JP6264337B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game effect including an image and sound is performed.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, one in which a player can adjust the volume of a game effect in a standby state is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP2011-229765A (paragraph [0081], FIG. 6)

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, the setting of the output characteristics such as the sound volume is merely displayed as a gauge in the standby state, and it has not been fully utilized for improving the taste of the game effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that is capable of improving the taste of a game effect using adjustment of output characteristics.

The invention of claim 1 made to achieve the above object provides an effect providing means for providing a player with a game effect including a display effect and an audio effect during a notification period for notifying a determination result of whether or not the game is successful. In the display effect, a display control means for displaying a determination symbol for notifying the determination result of the success / failure on a display device included in the effect providing means, an operation unit operable by a player, the notification period, and During a period other than the period in which the winning game is executed, a first output value indicating the magnitude of the special output characteristic of any one of volume, light quantity, and contrast, which is an output characteristic in the game effect, is displayed on the display device. when the output amount display is performed, and an output characteristic adjusting means capable of adjusting the size of the operation of the operating portion of the special output characteristics, wherein the display control unit, during the notification period, the Without first output quantity display, wherein the mode of determination symbols to a player the size of the second output amount display the special output characteristics by performing the Ru varied in correlation with the size of the special output characteristics This is a gaming machine characterized by notification.

[Invention of Claim 1]
In the gaming machine of claim 1, since the mode of the determination symbol for notifying the determination result of whether or not the game effect is being performed is different in correlation with the size of the special output characteristic, the player changes the size of the special output characteristic. Thus, it is possible to change the aspect of the determination symbol during the game effect, and to improve the preference of the game effect. Further, it is possible for the player to recognize the current setting of the special output characteristic depending on the mode of the determination symbol during the game effect.

Front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention Front view of display to show an example of fluctuating effects (A) Conceptual diagram of suggestion screen, (B) Conceptual diagram of setting screen Top view of operation buttons and cross keys (A) Conceptual diagram of effect image when volume is 2, (B) Conceptual image of effect image when volume is 5. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine Main control circuit main program flowchart Main interrupt processing flowchart Sub-control circuit main program flowchart Receive interrupt processing flowchart 2ms timer interrupt processing flowchart 10ms timer interrupt processing flowchart Main command analysis flowchart Flow chart of special figure selection process SW input (volume) processing flowchart (A) Conceptual diagram of effect image when volume according to modification is 5, (B) Conceptual diagram of effect image when volume according to modification is 2 (A) Conceptual diagram of the effect image when the volume according to the modification is 2, (B) Conceptual diagram of the effect image when the volume according to the modification is 5.

  An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine 10 corresponding to a “gaming machine” of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game area R1 of the game board 11 is visible through a glass window 10W provided on the front surface. Speakers 19 are provided at both corners of the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 10 above the glass window 10W. Below the glass window 10W, an operation button 29A and a cross key 29B (corresponding to the “operation unit” of the present invention) are provided side by side, and the upper plate 26 and the lower plate 27 are arranged in two upper and lower stages. An operation knob 28 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 27. When the operation knob 28 is rotated, the game ball in the upper plate 26 is driven into the game area R1.

  A display window 11A is formed through the center of the game area R1 in the game board 11, and a display 13 as a “display device” of the present invention is provided on the back side. Further, the game board 11 is provided with first and second start winning openings 14, 15 and a special winning opening 22 around the display window 11A. Then, when the game ball that is driven into the front surface of the game board 11 by operating the operation knob 28 wins the first or second start winning opening 14, 15, a big hit determination is performed, and the determination result is a win. A big hit game (corresponding to the “win game” of the present invention) in which the movable door 22T of the big prize opening 22 is opened is executed, whereas if it is off, the movable door 22T of the big prize opening 22 remains closed.

