JP6945236B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on the gaming board, the gaming ball is acquired based on the detection of the gaming ball by a predetermined detection means (for example, a start port sensor). It is known that the acquired information is stored, and the identification information (for example, a special symbol) is variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed based on the acquired information. Then, when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game (for example, a big hit game) that is advantageous to the player is executed.

In such a gaming machine, it is possible to display a gaming effect performed along with a variable display of identification information on the display screen of the effect display device. For example, it is well known that three effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner while switching the numbers from 1 to 9, and it is more likely that the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode than the so-called normal reach effect or the normal reach effect. Suggestive super reach production etc. will be performed. In addition, the effect display device is provided with a notification area using a part of the display screen, and notifies the player by displaying notification information indicating that the acquired information is stored in the notification area. (Patent Document 1). Then, it is also suggested that the identification information may be stopped and displayed in a specific mode depending on the display mode of the notification information in the notification area.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-8134

However, in a gaming machine that performs a game effect such as a normal reach effect or a super reach effect in accordance with a variable display of identification information, the display range of the effect display device is expanded in order to be more elaborate than the normal reach effect in the super reach effect. Even if an attempt is made, there is a problem that the display of the super reach effect may be restricted by the notification area provided in the display screen.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even if a notification area is provided in the display screen of the effect display device, a display range is secured as necessary to create an elaborate game effect. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
Acquired information storage means for storing acquired information acquired based on the fact that the game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means, and
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player and a specific game execution means.
As a game effect performed in association with the variable display of the identification information, a first effect and a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect are displayed. Equipped with an effect display device with a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to be notified to the player is provided by using a part of the display screen.
The notification information includes necessary notification information that needs to be displayed in both the first effect and the second effect, and occasional notification information in which the display in the second effect is omitted.
In the second effect, the notification area is reduced as compared with the first effect, and the necessary notification information is displayed in the reduced notification area.
A background image is prepared in the notification area.
Wherein upon execution of the second effect, the after the background image to leave the required notification information in the notification area together with the time to time notification information left to the display screen or al one Dansho, background corresponding to reduced the notified regions image, by appearing again at least partially overlap position and before said background image obliterate, and executes the second effect.

According to the present invention, even if a notification area is provided in the display screen of the effect display device, it is possible to secure a display range as necessary and execute an elaborate game effect.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board 20 of this Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the segment display part 50 in an enlarged manner. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates one aspect of the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 41. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the relationship between the display mode of the reservation symbol 43, and the result of a preliminary determination. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the race production executed by the effect display device 41. 6 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as a control related to the progress of the game. It is a flowchart which showed the special operation process of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which conceptually showed the jackpot determination table of this Example. It is explanatory drawing which conceptually illustrated the variation pattern determination table. It is a flowchart which showed the symbol variation effect processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the mode that the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41 is changed as the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes the symbol variation effect process.

In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko machine (game machine) called "seven machine" or "digipachi" will be described. In the embodiment, "front" and "front" indicate "front with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction closer to the player (front side when viewed from the player)", and "rear" and "front". "Back" indicates "backward with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction away from the player (back side when viewed from the player)". In addition, "upper" means "upper" when viewed from the player, "lower" indicates "lower" when viewed from the player, and "left" means "lower" when viewed from the player. It indicates that it is "left", and "right" indicates that it is "right" when viewed from the player.

A. Pachinko machine equipment configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the middle frame 3. A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (opened) to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame 3. , The game board 20 is exposed. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-shaped members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1.

A window portion 4a is formed in a substantially central portion of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize the game area described later of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). A small window portion 4c is formed in the lower right of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted in the small window portion 4c. The player can visually recognize the segment display portion described later of the game board 20 arranged on the back side through the small window portion 4c (transparent plate 4d).

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right peripheral portion of the window portion 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left peripheral portion of the window portion 4a. Is provided. Further, a pair of upper speakers 6a are provided on the left and right above the window portion 4a, and lower speakers 6b are provided on the front side of the lower portion of the main body frame 2. The upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, the left side lamp 5c, the upper speaker 6a, and the lower speaker 6b are driven in order to enhance the effect on the game.

An upper dish portion 7 is provided below the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. The upper plate portion 7 stores game balls rented out via the card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1. Further, a lower plate portion 8 is provided below the upper plate portion 7, and a game ball rented out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 or a game paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper plate portion 7. The sphere is stored.

A firing handle 9 that can be rotated by a player is provided on the right side of the lower plate portion 8 of the front frame 4. The rotation axis of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the back side of the launch handle 9. A game ball stored in the upper plate portion 7 is supplied to the launcher unit 261. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launcher unit 261 and the launch motor built in the launcher unit 261 is activated to play the game with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. The ball is fired.

Further, an effect button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided on the front edge of the upper plate 7, and a player can push or rotate the lower plate 8 on the left side. A jog shuttle 10b is provided. Both the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b are effect operation units operated by the player, and when the player operates the effect button 10a and the jog shuttle 10b when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a predetermined game effect is performed.

A-2. Game board composition:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 20. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming region 21 is formed in the center of the gaming board 20. The game ball launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) is discharged into the game area 21 through between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flows down from above the game area 21. Since the game area 21 is visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, the state of the game ball flowing down the game area 21 is naturally visible to the player through the window portion 4a. be.

A central device 40 is provided substantially in the center of the game area 21, and an effect display device 41 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 40. The effect display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and various images for effect can be displayed on the display screen thereof. The display content of the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another figure.

A normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, it is detected by the built-in gate sensor 27s (see FIG. 3) and flows downward.

A first starting port 24 is provided below the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21. At the first starting port 24, the possibility of entering a game ball is constant (constant), and the game ball can always enter. The game ball that has entered the first start port 24 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the first start port sensor 24s (see FIG. 3).

Below the first starting port 24 in the game area 21, a second starting port 25 for changing the possibility of entering the game ball is provided. The second starting port 25 of this embodiment includes an opening / closing door 26 that can rotate with the upper end side tilted forward with the lower end side as an axis, and the opening / closing door 26 is substantially upright so that a game ball cannot enter ( It is possible to change between a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball) and an open state in which the opening / closing door 26 rotates forward to allow the game ball to enter (or easily enter). FIG. 2 shows how the second starting port 25 is in the open state. The game ball that has entered the second start port 25 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage and is detected by the second start port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3).

On the right side of the first starting port 24 in the game area 21, a large winning opening 28 having a large opening in a substantially rectangular shape toward the front is provided. The large winning opening 28 is provided with an opening / closing door 29 that can rotate with the upper end side tilted forward with the lower end side as an axis. The door 29 can be rotated forward to change to an open state in which a game ball can enter. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the large winning opening 28 is in an open state. The game ball that has entered the large winning opening 28 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the large winning opening sensor 28s (see FIG. 3).

Further, around each of the above-mentioned game devices, other winning openings 30 through which the game balls can enter, a windmill type wheel 31 that affects the path through which the game balls flow down, a large number of game nails 32, and the like are provided. There is. The game ball that has entered the other winning opening 30 is guided to the back surface side of the game board 20 through the passage, and is detected by the other winning opening sensor 30s (see FIG. 3). Further, an out port 33 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 21 and below the second start port 25, and the first start port 24, the second start port 25, the large winning opening 28, and the like described above are provided. The game ball that has not entered any of the winning openings 30 is discharged from the out opening 33 to the back side of the game board 20.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails 32 and the like, a game ball flowing down the left region of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) enters the first start port 24 described above. The ball is possible. On the other hand, a game ball flowing down the area on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass or enter the normal symbol operating gate 27, the second starting port 25, and the large winning opening 28. be. In the following, firing a game ball so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 is also referred to as "left-handed", and launching the game ball so as to flow down the right area of the central device 40. Is also expressed as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters any of the first start port 24, the second start port 25, and the other prize opening 30, three game balls are paid as prize balls. When a game ball is put out and a game ball enters the large winning opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

Further, in the lower right of the game area 21 on the game board 20, a segment display unit 50 that displays information related to the game by combining a plurality of LEDs is provided. The segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through the small window unit 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. The display contents of the segment display unit 50 will be described later with reference to another figure.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, and the like. Focusing on the functions, the main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, the sub control board 220 that controls the control related to the production of the game, and the sub control board 220 control the images. The image / audio control board 230 that controls the display and audio output, the lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of the lamp under the control of the sub control board 220, and the control related to the rental and payout of the game balls. It is composed of a payout control board 240, a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of the game ball, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logical calculations and calculation calculations (CPU 201, 221 and 231 in FIG. 3) and a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU (ROM 202, 222 in FIG. 3). , 232, etc.), RAM (RAM 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, input / output circuits, and other peripheral LSIs are connected to each other by a bus. Has been done.

