JP6951788B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Many gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines and spinning-type gaming machines, display moving images as the production is performed. The following Patent Document 1 is exemplified as this type of gaming machine.

In Patent Document 1, when a photographed image is displayed in connection with a specific effect, at the beginning, a photographed image having a display transmittance of 100% is superimposed and displayed on the edited image obtained by editing the photographed image, and the photographed image is displayed every moment. A game machine that lowers the transmittance and finally displays the captured image itself (display transmittance 0%) is described.

JP 2015-112198

Although the specific effect executed by the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 has a certain effect in emphasizing the photographed image related to the specific effect, two images (photographed image and edited image) are superimposed. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing load related to the display processing and the data capacity of the image group used for the specific effect increase.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine for reducing the processing load or the data capacity for displaying a production moving image.

According to the present invention, it is a gaming machine that executes a winning / failing determination for determining whether or not a jackpot is won at the start of a symbol variation, and performs a jackpot game after the symbol variation won in the jackpot is stopped. The display means, the effect display control means for generating a plurality of types of effect moving images and displaying them on the effect display means, and a storage means for storing a plurality of images read by the effect display control means, said to be provided. In the same symbol variation, the effect display control means displays the first effect movie in the predetermined display area of the effect display means, and then displays the second effect movie or the third effect movie in the predetermined display area. The first production video, the second production video, and the third production video are different depending on the first image common to each production video and each production video. It includes two images, and includes a layer on which the first image is arranged and a layer different from the layer and arranged above the layer on which the second image is arranged, and is the same. In the symbol variation of the above, the same symbol variation as the first effect pattern in which the first effect video is displayed in the predetermined display area and then the second effect video is displayed and further develops into the first effect. After the first production video is displayed in the predetermined display area, the third production video is displayed, and the second production develops into a second production in which the expectation of winning a big hit is higher than that of the first production. In the first production pattern, the image displayed at the end of the first production video and the image displayed at the beginning of the second production video are continuously visible. Moreover, in the second effect pattern, the image displayed at the end of the first effect movie and the image displayed at the beginning of the third effect movie are continuously visible, and the first image is visible. The period length in which the first effect moving image is displayed in one effect pattern and the period length in which the first effect image is displayed in the second effect pattern are the same, while the first effect pattern is the same. A game characterized in that the period length during which the second production video is displayed in the production pattern is longer than the period length during which the third production video is displayed in the second production pattern. The machine is provided.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, an effect display control means for generating a plurality of different effect moving images by synthesizing images arranged on a plurality of layers and displaying them in a predetermined display area, and the effect display control means for the effect. A storage means for storing a plurality of images used for generating a moving image is provided, and the effect display control means can generate one effect moving image and another effect moving image. For the second image, which reads out the common first image and arranges it on the same or different layers, and arranges it on another layer different from the layer on which the first image is arranged, the above-mentioned one production video is generated. A game machine is provided that reads out different images depending on the case of performing the operation and the case of generating the other production moving image and arranges them on the other layer.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that reduces the processing load or the data capacity for displaying a production moving image.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the LED group arranged in the region II shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the operation button group arranged in the region III shown in FIG. 1 and the periphery thereof. It is a figure which shows the game board installed in the game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical composition of a game machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control composition of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the processing at the time of entering a ball of a start port. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the symbol variation start processing. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the image which concerns on the face part of a certain character. It is a base image shown in FIG. It is a figure which gave a concrete example of a part image around the eyes of a certain character. It is a figure which gave a concrete example of the part image around the mouth of a certain character. It is a figure which shows the image which drew the face of a certain character. It is a figure which shows the image which depicts the astonished face of a certain character. It is a figure which shows the image which depicts the embarrassed face of a certain character. It is a figure which shows the image which drew the doya face of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the image which concerns on the face part of another character. It is a time chart regarding the advance notice production based on the facial expression of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the advance notice production based on the facial expression of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the advance notice production based on the facial expression of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the advance notice production based on the facial expression of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the advance notice production based on the facial expression of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the advance notice production based on the facial expression of a certain character. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the image which concerns on a dialogue notice production. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the image which concerns on the advance notice effect by the background display of a character.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in the following description, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" mean that the gaming machine 10 is on the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. ) Shall be designated.

<Overview of gaming machine 10>
First, the outline of the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 9. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image relating to a face portion of a certain character.
The gaming machine 10 is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, and includes a storage means and an effect control means.

The storage means stores a plurality of production moving images configured by synthesizing images arranged on a plurality of layers.
The storage means in this embodiment is realized by, for example, ROM 203.
Here, the layer refers to a function of superimposing a plurality of images to synthesize one image when an image is generated by computer processing, or a layer of each image superposed by the function.

The effect display control means reads the effect moving image from the storage means and displays it in a predetermined display area.
The effect display control means in the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the effect display control unit 211. Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined display area on which the effect moving image read by the effect display control means is displayed is, for example, the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub display unit 82, left sub display unit 83). , At least a part of the display area of the right sub-display unit 84).

In the storage means, one production video and another production video in which the first images common to each other are arranged on the same or different layers are stored, and the layer on which the first image is arranged is stored. The second image arranged on different layers differs depending on one production video and another production video.
In other words, one production video and another production video stored in the storage means include a first image having the same content, and even if the first images are arranged on the same layer as each other. It may be arranged on different layers. Further, the one effect moving image and the other effect moving image include a second image whose contents are different from those of the first image, and are arranged in a layer different from the layer on which the first image is arranged. In the one production moving image and the other production moving image, the second images may be arranged on the same layer or different layers.
The first image in the present embodiment is, for example, a base image BA in which the face, hair, and ears of a certain character are drawn. Further, the second image in the present embodiment is, for example, a part image EY in which the eyes and eyebrows of a certain character are drawn, or a part image MO in which the periphery of the mouth of a certain character is drawn.

Since the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment reads out and displays one production video and another production video that are generated and stored in advance, the processing load related to the display processing is reduced, that is, the production video is displayed. There is no need to combine the images placed on each layer each time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the display of the production moving image.
Hereinafter, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
The structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a group of LEDs arranged in the region II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in the region III shown in FIG. 1 and its surroundings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the game machine 10.
It should be noted that the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 merely list what is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and configurations and functions (not shown here) are added to the gaming machine 10. You may. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the configurations shown here, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The game machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and launches a game ball into a front area (hereinafter, referred to as a game area 50a) of a game board 50 on which a large number of game nails (not shown) are erected. , A game in which a prize ball is obtained when a game ball enters a specific winning opening (for example, a large winning opening 55, etc.).

The game machine 10 has a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens back and forth, an inner frame (not shown) that holds the game board 50 detachably on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front side of the game board 50. A front frame 20 configured to cover the above is provided.

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported on the left end side by a hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by the cylinder lock 23.
The front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 arranged so as to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 transparently protects the game area 50a and the game board 50.
The front frame 20 includes an upper ball saucer 27 and a lower ball saucer 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball saucer 27 and the lower ball saucer 29 are vertically separated from each other and integrally provided with the front frame 20.
The front frame 20 is provided with an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball saucer 29 so that the game ball stored in the upper ball saucer 27 is launched toward the game area 50a by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. In this group of operation buttons, in addition to the push buttons 37 that can switch the effects generated during the game or accept the player's operations to obtain various information related to the game machine 10, the above, respectively. Cursor buttons 38 (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) for instructing operations to move down, left, and right, ball lending buttons 39a for accepting ball lending operations, and return buttons 39b for accepting prepaid card return operations, etc. included.
Further, on the side of the upper ball tray 27, a movable decorative body 22 operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided.

At the lower part of the lower ball tray 29, a ball removing mechanism 36 is provided to discharge the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating the ball pulling mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the bottom opening.

A pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are arranged on the left side and the right side of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a and 34b of the front frame 20 are formed by a light transmitting cover, and lighting devices 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are arranged inside the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a and 34b, respectively. There is. The speaker 33 and the lighting device 35 can output audio or turn on or off in conjunction with an effect generated during the game, an error notification, or the like.

