JP4863233B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and relates to a technique for notifying an expectation level.

  Many pachinko machines, which are one type of gaming machine, are provided with a symbol display or the like that displays a symbol group consisting of a plurality of symbols while varying or stopping the symbol group. In the pachinko machine, when a pachinko ball wins or passes through a specific area, the design group starts to change (hereinafter referred to as “design change”). When the fluctuating symbol group stops at the specific symbol, a bonus is given to the player as “big hit”. As the privilege, for example, there is a state in which a special prize opening, an accessory device or the like is opened and closed intermittently under a certain limit. Such a privilege enables the player to win a lot of prize balls.

  However, a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) is required from the start of symbol variation to the final stop. Although the player can have a sense of expectation for the benefit within the predetermined period, it is unclear whether the benefit will be given until the changing symbols are stopped and confirmed. is there. In order to remove this feeling of anxiety, a conventional pachinko machine has previously notified the player of the degree of expectation indicating the possibility of giving a privilege (see, for example, JP-A-9-201459). The degree of expectation is also referred to as “reliability”, “hit probability”, etc., and a player who has guessed the degree of expectation by notification can play with a sense of security.

  However, since the conventional pachinko machine has reported the degree of expectation only with one stage of production, a player who has guessed that a privilege cannot be given will reduce the game motivation after the notification. For this reason, some players have stopped pachinko ball launching until the change in symbol according to the expected expectation is stopped, and the availability of pachinko machines has been reduced. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has made a plurality of performances to notify the expectation level and maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

(Means 1 for solving the problem)
Means 1 for solving the problem is as described in claim 1. Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) “First effect” and “second effect” each consist of one or more effects, and means means for transmitting information about gaming machines to a target person (player, hall attendant, etc.) through a transmission medium. To do. For example, an effect of displaying a pattern, an effect of lighting a light emitter (including blinking), an effect of producing sound (including voice, music, sound effects, etc.), an effect of vibrating a device or member, an effect of operating a movable body And so on. The effect of displaying a symbol includes a case where the effect is different depending on differences in the color of the symbol (including transparent and translucent), the movement of the symbol, the type of the symbol itself, the size of the symbol and the display position. Examples of the transmission medium include a display unit (display device), a light emitter, an acoustic device, a vibrating body, and a movable body. The relationship between the production and the transmission medium is arbitrary, a mode in which one production is performed using a plurality of transmission media, a mode in which a plurality of productions are performed using one transmission medium, and a plurality of productions using a plurality of transmission media There is a mode of performing. In addition, the length of the period during which the first performance is performed is arbitrary, and may be fixed at substantially the same length, or may be changed as the game progresses. The same applies to the second effect.
(2) “Bonus” means an advantageous gaming state given to a player. For example, shortening the symbol variation period (hereinafter referred to as “short time”), changing the jackpot probability (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”), opening and closing the lids, blades, wing pieces, etc. provided in the winning device or gate. Various aspects, or an aspect in which at least two of these are combined.
(3) “Expectation” means a possibility that a privilege is given, and is, for example, within a range of 0% to 100%.

  According to the means 1, the informing means performs the first effect by the first effect means in order to notify the degree of expectation by the combination of the first effect and the second effect, and after performing the first effect, The second effect is performed by the two effect means. Until the second effect is performed after the first effect is performed, it is difficult for the player to clearly estimate the degree of expectation. Therefore, until the second performance is performed, the game is played with a sense of expectation for a privilege. Therefore, since the degree of expectation is notified by a plurality of effects, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine.

(Means 2 for solving the problem)
Means 2 for solving the problem is as described in claim 2. According to the means 2, the first effect means turns on the light emitter to perform the first effect, and the second effect means displays the design on the display unit and performs the second effect. The player can estimate the degree of expectation more reliably and easily by the effects performed by the light emitter and the display unit.

(Means 3 for solving the problem)
Means 3 for solving the problem is as described in claim 3. Here, the term “holding period” described in claim 3 means a period during which the change of the symbol group is held, and for example, a predetermined detector detects a game ball during a change of the symbol group or during a big hit game. This corresponds to a period in which the fluctuation of the symbol group cannot be started even if it is detected. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.

  According to the means 3, when the predetermined detector detects a game ball within the holding period, that is, when the change of the symbol group is held, the first effect means performs the first effect. When the predetermined detector detects the game ball, the first effect is performed, so that the player who has recognized the first effect can play with a sense of expectation at an early stage.

(Means 4 for solving the problem)
The means 4 for solving the problem is as described in claim 4. According to the means 4, the notification means performs the first effect again almost simultaneously with the second effect by the second effect means after performing the first effect by the first effect means in order to notify the degree of expectation. . In this case, the part, member, device, or the like that first performed the first effect may be the same as or different from the part, member, device, or the like that performs the first effect later. Even when the content of the first effect performed previously cannot be recognized, there is a time when the first effect and the second effect are performed almost simultaneously, so the player depends on the combination of the first effect and the second effect. Expectation can be estimated.

(Means 5 for solving the problem)
The means 5 for solving the problem is as described in claim 5. According to the means 5, the notifying means continues the first effect performed by the first effect means until at least the second effect is started in order to notify the degree of expectation. Therefore, at least at the start of the second effect, the first effect and the second effect are performed almost simultaneously, so that the player can estimate the expectation by the combination of the first effect and the second effect. In addition, since the first effect is continuously performed, the contents of the first effect can be recognized more reliably, and the game can be played while expecting the second effect to increase the degree of expectation.

(Means 6 for solving the problem)
The means 6 for solving the problem is as described in claim 6. Here, the terms described in claim 6 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “display unit” may be all of a part that can display a symbol for one display (or display device), or may be a part of the part. Furthermore, you may comprise not only one display but a several display.
(2) “Design” includes special symbols such as letters (alphanumeric characters, kanji, etc.), symbols, symbols, figures (including characters, etc.), images, etc., ordinary symbols, decorative symbols (including background symbols), etc. The symbol may be a still image or a moving image such as an animation.

  According to the means 6, the first effect means and / or the second effect means display the pattern on the display unit, turn on the light emitter, emit sound with the sound member, and the vibration member with the required device or The expectation is notified by performing at least one of the effects of vibrating the member. In this case, the display unit, the light emitter, the acoustic member, the vibration member, and the like may serve both the purpose of notifying the expectation and the purpose corresponding to each function. As described above, if the production is performed in various modes, the interest is enhanced and an opportunity to enjoy the production more can be given.