The main control board 200 includes a first start port sensor 24s that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 24, and a second start port sensor 25s that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 25. The large winning opening sensor 28s that detects the game ball that has entered the large winning opening 28, the gate sensor 27s that detects the game ball that passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and other that detects the game ball that has entered the winning opening 30. A winning opening sensor 30s or the like is connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first starting port sensor 24s, the second starting port sensor 25s, the large winning opening sensor 28s, the gate sensor 27s, and other winning opening sensors 30s. , The command corresponding to the sensor to which the detection signal is input is transmitted to the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like. The first start port sensor 24s and the second start port sensor 25s of this embodiment correspond to the "detection means" of the present invention.

Further, the main control board 200 switches between the open state and the closed state of the start port solenoid 26m for driving the opening / closing door 26 that can switch between the open state and the closed state of the second start port 25, and the open state and the closed state of the grand prize opening 28. A large winning opening solenoid 29m for driving a possible opening / closing door 29, a segment display unit 50, and the like are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals toward the starting port solenoid 26m, the winning opening solenoid 29m, and the segment display unit 50.

The image / sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the effect operation board 228 are connected to the sub control board 220. When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the commands and performs a game effect according to the contents. That is, a command for designating a display image or output sound is transmitted to the image / sound control board 230, and the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter, "various types") are transmitted to the lamp control board 226. The game is produced by transmitting a command for designating the light emission pattern of the lamps 5a to 5c). Further, when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 detects the player's operation on the effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b (hereinafter, also referred to as “effect operation unit 10a, 10b”) via the effect operation board 228, the operation is performed. Perform the corresponding game production.

The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image / sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (for example, sprite data, moving image data, etc.) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 235, generates an image, and outputs the image to the display screen of the effect display device 41. Further, when the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 reads the audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 236 and transmits the signal of the audio data to the amplifier board 224. Sound is output from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter, also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b").

A ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper plate portion 7, a card unit 242 juxtaposed with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like are connected to the payout control board 240. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, the signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to rent out the game ball while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Further, when the payout control board 240 receives a payout command instructing the payout of the game ball from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 drives the payout motor 243 to pay out the game ball.

Further, the launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and the launch device unit 261 is connected to the launch control board 260. The launcher unit 261 has a launch motor 262 for launching a game ball, a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the launch handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that the player is touching the launch handle 9, the launch motor 262 can be operated, and the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9.

B. Outline of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the player rotates the launch handle 9 with the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7, the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied to the launcher unit 261 one by one, and FIG. It is used and fired toward the game area 21 described above. Since the strength with which the game ball is launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, the player can make the game ball flow down to the region desired by the player by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, a game ball may be fired (left-handed) so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), or a game ball may flow down the right area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41). Can be fired (right-handed).

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a left-handed game ball can enter the first starting port 24. When the game ball enters the first starting port 24 and is detected by the first starting port sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (big hit judgment random number, etc.) is acquired, and whether it is a big hit based on the value of the judgment random number. After making a big hit determination to determine whether or not the ball is out of alignment, the segment display unit 50 displays a variation of the first special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as “first special symbol”). In addition, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25. When the game ball enters the second starting port 25 and is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, a determination random number is acquired to make a big hit determination, and then a second special symbol is displayed on the segment display unit 50. (Hereinafter, also referred to as "second special figure") is displayed in a variable manner. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first special figure and the second special figure, it may be simply referred to as a "special symbol".

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the segment display unit 50. As described above, the segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through the small window unit 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. As shown in the drawing, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 for displaying the first special figure and a second special figure display unit 52 for displaying the second special figure, respectively. It is composed of 9 LEDs. The first special figure and the second special figure are displayed in a variable manner by blinking nine LEDs (switching the LED to be turned on) on the corresponding display units 51 and 52, and the predetermined combination of LEDs is turned on. Stop is displayed. At this time, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the LED of the combination corresponding to the jackpot symbol is turned on, and if the result is off, the LED of the combination corresponding to the missed symbol is turned on. The first special figure and the second special figure of this embodiment correspond to the "identification information" of the present invention, and the first special figure display unit 51 and the second special figure display unit 52 of this embodiment correspond to the "identification information" of the present invention. , Corresponds to the "identification information display means" of the present invention. In addition, the jackpot symbol of the present embodiment corresponds to the "specific aspect" of the present invention.

Even if the game ball enters the first starting port 24 or the second starting port 25, the start condition of the new variation display is not satisfied during the variation display of the first special figure or the second special figure. In this case, the value of the judgment random number acquired by entering the ball into the first starting port 24 is stored as the first special figure hold, and the value of the determination random number acquired by entering the ball into the second starting port 25 is stored in the second special figure. Store as figure hold. After that, when the start condition of the new variation display of the special symbol (1st special figure or 2nd special figure) is satisfied, a big hit judgment is made based on the 1st special figure hold or the 2nd special figure hold, and the corresponding special The variable display of the design is performed. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, up to four such first special figure hold and second special figure hold can be stored. Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold are stored, even if the variable display of the special symbol cannot be started yet (the start condition of the variable display is satisfied). (Even if it is not), it is possible to determine in advance whether it is a big hit or a miss based on the stored first special figure hold and second special figure hold. This determination is called "pre-determination", and of course, the result of the pre-determination coincides with the result of the jackpot determination performed when the variable display of the special symbol is started. Then, as will be described later, it is possible to perform a game effect that reflects the result of the preliminary determination before the start of the variable display of the special symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 includes a first special figure hold display unit 53 for displaying the number of first special figure hold storage (first special figure hold number), and a second special figure hold storage unit 53. A second special figure holding display unit 54 for displaying the number (second special figure holding number) is provided, and each is composed of two LEDs. In these hold display units 53 and 54, if the number of holds is 0, both LEDs are turned off, if the number of holds is 1, one LED is turned on, and if the number of holds is 2, the number of holds is 2. Two LEDs are lit, and if the number of holds is three, one LED blinks, and if the number of holds is four, two LEDs blink.

When the first special figure or the second special figure is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game in which the big winning opening 28 is opened is executed. In the big hit game, a round game is performed a plurality of times (for example,) in which the opened big winning opening 28 is closed when a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls enters or a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. 15 times) Repeated. As described above, when a game ball enters the big prize opening 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls, so that the player can obtain a large amount of prize balls by the big hit game. The jackpot game of this embodiment corresponds to the "specific game" of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-handed display unit 59 composed of two LEDs. As described above, a right-handed game ball can enter the large winning opening 28, and right-handed is advantageous for the player during the big hit game. Therefore, the right-handed display unit 59 has two balls. By turning on the LED, the player is urged to hit right.

Further, as described above, a normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and a right-handed game ball can pass through the normal symbol operating gate 27. .. When a game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a judgment random number for hitting a normal figure) is acquired, and whether the hit or miss is hit based on the value of the judgment random number. After performing the normal symbol hit determination, the segment display unit 50 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a general drawing display unit 56 composed of two left and right LEDs. The normal symbol is fluctuated by blinking two LEDs (switching the LED to be turned on) on the normal figure display unit 56, and is stopped and displayed with one LED turned on. At this time, if the result of the normal figure hit determination is a normal figure hit, the left LED corresponding to the normal figure hit symbol is turned on, and if it is off, the right LED corresponding to the off symbol is turned on. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at the normal symbol, the normal symbol hit game is performed in which the second start port 25 is closed after the second start port 25 is opened. Therefore, the game ball is played at the second start port 25. The possibility of entering the ball (that is, the possibility of the variable display of the second special figure being performed) increases.

