JP7427230B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

Conventionally, for example, in a pachinko game machine, which is one of the gaming machines, when a pachinko ball enters the starting prize opening, the symbols displayed on the image display device start to fluctuate, and after a certain period of time, the symbols are stopped and the stopped symbols are If the players line up in a specific combination, it will be a jackpot and the jackpot will be opened, allowing the player to win many pachinko balls. In addition, in order to keep players from getting bored, the pachinko machine uses various sounds such as sounds output from the speaker, images displayed on the display, and light from lamps installed in the frame while the symbols are changing or during jackpot games. A performance will be held.

Here, some players prefer performances using loud sounds and strong lights, while others do not like performances using loud sounds and strong lights. Therefore, conventionally, pachinko gaming machines have been configured to be able to change the output volume and the amount of light based on the player's operations. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-209202 describes a pachinko game machine that allows the player to adjust the volume output during performances by operating a volume adjustment button provided around the top plate. Disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-209202

In particular, when there are multiple types of parameters that can be changed by the player, such as volume and light intensity, the game machine of Patent Document 1 requires the player to perform an operation to change each parameter. . For example, if a player wishes to lower the volume and the amount of light compared to the current level, it is necessary to first lower the volume and then lower the amount of light.

As a result, in gaming machines that have a plurality of types of parameters that can be changed, there is a problem that as the number of types of operable parameters increases, the operational burden on the player to change the parameters increases proportionally.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and even when there are multiple types of parameters that can be changed, it is possible to reduce the operational burden on the player related to changing those parameters. The purpose is to provide gaming machines with

In order to achieve the above object, a first gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that is equipped with a plurality of types of parameters that can be changed by a player's operation, and includes an operating means that can be operated by the player, and and parameter adjusting means for collectively changing the plurality of types of parameters in response to the operation of the means, the parameter adjusting means changing the plurality of types of parameters every time the operation means is operated. When changing a predetermined step in a predetermined direction all at once, and if there is a parameter that has reached the upper limit that can be changed in the predetermined direction among the multiple types of parameters, only the parameters that have not reached the upper limit are targeted and the predetermined change is made. change the direction by a predetermined step .
Further, a second gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a plurality of types of parameters that can be changed by a player's operation, and includes an operating means that can be operated by the player, and a Correspondingly, the parameter adjusting means changes the plurality of types of parameters at once, and there are a plurality of the operating means, and the parameter adjusting means continuously operates the first operating means. Each time the second operating means is operated in a state where the user is in a state where the user is in a state where the user is in a state where the user is in a state in which the user operates the second operating means, the plurality of types of parameters are changed at once.
Furthermore, "changing multiple types of parameters at once" means that if multiple types of parameters are changed at once in response to player operations, the timing at which the multiple types of parameters change is not necessarily the same. There's no need to be.

According to the first and second gaming machines of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, even when there are multiple types of parameters that can be changed, the operational burden on the player related to changing those parameters is reduced, and the player This makes it possible for players to comfortably play games in their desired environment.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram showing a top view of the vicinity of a batted ball supply tray of the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of displays provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing in blocks the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing in blocks the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. It is a flowchart of the sub side main control process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is a flowchart of the 1ms timer interruption process which the production control microcomputer executes in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the 10ms timer interruption process which the production control microcomputer executes in the sub-side main control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the switch process which the production control microcomputer performs in the 10ms timer interruption process shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen when changing normal parameters. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen when changing parameters all at once. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how other parameters are changed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how other parameters are changed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how other parameters are changed.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, when describing the direction of each part of a pachinko game machine, the direction as seen from a player who plays a game while facing the pachinko game machine is used as a reference. Specifically, the horizontal and vertical directions of each part of the pachinko game machine are the horizontal and vertical directions as seen from the player. Further, the direction in which the player approaches the player is defined as the front, and the direction in which the player moves away from the player is defined as the back.

[Main components of pachinko machines]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 16. The gaming machine frame 16 is composed of, in order from the front side, a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown). The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a batted ball supply tray (also referred to as an upper tray) 24, an excess ball tray (also referred to as a lower tray) 25, a production button 9, a production lever 6, a speaker 8, and a left side lamp. 23a and a right side lamp 23b.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player playing a game facing the pachinko game machine 1 can grip it with his right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 4), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is disposed at a portion touched by the player's right hand holding the handle 4. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the firing strength of the game ball, and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. The firing stop button 4b is for stopping the firing of game balls when the game balls are being fired, and is provided at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand gripping the handle 4. A ball supply tray (also referred to as an upper tray) 24 is provided at the lower center of the front frame 18. The ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls to be supplied to the firing device 90 (FIG. 4). The batted ball supply tray 24 stores game balls put out from the rental ball payout device 80 (FIG. 4) and the prize ball payout device 400 (FIG. 4). A surplus ball tray (also referred to as a lower tray) 25 is provided below the batted ball supply tray 24 in the front frame 18 . The surplus ball tray 25 stores game balls exceeding the number of balls that can be stored in the batted ball supply tray 24.

The production button 9 is provided in a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper part of the batted ball supply tray 24. In other words, the production button 9 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press it with his right or left hand. In this embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on type button switch. The performance button 9 has a built-in performance button lamp 9c (FIG. 5) and a performance button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 5). The production button lamp 9c lights up or flashes when the production button 9 is pressed during a period in which the production button 9 is pressed. The surface of the effect button 9 is made of a translucent material, and is designed so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted by the effect button lamp 9c. The performance button vibration motor 9b vibrates the performance button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period in which the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is valid. In this embodiment, the production button lamp 9c is an LED.
The production button 9 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed production button 9 to the position before the pressing operation, and the production button 9 is released from the pressed state. When this happens, the restoring force of the elastic member restores the state before the pressing operation. When the player presses the performance button 9 while the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific performance that is performed in response to the operation of the performance button 9 will be referred to as a button performance.

