JP2014166466A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reliably selecting a presentation performance mode desired by a player.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: presentation performance means for performing a game presentation in a presentation performance mode that has been set among multiple presentation performance modes; selectable state generation means for generating a selectable state when a first operation with respect to operation means is performed during a symbol variable game; selection means for selecting a presentation performance mode desired by a player during a selectable state; change determination means for determining a change into the presentation performance mode selected by the selection means when a second operation is performed with respect to the operation means during a selectable state; presentation performance mode change means for changing a mode into the selected presentation performance mode when a new symbol variable game is started in a state where the change of a presentation performance mode has been determined; and selectable state continuation means for allowing a selectable state to continue during a new symbol variable game when the new symbol variable game is started during a period till the change of a presentation performance mode is determined.

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, in a gaming machine in which a game effect is executed when a symbol variable game is advanced, a player can select a specific effect execution mode from a plurality of effect execution modes with different display contents and output sound in the game effect. There is known a gaming machine that advances a symbol variation game while performing a game effect according to a selected effect execution mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-154617 A

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the player can select an effect execution mode during the symbol variation game or in a standby state, but a new symbol variation game is started during the selection of the effect execution mode. Then, the performance execution mode selected at that time is forcibly set. As described above, in a conventional gaming machine that allows selection of an effect execution mode, it may not be possible to change to an effect execution mode desired by a player due to a change to an effect execution mode contrary to the player's will. was there.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention has an object to provide a gaming machine that can reliably select an effect execution mode desired by a player.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A gaming machine that executes a symbol variation game in which a symbol is variably displayed when a predetermined start condition is established, and the symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined variation time has elapsed,
Effect execution means for executing the game effect according to any one of a plurality of effect execution modes having different game effect modes executed when the symbol variation game is advanced,
Operation means that can be operated by the player;
Selectable state generating means for generating a selectable state that enables selection of the effect execution mode when a first operation is performed on the operation means during the symbol variation game;
A selection means for allowing the player to select the effect execution mode desired by the player from the plurality of effect execution modes during the selectable state;
When a second operation is performed on the operation means during the selectable state, a change determination means for determining a change to the effect execution mode selected by the selection means;
When a new symbol variation game is started in a state where the change of the effect execution mode is determined by the change determining means, the effect execution set by the effect execution means is accompanied with the start of the new symbol variation game. Production execution mode changing means for changing the mode to the production execution mode selected by the selection unit;
When a new symbol variation game is started between the occurrence of the selectable state and the change of the effect execution mode, the selectable state is continued during the new symbol variation game. Selectable state continuation means;
It is characterized by having.

  As described above, when a new symbol variation game is started from the occurrence of the selectable state until the change of the performance execution mode is determined (until the second operation is performed), the selectable state is updated. By continuing during the symbol variation game, it is possible to select an effect execution mode across multiple symbol variation games, and the player has enough time to select an effect execution mode that the player desires to change during the game progression process. Can be secured. As a result, it is possible to prevent a problem such as forcibly changing to an effect execution mode contrary to the player's will during the selection of the effect execution mode, and to ensure the effect execution mode desired by the player. Can be changed to

In addition, the gaming machine configured as described above
As the symbol variation effect, a normal variation game in which a normal variation time is set as a variation period in which the symbol is variably displayed, and a shortened variation game in which a shortened variation time shorter than the normal variation time is set as the variation time, Is feasible,
A shortened variation state generating means for generating a shortened variation state that improves the execution frequency of the shortened variation game as compared with a normal state when a predetermined condition is established,
The selectable state generating means is configured to generate the selectable state when the first operation is performed at least in the shortened variation state,
The selectable state continuation means is configured to reduce the plurality of times when the reduced variation game is executed a plurality of times during the period from the occurrence of the selectable state to the determination of the change of the performance execution mode. In the variable game, the selectable state is continued.

  In this way, the selectable state period is continued over a plurality of symbol variation games until the effect execution mode determination operation is performed, thereby generating a shortened variation state in which the symbol variation time is shortened. Even inside, it can be surely changeable to the performance execution mode desired by the player.

In addition, the gaming machine configured as described above
Selectable state ending means for ending the selectable state when the second operation is not performed even if a predetermined time limit elapses during the selectable state;
A change prohibiting means for prohibiting a change to the effect execution mode selected by the selecting means when the selectable state is ended by the selectable state ending means;
It is characterized by having.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where a selectable state is complete | finished with progress of time limit, it can prevent changing to the effect execution aspect contrary to a player's will.

  According to the above configuration of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can surely select an effect execution mode desired by a player.

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 explanatory drawing which shows the process of changing production modes. 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 first half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a start opening prize process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flowchart which shows production control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation effect process. It is a flowchart which shows production mode setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows production mode selection decision processing.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this. Examples to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a game frame 2 and a game board 20. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. The game frame 2 includes an outer frame 3, a middle frame 4, a front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6, a lower plate portion 7, and the like. The middle frame 4 is not shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 5 is disposed on the front side.

  The outer frame 3 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The outer frame 3 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body. The outer frame 3 includes an outer frame main body 2a configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 2b that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 2a.