The effect display device 80 is on the left side of the main display unit 81 arranged substantially in the center of the game board 50, the upper sub display unit 82 arranged above the main display unit 81, and the main display unit 81. It includes a left sub display unit 83 arranged and a right sub display unit 84 arranged on the right side of the main display unit 81. The main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display, and the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, and the right sub display unit 84 are movable liquid crystal devices.

The main display unit 81 can display the variation display of the effect symbol performed in conjunction with the symbol variation game in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92, and further various other effects. Can be displayed.
In the variable display of the effect symbol group displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed effect symbol group forms one or a plurality of rows. The direction of the rows formed by the variable display effect symbols is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, any of the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, the depth direction, or a combination thereof (diagonal direction).
Here, the depth direction is actually a planar display fluctuation on the display screen of the main display unit 81, but the effect symbol changes from the back side of the main display unit 81 to the front direction or the opposite direction. It refers to a virtual direction recognized by a player in a display mode using a method (for example, perspective) that makes the player recognize as if he / she is doing it.

In addition to the display of the effect symbol, the main display unit 81 can display a so-called hold display (not shown) on a part of the display screen. The display area in which the hold display is displayed and the display area in which the effect symbol is displayed may be separated or overlapped. Here, the hold display is a so-called hold ball, which is an effect image, and is used in the symbol variation game currently being executed among the random numbers acquired when the ball enters the starting port. It imitates a random number or a random number currently held. The hold display may suggest that a privilege (for example, a big hit game) may be given depending on the shape, color, or the like.

The upper sub-display unit 82, the left sub-display unit 83, or the right sub-display unit 84 is provided mainly for displaying an effect image related to the effect, and can be moved when a specific effect is executed. Each original position is on the upper side, left side, or right side with respect to the main display unit 81, and from these original positions to a position overlapping the display area of the effect symbol in the main display unit 81, the upper sub display unit 82 and the left sub display unit 83. Alternatively, the right sub-display unit 84 can be moved.

Although the liquid crystal display device is used for the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub display unit 82, left sub display unit 83 or right sub display unit 84) in the present embodiment, the present invention The implementation of the invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type can be adopted as the effect display device 80.

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs) are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and these LEDs constitute a display area of the symbol display device 90. The symbol display device 90 is arranged at a position that is harder for the player to see than the main display unit 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display unit 81.
The arrangement and number of LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in FIG. 2, but this is a specific example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 is this example. It is not limited to.

Here, the special symbol is a specific symbol group that is stopped and displayed as a result of the symbol variation game that determines whether or not to operate the special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbol in the present embodiment includes a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92.
The first special symbol may be abbreviated as "special figure 1", and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as "special figure 2". In addition, the special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol".

Here, the ordinary symbol is a specific symbol group that is stopped and displayed as a result of the symbol variation game that determines whether or not to operate the ordinary electric accessory (for example, the ordinary electric accessory 61). The ordinary symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 93.
In the following, ordinary symbols may be abbreviated as "general symbols".

In the following description, a symbol variation game in which the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is variablely displayed and then the special symbol is stopped and displayed may be referred to as a “design variable game related to the special symbol”. ..
Further, in the following description, a symbol variation game in which the normal symbol display device 93 is variablely displayed and then the normal symbol is stopped and displayed may be referred to as a "symbol variation game related to the ordinary symbol".
Alternatively, in the following description, the variation display of the effect symbol displayed on the main display unit 81 described above is distinguished from the "design variation game related to the special symbol" and the "symbol variation game related to the normal symbol" to be "directed symbol". It may be referred to as a "design variation game".
In the following description, when the term is simply referred to as a "design variation game", it means a "symbol variation game related to a special symbol" unless otherwise specified.

Obstacles such as a large number of game nails (not shown), a windmill 52, and decorative members are arranged on the front surface of the game board 50, so that the game area 50a is drawn so that the launched game ball rolls. It is made. Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 provided for guiding the game ball launched by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a are arranged. Has been done. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with reference to the center of the game area 50a.
Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the falling direction of the game ball, and refers to a nail-shaped one.

The gaming machine 10 can adjust the launch strength of the gaming ball depending on the magnitude of the rotation operation amount (for example, rotation angle) of the operation handle 31. In addition, either one of the first flow path X (so-called left-handed) in which the weaker launched game ball rolls and the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed) in which the strongerly launched game ball rolls. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls.

FIG. 4 shows a large winning opening 55, a first starting opening 57, a second starting opening 59, a gate 63, and a normal winning opening 67 (67a, 67b) as main winning openings. The winning openings shown here are examples, and the number and arrangement of the winning openings may be changed as appropriate.

The first starting port 57 is arranged in the lower center of the game area 50a. A count switch SW1 is attached to the first start port 57, and a prize ball related to the first start port 57 is determined according to the detection of the count switch SW1, and a prize ball associated with the first start port 57 is displayed. Granted.
In at least a part of the case where the winning of the first starting port 57 is determined, the starting condition for starting the symbol variation game related to the first special symbol is satisfied.
In the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls are directed toward the first start port 57 when the game is rolled from the first flow path X than when the game area 50a is rolled from the second flow path Y. It is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged so as to roll.

The second starting port 59 is arranged at the lower right of the game area 50a. A count switch SW2 is attached to the second starting port 59, and the winning of the second starting port 59 is determined by the detection of the counting switch SW2, and the prize ball associated with the second starting port 59 is displayed. Granted.
In at least a part of the case where the winning of the second starting port 59 is determined, the starting condition for starting the symbol variation game related to the second special symbol is satisfied.
In the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls are directed toward the second starting port 59 when the game is rolled from the second flow path Y than when the game area 50a is rolled from the first flow path X. It is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged so as to roll.

An ordinary electric accessory 61 is arranged at the second starting port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is a member that commutatively transitions to an open state in which it is easy to enter the game ball or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball into the second starting port 59, and is caused by the operation of the solenoid coil SOL4. It transitions to either the open state or the closed state. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.

The grand prize opening 55 is arranged at the lower right of the game area 50a. A count switch SW7 is attached to the large prize opening 55, and the winning of the large winning opening 55 is determined by the detection of the count switch SW7, and the prize ball associated with the large winning opening 55 is given. ..
A special electric accessory 65 is arranged above the large winning opening 55. The special electric accessory 65 is a member that commutatively transitions to an open state in which it is easy to enter the game ball or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball into the large winning opening 55, and is opened by the operation of the solenoid coil SOL1. Transition to either a state or a closed state.

The special electric accessory 65 is opened in at least a part of the jackpot games that are won in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, and the game balls are allowed to enter the grand prize opening 55 accordingly. NS. The special electric accessory 65 in the present embodiment is configured to be in an open state in a big hit game caused by either entering the ball into the first starting port 57 or entering the ball into the second starting port 59. ing.
When the special electric accessory 65 is in the open state, it becomes easy for the game ball to enter the large prize opening 55, so that the chance of winning the prize ball can be greatly increased.
In addition, in this embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, when rolling from the second flow path Y, more game balls roll toward the big winning opening 55. Each obstacle is placed.

The ordinary winning openings 67 (67a, 67b) are arranged at the lower left of the game area 50a. A count switch SW51 for detecting a game ball that has entered is attached to the normal winning opening 67a, and the winning of the normal winning opening 67 is determined by the detection of the count switch SW51 and associated with the normal winning opening 67. The prize ball given will be given. A count switch SW52 for detecting a game ball that has entered is attached to the normal winning opening 67b, and the winning of the normal winning opening 67 is determined by the detection of the count switch SW52 and associated with the normal winning opening 67. The prize ball given will be given.
In the present embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the second flow path Y, many game balls roll toward the normal winning opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X. Each obstacle is placed.

The out port 69 is arranged at the bottom of the game area 50a. A game ball that has been driven into the game area 50a and has not entered each of the above-mentioned winning openings falls into the out opening 69 and is treated as an out ball.

Up to this point, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment has been described, but these are specific examples, and the present invention can be implemented by another configuration.

<Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Subsequently, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 or 6. In addition, since each component shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 described above may be touched and described, these drawings should also be referred to as appropriate.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
It should be noted that each component shown in FIG. 5 or 6 lists the components necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and components not shown here are added to the gaming machine 10. You may. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the components shown here, and some components may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with control boards such as a main control board 100 and a sub control board 200 inside the game machine 10, and various functions are realized by each board and components electrically connected to the respective boards. doing.
More specifically, the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 have a CPU 101 or CPU 201, a RAM 102 or a RAM 202, a ROM 103, a ROM 203, and the like. The main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 realize various functions by executing a control program read from ROM 103 or ROM 203 by CPU 101 or CPU 201 and writing or reading various data to RAM 102 or RAM 202.
Although one sub-control board 200 is shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 200 may be formed of a plurality of boards. When the sub-control board 200 is formed of a plurality of boards, a plurality of sub-control boards 200 may be connected in parallel to the main control board 100, or a plurality of sub-control boards 200 may be connected to the main control board 100. It may be connected hierarchically.
Further, the substrate that realizes each functional configuration is not limited to the substrate shown in FIG. 5, and may be realized on the main control substrate 100, the sub-control substrate 200, or another substrate.

The main control board 100 controls the game in an integrated manner, and transmits commands to the sub control board 200 for effects and the like related to the game. The main control board 100 is a board that realizes a function that affects or may affect the result of the game, and the sub control board 200 is a board that performs various controls according to a command sent from the main control board 100.

In FIG. 6, as the main functional configurations realized by the main control board 100, the starting port entry processing unit 110, the special figure game control unit 120, the normal figure game control unit 130, the game state control unit 140, and the symbol display are shown. The control unit 150 and the information transmission unit 190 are exemplified. Further, in the figure, the effect control unit 210 is illustrated as a main functional configuration realized by the sub control board 200.

When the game ball enters the first start port 57 or the second start port 59, the start port entry processing unit 110 acquires a random number used for determining the success or failure of the big hit game and executes a predetermined process.
The special symbol game control unit 120 executes control related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol.
The normal symbol game control unit 130 executes control related to a symbol variation game related to a normal symbol.
The game state control unit 140 has a function of controlling a big hit game, a function of managing a probability change state and a change state, and a function of controlling granting or canceling (shifting to a normal game state).
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display device 90 to display a special symbol selected as a result of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, or a normal symbol selected as a result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.
The information transmission unit 190 transmits the control information (command) generated in each function configuration realized by the main control board 100 to the function configuration (for example, the effect control unit 210 or the like) realized on the sub control board 200. do. The commands transmitted by the information transmission unit 190 include the results of the special drawing lottery and the general drawing lottery, the presence / absence of a probable change state, the presence / absence of a change / short state, information on the pending random numbers, information on the execution of the jackpot game, and the like. It may be.

The effect control unit 210 receives control information (commands) generated by various functional configurations realized by the main control board 100 via the information transmission unit 190, and mainly relates to a symbol variation game or a jackpot game related to a special symbol. The effect display is displayed on the effect display device 80. For example, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display the effect symbol in a variable manner or to stop it while the symbol variation game is being executed.
The effect control unit 210 can also control the lighting (blinking) effect by the lighting device 35 or the sound effect by the speaker 33, and arouses the interest of the player by combining these effect displays, the lighting effect, the sound effect, and the like. can do. Further, the effect control unit 210 can variably switch various effects according to the operation of the player received by the push button 37.

<Regarding the processing at the time of entering the ball at the starting port>
Hereinafter, the start port entry processing unit 110 that controls the entry processing of the start port will be described in detail.
The starting port entry processing unit 110 includes a special figure holding control unit 111 and a pre-determination unit 112.

In the special figure hold control unit 111, when the game ball enters the first start port 57, that is, when the first start port 57 wins, the number of random numbers M1 held is the maximum number of hold (for example, four). ) Is not reached, the random number M1 is acquired and put on hold.
Further, in the special figure holding control unit 111, when the game ball enters the second starting port 59, that is, when the second starting port 59 wins a prize, the number of random numbers M2 held is the maximum number of holdings (for example,). If it does not reach 4), a random number M2 is acquired and put on hold.
The special figure hold control unit 111 separately holds the random number M1 acquired when the first start port 57 wins the prize and the random number M2 acquired when the second start port 59 wins the prize.

The special figure hold control unit 111 may request the symbol display control unit 150 to display the number of held random numbers on the symbol display device 90, or may transmit information so as to display it on the effect display device 80. A command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 via the unit 190.
At this time, the symbol display control unit 150 may display the number of pending random numbers on the symbol display device 90 by the light emitting pattern of the LED in response to the request of the special figure reservation control unit 111.
Further, the effect control unit 210 may display the effect display device 80 with a number of hold displays equal to the number of pending random numbers in response to a command input via the information transmission unit 190.

In the pre-determination unit 112, whether or not the held random number M1 or the random number M2 is determined to be won by the hit / fail determination unit 121 in at least a part of the case where the special figure hold control unit 111 holds the random number M1 or the random number M2. A pre-determination is executed to determine whether or not the result is determined in advance by the hit / fail determination unit 121.
Further, the pre-determination unit 112 may execute a process related to the effect based on the result of the pre-determination in addition to the pre-determination. Here, the "effect based on the result of the pre-judgment" is, for example, an effect of changing the color or form of the hold display representing the random number subject to the pre-judgment, or a hold representing the random number subject to the pre-judgment. Examples include effects that are executed over the period during which the display is displayed (so-called look-ahead zone).
In addition, the "effect based on the result of the preliminary judgment" may have a configuration having continuity over the symbol variation game related to a plurality of special symbols, and in the case of the configuration, it corresponds to the continuous effect described later. do.

<About the symbol change game related to the special symbol>
Hereinafter, the special symbol game control unit 120 that executes control related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol will be described in detail.
The special figure game control unit 120 includes a hit / fail determination unit 121, a special figure selection unit 122, a reach lottery unit 123, and a variation pattern determination unit 124.

The hit / fail determination unit 121 reads out the reserved random number M1 or random number M2 at a predetermined cycle when the control related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or the control related to the jackpot game is not performed. At this time, the hit / fail determination unit 121 preferentially executes the reading of the random number M2, and reads the random number M1 when the random number M2 cannot be read (when the number of the reserved random numbers M2 is zero). By such control, the random number M2 is read out with priority over the random number M1. As a result, the hit / fail determination unit 121 preferentially determines the random number M2 over the random number M1.

The special symbol selection unit 122 selects a special symbol based on the result of the hit / fail determination by the hit / miss determination unit 121.
More specifically, when the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines the winning, the special figure selection unit 122 selects a special symbol (winning symbol) indicating the winning by performing a random number lottery. That is, when the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines the winning, the special figure selection unit 122 selects any one of a plurality of winning symbols prepared in advance.
Alternatively, when the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines the loss, the special figure selection unit 122 uniquely determines a special symbol (missing symbol) indicating the loss.

When the random number M1 is determined by the hit / fail determination unit 121, the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 122 is displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 by the first special symbol display control unit 151 described later.
When the random number M2 is determined by the hit / fail determination unit 121, the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 122 is displayed on the second special symbol display device 92 by the second special symbol display control unit 152 described later.

When the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines the loss, the reach lottery unit 123 selects by random number lottery whether or not to perform a reach effect during the execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol indicating the determination result. Here, the reach effect means that in the variable display of the effect symbol on the main display unit 81, the effect symbols are temporarily stopped in a plurality of rows excluding the column that is temporarily stopped at the end, and each of the temporarily stopped effect symbols is A production that is performed in the same kind of state. In this state, the state may be referred to as a reach state in the present embodiment. If the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines that the game has been rejected, the result of the symbol variation game resulting from the determination is a loss. Even if the reach effect is executed in the variable game, the effect symbol of the column that is temporarily stopped at the end is of a different type from the effect symbols of other columns.
Further, when the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines the winning, since the result of the symbol variation game resulting from the determination is the winning, in principle, even if the lottery by the reach lottery unit 123 is not performed, the drawing is being executed. The reach effect is performed on the main display unit 81, and the effect symbol of the row that is temporarily stopped at the end becomes the same type as the effect symbol of the other rows.