  The determination result of the big hit / fail determination is the special symbol 13A, 13B, 13C (the “determination symbol” of the present invention) in the “production image” of the present invention displayed on the display 13 when the determination result is notified. The corresponding combination is notified.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, three special symbols 13 </ b> A, 13 </ b> B, and 13 </ b> C for left, middle, and right are normally stopped and displayed on the display 13 side by side. Each of these special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C is composed of, for example, a plurality of types that express numbers “0” to “9”. Usually, each special symbol 13A, 13B, and 13C has a predetermined value. Kinds of things are stopped. Then, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 14,15, these three special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C are scrolled up and down (variable display), and after a predetermined time, for example, left, right, Each special symbol 13A, 13B, 13C is stopped and displayed in the middle order. When the determination result is a big hit, all the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are stopped and displayed with the same symbol (both eyes), and when the determination result is off, they are stopped and displayed with a combination other than the holes. It should be noted that the period from when the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed to the stop display corresponds to the “period for notifying the determination result” and the “specific period” of the present invention.

  When notifying the determination result, a display effect that displays the effect image including the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C described above, and a sound effect that outputs BGM, speech, and sound effects from the speaker 19 in accordance with the display effect. Is included (corresponding to the “game effect” of the present invention). Hereinafter, an example of the variation effect will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C that are normally stopped are displayed on the display 13 (see FIG. 1). When a game ball wins the first or second start winning opening 14 or 15, the special symbols 13A, 13B and 13C are displayed in a variable manner, and as shown in FIG. An image of C walking is displayed. At this time, BGM, footsteps of the character C, and the like are output from the speaker 19.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), a treasure box D that makes you feel a hit appears, and the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C reach (the two special symbols other than the special symbol that is stopped and displayed last are the same) State). At this time, the BGM is output from the speaker 19 so as to make the player expect. After that, as shown in FIG. 2 (C), the treasure box D is opened and an image of the star popping out is displayed, and the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are displayed as hits (that is, doublet) and stopped. Is done. At this time, the speaker 19 outputs a sound of opening the treasure box D, a “Ya-ta” line of the character C, and the like. Note that the entire image displayed on the display 13 when the determination result is notified, such as the special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C, the character C, and the background, corresponds to the “effect image”. Further, the special symbols 13A, 13B, 13C, the character C, and the background correspond to the “effect component image” of the present invention. Among them, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are the “specific effect component image” of the present invention. Equivalent to.

Now, the player can arbitrarily set the volume of the speaker 19 (corresponding to “output characteristics” and “special output characteristics” of the present invention). Specifically, when a period in which the determination result is not notified and the big hit game is not performed continues for a predetermined time, the pachinko gaming machine 10 enters a “standby state”. In this standby state, as shown in FIG. 3A, an indication screen suggesting that the volume can be adjusted by operating the operation button 29A (see FIGS. 1 and 4) is displayed on the display 13. If the operation button 29A is operated while the suggestion screen is displayed, the setting screen shown in FIG. 3B is displayed. In this setting screen, the current volume is displayed numerically in the square frame 13W, and the volume can be changed with the left and right buttons of the cross key 29B (see FIGS. 1 and 4) next to the operation button 29A. It has been suggested that there is. Note that the current volume display in the standby state may be displayed by a volume gauge. Hereinafter, the notification of the current volume by a number or a volume gauge is referred to as “direct notification” as appropriate.

  While the setting screen is displayed, the volume is changed by operating the cross key 29B according to the setting screen. In the present embodiment, the volume can be set, for example, in the range of 0 to 5, and the sound gradually increases as the volume becomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 from the silent state where the volume is 0. In the standby state, BGM flows while the suggestion screen of FIG. 3A or the setting screen of FIG. 3B is displayed, and the actual volume can be confirmed when adjusting the volume. Further, the period in which the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in the “standby state” corresponds to the “non-specific period” of the present invention.