  According to the present invention, since the degree of expectation is notified by a plurality of effects, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of this invention typically. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a pachinko machine. It is an enlarged view which shows the external appearance of a composite apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a main control board and a display control board. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the 1st type starting port process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the symbol fluctuation process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of reach processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an image display process. It is a figure which shows the example of production. It is a figure which shows the example of production. It is a figure which shows the example of production.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1] First, Embodiment 1 will describe an example in which the degree of expectation is reported by a combination of a first effect performed first and a second effect performed later.

First, an explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 1 schematically showing the outline of the present invention. The gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 has a first recording means 1 capable of recording a plurality of performance patterns 1a, 1b,..., 1n, and any one of the plurality of performance patterns 1a, 1b,. Based on the first effect means 4 for performing the first effect, the second recording means 3 capable of recording a plurality of effect patterns as in the first recording means 1, and the second recording means 3 as in the first effect means 4. The second effect means 5 that performs the second effect based on one of the effect patterns recorded in the first effect, and the first effect and the second effect that the first effect means 4 performs when the required condition is satisfied. It has the alerting | reporting means 2 etc. which alert | report an expectation degree in combination with the 2nd production which the means 5 performs.

  Here, the 1st presentation means 4 has the transmission control part 4a which controls a transmission medium. The transmission medium includes a display unit 4b for displaying symbols, a light emitting body 4c that lights up (including blinking), an acoustic device 4d that outputs sound (including voice, music, sound effects, etc.), a handle, and the like. This includes all devices and members that can inform the target person 6 of the degree of expectation through the effects such as the vibrating body 4e and the movable body 4f that performs a predetermined operation. Since the second effect unit 5 has substantially the same configuration as the first effect unit 4, the illustration thereof is omitted in FIG. 1, but the transmission medium (display unit 5b, light emitter 5c, acoustic device 5d, vibrating body 5e, movable body 5f). Etc.). The plurality of effect patterns 1a, 1b,..., 1n recorded in the first recording means 1 and the plurality of effect patterns recorded in the second recording means 3 may be the same or different. A plurality of effect patterns recorded in the first recording means 1 and the second recording means 3, and transmission media (display units 4b and 5b, light emitters 4c and 5c, acoustic devices 4d and 5d, vibrators 4e and 5e, movable body 4f). , 5f, etc.) is arbitrary. In general, one production pattern corresponds to the production performed by one device (member), but the production may be performed by one device based on a plurality of production patterns, or a plurality of productions may be performed based on one production pattern. An effect may be performed by an apparatus. The establishment of the required condition corresponds to, for example, that a game ball has won a start opening, a change in a symbol group composed of a plurality of symbols, or reach has been reached. Target person 6 includes not only a player but also a hall attendant.

  When the required condition is satisfied in the gaming machine configured as described above, the notification unit 2 notifies the target person 6 of the degree of expectation using the first presentation unit 4 and the second presentation unit 5. In other words, the first effect means 4 performs the first effect, and after the first effect is performed, the second effect means 5 performs the second effect. Until the second effect is performed after the first effect is performed, it is difficult for the player to clearly estimate the degree of expectation. Therefore, until the second performance is performed, the game is played with a sense of expectation for a privilege. Therefore, since the degree of expectation is notified by a plurality of effects, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine. The transmission control unit 4a may perform at least two effect patterns selected from the plurality of effect patterns 1a, 1b,..., 1n recorded in the first recording means 1 in combination according to the expectation. In this way, an effect according to the degree of expectation is performed, so that the target person 6 can recognize the degree of expectation more clearly.

Here, the aspect shown below can also be realized. Even in these modes, since the degree of expectation is notified by a plurality of effects, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine.
(1) In order to notify the target person 6 of the degree of expectation, the notifying unit 2 performs the first effect by the first effect unit 4 and then performs the second effect by the second effect unit 5 almost simultaneously with the first effect. Is configured to perform again. In this way, there is a time when the first effect and the second effect are performed almost simultaneously even when the content of the first effect that has been performed previously cannot be recognized. Therefore, the player can guess the expectation degree by the combination of the first effect and the second effect.
(2) The notification means 2 continues the first effect performed by the first effect means 4 until at least the second effect means 5 starts the second effect in order to notify the target person 6 of the degree of expectation. Therefore, at least at the start of the second effect, the first effect and the second effect are performed almost simultaneously, so that the player can estimate the expectation by the combination of the first effect and the second effect. In addition, since the first effect is continuously performed, the contents of the first effect can be recognized more reliably, and a game can be played while expecting the second effect to increase the degree of expectation.

Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko machine that is one of gaming machines will be described with reference to FIGS. The hatching shown in the figure is used for distinguishing colors during lighting or display. In FIG. 2, the external appearance of the pachinko machine 10 which is a 1st kind pachinko machine is shown with a front view. On the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10 shown in FIG. 2, a gate 32 having a gate sensor 58 for detecting a pachinko ball passing therethrough, and passage openings 24 and 6 through which the pachinko ball can pass.
2. First type starting port 30 having a starting port sensor 60 for detecting a winning pachinko ball, large winning port 34 having a lid 74 opened and closed by a solenoid 54, a special symbol display 22 and a holding ball lamp as will be described later In addition to the composite device 14 having 20, 28, etc. in combination, a general prize opening, a windmill, a nail and the like are appropriately arranged. Below the game board surface 12, an operation button 48 (operation unit) for a player to operate the pachinko machine 10, a lower plate 44 for temporarily storing pachinko balls including prize balls, cigarette butts, etc. An ashtray 46 for inserting a player, a handle 40 having a touch sensor 42 for detecting whether or not a player's hand is touching, and an inner plate 38 corresponding to the sound devices 4d and 5d, which is a tray for receiving prize balls. And a speaker 50 for producing sound (such as sound effects and music). In addition, a frame opening sensor 36 that detects the opening of the glass frame 18 (also referred to as a “gold frame”), and lamps 16 made of light emitters arranged at appropriate positions according to the game content of the pachinko machine 10 and the like. Is also provided. Further, a ball lending switch 64 for instructing ball lending, a return switch 72 for instructing return of the prepaid card, and the like are provided in the vicinity of the upper plate 38. In addition, in order to vibrate the handle 40 as necessary, a vibration member corresponding to the vibrating bodies 4e and 5e may be incorporated in the handle 40.

