JP6609752B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine in which the volume of a production sound accompanying a game can be changed by a player.

  Conventionally, when a game ball enters a starting port, a pachinko machine as a gaming machine determines whether or not it will be a big hit based on a random value extracted due to this, and the result of the determination of appropriateness The special symbol is changed for a predetermined time, and then confirmed and displayed. It should be noted that during the change of the special symbol, the effect symbol display device performs a pseudo effect corresponding to the change of the special symbol, and an effect sound corresponding to the pseudo effect is output from a speaker provided in the gaming machine. The player raises a sense of expectation with respect to the result of the success / failure by the pseudo effect and the effect sound.

In addition, recently, the pseudo-production (including production sound) performed on a pachinko machine is high quality, rich in story, and entertains the player as if watching a movie.
Therefore, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, the player can change the volume of the production sound according to his / her preference so that the player can enjoy the pseudo-production, and when the player changes the volume setting, A confirmation sound corresponding to the changed volume level is output from the speaker, and a confirmation image indicating the volume level of the volume is displayed on the effect symbol display device that is easy for the player to view.
As a period during which the player can change the sound volume, the player can play not only in a state where the player is not playing but also in a state where the symbols are changing.

JP2011-229766

However, if the volume setting is changed while the symbol is changing, a confirmation image indicating the volume level is displayed mixed with the pseudo-rendering symbol and the rendering image of the rendering symbol display device, which may interfere with high-quality renderings. In addition, since a confirmation sound irrelevant to the production is output mixed with the production effect sound, the image of the pseudo production in which the player is devoted is destroyed and there is a risk that it will be awakened.
Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that maintains a function that can easily change the volume setting regardless of the gaming state, and that does not interfere with the effect of the game by changing the volume setting. It was made as.

The invention described in claim 1
A success / failure determination means for performing a failure determination according to the random number value extracted due to the ball entering the starting port;
A special symbol display device for confirming and displaying a special symbol indicating the determination result by the determination unit after the change,
An effect symbol display device for displaying a pseudo effect performed while the special symbol is changing,
Audio output control means for outputting a production sound corresponding to the pseudo production;
In a gaming machine in which the setting of the volume of the effect sound output by the sound output control means can be changed by a player,
Volume level image display means for displaying a volume level image of a set volume on the effect symbol display device;
Confirmation sound output control means for outputting a predetermined confirmation sound based on the volume setting;
Display prohibiting means for prohibiting display of the volume level image;
Confirmation sound output prohibiting means for prohibiting the output of the confirmation sound;
Game state determining means for determining a gaming state,
The gaming state determined by the gaming state determining means is a state in which the special symbol is fluctuating and a state in which the special symbol has not been changed. The volume setting of the effect sound by the player can be changed in any state of the state until the time elapses and the standby state after the predetermined time has elapsed,
When the player performs an operation for changing the volume setting in the standby state, the volume level image display means displays the volume level image, and the confirmation sound output control means can output the confirmation sound. And none,
When the operation is performed by the player in the variation state, and when the operation is performed in a state until the predetermined time has elapsed since the variation of the special symbol is completed, the display prohibiting means Prohibiting display of the volume level image and prohibiting the output of the confirmation sound by the confirmation sound output prohibiting means when the operation is performed by the player in the fluctuating state;
The predetermined time is a period during which the new special symbol can be changed, and a duration from when the volume level image is displayed until the display of the volume level image is terminated without performing the operation. It is also characterized by its long length.
The standby state includes a state in which it is determined that a game is not being performed by the player, and the fluctuating state preferably includes a special game state such as a big hit in addition to a fluctuating special symbol.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the player can arbitrarily change the volume setting at any time regardless of whether it is in the standby state or in the variable state.
When changing the volume setting in the standby state, a volume level image is displayed and a confirmation sound is output, so that the player can check the actual volume level and change the volume in any range. You can see if there is, and you can easily change the volume setting.
On the other hand, when changing the volume setting in a changing state, the volume level image is not displayed and the confirmation sound is not output when the setting is changed, so that it does not interfere with the simulated performance and the player can enjoy the simulated performance at the desired volume. it can.
In addition, since there are many players who changed the volume setting even in the standby state, there are many players who changed the volume setting in the variable state, so even if the volume level image is not displayed when changing the volume setting in the variable state, You can easily change the volume setting. Also, in a fluctuating state, if you change the volume setting so that the volume of the production sound changes according to the setting change operation, you can check the changed volume level even if the confirmation sound is not output, The player can easily change the setting to the desired volume.

  In the gaming machine, when the launched game ball enters the start opening, the special symbol fluctuates and the pseudo effect is started. In this case, there is a possibility that a state in which a pseudo effect is not performed although the player is playing (a game ball is being fired) may occur. Therefore, the present invention prevents the display of the volume level image even if an operation for changing the volume setting is performed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the special symbol is completed. Even if a pseudo effect is performed, it is not necessary to disturb the pseudo effect.

It is a front view of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine. It is a rear view of the gaming machine It is the 1st explanatory view about operation of volume setting of the gaming machine. It is an electric block diagram of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main routine performed with the main control apparatus of the said gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the start opening prize confirmation process performed with the said main controller. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the control content of the success / failure determination process of the special symbol performed with the said main controller. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the control content of the said success / failure determination process. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the control content of the said success / failure determination process. It is a 4th flowchart which shows the control content of the said success / failure determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the change start process performed with the sub control apparatus of the said gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the standby command reception process performed with the said sub control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the volume setting display process performed with the said sub control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the display switching process performed with the said sub control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the volume switching process performed with the said sub control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the volume level display deletion process performed with the said sub control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the confirmation sound process performed with the said sub control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 1st effect display aspect regarding the volume setting implemented with the effect symbol display apparatus of the said gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the 2nd effect display aspect regarding the volume setting implemented with the effect symbol display apparatus of the said gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the 3rd effect display aspect regarding the volume setting implemented with the effect symbol display apparatus of the said gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the 4th effect display aspect regarding the volume setting implemented with the effect symbol display apparatus of the said gaming machine. It is the 2nd explanatory view about operation of volume setting of the gaming machine.