Furthermore, in the front frame 18, around the batted ball supply tray 24, in addition to the above-mentioned performance button 9, various operating means that can be operated by the player are also arranged. Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a top view of the vicinity of the batted ball supply tray 24 of the pachinko game machine 1.

Around the batted ball supply tray 24 of the pachinko game machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a production button 9, a loan button 33, a return button 34, and a ball removal lever 35 as operation means that can be operated by the player. An operation button 36 and an expansion release button 37 are arranged.

Here, the lending button 33 is an operating means operated by the player when lending game balls, and the return button 34 is an operating means operated when ejecting a private card from the card unit.

Further, the ball removal lever 35 is an operating means that is operated when manually transferring the pachinko balls stored in the ball supply tray 24 to the surplus ball tray 25.

In addition, the operation button 36 is composed of, for example, a cross key for giving up, down, left, and right directions, and is used when inputting a password on the password input screen displayed on the effect display device 7, or when inputting a password on the password input screen displayed on the effect display device 7. It is operated when performing setting operations on the setting screen. In the present embodiment, it is also operated particularly when changing parameters that can be changed by a player's operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The parameters that can be changed by the player's operations are the "volume" of the sound output from the speaker 8 and the "light amount" of the backlight of the effect display device 7, but other parameters (for example, the light of the frame lamp) The parameters that can be changed may include the intensity, the type of BGM to be output, the selection of characters used for the performance, the strength of the vibration of the buttons, the presence or absence of movement of the accessories, etc. Details of the parameter changing operation will be described later. Note that an operation lever or a touch panel may be used as the operation button 36.

On the other hand, the deployment release button 37 is operated to cancel the deformation of the large accessory (return to the initial state), especially when the large accessory is provided on the front frame 18. The large accessory is placed near the upper edge of the front frame 18, and deforms, for example, when moving to a highly reliable reach or when moving to a high probability gaming state, resulting in a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. Inform people around you of something. However, since the deformed large accessory obstructs the player's upward view, the player can release the transformation of the accessory by operating the expansion release button 37 if necessary. . Note that the operation button 36 and the deployment release button 37 do not necessarily need to be provided around the batted ball supply tray 24, and may be located at other positions as long as they can be operated by the player.

Further, a production lever 6 is provided on the left side of the surplus ball receiving tray 25 in the front frame 18, that is, near the lower left end of the front frame 18. In other words, the production lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with his left hand. That is, the production lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with his left hand, and the production button 9 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with his left hand. It is provided in a position where it can be pressed and operated with the right hand when the production lever 6 is being operated.
The production lever 6 is formed into a rod shape that can be grasped with the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as well as pushed backward. Further, the production lever 6 is provided with a production lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 5). The production lever vibration motor 6d vibrates the production lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period when the production lever 6 is valid for operation. When a player operates the performance lever 6 while the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific performance that is performed in response to the operation of the performance lever 6 will be referred to as a lever performance.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. A portion of the front frame 18 in which the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are provided has translucency, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED can emit light in a plurality of colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and further changes the color of the emitted light. The speakers 8 are provided at the left and right corners of the upper part of the front frame 18, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the contents of the performance.

Further, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and an effect display device 7. The game board 2 is placed approximately at the center of the game board 2, that is, at a position approximately directly facing the player's face. The effect display device 7 is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from approximately the center of the game board 2. The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a big winning device 30, a gate 12, a normal variable winning device (also referred to as an electric chew) 20, a general winning opening 13, displays 50, and a center decoration 14. and a rail member 17.

A game area 3 is formed on the surface of the game board 2, in which game balls flow down (roll). The game area 3 has a left game area 3a formed on the left side of the screen of the effect display device 7, and a right game area 3b formed on the right side of the screen of the effect display device 7. A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the surface of the game board 2 to change the direction in which the game ball flows down. The front of the board surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. Although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at multiple locations on the game board 2. These LEDs are collectively referred to as panel lamps (indicated by reference numeral 2a in FIG. 5). Each LED constituting the panel lamp 2a is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and further changes the emitted color. That is, the pachinko game machine 1 lights or blinks the left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, and board lamp 2a according to the performance content during game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8.

The fixed prize winning device 10 is arranged at the lower center of the game board 2. The fixed prize winning device 10 has a first starting opening 11 through which game balls can be won one by one. The first starting port 11 is always open, and the probability that a game ball enters the first starting port 11 does not substantially change. The gate 12 is disposed in the right gaming area 3b, and is configured to allow game balls flowing down the right gaming area 3b to pass through. The normal variable winning device 20 is arranged below the gate 12 in the right gaming area 3b. The normal variable winning device 20 includes a movable member (electric tulip) 21. The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable with its base end as a rotation axis, and when the movable member 21 opens and closes, the second starting port 22 opens and closes. When the movable member 21 is opened, the second starting port 22 is opened, and the game balls are easily placed into the second starting port 22 one by one. Further, when the movable member 21 is operated to close, the second starting port 22 is closed, and the game ball is in a state where it is not possible to win a prize in the second starting port 22.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning device 20 is normally placed on the right side of the gaming area 3, but it may be placed on the lower side of the gaming area 3.

The big winning device 30 is arranged on the right side of the fixed winning device 10 on the game board 2. The grand prize winning device 30 includes an opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes the grand prize opening 32. The grand prize opening 32 is formed in a size that allows a plurality of game balls to win prizes (enter balls). In this embodiment, the opening/closing member 31 is formed in a plate shape long in the left-right direction, and is configured to be rotatable using the left and right lower ends as rotation axes.

