JP5636480B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that is stopped after a predetermined symbol is changed.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board enters a specific start winning opening, three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) displayed on the display unit move from top to bottom. A game machine is widely used in which, when the same or related symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line), the game becomes a big win, the big winning opening is opened, and the big win game can be played.

  In such gaming machines, the main control board operates in each mode of jackpot, probability change, time reduction, and normal, and there are those that produce effects for each mode according to the command output from this main control board. There was something that made the game more interesting and made the game more interesting until the jackpot was finalized.

  Conventionally, for example, there is a gaming machine in which the type of reach production is changed variously when a game ball wins a start opening when two rows of symbols stop and reach a reach state (for example, (See Patent Document 1 below.)

JP 2007-252604 A

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, although it is possible to improve the game's taste by various reach productions, whether or not a big hit was won until all symbols stopped after a long reach production The player cannot know. Therefore, for players who want to know the lottery results quickly, the long reach production as in the prior art is troublesome.

  The present invention eliminates the problems caused by the prior art described above, so that the expectation at the notification time can be enhanced and the fun of the game can be improved, and the comfort of the game can be improved without waiting for the symbol to stop. An object is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a gaming board in which a gaming area in which gaming balls can flow down is formed, and in the gaming area, through which gaming balls can pass. A determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game when a game ball passes through the start opening, and the determination after the symbols are variably displayed on the display device based on the determination result by the determination means A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a determination symbol indicating a determination result by the means; and when the determination means determines that a special game is to be performed, the game after the determination symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display control means When the symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the special game execution means for playing a special game advantageous to the user and the symbol display control means, Effect symbol display execution means for performing a display effect, lamp effect execution means for performing a lamp effect with a predetermined lamp pattern in the lamp device when the symbol display is variably displayed by the symbol display control means, and the display device Special display effect execution means for performing a special display effect different from the variable display effect, and the symbol display control means stops and displays the jackpot determination symbol when it is determined by the determination means that a special game is to be performed, If it is determined that no special game is to be performed, the deviation determination symbol is stopped and displayed, and the effect symbol display execution unit selects a variable display effect pattern of the effect symbol based on the determination result by the determination unit. Pattern selection means and the variable display effect pattern selected by the variable display effect pattern selection means Variation display effect execution means for performing a variable display effect of the effect symbol, and the lamp effect execution means includes the variable display that causes the jackpot determination symbol to be stopped and displayed by the symbol display control means. Regardless of the variable display of the variable display that will cause the judgment symbol to be stopped, if the predetermined time is counted by the time measuring means when the symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the variation of the symbol In the display, when the lamp effect is performed with a special lighting pattern and the jackpot determination symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the jackpot determination symbol is displayed after the lamp effect with the special lighting pattern. A lamp effect is performed with a predetermined lighting pattern indicating that the stop display is performed, and the above-mentioned detachment determination symbol is stopped and displayed. In the case of the variable display that is to be displayed, the symbol display control means does not perform a lamp effect with the predetermined lighting pattern indicating that the jackpot determination symbol is stopped and displayed. If the predetermined time is not timed by the time measuring means, regardless of the variation display that is to be stopped and the variation display that is to be displayed to be stopped, the symbol is not timed. In the variable display, the lamp display is not performed with the special lighting pattern and the predetermined lighting pattern, and the variable display effect executing means is selected by the variable display effect pattern selecting means regardless of the time measured by the time measuring means. The special display performance is performed by performing the variation display performance of the production design with the created variation display production pattern. Execution means, and wherein said performing the special display effect when being performed lamp rendition of special lighting pattern by the lamp demonstration execution unit.

  According to the above configuration, at the notification time, it is possible to notify the player immediately (before the changing symbol stops) whether the changing symbol is a big hit at that time.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to immediately know whether the symbol changing at the notification time is a big hit, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation at the notification time and improve the fun of the game. Furthermore, in a store where a plurality of gaming machines are installed, it is possible to produce effects simultaneously at the notification time with the plurality of gaming machines, and the atmosphere in the store at that time can be raised.

It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the production control process which a production control part performs. It is a table which shows the lighting content of the lamp with which a game machine is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a lighting content selection process. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the alerting | reporting effect by the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image display part at the time of the alerting | reporting effect by the gaming machine of this embodiment, and an effect light part.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. A plurality of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 103, and a game ball is dropped in various directions, and a windmill or a prize opening that changes the fall direction of the game ball is placed in the middle of the fall. Is arranged.

  An image display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103 of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used. Below the image display unit 104, start winning ports 105a and 105b for starting winning are arranged. On the left side of the image display unit 104, a winning gate 106 is provided.

