JP2011031109A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make promotion performance be certainly executed in a game machine which performs the promotion performance in a jackpot game. <P>SOLUTION: If the result of determination of winning or losing is a first jackpot, a first game state is generated, and when the result is a second jackpot, a second game state being more advantageous than the first game state is generated. When notification to the effect that the result is the first jackpot is made and a special game is started, promotion performance is executed which suggests the possibility that the result of determination of the winning or losing which becomes a trigger to start the special game is the second jackpot, and promotion confirmation notification to the effect that the result of determination is the second jackpot is executed in a prescribed time in the course of execution of the promotion performance. In the game machine, notification information showing whether or not the promotion confirmation information is executed till a game state-switching time immediately before generation of the second game state is stored, and when the notification information showing that promotion notification is not yet executed is stored in the game state-switching time, the promotion confirmation notification is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

Conventionally, pachinko machines have a probability variation function that improves the probability that a special symbol will stop and display with a combination of jackpot symbols after the jackpot game ends when the special symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols combination There are many things. In such a gaming machine, a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal jackpot symbol to generate a jackpot game, and during the predetermined round game of the jackpot game, a gaming machine that performs a promotion effect to notify that the player has been promoted from a normal jackpot to a probable bonus jackpot Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-336491 A

However, for example, when a game ball that is in a ball-clogged state on the game board surface (game area) enters the big winning opening at once, and an irregular winning occurs, the round game ends in a short time, There is a possibility of moving to the next round game or ending effect before the promotion effect is executed. In such a case, there is a problem that the jackpot game is ended without performing the promotion effect and the probability variation state is started, which gives the player a sense of incongruity.

Also, in recent years, due to the diversification of game content, the difference in specifications such as the number of round games for big hit games and the game conditions per round (big prize opening time, number of prizes for big prize winnings, etc.) differ for the same type of gaming machine. There may be a gaming machine. In such a case, a specific round game that executes promotion confirmation notification may not be executed on a gaming machine with a small number of round games in a big hit game, and a promotion confirmation notification may not be executed on a gaming machine having a short length per round. A specific round game may end before it is executed. In this case as well, there is a problem that the big hit game is ended and the probability change game is started without promotion confirmation notification. In addition, in the gaming machines of different specifications, the main control processing on the main control board that controls the control of the game progress is different, and the sub control processing on the production sub control board is often shared. If the content of the promotion effect is changed for proper execution, there arises a problem that the sub-control processing cannot be shared.

Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention has an object of reliably executing a promotion effect in a gaming machine that performs a promotion effect during a jackpot game. Further, it is an object to make it possible to share sub-control processing in gaming machines of the same model with different specifications.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the game is successful by satisfying a predetermined condition, a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter, and a game ball receiving state in which a game ball can enter And when the result of the determination of success or failure is a big hit, a special game is started in which the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state, and the type of the big hit is first. In the case of a big hit, a special game is executed in which the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state is the first predetermined number of times. A special game executing means for executing a special game in which a ball device is in a state of accepting the game ball at a second predetermined number of times greater than the first predetermined number of times; When the type is the second big hit Promotion confirmation notification means for executing promotion confirmation notification indicating that the type of jackpot is the second jackpot, and the promotion confirmation notification means is the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state. In a predetermined time until the first predetermined number of times, and when the promotion confirmation notification is not executed at the predetermined time, and after the elapse of the predetermined time, And a second notification process for executing the promotion confirmation notification until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the game ball receiving state exceeds the first predetermined number of times.

In addition, according to the present invention, in the gaming machine that executes the promotion effect during the special game to promote the first special game with a small number of round games to the second special game with a large number of round games. The promotion confirmation notification can be surely executed before the player can recognize that it is a game.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention described above, it is provided with an effect button that can be operated by the player, and in the first notification process, the determination result is a big hit, and the type of the big hit is the second big hit, And when the player operates the effect button at a predetermined time until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state reaches the first predetermined number of times, the promotion confirmation notification is executed and the determination of success / failure is performed. When the player is in a predetermined time until the number of times that the variable hitting device is in the game ball receiving state reaches the first predetermined number of times, the result of When the effect button is not operated, the promotion confirmation notification is not executed. In the second notification process, the result of the determination is a big hit, the type of the big hit is the second big hit, and Variable pitching device If the player does not operate the effect button at a predetermined time until the number of times that the game ball is received is the first predetermined number of times, the variable pitching device moves the game after the predetermined time elapses. The promotion confirmation notification may be executed before the number of times of entering the ball receiving state exceeds the first predetermined number of times.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the promotion confirmation notification effect of the round game can be appropriately executed.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a promotion effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a promotion production | presentation execution process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a promotion effect completion | finish process.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

An embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) is shown in FIG.
To FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like.

In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1.

The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2.

The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit.

The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4. Lamps such as LEDs (not shown) are provided around the game board 20 in the front frame 4. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking as the game progresses in order to enhance the gaming effect.

The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
The upper dish part 5 includes a dish outer edge part 5a, a discharge port 5b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and a ball release button 5c for discharging the game balls of the upper dish part 5 to the lower dish part 6. It has. Dish outer edge 5
On the upper surface of a, an effect button 5d, a ball lending button 5e, and the like are provided.