The display devices 50 are provided outside the game area 3 on the game board 2 and below the big winning device 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display 51 that variably displays a first special symbol (also referred to as a first special symbol), and a second special symbol (also referred to as a second special symbol). It is provided with a second special symbol display 52 that variably displays a normal symbol, and a normal symbol display 53 that variably displays an ordinary symbol (also referred to as a general symbol). Further, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display device 51a that displays the number of memory pending operations on the first special symbol display 51, and a second special symbol display device 52 that displays the number of memory memory on pending operations. It is provided with a second special symbol reservation display 52a and a regular symbol reservation display 53a that displays the number of stored operation reservations of the regular symbol display 53. Hereinafter, when explaining matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, they will simply be referred to as special symbols. Moreover, when explaining matters common to the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52, they are simply referred to as special symbol displays.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 each include four LEDs. A lit LED (□) and an extinguished LED (■) each represent a special symbol, and a state where the LED lighting points flow in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents a variable display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts to be displayed in a variable manner until the special symbol is finally displayed will be referred to as a special symbol variation pattern.
Further, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. A lit LED (□) and an unlit LED (■) represent a normal symbol, and a state in which each LED is alternately lit represents a fluctuating display of the regular symbol. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 12, a normal symbol lottery is executed to determine whether or not it is a hit, and the normal symbol display 53 variably displays the normal symbols. Then, the normal symbol display 53 definitively displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol confirmed and displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the normal variable winning device 20 is activated, the movable member 21 is opened and closed, and the second starting port 22 is opened and closed.

When the game ball enters the first starting hole 11, a jackpot determination (also referred to as a jackpot lottery) is executed to determine whether or not it is a jackpot, and the first special symbol display 51 variably displays the first special symbol. Then, the first special symbol display 51 definitively displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since starting the variable display of the first special symbol. Here, if the confirmed and displayed first special symbol is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot will occur, the grand prize device 30 will operate, the opening/closing member 31 will open/close, and the grand prize opening 32 will open/close. do. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is variably displaying the first special symbol, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 is triggered by the winning. The stored number indicating the number of operation reservations is displayed by the first special figure reservation display 51a. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation pendings on the first special symbol display 51 will be referred to as the first special symbol pending number.

Furthermore, when the game ball enters the second starting slot 22, a jackpot determination (also referred to as a jackpot lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the second special symbol, the second special symbol display 52 definitively displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination. Here, if the confirmed and displayed second special symbol is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot will occur, the grand prize device 30 will operate, the opening/closing member 31 will open/close, and the grand prize opening 32 will open/close. do. When a game ball enters the second starting hole 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is variably displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 is triggered by the winning. The stored number indicating the number of operation reservations is displayed by the second special figure reservation display 52a. Hereinafter, the number of stored operation pending operations on the second special symbol display 52 will be referred to as the second special symbol pending number. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, they are simply referred to as the special figure reservation number.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display device starts to display a variable display of the special symbol until it finally displays the special symbol will be referred to as one variation of the special symbol. Also, the fact that the number of reserved special symbols decreases by one each time the special symbol is changed is called the consumption of the number of reserved special symbols. In addition, the period required from when the big winning hole opens until it closes is called the opening period of the big winning hole, and the period from when the big winning hole opens until it opens next time is called a round. Furthermore, the game from the start of the first round until the end of the final round is called a jackpot game. Furthermore, if the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot is determined by lottery. Depending on the type of jackpot, the opening period of the jackpot and the maximum number of rounds that can be executed vary.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a normal probability (hereinafter referred to as normal probability) and a probability higher than the normal probability (hereinafter referred to as high probability) as the probability of being judged as a jackpot in jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability). is set. Hereinafter, a gaming state in which the jackpot probability is set to a normal probability will be referred to as a normal probability state, and a gaming state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability will be referred to as a high probability state. Incidentally, which of the above-mentioned high probability state and normal probability state to shift to is basically determined by a lottery at the time of a jackpot. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a model called a so-called fixed-rate machine.

The general winning hole 13 is arranged on the left side of the fixed winning device 10 on the game board 2. The rail member 17 is arranged along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides the game ball fired by the firing device 90 (FIG. 4) to the game area 3. An out port 19 is opened in the center of the lower part of the game board 2 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere. The center decoration body 14 is arranged at the upper part of the game board 2. The center decoration body 14 has a translucent property, and a plurality of LEDs that light up or blink depending on the content of the performance are provided inside the center decoration body 14.
Further, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a movable body 15. The movable body 15 is arranged behind the center decorative body 14. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is substantially hidden behind the center decorative body 14. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing depending on the content of the performance, and is displaced to a state where it can be visually recognized by the player.

The effect display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as effect images, message images, and demonstration images. The player plays the game while viewing these images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1. The performance display device 7 variably displays a performance (decoration) pattern as a performance image in synchronization with the variable display of the special pattern. In this embodiment, the performance symbols are symbols representing arithmetic numbers from 1 to 10. Note that the production symbols may include symbols representing things other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, or may be combined with symbols representing things other than numbers. In this embodiment, as areas where the performance display device 7 variably displays performance symbols, a left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol display area are set in order from the left. A left performance symbol 9L is variably displayed in the left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol 9C is variably displayed in the middle performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol 9R is displayed in the right performance symbol display area. Hereinafter, when explaining matters common to the left performance symbol display area, the middle performance symbol display area, and the right performance symbol display area, they will simply be referred to as the performance symbol display area.

In this embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each production symbol is a variation pattern in which the numbers represented by the production symbols move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern in which they scroll vertically. It is. As the variation pattern, it is also possible to use a horizontal scrolling method in which the effect symbols move from one side of the screen to the other, a method in which the effect symbols are sequentially displayed in ascending numerical order at the same display position, and the like. Further, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as a effect image in the background of each effect pattern. For example, the background image may be a moving image of a TV drama or a movie, an animated moving image of the moving image, an animation, a moving image original to a pachinko game machine manufacturer, or the like. In this embodiment, the effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. Note that as the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using dot matrix LEDs, etc. can also be used.
The performance display device 7 displays each performance symbol in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, and at the same time as the special symbol is confirmed and displayed, each performance symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the jackpot determination result is displayed. Here, the fixed display is a stopped display state in which the performance symbols are completely stopped without shaking up and down or changing again.