  The winning gate 106 is provided to detect the passing of the game ball and to perform a lottery to open an unillustrated electric accessory (hereinafter referred to as “electric tulip”) provided near the start winning opening 105b for a predetermined time. A normal winning opening 107 is disposed on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. When a game ball wins the normal winning opening 107, the number of winning balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning is paid out. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 108 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  The above-described image display unit 104 starts a change in display of a plurality of symbols when a game ball wins a specific winning opening (at the time of starting winning), and the symbols stop after a predetermined time. When specific symbols (for example, “777”) are prepared at the time of the stop, a big hit state is obtained. In the big win state, the predetermined winning opening 109 located below is repeatedly opened for a predetermined period (for example, 15 rounds), and the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning game balls is paid out.

  A normal symbol display part 119 and a special symbol display part 120 are arranged in the lower right part of the game board 101. As the normal symbol display unit 119 and the special symbol display unit 120, for example, a 7-segment display is used. The normal symbol display unit 119 and the special symbol display unit 120 display numbers, alphabets, and the like representing a predetermined lottery result. The symbols such as numbers (hereinafter referred to as “ordinary symbols”) displayed on the normal symbol display unit 119 start to change when the game ball passes the winning gate 106 and stop after a predetermined time. At this time, when the predetermined normal symbol stops, the electric tulip is opened for a predetermined time. The symbols such as numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special symbols”) displayed on the special symbol display unit 120 start to change when the game ball wins the start winning holes 105a and 105b, and stop after a predetermined time. At this time, when a predetermined special symbol stops, a big hit state is obtained.

  On the left side of the normal symbol display unit 119 and the special symbol display unit 120, a reserved ball display unit 121 for the fluctuation of the normal symbol or the special symbol is arranged. As the reserved ball display unit 121, for example, an LED is used. A plurality of LEDs as the reserved ball display unit 121 are arranged, and indicate the number of reserved balls with respect to fluctuations of the normal symbol or the special symbol by turning on / off. For example, when two upper LEDs among the LEDs constituting the reserved ball display unit 121 are lit, it indicates that the number of reserved for the variation of the normal symbol is two.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  In the frame member 110, effect light portions (frame lamps) 112 are provided on the two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. Each effect light unit 112 has a plurality of lamps. Each lamp irradiates a player in front of the gaming machine, and the irradiation direction of light can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. Each lamp is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light unit 112 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

  In addition, each lamp can irradiate the surroundings of the gaming machine, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the gaming machine. The effect light unit 112 can change the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from the entire effect light unit 112 to three dimensions by rotating the irradiation direction of the light irradiated from each lamp while changing the vertical direction. .

  The light irradiation direction is changed when, for example, a big hit state is reached. Accordingly, the player and the surroundings of the gaming machine can be sequentially irradiated to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state, and the attention of the player who has been in the big hit state can be increased. . Accordingly, it is possible to give the player an uplifting feeling due to the attention, and to continuously or repeatedly use the gaming machine of the present embodiment, thereby improving the operating rate of the gaming machine. Moreover, you may change the irradiation direction of light, for example at the time of the production started at the notification time mentioned later. As a result, the production can be further emphasized.

  An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 113 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 114.

  In the vicinity of the image display unit 104 (for example, on the upper side or the side), there is provided an effect for illustration (hereinafter referred to as “movable accessory”). The movable accessory is driven by a solenoid or motor (not shown).

  In the frame member 110, an effect button (chance button) 117 that receives an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. In the frame member 110, a cross key 118 is provided next to the effect button 117. The effect button 117 and the cross key 118 constitute an operation unit. In addition, the frame member 110 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 277 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

(Internal configuration of control unit 1. Main control unit)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit 200 includes a plurality of control units. In the example shown in the figure, a main control unit 201, an effect control unit 202, and a prize ball control unit 203 are included. The main control unit 201 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The production control unit 202 controls the production operation during the game. The prize ball control unit 203 controls the number of prize balls to be paid out.

  The main control unit 201 is configured to include a CPU 211 that executes basic processing as the game content progresses, a RAM 213 that functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing of the CPU 211, and the like, based on a program stored in the ROM 212. . The main control unit 201 realizes its function by, for example, a main control board. Various commands set in the RAM 213 are sent to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203 at a predetermined timing.

  The main control unit 201 includes a start winning port detection unit (start port SW) 221a that detects a winning ball won in the start winning port 105a, a start port SW 221b that detects a winning ball won in the start winning port 105b, A gate detection unit (gate SW) 222 that detects a game ball that has passed through the winning gate 106, a normal winning port detection unit (normal winning port SW) 223 that detects a game ball that has won the normal winning port 107, and a big winning port A large winning opening detection unit (large winning opening SW) 224 that detects a winning ball won in 109, a normal symbol display unit 119, and a special symbol display unit 120 are connected. A plurality of the normal winning opening SW223 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning opening 107. These detection units can be configured using proximity switches or the like.

