JP5561952B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a lottery lottery every time a game ball wins a predetermined starting port on a game board.

  Conventionally, for example, a game in which a game ball is won at a predetermined starting point on a game board and a lottery is selected, and three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) are variably displayed on a variable display device. There was a chance. When such a gaming machine is won in the jackpot lottery, the three rows of symbols that are variably displayed are stopped and displayed in a specific combination (for example, “7, 7, 7”), and the game is shifted to the jackpot gaming state. In this jackpot game state, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls.

  In addition, in such a gaming machine, the three rows of symbols displayed on the variable display device have a predetermined display mode (for example, “7, ↓, 7”. “↓” indicates that the display is variably displayed). Then, there is a reach state, and there is an effect for the reach state (hereinafter referred to as “reach effect”) (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

  Further, in such a gaming machine, after reaching the reach state, the symbol (identification information image) is temporarily stopped and displayed with a combination of deviations, and the virtual plane including the symbol is rotated around a predetermined axis. There has been a gaming machine that produces an effect that allows a player to show a new symbol on the back side (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2006-263363 A JP 2005-168924 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, for example, the player can easily guess the winning of the big hit lottery by looking at the pattern on the back side. Therefore, in the above prior art, the player's sense of expectation cannot be maintained for a long time, and there are cases where the player is not interesting.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that produces an effect capable of maintaining a player's expectation for a long time in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a start area provided in a game area where game balls can flow down, special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game when a game ball passes through the start area, and a predetermined game When it is determined that the special game is to be performed by the special game determination means and the symbol display control means for stopping and displaying the determination symbol indicating the determination result by the special game determination means after the symbol display means is variably displayed. The special game execution means for performing the special game after the determination symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display control means, and the probability that the special game determination means determines to perform the special game is set to a predetermined probability. A probability state control means for controlling a game in a low probability gaming state or a high probability gaming state set at a higher probability than the predetermined probability; Effect display control means for displaying an effect image on a predetermined effect display means when the symbol is variably displayed by the display control means, and the special game determination means includes the first special game and the second Of the special game and the third special game, it has type specifying means for specifying which special game is to be played, and the special game executing means is configured to use the second special game or the third special game by the type specifying means. When the first special game is specified, the special game is performed for a shorter period of time than when the first special game is specified, and the probability state control means controls the special game when the game is controlled in the low probability game state. When the second special game is played by the game execution means, the high probability game state control means for controlling the game in the high probability game state after the end of the second special game, and the low probability When the third special game is performed by the special game execution means while the game is controlled in the game state, the low probability game for controlling the game in the low probability game state after the third special game is finished. State display means, and the effect display control means causes a plurality of effect symbol images to be variably displayed as the symbol display control means causes the symbol to be variably displayed, and the determination symbol is stopped and displayed. And the effect symbol display control means for stopping and displaying each of the plurality of effect symbol images so as to obtain a combination indicating the determination result by the special game determination means. When it is determined by the game determination means that the special game is to be performed, the plurality of the combinations so as to be a specific combination indicating that the special game is determined to be performed. When the special game effect symbol display control means for stopping and displaying the effect game images and the special game determination means determine that the special game is not to be performed, it indicates that the special game is determined not to be performed. Non-special game effect symbol display control means for stopping and displaying each of the plurality of effect symbol images so as to have a specific combination, and the special game effect symbol display control means is configured to perform the first identification by the type specifying means. When the special game is specified, the plurality of effect symbol images are stopped and displayed so as to form a first specific combination indicating that the first special game is specified, and the type specifying means performs the second Regardless of which special game is specified among the special game and the third special game, the plurality of effect symbols are arranged so as to be the non-specific combination. After the images are temporarily stopped and displayed, the non-specific combination and the first specific combination are different from each other and the special game of the second special game or the third special game is specified. The plurality of effect symbol images after changing at least one effect symbol image to the recall symbol image that causes the player to recall the effect image displayed thereafter so as to be the second specific combination indicating that Can be stopped and displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation from the display of the change of the symbol on the display screen (before actually developing the effect), and to maintain this expectation until the end of the development effect, There is an effect that the player can be played without being bored.

It is a front view which shows an example of the pachinko game machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the pachinko game machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the functional structure of an effect control part. 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 special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the content of the production which a pachinko game machine performs. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the content of the production which a pachinko game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of command reception processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an effect end process.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is an example in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to an old first-class pachinko gaming machine (so-called “digipachi”).

(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment 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.

  A 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. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill and various winning openings (such as a start opening and a big winning opening) that change the falling direction of the gaming balls are arranged at positions in the middle of the falling of the gaming balls.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used. A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning.

  In the vicinity of the second starting port 106, an electric tulip 107 is provided as an ordinary electric accessory (an accessory that moves based on a lottery result of an ordinary symbol lottery described later). The electric tulip 107 has a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second starting port 106 and an open state (opened state) that makes it easier to win a prize than the closed state. Control of these states is performed by a solenoid (see reference numeral 231 in FIG. 2) provided in the electric tulip 107.

  The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the left side of the image display unit 104. The gate 108 is not limited to the left side (the illustrated position) of the image display unit 104, and may be disposed at an arbitrary position in the game area 103.

  A big prize opening 109 is provided below the second start opening 106. The big winning opening 109 is a winning opening that is opened when a big hit state is reached and for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls by winning a game ball.

  A normal winning opening 110 is provided on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. The normal winning opening 110 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by winning a game ball. The normal winning opening 110 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and may be arranged at an arbitrary position in the game area 103. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  In the lower right part of the game board 101, a special symbol display unit 112 for displaying special symbols is arranged. The special symbol display unit 112 includes a first special symbol display unit (see reference numeral 112a in FIG. 2) on which a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 1”) is displayed, and a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 2”). ”) Is displayed. (See reference numeral 112b in FIG. 2).

  Here, the special figure 1 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. The special figure 2 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the second big hit lottery performed when the game ball wins the second starting port 106. The first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery are lotteries for determining whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a jackpot gaming state.

  In addition, a normal symbol display portion 113 for displaying normal symbols is arranged in the lower right portion of the game board 101. Here, the normal symbol is a symbol representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 107 as described above. For example, a 7-segment display is used as the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113.

  On the left side of the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113, a reservation number display unit 114 for displaying the number of reservations for the special symbol or the normal symbol is arranged. For example, an LED is used as the hold number display unit 114. A plurality of LEDs serving as the number-of-holds display section 114 are arranged, and the number of the holds is indicated by turning on / off. For example, when two upper LEDs among the LEDs constituting the number-of-holds display unit 114 are lit, this indicates that the number of holds for the normal symbol is two.