  The passing port 24 provided on the game board surface 12 is provided with a normal symbol display 26 for displaying the normal symbol by changing or stopping the normal symbol. The normal symbol display 26 has one or a plurality of light emitters (for example, LEDs capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors such as green, red, orange, etc.), and when the pachinko ball passes through the gate 32, the fluctuation starts for a predetermined time. Stop after elapse. Specifically, the light emitter is blinked to change, and when the specific light emitter is turned on (or turned off) in a specific color, the lower start port 68 is opened for a certain period (for example, 4 seconds). In this specification, “stop” includes not only complete stop but also temporary stop. In addition, the “stop” state includes not only the case of being stationary, but also the case of moving in an arbitrary distance range in an arbitrary direction around the reference position. In addition to the lid 74, the big winning opening 34 is a V zone in which the big hit gaming state can be continued within the required number of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) when the pachinko ball wins within the opening period of the big winning opening (for example, 20 seconds). 56, or a normal winning opening for simply paying out a prize ball. In order to detect the winning pachinko ball, the V zone 56 has a V zone sensor 52, and the normal winning opening has a winning sensor 70. Below the big winning opening 34, a lower starting opening 68 provided with a starting opening sensor 66 for detecting a winning pachinko ball is provided. The lower starting port 68 has a function equivalent to that of the first type starting port 30, and in any case, when a pachinko ball wins, the winning ball is paid out in the same manner as a normal winning port.

  The composite apparatus 14 shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3A has passed through the gate 32 during fluctuation of the special symbol display 22 that can display symbols, the special symbol display unit 22 that can display symbols, and a general symbol. A holding ball lamp 20 for displaying the number of pachinko balls, a holding ball lamp 28 for displaying the number of pachinko balls (that is, holding balls) won in the first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 68 during the change of the special symbol, etc. Have. The number of reserved balls that can be recognized by the display of the reserved ball lamp 28 corresponding to the light emitters 4c and 5c is referred to as “the number of reserved balls”. The special symbol display 22 corresponding to the display units 4b and 5b uses, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays special symbols, decorative symbols, and the like including symbols such as characters, symbols, symbols, graphics, and images. The special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22 starts to change when the pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 68, and can be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, the screen of the special symbol display 22 includes a first area 80 for displaying decorative symbols and the like, and a second area 82 for displaying a change or stop of the symbol group related to the special symbols. The second area 82 includes a left symbol area 84 that displays a left symbol, a middle symbol area 86 that displays a middle symbol, and a right symbol area 88 that displays a right symbol. Hereinafter, the “symbol variation” is simply referred to as “symbol variation”. In addition, although the liquid crystal display was used for the special symbol display 22, any display capable of displaying a symbol such as a CRT, LED display, plasma display or the like may be used. Further, although the normal symbol display 26 and the special symbol display 22 are used separately, the same display may be used for both. Each of the holding ball lamps 20 and 28 has one or a plurality of light emitters. For example, the holding ball lamp 20 has four single color LEDs, and the holding ball lamp 28 has four LEDs capable of developing a plurality of colors (for example, green, red, orange, etc.). FIG. 3A shows an example of lighting when the number of held balls reaches four at a certain game point. The LEDs 28a and 28c constituting the held ball lamp 28 are green (hatched with a diagonally downward slanting line), and the LED 28b is The LEDs 28d are lit in red (hatched vertical lines) and in orange (hatched hatched grid lines).

  Next, the main control board 100 that realizes the pachinko game in the pachinko machine 10 and a display command (for example, a signal including a scheduled stop pattern, a reach pattern, etc.) sent from the main control board 100, the special symbol display 22 The display control board 200 for displaying a symbol will be described with reference to FIG. 4 showing a schematic configuration thereof. The main control board 100 and the display control board 200 are both provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, for example. The main control board 100 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the notification means 2 and is configured around a CPU (processor) 110. The main control board 100 receives signals sent from various input devices such as a ROM 112 for storing game control programs and required data (for example, jackpot value), a RAM 114 for storing various random numbers and signals. The input processing circuit 102 for converting the data into a data format that can be processed in the main control board 100, the operation data sent from the CPU 110, the output processing circuit 104 for operating various output devices, and the display data sent from the CPU 110 The display control circuit 106 appropriately controls the display of the light emitter (including lighting and blinking), the communication control circuit 116 that sends a required signal to the display control board 200, and the like. All of these components are coupled to each other by bus 118.

  The CPU 110 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 112 to realize a game by the pachinko machine 10, and the game control program also includes a program for realizing a first type start port process and the like as will be described later. . The ROM 112 uses an EPROM and the RAM 114 uses an SRAM, but other types of memories may be used. Other types of memory include DRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, and the like. As an input device for the input processing circuit 102 to receive a detection signal or the like, for example, an operation button 48, start port sensors 60 and 66, a gate sensor 58, a winning sensor (V zone sensor 52 or the like), and other sensors (frame opening sensor 36, For example, the touch sensor 42). An output device from which the output processing circuit 104 outputs a signal corresponds to, for example, a solenoid 54 or the like. Examples of the light emitters that are controlled by the display control circuit 106 include the lamps 16, the holding ball lamps 20 and 28, or the normal symbol display 26. The communication control circuit 116 can also send necessary data to a frame control board, a hall computer, etc. (not shown) as required.

  Next, similarly to the main control board 100, the display control board 200 is mainly composed of the CPU 210, and a display control program, required display data (for example, display information corresponding to a display command, a plurality of variation patterns including a reach pattern, etc.). ROM 202 for storing data, RAM 204 for storing display commands, display information, input / output signals, etc., communication control circuit 206 for receiving data sent from the main control board 100, a plurality of symbols are stored, and commands from the CPU 210 are stored. It has a character generator 212 that receives and generates a symbol, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 214 that receives the display information sent from the CPU 210 and displays the processed symbol on the special symbol display 22. All of these components are coupled to each other by bus 208.