  Detection results from the start winning port detection unit 221, the gate detection unit 222, the normal winning port detection unit 223, and the big winning port detection unit 224 are input to the main control unit 201.

  Further, the main control unit 201 controls driving of the start opening solenoid 225 that opens the electric tulip for a predetermined time, the large winning opening solenoid 231 that opens and closes the large winning opening 109, and lighting of the reserved ball display section 121. . The big prize opening solenoid 231 performs an operation of opening the big prize opening 109 for a certain period at the time of a big hit. This jackpot is programmed in advance to occur with a predetermined probability based on the generated random number.

  The main control unit 201 can change the jackpot probability during the game. For example, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, there are two probability states, a low probability state and a high probability state, and the high probability state is generally called a probability variation state. Here, the low probability state is a gaming state in which the generated random number is compared with a predetermined low probability state table to perform a jackpot determination, a loss determination, or the like. In the high probability state, the generated random number is compared with a predetermined high probability state table to perform a jackpot determination, a loss determination, or the like, and further to the starting winning hole 105b of the game ball by an electric tulip control process described later. It is a gaming state that makes it easy to win. Each table is stored in advance in the ROM 212 or the like.

  Thus, for example, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a jackpot is generated at 1/300 in the low probability state, and a jackpot is generated at 1/30 in the high probability state. Yes. The low probability state includes a normal low probability state and a short time state. Here, the short-time state is a gaming state in which a jackpot determination or a loss determination is performed in the same manner as in a normal low probability state, but it is easy to win a game ball into the start winning opening 105b. Specifically, in the short-time state, the generated random number is compared with a predetermined low-probability state table to make a jackpot determination or a loss determination, but the electric tulip control process applies the game ball to the start winning opening 105b. It is easier to win a prize. Information indicating the game state being executed is output as a command to the effect control unit 202, and an effect corresponding to the game state being executed (for example, control of symbol variation or movable accessory) is performed.

  Further, when there is one winning for the start winning opening 105a (or 105b), the main control unit 201 outputs, to the effect control unit 202, time information of the symbol variation applied to one symbol variation as a command.

(2. Production control unit)
Next, the production control unit 202 controls production contents during the game. This effect control unit 202 is based on a command sent from the main control unit 201, and an effect control unit 202a that controls the contents of the effect, and an image / sound control unit that controls the image and sound instructed by the effect control unit 202a. 202b and a lamp control unit 202c that controls lighting of the lamps provided on the game board and the frame.

  The effect supervision unit 202a includes a CPU 241 that executes effect processing, a ROM 242 that stores an effect program, and a RAM 243 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 241 performs arithmetic processing.

  In addition, a real-time clock (RTC) 247 serving as a time measuring means for measuring and outputting real time is connected to the production control unit 202a. The real-time clock 247 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power is turned off. Various data set in the RAM 243 is sent to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing. The RTC 247 is not limited to being arranged in the effect control unit 202, and the arrangement position is not limited to being arranged in the main control unit 201 or arranged alone.

  The image / sound control unit 202b displays on the CPU 251 that executes image and sound generation and output processing, the ROM 252 that stores various image data such as background images, design images, and character images and various sounds, and the image display unit 104. And a RAM 253 for storing image data and sound to be output via the speaker 277. These CPUs 241 and 251 constitute control means for the image display unit 104 and the like. That is, the CPUs 241 and 251 control the gaming machine according to the present embodiment to execute an effect corresponding to the game state being executed.

  The effect button 117 is connected to the effect control unit 202a of the effect control unit 202, and the operation of the effect button 117 is input to the effect control unit 202a.

  Based on the command sent from the main control unit 201, the production control unit 202a reads the program stored in the ROM 242, determines the content of the production, and outputs an instruction to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c. To do. The CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b performs various image processing and sound processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, and character image display processing based on the instructed contents of the rendering, and necessary image data. The audio data is read from the ROM 252 and written to the RAM 253. The background image, the design image, and the character image written in the RAM 253 are superimposed and displayed on the image display unit 104 on the display screen. That is, the design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  A plurality of symbol images are registered in advance in the ROM 252 as symbol variation patterns that repeatedly vary and stop on the image display unit 104. Based on the command output from the main control unit 201, at the normal time (low probability state), any one of the plurality of registered patterns is selected. Further, for example, in the high probability state, a symbol variation pattern different from the normal time is selected. Thereby, the gaming machine can indicate to the player that the game state being executed is the low probability state / high probability state. Even if the game state being executed is a high probability state, the symbol variation pattern may be the same as that in the normal state when a predetermined condition is satisfied. By doing so, the player cannot see whether the game state being executed is the low probability state or the high probability state from the appearance, and can always play the game with expectation.