  Here, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is configured such that the sizes of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C in the display effect of the variation effect differ according to the volume. Specifically, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C have the sizes shown in FIG. 5A when the volume is “2”, and are shown in FIG. 5B when the volume is “5”. As the volume increases, the volume increases. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the current sound volume can be recognized according to the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C during the variation effect. Hereinafter, the notification of the current sound volume based on the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C is appropriately referred to as “indirect notification”.

  Control of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including control for making the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C displayed on the display 13 in accordance with the volume of the speaker 19 is the main control circuit 50 shown in FIG. This is performed by the sub control circuit 52, the video control circuit 54, and the like.

  The main control circuit 50 includes a CPU 50A, a RAM 50B, and a ROM 50C. The main control circuit 50 generates a random number, performs the jackpot determination based on the random number, and gives the determination result to the sub-control circuit 52. The sub control circuit 52 controls the video control circuit 54 connected to the display 13, the audio control circuit 20 connected to the speaker 19, and the like in order to perform various effects including an effect of notifying the determination result.

  The sub-control circuit 52 includes a CPU 52A, a RAM 52B, and a ROM 52C, and the video control circuit 54 includes a CPU 54A, a RAM 54B, and a ROM 54C. The sub-control circuit 52 and the video control circuit 54 provide special symbols 13A, Control for making the sizes of 13B and 13C correspond to the volume of the speaker 19 is mainly performed.

  Specifically, the ROM 54C of the video control circuit 54 stores a plurality of types of special symbol image data and a plurality of types of scenario image data. The scenario image data is data corresponding to the scenario image obtained by excluding the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C from the entire effect image. For example, in the example of the variation effect shown in FIG. Data relating to “image for finding D”. The ROM 54C of the video control circuit 54 includes, for example, “an image where the character C is walking and falls into a pitfall” in addition to data regarding “an image where the character C is walking and finds a treasure chest” as a plurality of types of scenario image data. Data and data related to “an image in which the character C is in a car” are stored.

  The ROM 54C of the video control circuit 54 stores special symbol image data 0 to 5 having different sizes of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C as a plurality of types of special symbol image data. In these special symbol image data 0 to 5, the special symbol images 13A, 13B, and 13C related to the special symbol image data 0 are the smallest, and the special symbol image data 1, 2, 3, and 4 increase in order and become special symbol images. Special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C related to data 5 are the largest. The ROM 54C of the video control circuit 54 corresponds to the “data storage unit” according to the present invention.

  The sub control circuit 52 acquires information related to the game progress state such as the determination result of the jackpot winning / non-winning determination from the main control circuit 50, and performs video control on the scenario control signal related to the scenario image of the changing effect determined based on the information. The data is output to the CPU 54A of the circuit 54.

  At this time, the sub control circuit 52 acquires the volume information together with the information related to the progress of the game from the main control circuit 50, and any of the special symbols image data 0 to 5 according to the volume information. Select whether to use image data. Specifically, the special symbol image data 0 is selected when the volume is 0, the special symbol image data 1 is selected when the volume is 1, and the special symbol image data 2 is selected when the volume is 2. If the volume is 4, the special symbol image data 4 is selected. If the volume is 4, the special symbol image data 5 is selected. Then, the sub control circuit 52 outputs a special symbol control signal related to the selected special symbol image data to the CPU 54A of the video control circuit 54 together with the scenario control signal.

  Then, the video control CPU 54A extracts the scenario image data corresponding to the scenario control signal from the ROM 54C and writes it to the RAM 54C, and also takes out the special symbol image data corresponding to the special symbol control signal from the ROM 54C and writes it to the RAM 54C. Production image data is generated in combination. The effect image data is transmitted to the display 13, and the effect image is displayed on the display 13.

  The audio control circuit 20 stores audio effect data for each variation effect, and the sub control circuit 52 outputs a scenario control signal and a special symbol control signal to the video control circuit 54, and at the same time, the determined variation. A sound effect control signal related to the sound effect of the effect is output to the sound control circuit 20. As a result, the sound output from the speaker 19 is output at a set volume.