  A frame member 115 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 115 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. The frame member 115 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side.

  On the two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103 in the frame member 115, an effect light part (frame lamp) 116 is provided. Each effect light unit 116 includes a plurality of lamps and a motor (not shown). Each lamp irradiates a player who is in front of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Moreover, each lamp can change the irradiation direction of light into the up-down direction and the left-right direction by driving the motor. In addition, each lamp can irradiate the periphery of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the pachinko gaming machine 100.

  An operation handle 117 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 115. The operation handle 117 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 115 described above, the operation handle 117 has a shape that protrudes from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 117 includes a firing instruction member 118 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 118 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 117 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 117 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 118. Thereby, the launching unit launches the game ball when the firing instruction member 118 is directly operated by the player.

  In the frame member 115, an effect button (chance button) 119 and a cross key 120 are provided on the lower side of the game area 103. The effect buttons 119 and the cross key 120 constitute an operation accepting unit that accepts an operation from a player in the pachinko gaming machine 100. The frame member 115 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 254 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

  Although illustration is omitted, an effect for the effect (hereinafter referred to as an “effect effect” (see reference numeral 265 in FIG. 2)) is provided at a predetermined position in the game area 103 (for example, around the image display unit 104). ing. This performance agent includes a solenoid and a motor (not shown), and is driven by driving the solenoid and the motor.

(Internal configuration of pachinko machine)
Next, the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 201 that controls the progress of the game, an effect control unit 202 that controls the contents of the effect, and a prize ball control that controls the payout of prize balls. Part 203. Each control unit will be described in detail below.

(1. Main control unit)
The main control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The

  The CPU 211 executes various programs relating to the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100, such as a main control process (not shown) and a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 4). The ROM 212 stores programs necessary for the CPU 211 to execute the above processing. The RAM 213 functions as a work area for the CPU 211. The data set in the RAM 213 by the CPU 211 executing the above program is transmitted to each component connected to the main control unit 201 at a predetermined timing.

  That is, the main control unit 201 functions to control the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 212 while the CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area. For example, the main control unit 201 is realized by a main control board (detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique).

  The main control unit 201 includes various switches (SW) that function as detection means for detecting a game ball, a solenoid for opening and closing an electric accessory such as the big prize opening 109, the first special figure display unit 112a, A second special symbol display unit 112b, a normal symbol display unit 113, a reserved number display unit 114, and the like are connected.

  Specifically, the various SWs described above include a first start port SW221 that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, and a second start port SW222 that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. , A gate SW 223 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning opening SW 224 that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning opening 109, and a normal winning opening SW 225 that detects a gaming ball that has won a winning prize 110 Is connected to the main control unit 201.

  The detection results by the respective SWs (221 to 225) are input to the main control unit 201. A proximity switch or the like can be used for these SWs. It should be noted that a plurality of the normal winning opening SW225 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning opening 110.

  As the solenoid, an electric tulip solenoid 231 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 232 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109 are connected to the main control unit 201. The main control unit 201 controls driving of the solenoids (231 and 232). For example, the main control unit 201 controls the driving of the electric tulip solenoid 231 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The main control unit 201 controls the driving of the big prize opening solenoid 232 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  Further, the main control unit 201 determines the first special symbol display unit 112a, the second special symbol display unit 112b, the normal symbol based on the lottery results of the big jackpot lottery (the first jackpot lottery, the second big jackpot lottery) and the normal symbol lottery. The display content of the display unit 113 is controlled. For example, when the first big hit lottery is performed, the main control unit 201 displays the special figure 1 of the first special figure display unit 112a in a variable manner. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery.

  Similarly, the main control unit 201 displays the special symbol 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b when the second big hit lottery is performed, and the normal symbol of the normal symbol display unit 113 when the normal symbol lottery is performed. .

  Furthermore, the main control unit 201 is also connected to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203, and transmits various commands to each. For example, when the main control unit 201 performs a lottery lottery, the main control unit 201 transmits a change start command to the effect control unit 202. Here, in the variation start command, the lottery result of the jackpot lottery (the type of special symbol to be stopped and displayed), the game state, and the time for the special symbol to be variably displayed before showing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery (hereinafter “variable time”) Etc.) is included.

  In addition, when the main control unit 201 detects a game ball that has won a winning ball (starting ports 105 and 106, a big winning port 109, and a normal winning port 110), the main control unit 201 transmits a winning ball command to the winning ball control unit 203. To do. Here, the prize ball command includes information indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

(2. Production control unit)
The effect control unit 202 includes an effect control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c, and has a function of controlling the effect contents of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Here, the effect control unit 202a has a function of controlling the entire effect control unit 202 based on a command (for example, a change start command) received from the main control unit 201. The image / sound control unit 202b has a function of controlling images and sounds based on instructions from the production control unit 202a. The lamp control unit 202c has a function of controlling lighting of lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like.

(2-1. Director of Production)
First, the configuration of the production control unit 202a will be described. The production control unit 202a includes a CPU 241, a ROM 242, a RAM 243, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 244, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 241 executes various programs such as an effect timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9) for controlling the effect control unit 202 as a whole. The ROM 242 stores programs necessary for the CPU 241 to execute the above processing. The RAM 243 functions as a work area for the CPU 241. The data set in the RAM 243 by the CPU 241 executing the program is transmitted to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing.

  In other words, the effect control unit 202a functions to control the entire effect control unit 202 by executing a program stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 uses the RAM 243 as a work area. For example, the effect supervising unit 202a determines an effect to be executed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol based on the change start command, and executes predetermined processing on the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c. The instruction is output to control the entire production control unit 202.

  The RTC 244 functions as a time measuring means for measuring and outputting real time. The RTC 244 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off. Note that the RTC 244 is not limited to being placed in the production control unit 202 such as the production control unit 202a, but may be arranged in the main control unit 201. Further, the RTC 244 may be arranged alone and may output the actual time to the effect control unit 202 or the main control unit 201.

  In addition, an effect button 119 is connected to the effect control unit 202a. For example, when the effect button 119 is pressed by the player, a corresponding input signal is input to the effect control unit 202a. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the cross key 120 is also connected to the production control unit 202a. The cross key 120 inputs an input signal corresponding to the key selected by the player to the effect control unit 202a.