Hereinafter, a performance pattern representing that the result of the jackpot determination was a jackpot will be referred to as a jackpot performance pattern, and a performance pattern representing that the result of the jackpot determination was a loss will be referred to as a loss performance pattern. In this embodiment, the jackpot effect design is a state in which each effect pattern represents the same number, that is, a so-called aligned state. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the left effect pattern 9L, middle effect pattern 9C, and right effect pattern 9R, which have been confirmed and displayed, are in a state where they are all "7", respectively. In addition, the losing effect design is a state in which each of the effect patterns represents the same number and is not aligned, that is, a pattern in which the numbers are not aligned. For example, the confirmed left effect pattern 9L is "7", the middle effect pattern 9C is "6", and the right effect pattern 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the performance symbols displayed in a variable manner by the performance display device 7 in synchronization with the special symbols will be referred to as a performance symbol variation pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the performance symbol variation pattern will be referred to as a background image. The background image is a still image or a moving image.

The production symbol variation pattern is displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol variation pattern, and when the operation of the special symbol display device is suspended, the operation of the production display device 7 is also suspended. In other words, the number of pending operations on the special symbol display and the number of pending operations on the performance display device 7 match. In addition, the number of pending operations on the production display device 7 corresponding to the number of reserved special symbols and the number of pending operations on the production display device 7 corresponding to the second number of special symbols pending are displayed on the production display device 7 by a pending image. Ru. Therefore, by counting the number of pending images displayed on the effect display device 7, the player can know the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols, as well as the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved special symbols. It is possible to know the number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 due to the number of second special symbols pending. Incidentally, the number of pending operations on the performance display device 7 may be notified to the player using a lamp or the like around the performance display device 7 without being displayed on the performance display device 7.

In addition to notifying the results of the jackpot determination based on the above-mentioned performance symbols, the pachinko gaming machine 1 also notifies the background image displayed on the performance display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, and the The results of the jackpot determination are announced using a combination of actions and the like. Specifically, various performances such as preview performances and reach performances fall under this category.

[Main electrical configuration of pachinko gaming machines]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 60 (FIG. 4), a payout control board 73 (FIG. 4), a sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5), an image control board 200 (FIG. 5), and a lamp control board 79. (FIG. 5) and a voice control board 78 (FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for game control) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input/output circuit 65. The CPU 62 executes winning detection, jackpot determination, updating various random numbers, and the like. The ROM 63 stores various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table Ta1, a jackpot type determination table Ta2, a reach determination table Ta3, and a special figure fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lotteries), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variable pattern random numbers.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special symbol reservation storage section 64a, a second special symbol reservation storage section 64b, and a regular symbol reservation storage section 64c. The first special figure reservation storage section 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. In other words, the maximum number of reserved first special symbols that can be stored is four. Each storage area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball entering the first starting slot 11 (FIG. 1). Ru. If the game ball enters the first starting slot 11 (Fig. 1) while the first special symbol display 51 (Fig. 3) is variably displaying the first special symbol, the first special The fluctuating display of symbols is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random numbers etc. acquired due to the winning are stored in the first special symbol suspension storage section 64a.

On the other hand, the second special figure reservation storage section 64b includes first to fourth storage areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbols that can be stored is four. Each storage area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball entering the second starting slot 22 (FIG. 1). Ru. When the game ball enters the second starting slot 22 (Fig. 1) while the second special symbol display 52 (Fig. 3) is variably displaying the second special symbol, the second special symbol due to the winning occurs. The fluctuating display of symbols is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number etc. acquired due to the winning are stored in the second special symbol suspension storage section 64b.

The jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in order from the first storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage section 64a and the second special figure reservation storage section 64b in the order of occurrence of operation reservation, that is, the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61. Therefore, if jackpot random numbers etc. are stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers etc. stored in the fourth storage area are the latest information in terms of time, and are stored in the first storage area. The oldest information in terms of time is the jackpot random numbers. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the older storage order each time the variable display of the special symbol is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. Further, the determination (lottery) based on the jackpot random numbers etc. stored in the first storage area is executed after the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display ends and before the next variable display begins.

The normal pattern holding storage unit 64c (FIG. 4) stores the normal winning random number (determines whether or not the normal pattern is a winning pattern) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (FIG. 1). (Random numbers for drawing lots) are stored. When a game ball passes through the gate 12 while the normal symbol display 53 is variably displaying a normal symbol, the operation of the normal symbol display 53 due to its passage is temporarily suspended (operation pending), The normal winning random number obtained due to this is stored in the normal pattern reservation storage section 64c. The suspended fluctuating display of the normal symbols is performed after the currently being fluctuating display of the regular symbols ends. In this embodiment, the normal symbol reservation storage section 64c has a storage area for holding a total of 4 pieces, and the maximum number of stored operation pending pieces of the normal symbol display 53 is 4 pieces. Hereinafter, the number of stored normal symbol display units 53 for pending operation will be referred to as the number of pending symbols for normal symbols.

Further, a RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60. When the pachinko game machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) of the sub control board 100. In addition, displays 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 . Furthermore, the main control board 60 includes a first starting port sensor 11a, a second starting port sensor 22a, a gate sensor 12a, a big winning port sensor 32a, and a general winning port sensor 13a via a relay board 74. The electric chew solenoid 20a and the big prize opening solenoid 30a are electrically connected.

The first starting port sensor 11a is provided directly below the first starting port 11 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first starting port 11 to the main control board 60. The second starting port sensor 22a is provided directly below the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second starting port 22 to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the passage area of the game ball in the gate 12 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 to the main control board 60. The big winning hole sensor 32a is provided directly below the big winning hole 32 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the big winning hole 32 to the main control board 60. The general winning hole sensor 13a is provided directly below the general winning hole 13 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has entered the general winning hole 13 to the main control board 60.