  The CPU 210 executes a display control program stored in the ROM 202 and displays a symbol or the like on the special symbol display 22, and the display control program includes a program for realizing a symbol display process or the like. The ROM 202 uses an EPROM, and the RAM 204 uses a DRAM, but other types of memory may be used. The ROM 112 corresponds to the first recording unit 1 and / or the second recording unit 3. The communication control circuit 206 can send necessary data to a frame control board, hall computer, etc. (not shown) as required. The symbol data generated by the character generator 212 includes, for example, characters (alphanumeric characters, kanji characters, etc.), symbols (special symbols, ordinary symbols, decorative symbols, etc.), still images, moving images (animations, etc.), and videos. The VDP 214 having a VRAM, a palette RAM, etc. receives the display information, reads the design data generated by the character generator 212, performs image editing such as coloration designation and sprite processing, and develops the design data in the VRAM and palette RAM. Finally, an image signal (video signal, synchronization signal, etc.) is output to the special symbol display 22. At this time, the sprite function realized by executing the sprite process can execute a process of displaying a plurality of symbol groups while changing or stopping simultaneously or non-simultaneously.

  The frame control board and other boards that control the operation of various devices in response to the command signal sent from the main control board 100 are well known, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted. Examples of the various devices include a launch device that launches pachinko balls when the handle 40 is operated, and a payout device that pays out pachinko balls for lending or winning balls.

  In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, a procedure executed by the main control board 100 to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 shows the contents of the first type start opening process for realizing the pachinko ball winning determination with respect to the first type start opening 30, and FIG. 6 shows the contents of the pattern change process for realizing the pattern change related to the special design. 7 shows the contents of the fluctuation display process for realizing the display from the start to the stop of the pattern fluctuation, and FIG. 8 shows the contents of the reach process for realizing the fluctuation based on the reach display and the reach pattern. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of image display processing in which the display control board 200 receiving the display command sent from the main control board 100 performs image editing and displays an image on the special symbol display 22. Among these processes, the first type start port process, the symbol variation process, the variation display process, and the reach process are all suitable for the CPU 110 as a game control program stored in the ROM 112 in the main control board 100 shown in FIG. It is implemented by executing at a timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds). The image display process is realized by the CPU 210 and the VDP 214 executing a program at an appropriate timing on the display control board 200. In the following description, “adding” usually means increasing the number of held balls by one, but it may be increased by two or more as appropriate according to the gaming state or the like. On the other hand, “subtract” is the same as the case of addition except that the number of reserved balls is reduced. Since the first type starting port 30 and the lower starting port 68 function in the same manner, the first type starting port 30 will be described as an example for the sake of simplicity.

  In the first type starting port process shown in FIG. 5, it is first determined whether or not a pachinko ball has won a prize at the first type starting port 30 within the holding period [step S10]. Specifically, if a detection signal is received from the start port sensor 60 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is determined that a prize is received (YES), and if no detection signal is received, it is determined that no prize is received (NO). When a pachinko ball wins the first type start port 30 (YES), it is determined whether or not the number of held balls has reached an upper limit value (that is, for example, four in a full tank state) [step S12]. If the number of reserved balls has not reached the upper limit (NO), the number of reserved balls is added [step S14]. Thereafter, various random numbers are read from a random number counter, a random number generator or the like and stored in the RAM 114 [step S16].

  The random number stored in the RAM 114 in step S16 is a jackpot determination random number RA used to determine whether or not it is a big hit, or a big hit displayed on the special symbol display 22 when the big hit determination random number RA is determined to be a big hit. A jackpot symbol random number RB used to specify a symbol (a combination of specific symbols), a reach pattern random number RC used to specify a reach pattern from the start to stop of a symbol change related to a special symbol, a jackpot And a random number RD for probability variation used to determine whether or not to perform probability variation after that. “Reach” and “reach state” mean that the other special symbols (1st symbol, 2nd symbol) match the reach symbols except for the remaining special symbols (3rd symbol) that are still changing. To do.

  Then, a part of the light emitting body (LED) of the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on according to the number of holding balls added in step S14 [step S18], and the first type start port process is ended. In step S18, the corresponding light emitter is turned on with the lighting color determined based on the random number (for example, jackpot determination random number RA) read in step S16. For example, when the LEDs 28a, 28b, and 28c are already lit in the holding ball lamp 28 shown in FIG. 3A, the remaining LEDs 28d are lit in the above-described lighting color. The lighting color can be determined by any method. For example, the lighting color is determined according to Table 1 in which partial probabilities are defined in correspondence with random numbers of the jackpot determination random number RA that can be in the range of 1 to 300. The partial probability is a partial probability that is a big hit corresponding to each performance, and is shown in the “probability” column in Table 1. Table 1 is stored in advance as a first data table in a recording unit such as the ROM 112, and the jackpot value is "7".

  On the other hand, if the pachinko ball has not won in the first type start opening 30 (NO in step S10) or if the number of reserved balls has reached the upper limit (YES in step S12), the first type start is performed as it is. The mouth process ends.

  Next, in the symbol variation process shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not the number of retained balls is a positive number (that is, the number of retained balls> 0 is satisfied) (step S20). When the number of held balls is a positive number (YES), it is determined whether or not it is within the holding period [step S22]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the symbol is changing or a jackpot game. If it is within the holding period (YES), the symbol variation process is ended as it is, so that the number of held balls is maintained or gradually increases. On the other hand, if it is within the holding period (NO), the number of held balls is subtracted in preparation for the next and subsequent processes [step S24], and the holding ball lamp 28 is partially turned off according to the subtracted number of held balls [step S26. ]. For example, in a state where all the LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d applied to the holding ball lamp 28 shown in FIG. 3A are lit, they are turned on and off as follows. That is, the lighting color of the LED 28b is displayed by the LED 28a, the lighting color of the LED 28c is displayed by the LED 28b, the lighting color of the LED 28d is displayed by the LED 28c, and the LED 28d is turned off. That is, it seems to the player that the lighting color of each LED is shifted one by one toward the left side of the symbol. The player who has seen this state can recognize that the number of reserved balls has been subtracted.

  When part of the holding ball lamp 28 is extinguished, the jackpot determination random number RA stored in step S16 of FIG. 5 is read [step S30], and the variable display process is executed [step S32]. The specific contents of the fluctuation display process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the variable display process shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not it is a “big hit” [step S40]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the jackpot determination random number RA read in step S28 of FIG. 6 matches the jackpot value. Although the number of jackpot values is one or more, the number of jackpot values may be changed according to the gaming state (for example, probability fluctuation). If it is determined that the jackpot is “YES” (YES), the jackpot symbol random number RB stored in step S16 in FIG. 5 is read [step S42], and finally, the jackpot symbol random number RB is stopped based on the value of the jackpot symbol random number RB. The symbol to be confirmed (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled symbol to be stopped”) is determined, and the process proceeds to step S44 described later in order to start changing the symbol group. On the other hand, when it is determined as “displacement” in step S40 (NO), in order to display the off symbol on the special symbol display 22, the off symbol data is read from the RAM 114 [step S52], and the reach symbol is displayed on the off symbol. It is determined whether or not it is included [step S54]. For example, the reach design corresponds to a combination of the left design and the right design, and a common pachinko machine often uses the same design (so-called doublet). If a reach symbol is included (YES), it will eventually become “out of”, but reach will be reached midway, so the process proceeds to step S44 described later. On the other hand, if the reach symbol is not included (NO), the symbol group starts to fluctuate in the same manner as in step S44 [step S56], and after changing based on a predetermined variation pattern, stops at the off symbol (step S58), It progresses to step S48 mentioned later. The above steps S56 and S58 are realized by sending corresponding display commands to the display control board 200, respectively.