A pachinko machine as a gaming machine according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in FIG. 1A, the pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each part of the configuration is held by an outer frame 10 that forms a vertically long fixed outer frame. The outer frame 10 is provided with a front frame (glass frame) 11 fitted with a plate glass 110 and an inner frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed through a hinge 101 provided at the upper left and right positions. The front frame 11 and the inner frame are closed and locked to the outer frame 10 by the cylinder lock 18 so that a predetermined key is inserted into the cylinder lock 18 and the key is operated clockwise to open the inner frame. None, the front frame 11 is opened by a counterclockwise operation.
A game board (described later) held by the inner frame is provided behind the plate glass 110 of the front frame 11.

  Speakers 112 are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the upper portion of the front frame 11, so that game sounds are output thereby improving the game taste. In addition to the frame-side decorative lamp 113 that emits light according to the gaming state, the front frame 11 is provided with LEDs that notify the gaming abnormality.

An upper plate 12 and a lower plate 13 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 11. A launching handle 14 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 13, and the launching device is operated by operating the firing handle 14 clockwise, so that the game ball supplied from the upper plate 12 faces the game board 2. Fired. A prize ball is paid out to the upper plate 12.
The lower tray 13 is configured to receive the award balls overflowing from the upper tray 12, and the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 13 can be moved to another box (dollar box) provided in the game store by operating the ball removal lever.

  The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 60 that reads and writes a prepaid card. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a lending button 171, a settlement button 172 and a settlement display device 173 on the right side of the upper plate 12. An effect button 15 that can be operated by the player and a jog dial 16 are provided at the center of the upper plate 12 so as to surround the outer periphery thereof. Further, a cross key 19 is provided on the left side of the upper plate 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the cross key 19 is composed of five operation buttons including an upper button 191, a lower button 192, a left button 193, a right button 194, and a middle button 195. By using the cross key 19, the player can change the setting of the volume of the production sound of the pachinko machine. In this case, the volume can be increased with the upper button 191 and the volume can be decreased with the lower button 192. It should be noted that the volume setting change with the cross key 19 can be adjusted in five stages of “1 to 5”.

FIG. 2 shows the game board 2, in which a substantially circular game area 20 surrounded by an outer rail 201 and an inner rail 202 is formed. A center case 200 is attached to the center of the game area 20.
The center case 200 is provided with an LCD panel of the effect symbol display device 21 (not shown in its entirety) in the center. In addition, the center case 200 is provided with a warp inlet, a warp rod, a stage, and the like, as is well known.

At the left side position of the center case 200, a normal design (hereinafter simply referred to as a general map) operating gate 22 is installed.
Directly under the center case 200 is a first special figure starting port 23 that can always enter (winning) as a starting point for executing a special symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as special figure) determination, and a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory. The second special figure starting port 24 is installed at the vertical position. Whether or not the first special figure is determined by entering the first special figure starting port 23 is determined, and whether or not the second special figure is determined by the second special figure starting port 24 is determined.

  The second special figure starting port 24 can enter (win) a ball only when an ordinary electric accessory (hereinafter simply referred to as a general electric accessory) is opened. The general electric utility is released for a predetermined time when it is a lottery of a general figure executed due to the game ball passing through the operation gate 22.

  A big winning opening 25 that is opened and closed by an opening / closing plate is disposed immediately below the first and second special figure starting openings 23 and 24. The special winning opening 25 is a special winning device that opens and closes in a special game from a special jackpot.

A plurality of normal winning holes 26 are arranged on the left side of the first and second special figure starting ports 23 and 24, and an out port 203 is provided at the bottom of the game area 20.
Note that a large number of game nails and windmills are planted in the game area 20 of the game board 2.

  In the lower right part of the game board 2, outside the game area 20, a first special figure display device 27, a second special figure display device 28, and a normal symbol display device 29 variably displayed. A first special figure hold number display device 271 for displaying the special figure hold memory, a second special figure hold number display device 281, and a universal figure hold number display device 291 for displaying the special figure hold memory are provided. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, an inner frame 30 that supports the game board and the like is housed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. As with the front frame 11, the inner frame 30 is installed so that the vertical position of one side edge (the right side in FIG. 3) is hinged to the outer frame 10 and can be opened and closed. The inner frame 30 is formed with a game ball flow-down passage, and a ball tank 31, a tank rail 32, and a payout unit 33 are provided from above (upstream), and a payout device is provided in the payout unit 33. . With this configuration, when a game ball wins a winning opening in the game area 20, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are passed from the ball tank 31 via the tank rail 32 by the payout unit 33 through the payout ball flow path. 12 is paid out. In the present embodiment, the payout unit 33 for paying out the prize balls also pays out the balls to be paid out by operating the lending button 171.

On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a main control device 40, a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, an effect symbol control device 43, a launch control device 44, and a power supply board 45 are provided.
The main control device 40, the sub integrated control device 42, and the effect symbol control device 43 are provided on the game board 2, and the payout control device 41, the launch control device 44, and the power supply board 45 are provided on the inner frame 30. Although the launch control device 44 is not depicted in FIG. 3, it is provided under the payout control device 41.

  Further, an external connection terminal plate 38 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 31 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and a signal indicating a game state and a game result is sent to a hall computer (not shown) by the external connection terminal plate 38. Conventionally, the external connection terminal board for transmitting a signal to the hall computer includes a board (terminal for outputting a signal output from the game board side) and a frame side (outer frame 10, front Two types of terminals are used for outputting signals output from the frame 11 and the inner frame 30) to the hall computer. In this embodiment, the game state and the game are played via one external connection terminal plate 38. A signal indicating the result is transmitted to the hall computer.

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the sub volume control unit 42 sets a back volume setting for the game facility employee to set a volume to be used as a reference for the production sound, that is, a default volume after resetting after power is restored. A switch 35 is installed.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the back volume setting switch 35 is a rotary switch and can be set to 16 levels.