(2-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
Next, the configuration of the image / sound controller 202b will be described. The image / sound control unit 202b includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 251 executes image / sound generation processing and output processing. The ROM 252 stores a program for executing image / sound generation processing and output processing, and various image data such as background images, identification symbols, development effects symbols, character images, and the like necessary for the processing. Has been. The RAM 253 functions as a work area for the CPU 251 and temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 104 and audio data to be output from the speaker 254. For example, the RAM 253 includes a VRAM (Video RAM) in which image data to be displayed on the image display unit 104 is temporarily stored.

  That is, the image / sound control unit 202b causes the image display unit 104 to display based on an instruction from the production control unit 202a by executing the program stored in the ROM 252 while the CPU 251 uses the RAM 253 as a work area. It functions to control images and sound output from the speaker 254.

  For example, the CPU 251 controls the display control process (not shown) for controlling the display content displayed on the image display unit 104 and the audio content output from the speaker 254 based on the instruction content instructed from the production control unit 202a. Voice control processing (not shown) is executed. At this time, the CPU 251 reads image data and audio data necessary for processing from the ROM 252 and writes them in the RAM 253.

  Image data such as background images and identification symbols written in the RAM 253 is output to the image display unit 104 connected to the image / sound control unit 202b, and is superimposed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. That is, the identification symbol is displayed so that it can be seen in front of the background image. When the background image and the identification symbol overlap at the same position, the identification symbol is given priority 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.

  The audio data written in the RAM 253 is output to the speaker 254 connected to the image / audio control unit 202b, and audio based on the audio data is output from the speaker 254.

(2-3. Lamp control unit)
Next, the configuration of the lamp control unit 202c will be described. The lamp control unit 202c includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, a RAM 263, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 261 executes processing for turning on the lamp and the like. The ROM 262 stores various programs necessary for executing the above processing, control data used for lamp lighting necessary for the processing, and the like. The RAM 263 functions as a work area for the CPU 261.

  The lamp control unit 202c is connected to the effect light unit (frame lamp) 116, the panel lamp 264, and the effect agent 265, and outputs data for lighting control and data for operation control. Thereby, the lamp control unit 202c functions to control the lighting of the lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like, and the operation of the effect actor 265.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 202 is provided with a production control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c as different board functions, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. May be. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the configuration of the winning ball control unit 203 will be described. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281, a ROM 282, a RAM 283, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 281 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 282 stores programs necessary for the processing. The RAM 283 functions as a work area for the CPU 281.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291, a launch unit 292, a fixed position detection SW 293, a payout ball detection SW 294, a ball presence detection SW 295, and a full tank detection SW 296. .

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 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. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 receives the winning game balls that have won the winning units 291 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 203 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 and controls the launch of the game ball. 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. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by a prize ball control board.

  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 boards (main control board, effect control board, and prize ball control 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.

(The gaming state of pachinko machines)
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. The main control unit 201 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is one of the jackpot gaming state, the normal gaming state, the short-time gaming state, the probability variation gaming state, and the latent probability variation gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “latent probability gaming state”). The progress of the game is controlled according to the game state. Below, each game state is demonstrated.

  The normal gaming state is a normal gaming state. In other words, it is a gaming state when not in any other gaming state. In the normal gaming state, a jackpot lottery is performed using a table for a low probability state, for example, a jackpot is won with a probability of 1/300. Further, in the normal gaming state, the electric tulip 107 does not open very much by a predetermined electric tulip control process (or closes immediately after being opened). For this reason, in the normal gaming state, it is difficult to win a game ball to the second starting port 106.

  The short-time gaming state is a gaming state that transitions after a jackpot state due to a normal jackpot. The short-time gaming state is continued until a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied. For example, in the present embodiment, “100-time variation of special symbol (special diagram 1 and special diagram 2)” is the short-time end condition. When the short-time end condition is satisfied, the game state is changed to the normal gaming state. In the short-time gaming state, the jackpot lottery is performed using the table for the low probability state, and the jackpot is won with the same probability as in the normal gaming state. Further, in the short-time gaming state, the electric tulip 107 is frequently opened by a predetermined electric tulip control process, and it is easier to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the normal gaming state.

  The probability variation gaming state is a gaming state that shifts after the jackpot state due to the probability variation jackpot. The probability variation gaming state is continued until a predetermined probability variation termination condition is satisfied. For example, in the present embodiment, “winning any one of the jackpots” is a probability change termination condition. In the probability variation gaming state, a jackpot lottery is performed using a table for a high probability state, for example, a jackpot is won with a probability of 1/30. Further, in the probable gaming state, the electric tulip 107 is frequently opened by a predetermined electric tulip control process, and it is easier to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the normal gaming state.

  The latent game state is a game state that shifts after a jackpot state due to a latent jackpot. The latent game state is continued until a predetermined latent end condition is satisfied. For example, in the present embodiment, “winning any one of the jackpots” is a latent end condition. In the latent game state, a jackpot lottery is performed using a table for a high probability state, for example, a jackpot is won with a probability of 1/30. Further, in the latent game state, the electric tulip 107 is not opened very much by a predetermined electric tulip control process (or even if it is opened, it is closed immediately). For this reason, in the latent game state, it is difficult to win a game ball to the second starting port 106.

  That is, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the normal gaming state and the short-time gaming state are low-probability states with low probability of jackpots, and the probability variation gaming state and latent probability gaming state have low probability of jackpots. It is a high probability state higher than the state.

(Basic operation of pachinko machines)
Next, an example of the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 100, when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, performs a big hit lottery according to the winning starting port. For example, when a game ball wins the first start opening 105, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a first big hit lottery. At this time, the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays the special figure 1 of the first special figure display unit 112a. Then, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the variable display, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery.

  Further, when the game ball wins the second start opening 106, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs the second big hit lottery. At this time, the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays the special figure 2 of the second special figure display unit 112b. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined period from the start of the variable display, the special figure 2 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the second big hit lottery.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays the special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2), the symbol for the effect (hereinafter referred to as "identification symbol") of the image display unit 104 is variably displayed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the identification symbol is stopped and displayed. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (the jackpot was won in the first jackpot lottery or the second jackpot lottery), the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a combination that indicates a jackpot (for example, “ 7 · 7 · 7 ”) and the identification symbol is stopped and displayed.

  When the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination indicating a big hit, the pachinko gaming machine 100 sets the gaming state to the big hit gaming state and opens the big winning opening 109 for the round corresponding to the winning big hit (for example, 15 rounds). If the game ball wins the big winning opening 109 during the opening, the pachinko gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls.

