that the operation button 9 is operated a predetermined number of times or more (that is, pressed twice or repeatedly) within a predetermined time. The specific condition may be that a button different from the button operated when the execution mode is ended is operated.

  In the above embodiment, the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed on the display screen 28 when the special symbol and the demo symbol are not changed (see S102, S106, FIG. 11). However, the selectable state notification image 29 may be displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the symbol has not changed. For example, the selectable state notification image 29 may be displayed at the same time as a demo image for introducing a character or the like when a predetermined time has elapsed after the symbol has not changed.

  In the above embodiment, the end ratio is calculated based on the latest three end information in each of the plurality of special effect modes. However, regardless of the special effect mode, the ratio of the number of end times to the latest predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times) of notification may be calculated. Further, as described above, the present invention can be realized by using only one of the number of continuous ends and the end ratio.

  In the above embodiment, the selectable state notification image 29 is displayed only when the special effect mode becomes the execution mode, and the execution mode can be changed by operating the operation button 9. However, the present invention is not limited to the case where a part of the plurality of effect modes is the execution mode, and can be applied to all effect modes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 9 Operation button 15 Special symbol start electric accessory 28 Display screen 29 Selectable state alert image 41 Main board 51 CPU
52 RAM
58 Sub-control board 70 Start-up switch 581 CPU
582 RAM
583 ROM

Claims (1)

Production execution means for performing production,
Mode determining means for determining an execution mode that is an effect mode to be executed from among a plurality of effect modes that can be executed during the same gaming state;
An effect control means for executing the execution mode by causing the effect execution means to execute an effect according to the execution mode determined by the mode determination means,
A gaming machine capable of switching the execution mode during the same gaming state,
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring , as a parameter , game information obtained during a period in which the execution mode is continuously executed;
Threshold determination means for determining whether or not the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition means is equal to or greater than a threshold;
On condition that parameter by at least said threshold determining means is determined to become equal to or greater than the threshold value, and Ruho knowledge means to notify the player that whether or not to terminate the execution mode is a selectable state ,
Operation means operated by a player;
An end determination means for determining whether or not to end the execution mode in response to an operation of the operation means while being notified that the state is selectable ;
The mode determination means includes an end frequency acquisition means for acquiring an end frequency that is a frequency at which the execution mode is ended in response to an operation of the operation means ;
The mode determining means determines an effect mode other than the execution mode being executed as the next execution mode when the end determining means determines to end the execution mode ,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold determination means makes a determination using the lower threshold as the end frequency acquired by the end frequency acquisition means is higher .

Images