Even if the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, if the start condition of the new fluctuation display is not satisfied, such as during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol, the value of the acquired determination random number is reserved. It is possible to store up to four as. After that, when the start condition of the new variation display of the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol hit determination and the variation display of the normal symbol are performed based on the normal symbol hold. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal figure hold display unit 57 composed of two LEDs, and the storage number of the normal figure hold (the number of normal figure hold) is the normal figure hold. It is displayed on the display unit 57.

The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the game per normal figure differs depending on whether it is in the “electric support state” or the “non-electric support state”. In the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. Further, in the electric support state, the probability that the result of the normal symbol hit determination will be the normal figure hit (probability of hitting the normal figure) is higher than in the non-electric support state, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball enters the second starting port 25 (that is, the possibility that the variation display of the second special figure is performed) is higher than in the non-electric support state.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of big hit symbols are provided and are roughly classified into a "normal hit symbol" and a "probability variation hit symbol", and the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is Regardless of which jackpot symbol is displayed as a stop, the electric support state is set after the jackpot game is completed. Then, in the case of a normal hit symbol, after the jackpot game is completed, the probability that the jackpot determination result will be a jackpot (big hit probability) is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability), and the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is a predetermined number of times. When it reaches (for example, 100 times), it is set to the non-electric support state. On the other hand, in the case of a probability variation hit symbol, the jackpot probability is set to a higher probability than the normal probability after the end of the jackpot game, and is continued until the next jackpot game together with the electric support state. In the following, a state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as a “probability change state”. Further, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the special symbols (first special figure and the second special figure) is set shorter than in the non-electric support state, so that the electric support state and the jackpot probability are normal probabilities. The state set to is sometimes referred to as a "time saving state".

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with an electric support display unit 58 composed of three LEDs, and the electric support display unit 58 turns on the three LEDs to provide electric support. Indicates that it is in a state. Further, as described above, in the electric support state, the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 25 is higher than in the non-electric support state, and in the electric support state, right-handed hitting is advantageous for the player. Therefore, as in the case of the big hit game, the player is urged to hit right by turning on the two LEDs of the right-handed display unit 59.

Further, in conjunction with the variable display of the special symbols (first special figure and the second special figure) described above, the effect display device 41 displays various images for the effect (hereinafter, also referred to as "design variation effect"). ) Is performed. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one aspect of the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 41. On the display screen of the effect display device 41, three identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c and a background image 41d as a background thereof can be displayed as the effect symbols. When the variable display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display unit 51 or the second special symbol display unit 52 of the segment display unit 50, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are also a plurality of numbers on the effect display device 41. (For example, nine numbers from "1" to "9") are switched one after another and displayed in a variable manner. The identification symbol may be a symbol in which characters, figures, symbols, etc. are designed in addition to the numbers, and may be in a form in which the player can identify the type.

FIG. 5A conceptually shows how the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed in a variable manner all at once. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 41a is first stopped and displayed at any of "1" to "9", then the right identification symbol 41c is stopped and displayed, and finally the middle. The identification symbol 41b is stopped and displayed. Then, when the special symbols (1st special symbol or 2nd special symbol) are out of alignment and the special symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed, the three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed in a combination (doublet) that does not have the same numbers. On the other hand, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, it is stopped and displayed in a combination (doublet) with the same number. In particular, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a probabilistic hit symbol that is more advantageous to the player than the normal hit symbol, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are all stopped and displayed with the same odd number.

By associating the display contents of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in the effect display device 41 with the display contents of the special symbols in this way, two of the three identification symbols are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5 (b). If the numbers are the same at the time, the player will pay close attention to the variation display (symbol variation effect) of the identification symbols, as if the identification symbols that are stopped and displayed at the end are also the same numbers. In this way, the effect performed while the last identification symbol is variablely displayed while the two identification symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol is called "reach effect", and the game is performed by generating this reach effect. It is possible to enhance the interest. In addition to the normal reach effect (normal reach effect), the reach effect is provided with a super reach effect in which the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are more likely to be doublet than the normal reach effect. ..

Further, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a hold display area 42 (one-dot chain line in the figure) for indicating that the special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold) is stored is stored. The part surrounded by) is provided. In the hold display area 42 of this embodiment, one hold symbol 43 is displayed for one memory of the special figure hold, and in the above-mentioned electric support state (when right-handed), the second special feature The same number of holding symbols 43 as the number of holdings in the figure is displayed, and the same number of holding symbols 43 as the number of holdings in the first special figure is displayed in the non-electric support state (when left-handed). That is, in correspondence with the fact that up to four first special figure hold and second special figure hold can be stored, up to four hold symbols 43 can be stored in the hold display area 42 as in the example of FIG. It can be displayed. The hold display area 42 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "notification area" of the present invention, and the hold symbol 43 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "notification information" of the present invention. Then, in the hold display area 42 of this embodiment, the result of the above-mentioned prior determination can be reflected in the display mode of the hold symbol 43.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the display mode of the hold symbol 43 and the result of the preliminary determination. In the hold symbol 43 of this embodiment, four types of display modes, white, blue, yellow, and red, are provided with different colors. As described above, the pre-judgment is to determine in advance whether it is a big hit or a miss based on the stored special figure hold (first special figure hold or second special figure hold), and the existence of the stored special figure hold. The mode (color) in which the hold symbol 43 representing the above is displayed is selected with a different probability depending on the determination result (big hit or miss).

In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the result of the preliminary determination is a big hit, the probability of being selected as the color of the reserved symbol 43 is the lowest in white, the highest in the order of blue and yellow, and the probability of selecting red. The highest setting. On the other hand, if the result of the preliminary determination is wrong, the probability of being selected as the color of the reserved symbol 43 is set to be the lowest in red, the highest in the order of yellow and blue, and the highest probability of white being selected. .. Therefore, the "big hit expectation" indicating the possibility that the result of the preliminary judgment is a big hit (the possibility that the special symbol is stopped and displayed at the big hit symbol) is the lowest when the color of the reserved symbol 43 is white, and is blue. It increases in the order of yellow, and is highest when it is red.

By reflecting the result of the preliminary determination in the color of the hold symbol 43 in this way, the player's attention can be drawn to the hold symbol 43 displayed in the hold display area 42, and the player's expectation can be changed. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment. The difference in the display mode of the hold symbol 43 reflecting the result of the preliminary determination is not limited to the color, but may be a difference in shape or a difference in size. Further, the timing for changing the display mode of the hold symbol 43 is not limited to the time when a new hold symbol 43 is displayed (added), and the display mode of the hold symbol 43 that has already been displayed may be changed in the middle.

Further, in the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a race effect with a horse racing motif as a symbol variation effect. It should be noted that the race effect of this embodiment suggests that the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) is more likely to be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol than the normal reach effect (normal reach effect). It is a production. The race effect of the present embodiment corresponds to the "second effect" of the present invention, and the symbol variation effect other than the race effect of the present embodiment corresponds to the "first effect" of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a race effect executed by the effect display device 41. In the race production of this embodiment, a plurality of race horses 45 displayed on the production display device 41 compete for reaching the goal 46, and among the plurality of race horses 45, the race horses associated with the player ( Hereinafter, the specific race horse) 45a is labeled with "PLAYER".