  Further, when the jackpot gaming state is reached, the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes a jackpot effect for jackpot. For example, in the jackpot effect, a movie for the jackpot effect is displayed on the image display unit 104. At this time, the winning jackpot type may be displayed. In addition, even if the winning jackpot is won, it may be displayed as “usually winning jackpot” and a promotion effect of “winning winning jackpot” at a predetermined timing may be performed.

  The jackpot game state ends when the jackpot end condition is satisfied, and shifts to another game state. For example, in the case of winning a winning jackpot game, the pachinko gaming machine 100 transitions to a winning game state when the jackpot gaming state ends. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 shifts to the short-time gaming state when the jackpot gaming state ends when the normal jackpot is won.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 108. At this time, the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 113 is displayed in a variable manner. Then, after a predetermined period from the start of the fluctuation, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the symbol indicating the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. In the case of winning the normal symbol per lot (hereinafter referred to as “per normal symbol”) in the normal symbol lottery, the pachinko gaming machine 100 stops displaying the normal symbol at a predetermined symbol indicating the per symbol. Thereafter, the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined period.

(Functional configuration of production control unit)
Next, a functional configuration of the effect control unit 202 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the effect control unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the effect control unit 202 includes a receiving unit 310 and a control unit 320.

  The receiving unit 310 has a function of receiving a command transmitted from the main control unit 201 that controls the progress of the game. Here, examples of the command received from the main control unit 201 include the above-described change start command. As described above, the change start command includes information indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, the game state, the change time of the special symbol, and the like. Therefore, when the variation command is received by the reception unit 310, the effect control unit 202 can acquire the various types of information included in the variation start command.

  The control unit 320 includes a first control unit 321, a determination unit 322, a second control unit 323, and a third control unit 324, and displays on the image display unit 104 based on a command received by the reception unit 301. It has a function of performing various effects on the screen (for example, a variation display / stop display of an identification symbol, an expansion effect). In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the control part 320 may also be connected with the speaker 254 and may output the audio | voice corresponding to the production performed on the display screen from the speaker 254.

  The first control unit 321 has a function of variably displaying an identification symbol for representing the lottery result on the display screen of the image display unit 104 based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery included in the command received by the receiving unit 310. Have For example, here, the identification symbols represent numbers, characters (for example, kanji), symbols, and the like. In addition, a plurality of (for example, three) identification symbols are displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104, and the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the lottery result of the big hit lottery by a combination of numbers and the like represented by the respective identification codes. Shown in Note that the effect of stopping the display after the identification symbol is variably displayed in this way is hereinafter referred to as “variable effect”.

  The determination unit 322 has a function of determining whether or not the lottery result is a win for a predetermined event based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery included in the command received by the reception unit 310. For example, here, the predetermined event includes various jackpots (for example, a probable jackpot, a normal jackpot, a latent jackpot), or a small jackpot (a specific loss in which the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs the same operation as when the potential jackpot is won) It can be. Further, the predetermined event may be a loss that is won in the reach determination (hereinafter referred to as “reach loss”).

  When the determination unit 322 determines that the event has been won, the second control unit 323 temporarily displays the identification symbol being variably displayed by the first control unit 321 and replaces the identification symbol with the following (for example, And a function for displaying on the display screen of the image display unit 104 development effect symbols for representing the contents of the development effect to be performed immediately thereafter.

  For example, the second control unit 323 shifts from a low probability state to a high probability state, for example, an event to shift to a high probability state (for example, a probable big hit or a latent big hit), a second event to shift to a low probability state (for example, a normal jackpot). When it is determined that an event (for example, a small hit) is not won, the development effect design is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104.

  Moreover, the 3rd control part 324 has a function which performs the expansion effect according to the effect content design displayed by the 2nd control part 323. FIG. For example, here, the development effect can be an arbitrary effect for increasing the player's expectation (for example, expectation for jackpot). Here, the development effect symbol can be an image that reminds the player of the contents of the development effect to be performed thereafter. Note that an effect that displays the development effect symbol representing the content of the subsequent development effect and suggests the content of the development effect to the player is hereinafter referred to as “implying effect”.

  Specifically, for example, Pachinko gaming machine 100 is based on the story that men and women (heroes and heroines) in a sociable state overcome many hardships and are finally connected, and various productions of content along the story are presented. Try to do. In this story, the most important of the hardships is that the heroine was hit by a bus and seriously injured (hereinafter referred to simply as “traffic accident”).

  When the third control unit 324 performs the development effect representing the above-described traffic accident, the second control unit 323 includes a person (for example, a heroine) or a vehicle (for example, a bus) related to the traffic accident, a place where the traffic accident occurs (for example, A development effect symbol representing an intersection) is displayed on the image display unit 104.

  In addition, for example, the second control unit 323 may display the development effect symbols in a layered manner on the identification symbol being displayed in a variable manner before temporarily displaying the identification symbol. At this time, the development effect symbol is displayed so as to be seen in front of the identification symbol when viewed from the player. The second control unit 323 may display the development effect symbol in a transparent manner so that the identification symbol on the back side can be seen from the player.

  In addition, for example, the second control unit 323 includes an event in which the number of development effect symbols to be displayed shifts to a high probability state and an event to shift to a low probability state (or an event that does not perform a game state transition). One or more development effect symbols may be displayed so as to show different tendencies. For example, the second control unit 323 displays three development effect symbols when winning the latent probability, and displays one development effect symbol when winning the small hit. Thereby, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the development effect symbols, the number of the pachinko gaming machines 100 can indicate to the player the degree of expectation (the degree that can be expected) for the transition to the high probability state.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 may display one or a plurality of development effect symbols so that the number of development effect symbols to be displayed shows different tendencies depending on the jackpot and the loss. For example, the second control unit 323 displays three development effect symbols when winning the jackpot and displays one development effect symbol when reaching a loss. As a result, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the development effect symbols, it can show the player the degree of expectation for the jackpot according to the number of the developed effect symbols.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment reminds the player that a traffic accident, which is a production stage, is caused by the developed production design, and that the production stage is approaching immediately afterwards. Can be suggested. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can increase not only the player's expectation for the jackpot, but also the expectation for the production contents of the development effect (mountain on the production), increasing the production effect of the development effect, The interest of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be improved.

  In addition, for example, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs the above-described development effect representing a traffic accident when winning the potential big hit or the small hit, the player is given a high probability of winning the big hit. An expectation that “the game state may shift to the latent game state” can be given quickly.

  The function units of the reception unit 310 and the control unit 320 can realize their functions by executing various programs stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 202 uses the RAM 243 as a work area, for example. it can.