  The description regarding the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, the function and effect of this pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. Before the player operates the operation knob 28 to start the game, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a standby state. In this standby state, the sound volume output from the speaker 19 is directly notified on the display 13, and the player can change the sound volume.

  When the player operates the operation knob 28 to start the game, and the game ball that has been driven into the game area R1 enters the first or second start winning opening 14 or 15, a big hit determination is performed. When notifying the determination result of the jackpot winning / failing determination, a fluctuating effect is performed. In this fluctuating effect, a display effect that displays special images 13A, 13B, and 13C and an image for effect including scenario images on the display 13 and an audio effect that outputs sound from the speaker 19 are performed.

  Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C in the variation effect is different in correlation with the volume, so that the player is in the variation effect by changing the sound volume. As compared with a pachinko gaming machine in which the setting of the volume can be changed and only the volume setting is directly notified in the standby state, it is possible to improve the preference of the changing effect.

  By the way, if a player starts a game without adjusting the volume in the standby state, the player can play the game without noticing that the volume is set to a low level by surrounding sounds (sounds in the pachinko hall). The situation of running can happen. Even in such a situation, according to the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, since the setting of the volume is indirectly notified according to the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C in the variable effects are provided. Is displayed small, the player can recognize that the volume is set low, and the player can be prompted to adjust the volume.

  Furthermore, since the level of the set volume is represented by the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C, even if the player lacks prior knowledge about the model, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are large. Can be intuitively recognized that the volume is set to be large and the volume is set to be small when the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C are small.

  In addition, if a player starts playing a game without adjusting the volume in the standby state, even if the player feels that the volume is too low or too high, he / she does not know whether there is room for adjustment and feels uncomfortable. There is concern that the game will have to continue. Even in such a case, according to the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to make the player recognize whether there is a room for adjusting the volume during execution of the variation effect, and to prompt the player to adjust the volume. Therefore, the discomfort of the player regarding the volume adjustment can be reduced.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the main control circuit 50, the sub control circuit 52, etc. are connected to the main control circuit main program PG1, the sub control circuit in order to control the video displayed on the display 13 as described above. The main program PG2 and the like are executed to process information. Hereinafter, information processing in the main control circuit 50 and the sub control circuit 52 will be described.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the one-chip microcomputer provided in the main control circuit 50 takes out the main control circuit main program PG1 shown in FIG. 7 from the ROM 50C and runs it. As shown in the figure, when the main control circuit main program PG1 is run, first, initial settings for setting the stack, setting the constant, setting the CPU 50A, setting the SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), and the like are performed. Performed (S1). The initial setting (S1) is executed only when the main control circuit main program PG1 is run for the first time after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

  Following the initial setting (S1), the following steps S2 to S4 are performed in a loop for the remaining time until a main control circuit interrupt process (S5) described later is executed. Specifically, first, interrupts are prohibited (S2), and even if a timer interrupt comes in, interrupt processing is not performed until the interrupt is enabled. Subsequently, a normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) is executed. In this process (S3), a random number counter used for jackpot determination or the like is updated, and the updated counter value is stored in the storage area of the RAM 50B of the main control circuit 50 one by one. When the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) is completed, the interrupt is permitted (S4), and the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) can be executed.

  Next, when an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 50A, the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) is repeatedly executed at a cycle of 4 msec, for example. Then, during the remaining processing period from the end of the main control circuit interrupt processing (S5) to the start of the main control circuit interrupt processing (S5), the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing (S3). The process of updating various counter values is repeatedly executed a plurality of times. When an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 50A in the interrupt disabled state, the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled (S4).

  The main control circuit interrupt process (S5) will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, in the main control circuit interrupt process (S5), an output process (S10) is first performed. In the output process (S10), each command (control signal) stored in the output buffer of the main control circuit 50 by each process described below is output to the sub-control circuit 52. The command (control signal) output here includes a variation pattern command and the like.