The variation pattern determination unit 124 determines a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating the time from the start of the variation display to the stop display in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern (variation time information) determined by the fluctuation pattern determination unit 124 can be rephrased as the execution period of the symbol variation game (game) related to one special symbol.
The variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 124 is output as control information for the first special symbol display control unit 151 or the second special symbol display control unit 152, and the first special symbol display control unit into which the control information is input is output. The 151 or the second special symbol display control unit 152 executes the symbol variation game related to the special symbol for the time indicated by the control information.
Further, the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 124 is output to the effect control unit 210 as a command transmitted via the information transmission unit 190, and the effect control unit 210 to which the command is input is included in the command. The effect (reach effect, etc.) is controlled using the fluctuation pattern. More specifically, the effect control unit 210 changes the effect symbol so as to end the symbol variation game related to the effect symbol based on the variation pattern according to the time indicated by the input variation pattern (variation time information). And the effect mode associated therewith are determined and executed.
As a result, the effect control unit 210 can execute the effect for the symbol variation game according to the execution time of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol.

It should be noted that when the reach effect is executed, it takes a longer time than when the reach effect is not executed. Therefore, when the reach lottery unit 123 selects the execution of the reach effect, the variation pattern determination unit 124 may use the reach effect. , It is configured so that the ratio of determining the fluctuation pattern (variation time information) indicating a long time is higher than the case where non-execution of the reach effect is selected.

<About the symbol change game related to ordinary symbols>
Hereinafter, the general-purpose game control unit 130 that executes control related to the symbol-changing game related to the normal symbol will be described in detail.
The Fuzu game control unit 130 includes a Fuzu hold control unit 131, a Fuzu lottery unit 132, and a normal electric service control unit 133.

When the game ball enters the gate 63, the normal figure hold control unit 131 acquires the random numbers M3 if the number of the held random numbers M3 has not reached the upper limit of the number of holds (for example, 4). Put it on hold.

When the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol is not executed, the normal symbol lottery unit 132 reads the reserved random number M3 at a predetermined cycle, and releases the normal electric accessory 61 using the read random number M3. A lottery will be held to determine whether or not to transition to the state. It should be noted that the winning probability of the lottery performed by the general drawing lottery unit 132 is higher in the variable short state described later than in the normal game state.

The lottery result by the ordinary figure lottery unit 132 is transmitted to the ordinary symbol display control unit 153 which will be described later. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display device 93 corresponds to winning and the other corresponds to losing, and the normal symbol display control unit 153 emits one of the LEDs according to the transmitted lottery result.

When the ordinary motor control unit 133 wins the lottery by the ordinary motor drawing unit 132, the solenoid coil SOL4 is operated to open the ordinary electric accessory 61 under a predetermined opening condition. Here, the predetermined opening conditions include the time during which the ordinary electric accessory 61 is opened (hereinafter referred to as the opening time) and the number of times the normal electric accessory 61 is opened (hereinafter referred to as the number of times of opening) in response to one winning by the general drawing lottery unit 132. ) Etc. are included.
The ordinary motor control unit 133 controls the ordinary electric accessory 61 so that the time for taking the open state increases per unit time when the variable / short state is given by the variable / short control unit 144. That is, the control of the ordinary electric service control unit 133 fluctuates due to the addition of the variation state by the variation control unit 144 described later.

<About game state control>
Hereinafter, the game state control unit 140 that controls the jackpot game, the probability variation state, and the variation state will be described in detail.
The game state control unit 140 includes a jackpot control unit 141, a probability variation control unit 143, and a variation control unit 144.

Here, the jackpot game refers to a special game state in which the special electric accessory 65 can be continuously operated. Here, "continuously operating the special electric accessory" means that the number of round games (number of rounds) described later is a plurality of times.
Here, the probability variation state refers to a gaming state in which the winning probability of the winning / failing determination by the winning / failing determination unit 121 is higher than that of the normal gaming state.
Here, the variable state means a game state in which at least one of the following is performed.
(I) The winning probability of the lottery by the general drawing lottery unit 132 is higher than that in the normal gaming state.
(Ii) The opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 61 is extended from the normal gaming state.
(Iii) The number of times the normal electric accessory 61 is opened is increased from the normal gaming state.
(Iv) The variation display time per time in the normal symbol display device 93 is shortened from the normal game state.
The winning probability of the lottery performed by the general drawing lottery unit 132 mentioned in (i) may or may not be zero in the normal gaming state.

The probability change control unit 143 assigns the probability change state when the jackpot game ends due to the stop display of the specific special symbol (winning symbol) on the symbol display device 90.
The conditions for granting the probabilistic state according to the present embodiment are a specific example, and the conditions for granting the probabilistic state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, a probabilistic state may be given when a game ball enters a specific area called a so-called V zone.

The probability variation control unit 143 newly enters the jackpot game when the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is played a predetermined number of times after the transition to the probability variation state, or before the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is played a predetermined number of times. If you win, the probability change state is canceled.
The condition for releasing the probabilistic state according to the present embodiment is a specific example, and the condition for releasing the probabilistic state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the probability variation control unit 143 may release the probability variation state only when the jackpot game is won regardless of the number of symbol variation games related to the special symbol. Alternatively, the probability change control unit 143 may release the probability change state when the lottery (falling lottery) for determining whether or not to release the probability change state is won.

The variable / short control unit 144 assigns the variable / short state with all the cases when the big hit game executed by the big hit control unit 141 is completed.
It should be noted that the conditions for granting the variable state according to the present embodiment are a specific example, and the conditions for granting the probabilistic state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, the variable / short control unit 144 may give a variable / short state, triggered by a part of the case where the big hit game executed by the big hit control unit 141 is completed.

The variation control unit 144 newly hits the jackpot when the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is played a predetermined number of times after the transition to the variation state, or before the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is played a predetermined number of times. When the game is won, the variable state is canceled.
The condition for canceling the variable state by the variable length control unit 144 may be the same as the condition for releasing the probable variable state, or may be different. According to the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times for releasing the variable state may be the same as the predetermined number of times for releasing the probabilistic state, or may be different.

The jackpot control unit 141 executes a jackpot game when the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines the winning. Specifically, the jackpot game in this embodiment is executed as follows.
First, when winning is determined by the winning / failing determination unit 121, a special symbol is selected by the special symbol selection unit 122, and the selected special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92. After that, the jackpot control unit 141 starts the jackpot game.
When the jackpot game is started, the jackpot control unit 141 outputs a command related to the opening effect indicating the start of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 210 to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 190. The effect control unit 210 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) according to the command. In the opening effect according to the present embodiment, it is preferable to encourage the player to launch the game ball into the second flow path Y toward the grand prize opening 55 by, for example, recommending the player to hit right.
After the opening effect is completed, the round game in which the large winning opening 55 is opened is performed a plurality of times up to a predetermined number of times (the number of rounds). In the round game, the large winning opening 55 is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, once). Further, after a predetermined number of game balls have entered the opened large winning opening 55 or after a specified time (round game time) has elapsed, the large winning opening 55 is closed and the round game ends.
After the end of the round game, the large winning opening 55 is closed for a predetermined time (interval time), and the large winning opening 55 is opened again with the start of the next round game.

The jackpot control unit 141 transmits control information including the number of rounds, the round game time, the interval time, and the like to the special electric service control unit 142.
The special electric motor control unit 142 opens the special electric motor accessory 65 according to the control information received from the jackpot control unit 141.
The special motor control unit 142 monitors the number of game balls that have entered the grand prize opening 55 during one round game based on the detection of the count switch SW7 while the special motor control unit 65 is open. ing. Then, when the number of winning game balls being monitored reaches the upper limit, the special motor control unit 142 operates the solenoid coil SOL1 to close the special electric accessory 65.

The jackpot control unit 141 outputs a command related to the effect during the round game to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 190. The effect control unit 210 executes a round effect according to the input command.
When the specified number of rounds is completed, the jackpot control unit 141 outputs a command related to the ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 190. The effect control unit 210 executes the ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the input command, and the jackpot control unit 141 ends the jackpot game.

<About the symbol change game and production display related to each symbol>
Hereinafter, the symbol variation game and the effect display related to each symbol will be described in detail.