(Processing executed by the main control unit)
Next, processing executed by the main control unit 201 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 201 described below is performed by the CPU 211 executing a program stored in the ROM 212.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit. When the main control unit 201 is turned on, it continuously executes main control processing (not shown) including start-up processing and power-off monitoring processing. The timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. The main control process is interrupted at a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 ms).

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the timer interrupt process, the main control unit 201 first executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers (step S401). The main control unit 201 updates various random numbers such as a jackpot random number used for the jackpot lottery and a reach random number used for reach determination by the random number update process.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes switch processing relating to detection of a game ball (step S402). The main control unit 201 detects winning of a game ball at the first start port 105 and the second start port 106 by this switch processing. Then, “1” is added to the number of holdings U1 (the number of holdings of the first starting port 105) or U2 (the number of holdings of the second starting port 106) corresponding to the starting port that detected the winning, and the jackpot random number or the reach random number Then, the fluctuation pattern random number is acquired and stored in the RAM 213. In addition, the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 109 and the normal winning opening 110 is detected, and a winning ball command corresponding to the winning opening is set in the RAM 213.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes symbol processing relating to symbols (special symbols, normal symbols) (step S403). Here, the symbol process includes a special symbol process related to the special symbol and a normal symbol process related to the normal symbol. In the special symbol process, the main control unit 201 performs a lottery lottery to display the special symbol in a variable / stopped display (see FIG. 5). In the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 201 performs the normal symbol lottery and displays the normal symbol in a variable display / stop display (illustration and detailed description are omitted).

  When the symbol process is executed, the main control unit 201 executes an electric accessory control process related to operation control of various electric accessories (step S404). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, the electric accessory control process includes an electric tulip control process for controlling the operation of the electric tulip 107, a big prize opening process for controlling the action of the big prize opening 109, and the like. Is included.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes a prize ball process related to a prize ball (step S405), and executes an output process for outputting the commands set in the RAM 213 by the above processes to the effect control unit 202 and the like. (Step S406), and the timer interrupt process is terminated. When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 201 returns to the main process.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol processing. Here, the special symbol process is one process included in the symbol process in step S403 of FIG. In the special symbol process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether the winning game flag is ON (step S501). Here, the winning game flag is, for example, a flag that is set to ON when various types of winning (big winning, small winning) are won, and a flag indicating that the current gaming state is a winning gaming state (for example, a big winning gaming state). It is.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S501: Yes), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process without changing the special symbol. If the winning game flag is not ON (step S501: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the special symbol is being variably displayed (step S502). If the special symbol is not being variably displayed (step S502: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the holding number U2 for the game ball won at the second start port 106 is 1 or more (step S503).

  If the holding number U2 is 1 or more (U2 ≧ 1) (step S503: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the holding number U2 as a new holding number U2 (step S504). The process proceeds to S507. If the holding number U2 is 0 (U2 = 0) (step S503: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the holding number U1 for the game ball won at the first start port 105 is 1 or more ( Step S505).

  If the holding number U1 is 0 (U1 = 0) (step S505: No), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is. If the holding number U1 is 1 or more (U1 ≧ 1) (step S505: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the holding number U1 as a new holding number U1 (step S506). The process proceeds to S507.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 201 performs a jackpot lottery (step S507). In step S507, when "1" is subtracted from U2 in step S504, the main control unit 201 performs the second big hit lottery using the second big hit lottery table, and subtracts "1" from U1 in step S506. In this case, the first big hit lottery is performed using the first big hit lottery table. By this jackpot lottery, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the jackpot is large and the type of jackpot in the case of the jackpot.

  When the big hit lottery is performed in step S507, the main control unit 201 executes a variation pattern selection process for determining a variation time of the special symbol in the present variation (step S508). The variation pattern selection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the variation pattern is selected by the variation pattern selection process, the main control unit 201 causes the special symbol display unit 112 to start displaying the variation of the special symbol (step S509). At this time, when variably displaying based on the lottery result of the second big hit lottery process, the special figure 2 of the second special figure display unit 112b is variably displayed. When variably displaying based on the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery process, the special figure 1 of the first special figure display unit 112a is variably displayed.

  When the special symbol variation display is started, the main control unit 201 sets a variation start command in the RAM 213 (step S510). The variation start command set in step S510 includes the lottery result of the jackpot lottery in step S507, information indicating the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection process in step S508, and the like. Further, the variation start command set in step S510 is output to the effect control unit 202 when the output process in step S406 in FIG. 4 is executed.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed from the start of fluctuation (step S511). In step S511, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the variable display is the variable time indicated by the variable pattern selected immediately before the start of the variable display. If the predetermined fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S511: No), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is.

  On the other hand, if the fluctuation time has elapsed (step S511: Yes), the main control unit 201 stops and displays the special symbol that is being variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 112 (step S512), and displays a fluctuation stop command in the RAM 213. (Step S513). The variation stop command set in step S513 is output to the effect control unit 202 when the output process in step S406 in FIG. 4 is executed.

  After setting the variable stop command in the RAM 213, the main control unit 201 subsequently executes a stop process for setting a flag indicating the gaming state (for example, the above-described hit flag) (step S514), and performs a special symbol process. finish. On the other hand, when the special symbol is variably displayed in step S502 (step S502: Yes), the main control unit 201 proceeds to step S511, determines whether the variability time has elapsed, and performs the above processing.

(Change pattern selection process)
Next, the processing content of the variation pattern selection processing shown in step S508 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the variation pattern selection processing. As shown in FIG. 6, in the variation pattern selection process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a win (for example, a normal big hit, a probable big hit, a latent big hit, a small win) (step) S601).

  If it is a win (step S601: Yes), the winning variation table is set in the RAM 213 (step S602). If it is not a big hit (step S601: No), reach random number determination is performed (step S603). In the reach random number determination, the main control unit 201 determines the reach random number for the hold for which the current big hit lottery has been performed.

  And it is determined whether the determination result by reach random number determination was reach (step S604). If it is reach (step S604: Yes), the reach variation table is set in the RAM 213 (step S605). If the reach is not reached (step S604: No), the loss variation table is set in the RAM 213 (step S606).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 201 selects a variation pattern using the variation table set in any of step S602, step S605, and step S606 and the variation pattern random number for the current hold (step S607). Then, the main control unit 201 sets the selected variation pattern in the RAM 213 (step S608), and ends the variation pattern selection process.