The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 6 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate portion 6. An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed.

The gaming machine 1 also has speakers 10a to 10 for generating sound effects corresponding to the gaming state.
10d is provided. The speakers 10 a to 10 d are composed of upper speakers 10 a and 10 b provided at the upper part of the gaming machine 1 and lower speakers 10 c and 10 d provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, on the left side of the gaming machine 1, a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit)
Is installed.

Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33, a starting port 28, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, and a first decorative member. 50, second decorative member 6
A gaming device such as 0 is provided. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

The central device (center accessory) 24 is arranged at a substantially central portion of the game area 21, and the effect display device 2.
5 is provided. In the present embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area of the effect display device 25.

The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the second decoration device 60.
Is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50 and 60 constitute a so-called side decoration. In addition, the first prize-winning ports 34 and 35 are integrated with the first decoration device 50, and the right prize-winning ports 36 and 37 are integrated with the second decoration device 60.

The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operating gate 27, a normal symbol operating gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, the normal symbol starts to fluctuate.

The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

The first start port 28a is a normal start port configured as a fixed start port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant. It is possible. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable start port in which changes. The second start port 28b is in a state where the possibility of entering the ball is high when the blade piece portion is opened, and is in a state where the possibility of entering the ball is low when the blade portion is closed. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

Inside the start port 28, a start port entrance detection switch 28s (FIG. 3) for detecting the entrance of a game ball.
And a start-up solenoid 28c (see FIG. 3) for operating the blade portion. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second start port 28b has a possibility of entering a game ball. It becomes an open state that becomes larger. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced. As the game balls enter the start ports 28a and 28b, the special symbols described later start to fluctuate.

The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the big winning device 33 is
A grand prize opening 33a that is opened in a band shape, and an opening / closing plate 33b that opens and closes the grand prize opening 33a
And a large winning opening solenoid 33c (see FIG. 3) for opening and closing the open / close plate 33b, and a ball entry detection switch 33s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the entry of a game ball.

Left winning openings 34 to 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these is provided with a winning entry ball detection switch (not shown).

The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a combination of these LEDs constitutes a normal symbol display portion 51, a general symbol hold display portion 52, and a special symbol hold display portion 53. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a special symbol display unit 61 is configured by a combination of these LEDs.

The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and after a predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits and stops display in the normal symbol display mode or the dismissed normal symbol display mode. Is done. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second).

In this embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is used for determining whether or not the second starting port 28b is to be operated when a game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. . The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. And when it is determined that it is a win, the normal symbol display section 5
The normal symbol stopped and displayed at 1 is determined as the display mode of the hit normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be off, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the off-normal symbol. Note that the normal symbol success / failure determination and the normal symbol stop symbol determination are performed by a CPU 200a of the main control board 200 described later.

Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the number of normal symbols held, and the number of game balls that have passed the normal symbol operation gate 27 is set to the maximum number of holds (4 in this embodiment).
Can be suspended. Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. The normal symbol hold and hold digest are performed by a CPU 200a of the main control board 200 described later,
The CPU 200a of the main control board 200 corresponds to the holding means of the present invention. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored is stored in a predetermined area of the main control board 200 RAM.

Next, the special symbol will be described. The special symbol display unit 61 is composed of seven LEDs, and special symbols are displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting the special symbol display unit 61 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of special symbol display modes can be displayed by a combination of turning on and off the LEDs. And, among the combinations of special symbols displayed by 7 LEDs, a specific combination is set as a combination of a winning special symbol (big winning symbol), and a combination other than the winning special symbol is removed and a special symbol (outgoing symbol) ) Is set. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off. In the special symbol display unit 61, when the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to fluctuate, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a combination of a big hit symbol or a combination of missed symbols.

Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The special symbol hold display section 53 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs.

The number of game balls that have entered the starting port 28 is the maximum number of reservations (4 in this embodiment) as the number of special symbol reservations.
The number of unstarted times (holding number) is digested and the number of special symbol holdings is one each time the next special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the special symbol is started. Decreases by increments. Note that the special symbol reservation and reservation digestion are performed by a CPU 20 of the main control board 200 described later.
Performed by 0a.

In this embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number used for determining whether or not to start a special game when a game ball enters the start port 28 is prepared. Along with the suspension of the special symbol, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 200.

These special symbol success / failure determination random numbers are set in advance with a hit value for determination of success / failure determination, and the special symbol success / failure determination random numbers acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the start port 28 match the winning value. It is determined that it is a big hit. When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit, the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 is determined as a combination of the big hit symbol, while when the special symbol success / failure determination is out of the special symbol display unit 61 The special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the symbol display unit 61 is determined as a combination of symbols that are out of place.

In addition, special symbol success / failure determination, determination of variation of special symbol, determination of special symbol stop symbol,
It is configured to be performed by a CPU 200a of a main control board 200 described later.