  When the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 253 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. Remember.

  For the image display unit 104, the effect control unit 202 displays the contents of the effect during the game, for example, variable display of symbols, reach (a state in which two of the three symbols are aligned), and various display information at the time of jackpot Is generated and output. When the game is interrupted for a certain time, a screen waiting for the customer is displayed and output. In addition, the effect control unit 202 outputs data for outputting sound from the speaker 277.

  The lamp control unit 202c includes a CPU 261 that executes processing for lighting the lamp, a ROM 262 that stores control data such as lamp lighting, a RAM 263 as a work area for the CPU 261, an effect light unit (frame lamp) 112, and a panel. A lamp 265 and a movable accessory 267 are provided.

  The lamp control unit 202c is based on a command such as lamp lighting that is output from the production control unit 202a of the production control unit 202, and a production light provided on the board lamp 265 provided on the game board 101 and the frame member 110. Data for controlling lighting of the unit 112 is output. Also, data for controlling the operation of the movable accessory 267 is output.

  The effect control unit 202 described above realizes its function by, for example, an effect control board. As shown in FIG. 2, in the effect control unit 202, the effect control unit 202a, the image / sound control unit 202b, and the lamp control unit 202c are provided as different board functions, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. You may comprise. However, even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board, their functions are independent, and the production control unit 202a is composed of an image / sound control unit 202b, a lamp control unit, and the production control unit 202a. It is configured to send and receive commands to and from 202c.

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the prize ball control unit 203 performs prize ball control based on a program stored in the ROM 282. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281 that executes prize ball control processing, and a RAM 283 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 281 performs arithmetic processing. The prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by, for example, a prize ball board.

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit (payout drive motor) 291 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. In addition, an operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 is detected, and the launch of the game ball is controlled.

  The winning ball control unit 203 pays out to the paying unit 291 the number of winning balls corresponding to the game balls won in each of the winning ports (start winning ports 105a and 105b, the normal winning port 107, and the big winning port 109). Take control. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to various detection units for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, and the prize ball control unit 203 configured as described above are provided on different printed circuit boards (main control board, effect control board, and prize ball board). For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 297 is connected to the main control unit 201, and various information executed by the main control unit 201 can be output to the outside. The prize ball control unit 203 is also connected to the frame external information terminal board 298, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 to the outside.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
An example of the basic operation of the gaming machine having the above configuration will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201, and the winning situation of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 203. Then, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning situation.

  In addition, every time a game ball wins a winning winning opening 105a, 105b, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 displays the symbols on the image display unit 104 in a variable manner and stops them. repeat. When the big hit occurrence has been determined, the corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 is stopped in alignment with a predetermined symbol. At this time, control for opening the special winning opening 109 is further performed.

  The effect control unit 202 performs various effects corresponding to the selected event. Here, the events include, for example, jackpots (15 rounds probable jackpots (so-called, probable jackpots), 15 rounds regular jackpots, 2 rounds probable jackpots (so-called, suddenly), 2 rounds regular jackpots (so-called, suddenly)), Includes small hits. Here, a small hit is an event that causes a gaming machine to perform the same behavior (production) as a two-round probability change big hit.

  For example, the effect control unit 202 displays various effect displays in addition to the symbol variation display on the image display unit 104 during the reach of the jackpot occurrence period and during the reach until the jackpot occurrence, at the time of reach notice, or the like. To do. In addition, a specific drive is performed with respect to various types of accessories, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the effect light unit 112 and the panel lamp 265 are performed.

  For example, when a big hit (15 round probability change / normal big hit) occurs, the big winning opening 109 is opened a plurality of times. Fifteen rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is set, for example, when 10 game balls are won or for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds).

  At this time, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out with 15 winning balls per winning game ball to the big winning opening 109. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot state is released, and if it is a 15-round probable jackpot, the game state returns to a high probability state, and if it is a 15-round normal jackpot, the game state returns to a low probability state. .

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit. The timer interruption process interrupts the main control process executed by the main control unit 201 every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) during the power supply period. First, random number update processing is performed (step S301), and switch processing at the time of starting opening prize is performed (step S302). Thereafter, an electric accessory control process for controlling operations of various electric accessories (for example, an electric tulip, a prize winning opening, a movable accessory) provided in the gaming machine is performed (step S303), and a symbol process is performed (step S304). Then, a prize ball process is performed (step S305), and these output processes are performed (step S306).

  In the switch process of step S302, each time the start opening SW221a, 221b provided in the start winning opening 105a, 105b detects a game ball, a predetermined number of holdings (for example, the holding lamps provided for the above-mentioned normal symbol and special symbol respectively) Random numbers are acquired for each number of holds with an upper limit of 4 balls). In the electric accessory control process of step S303, when the acquired random number is a numerical value corresponding to the jackpot, it is determined to be a jackpot, and as described above, the jackpot solenoid 231 provided in the jackpot 109 is set a predetermined number of times. Perform the release process.