(Processing during stoppage)
Next, the processing contents of the stopping process shown in step S514 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the stopping process. As shown in FIG. 7, in the stop process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether or not a short time game flag indicating ON is in a short time game state is set to ON (step S701). If the time-saving game flag is not set to ON (step S701: No), the process proceeds to step S705 described later.

  If the time-saving game flag is set to ON (step S701: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the count value J of the time-saving counter as a new J (step S702). Then, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the count value J of the time reduction counter has become “0” (step S703). If the count value J of the hour / short counter becomes “0” (step S703: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets the hour / short game flag to OFF (step S704). If the count value J of the time reduction counter is not “0” (step S703: No), the process proceeds to step S705 described later.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the probability variation game flag indicating the probability variation game state or the latent probability game flag indicating the latent probability variation game state is set to ON (step S705). If the probability variation game flag or the latent probability game flag is not set to ON (step S705: No), the process proceeds to step S709 described later.

  If the probability variation game flag or the latent probability game flag is set to ON (step S705: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the count value X of the probability variation counter as a new X ( Step S706). Then, the main control unit 201 determines whether the count value X of the probability variation counter has become “0” (step S707). If the count value X of the probability variation counter becomes “0” (step S707: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets the probability variation game flag or the latent probability game flag to OFF (step S708). If the count value X of the probability variation counter is not “0” (step S707: No), the process proceeds to step S709 described later.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed immediately before is a symbol that represents a jackpot (step S709). If the special symbol is a symbol indicating a big win (step S709: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a winning game flag indicating ON in a winning gaming state to ON (step S710). A plurality of hit game flags may be provided for each jackpot type. For example, if there are 15 rounds of jackpot (long jackpot) and 2 rounds of jackpot (short jackpot), a jackpot game flag and a short bonus game flag are provided. In step S710, when the big jackpot is won The long hit game flag is set to ON, and the short hit game flag is set to ON when winning the short jackpot.

  When the winning game flag is set to ON, the main control unit 201 resets the count value J of the hourly counter and the count value X of the probability variable counter to “0” (step S711), and sets the time shorter game flag, the probability variable game flag, Then, the latent game flag is set to OFF (step S712), and the process proceeds to step S715 to be described later.

  On the other hand, when it is not a symbol indicating a big hit in step S709 (step S709: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the special symbol stopped and displayed immediately before is a symbol indicating a small hit (step S709). S713). If the special symbol is not a symbol indicating a small hit (step S713: No), the main control unit 201 ends the stopping process as it is.

  If the special symbol is a symbol indicating a small hit (step S713: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a small hit game flag indicating ON in the small hit gaming state to ON (step S714). Then, the main control unit 201 starts an opening according to the winning jackpot or small win (step S715), and sets an opening command indicating that the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state is set in the RAM 213 (step S715). S716), the stopped process is terminated. Here, the opening command includes information indicating the set winning game flag or the small winning game flag.

  As shown in the above processes, when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, the main control unit 201 acquires a big hit random number, a reach random number, or a variation pattern random number. Then, based on the acquired jackpot random number, reach random number, and fluctuation pattern random number, the jackpot lottery is performed, the fluctuation pattern is selected, and the special symbol is variably displayed / stopped. When the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, a change start command including information indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery or the change time is transmitted to the effect control unit 202. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed, a change stop command is transmitted to the effect control unit 202.

(Contents produced by pachinko machines)
Next, the contents of the effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described. 8-1 is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the content of the production which a pachinko game machine performs. Moreover, FIG. 8-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the content of the production which a pachinko game machine performs.

  As shown in FIG. 8A (1), when the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs the big hit lottery, the left identification symbol 801, the middle identification symbol 802, and the right identification symbol 803 are displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. The three variable symbols are displayed in a variable manner. In FIG. 8A, the lower white arrow in the figure indicates that each of the identification symbols 801 to 803 is variably displayed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8-1 (2), the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the development effect design 802a during the variation display of each identification design 801-803 (not shown in FIG. 8-1 (2)). The image is displayed on the image display unit 104. Here, the development effect symbol 802a is displayed in multiple layers on the middle identification symbol 802. Further, the development effect symbol 802a is transparently displayed, and the back middle identification symbol 802 is also visible to the player. Note that the development effect symbol 802a shown in FIG. 8-1 (2) is an image representing a bus as an example.

  The player can know before the start of the development effect that the development effect representing the traffic accident will be performed by the development effect symbol 802a. In addition, as described above, for example, the development effect that represents a traffic accident is performed when the big win or the small win is won, so the pachinko gaming machine 100, for the player immediately after the start of the fluctuation effect, It is possible to give a lottery result of this jackpot lottery (a sense of expectation for the potential jackpot lottery) and a sense of expectation for the jackpot lottery after the next time.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 8-1 (3), when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the pachinko gaming machine 100 hides the development effect symbols 802a and temporarily stops the identification symbols 801 to 803. indicate. At this time, the combination of the identification symbols 801 to 803 may be any combination, for example, a combination that suggests that the player has a chance (so-called “chance eye”).

  After that, as shown in FIG. 8-2 (4), the pachinko gaming machine 100 once turns the inside identification symbol 802 upside down, and the symbol (“1” symbol) that the middle identification symbol 802 appears from the player. Display an image that is invisible. Then, after a short time (for example, 3 seconds), the pachinko gaming machine 100 turns the middle identifying symbol 802 over again as shown in FIG. 8-2 (5), and this time the middle identifying symbol 802 is developed. A symbol 802a (an image representing a bus) is displayed. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays the development effect symbol 802a instead of the middle identification symbol 802 that is stopped.

  Thereafter, the pachinko gaming machine 100 starts the development effect of the content suggested by the development effect symbol 802a (FIG. 8-2 (6)). For example, in FIG. 8-2 (6), there is an effect that the bus that draws the heroine appears to be approaching from the back of the display screen to the front (heroine). Although illustration is omitted, the pachinko gaming machine 100 reaches a mountainous area in production after a traffic accident occurs after FIG. 8-2 (6). In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the pachinko game machine 100 stops and displays each identification symbol 801-803 by the combination which shows the lottery result of a jackpot lottery at the time of completion | finish of an expansion effect.

  Moreover, although the example which displays only one development effect symbol 802a was shown in said example, it is not restricted to this. The pachinko gaming machine 100 may display a plurality of development effect symbols, for example, display different development effect symbols (for example, images representing heroes, heroines, and buses) on the identification symbols 801 to 803, for example. (In this case, three suggestion images are displayed).

