JP6934146B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, it is known that this type of gaming machine is provided with an arbitrary operation unit that can be arbitrarily operated by a player, and when the arbitrary operation unit is operated, the effect content is changed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP-A-2010-106105 (Fig. 12)

However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, there is a problem that when the arbitrary operation unit is operated, only the content of the effect is changed, and there is not much interest in the operation of the arbitrary operation unit.

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 capable of increasing interest in the operation of an arbitrary operation unit.

The gaming machine according to the invention of claim 1, which is made to achieve the above object, includes an arbitrary operation unit that can be operated by a player, a symbol variation effect that displays a variable display of symbols and notifies a judgment result of a hit / fail judgment. A gaming machine including an effect control means provided in the symbol variation effect and executing a display effect having a predetermined display effect period as the maximum limit, and the display effect is performed in a predetermined fixed order. It is composed of a plurality of division effects executed in the above, and the display effect period is composed of a plurality of division periods corresponding to the plurality of division effects. In each of the division periods, the operation by the arbitrary operation unit is invalid. It is composed of an operation invalid period and an operation valid period provided after the operation invalid period and in which the operation by the arbitrary operation unit is valid, and the effect control means is used for the operation of the optional operation unit during the operation valid period. depending by advancing the start timing of the divided period by shortening following the divided period running, the symbol variation effect, whether or not shortened the divided period in the display presentation, a preset It is a gaming machine characterized by finishing in time.

According to the gaming machine of claim 1, it is possible to improve the interest in the operation of the arbitrary operation unit.

Front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention Rear view of the gaming machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a gaming machine Flow chart of main control circuit main program Flowchart of main interrupt processing Flowchart of start winning opening switch detection process Flowchart of normal operation processing Flowchart of special operation processing Flowchart of special symbol standby processing Flowchart of special symbol jackpot judgment processing Flowchart of special symbol selection process Flowchart of special symbol fluctuation pattern selection process Flowchart of special figure random number shift processing Flowchart of processing during fluctuation Flowchart of special symbol confirmation process Flowchart of special electric accessory processing Flowchart for processing the number of reserved balls Flowchart of sub-control circuit main program Flow chart of receive interrupt processing Flowchart of 2ms timer interrupt processing Flowchart of 10ms timer interrupt processing Flowchart of main command analysis process Flow chart of SW processing Conceptual diagram of advance race production Conceptual diagram of advance race production Conceptual diagram of advance race production Time chart of advance race production Conceptual diagram of the longest post-notification production period of the advance race production related to the modified example

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment according to the gaming machine 10 (pachinko gaming machine) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming board 11 of the gaming machine 10 is provided with a substantially circular gaming area R1. The front side of the game board 11 is covered with a front frame 10Z, and the front frame 10Z is provided with a substantially circular glass window 10W corresponding to the game area R1. Then, the game area R1 faces forward through the glass window 10W. Further, a pair of speakers 25S and 25S are provided on the left and right above the glass window 10W of the front frame 10Z, and a lamp 25R is provided in the center between the speakers 25S and 25S. Further, an operation knob 28 is provided at the lower right corner of the front frame 10Z, and when the operation knob 28 is rotated clockwise, for example, the game ball is sent to the game area R1.

The game area R1 is provided with, for example, a display device 34 composed of a liquid crystal module. The display device 34 has a horizontally long rectangular liquid crystal display screen 34G (corresponding to the "display unit" of the present invention), and the liquid crystal display screen 34G is arranged at a position slightly above the center in the game area R1. In the game area R1, below the liquid crystal display screen 34G, first and second starting winning openings 14A and 14B, large winning openings 15 and out openings 16 are provided side by side at intervals from the top. A start gate 18 is provided on the left side of the display device 34. In addition to the various winning openings 14A, 14B, 15 and the display device 34, obstacle nails, windmills, and the like that change the flow direction of the game ball are arranged in the game area R1.

The starting gate 18 has a gate-shaped structure through which a game ball can dive and pass, and the passing game ball is detected by a normal symbol start switch built in the starting gate 18. Based on this detection signal, the normal symbol hit / miss judgment is performed, and the normal symbol hit / miss judgment result is displayed on a normal symbol display device (not shown). In detail, the ordinary symbol display device can, for example, alternately display the symbols "○" and "×" in a variable manner, and the result of determining whether or not the ordinary symbol is correct is a hit (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "small hit"). In that case, "○" is stopped and displayed, and if the normal symbol winning / failing judgment result is incorrect, "x" is stopped and displayed.

When the game ball passes through the start gate 18 during the variable display of the normal symbol display device, the variable display of the normal symbol display device due to the passage is reserved and stored up to four times, and the variable display of the normal symbol display device is displayed. When is completed, the normal symbol display device is displayed in a variable manner again based on the hold storage. The number of reserved storages for the variable display of the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol hold display unit (not shown).

Each of the starting winning openings 14A and 14B has a so-called pocket structure in which an opening is provided on the upper surface of a member protruding from the game board 11. The first starting winning opening 14A arranged on the upper side has an opening width in which only one game ball can be inserted. The second starting winning opening 14B arranged on the lower side is provided with movable wing pieces 14C and 14C on the left and right sides of the opening. Both movable wing pieces 14C and 14C are normally in an upright state, and the second starting winning opening is usually surrounded by a member constituting the first starting winning opening 14A and the movable wing pieces 14C and 14C. Therefore, the game ball is prevented from entering. Then, when the above-mentioned "small hit" occurs, the movable wing pieces 14C and 14C are tilted sideways for a predetermined period, and the game ball guides the movable wing piece 14C to the second starting winning opening 14B. It becomes possible to enter the ball.

When a game ball wins in each of the starting winning openings 14A and 14B, a special symbol winning / failing determination (corresponding to the "big hit winning / failing determination" of the present invention) is performed. The determination result is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G as a combination of special symbols 32A, 32B, and 32C.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, three special symbols 32A, 32B, and 32C on the left, middle, and right are normally stopped and displayed side by side on the liquid crystal display screen 34G. Each of these special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C is composed of, for example, a plurality of types in which the numbers "0" to "11" are represented, and usually, each of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C is predetermined. Kind of things are stopped and displayed. Then, when the game ball wins the starting winning openings 14A and 14B, these three special symbols 32A, 32B and 32C are scrolled and displayed in the vertical direction, and after a predetermined time, for example, in the order of left, right and middle. Each special symbol 32A, 32B, 32C is stopped and displayed. Then, when the hit / fail judgment result is a hit (hereinafter referred to as "big hit"), each special symbol 32A, 32B, 32C is stopped and displayed with the same symbol (doublet), and the game shifts to the "big hit game state". do. On the other hand, if the result of the hit / fail judgment is incorrect, the combination other than doublet is displayed as a stop, and the normal game state that is not the "big hit game state" continues.

Hereinafter, among the special symbols 32A, 32B, and 32C that are variablely stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G, other special symbols (for example, the left special symbol) are excluded except for the special symbol that is stopped and displayed last (for example, the middle special symbol 32B). The state in which 32A and the right special symbol 32C) are the same is called "reach". In addition, stopping and displaying in a combination other than doublet after reaching is called "out of reach". Furthermore, stopping and displaying in a combination other than doublet without going through reach is called "out of reach".

When a game ball wins a prize in the start winning openings 14A and 14B during a variable display or a big hit game on the liquid crystal display screen 34G, the right to judge whether or not the winning is caused by the winning, that is, the variable display is reserved and stored up to 4 times. Then, when the stop display or the jackpot game is completed, the variable display is performed again based on the hold memory.

The large winning opening 15 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, and is always closed by a movable door 15T. Then, when the big hit game is performed, the movable door 15T is tilted forward for a predetermined period by the big winning solenoid (see FIG. 3) provided on the back of the game board 11, and the big winning opening 15 is opened, and the movable door is opened. With 15T as a guide, many game balls can be won in the large winning opening 15. Here, when the period from the opening to the closing of the movable door 15T is referred to as a "round", one jackpot game is, for example, up to the number of rounds selected from 16 rounds, 4 rounds, and 2 rounds. continue. Further, in one round, either the opening time of the movable door 15T has reached a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds), or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have been won in the large winning opening 15. It ends when the condition is satisfied first.