  The electric accessory control process in step S303 includes an opening / closing process for the special winning opening 109 and an electric tulip control process for opening / closing the start winning opening 105b. The big winning opening 109 is controlled to be opened / closed by each big hit (15 round probability variation / normal big hit), small hit, and the like. In step S304, special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special prize opening process. The big prize opening process is a process included in the electric accessory control process shown in step S303 of FIG. In the big prize opening process, first, it is determined whether or not it is a win (step S401). Here, the win is, for example, an event such as each of the above jackpots (15 round probability variation / normal jackpot), a jackpot or the like.

  If it is not a hit in step S401 (step S401: No), the process is terminated as it is. When it is hit (step S401: Yes), an opening process is performed (step S402). In the opening process, a special winning opening is opened.

  Next, the winning type is determined. Specifically, when it is a small hit (step S403: Yes), a value obtained by adding 1 to the value for small hit (the number of remaining rounds per small hit) K is set as a new K (step S404). When the jackpot is not small (step S403: No), a value obtained by adding 1 to the jackpot value (number of remaining rounds of jackpot) R is set as a new R (step S405).

  In step S404 or step S405, when a new K or new R is obtained, the big prize opening solenoid 231 is controlled to open the big prize opening 109 (step S406). After opening the special winning opening 109, it is determined whether a predetermined period (for example, an opening time of 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of opening (step S407). When the opening time has elapsed (step S407: Yes), the special winning opening 109 is closed (step S410). When the opening time has not elapsed (step S407: No), it is determined whether the winning number C of the game ball to the big winning opening 109 is 9 (step S408), and when the winning number C is 9 (step S408). : Yes), the process proceeds to step S410. When the winning number C is not 9 (step S408: No), a flag is set (step S409), and the process is terminated.

  In step S409, the flag is set when either the opening time of the special winning opening 109 or the number of winnings is not satisfied between the opening of the special winning opening in step S406 and the closing of the special winning opening in step S410 described later (step S409). S407: No and step S408: No), the flag is set to ON. 4 is part of the electric accessory control process (step S303) that is executed every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) shown in FIG. 3, and is therefore executed every period of the predetermined period. In steps S402 to S406, if the flag is ON, the process is not performed. That is, when the flag is ON, the opening process and the number of rounds are not updated.

  In step S410, if either one of the opening time of the big winning opening 109 and the number of winning is satisfied (step S407: Yes or step S408: Yes), the big winning opening 109 is closed. At this time, the flag in step S410 is turned OFF. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a small hit is being made (step S411). When the small hit is being made (step S411: Yes), it is determined whether the small hit value K is 2 (step S412). When the value K is 2 (step S412: Yes), the value K is set to 0. (Step S413), the predetermined number of fluctuations S is set to 5 (Step S414), and the process proceeds to Step S417. If the small hit value K is not 2 (step S412: No), the process is terminated. Here, the predetermined number of fluctuations S is set to 5, but is not limited to this. The predetermined variation number S may be an arbitrary value. In addition, the predetermined variation number S may be a value that varies depending on a lottery result after performing a predetermined lottery.

  When the jackpot is not hit (step S411: No), the jackpot value R digested during the hit is the maximum (15 for round 15 probability / normal jackpot, 2 for round 2 probability / normal jackpot, 2). It is determined whether or not (step S415). When the jackpot value R is not the maximum (step S415: No), the process is terminated. When the jackpot value R is maximum (step S415: Yes), the jackpot value R is set to 0 (step S416), and the ending process is performed (step S417).

  In the ending process, when a predetermined ending time has elapsed from the start of the ending, the winning is ended (step S418), and the above process is ended.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the symbol processing. This is the processing content in step S304 in FIG. If the symbol processing is a big hit (step S501: Yes), the processing is terminated without changing the symbol. If it is not a big hit (step S501: No), it is determined whether the symbol is changing (step S502). If it is not changing (step S502: No), it is determined whether there is at least one holding number U. (Step S503). If there is no pending number (U = 0) (step S503: No), the process is terminated without changing the symbol.

  If the number of holdings is 1 or more (step S503: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting the number of holdings by one is set as a new holding number (step S504), and a variation pattern selection process (separate routine) is performed (step S505). In this variation pattern selection process, a hit type (big hit, small hit, reach, etc.) is selected and a symbol variation time is set. Next, a variation start command is set in the RAM 213 (step S506), and the symbol variation is started (step S507). Then, the measurement starts and ends the fluctuation period in which the symbols are changing (step S508).