  In step S44, a variation pattern that is a pattern for performing symbol variation is determined, and a display command is sent to the display control board 200 in accordance with the variation pattern to start variation of the symbol group. Thereafter, reach processing is executed [step S46]. The processing performed on the display control board 200 will be described later. First, specific contents of the reach processing will be described with reference to FIG. The reach process shown in FIG. 8 is realized by sending a display command to the display control board 200. First, the reach pattern random number RC (the jackpot determination random number RA) stored in step S16 in FIG. 5 is read [step S60], and the color and reach pattern of the reach symbol are determined [step S62]. The method for determining the color of the reach symbol is arbitrary. For example, the color of the reach symbol is determined according to Table 2 in which partial probabilities are defined corresponding to the random value of the reach pattern random number RC that can be in the range of 1 to 300. The partial probability has the same meaning as in the example of Table 1. Table 2 is stored in advance as a second data table in a recording unit such as the ROM 112, and the jackpot value is “7”.

  The reach pattern is determined by, for example, the third pattern stored in the ROM 112 or the like based on the scheduled stop symbol determined in step S42 (or step S52) in FIG. 7 and the reach pattern random number RC read in step S60 in FIG. Determine according to the data table. The third data table defines the relationship between the symbols to be stopped (or the symbol shift between the reach symbol and the middle symbol) and the reach pattern random number RC, but the details are omitted because it is a well-known technique. In the example of Table 2 above, the partial probability and the color of the reach pattern for the reach pattern random number RC are defined. Instead of this mode, when the color of the reach symbol is determined based on the jackpot determination random number RA, a data table defining the partial probability and the reach symbol color for the jackpot determination random number RA is stored in the ROM 112 or the like. There is a need to. In this way, the color of the reach symbol may be determined using an arbitrary random number.

  After determining the reach symbol color and reach pattern in this way, the symbol variation is continued based on the variation pattern determined in step S44 in FIG. 7 [step S64], and the special symbol display 22 is reached with the determined reach symbol color. A symbol (first symbol, second symbol) is displayed [step S66]. For example, the first symbol is a left symbol displayed in the left symbol region 84, and the second symbol is a right symbol displayed in the right symbol region 88 (see FIG. 3A). The player who sees the color of the reach symbol displayed in this way has a degree of expectation that the player expects a privilege in combination with the color of the holding ball lamp 28 (specifically, LED 28a) that has been lit before the symbol variation starts. Can be guessed. Based on the partial probabilities in Table 1 and Table 2 described above, the expected degree is as shown in Table 3, for example.

  The degree of expectation shown in the example of Table 3 above is the result of summing the partial probability for the color of the holding ball lamp 28 (LED 28a) shown in Table 1 and the partial probability for the color of the reach symbol shown in Table 2. is there. Therefore, when both the color of the holding ball lamp 28 and the color of the reach pattern are red, the expectation degree is 90%, and a considerable benefit can be expected. On the other hand, when the holding ball lamp 28 is orange and the reach symbol is blue, the expectation is 10%, and it is extremely difficult to expect a privilege. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to clearly estimate the degree of expectation until the reach symbol is displayed even after the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on. Therefore, until at least the reach symbol is displayed, the game is played with a sense of expectation for the benefit.

  The reach symbol may be displayed only on the special symbol indicator 22 or only on other indicators, or may be displayed on both. In this way, since the reach symbol or the like is displayed on the display other than the special symbol indicator 22, it is easy to recognize what the reach symbol is. When the reach symbol is displayed, the player may be notified that the reach has been reached. As the notification, for example, a character such as “reach” or a predetermined animation is displayed, a specific sound or sound effect is output from the speaker 50, and the handle 40 touched by the player or the chair on which the player sits is vibrated. There are aspects. In this way, the player can more reliably recognize that the reach has been reached.

  Even after the reach symbol is displayed, the symbol variation is performed on the remaining symbols in accordance with the reach pattern determined in step S64 [step S70], the symbol variation is stopped, and the final symbol (third symbol) is displayed (step S72). The reach process ends. The third symbol is, for example, a middle symbol displayed in the middle symbol area 86 (see FIG. 3A), and at this time, the special symbol (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) in the current lottery is determined.

  When the reach process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 7 to determine whether or not the probability changes [step S48]. Whether or not there is a probability change is determined by whether or not the random number RD for probability change stored in step S16 in FIG. 5 matches a predetermined value. If it is determined that there is a probability variation (YES), a probability variation process is executed [step S50], and the variation display process is terminated. Since the contents of the probability variation processing in step S50 are well known, illustration and description thereof are omitted. Note that instead of (or in addition to) the probability variation, it may be determined whether or not the time reduction is performed based on a random number or the like, and the time reduction may be performed as necessary. On the other hand, if the probability variation is not present (NO in step S48), the variation display process is terminated as it is. When the probability variation process is executed, from the end of the current jackpot game until the next jackpot, it stops at the jackpot symbol after the variation and the jackpot probability increases, and the variation period of the special symbol is shortened. In addition, the probability of stopping at the winning symbol after the change and increasing the chance of winning is increased, and the fluctuation period of the normal symbol is shortened.

  When the variation display process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 6 to determine whether or not the game is a big hit [step S34]. In the pachinko machine 10 which is not easily affected by external noise or the like and has high reliability, it is determined whether or not it is a “big hit” based on the big hit determination random number RA read in step S28. In addition, you may discriminate | determine whether it is a big hit according to whether the special symbol actually displayed on the special symbol indicator 22 corresponds with the big hit symbol as needed. If it is “big hit” (YES), the big hit processing is performed [step S36], and the symbol variation processing is terminated. In the jackpot processing, for example, a jackpot game such as opening the lid 74 of the jackpot 34 for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) and paying out a prize ball according to the number of winning pachinko balls is performed. When the number of held balls is a negative number in step S20 (NO), or when it is determined as “displaced” in step S32 (NO), the symbol variation process is terminated as it is.