  Here, the setting of the reference volume and the change of the volume setting by the player's cross key 19 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the reference volume setting can be set from 16 levels of “setting values 0 to 15”, and is determined according to the setting value selected by the back volume setting switch 35. For example, when “setting value 4” is selected by the back volume setting switch 35, an effect sound is output at a volume corresponding to “setting value 4”, and “setting value 9” is selected by the back volume setting switch 35. Then, the effect sound is output at a volume corresponding to “setting value 9”. The “set value 0” is silent, and the volume increases as the set value increases.

  The volume setting change by the player's cross key (front volume setting switch) 19 can be set from five levels “level 1 to 5”, which corresponds to the volume of “setting value 4 to 15” of the rear volume setting switch 35. The setting can be changed within the range. In this case, the setting range of “setting values 4 to 15” of the rear volume setting switch 35 is divided into five levels corresponding to the five levels of the cross key 19. For example, “setting values 4 and 5” of the rear volume setting switch 35 are set as the first division and correspond to “level 1” of the cross key 19. Similarly, “set values 6 and 7” are the second category and correspond to “level 2”, “set values 8 and 9” are the third category and correspond to “level 3”, and “set value” “10 and 11” are the fourth division and correspond to “level 4”. “Set values 12 to 15” are classified as the fifth category and correspond to “level 5”.

When the player changes the volume setting and “level 1” of the cross key 19 is selected, the volume in which “setting value 4” of the back volume setting switch 35 is selected is output, and “level 2” is output. When “is selected”, the sound volume in the state where “setting value 6” is selected is output. When “Level 3” is selected, the sound volume when “setting value 8” is selected is output. At the time of selection, the sound volume in a state where “setting value 10” is selected is output. When “level 5” is selected, the sound volume in the state where “setting value 12” is selected is output. When the volume changed by the player's cross key 19 and the reference volume set by the back volume setting switch 35 are in the same category, the volume set by the back volume setting switch 35 is output. It is desirable.
Also, depending on the game situation, when the volume changed by the player's cross key 19 is lower than the reference volume set by the back volume setting switch 35, a predetermined condition is satisfied. The reference volume may be maintained without changing the volume. In this case, even if a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is desirable to change the volume to a higher volume when the volume whose setting has been changed is larger than the reference volume.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the payout control device 41, the sub integrated control device 42, and the effect symbol control device 43 are provided as sub control devices around a main control device 40 that controls the game. The main control device 40, the payout control device 41, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the effect design control device 43 are all provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc., all of which are controlled by the CPU. A program composed of a main routine and a subroutine mounted in the ROM is started due to an interrupt signal having a 2 ms period or a 4 ms period, and various controls are executed.
The launch control device 44 is not provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the launch control device 44 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.

  The main controller 40 is electrically connected to the hall computer 500 of the game facility via the back wiring relay terminal board 530 and the external connection terminal board 38. The main controller 40 also has a glass frame opening SW (switch) for detecting whether the front frame (glass frame) and the inner frame are open via the back wiring relay terminal plate 530 and the game board relay terminal plate 531. 501, inner frame opening SW 502, first start SW 503 for detecting whether or not a special symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as “special figure”) is correct and starting the first special figure start opening 23 that causes a variation start, Second start SW 504 for detecting a ball entering the second special figure start opening 24 that causes the determination of the success / failure and the start of the change, the operation gate 22 that causes the lottery of the normal symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as a normal figure) and the start of the change. Normal symbol operation SW 505 for detecting entry into the game, a count SW 506 for detecting entry into the big prize opening 25 that is opened at the time of the big hit of the special figure, and a left prize entry SW 507 for detecting entry into the normal prize opening 26 Detection No. is input.

  The main control device 40 operates in accordance with the installed program, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals, and the like, via the payout control device 41 and the production relay terminal board 532. A first special figure resulting from a command output to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the production symbol control device 43 and a ball entering the first special diagram start port 23 via the symbol display device relay terminal board 533. The first special figure display device 27 that performs the change and final display of the first special figure, the first special figure reservation number display device 271 that indicates the number of reserved storage of the first special figure, and the entry into the second special figure start opening 24 This is caused by the second special figure display device 28 for performing the change and final display of the second special figure, the second special figure reservation number display device 281 indicating the number of reserved memories of the second special figure, and entering the operation gate 22. Ordinary symbol display device for normal change and fixed display 9 performs Hiroshi view number of holding the display device 291 display control, such as to indicate the hold memory number Hiroshizu.

Further, the main control device 40 is connected to a special prize opening solenoid 510 and a general electric utility solenoid 511 through a game board relay terminal board 531. Then, the special prize opening solenoid 510 is controlled to open the special prize opening 25, and the electric utility member solenoid 511 is controlled to open the second special figure starting opening 24 in a state where it is possible or easy to enter the ball. Operate the electric utility.
An output signal from the main control device 40 is output to a test signal terminal, and a management signal such as symbol variation and jackpot is sent to the hall computer 500 through the external connection terminal plate 38.
The main control device 40 and the payout control device 41 are capable of bidirectional communication.

  The payout control device 41 uses a back SW relay terminal plate 530 and a payout relay terminal plate 534 to detect that the ball tank has become empty, and a payout SW522 that detects that a game ball has been paid out. A detection signal such as a full SW 523 for detecting that the game ball storage tray is full is input. Further, the payout motor 521 is operated in accordance with a command sent from the main controller 40 to pay out the game ball. Furthermore, the CR unit 60 is electrically connected to the CR unit 60 via the CR unit terminal plate 535, and accepts lending requests and settlement request operation signals from the ball lending and settlement SWs 171 and 172 via the settlement display device 173. Data is sent and received, and the payout motor 521 is operated in accordance with the loan request signal to pay out the rental balls, and the balance display of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 60 is controlled.