The electric chew solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The big prize opening solenoid 30a opens and closes the opening/closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the big winning device 30.
Further, a rental ball payout device 80, a card unit 76, and a prize ball payout device 400 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and performs reading and writing of the balance on the prepaid card. The ball lending device 80 includes a ball lending motor 81 and a ball lending sensor 82. The ball lending motor 81 drives a member that puts out game balls as rental balls, and the ball lending sensor 82 sends a signal indicating that a game ball has been put out by the member to the main control board via the putting out control board 73. Output to 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of rental balls put out by the rental ball payout device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the ball lending button (not shown) is operated when the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 76 has a balance greater than the minimum payout balance recorded, the ball lending device 80 is activated. A minimum unit number of rental balls is delivered to the batted ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a member that puts out game balls as prize balls, and the prize ball sensor 402 sends a signal indicating that a game ball has been put out by the member to the main control board via the payout control board 73. Output to 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls put out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.
Further, a firing device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a firing control circuit 75. The firing device 90 includes a firing motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a firing volume 93. The firing motor 91 drives a hitting mallet (not shown) that hits and fires a game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The firing volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the hammer hits the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the firing lever 4a (FIG. 1).

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies power via the payout control board 73 to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies power from the main control board 60 via the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 . Further, the power supply board 70 supplies power to the display devices 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60 .
A backup power supply circuit 71 is provided on the power supply board 70 . The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 for turning on and off a main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70 .

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5). Although the main control board 60 can send commands to the sub control board 100, the sub control board 100 cannot send commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is unidirectional communication in which only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 5, a one-chip microcomputer for performance control (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for performance control) 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The production control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input/output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls the performance along with the game. The ROM 110 stores various tables such as an effect selection table Ta5 in addition to a computer program for the CPU 102 to control effects. RAM 120 is used as a work memory when CPU 102 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special symbol pending performance storage section 121, a second special symbol pending performance storage section 122, and a variation performance storage section 123. Note that the production control microcomputer 101 is an example of a control means of the present invention.

The first special figure pending performance storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the first start winning command etc. output from the main control board 60. . The first starting winning command is a command that includes a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variable pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball enters the first starting slot 11.
On the other hand, the second special figure reservation performance storage unit 122 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the second start winning command etc. output from the main control board 60. Remember. The second starting winning command is a command that includes a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a fluctuation pattern random number, and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball enters the second starting slot 22.
The variation performance storage unit 123 stores a first start winning command or a second start winning command used for the variation of the variation performance pattern.
The input/output circuit 103 transmits or receives data with each board connected to the sub-control board 100.

An image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The image control board 200 includes an image control CPU 202, a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. has been implemented. The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, a lever effect image, and a preview image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes a computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display effect images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 in accordance with a display list created by the image control CPU 202, and develops the read image data in a development area in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 combines the image data developed in the VRAM 206 and stores the combined image data in a frame buffer in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the effect display device 7. Thereby, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image. The CGROM 205 is an example of the effect storage means of the present invention.

A left side lamp 23a, a right side lamp 23b, and a panel lamp 2a are electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via a lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. Note that the left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, board lamp 2a, presentation button lamp, and lamp control board 79 are examples of presentation means of the present invention.
The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77 . A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. . The production control microcomputer 101 creates motion pattern data for determining the motion pattern of the movable body 15 using data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the motion pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 that has received the operation pattern data drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 according to the operation pattern, thereby controlling the operation of the movable body 15.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via an audio control board 78. The voice control board 78 is equipped with a voice control CPU (not shown), a voice data ROM (not shown), a voice synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). . The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The audio control CPU reads audio data from the audio data ROM based on commands received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read audio data to the audio synthesis circuit. The voice synthesis circuit synthesizes input voice data, converts the synthesized voice data into an analog voice signal, and outputs the analog voice signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs the sound indicated by the input audio signal.

In addition, the sub-control board 100 includes a production button detection switch 9a, an operation button detection switch 36a, a deployment release button detection switch 37a, a production lever push detection switch 6g, a production lever rotation detection switch 6h, and a production button vibration The motor 9b and the production lever vibration motor 6d are electrically connected. The performance button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the performance button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the performance control microcomputer 101 detects the button performance based on the signal input from the performance button detection switch 9a. Execute. The production lever push detection switch 6g outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101, based on the signal input from the production lever push detection switch 6g, A lever performance to be performed when a performance lever 6 is pushed is executed. The production lever rotation detection switch 6h outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101, based on the signal input from the production lever rotation detection switch 6h, A lever performance performed when a performance lever 6 is rotated is executed.

The performance button vibration motor 9b is a member that vibrates the performance button 9, and is housed inside the performance button 9. The production lever vibration motor 6d is a member that vibrates the production lever 6, and is provided at a portion in contact with the production lever 6 or inside the production lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the production button vibration motor 9b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the production lever vibration motor 6d. The performance control microcomputer 101 reads operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance button 9 comes, and drives and controls the performance button vibration motor 9b based on the read operation pattern data. Further, the production control microcomputer 101 reads operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the production timing for vibrating the production lever 6 comes, and drives and controls the production lever vibration motor 6d based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of gaming status]
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained. The special symbol display device and the normal symbol display device 53 of the pachinko game machine 1 are each provided with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. A state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display is activated is referred to as a "high probability state," and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "normal probability state (non-high probability state)." In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state.
In addition, a state in which the variable time reduction function of the special symbol display is activated is referred to as a "time reduction state", and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "non-time reduction state". In the time saving state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time required from the start of the variable display to the final display) is shorter than in the non-time saving state.