Then, in the race production, a symbol (stop symbol) that is stopped and displayed as a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is suggested depending on the order of arrival of the specific racehorse 45a, and the specific racehorse is designed. When 45a is the first place, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the "probability change hit symbol", and when it is the second place, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the "normal hit symbol". That is, if the finish order of the specific racehorse 45a is within the second place, it is suggested that the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, whereas if it is not within the second place, it is stopped and displayed with the out-of-place symbol. Suggest that. By executing such a race effect, it is possible to make the player expect the result of the race (the order of arrival of the specific racehorse 45a) and enhance the interest of the game. While the race effect of this embodiment is being executed, the effect display device 41 continues to display variations of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, but the display range is reduced. In the illustrated example, the effect display device It is displayed in the upper left corner of 41. These identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed as the result of the race effect is shown.

Further, in the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment, the hold display area 42 (the portion surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure) provided at the lower part of the display screen is reduced when the race effect is executed. In the empty area created by the reduction of the hold display area 42, a race information display area 44 (a portion surrounded by a broken line in the figure) for displaying information about the race is provided. The details of the change of the hold display area 42 in the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another figure.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as a control related to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of FIG. 8 based on a timer interrupt generated at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 msec). In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process will be omitted.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S10). In the main control board 200 of this embodiment, in each process described later, various commands to be transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220 are temporarily stored in the output buffer secured in the RAM 203. In the output process (S10), various commands stored in the output buffer are transmitted to various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out the game ball.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs an input process (S20) following the output process (S10). As described above, when a game ball enters any of the first starting port 24, the second starting port 25, the large winning opening 28, and the other winning opening 30, the game ball is paid out as a winning ball. .. Therefore, in the input process (S20), the game ball is detected for various sensors (first starting port sensor 24s, second starting port sensor 25s, large winning opening sensor 28s, other winning opening sensor 30s, etc.) that detect the entry of the ball. Determine if you did. Then, when the game ball is detected, the payout command instructing the payout of the game ball is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10).

When the input process (S20) is completed, the random number update process (S30) is then performed. As described above, the normal symbol hit determination and the special symbol jackpot determination are performed based on the value of a predetermined determination random number. In addition to this, various decisions described later are made based on the value of a dedicated random number. In the random number update process (S30), these random numbers are updated. The random number is updated not only in the random number update process (S30) in the game control process, but also from the end of the game control process to the start of the next game control process (timer interrupt occurs). It may be done in the meantime. Further, a dedicated circuit for updating the random number may be provided, and the random number may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

After completing the random number update process (S30), the gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor 27s, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved normal figures has reached the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment), and if not. , A random number for determining a normal figure is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a normal figure hold.

Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), the start port sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the start port sensor detection process (S50), when the game ball is detected by the first start port sensor 24s, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved first special figures has reached the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment). If it has not been reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure hold. Further, when the game ball is detected by the second start port sensor 25s, it is determined whether or not the second special figure hold number has reached the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment), and if not, it is determined. The determination random number of is acquired, and the acquired random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as the second special figure hold. Here, as the judgment random number, a big hit judgment random number for performing a big hit judgment, a symbol determination random number for determining the type of the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed with a special symbol in the case of a big hit, and a start of variable display of the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern determination random number for determining the fluctuation pattern from to the stop display is acquired. The determination random number stored as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold of this embodiment corresponds to the "acquired information" of the present invention, and the RAM 203 of this embodiment for storing the special figure hold is , Corresponds to the "acquired information storage means" of the present invention.

Further, in the start port sensor detection process (S50), the above-mentioned prior determination is performed. That is, it is designed to judge in advance whether it is a big hit or a miss based on the value of the judgment random number stored as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold, and this advance judgment starts the variable display of the special symbol. Since it is basically the same as the jackpot determination described later when performing the above, details will be described later. When the preliminary determination is performed, the preliminary determination result transmission command indicating the result of the preliminary determination is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This pre-determination result transmission command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the start port sensor detection process (S50) is completed, the normal operation process (S60) is then performed. In the normal operation processing (S60), the following processing is mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display of the normal symbol or the game per normal symbol is being executed. If neither the fluctuation display of the normal symbol nor the execution of the game per normal symbol is in progress, is the normal symbol hold stored after confirming that the predetermined fixed time has passed from the stop display of the normal symbol? Judge whether or not. If the normal figure hold is stored, the first stored normal figure hold is read, and the normal figure hit judgment is performed based on the read normal figure hold (value of the normal figure hit judgment random number). As described above, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set higher than that in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 1/100. , In the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set to 99/100.

Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether to stop and display the normal symbol with the normal symbol or the off symbol. Furthermore, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set, and the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started. As described above, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, whereas in the electric support state, the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds. The fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

When the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is in progress, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed, and when the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined normal symbol per symbol or out-of-print symbol. , Subtract "1" from the number of reserved figures. Then, after waiting for the elapse of the fixed time, if the stopped-displayed normal symbol is an out-of-order symbol, the process of starting the variable display of the normal symbol again is performed. On the other hand, if the stopped-displayed normal symbol is a normal symbol, the game per normal symbol is started.

During the game, the start port solenoid 26m is driven to open the second start port 25, and then the process returns to the closed state after the opening time elapses. As described above, in the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. For example, in the non-electric support state, the opening time is 0.3 seconds (0.1 seconds x 3 times opening). While it is set, it is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 times open) in the electric support state. After completing the normal operation process (S60) in this way, the special operation process (S70) is subsequently performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the special operation process of this embodiment. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special operation process (S70), it first determines whether or not the first special figure or the second special figure is in the variable display (S71). If neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is in the variable display (S71: no), it is subsequently determined whether or not the first special figure or the second special figure is in the final display (S71: no). S72). After the special symbol (1st special symbol or 2nd special symbol) is stopped and displayed, the stopped displayed state is maintained until a predetermined time elapses in order to confirm the stopped displayed symbol (big hit symbol or off symbol). By doing so, the confirmation display is performed.

When neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being confirmed (S72: no), it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is set to ON (S73). The jackpot flag is a flag indicating that the jackpot game is in progress, and a storage area for the jackpot flag is secured in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. If the jackpot flag is not set to ON, that is, if the jackpot game is not in progress (S73: no), then whether or not the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold number are "0". Is determined (S74). When both the number of the first special figure hold and the number of the second special figure hold are "0" (S74: yes), the special operation process of FIG. 9 is terminated without starting the variable display of the special symbol. , Return to the game control process of FIG.

On the other hand, when the number of the first special figure hold or the number of the second special figure hold is not "0" (S74: no), the various judgment random numbers (big hit judgment random number, symbol determination) stored as the special figure hold are stored. The value of the random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number) is read out (S75). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the second special figure hold is first stored, the second special figure hold stored first is read, and if the second special figure hold is not stored, the first is the first. The first special figure hold stored in is read out. Therefore, when both the 1st special figure hold and the 2nd special figure hold are stored, the 2nd special figure hold is read with priority over the 1st special figure hold (the 2nd special figure hold is preferentially digested). Therefore, the first special figure hold is read only when the second special figure hold is not stored.

After reading the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold in this way, the jackpot determination process (S76) is performed. In the jackpot determination process (S76), the jackpot determination is performed with reference to the jackpot determination table using the value of the jackpot determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold. The jackpot determination table is a table in which the value of the jackpot determination random number is associated with the jackpot determination result of "big hit" or "missing", and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Further, as described above, during the probability change state, the jackpot probability is set to a higher probability than the normal probability, and a jackpot is more likely to occur than in the non-probability change state. It is divided into those for the state.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the jackpot determination table of this embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a jackpot determination table for the non-probability change state, and FIG. 10B shows a jackpot determination table for the probability variation state. As shown in FIG. 10A, in the jackpot determination table for the non-probability change state, "big hit" is set for the random number values of 0 to 217 among the random number values of 0 to 65535, and "big hit" is set for the remaining random number values. "Off" is set. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the jackpot determination table for the probability variation state, "big hit" is set for the random number values of 0 to 655 out of the random number values of 0 to 65535, and the remaining random number values are set to "big hit". "Off" is set.