  In step S502, if the symbol is changing (step S502: Yes), it is then determined whether the changing time has ended (step S509). If the variation time has not ended (step S509: No), the process is terminated. If the variation time has ended (step S509: Yes), a symbol variation stop command is set (step S510). Is finished (step S511). At this time, the symbol variation time is reset (step S512), a predetermined stop process is performed (step S513), and the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the variation pattern selection processing. This is the processing content in step S505 in FIG. It is determined whether the variation pattern selection process is a big hit (step S601), and if it is a big hit (step S601: Yes), it is determined whether it is a probable big hit (step S602). If the probability variation jackpot (step S602: Yes), it is determined whether the type of probability variation jackpot is 2R probability variation jackpot (step S603), and if it is 2R probability variation jackpot (step S603: Yes), the 2R probability variation symbol set is stored in the RAM 213. If it is set (step S604) and it is not 2R probability variation big hit (step S603: No), a probability variation symbol set for 15R probability variation big hit is set (step S605). If it is not probable big hit in step S602 (step S602: No), a normal symbol set is set (step S606).

  If it is not a big win in step S601 (step S601: No), reach determination is performed (step S608), and then it is determined whether it is a small win (step S609). If it is a small hit (step S609: Yes), a small hit symbol set is set (step S610). If not a small hit (step S609: No), a lost symbol set is set (step S611).

  In step S604, step S605, step S606, step S610, and step S611, each variation symbol set is set in the RAM 213, and thereafter, a variation pattern is set (step S607), and the process is terminated. When this variation pattern is set, a period (variation time) during which symbol variation is performed is also set.

(Processing procedure of production control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the effect control unit 202 will be described. The effect control unit 202 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 201 and performs predetermined main effect processing (not shown) for effect display.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the effect control process performed by the effect control unit. The production control process is interrupted and executed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the main production process performed by the production control unit 202a.

  In the production control process, first, it is determined whether the production is being performed (step S701). If the production is not being performed (step S701: No), it is determined whether a change start command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S702). When the change start command has not been received (step S702: No), the process ends. When the change start command is received (step S702: Yes), an effect pattern selection process for selecting the type of effect to be executed is executed based on the change start command (step S703). For example, in the effect pattern selection process in step S703, an effect pattern using the change time included in the change start command from the main control unit 201 is generated.

  After executing the effect pattern selection process, a background selection process to be the background of the symbol is executed (step S704), the effect is started (step S705), and the process ends.

  If the effect is being produced in step S701 (step S701: Yes), it is determined whether a change stop command has been received (step S706). When the change stop command is received (step S706: Yes), the effect is ended (step S707), and the process ends. When the change stop command is not received (step S706: No), the process is ended as it is.

(Notification effect executed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment)
Next, a notification effect executed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. The gaming machine changes the symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 based on the command received from the main control unit 201. When the received command is a command indicating that it is a big hit, a specific symbol (for example, “777”) is aligned on the image display unit 104 and stopped, and a big hit state is obtained.

  The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a command indicating that the command received from the main control unit 201 is a big hit, and when the symbol is changing by this command (that is, before the symbol is stopped), a predetermined notification time When it becomes (for example, 15:00), a notification effect for notifying that it is a big hit is executed. In the notification effect, an effect is produced in which the lamp of the gaming machine is lit with the lighting content corresponding to the received command. That is, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment turns on the lamp with a predetermined lighting content before aligning and stopping the specific symbols on the image display unit 104, thereby determining whether or not the player is a big hit before stopping the symbols. Can let you know. For example, the notification time is a time that can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the gaming machine. The notification time may be set at a plurality of times such as every hour.

  FIG. 8 is a table showing the lighting contents of the lamps provided in the gaming machine. As shown in the table 800, the lighting contents are associated with each command. As described above, when the current time input from the RTC 247 becomes the notification time, the gaming machine uses a lamp (a lamp of the effect light unit 112 or a game board) with a lighting content associated with the command that has changed the changing symbol. The lamp provided on 101 is turned on.