  Following the output process (S10), an input process (S11) is performed. In the input process (S11), signal input is performed mainly when various sensors (for example, a normal symbol start switch, a start port sensor, other sensors, switches, etc.) attached to the pachinko gaming machine 10 are detected.

  The normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S12) performed next is the same as the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) performed in the loop process of the main control circuit main program PG1 described above. is there. That is, the update processing of various counter values includes the execution period of the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) and the remaining process period (after the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) ends, the next main control circuit interrupt process (S5) The period until it is started).

  Following the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S12), a winning detection process (S13) is executed. In the winning detection process (S13), it is determined whether or not a game ball has won a winning winning opening 14,15.

  When the winning detection process (S13) is completed, the normal operation process (S14) is performed. By this process (S14), the main control circuit 50 makes a judgment per ordinary symbol performed when the game ball passes through the start gate 18 (see FIG. 1) and an ordinary symbol on an ordinary symbol display device (not shown). The process for the normal symbol per unit is controlled by directly controlling the opening / closing of the movable door 15T (see FIG. 1) in the second start winning opening 15 based on the fluctuation and stop display of the normal symbol per unit without using the sub-control circuit 52. Do.

  The special operation process (S15) performed after the normal operation process (S14) directly controls the display state of a special symbol display device (not shown), while indirectly controlling the display 13 and the like via the sub-control circuit 52. Control.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the main control circuit interrupt process (S5), after the reserved ball number process (S16), another process (S17) not deeply related to the present invention is executed, and the main control circuit interrupt process (S17) Exit from S5). Then, as shown in FIG. 6, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 50A, the processing of step S2 to step S4 is repeatedly executed, and the main control is again performed due to the input of the interrupt pulse (after about 4 msec). Circuit interrupt processing (S5) is executed. Then, as described above, the control data set in the output buffer of the RAM 50B when the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) was executed last time is the output process of the main control circuit interrupt process (S5) executed next. Output in (S10). The above is the description of the main control circuit main program PG1 executed by the main control circuit 50.

  Next, the processing of the sub control circuit main program PG2 executed by the sub control circuit 52 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 9, in the sub control circuit main program PG2, first, CPU initialization processing (S60) is performed. In this process, an interrupt process to be described later is set. When power is turned on to a power supply board (not shown), a power-off signal is transmitted from the power supply board to the sub-control circuit 52. When this power-off signal is transmitted, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 52B are normal (S61). If normal (yes in S61), the process proceeds to the next. If not normal (no in S61), the RAM 52B is initialized and various flags and counter values are reset (S62). When the above processing (S60 to 62) is completed, the watchdog timer counters 1 and 2 are initialized (S63). Note that these steps S60 to S63 are executed only when the sub control circuit main program PG2 is run for the first time after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

  When the initial setting is completed in steps S60 to S63, interruption is prohibited (S64), and random number seed update processing (S65) is executed. Next, command transmission processing (S66) for transmitting various commands to the video control circuit 54 (see FIG. 6) is executed, and initialization of the watchdog timer counter 1 (S67) and interruption permission (S68) are performed. Then, these processes (S64 to 68) are repeated in an infinite loop.

  Reception interrupt processing (S69), 2ms timer interrupt processing (S70), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S71) are interrupted and executed for the infinite loop of the sub control circuit main program PG2. When the sub control circuit 52 receives the strobe signal from the main control circuit 50, the reception interrupt process (S69) is executed in preference to the other interrupt processes (S70, S71). The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S70) is executed in preference to the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71), and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71) is executed by interrupting the remaining time between the 2 ms timer interrupt processes (S70). The

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the reception interrupt process (S69), first, the strobe signal is checked (S430). If the strobe signal is not ON (No in S430), the process exits (S69). If the strobe signal is ON (Yes in S430), the sub-control circuit 52 receives a command and a control signal (data relating to the variation mode and big hit determination) from the main control circuit 50 and stores them in the RAM 52B (S431).