In the jackpot judgment, the value of the jackpot judgment random number read out as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold corresponds to the "big hit" by referring to the jackpot judgment table selected according to whether or not it is in the probability change state. It is determined whether it is a value to be performed (big hit value) or a value corresponding to "outlier" (outlier value). As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 10, in the non-probability state, the judgment result of "big hit" is obtained with a probability of about 1/300, and in the probabilistic state, the judgment result of "big hit" is about 1/100. The judgment result of "" is obtained. Similarly, in the above-mentioned prior determination, the jackpot determination random number stored as the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is used to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss while referring to the jackpot determination table.

If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot in this way, the jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined. As described above, a plurality of jackpot symbols are provided, and are roughly classified into normal hit symbols and probabilistic hit symbols. The jackpot symbol is determined by using the value of the symbol determination random number read out as the second special symbol hold or the first special symbol hold and referring to the jackpot symbol determination table (not shown). The jackpot symbol determination table is a table in which the value of the symbol determination random number and a plurality of jackpot symbols are associated with each other, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Then, the jackpot symbol associated with the value of the read symbol determination random number is determined as a symbol to be stopped and displayed (stop symbol), and is stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination is out of order, the out-of-order symbol is stored in the RAM 203 as a stop symbol.

Following the jackpot determination process (S76) as described above, the variation pattern determination process (S77) is performed. Here, the fluctuation pattern is for identifying the time (variation time) from the start of the fluctuation display to the stop display of the special symbol (first special figure or the second special figure), and a plurality of fluctuation patterns are provided. The fluctuation patterns set are different from each other in the fluctuation time set. In the variation pattern determination process (S77), using the value of the variation pattern determination random number read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold, the variation display is started while referring to the variation pattern determination table. Determine the variation pattern. The fluctuation pattern determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram that conceptually illustrates the fluctuation pattern determination table. As shown in the figure, in the variation pattern determination table, the value of the variation pattern determination random number and the variation pattern ID attached to each of the plurality of variation patterns are associated with each other, and are set for the plurality of variation patterns. The fluctuation times are different from each other. Such a fluctuation pattern determination table is roughly classified into a table for a probability change state, a table for a time saving state, and a table for a normal state that is neither a probability change state nor a time saving state, depending on the game state. As described above, the electric support state is set in the probability change state and the time saving state, whereas the electric support state is not set in the normal state. Further, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the special symbols (first special figure and second special figure) is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. Therefore, in the fluctuation pattern determination table for the probabilistic state and the time saving state, a fluctuation pattern having a shorter fluctuation time than the fluctuation pattern determination table for the normal state is set.

Further, the variation pattern determination table roughly classified according to the game state is subdivided into a jackpot table and a missing table according to the result of the jackpot determination. When the result of the big hit judgment is a big hit, the above-mentioned reach effect is often performed, and in order to make it easy to secure the execution time, the big hit table has a longer fluctuation time than the off table. Fluctuation pattern is set. Further, the subdivision of various variation pattern determination tables is not limited to this, and may be subdivided according to, for example, the type of special symbol (first special figure or second special figure). Further, it may be subdivided according to the number of special figure reservations stored, and the larger the number of special figure reservations, the shorter the fluctuation time is set in order to expedite the digestion of the reservation. It may be a decision table.

In the variation pattern determination process (S77), while referring to the variation pattern determination table selected according to the current game state, the result of the jackpot determination, the type of special symbol, the number of stored special symbols held, and the like. Variation pattern determination read as the second special figure hold or the first special figure hold The variation pattern associated with the value of the random number is determined as the current variation pattern.

When the variation pattern determination process (S77) is completed, the variation display of the special symbol is started (S78). Further, the variation pattern specification command for specifying the variation pattern and the stop symbol specification command for specifying the stop symbol are stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. These commands are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). As will be described later, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives these commands and executes the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol.

When the variable display of the special symbol is started in this way, the special operation process of FIG. 9 is temporarily terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the game control process, the hold number process (S90) is performed following the special operation process (S70). In the hold number processing (S90), the stored first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold number are confirmed, and the hold number transmission command indicating the hold number is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This hold number transmission command is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10), and when the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the command, the first special figure hold number and the second special figure hold are received. The increase / decrease in the number is confirmed, and if the number is increasing, the holding symbol 43 is added to the holding display area 42 of the effect display device 41, and if the number is decreasing, the holding symbol 43 is deleted. Further, as described above, when the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is newly stored in the start port sensor detection process (S50), the pre-judgment result transmission command indicating the result of the pre-judgment is sent to the output buffer of the RAM 203. The prior result transmission command is stored and transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10), so that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 that has received the command displays the command in the hold display area 42. It is possible to reflect the result of the preliminary determination in the mode (color) of the reserved symbol 43.

When the hold number processing (S90) is performed, the game control processing of FIG. 8 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt every 4 msec occurs, the game control process of FIG. 8 is executed again. Then, when a series of processes after the output process (S10) is performed and the special operation process (S70) is restarted, it is determined in the determination of S71 shown in FIG. 9 that the variation display of the special symbol started earlier is being displayed. (S71: yes), the special symbol stop processing (S79) is performed.

In the special symbol stop processing (S79), first, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the special symbol being displayed in the variation display has elapsed. As described above, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to the fluctuation pattern determined at the start of the fluctuation display, and if the fluctuation time has not yet passed, the special symbol stop processing (the special symbol stop processing while continuing the fluctuation display of the special symbol). S79) is terminated, the special operation process of FIG. 9 is also terminated, and the game control process of FIG. 8 is restored.

After that, while the game control process of FIG. 8 is repeated, when the fluctuation time of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) being displayed in variation elapses, the stored stop symbol (big hit symbol or miss symbol) is reached. ) To stop and display the special symbol. In addition, with the stop display of the special symbol (end of variable display), "1" is subtracted from the number of reserved second special figures for the second special figure, and the number of reserved first special figures for the first special figure. Subtract "1" from. Then, the variable stop command indicating the stop display of the special symbol is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). In addition, a time (fixed time) for confirming and displaying the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is set.

When the special operation process of FIG. 9 is completed in the state where the special symbol is stopped and displayed (confirmed display) in this way, in the next special operation process, it is determined that the special symbol is being confirmed and displayed in the judgment of S72 (S72: yes), the special symbol determination process (S80) is performed. In the special symbol confirmation process (S80), it is first determined whether or not the confirmation time has elapsed from the stop display of the special symbol, and if the confirmation time has not yet elapsed, the special symbol confirmation process (S80) is terminated as it is. The special operation process of FIG. 9 is also completed, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

After that, when the confirmation time of the special symbol elapses, it is determined whether the confirmed and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol or a missed symbol. If the special symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is an out-of-order symbol, then it is determined whether or not the time is shortened. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is counted by the time saving counter during the time saving state, and the storage area of the time saving counter is secured in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. There is. As described above, in the non-probability change state and the electric support state (time saving state), when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), the non-electric support state (normal state) is set. There is. Therefore, when the number of fluctuations counted by the time reduction counter reaches a predetermined number, the electric support state is terminated and the game state is set to the normal state. Further, if it is in the probabilistic state or the normal state, not in the time saving state, the special operation process of FIG. 9 is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the special symbol that is confirmed and displayed is a jackpot symbol, the jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot game is in progress is set to ON, and the opening pattern of the jackpot 28 in the jackpot game (number of rounds, number of rounds, Set the opening time, closing time, etc.). Further, the jackpot start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special operation process of FIG. 9 is completed with the jackpot flag set to ON in this way, in the next special operation process, it is determined in the determination of S73 that the jackpot flag is set to ON (S73: yes). , The jackpot game process (S81) is performed. In the big hit game process (S81), the round game is started by first driving the big winning opening solenoid 29m to open the big winning opening 28. After that, when the opening time elapses or when a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 28, the large winning opening 28 is closed to end the round game, and the next round game is waited for the closing time to elapse. To start. Then, when all the set number of rounds have been exhausted, the jackpot flag is set to OFF. Further, the jackpot end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10). The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment that performs the jackpot game processing corresponds to the "specific game execution means" of the present invention.