The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display device 90 to display a special symbol that is the result of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or a normal symbol that is the result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.
The symbol display control unit 150 includes a first special symbol display control unit 151, a second special symbol display control unit 152, and a normal symbol display control unit 153.
The first special symbol display control unit 151 controls the variation display and the stop display of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 91.
The second special symbol display control unit 152 controls the variation display and the stop display of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 92.
The normal symbol display control unit 153 controls the variation display and the stop display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 93.

The effect control unit 210 executes the advance notice effect. Here, the advance notice effect is an effect that suggests the development of the game after the execution, and is mainly an effect related to a symbol variation game or a jackpot game related to a special symbol.

The effect control unit 210 has an effect display control unit 211 that displays the effect display related to the advance notice effect on the effect display device 80 when the advance notice effect is executed. In particular, regarding the execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, the effect display control unit 211 determines whether or not the jackpot game has been won by the combination of the effect symbols that have been confirmed and stopped after the effect symbol groups in a plurality of rows have scrolled. , The effect display device 80 is notified.

While the effect display control unit 211 is executing the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, the effect control unit 210 uses the effect display device 80 to display the effect (to the effect symbol) according to the fluctuation time of the special symbol by the symbol display device 90. (Including the related symbol change game) is being executed. In other words, the effect display control unit 211 includes a symbol variation game related to one special symbol in the symbol display device 90 and one effect display (including a symbol variation game related to the effect symbol) in the effect display device 80. In principle, they are associated and executed.
However, when the advance notice effect having continuity is executed over the symbol change game related to the special symbol multiple times, or the change display of the effect symbol multiple times for the symbol change game related to one special symbol. A notice effect including the above may be executed. A typical example of the former is a notice production called a continuous production, and a typical example of the latter is a notice production called a pseudo continuous production.
Here, the continuous effect is an effect having continuity over several games (a symbol variation game related to a special symbol). Further, here, the pseudo continuous effect is a one-time game (a symbol variation game related to a special symbol) by scrolling a series of effect symbols in a variation cycle which is a period from a break to a break that can be recognized by the player. It is a production that includes multiple fluctuation cycles.

In the above description, the effect control unit 210 (effect display control unit 211) is the effect of the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub display unit 82, left sub display unit 83, right sub display unit 84). Although it has been explained that the display is controlled, the control target of the effect control unit 210 is not limited to this. In addition, the effect control unit 210 can also control the lighting (blinking) effect by the lighting device 35 or the sound effect by the speaker 33, and the player can combine these effect displays, the lighting effect, the sound effect, and the like. Can arouse the interest of.
Further, the effect control unit 210 can variably switch various effects according to the operation of the player received by the push button 37.
Further, the effect control unit 210 can execute movement control of the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, or the right sub display unit 84, and further, although not shown in FIG. 5, a so-called decorative movable body. It may be possible to execute movement control.

<Processing procedure for various processes>
Next, the processing procedure of the various processes described above will be described with reference to FIG. 7 or FIG. In addition, since each component shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 described above may be touched and described, these drawings should also be referred to as appropriate.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for processing when the ball enters the starting port. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the symbol variation start processing.
The processing procedure shown in these flowcharts does not limit the processing procedure of the present invention and its execution timing. Therefore, when the processing according to the present invention is carried out, the plurality of processing procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the content, and some or all of the execution timings of the plurality of processing overlap with each other. May be good.
Further, each process shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is a main process necessary for the description of the present invention, and does not indicate all the processes executed by the gaming machine 10.

First, the processing at the time of entering the ball at the starting port will be described. Here, the "starting port entry processing" is a series of processes executed after the game ball enters the first starting opening 57 or the second starting opening 59.
Until the ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW1 or the count switch SW2 (NO in step S102), the process of step S104 and subsequent steps is not performed and the standby mode is set.
Further, even if the ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), if the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 111 has reached the upper limit (step S104). YES), the process after step S106 is not performed and is on standby.

When the ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102) and the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 111 has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S104). The number of holds held by the special figure hold control unit 111 is added (step S106). Further, the random number M1 or the random number M2 is acquired by the special figure hold control unit 111 and is held and stored in the dedicated storage area (step S108).

When the pre-determination unit 112 makes a pre-determination (YES in step S110), the pre-determination unit 112 determines whether or not the random number M1 or the random number M2 stored on hold in step S108 is determined to be won by the hit / fail determination unit 121. Determine (step S112).
Further, when the pre-determination unit 112 does not perform the pre-determination (NO in step S110), the process proceeds to the process of step S114 without performing the process of step S112.

A command including a series of processing results from step S102 to step S112 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 190 to the sub-control board 200 (step S114), and the processing at the time of entering the starting port is completed.

Subsequently, the processing procedure of the symbol variation start processing will be described. Here, the "symbol change start process" is a series of processes performed when starting the symbol change game related to the special symbol.
First, the special figure game control unit 120 determines whether or not the fluctuation start condition is satisfied (step S202). Here, the "variation start condition" means that (i) the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is not executed at the time of determination in step S202, and (ii) the jackpot game is not executed at the time of determination in step S202. , (Iii) At the time of determination in step S202, there may be one or more reserved memories.
When the determination in step S202 is denied (NO in step S202), the processing after step S204 is not executed, and the symbol variation start processing is terminated.

When the determination in step S202 is affirmed (YES in step S202), the hit / fail determination unit 121 reads out the random number M1 or the random number M2 held by the special figure reservation control unit 111 (step S204).
In step S204, the hit / fail determination unit 121 may read the random numbers M1 or the random numbers M2 in the order in which they are held and stored in the special figure hold control unit 111, or may read one of them in preference to the other.

Each determination process is executed when the random number is read out in step S204 (step S206).
Here, the process included in step S206 specifically includes at least the hit / fail determination by the hit / miss determination unit 121 described above and the selection of a special symbol by the special figure selection section 122. Further, the determination process of (i) whether or not the variable and shortened state is given, (ii) whether or not the effect symbol is stopped at the reach eye, (iii) whether or not to perform a specific effect, and the like are performed in step S206. It may be included in the processing of.

Then, the special figure hold control unit 111 specifies the number of random numbers M1 or random numbers M2 held at that time (step S208). As a result, the number of remaining random numbers excluding the random numbers read in the symbol variation game executed in this processing procedure is specified as the pending number.
The variation pattern determination unit 124 determines the variation pattern using the processing result of step S206 and the number of reservations specified in step S208 (step S210).

A command including a series of processing results from step S202 to step S210 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 190 to the sub-control board 200 (step S212), and the symbol variation start processing is completed. The command includes various information for making it possible for the sub-control board 200 to determine whether or not the symbol variation game is being executed, the game state, and the like, for example, information indicating the variation pattern, the number of holds, the presence or absence of the probability variation state, and the variation state. The presence or absence of

<About the layer composition of the image related to a certain character>
Next, the layer configuration of the image relating to a certain character that can be included in the production moving image will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 18.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image relating to a face portion of a certain character. As shown in FIG. 9, in the face part of the character, the base image BA in which the face, hair and ears are drawn is arranged in the lower layer, and the parts image EY in which the eyes and eyebrows are drawn and the area around the nose are drawn. The part image NO and the part image MO on which the periphery of the mouth is drawn are arranged in a layer above the base image BA.

In addition, in FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10 to 17 described later, the description will be made on the premise that the face, hair and ears are processed as an integral image (base image BA), but each of them is described as a separate image. It may be processed.
Further, in FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10 to 17 described later, the description will be made on the premise that the eyes and eyebrows are processed as one image (part image EY), but each is processed as a separate image. You may.

FIG. 10 is the base image BA shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a part image EY around the eyes of a certain character. As shown in FIG. 11, for one base image BA shown in FIG. 10, the part image EY includes a part image EY1 that draws an opening, a part image EY3 that draws a closing eye, and a part image EY1 and a part image EY3. A part image EY2 that draws an eye with an opening degree in the middle of is prepared.
By superimposing on the common base image BA and displaying the part image EY for each unit time in the order of part image EY1 → part image EY2 → part image EY3 → part image EY2 → part image EY1 → ... It is possible to generate a production movie that is visually recognized as blinking.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of a part image MO around the mouth of a certain character. As shown in FIG. 12, for one base image BA shown in FIG. 10, the part image MO has a part image MO1 that draws an opening, a part image MO3 that draws a closure, and an intermediate between the part image MO1 and the part image MO3. A part image MO2 that draws the mouth of the opening degree is prepared.
By superimposing on the common base image BA and displaying the parts image MO for each unit time in the order of parts image MO1 → parts image MO2 → parts image MO3 → parts image MO2 → parts image MO1 → ... It is possible to generate a production movie that is visually recognized as if the mouth is open and closed. In addition, it is possible to recognize the character as if it is speaking by displaying or outputting the dialogue of the character according to the opening and closing of the character's mouth.