During the special game, the grand prize device 33 is activated, and in response to the game ball entering the grand prize port 33a,
A predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 prize balls for one incoming ball) are paid out. Specifically, when the special game is started, the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 as the special game execution means.
However, the special winning device (special electric accessory) 33 is continuously operated, and the special winning opening 33a is continuously opened. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened and a gaming ball is received. This game ball receiving state is ended when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and the open big winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a after the start of the game ball receiving state reaches a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or after the start of the gaming ball receiving state, The number of game balls that entered the ball is a predetermined number (1 in this embodiment)
0).

In the case where one game is played from the start to the end of the game ball receiving state, the special game is ended when a predetermined number of round games are performed. In the big winning device 33, after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed since the game ball receiving state is finished, the big winning port 33a is opened to enter the game ball receiving state again, and the next round game is started. . A round game with one round from the start to the end is a predetermined number of continuous rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment).
It is repeated continuously until is finished. The big winning device 33 corresponds to the variable pitching device of the present invention.

In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, after the special game (big hit game) is finished, a specific game (so-called short-time game and probability variable game) in which the variable time shortening function, the open time extending function, and the probability varying function are activated is started. Multiple types of jackpots are set in the special symbol success / failure determination. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol), after the special game is over, When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is the probability variation big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is the probability variation big hit symbol), the probability variation game is started after the special game ends. The normal jackpot corresponds to the first jackpot of the present invention, the short-time game corresponds to the first gaming state of the present invention, the probability variable jackpot corresponds to the second jackpot of the present invention, and the probability variation game corresponds to the second jackpot of the present invention. This corresponds to the gaming state, and the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 corresponds to the first gaming state generating means and the second gaming state generating means.

If the special symbol win / fail determination result is a normal big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal big hit symbol), after the end of the special game (big hit game), the variable time shortening function and the opening time of the second start port 28b are extended. The function to extend the open time is started, and the short-time game is started. The variation time shortening function and the opening time extension function are activated or stopped by the control of the CPU 200a of the main control board 200. The variation time shortening function includes a normal symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the ordinary symbol variation time. And a special symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the special symbol variation time. In addition, due to the activation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is, for example, “4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds × 3 times opening)” Is extended. The variable time shortening function and the open time extending function operate until the next special game is started after the special game ends or until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches a predetermined number (100 times in this example). .

If the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol)
After the end of the special game (big hit game), the probability variation function starts to operate and the probability variation game is started.
The probability variation game is realized by the control of the CPU 200a of the main control board 200. In this probability variation game, in addition to the variable time shortening function and the open time extension function, the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination, that is, the special symbol is a big hit. There is a normal probability variation state in which the probability variation function that changes (improves) the probability of stopping display with symbols is activated, and a latent probability variation state in which only the probability variation function is activated without the variation time shortening function and the open time extension function. Is set. The probability variation function operates until the next special game starts after the special game ends.

Next, the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 will be described. In the display area of the effect display device 25, an effect symbol display unit 25a for displaying effect symbols is provided. The effect symbol of the effect symbol display unit 25 a is displayed in conjunction with the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 61.

The effect symbol display unit 25a is composed of three symbol display areas including a right symbol display area in which the right symbol is displayed, a middle symbol display area in which the middle symbol is displayed, and a left symbol display area in which the left symbol is displayed. Yes. Each symbol display area has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Each symbol display area is "1"-
Each symbol consisting of “9” can be displayed.

The effect symbol starts to be displayed when the special symbol starts to be changed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop symbol of the special symbol.
In the production design, the combination of even symbols with the same three digits corresponds to the normal jackpot symbol of the special symbol, the combination of odd symbols with the same three digits corresponds to the probability variation jackpot symbol of this symbol, and the other symbol combinations are special. Corresponds to symbols that are out of design. The change of the effect design and the stop design are determined based on a command transmitted from the CPU 200a of the main control board 200.
It is comprised so that it may be performed by CPU260a.

As described above, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 and the three effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 perform the variable display and the stop display in conjunction with each other. And as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 25 is provided at a position that is more visible than the special symbol display unit 61 (approximately the center of the game board), the display screen is large, and the display content is easy to understand. A player usually plays a game while viewing the display area of the effect display device 25. Therefore, the CPU 260a and the effect display device 25 of the sub-control board 260, which execute the effect symbol change display and stop display in conjunction with the special symbol change display and stop display, indicate the result of the special symbol success / failure determination to the player. It has a function of notifying, and corresponds to the determination result notifying means and the symbol display device of the present invention.

In this embodiment, during the special game, a promotion effect is performed that suggests that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination may be a probable big hit for the player. This promotion effect is performed on the precondition that when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit or a normal big hit, the special symbol is started with the production symbol stopped and displayed as the normal big hit symbol. The promotion effect is the CP of the sub control board 260.
It is executed under the control of U260a and can be performed using the screen display of the effect display device 25.

In this embodiment, a predetermined round game in a special game is set as a promotion effect execution round, and the promotion effect is executed in this promotion effect execution round. The promotion effect execution round can be set for a plurality of round games or can be set for a single round game. In this embodiment, it is determined by random lottery from a combination of a plurality of round games such as “5th round, 10th round, 15th round” and “4th round, 8th round, 12th round”.