A specific winning sensor (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the large winning opening 15, and counts the number of winning balls. When a game ball wins in the large prize opening 15, for example, 15 game balls are paid out as prize balls for each prize.

After the jackpot game is over, it may shift to a high probability state with a limited number of times. In the high probability state, the probability that the hit / fail judgment of the special symbol will be a hit is higher (30/630) than in the normal time (3/630), and the probability of occurrence of "small hit" is also higher in the probabilistic gaming state. There is. In addition, the high probability state continues until the number of consecutive misses when the winning / failing determination is continuously made after the jackpot game is completed reaches the specified upper limit number of times. Then, after the number of consecutive deviations reaches the specified upper limit number, the high probability state ends and the state shifts to the "normal (non-probability) gaming state".

The specified upper limit number is selected from, for example, 100 times, 60 times, 30 times, and 0 times (without performing the probability variation game) by the determination of the specified upper limit number of times performed when the special symbol winning / failing judgment is a big hit. NS. In addition, for example, the case where 100 times, 60 times, and 30 times are selected corresponds to the case where the "win" is obtained in the "privilege winning / failing determination" of the present invention.

The selected upper limit number of times is notified to the player by the display content of the "big hit effect" performed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G during the big hit game. In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, for example, a car race image is displayed, and if the race result is 1st place, 100 times, 2nd place is 60 times, 3rd place is 30 times, 4th place or less. In the case, the specified upper limit number of times is set to 0 times. Hereinafter, the specified upper limit number of times of special time is appropriately referred to as "ST upper limit number of times".

As shown in FIG. 1, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the effect operating unit 27 (in the present invention) used for the effect performed during the variable display, the "big hit game", etc., at the lower left corner of the front frame 10Z. (Corresponding to "arbitrary operation unit") is provided. The effect operation unit 27 includes a handle 27T protruding forward, and is usually urged so that the handle 27T is vertical. When the effect operation unit 27 is rotated in either the left-right direction, the effect operation switch 27S (see FIG. 3) detects the rotation operation.

The above is a description of various accessories provided in the game area R1 and the main flow of the game. Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10 and the like will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a main control circuit 50 is provided in the center of the rear surface of the gaming machine 10, and a voice control circuit 55, a sub control circuit 52, and the like are provided above the main control circuit 50. Further, below the main control circuit 50, a payout control circuit 58 for controlling the payout of game balls and a power supply board 60 are provided. Each control circuit operates by receiving power supply from the power supply board 60.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main control circuit 50 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 50A, a RAM 50B, a ROM 50C, and a plurality of counters as a main unit, and performs main control related to the game. The CPU 50A is provided with a hit / fail judgment unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc. It is configured so that it can be output (transmitted) to the control circuits 52, 58, the relay circuit 57, and the like. The RAM 50B includes a storage area for the number of special symbol reserved balls and the number of normal symbol reserved balls, a storage area for various random values generated by the CPU 50A, a storage area and a flag for temporarily storing various data, and a work area of the CPU 50A. .. In the ROM 50C, the main control circuit main program PG1 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, control data, symbol fluctuation data related to fluctuation display on a normal symbol display device, etc. are written, and "big hit" and "small hit" are written. Judgment value etc. are written.

The sub-control circuit 52 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 52A, a RAM 52B, and a ROM 52C as a main part. The CPU 52A includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, and the like. The RAM 52B has a storage area for various data and a work area by the CPU 52A. The ROM 52C stores a sub-control circuit main program PG2 (see FIG. 18), a constant, and the like, which will be described later. Then, the sub control circuit 52 outputs a signal to the display control circuit 54, the voice control circuit 55, and the lamp control circuit 56 based on the control signal (command) from the main control circuit 50. Further, the voice control circuit 55 controls the speakers 25S and 25S based on a signal (command) from the sub control circuit 52. The lamp control circuit 56 controls the lamp 22R and the like based on a signal (command) from the sub control circuit 52.

In the display control circuit 54, the CPU reads predetermined display control data from the ROM, generates control data in the storage area of the RAM, and outputs the control data to the VDP (not shown). The VDP reads necessary data from the ROM based on a command from the CPU, creates map data of display images (special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C, round effect images, etc.) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G, and puts them in VRAM. Store. The image data stored and stored in the VRAM is converted into an RGB signal by the D / A conversion circuit provided in the input / output circuit and output to the display device 34.

The CPU 50A of the main control circuit 50 uses a random number counter to generate a plurality of random numbers for control, as will be described in detail later. Then, the main control circuit main program PG1 is executed to perform the special figure determination based on the random numbers, and the effect mode for notifying the determination result of the special figure determination is determined.

Specifically, when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, the CPU 50A of the main control circuit 50 takes out the main control circuit main program PG1 shown in FIG. 5 from the ROM 50C and runs it. As shown in the figure, the main control circuit main program PG1 first performs initial settings such as stack setting, constant setting, CPU50A setting, SIO, PIO, and CTC (interrupt time controller) settings (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.

As shown in FIG. 4, each process of the following steps S2 to S4 is looped in the remaining time until the main interrupt process (S5) described later is executed after the initial setting (S1). First, interrupts are disabled (S2), and even if a timer interrupt comes in, interrupt processing is not performed until the interrupt is enabled. Subsequently, the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) is executed. In this process (S3), the random number counters shown in Table 1 below are added by 1 and updated. The updated counter value is stored in the updated value 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 enabled (S4) and the main interrupt process (S5) can be executed.

In the present embodiment, the label-TRND-A, label-TRND-AZ, label-TRND-RC, label-TRND-T, label-TRND-B1, label-TRND-B2 shown in Table 1 are used as random number counters. , Label-TRND-B3, Label-TRND-H and other counters are provided.

These random number counters start from 0 when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, add 1 when the random number update process (S3, S12) is performed, and are set to 0 again when the maximum value of the "numerical range" is reached. The addition is repeated.

Then, when the game ball passes through the start gate 18, among the random number counters shown in Table 1 above, the counter value of the label-TRND-H is acquired and stored in the RAM 50B. Further, when a game ball wins a prize in the starting winning openings 14A and 14B, each counter other than the label-TRND-H (label-TRND-A, label-TRND-AZ, etc.) among the random number counters shown in Table 1 above. The value is acquired and stored in the RAM 50B. Hereinafter, a plurality of counter values (label-TRND-A, label-TRND-AZ, etc.) acquired at the time of winning the starting winning openings 14A and 14B are collectively referred to as "special symbol-related counter values".

Here, in the random number storage area of the RAM 50B, the acquired special symbol-related counter values and the counter values of the label-TRND-H can be stored up to "4", which is the upper limit of the reserved storage. Then, each counter value (random number value) stored in the random number storage area is used for the game in order from the oldest one.

When an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 50A, the main interrupt process (S5) is repeatedly executed, for example, in a cycle of 4 msec. Then, during the residual processing period from the end of the main interrupt process (S5) to the start of the next main interrupt process (S5), various counter values (S3) by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) The update process (see Table 1) is repeatedly executed a plurality of times. If an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 50A in the interrupt disabled state, the main interrupt process (S5) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled (S4).

The main interrupt processing (S5) will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in the main interrupt processing (S5), first, the output processing (S10) is performed. In the output process (S10), various commands set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 50B are output to the corresponding control circuit.

Following the output process (S10), the input process (S11) is performed. In the input process (S11), detection signals are mainly received by various sensors and switches (starting gate 18, sensors for each starting winning openings 14A and 14B, other sensors, switches, etc.) provided in the gaming machine 10.

The next normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S12) 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. be. That is, for the various counter values shown in Table 1 above, the next main interrupt processing (S5) starts within the execution period of the main interrupt processing (S5) and after the remaining processing period (main interrupt processing (S5) ends). It is done in both (the period until it is done).