  Next, image display processing performed on the display control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the display command sent from the main control board 100 is stored in a reception buffer provided in the RAM 204 shown in FIG. 4 by a separate processing program executed in a timely manner by a reception interrupt or the like. In the image display process shown in FIG. 9, first, the CPU 210 reads a display command stored in the reception buffer [step S100], acquires display data based on the read display command, and stores it in the RAM 204 [step S102]. Specifically, the display data is acquired with reference to a fourth data table in which the relationship between the display command and the display data is defined and stored in the ROM 202 or the like. This display data is a data element (parameter) for image editing. For example, status number, left symbol number, left position coordinate, middle symbol number, middle position coordinate, right symbol number, right position coordinate, animation number, status Has flags, animation timer, etc. The 210 that has acquired the display data acquired in this way transmits the display data to the VDP 214.

The VDP 214 that has received the display data from the CPU 210 extracts data such as characters, designs, and backgrounds from the character generator 212 based on the display data [Step S104], and performs image editing such as color specification and sprite processing [ Step S106], the data is expanded on the VRAM or palette RAM [Step S108]. The developed data is converted into an image signal and output to the special symbol display 22 [step S110].
In this way, the symbols and the like edited based on the display data can be displayed on the special symbol display 22. In addition, since image editing is performed by the VDP 214 as hardware, the image can be displayed at high speed.

  Next, FIG. 3 (A) and FIG. 3 show an example in which the respective processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 are executed, and the degree of expectation is notified by a combination of the first effect performed first and the second effect performed later. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows an effect example. If the pachinko ball wins the first type starting port 30 within the holding period (YES in step S10 in FIG. 5), the lighting color is determined and the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on (first effect; step S18 in FIG. 5). . At this time, in the example of FIG. 3A, the LED 28a is green. A player who recognizes the lighting color of the LED 28a can play with a sense of expectation at an early stage. Thereafter, when the symbol variation is started, the lighting state of the holding ball lamp 28 is shifted to the left one by one. For example, the holding ball lamp 28 in the state shown in FIG. 3A becomes the holding ball lamp 28 in the state shown in FIG. 10, and the LED 28d is turned off. At the time of reach, the left symbol area 84 and the right symbol area 88 of the second area 82 are stopped and the symbol variation is stopped and the left symbol and the right symbol are displayed. In the example of FIG. 10, the symbol “77” is displayed in green as the reach symbol in the left symbol region 84 and the right symbol region 88. Therefore, since both the color of the holding ball lamp 28 and the color of the reach pattern are green, the expectation degree is 50% in light of the above Table 3, and the privilege can be expected in half.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Corresponding to claim 1, the main control board 100 (notification means 2) reports the degree of expectation by a combination of the lighting color (first effect) of the holding ball lamp 28 and the color of the reach symbol (second effect). In order to do this, the reach symbol colored by the special symbol display 22 (second rendering means 5) is displayed after the holding ball lamp 28 (first rendering means 4) is lit in the lighting color {step S18 in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 step S66}. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to clearly estimate the degree of expectation until the reach symbol is displayed even after the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on. Therefore, until the reach symbol is displayed, the game is played with a sense of expectation for a privilege. Since the degree of expectation is notified by a plurality of performances, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine.
(2) Corresponding to claim 2, the hold ball lamp 28 turns on the LED 28a (light-emitting body 4c) in the lighting color to perform the first effect {step S18 in FIG. 5}, and the special symbol display 22 is colored. The design was displayed and the second effect was performed {step S66 in FIG. 8}. Due to the effects performed by the LED 28a and the special symbol display 22, the player can more reliably and easily guess the expectation. Also, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 10, the part (first part) provided with the LED 28a and the part (second part) provided with the special symbol display 22 are brought close to each other. Expectation can be estimated while minimizing eye movement.
(3) Corresponding to claim 3, if the start port sensor 60 (predetermined detector) detects a pachinko ball (game ball) within the holding period {steps S10 and S18 in FIG. 5, step S22 in FIG. 6}, That is, when the symbol variation is held, the holding ball lamp 28 is lit in the lighting color. When the start opening sensor 60 detects the pachinko ball, the holding ball lamp 28 is turned on, so that the player who has recognized the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 can play with a sense of expectation at an early stage.
(4) Corresponding to claim 6, the first effect is performed in a mode in which the holding ball lamp 28 is lit in the lighting color {step S18 in FIG. 5}, and the special symbol display 22 is colored and displayed on the reach symbol. Then, the second effect was performed {step S66 in FIG. 8}. As described above, the production is performed in various modes, so that the fun is increased and the player can have an opportunity to enjoy the production more. In addition, since the light emitter and the display that also serve the purpose corresponding to each function are used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where separate members and devices are used.