  The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S70) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a period of 2 msec is input to the sub-control circuit 52. As shown in FIG. 11, in this process (S70), a lamp data output process (S440), a SW / drive output process (S441), an input process (S442), and a watchdog timer process (S443) are performed.

  In the lamp data output process (S440), the lamp data created in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71) is output. In the SW / drive output process (S441), the switch valid period and the operation generated in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S58) are output. In the input process (S442), in order to execute the process based on the switch state in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71), switch data corresponding to the on / off state such as the cross key 29B (see FIG. 4B) is created. The switch data is stored in the RAM 52B. In the watchdog timer process (S443), the watchdog timer is reset.

  The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71) is repeatedly executed with an interval of 10 msec. As shown in FIG. 12, in the 10 ms timer interruption process (S71), after executing the main command analysis process (S80) and the volume adjustment SW input process (S81), other processes are executed (S82), After the dog timer counter 2 is initialized (S83), the process exits (S71). The main command analysis process (S80) will be described in detail below.

  In the main command analysis process (S80), a process related to the command received from the main control circuit 50 is performed. As shown in FIG. 13, first, the command received by the sub control circuit 52 from the main control circuit 50 (hereinafter referred to as “received command” as appropriate) is a customer waiting command indicating that the command is in a “standby state”. Is determined (S450). The customer waiting command is transmitted from the main control circuit 50 when the notification of the determination result or the big hit game is not performed for a predetermined time. If the received command is a customer waiting command (Yes in S450), after the SW input flag is turned on (S451), a command for displaying a customer waiting screen on the display 13 is set (S452). Exit (S80). On the other hand, if the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in S450), after the SW input flag is turned off (S453), it is determined whether or not the received command is a command related to fluctuation (S454). If the received command is not a command related to fluctuation (No in S454), other processing (S457) is performed based on the received command, and then this processing (S80) is exited.

  In step S454, when the received command is a command related to fluctuation (Yes in S454), the effect lottery process (S455) is performed. In the effect lottery process (S455), a lottery regarding the effect executed on the display 13 is performed based on the effect random number value updated within the range of “0” to “99” by the random number seed update (S65) described above. .

  In the main command analysis process (S80), a special figure selection process (S456) is then performed. In the special symbol selection process (S456) shown in FIG. 14, the volume information acquired from the main control circuit 50 as to which of the special symbol image data 0 to 5 is used as the special symbol 13A, 13B, 13C to be displayed. Select based on.

  As shown in the figure, in the special figure selection process (S456), first, information on the currently set volume is acquired (S460). If the volume is “5” (S461), “special symbol image data 5” is selected (S462). If the volume is “4” (S463), “special symbol image data 4” is selected ( If the volume is “3” (S465), “special symbol image data 3” is selected (S466). If the volume is “2” (S467), “special symbol image data 2” is selected. If the volume is “1” (S469), “special symbol image data 1” is selected (S470). If the volume is “0” (S471), “special symbol image data 0” is selected. "Is selected (S472). The sub control circuit 52 transmits a command to the video control circuit 54 based on the special symbol image data selected in this processing (S456). The above is the description of the special figure selection process (S456) and the main command analysis process (S80).

  Next, the SW input (sound volume) process (S81) in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71, see FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIG. In this SW input (volume) process (S81), control related to volume adjustment in the “standby state” is performed. In the SW input (volume) process (S81), first, it is determined whether or not the SW input flag set in step S451 or S453 (see FIG. 13) is on (S510). If the SW input flag is off (S510). No), this process is left as it is (S81).

  If the SW input flag is on (Yes in S510), it is determined whether or not the operation button 29A has been operated after entering the standby state (S511). If the operation button 29A has not been operated (No in S511), the process exits (S81). On the other hand, when the operation button 29A is operated (Yes in S511), it is determined whether or not the left button of the cross key 29B is pressed (S512). If the left button is pressed (Yes in S512), it is determined whether the volume is larger than “0” (minimum value of volume) (S513). If the volume is larger than “0” (Yes in S513). While the volume is subtracted by 1 and output (S514, S515), if the volume is “0” (No in S513), nothing is done and the process is exited (S81).