Following the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S12), the winning detection process (S13) is executed. The winning detection process (S13) is shown in FIG. 6, and first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the starting winning openings 14A and 14B (S130). Then, if the game ball has not won a prize in the start winning openings 14A and 14B (No in S130), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the start gate 18 (S134). If the game ball has passed through the start gate 18 (Yes in S134), first, it is determined whether or not the current number of normal symbol reserved balls is 4 or more (holding upper limit) (S135), and it must be 4 or more. If (No in S135), 1 is added to the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol (S136), and the random number acquisition process (S137) related to the normal symbol is executed. That is, the normal symbol hit / miss determination counter value "label-TRND-H" is acquired as a random number from the update value storage area of the RAM 50B and stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 50B. After that, the process (S13) is exited. On the other hand, when the game ball has not passed through the start gate 18 (No in S134) and when the number of normal symbol holding balls is 4 or more (Yes in S135), this process (S13) is exited.

As shown in FIG. 6, if the game balls have won in the starting winning openings 14A and 14B (Yes in S130), it is determined whether the current number of special symbol reserved balls is 4 or more (holding upper limit) (S131). .. When the number of special symbol holding balls is 4 or more (Yes in S131), this process (S13) is exited as it is, while when the number of special symbol holding balls is not 4 or more (No in S131), the special symbol holding ball is passed. The number is added by 1 (S132), and the special figure-related random number acquisition process (S133) is executed. Specifically, special symbol-related counter values (label-TRND-A, label-TRND-AZ, etc.) are acquired from the update value storage area of the RAM 50B, and these are stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 50B. After that, the process (S13) is exited.

As shown in FIG. 5, the start winning opening switch detection process (S13) is followed by the normal operation process (S14). In the normal operation process (S14), the normal symbol hit / fail judgment is made based on the normal symbol hit / miss judgment random number value (label-TRND-H) acquired when the game ball passes through the start gate 18 (stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 50B). In addition, if it is a "small hit", the movable wing pieces 14C and 14C at the starting winning opening 14B are opened and closed. Here, normally, if the random value (label-TRND-H) for determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct matches one preset determination value, it becomes a "small hit", and during the probabilistic game, it is used for determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct. If the random number value (label-TRND-H) matches any of the preset 60 determination values, a "small hit" is obtained. That is, in the probability variation game, the probability of occurrence of "small hit" is high.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in the normal operation process (S14), first, it is determined whether or not the movable wing pieces 14C and 14C in the starting winning opening 14B are in the open operation (S140). When the opening operation is in progress (Yes in S140), it is determined whether or not a predetermined opening operation time has elapsed (S141). If the opening operation time has not elapsed (No in S141), this process (S14) is exited, while if the opening operation time has elapsed (Yes in S141), the movable blade pieces 14C and 14C are opened. Is completed and the process (S14) is exited from (S142).

When the movable wing pieces 14C and 14C are not in the open operation (No in S140), the number of normally symbol reserved balls is checked (S143). If the number of balls on hold of the normal symbol is "0", this process (S14) is exited, while if it is not "0", the random value for determining whether the normal symbol is correct or not (label-TRND-) stored in the RAM 50B. H) is loaded (S144).

Next, it is determined whether or not the current game is a probabilistic game (probability change flag F2 = 1) (S145), and if the probabilistic game is in progress (Yes in S145), the loaded normal symbol hit / miss judgment random value (label). -TRND-H) is determined whether or not it matches any of the determination values for probability variation (60 determination values) (S146). If they match (Yes in S146), that is, in the case of a small hit, the movable blade pieces 14C and 14C are opened (S147). For example, the opening for 2 seconds is intermittently repeated 3 times.

Further, when the probabilistic variation game is not in progress (No in S145), does the loaded normal symbol hit / fail determination random value (label-TRND-H) match the non-probability variation determination value (one determination value)? Whether or not it is determined (S148), and if they match (Yes in S148), that is, in the case of a small hit, the movable blade pieces 14C and 14C are opened (S149). For example, opening for 1 second is performed once.

If the loaded normal symbol hit / miss judgment random value (label-TRND-H) does not match the judgment value (No in S146 or S148), this process is performed without opening the movable wing pieces 14C and 14C. Exit (S14).

The special operation process (S15) performed after the normal operation process (S14) is shown in FIG. 8, and when the special operation status is “1” (Yes in S151), the special symbol standby process (S152) is performed. ), And when the special operation status is "2" (No in S151, Yes in S153), the variable processing (S154) is performed, and when the special operation status is "3" (S151, S153). When both No and S155 are Yes), a special symbol determination process (S156) is performed, and when the special operation status is "4" (No in S151, S153, S155), a special electric accessory process (S157) is performed. I do.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the special symbol standby process (S152), first, the number of special symbol reserved balls is checked (S200). When the number of special symbol reserved balls is "0", it is checked whether or not the liquid crystal display screen 34G is the standby screen (for example, the standby flag is ON) (S201). Then, in the case of the standby screen (Yes in S201), this process (S152) is immediately exited, while in the case of not the standby screen (No in S201), the standby screen setting process (S202. For example, the waiting flag is set. After performing ON), the process (S152) is exited.

If the number of balls reserved for special symbols is not "0" in step S200, the following processes S203 to S209 including the special symbol jackpot determination process (S203) are performed.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the special symbol jackpot determination process (S203), first, a random number value (label-TRND) for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not, which is acquired (stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 50B) at the time of winning the starting winning openings 14A and 14B. -A) is loaded (S300). Next, it is checked whether or not the probabilistic game is in progress (probability change flag F2 = 1) (S301), and if the probabilistic game is not in progress (No in S301), the random value for determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (label-TRND-A) is usually used. It is checked whether or not it matches the determination value for (non-probability variation) (any of the three preset determination values) (S302). Further, when the probability change is in progress (Yes in S301), the random value for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not (label-TRND-A) is one of the determination values for probability variation (30 preset determination values). It is checked whether or not they match (S303).

If the random value for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not (label-TRND-A) does not match any of the determination values (No in S302 or No in S303), this process (S203) is exited. If the random value for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not (label-TRND-A) does not match any of the determination values during the probabilistic game (Yes in S301, No in S303), the number of consecutive deviations is counted. When the number of consecutive deviations reaches the ST upper limit number, the probability change flag F2 is set to 0, and the process (S305) of shifting from the probability change game state to the normal game state is performed.

On the other hand, in each step S302 and S303, when the random value for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not (label-TRND-A) matches the preset determination value, that is, when it is a big hit (Yes or S303 in S302). Yes), the jackpot flag F1 is turned ON (set to F1 = 1) (S304), and this process (S203) is exited. The CPU 50A when the special symbol jackpot determination process (S203) is being executed corresponds to the "big hit winning / failing determination means" of the present invention.

In the special symbol selection process (S204) performed after the special symbol jackpot determination process (S203), the stop display symbols of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C are determined. This process (S204) is shown in FIG. 11, and first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag F1 is ON (F1 = 1) (S310). If the jackpot flag F1 is ON (Yes in S310), the jackpot symbol random value (label-TRND-AZ) acquired at the time of winning the starting winning openings 14A and 14B (stored in the RAM 50B) is set in the transmission buffer (label-TRND-AZ). S311), exiting this process (S204). That is, all three special symbols 32A, 32B, and 32C are set so as to have the same symbol (doublet) as the jackpot symbol random value (label-TRND-AZ). In this embodiment, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the maximum number of STs are set based on the jackpot symbol random value (label-TRND-AZ).

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag F1 is not ON (No in S310), the reach presence / absence determination random value (label-TRND-RC, hereinafter referred to as "reach random value") acquired at the time of winning the starting winning openings 14A and 14B). Is determined to match the preset reach determination value (S312). If it matches the reach judgment value (Yes in S312), the acquired left special symbol determination random value (label-TRND-B1), middle special symbol determination random value (label-TRND-B2), and right special symbol Based on the determination random number value (label-TRND-B3), stop display symbols of special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C that are "out of reach" are created and set in the transmission buffer (S313). After that, the process (S204) is exited.

In step S310, when it does not match the reach determination value (No in S312), the left special symbol determination random value (label-TRND-B1), the middle special symbol determination random value (label-TRND-B2), Based on the right special symbol determination random value (label-TRND-B3), stop display symbols of special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C that are "out of reach" are created and set in the transmission buffer (S314). .. After that, the process (S204) is exited.

As shown in FIG. 9, the special symbol variation pattern creation process (S205) is executed after the special symbol selection process (S204). This process (S205) is shown in FIG. 12, and data on the fluctuation pattern until the special symbols 32A, 32B, and 32C are stopped and displayed is selected based on the result of the special symbol hit / fail determination or the like.

Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is "probability variation gaming" (S330). When the probabilistic game is not in progress (No in S330), it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag F1 is ON (F1 = 1, jackpot) (S331). Then, when the jackpot flag F1 is ON (Yes in S331), a random value (label-) for determining the variation mode is selected from the "first pattern table" (variation pattern data group corresponding to the jackpot during non-probability variation). One variation pattern data is selected based on TRND-T (hereinafter referred to as "variation mode selection numerical value") (S332).

When the jackpot flag F1 is not ON (No in S331), the variation mode selection value (label-TRND-T) is selected from the "second pattern table" (variation pattern data group corresponding to the deviation during non-probability variation). One variation pattern data is selected based on (S333).

On the other hand, in step S330, when "probability change game is in progress" (Yes in S330), it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag F1 is ON (F1 = 1) (S334). When the jackpot flag F1 is ON (Yes in S334), the variation mode selection value (label-TRND-T) is selected from the "third pattern table" (variation pattern data group corresponding to the jackpot during probability variation). One variation pattern data is selected based on (S335).

When the jackpot flag F1 is not ON (No in S334), the variation mode selection value (label-TRND-T) is selected from the "fourth pattern table" (variation pattern data group corresponding to deviation during probability variation). Based on this, one variation pattern data is selected (S336).

After that, other processing (S337) such as setting a command according to the selected variation mode in the transmission buffer is performed, and this processing (S205) is exited.

As shown in FIG. 9, a special figure random number shift process (S206) is performed following the special figure variation mode selection process (S205). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the number of special symbol reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S350), and various random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 50B are shifted one by one to the lower random number storage area. (S351) to clear the random number storage area corresponding to the highest (fourth) reserved storage (S352).

As shown in FIG. 9, special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C, such as a special symbol random number shift process (S206), a special symbol fluctuation start process (S207), and a process of setting the special operation status to “2” (S208). The processing necessary for starting the fluctuation of the above is performed, and finally the waiting flag is turned off (S209). In the special symbol variation start processing (S207), a special operation timer for timing the variation display time of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32 set for each variation pattern is set. Here, the "variable display time" means the time from the scroll display of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C to the stop display of all the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C. The above is the description of the special symbol standby process (S152) in the special operation process (S15).

The variable processing (S154) in the special operation processing (S15) is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in this process (S154), the value of the special operation timer is first confirmed in the special operation timer determination process (S210), and when the special operation timer is not "0" (No in S211), That is, if the variation display time of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C corresponding to the variation pattern set in the special symbol variation pattern creation process (S205) has not elapsed, this process (S154) is immediately exited. The variable display of the special symbols 32A, 32B, and 32C is continued.

On the other hand, when the special operation timer is "0" (Yes in S211), that is, when the fluctuation display time ends, the fluctuation stop command is set (S212), and the special operation status is set to "3" (S213). ), Other processing (S214), and then exiting this processing (S154).

The special symbol determination process (S156) in the special operation process (S15) is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in this process, first, it is checked whether or not the jackpot flag F1 is ON (F1 = 1) (S220). When the jackpot flag F1 is ON (Yes in S220), the round counter is set (S221) and then the special operation status is set to 4 (S222).

On the other hand, when the jackpot flag F1 is not ON (No in S220), the special operation status is set to "1" (S223), and this process (S156) is exited.

The special electric accessory process (S157) in the special operation process (S15) is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in this process, first, the probability variation flag F2 is turned off (F2 = 0 is set, S230), and it is determined whether or not the jackpot opening (notification that the jackpot game starts) has been performed (S231). ). If the jackpot opening is not performed (No in S231), the jackpot opening is executed (S232), and if the jackpot opening is already performed (Yes in S231), the jackpot end flag is ON (F3 = 1). Check whether or not (S233).

When the jackpot end flag is not ON (No in S233), that is, when the "big hit game" is being executed, it is checked whether or not the jackpot 15 is open (S234).

When the large winning opening 15 is closed (No in S234), it is checked whether or not it is time to open the large winning opening 15 (whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed) (S235). If it is not the big winning opening opening time (No in S235), this process (S157) is exited, while if it is the big winning opening opening time (Yes in S235), the big winning opening opening process (S236, movable door) 15T is tilted forward), and this process (S157) is exited.

On the other hand, when the big winning opening 15 is open (open flag is on) (Yes in S234), it is checked whether or not the round end condition is satisfied. Specifically, whether or not a specified number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) have been won in the large winning opening 15 (S237), and whether or not the round end time has been reached (for example, 15 seconds have passed since the opening). Check (S238). Then, when both of these two round end conditions are not satisfied (both S237 and S238 are No), this process (S157) is immediately exited, and when either one of the round end conditions is satisfied ( In S237 or S238, Yes), the processing at the end of the round (S239, S240) is performed.

In the large winning opening closing process (S239), a command for closing the large winning opening is transmitted to the relay circuit 57 (see FIG. 3) and the sub control circuit 52. Next, the round counter is decremented by 1 (S240). Then, it is checked whether or not the round counter is "0" (S241), and when the round counter is not "0" (No in S241), that is, when the final round in the "big hit game" is not completed. Exits this process (S157) as it is.

On the other hand, when the round counter becomes "0" (Yes in S241), that is, when the final round in the big hit game (16th round in this embodiment) is completed, the big hit for ending the big hit game is completed. The end process (S242) is performed, the jackpot end flag F3 is turned ON (F3 = 1 is set, S243), and then this process (S157) is exited.

In step S233, when the jackpot end flag is on (Yes at F3 = 1, S233), the jackpot end flag and the jackpot flag are turned off (set to F3 = 0, F1 = 0, S244, S245). ), Whether or not the maximum number of STs corresponding to the jackpot symbol random value (label-TRND-AZ) is 0, that is, whether or not the probability variation game is performed after the jackpot game is completed (S246). When the probability change game is not performed (No in S246), the probability change flag is left OFF, while when the probability change game is performed (Yes in S246), the probability change flag is turned ON and the ST upper limit number is set. (S247), the special operation status is set to "1" (S248), and this process (S157) is exited. By this process, the game after the jackpot game is completed is divided into either a "probability game" or a "normal (non-probability) game", and the maximum number of STs is selected. The above is the description of the special operation process (S17). The CPU 50A when executing step S246 corresponds to the "privilege winning / failing determination means" of the present invention, and the CPU 50A when executing the special electric accessory process (S157) corresponds to the "big hit game execution" of the present invention. Corresponds to "means". The above is the description of the special operation processing (S15) in the main interrupt processing (S5).

As shown in FIG. 5, in the main interrupt process (S5), the hold ball number process (S16) is performed after the special operation process (S15). In the reserved ball number processing (S16) shown in FIG. 17, after the special symbol reserved ball number and the normal symbol reserved ball number are loaded (S160), they are set in the transmission buffer (S161). After that, as shown in FIG. 5, other processing (S17) not deeply related to the present invention is executed, and then the main interrupt processing (S5) is exited. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the processes of steps S2 to S4 are repeatedly executed until the interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 50A next time, and the main interrupt process is performed again due to the input of the interrupt pulse (after about 4 msec). (S5) is executed. Then, as described above, various commands set in the transmission buffer of the RAM 50B in the previous main interrupt processing (S5) are output in the output processing (S10) of the main interrupt processing (S5) executed next. The above is the description of the main control circuit main program PG1.

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. 18 to 23. In the sub-control circuit main program PG2, the CPU initialization process (S60) is first performed. In this process, interrupt processing, which will be described later, is set. Further, when the power is turned on to the power supply board 60, the power supply cutoff signal is transmitted from the power supply board 60 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 out of the two RAMs are normal (S61). If it is normal (yes in S61), the process proceeds to the next step, and if it is not normal (no in S61), the RAM 52B is initialized and various flags and counter values are reset (S62). When the above processes (S60 to 62) are completed, the watchdog timer counters 1 and 2 are initialized (S63). It should be noted 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 by S60 to S63, the interrupt is prohibited (S64) and the random number seed update process (S65) is executed. Next, a command transmission process (S66) for transmitting various commands to the display control circuit 54, the lamp control circuit 56, and the voice control circuit 55 (see FIG. 3) is executed, and the watchdog timer counter 1 is initialized (S67) and interrupted. Permission (S68) is given. Then, these processes (S64 to 68) are repeated in an infinite loop.