  The firing control device 44 receives detection signals such as a switch 524 that detects the rotation operation of the firing handle 14, a firing stop SW 525, and a touch SW 526 that detects that the player is in contact (operating) with the firing handle 14. . Based on a command sent from the main control device 40 via the payout control device 41 (which reflects the signal of the touch SW 526 and the game situation), the rotation signal of the firing handle 14 (524), and the signal of the firing stop SW 525. The launch motor 527 is controlled to launch and stop the game ball.

The sub integrated control device 42 drives the speaker 112 to output sound, and controls lighting and extinguishing of various LEDs and various lamps 113. Further, a pseudo effect for displaying a character or the like or a command for displaying a pseudo symbol of the first special figure or the second special figure is transmitted to the effect symbol control device 43 (corresponding to the voice output control means described in the claims). ).
The sub integrated control device 42 includes an effect SW 528 for detecting the operation of the effect button 15 and the jog dial 16, a jog dial sensor 529, a cross key SW 536 for detecting the operation of each button of the cross key 19, a cross key lower SW 537, and a cross key left. Operation signals such as SW538, cross key right SW539, and cross key SW540 are input.

  The effect symbol control device 43 constitutes the effect symbol display device 21 together with the LCD panel unit and the accessory unit. The effect symbol control device 43 controls the display of the LCD panel of the effect symbol display device 21 in accordance with a command sent from the sub integrated control device 42.

The pachinko machine 1 performs a lottery determination on the usual figure, and if the result is a hit, the utility object is released, so that it is possible or easy to enter the second special figure starting port 24. The first or second special figure is judged by entering the first special figure starting port 23 or the second special figure starting port 24, which can always be entered, and accordingly, the first or second special figure is determined. While the special figure is confirmed and displayed on the figure display devices 27 and 28 after the change, the pseudo-design symbol corresponding to the special figure is confirmed and displayed on the effect symbol display device 21 after the change, thereby enhancing the player's expectation for the big hit. Produce. If the determination result is a big hit, a special game is performed in which the big winning opening is opened in a predetermined release mode.
And even during the production, the player can change the volume of the production sound, and when changing the volume setting during the production, the output of the confirmation sound and the volume level display are restricted so as not to disturb the production. Things are done.
Hereinafter, the details of the volume setting change by the player who is presenting will be described based on the program processing executed by the main control device 40 and the sub integrated control device 42.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a “main routine” executed by the main controller 40. The “main routine” is composed of this process (S100 to S110, S115) and the remaining process (S111), and has a cycle of 2 ms or 4 ms. It is started due to the interrupt signal, and it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S100). This determination is made based on whether or not a specific numerical value is written at a specific address in the RAM. If the determination is negative (S100: no), the initial setting (S115) is executed. The numerical value for determining whether or not it is a normal interrupt is written in the RAM as part of this initial setting.

  If it is a normal interrupt (S100: yes), an initial value random number update process (S101), a big hit determination random number (random number counter) update process (S102), which is a random value for determining whether or not the special figure is true, and a special figure big hit symbol determination Random number (random number counter) update processing (S103), normal hit determination random number (random number counter) update processing (S104), reach determination random number (random number counter) update processing related to special figure reach (S105) , Fluctuation pattern determination random number (random number counter) update process (S106), winning confirmation process (S107), success / failure determination process (S108), each output process (S109), fraud monitoring process (S110) And the initial random number update process (S111) is looped within the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input.

Next, a part of subroutines of the winning confirmation process (S107), the success / failure determination process (S108), and each output process (S109) which are deeply related to the present invention will be described.
The “start opening winning confirmation process” shown in FIG. 7 is a subroutine executed by the main controller 40. In this process, the winning (winning) of the first and second special figure starting openings 23 and 24 is confirmed. Then, various random values extracted at the time of entering the ball are stored separately for each of the first special figure and the second special figure.

In the “start port winning confirmation process”, first, based on the detection signals of the first and second start ports SW503 and 504, it is confirmed whether there is a ball in the first and second special figure start ports (S200). If there is an incoming ball (S200: yes), it is checked whether the number of reserved memories has already reached the upper limit and is not full (S201). The upper limit number that can be stored is four for each of the first special figure and the second special figure. If the hold memory is not full (S201: yes), in the extracted random number hold storage process of S202, a plurality of random number values (a jackpot determination random number, a jackpot symbol determination random number, a reach determination random number, A random symbol for determining a lost pattern, a random number for determining a variation pattern, etc.) is extracted and stored as a reserved memory.
In the subsequent processing of S203, the number of lighting of the first special figure hold number display device 271 or the second special figure hold number display device 281 is increased, and the hold number designation command indicating the current hold memory number to the sub integrated control device 42. Send.

FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 show a flowchart of a special figure “win / fail judgment process” executed by the main controller 40. In this process, the determination of whether or not the first special figure is correct and whether or not the second special figure is determined are executed separately, and when there is a holding of the second special figure, the priority determination of the second special figure is executed with priority. .
It should be noted that whether or not the first special figure and the second special figure are determined is almost the same process, and in the following description, the two are distinguished if necessary. Otherwise, the first special figure and the second special figure are distinguished. Instead, simply “special drawing”.
As shown in FIG. 8, the “win / fail determination process” confirms whether the special electric accessory for opening the special winning opening is in operation, and if it is not in operation (S300: no), confirms whether the special figure is changing. If it is not changing (S301: no), it is confirmed whether a fixed symbol of a special figure is displayed (S302). If the special electric accessory is in operation (S300: yes), the process proceeds to “special game processing”. Although not shown, the “special game process” is a program for executing the special game with a big hit.

  If the confirmed symbol is not being displayed in the process of S302 (S302: no), as shown in FIG. 9, it is confirmed in the process of S310 whether there is a special figure pending storage. If there is a reserved memory (S310: yes), the number of memories is subtracted and a shift process of the reserved memory is performed (S311). By the shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the special figure is the target of the determination of success / failure.