[Embodiment 2] Next, Embodiment 2 applies the present invention to a first-class pachinko machine as in Embodiment 1, and after performing the first effect, almost simultaneously with the second effect. This is an example in which the first effect is performed again. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the configuration and the like of the first type pachinko machine are the same as in the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment in order to simplify the illustration and description.
Therefore, in FIG. 8 and FIG. 11, the same elements as those shown in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, when the reach symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22 with the color of the reach symbol determined in step S62 in the reach process of FIG. 8, the symbol is almost simultaneously displayed (step S66). The point is that the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 (specifically, LED 28a; see FIG. 3A), which has been lit until the start of fluctuation, is simulated and displayed on the special symbol display 22 [step S68]. As shown in the example of FIG. 11, the simulated symbol 90 is displayed in the first region 80 of the special symbol indicator 22 in substantially the same color as the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28. Even if the player has not seen or forgotten the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 that has been on until the symbol change is started, the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 is simulated and displayed almost simultaneously with the display of the reach symbol. Therefore, the player can reliably estimate the expectation degree due to the combination of the two effects. Further, since the lighting mode of the LED 28a and the display mode of the reach symbol on the special symbol display 22 are substantially the same, it is easy for the player to understand. In the example of FIG. 8, the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 is simulated and displayed after the reach symbol is displayed. However, the reaching symbol may be displayed after the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 is simulated and displayed. In any case, it is sufficient that the player can recognize the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 by the first effect and the color of the reach symbol by the second effect almost simultaneously.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Corresponding to claim 4, the main control board 100 (notifying means 2) lights the holding ball lamp 28 (LED 28a; first effect means 4) in a lighting color (first effect) in order to notify the degree of expectation. ), The reach symbol is colored and displayed on the special symbol display 22 (second rendering means 5) (second rendering) and the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 is displayed with the simulated symbol 90 almost simultaneously. Was performed again {step S68 in FIG. 8}. Even when the player is unable to recognize the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 performed earlier, there is a time when the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 and the color of the reach pattern can be recognized almost simultaneously. The expected degree by the combination of can be reliably estimated.
(2) Since the relationship with claim 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Embodiment 3] Next, Embodiment 3 applies the present invention to a first-class pachinko machine, as in Embodiment 1, and starts at least the second effect of the first effect performed first. It is an example that continues until. The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3B, FIG. 6, and FIG. Since the configuration and the like of the first type pachinko machine are the same as in the first embodiment, the third embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment in order to simplify the illustration and description. Therefore, in FIG. 3B, FIG. 6, and FIG. 12, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element same as the element shown in Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, first, the composite apparatus 14 shown in FIG. 3B is used instead of the composite apparatus 14 shown in FIG. The composite device 14 shown in FIG. 3B is different from the composite device 14 shown in FIG. 3A in that the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 (LED 28a) that has been turned on before the start of the design change is changed. This is the point that an effect lamp 78 is displayed almost simultaneously with the start of fluctuation. For the effect lamp 78, a member equivalent to the holding ball lamp 28, in this example, an LED is used. Second, in the symbol variation process of FIG. 6, when the reserved ball lamp 28 is partially turned off in step S26, the effect lamp 78 is turned on substantially the same color as the lighting color of the LED 28a [step S28]. Thus, before the symbol variation starts, the lighting color of the LED 28a (green in this example) can be recognized as shown in FIG. 3B, but when the symbol variation starts, the LED 28a as shown in FIG. 12A. The lighting color of partial probability corresponding to the next symbol variation (red in this example) is displayed. However, the effect lamp 78 displays the lighting color of the partial probability corresponding to the currently performed symbol variation, that is, the lighting color of the LED 28a that has been lit before the symbol variation is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the reach symbol is displayed in the left symbol region 84 and the right symbol region 88 thereafter, the player turns on the effect lamp 78 and the reach symbol color (for example, blue). ; Hatching with a slanting left-down line) can be recognized almost simultaneously. Therefore, the player can reliably estimate the degree of expectation due to the combination of the two effects.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Corresponding to claim 5, the main control board 100 (notifying means 2) displays at least a special symbol display color of the holding ball lamp 28 (LED 28a; first rendering means 4) in order to notify the degree of expectation. The effect lamp 78 continues to display until reaching the reach design at 22 {step S28 in FIG. 6}. Therefore, at least when the reach design is started, the lighting color of the effect lamp 78 and the color of the reach symbol are displayed almost simultaneously. The expectation degree by the combination with (2 effects) can be estimated. In addition, since the lighting color of the effect lamp 78 is continuously performed, the lighting color can be recognized more reliably, and a game can be played while expecting the display of reach symbols with high expectation. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 12, the part (first part) provided with the effect lamp 78 and the part (second part) provided with the special symbol display 22 are brought close to each other. The person can guess the degree of expectation at a glance.
(2) Since the relationship with claim 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Other Embodiments] In the pachinko machine 10 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, etc. of other parts are limited to those described above. Not. Each of the following forms applying these forms can also be implemented. (1) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, the present invention can be similarly applied to other gaming machines other than pachinko machines (for example, slot machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, video game machines, etc.). Even with this other gaming machine, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the first effect is performed with the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28, and then the second effect is performed with the color of the reach symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22, and the degree of expectation is notified. {Step S18 in FIG. 5, Step S66 in FIG. 8}. In other words, the degree of expectation was notified by performing twice. Instead of this form, the degree of expectation may be notified by performing three or more times. For example, in addition to the first effect and the second effect, a part of the lamps 16 (light-emitting body) or a blinking pattern corresponding to the partial probability between the start of the symbol change and the display of the reach symbol. The third effect is performed to turn on all of them. Even in this case, since the degree of expectation is notified by a plurality of effects, it is possible to maintain the player's willingness to play for a longer time than before and maintain the operating rate of the gaming machine. Similarly, you may comprise by the production which performs a 1st production in two or more times. For example, the lighting effect of the holding ball lamp 28 and the blinking pattern of the lamps 16 may be combined to form the first effect. In this way, the fun can be increased by various effects, and the player can have an opportunity to enjoy the effects more. This can be similarly applied to the second effect.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the sum of the partial probability due to the first effect and the partial probability due to the second effect is made substantially equal to the expectation level {see Table 1, Table 2, Table 3}. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the partial probability of the first effect and the partial probability of the second effect were obtained by arithmetic operations such as four arithmetic operations other than addition, logarithmic operation, exponential operation, function operation, etc. The result may be approximately equal to the expectation. In addition, if the calculation method that is advantageous to the player is selected when the required condition is satisfied, the player can play with a sense of expectation for the benefit. Further, if the calculation method is configured to change with the progress of the game, it is difficult for the player to estimate the degree of expectation, so that the player can play while having a sense of expectation for the privilege.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, the partial probability corresponding to the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 and the partial probability corresponding to the color of the reach symbol displayed on the special symbol indicator 22 are fixed in a table (data table). {Refer to Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3}. Instead of this form, the partial probability for each color may be changed as the game progresses, or the table itself may be switched to another table. This makes it difficult for the player to estimate the degree of expectation, so that the player can play with a sense of expectation for the privilege.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the degree of expectation is notified based on the partial probability corresponding to the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 and the partial probability corresponding to the color of the reach symbol displayed on the special symbol indicator 22. {See Table 1, Table 2, Table 3}. Instead of this form, the degree of expectation may be notified without performing arithmetic operation simply by combining the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 and the color of the reach symbol. In this case, for example, the degree of expectation can be defined as shown in Table 4 below.

  In the example of Table 3, both the lighting color of the holding ball lamp 28 (LED) and the color of the reach pattern have lower expectations in the order of red → green → orange → blue. However, according to the example in Table 4, combinations in which the degree of expectation is reversed can be freely set. From the point of view of the player, when the hold ball lamp 28 is turned on, it becomes more difficult to judge whether the degree of expectation is large or small, and at least until the reach symbol is displayed, the game is continued with the expectation of expecting a privilege. be able to.