Sub-control circuit Receive interrupt processing (S69), 2ms timer interrupt processing (S70), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S71) are interrupted and executed for the infinite loop of the main program PG2. When the sub control circuit 52 receives the strobe signal from the main control circuit 50, the reception interrupt processing (S69) is executed in preference to the other interrupt processing (S70, S71). Further, the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S70) is executed with priority over 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). NS.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the reception interrupt process (S69), the strobe signal is first checked (S430), and if the strobe signal is not ON (No in S430), this process (S69) is exited as it is. If the strobe signal is ON (Yes in S430), the sub-control circuit 52 receives a command or control signal (data related to the variation mode and the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct) from the main control circuit 50 and stores it in the RAM 52B (S431). Further, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern creation process (S205, see FIG. 12) at this time is also stored in the RAM 52B.

The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S70) is executed every time an interrupt pulse having a cycle of 2 msec is input to the sub control circuit 52. As shown in FIG. 20, in this process (S70), lamp data output process (S440), SW / drive output process (S441), input process (S442), and watchdog timer process (S443) are performed.

In the lamp data output process (S440), the lamp data created by the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71) is output. In the SW / drive output process (S441), the switch validity period and operation created by 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), the switch corresponding to the on / off state of the effect operation switch 27S (see FIG. 3) of the effect operation unit 27. Data is created and 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 interrupted at a cycle of 10 msec. As shown in FIG. 21, in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71), the switch state acquisition process (S80), voice control process (S81), notification timer determination process (S82), main command analysis process (S83), and Sw process (Sw process). S84) and the lamp processing (S85) are executed in order. In the switch state acquisition process (S80), the switch data created in the input process (S442) of the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S70, see FIG. 20) is taken in as the switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process.

In the voice control process (S81), voice control data is created and output to the voice control circuit 55 (see FIG. 3), whereby the voice from the speakers 25S and 25S is controlled. In the notification timer determination process (S82), when the RAM is cleared, the door opening notification is performed, the notification time is counted, and the notification is stopped after a certain time has elapsed from the start of the notification. Further, in the lamp processing (S85), lamp data is created and output to the lamp control circuit 56 (see FIG. 3), whereby the lighting of the lamp is controlled. Then, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71) ends after the lamp process (S85) is executed.

The details of the main command analysis process (S83) are shown in FIG. This main command analysis process (S83) determines whether or not the command received from the main control board 50 by the sub control circuit 52 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “received command”) is a command related to a jackpot (S450). If it is not a jackpot command (No in S450), it is determined whether the received command is a command related to fluctuation (S451), and if it is not a command related to fluctuation (No in S451), it is based on the received command. After performing the setting process (S452) of the above, the process (S83) is exited. When the received command is a command related to fluctuation (Yes in S451), the stop display symbol or special symbol fluctuation pattern creation process of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C set in the special symbol selection process (see S204 and FIG. 11). After creating a fluctuation pattern (S453) based on the fluctuation pattern data or the like selected in (S205, see FIG. 12), this process (S83) is exited.

In step S450, if the received command is a command related to a big hit (Yes in S450), a setting related to "big hit effect" is made. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a 16-round jackpot (S454), and if it is not a 16-round jackpot (No in S454), a process related to the jackpot effect corresponding to the jackpot is performed (S455). On the other hand, in the case of a 16-round jackpot (Yes in S454), the process (S456) related to the "advanced race production" described below is performed. In step S456, a process for starting the "advanced race effect" is performed, such as creating an effect content based on the ST upper limit number of times selected in the special electric accessory process (S157, see FIG. 16) described above. After that, the process (S83) is exited. The above is the description of the main command analysis process (S83).

Here, the "advanced race production" will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. As described above, the "advanced race effect" is a big hit effect executed during the execution of the 16 round big hit game, and the maximum number of STs is notified according to the result of the car race. The "advanced race production" is started with the start of the big hit game after the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C (see FIG. 1) are stopped and displayed, and the "first half of the race production", "pre-goal production", and " Perform "goal production" and "loop production" in order. The jackpot of this embodiment has 16 rounds, 4 rounds, and 2 rounds, and "advanced race production" is provided in 16 rounds in which a jackpot game state can be created for a long time. In other words, since it takes time to perform the "advanced production", it is configured to execute with a long-time jackpot rather than a short-time jackpot. In addition, the production in the jackpot game of this embodiment is managed by time, and the maximum production time is set for each of the "first half of the race production", "pre-goal production", "goal production", "loop production", etc. It is configured to proceed regardless of the winning status of the game ball to the winning opening.

First, with the start of the big hit game, the "first half of the race production" will start. In this "first half of the race", images from the start of the race to the middle of the race are displayed (see FIG. 24 (A)). Then, the "pre-goal effect" (corresponding to the "pre-notification effect" of the present invention) is started after a preset effect time elapses (for example, after 70 seconds have elapsed) from the start of the jackpot game. The production time of this "first half of the race" corresponds to the "waiting period" of the present invention.

In the "pre-goal production", the images of cars competing in front of the goal are, for example, 500 meters in front of the goal (see FIG. 24 (B)), 300 meters (see FIG. 24 (D)), and 100 meters (see FIG. 24 (D)). (See FIG. 25B)) is displayed step by step. Here, from the start of displaying the 500-meter point in front of the goal to before switching to the display of the 300-meter point in front of the goal, the "first section production" is performed, and from the start of displaying the 300-meter point in front of the goal to the display of the 100-meter point in front of the goal. The period before switching is referred to as the "second section effect", and the period from the start of displaying 100 meters in front of the goal to the end of the "pre-goal effect" is referred to as the "third section effect". That is, the "pre-goal production" is divided into the first to third section productions. The period during which each of the first to third section effects is executed corresponds to the "division period" of the present invention, and the maximum effect time is set for each.

Then, when the third section production of the "pre-goal effect" is completed, the "goal effect" (corresponding to the "determination result notification" of the present invention) is started. In the "goal production", the image from immediately before the goal to the goal and the order of arrival are displayed (see FIGS. 25 (D) and 26 (A)). In the example shown in FIG. 26 (A), it is notified that the maximum number of STs is 60 by displaying that it is the second place.

Further, in the "advanced race production" of the present embodiment, the 500-meter point (see FIG. 24 (B)), the 300-meter point (see FIG. 24 (D)), and the 100-meter point (see FIG. 25 (B)) in front of the goal. , Immediately before the goal (see FIG. 25 (D)), and when the display is switched, the "number of competitions" indicating how many cars your car is competing with at each point is displayed. In the examples shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the number of competitions changes to 4, 3, 3, 2.

Then, after the "goal effect", a "loop effect" (corresponding to the "post-notification effect" of the present invention) is performed. In the "loop effect", the time-fixed effects A, B, and C are executed. Each time fixed effect A, B, C is, for example, a display of a still image of a car, a driver, a race course, etc. (display of an effect unrelated to the effect showing the result of the race), and 1 until the end of the jackpot game. It switches every second and is displayed repeatedly.

Here, in the "advanced race production" of the present embodiment, the time required to reach the "goal production" can be shortened by operating the production operation unit 27.

Specifically, within the period of the first to third section productions of the "pre-goal production", an operation valid period is provided in the latter half of each period. During the operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 24C and the like, an operation suggestion image 34S composed of an image imitating the effect operation unit 27 and the characters “turn” is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G. If the effect operation unit 27 is not operated within this operation valid period, the next effect is executed after the operation valid period elapses, while if the effect operation unit 27 is operated, the section effect is in the middle. It will be discontinued and the next production will be executed. That is, the execution time of the section effect is shorter than the set maximum effect time, and the execution start time of the next effect is earlier.