Next, in the process of S312, the probability variation flag is confirmed to confirm whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation gaming state (if the probability variation flag is “1”, the probability variation is in progress). If the probability change is in progress (S312: yes), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit by comparing the success / failure determination table at the time of the probability change with the big hit determination random number of the pending storage that is the target of the success / failure determination (S313).
If the probability change is not in progress (S312: no), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit by comparing the normal probability (low probability) determination table with the big hit determination random number (S314).

In the subsequent process of S315, it is confirmed whether or not the success / failure determination of the process of S313 or S314 is a big hit (corresponding to the success / failure determination means described in the claims).
If it is a big hit (S315: yes), in the process of S316, the big hit symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the big hit symbol in the reserved storage that is the object of the determination.
In the process of S317, a variation pattern such as a variation time for big hit of a special figure is determined based on the variation random number for determining the variation pattern of the reserved memory that is the object of the determination.

  After determining the variation pattern, a big hit setting process is performed in S318. In this process, based on the determined jackpot symbol, an opening pattern for the jackpot special game is set. In the jackpot setting process in S318, in addition to the setting of the opening pattern, for example, the setting time of the opening effect of the special game of jackpot executed by the effect symbol display device 21, the setting of the time of the ending effect, the big prize The opening mode of the mouth 25, the game state after the end of the special game, etc. are set.

  In the process of S315, if it is not a big hit but a loss (S315: no), a change pattern such as a change time for a special figure loss is determined in the process of S319. In the subsequent lose setting process (S320), if the gaming state is probable change and the time is short, subtraction of the “probability change counter” and the “short time counter” for counting these durations is performed.

  After each setting process of S318 or S320, in the process of S321, the symbol variation start control of the special symbol display device 28 is performed, and the symbol variation start command and the symbol designation command are transmitted to the sub integrated control device 42. Move to “Process”. The variation start command and the symbol designation command include a variation pattern of a special figure, a determination result of whether or not the special figure is appropriate.

  If there is no pending storage in the process of S310 (S310: no), in the standby command transmission process of S322, a standby command indicating that the special figure has not changed and the gaming machine is in a standby state is a sub-integrated control device. 42. Thereafter, the process proceeds to “special game processing”. Thus, the waiting state is a state of waiting for a player who is not playing a game by a player, and a state of waiting for a change in which the special figure does not change even during a game in which a game ball is being fired by the player It is said that.

  When the special figure is changing in the process of S301 of FIG. 8 (S301: yes), as shown in FIG. 10, when it is confirmed that the fluctuation time of the special figure has passed (S330: yes), the fixed symbol display In the process (S331), control is performed to end the special symbol variation display of the special symbol display devices 27 and 28, and the sub-integrated control device 42 and the production symbol control device 43 are caused to terminate the pseudo symbol variation display and the effect display. A symbol confirmation command is transmitted to “special game processing”.

If the confirmed symbol of the special figure is being displayed in the process of S302 of FIG. 8 (S302: yes), the process proceeds to S340 of FIG. 11 and it is confirmed whether or not the confirmed symbol display time has ended. If the fixed symbol display time has not ended (S340: no), the process proceeds to "special game processing".
On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the fixed symbol display time has ended (S340: yes), the fixed symbol display of the special symbol display device 28 is controlled to be terminated by the final symbol display end process (S341), and the sub-integration is performed. A command is transmitted to the control device 42 so as to end the fixed display of the pseudo symbol corresponding to the special figure.

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether the symbol of the special figure is a combination that is a big hit (S342). If the combination is a big hit (S342: yes), if the probability variation flag is “1” (S343: yes), “0” is set to the probability variation flag (S344). Next, if the hour / hour flag is “1” (S345: yes), “0” is set to the hour / hour flag (S346). By these processes, the gaming state in the special game of jackpot is reset to the normal state.

In the subsequent process of S347, the operation of the condition device is started. Further, in the process of S348, the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started. The condition device is a device required for the operation of the continuous action device for a bonus game in a special game, and the continuous action device is a device for continuously operating the special electric accessory.
Then, a command is sent to the sub integrated control device 42 to start the big hit effect by the big hit start effect process (S349), and the process proceeds to the “special game process”.

If the combination is not a big hit in the process of S342 (S342: no), it is confirmed in the process of S350 whether the probability variation flag is “1”, and if the probability variation flag is “1” (S350: yes), It is confirmed whether or not the subtraction result (the number of times of probability variation) of the “accuracy variation counter” is “0” (S351). If it is “0” (S351: yes), the probability variation flag is reset to “0” (S352).
In the subsequent processing, it is confirmed whether or not the hour / hour flag is “1” (S353). If the hour / hour flag is “1” (S353: yes), the subtraction result (hour / hour number) is “0”. Whether or not (S354). If it is “0” (S354: yes), the time reduction flag is set to “0” (S355).
In the subsequent state designation command transmission process of S356, a state designation command including information on a probability change flag indicating a gaming state and a time reduction flag is transmitted to the sub integrated control device. Thereafter, the process proceeds to “special game processing”.

  As described above, in the “correction determination process”, a plurality of commands are transmitted from the main control device 40 to the sub integrated control device 42. The symbol variation of the effect symbol display device 21 is started by the variation start command of the process of S321, and in this case, the variation pattern designation, the special symbol hold designation, and the symbol designation (special symbol designation) with a slight interval together with the variation start command. ) And a model information designation command are transmitted to the sub integrated control device 42.

  During symbol variation, the symbol variation is stopped by the symbol confirmation command (stop designation) in S331 and the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. During the confirmation display, information such as a probability change flag and a time reduction flag indicating the gaming state is sent to the sub integrated control device 42 by the state designation command in S356. It should be noted that the state designation command may be transmitted when the special figure is confirmed and displayed, and in the true / false determination process, the state designation command is substantially transmitted to the sub integrated control device 42 at the end of the confirmation display.