If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit, perform an effect that makes the promotion to the probable big hit successful in a specific promotion confirmation notification round among a plurality of promotion effect execution rounds, and notify that the probability change has been confirmed. Promotion confirmation notification. The promotion confirmation notification round can be set by random lottery from among a plurality of promotion effect execution rounds. The promotion confirmation notification is executed at a predetermined notification time set in advance in the promotion confirmation notification round.

As a promotion confirmation notification, for example, you can display a scene in which a jewel that says “probability change” appears from a treasure box, or a character wins by fighting against an enemy character, and “promotion change”
And a scene in which characters written as “probability variation” appear can be displayed. This
The player receives the impression that the special symbol success / failure determination has been promoted from a normal jackpot to a promising jackpot, and the interest is improved.

On the other hand, in the rounds other than the specific promotion confirmation notification round among the plurality of promotion effect execution rounds, an effect of causing the promotion to fail in the promotion effect is performed. When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot, an effect that makes the promotion fail in all promotion effect execution rounds is performed. For example, you can display a scene where you put out a glass ball labeled “Normal” or “Lose” from a treasure box, or when a character loses in battle with an enemy character. Can display scenes where the letters "sorry" appear.

Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control device includes a main control board 200 and sub-control boards 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control board 200. Sub-control board
Payout control board (prize ball control board) 230, sub-control board 260, and effect display control board 280
Consists of

Each control board 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power supply (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is sent to each control board 200, 230.
, 260, 280. It should be noted that the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a main control board 2 when the power is turned off.
00 and a backup power supply unit (not shown) for supplying an operating voltage to the payout control board 230, and RAM data of the main control board 200 and the payout control board 230 are held even when the power is turned off.

The main control board 200 constitutes a main control means that controls the progress of the game, and transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control boards 230, 260, and each sub control board 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

The CPU 200a of the main control board 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter also simply referred to as “RAM”), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as “ROM”), etc., and the RAM is controlled by a control program stored in the ROM. As an area, it controls the overall operation of the gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game). The main control board 200 is mainly composed of the CPU 200a, and the R
The success / failure determination means for determining whether or not the special symbol is successful is configured by the success / failure determination program stored in the OM. Further, the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

A panel input relay board 201 and a panel output relay board 202 are connected to the main control board 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, a start opening prize detection switch 28 s, and a big prize opening ball detection switch 33 s so that these signals are input to the main control board 200. It is configured. The board output relay board 202 is connected to the normal symbol display section 51, the special symbol display section 61, the start opening solenoid 28c, and the big prize opening solenoid 33c, and a control signal is output from the main control board 200.

The payout control board 230 has a configuration similar to that of the CPU 200a of the main control board 200.
U is provided. The discharge control board 230 is connected to the launch control board 250, the CR unit 13, and the like. From the main control board 200 to the payout control board 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

The sub-control board 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components having a CPU 260a, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port (not shown), and a sound generator, and is connected to the main control board 200 at the input / output port. The sub-control board 260 is configured to control production using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 10a to 10d, symbol display by the production display device 25, and the like.

Various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 260. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of effect symbols are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the effect display control board 280 via the sub control board 260. Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control are simultaneously transmitted from the sub control board 260 to the effect display control board 280.

An effect display control board 280 is connected to the sub control board 260. The effect display control board 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc., and is connected to the sub-control board 260 at the input / output port. ing. The effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control board 280. The effect display control board 280 is configured such that the CPU performs display control of the effect display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM of the effect display control board 280 stores effect image data displayed on the effect display device 25.

Various LEDs and lamps 262 are connected to the sub-control board 260 via a decorative drive board 261. The various LEDs / lamps 262 are for enhancing the gaming effect, and these lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.
An amplifier board 263 is connected to the sub control board 260. Speakers 10 a to 10 d are connected to the amplifier substrate 263. From the speakers 10a to 10d, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, the effect button 5 d is connected to the sub control board 260 via the effect button board 264. C of sub control board 260
The PU is output from various LEDs / lamp lighting / flashing pattern selection / execution processing and speakers 10a to 10d based on various commands (reception of a production pattern designation command) from the main control board 200 and the production buttons 5d. Sound effect data selection / output processing and effect display device 2
The effect display pattern selection / execution process at 5 is performed.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a main job (main control process) executed by the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 based on a program stored in the ROM. The main job (main control process) shown in FIG. 4 executes the power-on process S100, and then starts the game start process S200, the normal symbol game process S300, the normal electric accessory game process S400, the special symbol game process S500, and the special electric actor. Each step of the game process S600 is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset.
In the power-off generation process S700, when a power-off occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and so on, and when a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100 It has become.

The power-on process S100 is performed when the power is turned on and when the power is restored after the power is cut off.
When the power is turned on, a RAM initialization process and the like are performed, and when the power is turned off, a return setting for returning to the gaming state when the power is turned off is performed. In the game start process S200, detection of various switch states, update of various random numbers, prize ball control, and the like are performed.

In the normal symbol game processing S300, first, whether or not the normal symbol is determined is determined, and the normal symbol display unit 51 (see FIG. 2) determines whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or as a stop symbol. To do. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the operation of the second start port 28b is started. In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation display and the stop display are performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol, the second start port 28b is activated. When the second start port 28b is actuated, the pair of blade pieces open to the left and right, and the second start port 28b is opened.