(6) In each of the embodiments described above, the holding ball lamp 28 is lit in the required lighting color to perform the first effect, and the special symbol display 22 displays the reach symbol in the required color and performs the second effect. {Step S18 in FIG. 5, Step S66 in FIG. 8}. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the first effect may be performed by an effect method other than lighting the holding ball lamp 28 with a required lighting color, and the second effect is performed by the special symbol display 22 or the like. You may perform by other production methods other than displaying a reach design by a required color on a display part. As other production methods, production (color, character, movement, character type, etc.) of displaying a symbol on the display unit, production of lighting elements such as the holding ball lamp 28 and the lamps 16 (lighting color and flashing) Pattern, etc.), production of sound from the speaker 50 (speech, music, sound effect, etc.), production of vibrating the handle 40, etc. (vibration magnitude, pattern, etc.), production of moving part or all of a three-dimensional character ( This applies to the operation site and the operation pattern. Furthermore, at least two of these presentation methods may be arbitrarily combined. In particular, if the display unit displays numbers (or characters expressed in stages, etc.) or displays with movement of a level meter or the like, the player or the like can recognize partial probabilities at a glance. According to such a variety of production methods, the fun is increased and the player can have an opportunity to enjoy the production more. In addition, when a light-emitting body, a display, or the like that also serves the purpose corresponding to each function is used, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

(7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the holding ball lamp 28 is simply lit in the lighting color {step S18 in FIG. 5}, and the colored reach symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 22 {step S66 in FIG. 8}. That is, each effect was performed according to the effect pattern of lighting or display, and the degree of expectation was notified. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, each effect may be performed according to other effect patterns, or the degree of expectation may be notified. As other effect patterns, for example, in the above example, a pattern for changing the lighting color for turning on the holding ball lamp 28, a blinking pattern of the holding ball lamp 28, and the color of the reach symbol displayed on the special symbol display 22 are changed. And a pattern for changing the reach design itself. Such effect patterns can be similarly applied to the other effect methods shown in (6) above. In this way, if presentations are made with various production patterns and notifications are made, the fun is increased and the player can have an opportunity to enjoy the production methods and the notification methods.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the degree of expectation for the possibility of a big hit is notified {step S18 in FIG. 5, step S66 in FIG. 8}. Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the present invention can be applied to an aspect in which the degree of expectation for other benefits that are advantageous to the player is notified. Other benefits include the following examples. First, when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display unit 26 matches the predetermined symbol (in the above embodiment, when the specific light emitter is turned on in a specific color), the lid of the lower start port 68 is opened. In the case of opening for a certain period, the degree of expectation for the privilege that the lower start port 68 is open corresponds. Secondly, the degree of expectation for the privilege of changing the probability corresponds.
By notifying about such other benefits, the player can further maintain the willingness to play, so that the operating rate of the gaming machine can be maintained.

(Aspects of Other Inventions) The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments have not only the aspects of the invention described in the claims but also other aspects of the invention. Aspects of the present invention are listed below, and related explanations are given as necessary.

[Aspect 1] In the gaming machine according to claim 1, the lighting mode in which the first effect means turns on the light emitter as the first effect, and the display of the symbols displayed on the display unit by the second effect means as the second effect. A gaming machine that substantially matches the aspect.
[Related Description of Mode 1] According to this mode, the lighting mode of the illuminant and the display mode of the display unit are almost the same, which is easy to understand.

[Aspect 2] In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the first effect means performs the first effect and the second effect means performs the second effect. A gaming machine that is brought close to the second part.
[Related description of aspect 2] According to this aspect, since the 1st part and the 2nd part are approaching, it becomes easy to see at a glance and can expect easily.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st recording means 1a, 1b, ..., 1n effect pattern 2 alerting means 3 2nd recording means 4 1st effect means 4a transmission control part 4b display part 4c light-emitting body 4d acoustic device 4e vibrating body 4f movable body 5 2nd effect Meaning 6 Target 10 Pachinko machine (game machine)
22 Special symbol display (second rendering means, display unit)
28 Reservation ball lamp (first effect means, light emitter)
50 Speaker (acoustic device)
78 effect lamp (first effect means, luminous body)
100 Main control board (transmission control unit)
110, 210 CPU
112,202 ROM (recording unit)
114,204 RAM
200 Display control board (transmission control unit)
212 Character generator (recording unit)
214 VDP

Claims (3)

  Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number based on a game ball entering the start opening;
  Of the random numbers acquired by the random number acquisition means, the winning determination random number can be classified into either a loss value or a jackpot value, and the jackpot value that can be classified can be classified with respect to the loss value. Means for determining a winning probability that determines the winning probability of the jackpot according to the ratio;
  A jackpot lottery for classifying and determining the winning determination random number acquired by the random number acquisition means as either the lost value or the jackpot value is performed, and when the jackpot value is classified and determined as the jackpot value, a privilege is given to the player A game control means capable of executing a winning start game in which a jackpot game is further performed;
  When the random number is acquired by the random number acquisition means, the game holding means for waiting and holding the winning start game by the game control means according to the winning determination random number of the acquired random numbers until the execution condition is satisfied Means,
  Effect control means for effect display on a predetermined display screen;
  With
  The production control means includes
  After the holding state is released by the execution condition of the winning start game by the game control means being established, the variable display of the symbol is started on the predetermined display screen, and while the symbol is variably displayed, A post-change effect means capable of performing a post-change effect on the degree of expectation representing the probability that the winning determination random number used in the winning start game released from the hold state is a jackpot value, and
  Probability that the winning determination random number provided to the winning start game in the holding state is a jackpot value before the holding state is released when the execution condition of the winning start game by the game control means is satisfied Before-change effect means capable of performing before-change effect on the expectation degree representing
  After the pre-change effect for the winning start game in the hold state is performed, the symbol change display that is started in response to the release of the hold state of the win start game is performed. When the post-change effect is further performed for the winning start game whose release state has been released in the meantime, the expectation shown in the pre-change effect before the start of the change display of the symbol is By passing on the expectation shown in the post-change effect as another effect, the expectation for the winning start game in which two types of pre-change effect and post-change effect appear Production inheritance control means
  A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   The predetermined display screen is provided by a liquid crystal display device.
  The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The symbol is composed of three symbols.
  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

Images