  Next, the “variation start process” executed by the sub integrated control device 42 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process, first, in the process of S400, it is confirmed whether or not a command suggesting a variation pattern associated with the special figure determination process is received from the main controller 40. If the variation pattern command has been received (S400: yes), the contents of the pseudo effect are determined in the process of S401. In the subsequent process of S402, the standby preparation flag is reset to “0”, and in the process of S403, the standby flag is reset to “0”.

  In the subsequent process of S404, the demo flag is reset to “0”, and in the process of S405, the gauge flag is reset to “0”. Thereafter, a pseudo effect based on the content determined in the process of S401 is started in the effect start process of S406. Thereby, the effect symbol control device 43 causes the effect symbol display device 21 to start the effect.

  Subsequently, the sub integrated control device 42 executes “standby command reception processing” shown in FIG. In this process, it is confirmed in S450 whether or not the standby command has been received from the main controller 40. If a standby command has been received (S450: yes), it is checked in step S451 whether the standby preparation flag is “1”. If the standby preparation flag is not “1” (S451: no), In the process of S452, “1” is set to the standby preparation flag.

In the “volume setting display process” shown in FIG. 14, the sub integrated control device 42 checks whether or not the standby preparation flag is “1” in the process of S500, and if the standby preparation flag is “1” ( S500: yes), it is confirmed in the process of S501 whether 15 seconds or more have elapsed since the reception of the standby command. If 15 seconds or more have elapsed (S501: yes), the standby flag is set to “1” in the process of S502, and the standby preparation flag is reset to “0” in the subsequent process of S503. By setting “1” in the standby flag, the gaming machine is substantially in a standby state in which there is no change in the special figure even if a game ball is fired to the player (the gaming state according to the claims) Corresponds to the discrimination means).
In the subsequent process of S504, control is performed so as to display the description of the volume setting. Thereby, the effect symbol control device 43 causes the effect symbol display device 21 to start the description.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the “display switching process” executed by the sub-integrated control device 42, it is confirmed whether or not the standby flag is “1” in the process of S550, and the standby flag is “1”. If (S550: yes), it is confirmed whether or not 15 seconds or more have passed since the transition to the standby state in the process of S551. If 15 seconds or more have elapsed (S551: yes), it is confirmed whether or not the demo flag is "1" in the process of S552. If the demo flag is not "1" (S552: no), the process of S553 is continued. In step S554, control is performed to display a demo screen, and "1" is set to the demo flag in step S554. As a result, the effect symbol control device 43 causes the effect symbol display device 21 to start displaying the demo screen.
Note that when the standby flag is not “1” in the process of S550 (S550: no) or when 15 seconds or more have not passed since the transition to the standby state in the process of S551 (S551: no), a return is returned. To do.

  If the demo flag is “1” in the process of S552 (S552: yes), it is confirmed whether or not the demo screen is being displayed in the process of S555. If the demonstration screen is being displayed (S555: yes), it is confirmed whether or not 30 seconds or more have elapsed since the demonstration screen was displayed in the process of S556. If 30 seconds or more have elapsed (S556: yes), control is performed to display the symbol standby screen in the process of S557. As a result, the effect symbol control device 43 switches the display mode of the effect symbol display device 21 from the demo screen to the symbol standby screen.

If the demonstration screen is not being displayed in the process of S555 (S555: no), it is confirmed whether or not 30 seconds or more have elapsed since the symbol standby screen was displayed in the process of S558. If 30 seconds or more have elapsed (S558: yes), control is performed to display the demonstration screen in the process of S559. As a result, the effect symbol control device 43 switches the display mode of the effect symbol display device 21 from the symbol standby screen to the demo screen.
In this way, when the gaming machine is in the standby state, the demonstration symbol display screen and the symbol standby screen are alternately displayed on the effect symbol display device 21.

  The volume setting of the effect sound by the sub integrated control device 42 will be described. In the “volume setting process” shown in FIG. 16, first, in the process of S600, it is confirmed whether or not the player has operated the upper button 191 or the lower button 192 of the cross key 19 (front volume setting switch). If there is a switch operation (S600: yes), it is determined whether or not the standby flag is “1” in the process of S601 to determine the state of the gaming machine. If the standby flag is “1” (S601: yes) and the gaming state is the standby state, the volume is set and changed according to the switch operation in the process of S602. That is, if the switch operation is the operation of the upper button 191 of the cross key 19, the volume is increased by one step. On the other hand, when the operation of the lower button 192 of the cross key 19 is performed, the volume is decreased by one level.

In the subsequent process of S603, it is confirmed whether or not the gauge flag is “1”. If the gauge flag is not “1” (S603: no), a volume level gauge indicating the volume is displayed in the process of S604. Control (corresponding to sound volume level image display means described in claims). Thereby, the effect symbol control device 43 causes the effect symbol display device 21 to display the volume level gauge. The display shows the level changed by the operation.
In the subsequent step S605, the gauge flag is set to “1”.

  If the gauge flag is “1” in the process of S603 (S603: yes), the volume setting operation is continuously performed, and the volume level gauge displayed in the process of S606 is set according to the operation. Control is performed so as to change the level (corresponding to the sound volume level image display means described in the claims). Thereby, the effect symbol control device 43 causes the effect symbol display device 21 to display the changed volume level gauge.

If the standby flag is not “1” in the process of S601 (S601: no), it is recognized that the gaming state is a special state change state. In the subsequent process of S607, according to the switch operation as in S602. To change the volume setting. It should be noted that the volume level gauge is not displayed when the gaming state is in the changing state (corresponding to the display prohibiting means described in the claims).
However, if the volume is already at the maximum or minimum level and cannot be changed above or below, this is suggested. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the volume has reached the maximum or minimum limit value in the process of S608, and if it is the limit value (S608: yes), the volume has reached the maximum or minimum limit value in the process of S609. The control is performed so as to notify that it is present (corresponding to limit value notifying means described in claims). As a result, the effect symbol control device 43 displays on the effect symbol display device 21 that the volume has reached the maximum or minimum limit value. In this “volume setting process”, it is not displayed that the volume has reached the maximum or minimum limit value in a standby state in which the standby flag is “1” from the processing after S601 is affirmed. This corresponds to the limit value notifying means described in the above range).