That is, as shown in FIG. 27, when the effect operation unit 27 is operated during the operation valid period (for example, 2 seconds) within the first section effect period (for example, 5 seconds), the first operation unit 27 is operated at that time. The section production is discontinued, the second section production is started ahead of schedule, and the number of competitions is updated and displayed. Further, if the effect operation unit 27 is operated during the operation valid period (for example, 2 seconds) within the second section effect period (for example, 5 seconds), the second section effect is terminated at that time, and the second section effect is stopped. As the three-section production starts, the number of competitions is updated and displayed. Then, when the effect operation unit 27 is operated during the operation valid period (for example, 3 seconds) within the third section effect period (for example, 10 seconds), the third section effect is terminated at that time. The number of competitions is updated and displayed, and "goal production" according to the number of competitions is started. When the effect operation unit 27 is operated during the operation valid period, the next effect is moved forward, which is appropriately referred to as "forward operation effect".

In addition, the "goal production" and "loop production" are started earlier because the "pre-goal production" is shortened by the "advance operation production", but the "loop production" does not end in the middle of the jackpot game. , It ends with the end of the jackpot game. The above is the main flow of "advanced race production".

It should be noted that the execution period of the "pre-goal effect" when the operation unit 27 for effect is not performed corresponds to the "pre-notification effect period" of the present invention, and the timing at which the operation valid period is started is the "pre-notification effect period" of the present invention. It corresponds to the "operation valid start timing", and the period other than the operation valid period in the "pre-goal effect" corresponds to the "operation invalid period" of the present invention.

Based on the above, the Sw process (S84) shown in FIG. 23 will be described in detail. In the Sw process (S84), first, it is determined whether or not the switch operation effect is performed (S460), and when the switch operation effect (button pressing effect, etc.) is not performed (No in S460), this process (S84). When the switch operation effect is performed (Yes in S460), it is determined whether or not the effect is a "forward race effect" (S461). If it is not the "advanced race effect" (No in S461), the process (S462) related to the other switch operation effect (button pressing effect, etc.) is performed to exit this process (S84).

On the other hand, in the case of "advanced race production" (Yes in S461), the process proceeds to step S463. Here, the case of executing the "first section effect" will be described as an example. First, when it is time to perform the "advanced operation effect", the operation valid period is set (S463), and the "advanced operation effect" is started (S464). In the "advanced operation effect", it is determined whether or not the operation valid period has elapsed (S465) and whether or not the operation input signal from the effect operation unit 27 has been received (S466), and whether or not the operation valid period has elapsed. (Yes in S465) When the operation input signal from the production operation unit 27 is received (Yes in S466), the number of competitions is updated and displayed, and the next "second section production" is started (Yes). S467). Then, it is determined whether or not the "advance operation effect" is still performed (S468). At this point, since the "advanced operation effect" is also performed in the "second section effect" (Yes in S468), the process returns to step S463.

Similarly, steps S463 to S468 are executed in the "second section effect" and the "third section effect". In step S467 in the case of executing the "third section effect", the number of competitions is updated and displayed, and the "goal effect" is started. Then, since the "advance operation effect" is not performed in the "goal effect" (step S468), the process proceeds to the next step S469, and when it is time to start the "loop effect", the "loop effect" is executed and the jackpot game is played. "Loop effect" is performed until the end of (S469), and this process (S84) is exited. The above is the description of the Sw process (S84), the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S71), and the sub-control board main program PG2. The CPU 52A when executing steps S456 and S463 to 469 corresponds to the "display control means" of the present invention, and the CPU 52A when executing steps S463 to 468 is the "display content change" of the present invention. Corresponds to "means".

This concludes the description of the configuration of the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment. Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when a gaming ball wins a prize in each of the starting winning openings 14A and 14B and a big hit of 16 rounds is reached, the big hit game starts and the "advanced race production" related to the car race is started. , The image from the start of the race to the middle of the race (the first half of the race) is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G (see FIG. 24 (A)).

After a waiting period from the start of the "advanced race production", for example, 70 seconds later, the image in the middle of the race is switched to the image at the end of the race, and the image at the point 500 meters in front of the goal (first section production) is displayed (Fig. 24 (B)). At this time, the number of competitions (for example, 4) at this point is displayed together with the image of the cars competing.

Then, for example, 3 seconds after the display is switched, the operation suggestion information 34S prompting the operation of the effect operation unit 27 is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G (see FIG. 24C). Here, if the player does not operate the effect operation unit 27, the image is switched to the image (second section effect) at a point 300 meters in front of the goal after the operation valid period (for example, 2 seconds) elapses (FIG. 24 (D)). reference). On the other hand, if the effect operation unit 27 is operated before the operation valid period elapses, the operation effective period is terminated and the liquid crystal display screen 34G is switched to the image at the point 300 meters in front of the goal (second section effect). At that time, the number of competitions (for example, 3) at this point is also displayed in the video at the point 300 meters in front of the goal (second section production). In this example, the number of competitions is less than the previous number, so it is possible to improve the sense of expectation.

Then, for example, after 3 seconds, the operation suggestion information 34S is displayed again (see FIG. 25 (A)), and the operation valid period (for example, 2 seconds) elapses, or the effect operation unit 27 is operated. , The liquid crystal display screen 34G is switched to the image at a point 100 meters in front of the goal (third section production), and the number of competitions (for example, 3) at this point is displayed (see FIG. 25 (B)). In this example, the number is the same as the previous number of competitions, but if it can be recognized on the display that the number of competitions will be updated next, it is possible to expect that the number of competitions will decrease next.

Then, for example, the operation suggestion information 34S is displayed again after 7 seconds have elapsed (see FIG. 25C), and the operation valid period (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed, or the effect operation unit 27 is operated. This time, it switches to the image just before the goal (goal production) (see FIG. 25 (D)). Again, the number of competitions at this point (eg 2) is displayed. The number of competitions is used to produce the effect until the car reaches the goal, after which the car finishes and the order of arrival is displayed (for example, 2nd place, see FIG. 26 (A)).

According to this order of arrival, the player is notified of the maximum number of STs. For example, the number of times is set to 100 for the first place, 60 times for the second place, 30 times for the third place, and 0 times for the fourth place or less.

After the order of arrival is displayed, it is a stationary effect display that is not related to the effect of the race such as the car (fixed time effect A), driver (fixed time effect B), race course (fixed time effect C), etc. The image is switched every second and displayed repeatedly (loop effect. See FIGS. 26 (B), (C), (D)). Here, if the "pre-goal production" is shortened, the start of the "loop production" will be accelerated. Further, the end of the big hit game varies depending on the speed at which the game ball wins the big winning opening 15. However, in the "loop effect" of the present embodiment, a predetermined type (three types) of still images are repeatedly displayed until the jackpot game is completed. After that, the liquid crystal display screen 34G returns to the display of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C.

From the player's point of view, this is as follows.

When the car race starts with the start of the jackpot game, the maximum number of STs can be known from the result of this race, so that the player is interested in seeing the content of the race (see FIG. 24 (A)). Then, when the race is nearing the end, the liquid crystal display screen 34G switches to the image at a point 500 meters in front of the goal (see FIG. 24 (B)). At that time, by notifying the number of competitions, the player confirms that the number of competitions is 4.

After a while, the operation suggestion information 34S suggesting that the effect operation unit 27 is operated is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 34G (see FIG. 24C). Here, when the player operates the production operation unit 27, the rest of the image from the point 500 meters in front of the goal is cut, and the liquid crystal display screen 34G is switched to the image at the point 300 meters in front of the goal (FIG. 24 (D)). reference). That is, it is possible to know the next race development earlier by operating the effect operation unit 27 than when not operating the effect operation unit 27. In addition, by notifying the number of competitions at that time, the player who confirms that the number of competitions has reached 3 expects that he may be placed in the third place or less.

After that, the operation suggestion information 34S is displayed again (see FIG. 25 (A)), and when the player operates the production operation unit 27, the rest of the image from the point 300 meters in front of the goal is cut, and the liquid crystal display screen 34G Switches to the image 100 meters in front of the goal (see FIG. 25 (B)). By notifying the number of competitions at that time, the player who confirms that the number of competitions remains 3 raises the expectation that he may be in the third place. In addition, if it is recognized that there is another chance (for example, in the case of a configuration in which the number of competitions can be displayed a plurality of times, such as the liquid crystal display screen 34G shown in FIGS. 24 and 25), the next expectation can be obtained. It will be possible.