  In addition, as described above, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has, for example, the number of development effect symbols to be displayed at the time of winning the latent large hit, small hit, sudden short (so-called “rush”), sudden normal (so-called “rush” One or more development effects symbols may be displayed so as to show different tendencies. Here, in the case of a collision, the rushing is a jackpot that makes it difficult to win a prize ball and shifts to a low probability state after the jackpot. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can show the player the degree of expectation for the high probability state based on the number of development effect symbols. Therefore, in this case, even if the production suggests the development to the same development production, the expectation given to the player can be varied depending on the content, and the interest of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be further improved. it can.

(Processing performed by the production control unit)
Next, the processing executed by the effect control unit 202 in order to perform the effect will be described in detail. A process executed by the effect supervising unit 202a of the effect control unit 202 will be described. Each process of the production control unit 202a described below is performed, for example, when the CPU 241 executes a program stored in the ROM 242.

(Production timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect timer interruption process. The production supervision unit 202a continuously performs a predetermined main production control process (not shown) during the activation, and performs the production timer interruption process shown in FIG. For example, an interrupt is executed at 4 ms).

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the effect timer interruption process, the effect supervision unit 202a first performs a command reception process (step S901). The command reception process is a process for receiving various commands transmitted from the main control unit 201 and selecting various effects based on the received commands. Details of the process will be described later with reference to FIG. .

  When the command reception process is performed, the effect supervising unit 202a continues to perform the effect button process (step S902). In the effect button process, when an operation of the effect button 119 from the player is received, an operation command indicating that the operation is received is set in the RAM 243.

  When the effect button process is performed, the effect control unit 202a performs a command transmission process (step S903). The command transmission process is a process of outputting the command set in the RAM 243 by the command reception process or the effect button process to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c.

(Command reception processing)
Next, the processing content of the command reception processing shown in step S901 in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the command reception processing. As shown in FIG. 10, in the command receiving process, the effect supervising unit 202a first determines whether a variation start command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S1001). If the change start command has not been received (step S1001: No), the process proceeds to step S1003 described later.

  If the change start command has been received (step S1001: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a performs an effect selection process for selecting an effect to be performed in the current change (step S1002). For example, in the effect selection process, contents such as a change effect, a development effect, and a suggestion effect to be performed this time are selected. Details of the effect selection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 202a determines whether a change stop command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S1003). If the fluctuation stop command has not been received (step S1003: No), the process proceeds to step S1005 described later.

  If the change stop command is received (step S1003: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a performs the production end process for ending the production (step S1004). Details of the effect end process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the production control unit 202a determines whether an opening command (see step S716 in FIG. 7) has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S1005). If the opening command has not been received (step S1005: No), the process proceeds to step S1007 described later.

  If the opening command has been received (step S1005: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a performs a hit production selection process for selecting an effect (hereinafter referred to as “hit production”) to be performed at the time of winning (for example, a big win or a small win). Perform (step S1006). For example, in the winning effect selection process, the effect supervising unit 202a selects a winning effect for a promising big hit if it wins a promising jackpot, and selects a winning effect for a normal big win if it wins a normal jackpot. Also, in the winning effect selection process, the effect supervising unit 202a selects a winning effect for a long jackpot if it wins a long jackpot, and selects a winning effect for a jackpot if it wins a short jackpot. Also good.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 202a determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S1007). Here, the ending command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 201 at the end of the winning gaming state. If the ending command has not been received (step S1007: No), the production control unit 202a ends the command reception process as it is.

  If the ending command has been received (step S1007: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a performs an ending effect selection process for selecting an effect to be performed at the end of the winning effect (hereinafter referred to as “ending effect”) (step S1008). The reception process ends.

(Direction selection process)
Next, the contents of the effect selection process shown in step S1002 of FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process. As shown in FIG. 11, in the effect selection process, the effect supervising unit 202a first analyzes the change start command received in step S1001 (step S1101), the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, the change time of the special symbol, the game Acquire information indicating the status.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 202a refers to a mode flag that is a flag indicating the current effect mode (step S1102), and acquires information indicating the current effect mode. For example, in this embodiment, there are a total of four types of mode flags, mode flag “0” to mode flag “3”, and mode flag “0” is a flag indicating the normal performance mode. The mode flag “1” is a flag indicating the probability variation effect mode. The mode flag “2” is a flag indicating a time reduction effect mode. The mode flag “3” is a flag indicating the special performance mode. These mode flags are set, for example, when a big win or a small win is won, or when a special symbol changes a predetermined number of times after a certain mode flag is set.

  And the production supervision part 202a selects the combination of the symbols which each identification symbol 801-803 represents in this fluctuation | variation based on the various information acquired in step S1101 and step S1102 (stop symbol selection) (step S1103). ).

  For example, here, if the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a potential big hit or a small hit, the production supervising unit 202a has a combination that indicates a big hit or a small hit (for example, a chance such as “1, 1, 2”) Select. If the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a probabilistic jackpot or a normal jackpot, a combination indicating a jackpot (for example, a uniform line such as “7/7/7”) is selected. If the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a loss, a combination indicating a loss (for example, a chance such as “1, 1, 2”) is selected.

  Then, the effect supervision unit 202a selects an effect pattern representing the content of the effect to be performed at the time of the current change from the effect pattern table (not shown) stored in the RAM 243 (step S1104).

  For example, here, if the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a latent big hit or a small hit, the production supervision unit 202a selects the production pattern of the production combining the suggested production and the development production representing the traffic accident. If the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a probable big hit or a normal win, an effect pattern such as a reach effect is selected.

  Then, the effect supervision unit 202a sets an effect start command including information indicating the selected stop symbol and effect pattern in the RAM 243 (step S1105), and ends the effect selection process. The effect start command set in step S1105 is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c when the command transmission process shown in step S903 of FIG. 9 is executed.

(Production end processing)
Next, the contents of the effect end process shown in step S1004 of FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect end process. As shown in FIG. 12, in the production end process, the production supervision unit 202a first analyzes the change stop command received in step S1003 (step S1201), and displays information indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, the gaming state, and the like. get. Since these pieces of information can also be acquired by a change start command at the start of change display, the information acquired by the change start command may be held and used in the effect end process.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 202a refers to the mode flag (step S1202), and acquires information indicating the current effect mode. And the production supervision part 202a determines whether the lottery result of the big hit lottery is a win (big hit, small win) based on the information acquired in step S1201 (step S1203).

  If it is not a big win (step S1203: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether the mode flag “0” is set (whether the current production mode is the normal production mode) (step S1204). When the mode flag “0” is set, that is, when the current effect mode is the normal effect mode (step S1204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1208 described later.