  If the left button is not depressed in step S512 (No in S512), it is determined whether or not the right button of the cross key 29B is depressed (S516). If the right button is pressed (Yes in S516), it is determined whether or not the volume is smaller than “5” (maximum value of volume) (S517). If smaller than “5” (Yes in S517), the volume is set. On the other hand, 1 is added and output (S518, S519). On the other hand, if it is “5” (No in S516), this process (S81) is terminated without performing anything. If the right button is not depressed in step S516 (No in S516), the process exits (S81) without performing anything. The above is the description of the SW input (volume) process (S81), the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71), and the sub control circuit main program PG2 executed by the sub control circuit 52.

The CPU 52A when executing the display 13, the video control circuit 54, and the main command analysis process (S80) corresponds to the “production providing means” of the present invention, and executes the SW input (volume) process (S81). CPU 52A corresponds to the “output characteristic changing means” and “output characteristic adjusting means” of the present invention, and the CPU 52A when executing the video control circuit 54 and the main command analysis process (S80). Corresponding to “display control means” and when the CPU 52A executing the effect lottery process (S455) corresponds to the “effect element selecting means” of the present invention and executing the special figure selection process (S456). The CPU 52A corresponds to the “specific element selection means” of the present invention.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and various other than the following can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be changed and implemented.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming machine 10, but may be applied to a slot machine or the like as long as it is a gaming machine.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the sizes of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C displayed on the display 13 are different depending on the volume, but for example, the colors of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C Or a shape (for example, rounded or angular) may be changed, or as shown in FIG. 16, the gauges incorporated in the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C may be changed. May be. The special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C shown in FIG. 16A indicate that the volume is “5”, and the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C that are shown in FIG. It is shown that.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C have different configurations depending on the volume, but the background, character, and the like may be different. For example, the configuration may be such that the character displayed in the variation effect becomes fat as the volume increases, or a configuration in which the clouds H drawn on the background increase as shown in FIG. .

  (4) In the above embodiment, the “output characteristic” of the present invention is the volume, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light amount or contrast of the display 13 may be used.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the period during which the volume can be adjusted is only during the “standby state”. However, the configuration can be adjusted during the period for notifying the determination result or during the period when the big hit game is being executed. Also good. In this case, the volume adjustment may be immediately reflected in the sizes of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C, and the size of the special symbols 13A, 13B, and 13C may be changed during the variable display. .

  (6) In the above embodiment, the notification is made directly when the volume is in the “standby state” and indirectly notified in the “game effect”, but only the indirect notification in the “game effect” is performed, The configuration may be such that the notification is not made directly in the “state”.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the “specific period” of the present invention is a period for notifying the determination result, but it may be a period in which a jackpot game is being executed. In this case, the “game effect” of the present invention is an effect during the big hit game. Further, the “specific period” of the present invention may be both a period for notifying the determination result and a period for executing the jackpot game.

  (8) In the above embodiment, a plurality of special symbol image data is stored in accordance with the sound volume, but one source data for the special symbol is stored, and the size of the special symbol, The configuration may be such that the color or the like is changed by parameter conversion.