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the “volume level display erasing process” executed by the sub integrated control device 42, it is confirmed whether or not the gauge flag is “1” in the process of S650, and the volume level gauge is displayed. It is judged whether it is done. If the gauge flag is “1” (S650: yes), it is recognized that the volume level gauge is being displayed, and an operation for setting the volume is performed for 4 seconds after the volume level gauge is displayed in the subsequent processing of S651. Confirm whether or not If there is no such operation (S651: no), control is performed so as to erase the displayed volume level gauge in the processing of S652. Thereby, the effect symbol control device 43 turns off the display of the volume level gauge of the effect symbol display device 21.

  In this case, the gaming state is a standby state, and in the process of S653, control is performed so as to display the description of the volume setting as in the process of S504. Thereby, the effect symbol control device 43 causes the effect symbol display device 21 to start the description. Thereafter, in the process of S654, the gauge flag is reset to “0” and the process returns.

  The sub integrated control device 42 outputs the actual sound volume set by operating the effect button 15 during a predetermined period after the volume setting switch operation by the player as a confirmation sound. As shown in FIG. 18, in the “confirmation sound process”, it is confirmed whether or not the effect button 15 is operated in the process of S700. If there is an operation (S700: yes), it is checked in the processing of S701 whether or not the gauge flag is “1” to determine whether or not a volume level gauge is displayed. If the gauge flag is “1” (S701: yes), the confirmation sound is output from the speaker 112 in the processing of S702 (corresponding to the confirmation sound output control means described in the claims). In this way, the volume can be confirmed when the volume level gauge is displayed (corresponding to the confirmation sound output prohibiting means described in the claims).

Next, based on FIG. 19 thru | or FIG. 22, the example of a display mode at the time of the volume setting displayed on the effect symbol display apparatus 21 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 19 (a), in the game state where the change of the special figure ends with a loss and there is no special figure hold memory, it is determined as a standby preparation state, and a special figure is displayed at the center of the display screen of the effect symbol display device 21. This is a screen for losing symbol confirmation display on which a pseudo effect symbol 210 consisting of a three-digit number corresponding to the figure is displayed.
When 15 seconds have passed since the losing symbol confirmation display, the standby state is determined, and as shown in FIG. 19B, the volume is increased by the upper button of the cross key at the lower right position of the losing symbol confirmation display screen. It is possible to change the screen to a symbol standby display screen on which a volume setting explanation display 211 indicating that the volume can be lowered with the down button.

When 15 seconds have passed after changing to the symbol standby display, as shown in FIG. 19C, a pachinko machine character and machine name display 212 and the volume setting explanation display 211 are displayed on the demonstration display screen. Be changed.
Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 19D and 19E, the symbol standby display and the demonstration display are repeatedly displayed every 30 seconds while being alternately switched.

FIG. 20A shows a display example when the player performs an operation of lowering the volume during the symbol standby display in the standby state, and the volume set by the operation is displayed at the lower left position of the symbol standby display screen. A volume level gauge display 213 indicating “3” is displayed, and a confirmation sound explanation display 214 is displayed at the lower right position of the screen.
Thereafter, when an operation for lowering the volume is performed again within 4 seconds from the operation, the volume level gauge display 213 is changed to a display indicating that the volume is “2”, as shown in FIG. The

FIG. 20C shows a display example when the player performs an operation to increase the volume during the demonstration display in the standby state, and the volume set by the operation is “3” at the lower left position of the demonstration display screen. Is displayed, and a confirmation sound explanation display 214 is displayed at the lower right position of the screen.
When an operation for raising the volume again is performed within 4 seconds after the operation, the volume level gauge display 213 changes to a display indicating that the volume is “4”, as shown in FIG.
Thereafter, if the operation for raising or lowering the volume is not performed even after 4 seconds from the operation, the volume setting explanation display 211 is displayed at the lower right position of the demo display screen as shown in FIG. Return to the displayed screen.

  In the standby state, when a hold is made by entering the first or second special figure starting port and the special figure starts to change (fluctuating state), as shown in FIG. In the center of the display screen of the device 21, a change screen in which the pseudo effect design made up of three digits changes is displayed. In this state, the volume setting explanation display 211 is not displayed on the display screen as in the standby state, but the volume can be set. When the volume is increased or decreased, the volume is changed according to the operation, but the volume level gauge display 213 and the confirmation sound explanation display 214 are not displayed as in the standby state.

When the volume is maximized by the player's volume setting operation, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), a MAX display 215 indicating that the volume is the maximum limit value is displayed at the lower left position of the variation screen. .
On the other hand, when the volume is minimized by the player's volume setting operation, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), a Mini display 216 indicating that the volume is the minimum limit value is displayed at the lower left position of the variation screen. Is done.
It should be noted that the MAX display 215 and the Mini display 216 are preferably configured to disappear in about one second, so that high-quality effects are not disturbed.

  In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the MAX display is made when the volume is maximized by the player's volume setting operation even in a state where 15 seconds have elapsed since the losing symbol confirmation display determined to be the variation state and a special game state of jackpot. On the other hand, when the volume is minimized, the Mini display is performed.

  On the other hand, in the standby state, when the volume is maximized by the player's volume setting operation, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), the volume “5” whose volume is the maximum limit value is displayed on the volume level gauge display 213. Show. Even if the operation for raising the volume is performed again, both the volume and the volume level gauge display 213 remain unchanged and remain at the volume “5” (FIG. 22B).

  In the standby state, when the volume is minimized by the volume setting operation, the volume level gauge display 213 indicates the volume “1”, which is the minimum limit value, as shown in FIG. Even if the operation for lowering the volume is continued, both the volume and the volume level gauge display 213 remain unchanged and remain at the volume “1” (FIG. 22D).