  When the mode flag “0” is not set, that is, when the current production mode is not the normal production mode (step S1204: No), the production supervision unit 202a counts the count value of the mode counter associated with the current mode flag. “1” is subtracted from Mn (hereinafter referred to as “mode counter Mn”) (step S1205).

  When setting the mode flag, the effect supervising unit 202a sets a predetermined value to the mode counter value Mn corresponding to the set mode flag, and subtracts one from the predetermined value in step S1205. For example, when setting the mode flag “1”, the production supervision unit 202a sets a predetermined value “10000” in the mode counter M1 of the mode flag “1”. When the mode flag “2” is set, a predetermined value “100” is set to the mode counter M2 of the mode flag “2”. When the mode flag “3” is set, “30” is set to the mode counter M3 of the mode flag “3”.

  Then, in step S1205, the production control unit 202a determines whether the mode counter Mn has become 0 as a result of subtracting “1” from the mode counter Mn (step S1206). If the mode counter Mn is 0 (step S1206: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the mode flag “0” (step S1207), sets the production end command in the RAM 243 (step S1208), The effect termination process is terminated. If the mode counter Mn is not 0 (step S1206: No), the production supervision unit 202a proceeds to step S1208 as it is.

  On the other hand, if the lottery result of the big win lottery is a win (big hit, small win) in step S1203 (step S1203: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a performs a mode flag change process for changing the mode flag (step S1209). ), The process proceeds to step S1208. In the mode flag changing process, the effect supervising unit 202a sets a mode flag corresponding to the winning combination and a predetermined value of the mode counter Mn.

  For example, in the mode flag changing process, the effect supervising unit 202a sets the mode flag “1” when the winning combination is won and sets the predetermined value “10000” in the mode counter M1. When the normal jackpot is won, the mode flag “2” is set, and the predetermined value “100” is set to the mode counter M2. When the big win or the small win is won, the mode flag “3” is set, and the predetermined value “30” is set to the mode counter M3.

  As described above, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment performs a jackpot lottery, the display of the identification display 801 to 803 is started on the display screen of the image display unit 104, and a variation effect is produced. Do it. In the case of performing the development effect, the suggestion effect is performed during the change effect. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can suggest to the player the content of the development effect that will be performed during the variation production by suggesting the production, so that the player's expectation for the development production is enhanced from the time of the variation production. I can go. The pachinko gaming machine 100 can maintain this expectation until the end of the development effect. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can maintain the player's expectation for a long time, and can provide an interesting game to the player.

  Further, for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is assumed to perform an advanced production that represents an important incident in the production, and the suggestion production can indicate to the player that the mountain area on the production is approaching soon. . As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can increase not only the expectation for the jackpot but also the expectation for the production contents of the production direction (mountain on the production), and the production effect of the development production can be increased. The interest of the machine 100 can be improved.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs the development effect when the winning big win or the small win is won, and performs the suggestion effect when performing the development effect. An expectation that “the game may shift to a latent game state with a high winning probability” can be given as soon as possible, and the interest of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be improved.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 may perform only the suggestion effect and may not perform the development effect. In this case, after the suggestion effect, the pachinko machine 100 performs the development effect suggested by the suggestion effect when the development effect is performed, and waits for the end of the change effect when the development effect is not performed. End the production. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 100 suggests to the player a development effect that has a high expectation for the jackpot in the suggestion effect, and at the end of the variable effect after the suggestion effect ends, And the excitement of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be improved.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation from the time when the symbol variation is displayed (before actually starting the development effect) until the end of the development effect. This expectation can be maintained and the player can be played without being bored.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 101 Game board 104 Image display part 105 1st starting port 106 2nd starting port 201 Main control part (main control board)
202 Production control unit (production control board)
301 Receiver 302 Symbol Control Unit (Design Control Unit)
303 Execution unit (execution means)

Claims (1)

A starting area provided in a gaming area where game balls can flow down;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game when a game ball passes through the starting area;
A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a determination symbol indicating a determination result by the special game determination means after the symbols are variably displayed on the predetermined symbol display means;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is to be performed, the special game execution means for performing the special game after the determination symbol is stopped and displayed by the symbol display control means;
The game is controlled in a low-probability gaming state in which the probability of performing the special game by the special game judging means is set to a predetermined probability or a high-probability gaming state in which the probability is set to be higher than the predetermined probability. A probability state control means;
An effect display control means for displaying an effect image in a predetermined effect display means when the symbol display is variably displayed by the symbol display control means;
With
The special game determination means includes
A type specifying means for specifying which of the first special game, the second special game, and the third special game is to be performed;
The special game execution means includes
When the second special game or the third special game is specified by the type specifying means, the special game is performed for a shorter period than when the first special game is specified;
The probability state control means includes:
Wherein when the second special game by special game execution means is performed, after the end of the second special game, controlling the game in the high probability game state when the controlling the game with a low probability gaming state High probability gaming state control means;
When the third special game is performed by the special game execution means while controlling the game in the low probability game state, the game is controlled in the low probability game state after the third special game is finished. Low probability gaming state control means;
Have
The effect display control means includes:
A combination of variably displaying a plurality of effect symbol images as the symbols are variably displayed by the symbol display control means, and indicating a determination result by the special game determination means as the determination symbols are stopped and displayed. There are production symbol display control means for stopping and displaying each of the plurality of production symbol images so that
The effect symbol display control means includes:
When it is determined that the special game is determined to be performed by the special game determination means, the special game effect for stopping and displaying each of the plurality of effect symbol images so as to obtain a specific combination indicating that the special game is determined to be performed. Design display control means;
When it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is not to be performed, the plurality of effect symbol images are stopped and displayed so as to be a non-specific combination indicating that it has been determined that the special game is not to be performed. Non-special game effect symbol display control means;
Have
The special game effect symbol display control means includes:
When the first special game is specified by the type specifying means, the plurality of effect design images are stopped and displayed so as to be a first specific combination indicating that the first special game is specified,
The second even if any of the special game of special game and the third special game is identified, the non-specific combination with so as to the plurality of performance symbol image once the suspend display respectively by the type specifying means after, that any of the special game of the non-specific combination and said first of said a combination that is different from the specific combination second special game or the third special game is identified second at least one performance symbol image so that the particular combination, then stopped each display said plurality of performance symbol image effect image displayed after changing the recall pattern image evoke the player shown A gaming machine characterized by being capable of being made to play.

Images