Further, the game state after the end of the big hit game is set according to the type of the big hit symbol that is confirmed and displayed. That is, if the jackpot symbol is a probability variation hit symbol, it is set to a probability variation state (electric support state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability), and if the jackpot symbol is a normal hit symbol, it is set to a time saving state (the jackpot probability is a normal probability). Set to the electric support state set to). Further, the game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special operation process of FIG. 9 is completed with the jackpot flag set to OFF in this way, in the next special operation process, the number of the first special figure hold and the number of the second special figure hold are not "0" (S74). : No), the process (S75 to S78) for newly starting the variable display of the special symbol is performed.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 advances the game in the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands to the sub control board 220 while executing the game control process. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines the specific content of the effect based on the received command, and specifies the display content and the sound content on the image / sound control board 230 and the lamp control board 226 to display the effect. Various game effects are executed using the device 41, various speakers 6a and 6b, and various lamps 5a to 5c. In the following, a process (symbol variation effect process) executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 for controlling the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 41 in accordance with the variation display of the first special figure and the second special figure (symbol variation effect process). Will be described.

C-2. Design fluctuation effect processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a symbol variation effect processing performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. This symbol variation effect processing is performed based on a timer interrupt generated in a predetermined cycle. In the following description, the description of well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt enable process will be omitted.

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the symbol variation effect processing, it first determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main control board 200 (S100). As described above, the variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol (first special figure or second special figure) at which the variation display is started on the segment display unit 50. Then, when the variation pattern designation command is received (S100: yes), a process of determining the content of the symbol variation effect to be executed by the effect display device 41 (effect content determination process) is performed according to the variation display of the special symbol (S100: yes). S101). In the symbol variation effect of this embodiment, not only the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, but also the above-mentioned reach effect (normal reach effect, super reach effect) and a special symbol than the normal reach effect are big hit symbols. It includes race production that suggests that there is a high possibility that it will be displayed as a stop. Many such symbol variation effects are provided, and the time required to execute the effect (effect execution time) is different.

In the effect content determination process (S101), the symbol variation effect to be executed is determined according to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern designation command. As described above, the fluctuation pattern corresponds to the fluctuation time of the special symbol, and the effect execution time of a large number of symbol variation effects is the same as the fluctuation time corresponding to any of the fluctuation patterns. Therefore, from among a large number of symbol variation effects, the symbol variation effect of the effect execution time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined as the symbol variation effect this time. If a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is specified, the effect execution time of the symbol variation effect is naturally short, and if there is no room for the reach effect, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed in a momentary variation. Only the symbol variation effect is decided.

Further, in the symbol variation effect of this embodiment, as described above, a race effect with a horse racing motif can be executed, and if the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command is a specific variation pattern, the race effect is executed. do. This specific fluctuation pattern is set so as to be easily determined when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, but it may also be determined when the result of the jackpot determination is incorrect (see S77 in FIG. 9). In addition, when performing a race effect, after starting the variation display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c (symbol variation effect), the race effect develops from the middle, and the variation time of the specific variation pattern. Is set to a length that can secure the time to execute the race production.

Then, when the race effect is executed, the content of the race effect is determined according to the stop symbol of the special symbol. As described above, in the race production of the present embodiment, the stop symbol of the special symbol is suggested by the order of arrival of the specific racehorse 45a associated with the player among the plurality of racehorses 45. Therefore, if the stop symbol of the special symbol is the "off symbol", the specific racehorse 45a is set to be 3rd or less, and if the stop symbol of the special symbol is the "normal hit symbol", the specific racehorse 45a is set. Is set to be the second place, and if the stop symbol of the special symbol is the "probability change hit symbol", the specific racehorse 45a is set to be the first place. The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can grasp the stop symbol of the special symbol based on the stop symbol designation command from the main control board 200.

When the effect content determination process (S101) is completed as described above, the symbol variation effect is started (S102). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 transmits a command for designating the symbol variation effect determined in the effect content determination process (S101) to the image / sound control board 230. The image / sound control board 230 that has received the command displays the image corresponding to the command on the effect display device 41, and outputs the sound corresponding to the command from the various speakers 6a and 6b. As a result, the effect display device 41 starts the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, and then the reach effect and the race effect are incidentally performed.

When the symbol variation effect is started, it is next determined whether or not to start the race effect (S103), and when the race effect is started (S103: yes), the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41 is changed. (S104). As described above, the race effect of the present embodiment is developed from the middle after the start of the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, and the hold display area of the effect display device 41 is performed when the race effect is executed. 42 is designed to be reduced. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the hold display area 42, a large display area 42a and a small display area 42b are prepared with different image areas occupied in the display screen of the effect display device 41, and other than the race effect. In the symbol variation effect, the large display area 42a is provided in the display screen of the effect display device 41, whereas in the processing of S104, the display is switched to the small display area 42b smaller than the large display area 42a.

On the other hand, when it is not the timing to start the race effect or when the symbol variation effect other than the race effect is being executed (S103: no), the hold display area 42 is not changed (the processing of S104 is omitted). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S105). Then, when the fluctuation stop command is not received (S105: no), the symbol variation effect processing of FIG. 12 is temporarily terminated while the symbol variation effect is continued, and when a timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined cycle, FIG. 12 is performed again. Executes the symbol variation effect processing of.

Then, while the symbol variation effect is being executed, no new variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control board 200, and the variation pattern designation command is not received in the determination of S100 (S100: no). ), The processing of S101 to S102 is omitted, the processing (S103, S104) relating to the hold display area 42 is performed, and then it is determined again whether or not the fluctuation stop command has been received (S105).

When the fluctuation stop command is received (S105: yes), the symbol variation effect is terminated (S106). At this time, the combination of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 41 is determined based on the stop symbol designation command from the main control board 200, and the stop symbol of the special symbol is an off symbol. If there is, it is a combination that does not have the same number (doublet), whereas if it is a big hit symbol, it is a combination that has the same number (doublet), and especially if it is a probability variation hit symbol, it is the same odd number. It is aligned with the numbers of.

When the symbol variation effect is completed in this way, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 12 is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt is generated at a predetermined cycle, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 12 is executed again. Then, when a new variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S100: yes), a series of processes after the effect content determination process (S101) are performed.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the hold display area 42 of the effect display device 41 is changed as the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 executes the symbol variation effect process. The hold display area 42 of this embodiment is provided at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, and in FIG. 13, the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41 is enlarged and represented. First, FIG. 13A shows a state in which a large display area 42a is provided on the display screen of the effect display device 41 as a hold display area 42 in a symbol variation effect other than the race effect. In the background of the large display area 42a of this embodiment, an image of an illustration imitating a part of the elliptical course (horse field) of the racetrack is displayed.

Up to four reserved symbols 43 can be displayed in the large display area 42a, and these are arranged along the course of the racetrack. Further, among the reserved symbols 43 displayed in the large display area 42a, the leftmost reserved symbol 43 is the executing symbol 43a corresponding to the special symbol reservation in which the variable display of the special symbol is being executed, and the remaining reserved symbols Reference numeral 43 denotes an unexecuted symbol 43b corresponding to the special symbol hold in which the variable display of the special symbol has not been executed. Then, when the special symbol that has been variablely displayed is stopped and displayed (the variable display ends), the executing symbol 43a disappears (deletes), and then the variable display of the new special symbol is started. , The leftmost one of the unexecuted symbols 43b moves along the course to the position of the executing symbol 43a. Further, the newly added reserved symbol 43 is displayed at the right end of the unexecuted symbol 43b.

Then, when the race effect is executed, the large display area 42a moves downward together with the unexecuted symbol 43b, and disappears from the display screen of the effect display device 41 as shown in FIG. 13B. Along with this, the executing symbol 43a remains in the display screen of the effect display device 41, although the display position shifts downward. The executing symbol 43a of the present embodiment corresponds to the "necessary notification information" of the present invention, and the non-execution symbol 43b of the present embodiment corresponds to the "as-needed notification information" of the present invention.