In the ordinary electric accessory game process S400, it is determined whether or not the opening time for maintaining the second start port 28b in the open state has elapsed. If the open time has not elapsed, the second start port 28b is defined. It is determined whether or not a winning number has been won. When it is determined that the predetermined number of winnings has been won at the second starting port 28b in the open state, or when it is determined that the opening time of the second starting port 28b in the open state has elapsed, a pair of The blade piece is closed and the second start port 28b is in the normal state.

Next, the special symbol game process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First,
It is determined whether or not a game ball has won the start opening 28 (the first start opening 28a or the second start opening 28b) (S501), and if it is determined that the start opening 28 has been won (S501: YES). ,
It is determined whether or not the number of pending operations in the special symbol display unit 61 (see FIG. 2) is less than 4 (S50).
2). As a result, if it is determined that the number of special symbol reservations is less than 4 (S502: YE)
S), storing a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S503).

Next, it is determined whether or not a special game is being played (S504). As a result, when it is determined that the special game is being played (during the big hit game) (S504: YES), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the special game is not being performed (S504: NO), the special symbol is displayed. It is determined whether or not it is changing (S505). As a result, if it is determined that the special symbol is changing,
If the special symbol is determined not to be changing (S505: NO), it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S505: YES).
S506). If it is determined that the special symbol is stopped during the display time (S506: YES)
), The process proceeds to S516 described later, and if it is determined that the special symbol stop display time is not in effect (S506: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol hold is zero (S507).

As a result, when it is determined that the number of special symbol reservations is zero (S507: YES),
If it is determined that the number of special symbol reservations is not zero (S507: N
O), it is determined whether or not the probability variation function is in operation (S508). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation function is in operation (S508: YES), whether or not the probability variation function is correct is determined (S509), and when it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation. (S508: N
O), it is determined whether or not there is a non-probability change (S510).

Next, a special symbol variation pattern determination process is performed (S511). This special symbol variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of reach effect in the variation. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit, determine the stop symbol and the fluctuation pattern for the probable big hit, and if the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal big hit, the stop symbol for the normal big hit When the variation pattern is determined and the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a specific jackpot, a stop symbol and a variation pattern for the specific jackpot are determined. In other cases, the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out of order, and the outage stop symbol and its variation pattern are determined according to the presence or absence of the reach effect.

Next, a special symbol (this symbol) in the special symbol display unit 61 provided on the second decorative member 60
The change pattern display command is output to the sub-control unit 260, and the change of the effect symbol on the effect display device 25 is started (S512). The effect pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern determined in S511. If it is determined in S505 that the special symbol is changing (S505: YES), it is determined whether the special symbol change time has elapsed (S513 in FIG. 5B). As a result,
When it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed (S513: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (S513: Y)
ES), the variation of the special symbol is stopped (S514), and the special symbol stop symbol display time is set (S515).

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S516). As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol display time of the special symbol has not elapsed (S516: N
O) Returning as it is, and when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S516: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols. (S517). As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a combination of the big hit symbol (S517: YES), the special game (big hit game) is started (S51).
8).

Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation function is in operation (S520). If it is determined that the probability variation function is in operation (S520: YES), the probability is increased along with the start of the special game. The variable function is deactivated (S521), the variable time shortening function is deactivated (S522), and the open time extension function is deactivated (S523).

If it is determined in S517 that the special symbol stop symbol is not a combination of the big hit symbol (S517: NO), it is determined whether or not the variable time reduction function is in operation (S524).
As a result, when it is determined that the variable time reduction function is not operating (S524: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the variable time reduction function is operating (S524: YES)
), The number of fluctuations of the special symbol is counted (S525), and it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a preset number of fluctuations (100 in this example) (S526). As a result, when it is determined that the number of changes has not reached the preset number of changes (100 times) (S526: N)
O) Returning as it is, and when it is determined that the number of fluctuations has reached the preset number of fluctuations (100 times) (S526: YES), the fluctuation time shortening function is deactivated (S522) and opened. The time extension function is deactivated (S523).

If it is determined in S520 that the probability variation function is not in operation (S520: NO),
It is determined whether or not the variable time shortening function is in operation (S527). As a result, when it is determined that the variable time shortening function is not operating (S527: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the variable time shortening function is operating (S527: YES), the special game starts. Along with this, the variable time shortening function is deactivated (S522), and the open time extending function is deactivated (S523).

Next, the special electric accessory game process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a special game is being played (a big hit game is being played) (S601). If it is determined that the special game is not being played (S601: NO), the process returns to determine that a special game is being played. If it is determined (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603).
), When it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has not elapsed (S603: NO)
), It is determined whether or not the maximum number of game balls has been won in the special winning opening 33a (S604).

As a result, when it is determined that the maximum number of game balls has not been won in the big prize opening 33a (S604: NO), the process returns as it is, and the maximum number of game balls won in the big prize opening 33a. If it is determined (S604: YES) or if it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S).
605).