The probability variation function and variation time reduction function of the special symbol display may operate at the same time, or only one may operate. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display. That is, the probability variation function and variation time reduction function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time saving state and do not operate in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of being determined to be a hit in the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, when the probability variation function of the normal symbol display 53 is activated, compared to when it is not activated, the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal winning symbol (determined as a win in the normal symbol lottery). The probability of becoming a normal symbol indicating that it has been done is high.

In addition, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. For example, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 10 seconds in the non-time saving state, but it is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the open time of the normal variable prize winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the open time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is operating. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal variable winning device 20 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the function of increasing the number of openings of the normal variable winning device 20 is operating. The auxiliary game is a game in which the second starting port 22 is opened and closed in an opening pattern according to the current game state when the confirmed and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol.

In a situation where the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, if these functions are not operating. Compared to this, the variable winning device 20 is normally opened frequently, and game balls enter the second starting port 22 frequently. As a result, the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls increases, so the player can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has. In addition, in this way, under the situation where the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning prize is activated. The control that supports winning to the second starting port 22 by the device 20 is called electric support control.
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state after the jackpot game after winning in a variable probability jackpot described later is a high-probability state and a time-saving state in which electric support control is performed. This gaming state ends once a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed, and if the jackpot won is again a probability variable jackpot, the high probability state is restarted.

In addition, when a normal jackpot is won, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is an electric support control and a normal probability state and a time saving state. This gaming state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.
When playing the pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state, with no electric support control being performed.

[Main processing of the game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the sub-side main control process executed by the production control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 5) will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Sub-side main control processing)
The sub-side main control process executed by the production control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 5) will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 showing it.
First, the production control microcomputer 101 executes initial settings (S100). This initial setting includes, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU 102 (Figure 5) settings, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer), etc. Circuit: Sets the circuit (circuit for managing interrupt time) and resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) are normal (S101), and if the negative determination is made here ( S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized (S102), and the process proceeds to S103. Further, if an affirmative determination is made in S101 (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S103 without initializing the RAM 120. In other words, if the power-off signal is not turned on, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is turned on (S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized, but due to a power outage, etc. When the power-off signal is turned ON but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normally (S101: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that when the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Further, S100 to S102 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 disables interruptions (S103) and executes random number update processing (S104). In this random number updating process, the initial values of various performance determining random number counters are updated. Note that the random numbers for performance determination include a variable performance pattern random number for determining a variable performance pattern, a preview performance random number for determining various preview performances, and the like. The random number updating method can be the same as the random number updating process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes a command transmission process (S105). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the production control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the audio control board 78, the lamp control board 79, etc. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes interrupt permission (S106). Thereafter, S103 to S106 are repeatedly executed. Furthermore, while interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S107), 1ms timer interrupt processing (S108), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S109) can be executed.

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S107 in FIG. 6) executed by the production control microcomputer 101 will be explained.
The production control microcomputer 101 determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) applied from the main control board 60 (FIG. 4) to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the production control microcomputer 101 has changed. In other words, it is determined whether it is the timing to receive the command. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high level to low level. If it is determined that it is not the timing to receive, the reception interrupt process is finished, and if it is determined that it is the timing to receive, it receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 60, The received various commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S108, S109).

(1ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108 in FIG. 6) executed by the production control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 showing it.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 1ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse of 1ms period is input to the sub-control board 100. The production control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S110). In this input process, based on detection signals from the production button detection switch 9a, the operation button detection switch 36a, the deployment release button detection switch 37a, the production lever push detection switch 6g, and the production lever rotation detection switch 6h (FIG. 5), Create switch data (edge data and level data) indicating that the switch is turned on. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S111). In this output process, for example, a variation start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) is output to the image control board 200.

In addition, in order to cause the board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b (FIG. 5) to emit light in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7, lamp processing in the 10ms timer interrupt processing (S123 in FIG. 8) to be described later is performed. The lamp data created in the above steps is output to the lamp control board 79 (FIG. 5). That is, the panel lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Further, in order to drive the movable body 15 (FIG. 5) in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7, drive data (data for driving the movable body 15) is created, and the created drive data is output. That is, the movable body 15 is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command has been output (S112). The variation start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) and output to the image control board 200 in S111. Here, if the production control microcomputer 101 determines that the variation start command has been output (S112: Yes), it starts measuring the variation time of the variation production pattern (S113). Subsequently, watchdog timer processing is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S114), and this 1ms timer interrupt processing is ended.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10ms timer interrupt process (S109 in FIG. 6) executed by the production control microcomputer 101 will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 showing it.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 10ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse of 10msec period is input to the sub-control board 100. The production control microcomputer 101 first executes a received command analysis process (S120). Based on each command transmitted from the main control board 60 (FIG. 4), processing corresponding to the transmitted command is executed. For example, when a command indicating the current gaming state (normal probability state, high probability state, time saving state or non-time saving state) is transmitted, a flag indicating the current gaming state is set. Furthermore, when a jackpot game start command is transmitted, a performance corresponding to the jackpot game is started. Further, when a command to end the jackpot game is transmitted, a performance indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed, and thereafter, a fluctuating performance of symbols corresponding to the current game state is started. Next, switch state acquisition processing is executed (S121). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process for the 1ms timer interrupt process (S110 in FIG. 7) is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt process. Next, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, that is, the operation of each operating means of the production button 9, operation button 36, deployment release button 37, and production lever 6, the switch described below performs various corresponding processes. Processing is executed (S122). Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes lamp processing (S123). This lamp processing includes the creation of lamp data for controlling the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) according to the display on the effect display device 7, time management of light emission effects, etc. I do. Thereby, each lamp performs a light emitting effect that matches the display on the effect display device 7.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes audio control processing (S124). In this audio control process, audio control data (data for controlling audio output from each speaker 8) is created, the created audio control data is output to the audio control board 78 (FIG. 5), and audio production is performed. Perform time management, etc. Thereby, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S125) and ends this 10ms timer interrupt processing. In other processing (S125), processing such as updating a variable performance pattern random number, a preview performance random number for determining a preview performance, etc. is executed.