After that, as shown in FIG. 13C, the small display area 42b, which is smaller than the large display area 42a, rises from below into the display screen of the effect display device 41. In the background of the small display area 42b of this embodiment, an image of an illustration imitating a part of the course of the racetrack is displayed as in the large display area 42a, and the course is drawn smaller than the large display area 42a. The running symbol 43a is displayed inside. The small display area 42b only needs to have an image area occupied in the display screen of the effect display device 41 smaller than that of the large display area 42a, and an image of an illustration different from the large display area 42a is displayed in the background. You may.

As described above, the display mode (color) of the reserved symbol 43 reflects the result of the preliminary determination, and the color of the executing symbol 43a can be stopped and displayed as a special symbol being displayed in a variable manner as a jackpot symbol. It represents the sex (expectation of big hit). Therefore, the executing symbol 43a needs to be displayed in the small display area 42b even during the race production. Although the unexecuted symbol 43b is not displayed (omitted) in the small display area 42b, a new special symbol variation display is performed after the race effect is completed as the special symbol being displayed in the variation display is stopped and displayed. Is started, the screen returns to the large display area 42a and the unexecuted symbol 43b is displayed (see FIG. 13A).

When the race effect is started in the empty area generated at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41 by the change from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b, the race is performed as shown in FIG. 13 (d). The information display area 44 is provided. In the race information display area 44 of this embodiment, the name of the specific race horse 45a (horse riding) associated with the player among the plurality of race horses 45, the rank of the specific race horse 45a, the specific race in the race, and the specific race in the race. The current ranking of horse 45a is displayed. The rank represents the possibility that the specific racehorse 45a will be in the second place (big hit expectation), and is divided into four stages of S rank, A rank, B rank, and C rank, and the big hit expectation. C rank is the lowest, B rank is higher in the order of A rank, and S rank has the highest expectation of big hit. By displaying the information about the specific racehorse 45a in the race information display area 44 in this way, it is possible to change the expectation of the player for the result of the race (the order of arrival of the specific racehorse 45a) and enhance the game interest. can. The content displayed in the race information display area 44 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "second effect information" of the present invention.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the hold display area 42 is reduced (switched from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b) when the race effect is executed. As a result, the display range of the race effect on the display screen of the effect display device 41 can be secured wider than that of the symbol variation effect other than the race effect, so that it is possible to execute the race effect with elaborate taste. .. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment by the race production.

In addition, when the hold display area 42 is intentionally left (a small display area 42b is provided) that has been reduced by the race effect, the hold display area 42 is simply erased (the hold display area 42 was originally present). Compared to (when the player does not even notice), the player is more likely to notice the change in the hold display area 42, so it is possible to impress the player that it has developed into a race production and enhance the game interest. It becomes.

Then, by displaying the executing symbol 43a in the reduced hold display area 42 (small display area 42b), it is possible to execute the race effect with elaborate taste as described above, and it is also required during the race effect. It is possible to secure the display of the running symbol 43a.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the race effect is executed, the hold display area 42 is once erased from the display screen of the effect display device 41, and then the reduced hold display area 42 (small display area 42b) is displayed. It is designed to appear on the display screen. By interposing a step of temporarily erasing in the process of reducing the hold display area 42 (switching from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b) in this way, the display of the executing symbol 43a is made conspicuous, and the executing symbol 43a is displayed. It is possible to attract the attention of the player.

Further, as the hold display area 42 is reduced (switching from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b), the display position of the executing symbol 43a is shifted downward (the outer edge side of the display screen of the effect display device 41). This makes it possible to display the race effect with a wide space in the center of the display screen of the effect display device 41.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the race information display area 44 is provided in the vacant area generated by the reduction of the hold display area 42 (switching from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b), and the race information display area 44 is provided. By displaying information about the race effect (specific racehorse 45a) in the display area 44, the player's interest in the race effect can be increased, so that it is possible to improve the game interest in the race effect.

Although the examples of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the wording described in each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim, and those skilled in the art can use it. Improvements based on the knowledge usually possessed by those skilled in the art can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the hold display area 42 is provided at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 41, but the position where the hold display area 42 is provided is not limited to this, and may be the upper part of the display screen. However, it may be the left and right edges of the display screen. Further, the executing symbol 43a may be shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen when executing the race effect.

Further, the hold display area 42 does not necessarily have to be temporarily erased from the display screen of the effect display device 41 (the large display area 42a and the small display area 42b are exchanged) when the race effect is executed, and the hold display area 42 is continuously used. The display range (image area) may be reduced while moving the image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the "notification area" of the present invention has been described by taking the hold display area 42 for displaying the hold symbol 43 as an example, but the "notification area" of the present invention is a notification to notify the player. It is not limited to the hold display area 42 as long as it is for displaying information. For example, as notification information, a character representing a jackpot expectation degree that differs depending on the type, data related to a game performed by the pachinko machine 1 (the number of fluctuations of a special symbol in a normal state, and a jackpot game continuously during the continuation of a probability change state). A notification area for displaying (such as the cumulative number of paid-out game balls) may be provided in the display screen of the effect display device 41. In this case, when executing the race effect described above, the notification area may be reduced so that the character display may be left as necessary notification information and the data display may be omitted as notification information at any time.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the hold display area 42 is reduced (switched from the large display area 42a to the small display area 42b) when the race effect is executed. However, the symbol variation effect that reduces the hold display area 42 at the time of execution is not limited to the race effect, and may be an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol in the symbol variation effect. Just do it. For example, when executing a super reach effect in which a special symbol is more likely to be stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol than the normal reach effect, the hold display area 42 is reduced to execute a super reach effect that is more elaborate than the normal reach effect. It becomes possible to do. Further, as a development of the normal reach production and the super reach production, the race production described above may be executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the race effect is developed from the middle after the start of the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are not limited to this. The race effect may be started at the same time as the start of the variable display of the above. In this case, the hold display area 42 may be reduced when the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c accompanied by the race effect is executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game ball supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. An example was explained. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives a game benefit in a form different from that of “paining a gaming ball”. For example, when a game ball enters various entrances, data indicating the amount of profit corresponding to the entry (the magnitude of the game value) is stored, thereby providing a profit (game) in the game. The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that imparts a value) to a player, and in this case as well, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. As a type of pachinko machine that converts game benefits (game value) into data and gives it to the player, a game machine that circulates and uses a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine, specifically An example is a pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return a game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various entrances or out ports and fire it again.

<Game machines A1 to A6 that can be extracted from the above-mentioned examples>
The pachinko machine 1 of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A6.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
Acquired information storage means for storing acquired information acquired based on the fact that the game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means, and
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player and a specific game execution means.
As a game effect performed in association with the variable display of the identification information, a first effect and a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect are displayed. Equipped with an effect display device with a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to be notified to the player is provided by using a part of the display screen.
The second effect is a gaming machine characterized in that the notification area is reduced as compared with the first effect.

In such a gaming machine A1, by reducing the notification area when the second effect is executed, the display range of the second effect in the display screen of the effect display device can be secured wider than that of the first effect. It is possible to perform a second production that is more elaborate than the first production. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment by the second production. Also, by intentionally leaving the notification area reduced in the second effect, the notification area is simply erased (when the player does not even notice that the notification area originally existed). Since it is easy for the player to notice the change in the area, it is possible to impress the player that the second effect, in which the identification information is likely to be stopped and displayed in a specific mode, is executed, and to enhance the interest of the game. Become.

<Game machine A2>
In the gaming machine A1
The notification information includes necessary notification information that needs to be displayed in both the first effect and the second effect, and occasional notification information that can be omitted from the display in the second effect.
The second effect is a gaming machine characterized in that the necessary notification information is displayed in the reduced notification area.