Since the image related to the face part of the character is generated by the layer composition in which the parts image (second image) created for each part as described above is superimposed on the base image BA (first image), the whole image is drawn. It is not necessary to do this, and the labor involved in creating it can be reduced.
Further, since the capacity of the image data prepared before the layer composition is smaller than that in the case of drawing the entire image, it is possible to realize the compression of the capacity related to the image data.

In the part image EY of FIG. 11 and the part image MO of FIG. 12, the degree of opening of the eyes in three stages is drawn, and by increasing this stage, a smoother blink of the eyes can be expressed.
Further, although the part image EY of FIG. 11 and the part image MO of FIG. 12 show simple opening and closing of eyes and mouth, by preparing a part image EY and a part image MO of a wider variety of opening conditions, , Can express a richer expression.
Specific examples of facial expressions of various characters realized by increasing the types of part images with respect to the base image BA are shown in FIGS. 13 to 17.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image depicting a prank face of a certain character.
Specifically, as compared with FIG. 9, the degree of opening of the eyes drawn in the part image EY is reduced, the shape of the eyes is angular, and the brightness of the eyes is also reduced. In addition, the corner of the mouth drawn in the part image MO is lower than that in FIG. Such a change in drawing can express the disappointment of the character.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image of a character's astonished face.
Specifically, as compared with FIG. 9, the degree of opening of the eyes drawn in the part image EY is enlarged, and the black eye portion is reduced (the eyes are dots). Further, as compared with FIG. 9, the mouth drawn in the part image MO is widened in the vertical direction. By such a change in drawing, it is possible to express the surprised appearance of the character.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image depicting a shy face of a character.
Specifically, as compared with FIG. 9, the degree of opening of the eyes drawn in the part image EY is reduced, and the shape of the eyes is angular. Further, as compared with FIG. 9, the mouth drawn in the part image MO is half-opened, and the corner of the mouth extends in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a part image BL in which the appearance of blushing cheeks is drawn around the part image NO has been added. By such a change in drawing, the blushing facial expression of the character can be expressed.

Although it has been described in FIG. 15 that the part image BL and the part image NO are separate images, they may be processed as an integral image.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an image depicting a doya face of a certain character.
Specifically, as compared with FIG. 9, the degree of opening of the eyes drawn in the part image EY is reduced, and the shape of the eyes is angular. Further, as compared with FIG. 9, the corner of the mouth drawn in the part image MO extends in the left-right direction and is slightly raised. Such a change in drawing can express the fearless smile of the character.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image relating to the face portion of another character. Here, the other character is, more specifically, the character shown in FIG. 9 having shortcut hair.
The part image EY, the part image NO, and the part image MO are the same as those shown in FIG. On the other hand, the base image BA differs between that shown in FIG. 9 and that shown in FIG. That is, in the comparison between one production video including the character shown in FIG. 9 and another production video including the character shown in FIG. 17, the part image EY, the part image NO, and the part image MO correspond to the first image. , It can be understood that the base image BA corresponds to the second image.

The images shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 show one aspect of each facial expression, but each facial expression is displayed by continuously displaying a plurality of types of part image EY and part image MO (second image). The ability to move is similar to the image shown in FIG.

<Specific examples of advance notice production based on a certain character's facial expression>
Subsequently, a specific example of the advance notice effect using the images shown in FIGS. 9 and 13 to 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 23.
FIG. 18 is a time chart relating to the advance notice effect based on the facial expression of a certain character. 19 to 23 are diagrams showing a specific example of the advance notice effect based on the facial expression of a certain character.

FIG. 18 shows a time chart of the advance notice effect relating to the four patterns of pattern A, pattern B, pattern C, and pattern D.
The band shown in the upper part of each pattern indicates the mode of variable display of the effect symbol in the display area of the main display unit 81 and the display period thereof. Further, the band shown in the lower row of each pattern indicates the mode of the effect moving image displayed in the display area of the upper sub-display unit 82 and the display period thereof.

In the ROM 203, in the advance notice effect related to the patterns A to D, each of the effect moving images displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 is stored as an independent moving image file. Then, the effect display control unit 211 can read the moving image file corresponding to each pattern from the ROM 203 and display it on the upper sub display unit 82 at a predetermined timing.

The advance notice effect related to the pattern A is started by the normal variation display (denoted as "normal variation" in FIG. 18) of the effect symbol on the main display unit 81. More specifically, in the display area of the main display unit 81, scrolling of the effect symbol group over three rows is displayed (see FIG. 19A).
In the advance notice effect, a scene in which the character shown in FIG. 9 appears (indicated as "character appearance" in FIG. 18) appears in the display area of the upper sub-display unit 82 in parallel with the normal variable display after 8 seconds have elapsed. Is displayed.
Although not shown, the image in which the movement of the character is depicted in the scene is drawn as one image over the entire character, and is arranged on a common layer in each frame. In addition, when the images assigned to each frame in the scene are continuously displayed, it is configured to be visible as a moving image in which the character appears. The image shown in 9 is displayed on the upper sub-display unit 82 (see FIG. 19B).

When 11 seconds have passed in the advance notice effect related to the pattern A, the variation display of the effect symbol in the left column is temporarily stopped (indicated as "left stop" in FIG. 18), and the effect displayed on the upper sub display unit 82. In the moving image, the facial expression of the character changes to the image shown in FIG. 13 (denoted as “Shirake face” in FIG. 18) (see FIG. 20 (a)).
"Shirake face" is the least reliable facial expression of the characters handled in patterns A to D, and mainly corresponds to the variable display of the effect pattern that stops at the random eyes. Here, the reliability means the degree of expectation that the winning of the big hit game will be notified as a result of the advance notice production. Further, here, the loose stitch means a combination of effect symbols (rolls) that are fixedly stopped without going through the reach state, excluding the chance stitch described later.

In the advance notice effect related to pattern A, the effect video related to the "Shirake face" corresponding to the disjointed eyes is displayed on the upper sub display unit 82, so that it is different from the effect pattern temporarily stopped in the left column after 14 seconds have passed. After the type of effect symbol temporarily stops in the right column (indicated as "right stop" in FIG. 18, see FIG. 20B), the effect symbol in the center column temporarily stops after 15 seconds (in FIG. 18). Is expressed as "middle stop" (see FIG. 20 (c)), and when 16 seconds have passed, the combination of the three rows of effect symbols is fixedly stopped (indicated as "fixed" in FIG. 18).

Similar to the notice effect related to the pattern A, the notice effect related to the pattern B is started by the normal variation display of the effect symbol on the main display unit 81 (see FIG. 19A), and the normal variation display is started after 8 seconds have passed. At the same time, the scene in which the character shown in FIG. 9 appears is displayed in the display area of the upper sub display unit 82, and the image shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in the upper sub display unit 82 at the ending portion of the scene (FIG. 19). See (b)).
As will be described later, since the advance notice effect related to the pattern B is accompanied by a pseudo-continuous effect, the normal variation display corresponds to the first variation cycle in the pseudo-continuous effect (denoted as "pseudo 1" in FIG. 18). To do.

When 11 seconds have passed in the advance notice effect related to the pattern B, the variable display of the effect symbol in the left column is temporarily stopped, and the facial expression of the character is shown in FIG. 14 in the effect video displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 (the image shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, it changes to “amazing”) (see FIG. 21 (a)).
"Amazing" is a more reliable facial expression than "Shirake face", and it mainly corresponds to the variable display of the production pattern that executes the pseudo-continuous production.