If it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not open (S602: N
O) It is determined whether or not the number of executions of the round game in the special game (hereinafter also referred to as the number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S606). As a result, when it is determined that the number of rounds of the special game has not reached the predetermined number (S606: NO), the closing time (
It is determined whether or not (interval period) has elapsed (S607), and when it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the process returns as it is,
When it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S607: YES),
The special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

If it is determined in S606 that the number of rounds of the special game has reached a predetermined number (S606: YES), the special game is terminated (S609). Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol success / failure determination result (type of jackpot symbol) that triggered the start of the special game is a probable big hit (
S610). As a result, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (S610: YES), the probability variation function is activated (S611), the variation time shortening function is activated (S612), The opening time extension function is activated (S613).

If it is determined in S610 that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is not a probable big hit (
(S610: NO), the variable time shortening function is activated (S612), and the open time extending function is activated (S613).

Next, the promotion effect control process among the sub control processes (sub control processes) executed by the CPU 260a of the sub control board 260 according to the control program stored in the ROM will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the promotion effect setting process, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the promotion effect execution process, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the promotion effect end process. Each flowchart shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is executed as a subroutine of a main routine (sub control process) (not shown) executed by the CPU 260a of the sub control board 260.

First, the promotion effect setting process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a special game is started (S800). This can be determined by whether or not a jackpot fanfare command (a jackpot game start screen designation command) transmitted from the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 when starting a special game is received. As a result, when it is determined that the special game is not started (S800: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the special game is started (S800: YES), whether the promotion effect is performed. It is determined whether or not (S801).
Execution of the promotion effect is premised on the fact that the special game of this time has been started in response to the fact that the effect symbol is stopped and displayed as “normal jackpot symbol” on the effect display device 25. In other words, at least the effect symbol that was stopped and displayed at the start of the special game this time is the “normal jackpot symbol” is the execution condition for the promotion effect.

As a result, when it is determined that the promotion effect is not performed (S801: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the promotion effect is performed (S801: YES), the promotion effect is finally a probable big hit. It is determined whether or not it is a probability change promotion effect pattern that performs an effect of promotion to (S802).
). This can be determined based on whether or not the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 is a probability variation big hit symbol (special symbol success / failure determination is a probability variation big hit).

As a result, when it is determined that it is a probable promotion effect pattern (S802: YES),
The promotion effect execution round for executing the promotion effect and the promotion confirmation notification round for executing the notification of the probability change promotion (probability change confirmation) are determined by random lottery (S803). On the other hand, when it is determined that the pattern is not the probability change promotion effect pattern (S802: NO), since it is not necessary to execute the promotion confirmation notification, only the promotion effect execution round is determined (S803).

Next, the promotion effect execution process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the round game in the special game (S900). This can be determined by whether or not the CPU 260a of the sub control board 260 has received a round number designation command transmitted from the CPU 200a of the main control board 200 every time each round game in the special game is started. .

As a result, when it is determined that it is not the start timing of the round game (S900: N
O) If it is determined that it is the start timing of the round game (S900: YES), the round game to be started (current round game) is determined to be S80.
It is determined whether it is the promotion effect execution round determined in 3 or S804 (S901).

As a result, if it is determined that the current round game is not a promotion effect execution round (
S901: NO), it returns as it is, and when it is determined that it is a promotion effect execution round (S901: YES), it is determined whether or not a promotion confirmation notification flag is set (S90).
902). The “elevation confirmation notification flag” is set to S907 described later when the promotion confirmation notification is executed.
It is set by.

As a result, when it is determined that the promotion confirmation notification flag is set (S902: Y
ES), since the probability change promotion notification has already been completed, it is not necessary to execute the promotion effect, and the process returns as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set (
S902: NO), the promotion effect is started (S903).

Next, it is determined whether or not the current round game which is a promotion effect execution round is a promotion confirmation notification round (S904). As a result, when it is determined that it is the promotion confirmation notification round (S904: YES), it is determined whether the notification condition is satisfied (S905). Here, the “notification condition” is a condition in which the promotion confirmation notification can be executed in the promotion confirmation notification round. In the present embodiment, the notification condition is established when the predetermined notification time in the promotion confirmation notification round arrives. In this embodiment, the time point when a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the current round game is set as the “predetermined notification time”.

As a result, when it is determined that the notification condition is satisfied (S905: YES), a promotion confirmation notification screen indicating that the promotion is confirmed is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 (S906).
The promotion confirmation notification flag is set (S907). On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification condition is not satisfied (S905: NO), the process directly returns. Here, in all the round games corresponding to the promotion confirmation notification round, the round game is ended before the above-mentioned “predetermined notification time” arrives (in a state where the notification condition is not satisfied), and the special game is ended as it is. In this case, the promotion confirmation notification is not executed, and the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the promotion confirmation notification round (S904: NO), a promotion failure screen indicating that the promotion has failed (not promoted) is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 (S908).

Next, the promotion effect end process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the special game ends (S1000). This is because the CPU 200 of the main control board 200 at the end of the special game.
It is possible to determine whether or not the jackpot ending command (a jackpot game end screen (ending screen) designation command) transmitted from a has been received by the CPU 260a of the sub-control board 260.