(switch processing)
Next, the switch process (S122 in FIG. 8) executed by the production control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 showing it.
First, in S130, the performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an operation for changing parameters of the pachinko game machine 1 has been received, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S121). Specifically, when the cross key of the operation button 36 is operated, it is determined that an operation for changing the parameters of the pachinko game machine 1 has been received. In this embodiment, there are two types of parameters that can be changed by the player's operations: the "volume" of the sound output from the speaker 8 and the "light amount" of the backlight of the effect display device 7.

If it is determined that an operation for changing the parameters of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been received (S130: Yes), the process moves to S132. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation for changing the parameters of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has not been accepted (S130: No), the process moves to S131.

In S131, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes various processes corresponding to the operated button. For example, if the performance lever 6 or the performance button 9 is operated in the pachinko game machine 1 when a performance is performed that involves the operation of the performance lever 6 or the performance button 9, the performance lever 6 or the performance button 9 is operated. The content of the performance displayed on the performance display device 7 is updated accordingly. Further, when the performance button 9 is operated when the demonstration screen is displayed on the pachinko game machine 1, a menu screen for making various settings of the pachinko game machine 1 is displayed on the performance display device 7. Further, when the deployment release button 37 is operated when the large accessory installed on the front frame 18 is in a deformed state, the deformation of the accessory is canceled and returned to the initial state.

On the other hand, in S132, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an operation for changing the parameters of the pachinko game machine 1 has been received while a specific button has been operated. The specific button is the effect button 9 or the release release button 37. That is, in S132, it is determined whether or not the cross key of the operation button 36 is pressed while the production button 9 or the release release button 37 is pressed. However, the specific button may be other than the production button 9 or the release release button 37 as long as it is an operating means that can be operated by the player. For example, in S132, it may be determined whether or not the cross key of the operation button 36 is pressed while the production lever 6 is pressed or turned.

If it is determined that an operation for changing the parameters of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been received while a specific button is being operated (S132: Yes), the process moves to S134. On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation for changing the parameters of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been received while a specific button is not being operated (S132: No), the process moves to S133.

In S133, the performance control microcomputer 101 performs normal parameter change processing. In addition, in this embodiment, when an operation for changing a parameter is accepted, it does not matter what state the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in (symbols are changing, symbols are not changing, jackpot game, etc.). Although the parameter changing process is also performed, the parameter changing process may be performed only in a specific state (for example, a state where the symbol is not changing).

In the normal parameter changing process in S133, as shown in FIG. is displayed, and one of the parameters is increased or decreased depending on the direction in which the cross key is operated. For example, when the upper part of the cross key is pressed, the volume is increased by "1" from the current value. When the lower part of the cross key is pressed, the volume is decreased by "1" from the current value. When the right side of the cross key is pressed, the light amount is increased by "1" from the current value. When the left side of the cross key is pressed, the light amount is decreased by "1" from the current value. Further, a selection icon 213 is displayed next to the volume bar 211 or the light amount bar 212, indicating the parameter currently being changed. For example, the example shown in FIG. 10 shows a case where the top of the cross key is pressed continuously from a state where the volume is "5", and each time the top of the cross key is pressed, the volume changes to "6" and "7". ” and increases by 1. In this embodiment, each parameter of volume and light amount can be set in 10 steps, with the minimum value being "1" and the maximum value being "10". Therefore, the player can arbitrarily set the volume and light amount between "1" and "10" according to the operation of the operation button 36.

On the other hand, in S134, the performance control microcomputer 101 performs batch change processing of multiple types of parameters. In the batch change process for multiple types of parameters in S134, as shown in FIG. , a volume bar 211 and a light amount bar 212 are displayed on the effect display device 7, and each parameter is increased by "1" from its current value. Then, when the right or top of the cross key is pressed further, each parameter is increased by "1" according to the number of times the cross key is pressed. On the other hand, when the left or the bottom of the cross key of the operation button 36 is pressed while the production button 9 or the expansion release button 37 is operated, each parameter is decreased by "1" from the current value. Then, when the left or lower side of the cross key is pressed further, each parameter is decreased by "1" according to the number of times the cross key is pressed.

That is, in S134, even if the same operation button 36 as in the normal parameter change process of S133 is operated, on the condition that the production button 9 or the development release button 37 is further operated. The number of parameters to be changed will be changed from one type to multiple types. On the other hand, the direction of change is the same (upward and rightward, upward direction, downward and leftward downward direction). Note that FIG. 11 shows a change mode when the initial values of the parameters of volume and light amount are "5".

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 11, each parameter is increased or decreased by "1" depending on the number of times the operation button 36 is pressed, but the amount of parameters changed for each operation can be changed as appropriate. It is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, each parameter may be increased or decreased by "2" depending on the number of times the operation button 36 is pressed.

Further, in this embodiment, each parameter of volume and light amount can be set in 10 steps, with the minimum value being "1" and the maximum value being "10". Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, if any parameter reaches the maximum or minimum value in the process of changing parameters, but the other parameters have not reached the maximum or minimum value, the maximum or minimum value will be changed thereafter. Only parameters whose values have not been reached are subject to change.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the amount of the parameter to be changed when the operation button 36 is pressed is set to the same value among the plurality of types of parameters, but it may be set to different values. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, one parameter may be increased or decreased by "1" and the other parameter may be increased or decreased by "2" depending on the number of times the operation button 36 is pressed.