In such a gaming machine A2, by displaying the necessary notification information in the reduced notification area, it is possible to execute the second effect with elaborate taste on the display screen, and it is also required during the second effect. It is possible to secure the display of necessary notification information.

<Game machine A3>
In the gaming machine A2
The notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the notification area.
The necessary notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information that is executing the variable display of the identification information is displayed in either the first effect or the second effect.
The occasional notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information for which the variable display of the identification information has not been executed is displayed in the first effect, but the display in the second effect is omitted. Machine.

In such a gaming machine A3, by displaying the necessary notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information (execution acquired information) in which the variable display of the identification information is being executed in the reduced notification area, the display screen is displayed. While enabling the execution of the second effect with elaborate taste, it is possible to notify the player of the existence of the information acquired during the execution even during the second effect.

<Game machine A4>
In the gaming machine A2 or the gaming machine A3
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second effect is executed, the notification area is once erased from the display screen, and then the reduced notification area is reappeared.

In such a gaming machine A4, by interposing a step of temporarily erasing the notification area in the process of reducing the notification area, it is possible to make the display of the necessary notification information conspicuous and attract the player's attention to the necessary notification information. Become.

<Game machine A5>
In any one of the gaming machines A2 and A4,
The second effect is a gaming machine characterized in that the display position of the required notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen as compared with the first effect.

In such a gaming machine A5, the display position of the necessary notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen as the notification area is reduced, so that the central portion of the display screen is widely opened to display the second effect. Is possible.

<Game machine A6>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 and A5,
A gaming machine characterized in that a second effect information for notifying a player regarding the second effect is displayed in an empty area generated by the reduction of the notification area.

In such a gaming machine A6, the player's interest in the second production can be increased by displaying the second production information in the empty area generated by the reduction of the notification area. It is possible to improve.

<Game machines B1 to B6 that can be extracted from the above-mentioned examples>
The pachinko machine 1 of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machines B1 to B6.

<Game machine B1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
Acquired information storage means for storing acquired information acquired based on the fact that the game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means, and
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player and a specific game execution means.
As a game effect performed in association with the variable display of the identification information, a first effect and a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect are displayed. Equipped with an effect display device with a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to be notified to the player is provided by using a part of the display screen.
As the notification area, a large notification area and a small notification area having different image areas occupying the display screen are prepared.
A gaming machine characterized in that a large notification area is provided in the display screen during the first effect, and is switched to the small notification area during the second effect.

In such a gaming machine B1, the display range of the second effect in the display screen of the effect display device is secured wider than that of the first effect by switching from the large notification area to the small notification area when the second effect is executed. Therefore, it is possible to perform a second production that is more elaborate than the first production. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment by the second production. Also, compared to the case where the small notification area is intentionally left in the second effect and the notification area is simply erased (when the player does not even notice that the large notification area originally existed), the notification area Since it is easy for the player to notice the change in the above, it is possible to impress the player that the second effect, in which the identification information is likely to be stopped and displayed in a specific mode, is executed, and to enhance the interest of the game. ..

<Game machine B2>
In the gaming machine B1
The notification information includes necessary notification information that needs to be displayed in both the first effect and the second effect, and occasional notification information that can be omitted from the display in the second effect.
Both the necessary notification information and the occasional notification information can be displayed in the large notification area, and the necessary notification information is displayed in the small notification area without displaying the occasional notification information. A game machine to be.

In such a gaming machine B2, by displaying the necessary notification information in the small notification area, it is possible to execute the second effect with elaborate taste on the display screen, and at the same time, the necessary notification required during the second effect. Information display can be ensured.

<Game machine B3>
In the gaming machine B2
The notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means is displayed in the notification area.
The necessary notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information that is executing the variable display of the identification information is displayed in either the first effect or the second effect.
The occasional notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information for which the variable display of the identification information has not been executed is displayed in the first effect, but the display in the second effect is omitted. Machine.

In such a gaming machine B3, by displaying the necessary notification information indicating the existence of the acquired information (execution acquired information) in which the variable display of the identification information is being executed in the small notification area, the preference is displayed on the display screen. While making it possible to execute the second effect elaborately, it is possible to notify the player of the existence of the information acquired during execution even during the second effect.

<Game machine B4>
In the gaming machine B2 or the gaming machine B3
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second effect is executed, the small notification area is made to appear on the display screen after the large notification area is erased from the display screen.

In such a gaming machine B4, the display of the required notification information is made conspicuous by interposing a step of temporarily erasing the notification area in the process of switching from the large notification area to the small notification area, and the required notification information attracts the player's attention. It becomes possible.

<Game machine B5>
In any one of the gaming machines B2 and the gaming machine B4,
The second effect is a gaming machine characterized in that the display position of the required notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen as compared with the first effect.

In such a gaming machine B5, the display position of the necessary notification information is shifted to the outer edge side of the display screen in accordance with the switching from the large notification area to the small notification area, so that the central portion of the display screen is wide open. 2 It is possible to display the effect.

<Game machine B6>
In any one of the gaming machines B1 and B5,
A gaming machine characterized in that a second effect information for notifying a player regarding the second effect is displayed in an empty area generated by switching from the large notification area to the small notification area.

In such a gaming machine B6, the player's interest in the second effect can be increased by displaying the second effect information in the empty area generated by switching from the large notification area to the small notification area. It is possible to improve the entertainment of the game in the production.

<Game machine C1 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiment>
The pachinko machine 1 of the above-described embodiment can be regarded as the following gaming machine C1.

<Game machine C1>
In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
Acquired information storage means for storing acquired information acquired based on the fact that the game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means, and
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player and a specific game execution means.
As a game effect performed in association with the variable display of the identification information, a first effect and a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect are displayed. Equipped with an effect display device with a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to be notified to the player is provided by using a part of the display screen.
A gaming machine characterized in that the size of the notification area is different between the first effect and the second effect.

The present invention can be used for a gaming machine used in a gaming hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 4 ... Front frame, 4a ... Window
4b ... transparent board, 20 ... game board, 21 ... game area,
24 ... 1st start port, 24s ... 1st start port sensor (detection means),
25 ... 2nd start port, 25s ... 2nd start port sensor (detection means),
27 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 28 ... Grand prize opening,
41 ... Production display device, 41a, 41b, 41c ... Identification symbol,
41d ... Background image, 42 ... Hold display area (notification area),
42a ... Large display area, 42b ... Small display area,
43 ... Pending symbol (notification information), 43a ... Running symbol (necessary notification information),
43b ... Unexecuted symbol (as needed notification information), 44 ... Race information display area,
45 ... Racehorse, 45a ... Specific racehorse, 46 ... Goal,
50 ... Segment display unit, 51 ... First special figure display unit (identification information display means),
52 ... Second special figure display unit (identification information display means), 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (specific game execution means), 203 ... RAM (acquisition information storage means),
220 ... Sub control board, 221 ... CPU.

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a gaming ball toward a gaming area formed on a gaming board.
Acquired information storage means for storing acquired information acquired based on the fact that the game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means, and
Based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, the identification information display means for displaying the identification information in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the identification information.
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, a specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player and a specific game execution means.
As a game effect performed in association with the variable display of the identification information, a first effect and a second effect suggesting that the identification information is more likely to be stopped and displayed in the specific mode than the first effect are displayed. Equipped with an effect display device with a possible display screen,
A notification area for displaying notification information to be notified to the player is provided by using a part of the display screen.
The notification information includes necessary notification information that needs to be displayed in both the first effect and the second effect, and occasional notification information in which the display in the second effect is omitted.
In the second effect, the notification area is reduced as compared with the first effect, and the necessary notification information is displayed in the reduced notification area.
A background image is prepared in the notification area.
Wherein upon execution of the second effect, the after the background image to leave the required notification information in the notification area together with the time to time notification information left to the display screen or al one Dansho, background corresponding to reduced the notified regions image, by appearing again at least partially overlap position and before said background image obliterate, game machine and executes said second effect.

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