As a result, when it is determined that the special game does not end (S1000: NO), the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special game is over (S1000: YES)
), It is determined whether or not the big hit that triggered the start of this special game is a probable big hit (S100).
1).

As a result, when it is determined that it is a probable big hit (S1001: YES), it is determined whether or not a promotion confirmation notification flag is set (S1002). As a result, when it is determined that the promotion confirmation notification flag is set (S1002: YES), since the probability change promotion effect (promotion confirmation notification) is being executed during the special game, the display on the effect display device 25 is performed. The probability variation ending screen is displayed in the area (S1003), and the promotion confirmation notification flag is cleared (S100).
4). The “probability ending screen” is a jackpot ending screen for notifying that the probability variation game will be started.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set (S1002: N
O) Since the probability change promotion effect is not executed during the special game, the ending promotion screen is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 (S1005). The “ending promotion screen” is a jackpot ending screen for performing promotion confirmation notification. That is, it is determined that the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set in the processing of S1002 even though it is determined that it is “probability big hit” in the processing of S1001. This is because all the round games corresponding to the notification round are ended without the above-mentioned “predetermined notification time” (end in a state where the notification condition is not satisfied). In such a case, the player does not recognize that the probability variation game is started after the special game is finished until the special game is finished. When the probability variation game is started under such circumstances, the player suffers from an understanding of why the probability variation game is started, and the player may feel uncomfortable about this. Therefore, in such a case, an “ending promotion screen” is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 as an ending screen indicating the end of the special game, and the promotion effect accompanied with the promotion confirmation notification is displayed by this “ending promotion screen”. Execute. Thereby, even if the promotion confirmation notification is not executed during the special game, the promotion confirmation notification can be executed at the end of the special game, and the probability change game can be started without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

Regardless of whether or not the promotion confirmation notification is executed, the probability change game is started when the special game is ended. Therefore, the period from the end of the special game to the start of the probability change game is the “game state switching timing”.
In this embodiment, when the promotion confirmation notification is not executed during the special game, the promotion confirmation notification is necessarily executed in the “period from the end of the special game to the start of the probability change game (game state switching timing)”. Can do.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination processing in S1001 that the probability variation is not a big hit (S10
01: NO), the normal ending screen is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 (S10).
06). The “normal ending screen” is a big hit ending screen for notifying that a normal game (short-time game) will be started.

The CPU 260a of the sub-control board 260 corresponds to the promotion effect execution means, the first promotion confirmation notification means, the second promotion confirmation notification means, and the notification information storage means of the present invention. Specifically, the process of S903 executed by the CPU 260a of the sub control board 260 corresponds to the promotion effect executing means, the process of S906 corresponds to the first promotion confirmation notification means, and the process of S1005 is the second promotion confirmation notification means. And the processing of S907 corresponds to the notification information storage means.

As described above, in the gaming machine that executes the promotion effect during the jackpot game, the promotion confirmation notification is executed during the jackpot game by using the promotion confirmation notification flag indicating whether or not the promotion confirmation notification is executed during the jackpot game. Even if it is not, the promotion confirmation notification can be executed during the ending effect. Thereby, in the gaming machine that executes the promotion effect, the promotion confirmation notification can be surely executed, and the probability change game is prevented from being started without the promotion confirmation notification being executed, and the player feels uncomfortable. Can be prevented. Further, by using the promotion confirmation notification flag, it is possible to prevent the promotion confirmation notification from being performed again after the promotion confirmation notification has already been performed, and to prevent unnecessary promotion confirmation notification from being performed.

In addition, by adopting the above configuration, gaming machines of the same model and different specifications, for example, spec A with a round-win game of "15 rounds" and spec B with "7 rounds", 1 of the big prize opening 33b. Spec C with "27 seconds" opening time per round, Spec D with "15 seconds", Spec E with "10" as the specified number of winnings per round at the big winning opening 33b and "5"
Even if the number of rounds of the big hit game and the game conditions per round are different, such as “spec D”, the promotion confirmation notification can be surely executed. As a result, it is not necessary to change the content of the promotion effect between the gaming machines even if the gaming machines are of the same model and have different specifications, such as the number of rounds of the big winning game and the gaming conditions per round are different. The sub-control processing (sub-control processing) executed by the CPU 260a of the sub-control board 260 can be shared.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, the promotion confirmation notification is executed at a fixed time in the promotion confirmation notification round. However, in the second embodiment, the execution state of the promotion confirmation notification is the operation state of the effect button 5d by the player. Determined by. For this reason, the promotion confirmation notification is executed at an arbitrary time in the promotion confirmation notification round.

Specifically, during the promotion effect execution in the promotion confirmation notification round, the player presses the effect button 5d.
The promotion confirmation notification is executed when an operation (see FIG. 1) is operated (pressed). In other words, when the player operates the effect button 5d in the promotion confirmation notification round, the above S9 is performed.
In the determination process of 05 (see FIG. 8), the “notification condition” is established, the promotion confirmation notification screen is displayed on the effect display device 25 (S906), and the promotion confirmation notification flag is set (S907).