Then, the operation suggestion information 34S is displayed again (see FIG. 25C), and when the player operates the production operation unit 27, the rest of the image from the point 100 meters in front of the goal is cut, and the liquid crystal display screen 34G Switches to the image just before the goal (see FIG. 25 (D)). At this time, the number of competitions is notified, and the player is convinced that the number of competitions has risen to 2 just before the goal, so that it is likely to be within the second place. Then, since he finished in 2nd place as it is (see FIG. 26 (A)), he recognizes that the upper limit of ST is 60 times.

After the order of arrival is displayed, the effects of the car, driver, still images of the race course, etc. that do not reflect the race results are repeatedly displayed until the jackpot game is completed (FIGS. 26 (B), (C), (D). ), When the jackpot game is completed, the liquid crystal display screen 34G returns to the display of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C from any of the three types of still images (see FIG. 1). In the above example, the effect operation unit 27 is operated during all operation valid periods, but the player arbitrarily operates each operation effect, such as operating the effect operation unit 27 only during the last operation valid period. The production operation unit 27 may be operated.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, by operating the production operation unit 27 within the operation valid period provided in the first to third section productions in the "pre-goal production", the production operation unit 27 is operated in front of the goal. Since the race development can be advanced one after another and the order of arrival corresponding to the maximum number of STs can be known quickly, the interest in the operation of the production operation unit 27 can be maintained even if the game is played for a long time.

In addition, by displaying the number of competitions for each section production, the prediction of the order of arrival will be narrowed as it approaches the goal, so each time the section production is discontinued and the next production is advanced, the player's mood will be gradually changed. It can be uplifted, and the operation of the production operation unit 27 can be absorbed.

Further, since the operation valid period of the effect operation unit 27 is set at the end of each of the first to third section effects, the player can be sure to show the effect of the period before the operation valid period of each section effect. .. As a result, the flow of the race can be entertained by the player through the first to third section productions, and the "pre-goal production" can be surely entertained by the player.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the "loop effect" is displayed after the order of arrival is displayed by the "goal effect", the afterglow of the race result can be enjoyed.

Furthermore, the "loop effect" is configured to end when the jackpot game ends. That is, even if the "pre-goal production" is shortened and the "goal production" or "loop production" starts earlier, or even if the length of the execution period of the jackpot game fluctuates, the length of the "loop production" Can be adjusted to end the "advanced race production" at the same time as the end of the jackpot game.

Moreover, since the end of the "loop effect" is matched with the end of the jackpot game by repeatedly executing the fixed time effects A, B, and C, the "loop effect" is more effective than repeatedly executing one fixed time effect. It is not monotonous and can entertain the player.

Also, in the "loop effect", the fixed time effects A, B, and C are switched every second, so even if the end of the "loop effect" varies, the "loop effect" is formed at the joint between the fixed time effects A, B, and C. Can be seen as if it was finished. As a result, the player can smoothly enjoy the continuation of the game without making the player feel uncomfortable that the "loop production" has ended unnaturally. In addition, by composing the video of "loop production" with a video that does not make you feel uncomfortable even if you cut it in the middle, even if you cut it in the middle when the end timing of the video and the end timing of the big hit game do not match, the player can It is possible to prevent the feeling of strangeness.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. It can be changed and implemented.

(1) In the above embodiment, the "advanced race effect" may be performed during the fluctuation of the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C, and the result of the special symbol winning / failing determination may be displayed as a "privilege". Further, it may be displayed as a "privilege" whether or not the player will reach, or whether or not the player will be in a so-called time saving state in which the probability of occurrence of the "small hit" is high after the big hit game. Further, for example, when there are a plurality of types of big hit games, it may be displayed whether or not the big hit game has a large number of rounds. In other words, what the player feels more profitable than usual is defined as a "privilege".

(2) In the above embodiment, as an example of the effect for notifying the upper limit number of STs, a car race is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a race such as a person or an animal is used as a subject. It may be a martial arts theme or a martial arts theme.

(3) In the above embodiment, the upper limit of ST is selected from 100 times, 60 times, 30 times, and 0 times, but for example, it is selected from 100 times, 60 times, and 30 times. That is, a configuration that always shifts to a high probability state after the end of the big hit game may be used. In this case, when 100 times or 60 times are selected as the upper limit number of STs, it corresponds to the case where the "win" is obtained in the "privilege winning / failing determination" of the present invention.

(4) In the above embodiment, the number of probabilistic games is limited, and the number of times is notified by "advanced race production". It may be configured to notify whether or not it is "advanced race production". For example, if the finish order of the race is 1st or 2nd, the probabilistic game may be performed, and if the race is 3rd or less, the probabilistic game may not be performed. Even in this case, as the player approaches the goal, the prediction of the order of arrival, that is, the prediction of whether or not to perform the probabilistic game, is narrowed down. It can be raised step by step, and the operation of the production operation unit 27 can be absorbed. In addition, in a configuration in which the number of competitions is updated multiple times, the number of competitions may be reduced from the first half (for example, suggesting the first place as "run alone") so that the order of arrival can be predicted at an early stage. ..

(5) In the above embodiment, the operation valid period is set for each of a plurality of section effects that divide the "pre-goal effect", but it may be set only once in the "pre-goal effect". Even in this case, the "pre-goal effect" can be shortened by operating the effect operation unit 27, and the result of the race can be known quickly. In addition, the "pre-goal effect" during the period other than the operation valid period can be shown to the player without fail, and the "pre-goal effect" itself can be surely entertained by the player.

(6) In the above embodiment, the operation valid period is set at the end of each of the plurality of section effects in which the "pre-goal effect" is divided, but it may be set in the first half or in the middle of each section effect. For example, in the case of the first half, even if the production of the first half is discontinued, it is possible to perform a constant production in the latter half. In other words, it is possible to produce the number of competitions and then produce the number of competitions. Further, in the case of the middle, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the entire latter half of the “pre-goal production” is cut off and the production content is halfway. When the effect operation unit 27 is operated, the remaining period of the operation valid period may be terminated, or the remaining period of each section effect may be terminated.

Further, this configuration may be applied to the above embodiment (4). In this case, when the effect operation unit 27 is operated, the remaining period of the operation valid period may be terminated, or the remaining period of the “pre-goal effect” itself may be terminated. ..

(7) In the above embodiment, the "post-notification effect" of the present invention has a configuration in which three types of time-fixed effects A, B, and C are repeatedly executed, but a configuration in which one type of time-fixed effect is repeated, for example. , The same still image may be displayed all the time.

Further, the effect for the longest post-notification effect period, which is the longest limit of the "post-notification effect", may be terminated at the end of the jackpot game. Even in this case, the afterglow of the race result can be enjoyed, and the "advanced race production" can be ended at the end of the jackpot game. The longest post-notification effect period is, as shown in FIG. 28, when the jackpot game is executed for the longest time (29 seconds x 16 rounds + time between rounds in the above embodiment) and all operations. In the valid period, the total time is the sum of all the time of the operation valid period shortened when the operation unit 27 for effect is operated at the start of the operation valid period, and the total time of the preset post-notification effect. This is the execution period of the "post-notification effect" configured by.

(8) In the above embodiment, the operation valid period is provided in the "pre-goal effect", but it may be configured so as to be shortenable at an arbitrary timing by a configuration in which the period is not provided. Further, for example, when the effect operation unit 27 is operated at the (arbitrary) timing in the "pre-goal effect", the "pre-goal effect" is shortened by a fixed time (for example, 3 seconds). May be good.

(9) In the above embodiment, the display content of the section effect is set so that the closer the section effect is to the "goal effect", the narrower the prediction of the race result is, but the player who sees the effect for the first time predicts it. It may be difficult to configure. For example, when the judgment result is a hit, the background becomes red, when the judgment result is off, the background is blue, and whether or not the background is close to red indicates the possibility that the judgment result will be a hit. It may be a configuration.

(10) In the first embodiment, it may be configured that the race result is the first place, that is, the upper limit number of STs is 100 times, which is confirmed and displayed by any section effect. In this case, the player who sees the confirmation display and wants to quickly confirm the race result in the "goal effect" can be absorbed in the operation of the effect operation unit 27.

(11) Although all the productions in the jackpot game of the above embodiment are managed by time, the time is not managed until a predetermined round is reached, and the time is managed when the production is accompanied by an operation. It may be configured as follows.