In addition, when changing multiple types of parameters at once in S134, the changing direction is the same for the multiple types of parameters, ``a direction that emphasizes the performance performed on the gaming machine'' and a ``direction that emphasizes the effect performed on the gaming machine''. The direction specified by the player is selected from among the "directions that further suppress the performance." That is, players who generally lower the volume are players who prefer to keep the performance more subdued, and therefore often prefer to lower the amount of light as well. On the other hand, players who generally increase the volume are players who like to emphasize the performance more, so they often also like to increase the amount of light. Therefore, in this embodiment, the direction is changed to the direction corresponding to the operating direction of the operation button 36, of the first direction in which the volume is increased and the light intensity is increased, and the second direction is in which the volume is decreased and the light intensity is decreased. As a result, compared to the above-mentioned normal parameter changing process (S133), the operational burden on the player is reduced, and it becomes possible to quickly and easily allow the player to comfortably play the game in the environment desired by the player. .

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction in which the parameters are to be changed is selected from the first direction and the second direction by the player's operation (specifically, the direction in which the user operates the cross key of the operation button 36). However, the direction in which the parameters are changed may be selected by the gaming machine based on the player's gaming history. That is, if the player's past game history indicates that the player has played the game with a lower volume or light intensity than the average, the volume and light intensity are changed in the second direction. On the other hand, if the past game history of the player is such that the game is played with a higher volume or light intensity than the average, the volume and light intensity are changed in the first direction.

[Effects of embodiment]
(1) If the pachinko game machine 1 of the embodiment described above is implemented, it will be a game machine that is equipped with a plurality of types of parameters that can be changed by the player's operations, and includes an operation means that can be operated by the player, and the operation device that can be operated by the player. and parameter adjustment means for collectively changing the plurality of types of parameters in response to the operation of the means. As a result, even when there are a plurality of types of parameters that can be changed, it is possible to reduce the operational burden on the player in changing these parameters, and to allow the player to comfortably play the game in the environment desired by the player.
(2) Further, the parameter adjusting means collectively changes the plurality of types of parameters by a predetermined step in a predetermined direction each time the operating means is operated. As a result, even when there are multiple types of parameters that can be changed, it is possible to change them all at once in the same direction as desired by the player, reducing the operational burden on the player when changing parameters. let
(3) Further, the predetermined direction includes a direction that further emphasizes the performance performed on the gaming machine and a direction that further suppresses the performance performed on the gaming machine, and the parameter adjustment means adjusts the performance based on the player's operation. The plurality of types of parameters are collectively changed in the selected direction. As a result, for players who prefer to see the effects more muted, it is possible to change multiple types of parameters at once to further suppress the effects, while for players who prefer to emphasize the effects more. , multiple types of parameters can be changed at once to further emphasize the effect. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player to quickly and easily play the game comfortably in an environment desired by the player.
(4) In addition, when there is a parameter among the plurality of types of parameters that has reached an upper limit that can be changed in a predetermined direction, the parameter adjustment means targets only the parameters that have not reached the upper limit and adjusts the parameter to a predetermined value. change the direction by a predetermined step. As a result, multiple types of parameters can be appropriately changed at once within the changeable range of parameters.
(5) The plurality of types of parameters include the volume of sound output from the gaming machine and the amount of light output from the gaming machine. As a result, the operational burden on the player related to changing the parameters of the volume of the sound output from the gaming machine and the amount of light output from the gaming machine is reduced, allowing the player to comfortably play the game in the environment desired by the player. It becomes possible to perform the following.
(6) Furthermore, the parameter adjusting means raises or lowers the volume and the light amount all at once in response to the operation of the operating means. As a result, the volume of the sound output from the gaming machine and the amount of light output from the gaming machine can be lowered at the same time for players who prefer less visual effects. This makes it possible for players who prefer to emphasize the performance to increase the volume and the amount of light all at once.
(7) In addition, there are a plurality of said operating means, and said parameter adjusting means adjusts said plurality of types each time said second operating means is operated while said first operating means is being continuously operated. Change parameters all at once. As a result, it becomes possible for players who wish to change parameters all at once to perform operations for changing parameters all at once while using existing operation means.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the embodiment described above, the parameters that can be changed by the player's operations in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are the "volume" of the sound output from the speaker 8 and the "light intensity" of the backlight of the effect display device 7. However, other parameters (for example, the intensity of the light of the frame lamp, the type of BGM to be output, the selection of characters used for the production, the strength of the vibration of the buttons, whether or not the characters move, etc.) can also be changed. May be included. Further, three or more types of changeable parameters may be provided.
(2) Furthermore, when a parameter change operation by a player is accepted, the current parameter value is displayed on the effect display device 7; It is also possible to perform the parameter change processing without any modification.
(3) The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines, for example, reel-type gaming machines (also referred to as slot machines or pachi-slots). When the present invention is applied to a reel-type gaming machine, it becomes possible to collectively change a plurality of types of parameters that can be changed in the reel-type gaming machine in response to the operation of the operating means.

1 Pachinko gaming machine 2a Board lamp 7 Performance display device 8 Speaker 23a Left side lamp 23b Right side lamp 78 Audio control board 79 Lamp control board 101 Performance control microcomputer 202 Image control CPU
205 CGROM
211 Volume bar 212 Light intensity bar

Claims (2)

A gaming machine equipped with multiple types of parameters that can be changed by player operations,
An operation means that can be operated by a player;
parameter adjustment means for collectively changing the plurality of types of parameters in response to the operation of the operation means ;
The parameter adjustment means includes:
each time the operating means is operated, the plurality of types of parameters are collectively changed in a predetermined direction by a predetermined step;
Among the plurality of types of parameters, if there is a parameter that has reached an upper limit that can be changed in a predetermined direction, only the parameters that have not reached the upper limit are changed in a predetermined direction by a predetermined step. Game machine. A gaming machine equipped with multiple types of parameters that can be changed by player operations,
An operation means that can be operated by a player;
parameter adjustment means for collectively changing the plurality of types of parameters in response to the operation of the operation means ;
There are multiple operating means,
A game characterized in that the parameter adjustment means changes the plurality of types of parameters at once each time the second operation means is operated while the first operation means is being continuously operated. Machine.

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