In the advance notice production related to pattern B, the production video related to "surprise" corresponding to the pseudo continuous production is displayed on the upper sub display unit 82, so that the production symbols in the right column are temporarily stopped after 14 seconds (FIG. 21 (FIG. 21). b)), as a result of the temporary stop of the effect symbols in the center row after 15 seconds have passed, the combination of the effect symbols over three rows becomes an opportunity (see FIG. 21 (c)).
Here, the chance eye is a combination of special effect symbols (rolls) that suggests that the development of the advance notice effect is advantageous for the player. It is preferable that the chance eyes are easily recognized by the player. For example, in FIG. 21 (c), the chance eyes are formed by the combination of the numerical symbols in the order.
When the chance eye is temporarily stopped on the main display unit 81, the main display unit 81 executes the variation of the effect symbol related to the second variation cycle (denoted as “pseudo 2” in FIG. 18) in the pseudo continuous effect. ..

Similar to the notice effect related to the pattern A, the notice effect related to the pattern C is started by the normal variation display of the effect symbol on the main display unit 81 (see FIG. 19A), and the normal variation display is started after 8 seconds have passed. At the same time, the scene in which the character shown in FIG. 9 appears is displayed in the display area of the upper sub display unit 82, and the image shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in the upper sub display unit 82 at the ending portion of the scene (FIG. 19). See (b)).

When 11 seconds have passed in the advance notice effect related to the pattern C, the variable display of the effect symbol in the left column is temporarily stopped, and the facial expression of the character is shown in FIG. 15 in the effect video displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 (the image shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, it changes to “being shy”) (see FIG. 22 (a)).
"Shy" is a more reliable facial expression than "Shirake face", and it mainly corresponds to the variable display of the production symbol that executes the weak reach effect (denoted as "weak reach" in FIG. 18). .. Here, the weak reach production refers to a reach production having a lower reliability than the intense heat reach production described later.

In the advance notice effect related to pattern C, the effect video related to "shining" corresponding to the weak reach effect is displayed on the upper sub display unit 82. The display of the main display unit 81 is in the reach state (see FIG. 22B).
When the display of the main display unit 81 is in the reach state, the change of the effect symbol related to the weak reach effect is executed on the main display unit 81.

Similar to the notice effect related to the pattern A, the advance notice effect related to the pattern D is started by the normal variation display of the effect symbol on the main display unit 81 (see FIG. 19A), and the normal variation display is started after 8 seconds have passed. At the same time, the scene in which the character shown in FIG. 9 appears is displayed in the display area of the upper sub display unit 82, and the image shown in FIG. 9 is displayed in the upper sub display unit 82 at the ending portion of the scene (FIG. 19). See (b)).

When 11 seconds have passed in the advance notice effect related to the pattern D, the variable display of the effect symbols in the left column is temporarily stopped, and the facial expression of the character is shown in FIG. 16 in the effect video displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 (the image shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, it changes to (denoted as "doya face") (see FIG. 23 (a)).
"Doya face" is the most reliable facial expression of the characters handled in patterns A to D, and mainly performs intense heat reach production (denoted as "extreme heat reach" in FIG. 18). It corresponds to the variable display of the production pattern.

In the advance notice effect related to pattern D, the effect video related to the "doya face" corresponding to the intense heat reach effect is displayed on the upper sub display unit 82, so that as a result of the effect pattern in the right column temporarily stopping after 14 seconds have passed. , The display of the main display unit 81 is in the reach state (see FIG. 23B).
When the display of the main display unit 81 is in the reach state, the change of the effect symbol related to the intense heat reach effect is executed on the main display unit 81.

As described above, in each of the effect videos displayed on the upper sub-display unit 82 in patterns A to D, the change in the facial expression of the character after 11 seconds has elapsed is set as a delimiter that the player can recognize, and a plurality of delimiters are used. It is divided into periods.
Regardless of which production video is displayed, the image group (group of the first image) showing the movement of the character displayed in the period (one period) from the time when 8 seconds have passed to the time when 11 seconds have passed is each. It is common in the patterns, and the point that the image group is visually recognized as a moving image in which the character appears when continuously displayed is also common in each pattern.
In addition, regardless of which of the production videos is displayed, the group of the base image BA (group of the first image) related to the character's face displayed in the period (other period) after the lapse of 11 seconds is each pattern. It is also common in each pattern that when a group of base image BAs is continuously displayed, it is visually recognized as a still image.
Further, in any of the production videos, the layer on which the parts image EY, the parts image MO, etc. (second image) are arranged is located above the layer on which the base image BA (first image) is arranged, and is a base image. In the other period when the group of BA is visually recognized as a still image, the group of the part image EY, the part image MO, etc. is visually recognized as a moving image superimposed on the still image by being continuously displayed. It is common.

As described above, the image displayed at the end of the image group showing the movement of the character displayed in the period from the lapse of 8 seconds to the lapse of 11 seconds (one period) and the period after the lapse of 11 seconds (others). The image displayed first in the group of base images BA relating to the character's face displayed in (period) is continuously visible. For example, according to the advance notice effect of the pattern A, the character displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 in FIG. 19B and the character displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 in FIG. 20 have facial contours. Since the characters and hairstyles are common and the display positions are substantially the same, the player can recognize the change in the facial expression of the character without discomfort.
In the above embodiment, the case where one period in which the image group representing the appearance of the character is displayed comes before the other period in which the image group representing the change in the facial expression of the character is displayed will be described. However, the same is true even if the order of one period and the other period is reversed. In other words, the first image displayed at the end of the other period and the first displayed at the beginning of the other period, even if one period is a period that comes consecutively after the other period. It is preferable that the image and the image are continuously visible.
Here, "continuously visible" means (i) when temporal continuity between one period and another period is recognized, (ii) at the end of one period and the beginning of another period. At least one of the continuity of the displayed contents and the continuity of the displayed positions is recognized.

As described above, the advance notice effect of the pattern A to the pattern D is the part image EY, the part image MO, etc. (second image) constituting the effect moving image displayed on the upper sub display unit 82 (predetermined display area). Depending on the type, the degree of expectation of shifting to a jackpot game (specific game state) that is advantageous for the player differs.
Here, the specific game state is not limited to a mere big hit game as in the present embodiment, but may also correspond to a probabilistic big hit (a big hit game that shifts to a probable change state at the end), a small hit game, and the like.

Since it has the above-mentioned characteristics, it is possible to smoothly execute the advance notice production of patterns A to D, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player.

<About a modified example of the present invention>
Although the present invention has been described so far according to the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and as long as the object of the present invention is achieved. Also includes aspects such as various modifications and improvements in.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is carried out by the gaming machine 10 which is a pachinko gaming machine, but the effect according to the present invention may be executed by the rotating cylinder type gaming machine.

In the above-described embodiment, the display area for displaying the effect moving image is limited to the upper sub display unit 82, but the main display unit 81 may be displayed together with the variable display of the effect symbol, or the left sub display unit 83. Or may be displayed on the right sub-display unit 84.

In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the production video is read from the ROM 203 that stores the production video generated by synthesizing the images arranged on the plurality of layers in advance and displayed on the upper sub-display unit 82 has been described. , The practice of the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, by executing the process related to layer composition every time the effect moving image is displayed, the same effect moving image as the above-described embodiment can be displayed. More specifically, the effect display control unit 211 generates a plurality of effect moving images by synthesizing images arranged on a plurality of layers and displays them in a predetermined display area, and the ROM 203 controls the effect display. A plurality of images used for generating the effect moving image by the part 211 are stored. Then, the effect display control unit 211 reads out the first image (for example, the base image BA) that is common to each other in both the case of generating one effect moving image and the case of generating another effect moving image, and each of them. When generating one production video for the second image (for example, parts image EY, parts image MO, etc.) that is placed on the same or different layer and placed on a different layer from the layer on which the first image is placed. And other production videos are read out and placed on other layers depending on the case of generating a moving image.
Even with such a configuration, it is possible to realize the display of the effect moving image described in the above-described embodiment. Further, when the same configuration is adopted, the images (first images) arranged on some layers are shared as compared with the configuration of the above-described embodiment, so that many patterns can be displayed with a small number of images. It is possible to generate a production video. That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of image data stored for displaying the effect moving image on the ROM 203.