  For example, in the case of a command indicating that it is a big hit with a command whose symbol has been changed, the gaming machine turns on these lamps using “lighting pattern 2” and emission color “red” as lighting contents. Here, the lighting pattern includes information that can specify the lamp to be lit, information that indicates lighting / flashing (flashing cycle), and the like. The notification effect may be executed when the current time is included in a notification period (for example, 15: 00 to 15: 05) between the notification time and a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes). For example, the notification period is a period that can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the gaming machine.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the lighting content selection processing. The lighting content selection process shown in FIG. 9 is interrupted at a predetermined interval (for example, 4 ms) with respect to a main lamp control process (not shown) executed by the lamp control unit 202c (CPU 261 thereof). In the lighting content selection process, first, it is determined whether the symbol is changing (step S901). If the symbol is changing (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether the notification period for notifying the jackpot is in effect (step S902). . In the illustrated example, 15:00 to 15:05 is set as a notification period for notifying the jackpot. If it is not changing (step S901: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  If the current time measured by the RTC 247 is outside this notification period (step S902: No), the process is terminated as it is. If the current time is during the notification period (step S902: Yes), it is determined whether the lottery result for the changing symbol is a big hit (step S903). If it is a big hit (step S903: Yes), the lighting pattern 2 matched with the big hit is set in the RAM 263 (step S904), and the process is terminated. At this time, the emission color and the like are also set in the RAM 263 at the same time. As a result, the lamp provided in the gaming machine is lit with the lighting content set in the RAM 263.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit in step S903 (step S903: No), that is, if it is a loss, the lighting pattern 1 associated with the loss is set in the RAM 263 (step S905), and the process ends. At this time, the emission color and the like are also set in the RAM 263 at the same time as described above. Alternatively, the lamp may be turned off temporarily (for example, for 3 seconds) before the lamp is turned on with a predetermined lighting content, and then the lamp is turned on using the predetermined lighting content. By turning on the lamp after it is temporarily turned off, the notification effect can be emphasized and can be made more prominent.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a notification effect by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. In the example shown in the figure, three game balls have won a prize, and a jackpot lottery was performed for each prize. Of the three game balls, the first game ball won is u1, the game ball won next after the game ball u1, and the game ball won next after the game ball u2 is u3. It is assumed that the result of the lottery performed for the winning of u3 has been won.

  In order to display the jackpot lottery result for the winnings u1 to u3, the gaming machine sequentially changes and stops the symbols. That is, the first symbol variation shown in FIG. 10 represents the lottery result for u1, the next symbol variation represents the lottery result for u2, and the next symbol variation represents the lottery result for u3. In these cases, a normal background A is displayed on the image display unit 104. Further, the lamps provided in the gaming machine (the lamps of the effect light unit 112 and the lamps on the game board 101) are lit using the lighting pattern 1 (light emission color “white”).

  Then, it is assumed that the current time measured by the RTC 247 enters the notification period (15:05 at time t11 to 15:05 at time t13) T1 at time t11 when the symbol representing the lottery result for u3 is changing. At this time, the gaming machine first displays the telop while the background A is displayed (see FIG. 11). The telop is displayed for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) and then is not displayed. When the telop is not displayed, the lamp provided in the gaming machine is temporarily turned off (for example, 3 seconds). In the illustrated example, both the lighting pattern 1 and the lighting pattern 2 are turned off.

  After the lights are turned off, the lamp is turned on using predetermined lighting contents (lighting pattern 2, emission color “red”) associated with the jackpot, and a notification effect is executed. This notification effect continues, for example, until time t12 when the variation of the symbol with respect to u3 stops (specific symbols are aligned on the image display unit 104). When the specific symbols are gathered at time t12, the gaming machine is in a jackpot state, and the jackpot background B is displayed.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image display unit and an effect light unit during a notification effect by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. A normal background A1101 is displayed on the image display unit 104, and three rows of symbols are displayed on the background A1101. And in the state shown in FIG. 11, all of these symbols are changing (reference numerals 1102a to 1102c).

  When the notification period starts during the change of the symbol, the gaming machine displays the telop 1103 while the background A1101 is displayed on the image display unit 104. In the example shown in the figure, “Super hot warning alert!” Is displayed as the telop 1103. At this time, the effect light unit 112 is lit using lighting contents (for example, lighting pattern 1, emission color “white”) other than the lighting contents associated with the command indicating that it is a big hit. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as (a).

  After a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds), the telop 1103 is not displayed. At this time, the effect light unit 112 is temporarily turned off (for example, for 3 seconds). This turn-off is not limited to the lamp of the effect light unit 112, and other lighted lamps such as a lamp (not shown) on the game board 101 may be turned off. Note that, as in (a), all symbols are changing. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as (b).

  Then, after the lights are turned off, the effect light unit 112 is turned on using the lighting contents associated with the command indicating that it is a big hit, that is, the lighting pattern 2 (light emission color “red”). At this time, the effect light unit 112 may be driven to change the light irradiation direction. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as (c). (C) continues until the changing symbols 1102a to 1102c are stopped. For example, the changing symbols 1102a to 1102c are all stopped after a predetermined time, and the gaming machine is in a big hit state.

  In the above example, the case where the notification effect is executed while any symbol is fluctuating (reference numerals 1102a to 1102c) is not limited to this, and any symbol may be stopped. Further, for example, the notification effect may be executed during a predetermined reach effect that occurs when two symbols stop. Since the notification effect is executed using a lamp, the notification effect can be executed without disturbing the reproduction of the reach effect moving image displayed on the image display unit 104.