  This pachinko machine is in a fluctuating state during a special game with a big hit, during a special game with a big hit, and during the big hit start and end effects before and after that. On the other hand, after the change of the special figure is completed and the display is confirmed with the losing symbol, there is no holding storage, the next change is not immediately started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed from the confirmation display (in this embodiment, 15 seconds). ) In the standby state, and the standby state is continued until the next stored memory is stored and the symbol fluctuates. Furthermore, the player can arbitrarily change the volume setting at any time, whether in the standby state or in the variable state.

According to this pachinko machine, the volume setting explanation display 211 is displayed on the effect symbol display device 21 in the standby state, and when the player changes the volume setting, the volume level gauge display 213 is displayed and the confirmation sound is explained. Since the display 214 is displayed and a confirmation sound is output by further pressing the effect button 15, the player can check the actual volume level of the setting change and how much the volume can be changed. You can easily change the volume setting.
On the other hand, when changing the volume setting in the changing state, the volume level image is not displayed when the setting is changed, and no confirmation sound is output. You can enjoy a simulated performance.
In this case, there are many veterans who change the sound volume setting in a fluctuating state, and the sound volume setting can be easily changed by making use of experience. Also, in a fluctuating state, if you change the volume setting so that the volume of the production sound changes according to the setting change operation, you can check the changed volume level even if the confirmation sound is not output, The player can easily change the setting to the desired volume.
Further, when changing the volume setting in the variable state, the limit value notification including the MAX display 215 or the Mini display 216 indicating that the volume is maximum or minimum is performed, so that the volume is already the maximum or minimum volume that can be changed by the player. In spite of reaching the above, there is a high possibility of further increasing or decreasing the volume, but it is possible to avoid such a useless act.

Furthermore, this pachinko machine will not enter the standby state until the predetermined time has elapsed and the volume level will not be held if there is no pending storage after the special figure fluctuation is confirmed and displayed in the losing pattern. By preventing the gauge display and the confirmation sound from being output, it is possible to avoid interfering with the pseudo effect even when the fluctuation of the special figure is started and the pseudo effect is started accordingly.

  In this pachinko machine, the volume level that can be changed by the player is set to five levels, but the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, it is good also as a structure from which the volume level in which a setting change is possible by a player differs in a standby state and a fluctuation state. For example, in the standby state, the volume level at which the setting can be changed is set to five levels, and in the variable state, the volume level at which the setting can be changed is set to three levels as shown in FIG. For example, the setting range of “setting values 4 to 15” of the rear volume setting switch 35 is divided into three levels corresponding to the three levels of the cross key 19. For example, the classification of “setting values 4 to 7” of the rear volume setting switch 35 is “level 1” of the cross key 19, the classification of “setting values 8 to 11” is “level 2”, and “setting values 12 to 15”. "Level 3". According to this, it is possible to simplify the setting change operation by the player in the variation state compared to the standby state, and it does not interfere with the pseudo effect. Conversely, the volume level that can be changed in the standby state may be set in three stages, while the volume level that may be changed in the variable state may be set in five stages.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, it can implement variously in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, after the fluctuation of the special figure is confirmed and displayed with the losing symbol, there is no holding storage, the next fluctuation is not immediately started, and the standby state is set after a predetermined time has elapsed since the confirmation display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the display is confirmed and displayed with the losing symbol, there is no holding storage, and if the next change is not immediately started, the standby state may be set. In the standby state, the confirmation sound is output by pressing the effect button 15 after the volume setting is changed with the cross key 19 (up button 191 or down button 192). A confirmation sound may be output directly (by changing the volume setting).
Furthermore, a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in the pachinko machine stand, and the enclosed game balls are launched toward the game area of the game board, and the released game balls are collected and the collected game balls are fired again. Thus, the present invention may be applied to a sealed pachinko machine that uses a predetermined number of game balls inside to play a game.

21 Production Symbol Display Device 23 First Special Figure Starting Port (Starting Port)
24 2nd special figure starting port (starting port)
25 Grand Prize Winners 27 First Special Figure Display Device (Special Symbol Display Device)
28 Second special figure display device (special symbol display device)
40 Main controller (appropriateness determination means)
42 Sub-integrated control device (audio output control means, volume level image display means, confirmation sound output control means, display prohibition means, confirmation sound output prohibition means, gaming state determination means, limit value notification means, limit value notification prohibition means)

Claims (1)

A success / failure determination means for performing a failure determination according to the random number value extracted due to the ball entering the starting port;
A special symbol display device for confirming and displaying a special symbol indicating the determination result by the determination unit after the change,
An effect symbol display device for displaying a pseudo effect performed while the special symbol is changing,
Audio output control means for outputting a production sound corresponding to the pseudo production;
In a gaming machine in which the setting of the volume of the effect sound output by the sound output control means can be changed by a player,
Volume level image display means for displaying a volume level image of a set volume on the effect symbol display device;
Confirmation sound output control means for outputting a predetermined confirmation sound based on the volume setting;
Display prohibiting means for prohibiting display of the volume level image;
Confirmation sound output prohibiting means for prohibiting the output of the confirmation sound;
Game state determining means for determining a gaming state,
The gaming state determined by the gaming state determining means is a state in which the special symbol is fluctuating and a state in which the special symbol has not been changed. The volume setting of the effect sound by the player can be changed in any state of the state until the time elapses and the standby state after the predetermined time has elapsed,
When the player performs an operation for changing the volume setting in the standby state, the volume level image display means displays the volume level image, and the confirmation sound output control means can output the confirmation sound. And none,
When the operation is performed by the player in the variation state, and when the operation is performed in a state until the predetermined time has elapsed since the variation of the special symbol is completed, the display prohibiting means Prohibiting display of the volume level image and prohibiting the output of the confirmation sound by the confirmation sound output prohibiting means when the operation is performed by the player in the fluctuating state;
The predetermined time is a period during which the new special symbol can be changed, and a duration from when the volume level image is displayed until the display of the volume level image is terminated without performing the operation. A gaming machine characterized by its long length.

Images