(9) The scenario image data may be obtained by combining backgrounds and characters in advance, or may be background image data and character image data stored separately.
In addition, when the above embodiment is conceptualized, the following inventions [1] to [7] are obtained.
[1]
Provide a player with a game effect including a display effect and an audio effect during a specific period consisting of at least one of a period for notifying a game success / failure determination period and a period for executing a winning game. Production providing means;
An operation unit that can be operated by a player;
Output characteristic changing means for changing at least one of the plurality of output characteristics including volume, light quantity, etc. in the game effect according to the operation of the operation unit by the player;
Display control means for displaying an effect image used in the display effect on a display device included in the effect providing means,
The display control means varies the effect image displayed on the display device in correlation with the size of the output characteristic, and uses the effect image to determine the size of the output characteristic during the specific period. A gaming machine characterized by notifying a player.
In the configuration of [1], the effect image during the game effect differs in correlation with the size of the output characteristic, so that the effect image during the game effect can be changed by the player changing the size of the output characteristic.
The image can be changed, and it is possible to improve the game play preference. In addition, it is possible for the player to recognize the current setting of the output characteristics from the effect image during the game effect.
[2]
The display control means displays the size of the output characteristic on the display device without using the effect image during a non-specific period other than a period for notifying the determination result and a period for executing the winning game. A gaming machine as set forth in [1], wherein
In the configuration of [2], the magnitude of the output characteristic is displayed during a non-specific period other than the period for notifying the determination result and the period for executing the winning game.
[3]
The output characteristic changing unit does not change the size of the output characteristic when the operation unit is operated during the specific period, and the operation unit is operated during the non-specific period. The gaming machine according to [2], wherein the output characteristic is changed on the condition.
The player may change the output characteristics over the entire period, or may be possible only during the non-specific period as in the configuration [3].
[4]
Any one of [1] to [3], wherein the display control means changes the shape, color, or size of at least a part of the effect image in correlation with the size of the output characteristic. The gaming machine according to 1.
[5]
The gaming machine according to [4], wherein the display control means enlarges at least a part of the effect image as the output characteristic increases.
[6]
A gauge is incorporated in the judgment pattern included in the effect image,
The gaming machine according to [4], wherein the display control unit varies the size of the gauge in correlation with the size of the output characteristic.
According to the configuration of [4], the current setting of the output characteristics can be recognized by the shape, color, or size of at least a part of the effect image. In particular, when the output characteristics are increased as in the configuration [5], at least a part of the effect image is increased, or in correlation with the size of the output characteristics as in the configuration [6]. When configured to vary the size of the gauge built in the judgment symbol, it is possible to intuitively recognize the size of the output characteristics even for a player who does not have prior knowledge about the model. Become.
[7]
The effect image is a combination of a plurality of effect component images having different roles in the effect image, such as a background, a character, and a determination symbol.
Data storage means for storing data of a plurality of types of specific effect component images having different aspects as a specific effect component image that plays one of a plurality of roles;
Effect element selection means for selecting data of the effect component image of a plurality of roles according to the progress of the game,
Specific element selection means for selecting data of the specific effect component image that differs depending on the size of the output characteristics,
The display control means causes the display device to display the effect image using the data of the effect component image including the data of the selected specific effect component image [1] to [6] The gaming machine according to any one of [1].
According to the configuration of [7], the data of the effect component image of a plurality of roles is selected according to the progress of the game, and the data of the specific effect component image different according to the size of the output characteristic is selected. Since the effect image is displayed on the display device using the data, the displayed specific effect component image differs according to the size of the output characteristic.

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
13 Display (display device)
13A, 13B, 13C Special design (judgment design)
19 Speaker 20 Audio control circuit 29B Four-way key (operation unit)
50 Main control circuit 52 Sub control circuit 54 Video control circuit

Claims (1)

An effect providing means for providing a player with a game effect including a display effect and an audio effect during a notification period for notifying the determination result of whether or not the game is successful;
In the display effect, a display control means for displaying a determination symbol for notifying the determination result of the success / failure on a display device included in the effect providing means,
An operation unit that can be operated by a player;
During a period other than the notification period and the period in which the winning game is executed , the value of the magnitude of the special output characteristic of any one of volume, light quantity, and contrast, which is an output characteristic in the game effect, is displayed on the display device. Output characteristic adjustment means capable of adjusting the size of the special output characteristic by operation of the operation unit in a state where the first output amount display is performed ,
Wherein the display control unit, wherein during the notification period, without the first output amount display, the second output amount Ru varied in correlation with the magnitude of the aspects of the determination symbol the special output characterization gaming machine, characterized in that to inform the player the size of the special output characteristic performed.