  In the above example, an example in which a command indicating a big hit has been described has been described, but a notification effect may also be executed when a command indicating a loss is received. However, at this time, the process returns to (a) without shifting to (c). That is, after the lights are turned off, the effect light unit 112 is turned on using the lighting pattern 1 and the emission color “white” as the lighting contents. As a result, the player can know that the player has lost.

  Further, the notification effect may be performed any number of times during the notification period. For example, a notification effect may be performed every time a change in symbol is started during the notification period. In such a case, the lamp is temporarily turned off when the change of the pattern is started, and then the lighting pattern 1 is turned on if it is lost, the lighting pattern “white” is turned on, and if it is a big hit, the lighting pattern 2 is turned on. The notification effect of lighting the lamp with the emission color “red” is repeated. Thus, during the notification period, the player can immediately know the lottery result without waiting for the symbol to stop.

  In the above example, when the command indicating that the jackpot is received, the lamp is turned on by the lighting contents (lighting pattern 2, emission color “red”) associated with the jackpot. Not exclusively. For example, the lighting may be performed according to the lighting contents for a predetermined jackpot state used in the jackpot state. Even in such a case, the player can immediately know whether or not the jackpot has been won without waiting for the change in the symbols to stop.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention can immediately know whether the symbol changing at that time is a big hit or not at the predetermined notification time. Can be raised and the fun of the game can be improved. Furthermore, since the lottery result can be known without waiting for the symbol to stop, the game can be played comfortably. In addition, at a store where a plurality of gaming machines are installed, it is possible to produce effects simultaneously at the notification time with a plurality of gaming machines, and the atmosphere in the store at that time can be raised.

  Note that the game machine presentation method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as an effect control board. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and is particularly suitable for a gaming machine that is stopped after changing a predetermined symbol.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Game board 104 Image display part 201 Main control part 202 Production control part 202a Production control part 202b Image / sound control part 202c Lamp control part 203 Prize ball control part 241, 251, 261 CPU
242, 252, 262 ROM
243, 253, 263 RAM
247 Real-time clock (RTC)

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area where game balls can flow down is formed;
A start opening provided in the game area and through which a game ball can pass;
Determining means for determining whether or not to play a special game when a game ball passes through the start opening;
A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a determination symbol indicating the determination result by the determination unit after the symbol is variably displayed on the display device based on the determination result by the determination unit;
When it is determined by the determining means that a special game is to be performed, the special display executing means for performing a special game advantageous to the player after the determination symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display control means;
When the symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the symbol display control means, the effect symbol display executing means for performing the variable display effects of the effect symbols on the display device;
A lamp effect executing means for performing a lamp effect with a predetermined lamp pattern in the lamp device when the symbols are variably displayed by the symbol display control means;
A special display effect executing means for performing a special display effect different from the variable display effect in the display device;
With
The symbol display control means includes:
When it is determined by the determination means that the special game is to be performed, the jackpot determination symbol is stopped and displayed, and when it is determined that the special game is not to be performed, the shift determination symbol is stopped and displayed.
The effect symbol display execution means includes:
Based on a determination result by the determination unit, a variation display effect pattern selection unit that selects a variation display effect pattern of the effect symbol;
Fluctuation display effect execution means for performing a variation display effect of the effect symbol with the variation display effect pattern selected by the variation display effect pattern selection means;
Have
The lamp production execution means
The symbol is displayed in a variable manner regardless of whether the symbol display control means is a variable display in which the jackpot determination symbol is stopped and a variation display in which the outage determination symbol is stopped. When a predetermined time is counted by the timing means, the lamp effect is performed with a special lighting pattern in the variation display of the symbol, and the variation display in which the jackpot determination symbol is stopped and displayed. If it is, the lamp effect is performed with a predetermined lighting pattern indicating that the jackpot determination symbol is stopped and displayed after the lamp effect with the special lighting pattern, and the loss determination symbol is stopped and displayed. The jackpot determination symbol is to be stopped and displayed Without performing the ramp effect in the predetermined lighting pattern shown,
Regardless of the variation display in which the jackpot determination symbol is stopped by the symbol display control unit and the variation display in which the deviation determination symbol is stopped and displayed, the timing unit If the predetermined time is not counted, the lamp effect is not performed in the special lighting pattern and the predetermined lighting pattern in the variation display of the symbol,
The variation display effect execution means includes:
Regardless of the time measured by the time measuring means, the variable display effect pattern selected by the variable display effect pattern selecting means performs the variable display effect of the effect symbol,
The special display effect executing means is
A gaming machine characterized in that the special display effect is performed when a lamp effect with a special lighting pattern is performed by the lamp effect execution means.

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