In the above-described embodiment, the aspect in which the image constituting a certain character is used as the first image or the second image has been described, but the image constituting another effect element may be used as the first image or the second image.

For example, FIG. 24 shows a specific example of an image related to a so-called dialogue notice effect. In the display area of the main display unit 81 in the dialogue notice production, the character image CA in which the character is drawn, the dialogue frame image SE in which the dialogue frame is drawn, and the dialogue of the character are visually drawn as character information. The character image W1 and the character image W2 are arranged and displayed on a layer higher than the layer on which the variable display of the effect pattern is arranged.
The production video (one production video) related to the pattern dialogue notice production shown in FIG. 24 (a) and the production video (other production video) related to the pattern dialogue notice production shown in FIG. 24 (b) are character images. The CA and the dialogue frame image SE are common and correspond to the first image. Further, the character image W1 and the character image W2 are different between the dialogue advance notice effect of the pattern shown in FIG. 24 (a) and the dialogue advance notice effect of the pattern shown in FIG. 24 (b), and correspond to the second image.
Regardless of whether one production video is displayed or another production video is displayed, the character information shown by the second image suggests reliability (expectation to shift to a specific game state), and the character image. The reliability related to W1 is set lower than the reliability related to the character image W2.
In the dialogue advance notice effect shown in FIG. 24, the reliability of the character image W1 may be zero.

For example, FIG. 25 shows a specific example of an image related to the advance notice effect by displaying the background of the character. More specifically, in the advance notice effect, a variable display of the effect symbol is displayed in the display area of the main display unit 81, and a heart-shaped background display H1 or background display H2 is displayed in the display area of the upper sub display unit 82. And the character image CA displayed superimposed on the background display H1 or the background display H2.
An effect video (one effect video) of the upper sub display unit 82 related to the advance notice effect of the pattern shown in FIG. 25 (a) and an effect video of the upper sub display unit 82 related to the advance notice effect of the pattern shown in FIG. 25 (b). The character image CA is common to other production videos), and corresponds to the first image. Further, the effect video of the upper sub display unit 82 related to the preview effect of the pattern shown in FIG. 25 (a) and the effect video of the upper sub display unit 82 related to the advance notice effect of the pattern shown in FIG. 25 (b) are displayed in the background. H1 and the background display H2 have the same form and different colors, and correspond to the second image.
Whether one production video is displayed or another production video is displayed, the color of the second image suggests reliability (expectation to shift to a specific game state), and the background display H1 The reliability is set lower than the reliability related to the background display H2.

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) A storage means for storing a plurality of production moving images composed by synthesizing images arranged on a plurality of layers, and an effect of reading the production moving image from the storage means and displaying it in a predetermined display area. A display control means is provided, and the storage means stores one production video and another production video in which first images common to each other are arranged on the same or different layers. A gaming machine in which a second image arranged on a layer different from the layer on which the first image is arranged differs depending on the first effect movie and the other effect movie.
(2) Used for producing an effect display control means for generating a plurality of effect moving images by synthesizing images arranged on a plurality of layers and displaying them in a predetermined display area, and for generating the effect moving image by the effect display control means. A storage means for storing a plurality of images to be obtained, and the effect display control means are common to each other regardless of whether a single effect movie is generated or another effect movie is generated. For the second image in which one image is read out and placed on the same or different layers, and placed on a different layer from the layer on which the first image is placed, the case of generating the above-mentioned one production video and the case of the above-mentioned other A game machine that reads out different images depending on the case of generating the production moving image of the above and arranges them on the other layers.
(3) The one production video and the other production video are the production videos divided into a plurality of periods by a division recognizable by the player, and when the one production video is displayed. Even when the other production moving images are displayed, the group of the first images displayed in one period is visually recognized as a moving image when continuously displayed, and other effects different from the one period are displayed. The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the group of the first images displayed during the period is visually recognized as a still image when continuously displayed.
(4) The other period is a period that arrives consecutively after the one period, and is displayed at the end of the one period and at the beginning of the other period. The first image and the first image are continuously visible, or the one period is a period that comes consecutively after the other period and is displayed at the end of the other period. The gaming machine according to (3), wherein one image and the first image displayed at the beginning of the one period are continuously visible.
(5) The degree of expectation of shifting to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player differs depending on the type of the second image constituting the effect video displayed in the predetermined display area (1) to (4). The gaming machine described in any one of).
(A) Both the layer on which the second image is arranged in the one production video and the layer on which the second image is arranged in the other production video are located above the layer on which the first image is arranged. Then, in the other period in which the group of the first images is visually recognized as a still image, the group of the second images is visually recognized as a moving image superimposed on the still image by being continuously displayed. The gaming machine according to (3).
(B) The image used as the second image includes an image that can be visually recognized as character information, and whether the one production video is displayed or the other production video is displayed. , The gaming machine according to (5), wherein the expected degree is suggested by the character information shown by the second image.
(C) The image used as the second image includes an image having the same form but different colors, and even when the one effect movie is displayed, the other effect movie is displayed. In this case, the gaming machine according to (5), wherein the expectation level is suggested by the color of the second image.

10 Game machine 15 Outer frame 20 Front frame 21 Hing mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball saucer 29 Lower ball saucer 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame 33 Speakers 34a, 34b Left right frame 35 Lighting device 36 Ball pulling mechanism 37 Push button 38 (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) Cursor button 39a Ball lending button 39b Return button 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Large winning opening 57 First starting port 59 No. 2 Starting port 61 Ordinary electric accessory 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 67 Ordinary winning opening 69 Out port 80 Effect display device 81 Main display unit 82 Upper sub display unit 83 Left sub display unit 84 Right sub display unit 90 Design display device 91 1st special symbol display device 92 2nd special symbol display device 93 Normal symbol display device 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
110 Start port ball entry processing unit 111 Special figure hold control unit 112 Pre-judgment unit 120 Special figure game control unit 121 Win / fail judgment unit 122 Special figure selection unit 123 Reach lottery unit 124 Fluctuation pattern determination unit 130 Normal map game control unit 131 Figure Hold control unit 132 Normal drawing lottery unit 133 Normal electric service control unit 140 Game state control unit 141 Big hit control unit 142 Special electric service control unit 143 Probability change control unit 144 Change / short control unit 150 Symbol display control unit 151 First special symbol display Control unit 152 2nd special symbol display control unit 153 Normal symbol display control unit 190 Information transmission unit 200 Sub control board 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
210 Effect control unit 211 Effect display control unit SOL1, SOL4 Solenoid coil SW1, SW2, SW4, SW51, SW52, SW7 Count switch X 1st flow path Y 2nd flow path

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that executes a hit / fail judgment to determine whether or not a jackpot is won with the start of a symbol change, and plays a jackpot game after the symbol change won in the jackpot is stopped.
Production display means and
A production display control means for generating a plurality of production videos and displaying them on the production display means,
A storage means for storing a plurality of images read out by the effect display control means is provided.
In the same symbol variation, the effect display control means displays the first effect movie in a predetermined display area of the effect display means, and then displays the second effect movie or the third effect movie in the predetermined display area. Sometimes displayed in the area,
The first production video, the second production video, and the third production video include a first image common to each production video and a second image different depending on each production video. Image
It includes a layer on which the first image is arranged and a layer different from the layer and arranged above the layer on which the second image is arranged.
In the same symbol variation, the first effect video is displayed in the predetermined display area, then the second effect video is displayed, and the first effect pattern further develops into the first effect.
In the same symbol variation, the first effect video is displayed in the predetermined display area, and then the third effect video is displayed, and the second effect has a higher expectation of winning a big hit than the first effect. The second production pattern that develops,
There is
In the first effect pattern, the image displayed at the end of the first effect movie and the image displayed at the beginning of the second effect movie are continuously visible, and the second effect In the pattern, the image displayed at the end of the first production video and the image displayed at the beginning of the third production video are continuously visible.
While the period length in which the first effect moving image is displayed in the first effect pattern and the period length in which the first effect moving image is displayed in the second effect pattern are the same, the first effect pattern is the same. The period length during which the second production video is displayed in one production pattern is longer than the period length during which the third production video is displayed in the second production pattern. A game machine to play.

Images