(12) In the above embodiment, the jackpot symbol random value (label-TRND-AZ) is composed of a numerical value of "0 to 11" that matches the type of the special symbol, but the number of rounds of the special symbol and the jackpot game. It may be composed of numerical values for the number of combinations (for example, 12 × 3 × 4 = 144) of the type of the upper limit number of STs. In this case, since the special symbol stopped at doublet does not correspond to the number of rounds and the maximum number of STs, the maximum number of STs can be known only from the race result, so that the race result can be interested. .. Even in the case of the above embodiment, the player who does not know the correspondence between the special symbol stopped at doublet and the number of rounds and the maximum number of STs can be interested in the race result.

Further, in the above embodiment, the symbol on the display is set by the main control circuit 50, but the symbol on the display may be set on the sub control circuit 52 side or later. At that time, if the number of rounds and the maximum number of STs are determined on the main control circuit 50 side, the special symbols 32A, 32B, 32C do not correspond to the number of rounds and the maximum number of STs. Since you will know the number of times, you can be interested in the race result.

(13) In the above embodiment, the effect operation unit 27 is provided as the "arbitrary operation unit" of the present invention, but for example, a lever that tilts back and forth and left and right may be provided, or a push button may be provided. ..

When the above embodiment is conceptualized, the inventions [1] to [9] are described below.

[1] A privilege winning / failing determination means for determining whether or not to give a privilege to a player, and
Display and
The display unit displays the pre-notification effect with the predetermined pre-notification effect period as the longest limit, and after the display of the pre-notification effect is completed, the determination result notification of the privilege acceptance / rejection determination is displayed, and further, the determination result is displayed. Display control means for displaying the post-notification effect after the notification is completed,
Equipped with an arbitrary operation unit that can be operated by the player
The display control means is configured to shorten the pre-notification effect period and end in response to an operation of the arbitrary operation unit during the pre-notification effect period, and to advance the display timing of the determination result notification. A gaming machine featuring.

In the case of the configuration of [1], if the player does not operate the arbitrary operation unit, the pre-notification effect is displayed on the display unit with the pre-notification effect period as the longest limit, and the pre-notification effect is judged after the display is completed. The determination result notification of is displayed, and further, the post-notification effect is displayed after the determination result notification is completed. On the other hand, when the player operates the arbitrary operation unit during the pre-notification effect period, the pre-notification effect period is shortened and ended according to the operation, and the timing of displaying the determination result notification is accelerated. That is, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the player operates the arbitrary operation unit, the determination result of the privilege winning / failing determination can be quickly known, and the interest in the operation of the arbitrary operation unit can be improved. Become. Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, since the post-notification effect is displayed after the determination result notification is displayed, it is possible to enjoy the afterglow of the determination result of the privilege winning / failing determination.

[2] The pre-notification effect period is divided into a plurality of divided periods.
The display control means is configured to terminate the division period and start the subsequent division period ahead of schedule in response to an operation of the arbitrary operation unit during each division period [1]. The gaming machine described in.

In the case of the configuration of [2], the pre-notification effect period is divided into a plurality of division periods, the division period is terminated according to the operation of the arbitrary operation unit during each division period, and the subsequent division period is started ahead of schedule. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the entire latter half of the pre-notification effect period is cut off and the effect content is halfway.

[3] The operation valid start timing is set within each of the above-mentioned division periods.
The display control means is characterized in that the division period is shortened according to the operation only when the arbitrary operation unit is operated after the operation effective start timing in each division period. The gaming machine according to [2].

In the case of the configuration of [3], in the period before the operation effective start timing set in each division period, the pre-notification effect can be shown to the player, and the effect after the operation effective start timing is Since it can be shortened, it is possible to accelerate the display timing of the determination result notification while showing an effect having a certain flow or more throughout the plurality of division periods.

[4] The description in [2] or [3], wherein the display content changing means for changing the display content of the pre-notification effect for each division period is provided according to the determination result of the privilege pass / fail determination. Gaming machine.

In the case of the configuration of [4], since the display content of the pre-notification effect for each division period is changed according to the judgment result of the privilege winning / failing judgment, the operation of the arbitrary operation unit is interested every time the pre-notification effect is executed. It is possible to have it.

[5] The display content of each pre-notification effect is set so that the prediction of the determination result of the privilege winning / failing determination is narrowed down as the pre-notification effect of the division period closer to the determination result notification. The gaming machine according to [4].

In the case of the configuration of [5], the prediction of the judgment result of the privilege winning / failing judgment is narrowed down as the pre-notification effect of the division period closer to the judgment result notification, so that each time the division period ends in sequence, the player The mood can be raised step by step, and the interest in the operation of the arbitrary operation unit can be increased.

[6] The pre-notification effect period comprises an operation valid period and an operation invalid period.
The game according to [1] or [2], wherein the operation valid period is shortened in response to the operation only when the arbitrary operation unit is operated during the operation valid period. Machine.

In the case of the configuration of [6], the pre-notification effect period is composed of an operation valid period and an operation invalid period, and the pre-notification effect can be shown to the player by the operation invalid period.

[7] A jackpot winning / failing determination means for performing a jackpot winning / failing determination different from the above-mentioned privilege winning / failing determination,
When the result of the jackpot winning / failing determination is a hit, the jackpot game execution means for executing the jackpot game in which the length of the execution period can be changed and giving a profit to the player during the execution period is provided.
The display control means starts the pre-notification effect at a timing after the end of the preset waiting period from the start of the execution period of the jackpot game, and ends the post-notification effect at the end of the execution period of the jackpot game. The gaming machine according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the gaming machine is configured to be the same.

In the case of the configuration of [7], the pre-notification effect is started within the execution period of the big hit game, then the determination result is notified, and finally the post-notification effect is performed, and the post-notification effect is performed at the end of the execution period of the big hit game. To finish. That is, according to the present invention, by performing the post-notification effect after displaying the determination result notification, even if the pre-notification effect is shortened or the length of the execution period of the jackpot game fluctuates, the post-notification effect is produced. It is possible to end the series of display effects (that is, the pre-notification effect, the determination result notification, and the post-notification effect) at the end of the execution period of the jackpot game by adjusting the expansion and contraction.

[8] The gaming machine according to [7], wherein the post-notification effect is repeatedly executed by a plurality of types of time-fixed effects in which the effect time is fixed in advance.

In the case of the configuration of [8], the end of the post-notification effect coincides with the end of the execution period of the jackpot game by repeatedly executing a plurality of types of time-fixed effects in which the effect time is fixed in advance. Is not monotonous, and it is possible to entertain the player.

[9] When the privilege winning / failing determination is a hit, the probability that the jackpot winning / failing determination will be hit next after the end of the execution period of the jackpot game is set to a high probability state higher than that in the normal gaming state. The gaming machine according to [7] or [8], wherein the gaming machine is configured in.

In the case of the configuration of [9], if the privilege winning / failing judgment is a hit, the probability that the next big hit winning / failing judgment will be won after the end of the execution period of the big hit game is higher than that in the normal game state. Therefore, the player's interest in the determination result notification becomes high, and it becomes possible to improve the interest in the operation of the arbitrary operation unit.

10 Pachinko machine 27 Production operation unit (arbitrary operation unit)
34G liquid crystal display screen (display unit)
50 Main control circuit 52 Sub control circuit PG1 Main control circuit Main program PG2 Sub control circuit Main program

Claims (1)

Arbitrary operation unit that can be operated by the player,
A symbol variation effect that displays the symbol in a variable manner and notifies the judgment result of the hit / fail judgment,
A gaming machine provided with an effect control means provided in the symbol variation effect and executing a display effect having a predetermined display effect period as the maximum limit.
The display effect is composed of a plurality of divided effects executed in a predetermined predetermined order.
The display effect period is composed of a plurality of division periods corresponding to the plurality of division effects.
Each of the divided periods is composed of an operation invalid period in which the operation by the arbitrary operation unit is invalid, and an operation valid period provided after the operation invalid period and in which the operation by the arbitrary operation unit is valid.
The presentation control means is to reduce the divided period of running in accordance with the operation of the arbitrary operation section in the operating lifetime advancing the start timing of the next of said divided periods,
A gaming machine characterized in that the symbol variation effect ends in a preset time regardless of whether or not the division period is shortened in the display effect.

Images