When the player does not operate the effect button 5d in the promotion confirmation notification round, the above S9
In the determination process of 05, the “notification condition” is not established, the promotion confirmation notification is not executed, and the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set. In this case, the ending promotion screen is displayed at the end of the special game (at the end of the big hit game) (S1005), and the promotion confirmation notification is executed during the ending effect (see FIG. 10).

In the above configuration, the promotion confirmation notification is executed at any time in the promotion confirmation notification round, but when the player does not operate the effect button 5d and the promotion confirmation notification is not executed,
Since the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set, the promotion confirmation notification can be performed during the ending effect. In this way, by using the promotion confirmation notification flag, the execution timing of the promotion confirmation notification can be arbitrarily set, and the contents of the promotion effect can be diversified.

Furthermore, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit, and the “ordinary big win symbol” is stopped and displayed on the effect display device 25, a predetermined round game (probable change in the special game started by using it as a trigger). In the promotion notification round), since the promotion confirmation notification is executed by operating the effect button 5d, the player is given an impression that the probability change game is likely to start when the effect button 5d is operated. Can be given. Thereby, the operation of the effect button 5d can be reflected in the promotion effect, and the effect button 5d can be effectively used.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the promotion effect is configured to perform the probability change promotion effect that makes the player think that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination has been promoted from the normal jackpot to the probability change jackpot, but is not limited to this. Instead, it may be configured to perform promotion effects with different contents.

For example, if the first short-time game of “50 times” and the second short-time game of “100 times” are set and the special symbol success / failure determination means makes a “first big hit” special, After the game is over, the first short game as the first game state is started, and when the special symbol win / fail judgment means “second big hit”, the second game state as the second game state after the special game is over. It can be configured to start a 2 o'clock short game. In this case, when the promotion confirmation notification is made, it will be notified that the first time-short game will be promoted to the second time-short game, and as in the case of the above embodiment, the promotion confirmation notification could not be executed before the end of the special game. In the case where the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set at the end of the special game, the promotion confirmation notification may be performed with an ending effect indicating the end of the special game.

Also, for example, when the first special game with the number of rounds “7” and the second special game with the number of rounds “15” are set, and the result of the determination by the special symbol determination unit is “first big hit” ,
The first special game as the first gaming state is started, and the second special game as the second gaming state is started when the special symbol winning / non-judging means is determined to be “second big hit”. can do. In this case, the promotion confirmation notification notifies that the first special game is promoted to the second special game, but the promotion confirmation notification is made until the player can recognize that it is the second special game. Need to run. For this reason, it is necessary to execute the promotion confirmation notification until the first special game ends, that is, until the seventh round game ends. However, if the promotion confirmation notification cannot be executed by the end of the round game of the seventh round, the promotion confirmation notification flag is not set at the end of the round game of the seventh round. By referring to the setting status of the promotion confirmation notification flag during the interval period from the end of the round game of the seventh round to the start of the round game of the eighth round, the effect display device 25 can be referred to during the interval period. Promotion confirmation notification can be executed on the displayed “interval screen (inter-round effect)”.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 25 ... Production display device, 28 ... Start-up opening, 33 ... Grand prize device, 200 ... Main control board (special game execution means, 1st game state generation means, 2nd game state generation means), 260 ... Sub-control board (elevation effect execution means, first promotion confirmation notification means, second promotion confirmation notification means, notification information storage means).

Claims (2)

Correct / incorrect determination means for determining correct / incorrect by the establishment of a predetermined condition;
A variable pitching device capable of changing between a closed state in which game balls cannot be entered and a game ball acceptance state in which game balls can be entered;
When the result of the determination is a big hit, a special game is started in which the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state, and when the big hit type is the first big hit, the variable pitching device Executes a special game in which the number of times that the game ball is received is the first predetermined number of times, and if the type of jackpot is the second jackpot, the number of times that the variable pitch device is in the game ball receiving state Special game execution means for executing a special game whose second predetermined number is greater than the first predetermined number of times,
When the result of the determination is a big hit and the type of the big hit is the second big hit,
Promotion confirmation notification means for executing promotion confirmation notification indicating that the type of jackpot is the second jackpot;
With
The promotion confirmation notification means performs a first notification process for executing the promotion confirmation notification at a predetermined time until the number of times that the variable pitching device enters the gaming ball reception state reaches the first predetermined number of times.
When the promotion confirmation notification is not executed at the predetermined time, after the predetermined time has passed,
A second notification process for executing the promotion confirmation notification until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state exceeds the first predetermined number of times;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: Has a production button that can be operated by the player,
In the first notification process, the determination result is a big hit, and the type of the big hit is the second
The promotion confirmation notification is executed when a player operates the effect button at a predetermined time until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state reaches the first predetermined number of times. The result of the determination is a big hit, and the type of the big hit is the second big hit,
And when the player does not operate the effect button at a predetermined time until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state becomes the first predetermined number of times, the promotion confirmation notification is not executed,
In the second notification process, the result of the success / failure determination is a jackpot, and the type of jackpot is the second jackpot.
If the player does not operate the effect button at a predetermined time until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state reaches the first predetermined number of times, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the promotion confirmation notification is executed until the number of times that the variable pitching device is in the gaming ball receiving state exceeds the first predetermined number after the elapse of time. .

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