  The middle frame 4 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 4 is fitted inside the outer frame 3 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 3. The middle frame 4 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 5 are provided on the front side of the frame portion so as to overlap each other. On the lower side of the front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6 and a lower plate portion 7 are integrally provided. 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. Below the right side of the front frame 5 is provided a locking device 5b for locking the front frame 5 when it is closed.

  The front frame 5 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 4 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 is made of plastic, and has an opening 5a for making 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 5a is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 5.

  A frame lamp portion 5c using LEDs or the like is provided around the opening 5a in the front frame 5. The frame lamp portion 5c is turned on / off or blinks according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the game effect.

  The upper plate 6 is provided below the opening 5 a in the front frame 5. The upper plate 6 is provided with a discharge port 6a for discharging game balls to be paid out as prize balls or rental balls. A first effect button 8 is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the upper plate 6 for changing the effect image during the symbol variation effect described later, and the effect mode described later is changed in the center. A second effect button 9, a left button 10, and a right button 11 are provided, respectively, and a CR operation unit 12 is provided on the right side.

The CR operation unit 12 is a prepaid card unit 15 (CR provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1.
Used to operate the unit). The CR operation unit 12 includes a return button 12a for requesting the return of the prepaid card, a frequency display unit 12b for displaying the remaining frequency of the prepaid card, and a ball lending button 12c for requesting lending of the game ball.

  The lower plate part 7 is provided below the upper plate part 6 in the front frame 5. A discharge port 7 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 7 is provided at substantially the center of the lower plate portion 7. At the right end of the lower plate part 7, a launching handle 13 for a player to operate a launching unit (not shown) is provided. The firing handle 13 is provided with a touch switch 13a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 13, a launch stop switch 12b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 14a to 14d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 14 a to 14 d include upper speakers 14 a and 14 b provided on the upper part of the front frame 5 and lower speakers 14 c and 14 d provided on the front plate part 2 b below the front frame 5.

  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, the central device 24, the normal symbol operating gate 27, the big winning device 33, the starting port 28, the left winning ports 34 and 35, the right winning ports 36 and 37, the first decorative member 50, and the second decorative member. A gaming device such as 60 is arranged. 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 disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In this 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 V 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, 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, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 27, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of a game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

  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 starting port 28a is configured as a fixed starting port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, so that the game ball can always enter the game. It has become. 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 starter that changes. The second start port 28b is in an open state with a high probability of entering by opening a pair of blade pieces, and in a normal state with a low possibility of entering by closing a pair of blade pieces (incoming balls) Including an impossible closed state). 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 starting port 28b, and the second starting port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Inside the start port 28, there are a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 4) for detecting a game ball entering the first start port 28a, and a game ball entering the second start port 28b. A start opening ball detection switch 28t (see FIG. 4) for detection and a start opening solenoid 28c (see FIG. 4) for operating the pair of blade pieces are provided. 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 (or entry is impossible). When a game ball enters one of the start ports 28a and 28b, a special symbol (to be described later) starts to be displayed in a variable manner.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 4), and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 4) for detecting an incoming game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs. By combining these LEDs, a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, a first special symbol hold display unit 53, and a second special symbol are provided. A hold display unit 54 is configured. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a first special symbol display portion 61 and a second special symbol display portion 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display unit 51 is composed of one LED, and the normal symbol is displayed by blinking (ordinary symbol fluctuation display), lighting (ordinary symbol hit display), and off (ordinary symbol out-of-range display). Various displays are performed. 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 be changed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and the normal symbol hits after a predetermined time has passed. The display is stopped in the symbol display mode (LED is turned off). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. A plurality of opening patterns of the second start port 28b are set. When the opening time extending function for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b is not in operation (normal time), a first opening pattern (short-time opening pattern) in which a first opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set. ) Is set, and when the open time extension function is activated, a second open pattern (long open pattern) in which a second open time (for example, 4 seconds) longer than the first open time is set is set. The open time extension function will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. This random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is used determines whether or not the second starting port 28b is activated when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol is normal (whether to be in an open state). 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. When it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be a win, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). 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. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol, the setting of the variation pattern of the normal symbol, the storage and storage of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. In this embodiment, two special symbols, a first special symbol and a second special symbol, are provided, and accordingly, a first special symbol display unit 61 for displaying the first special symbol and a second special symbol are displayed. A second special symbol display section 62 is provided. In the following description, when “special symbol” is described, the description corresponds to both “first special symbol” and “second special symbol” unless otherwise specified.

  Each of the special symbol display units 61 and 62 includes seven LEDs, and special LEDs (first special symbol and second special symbol) are displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting each of the special symbol display units 61 and 62 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of display modes can be displayed for each special symbol by a combination of turning on and off of each LED. And in the 1st special symbol display part 61 and the 2nd special symbol display part 62, the specific combination is set as a big hit symbol among the combinations of the special symbols displayed by the combination of lighting and extinction of 7 LEDs respectively. In addition, combinations other than the jackpot symbol are set as outliers. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 28a, the first special symbol display unit 61 starts displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the first special symbol is either a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. The symbol variation game (first special symbol variation game) of the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed is performed. In addition, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b, the second special symbol starts to be displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62, and after the predetermined time has passed, the second special symbol is a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. The symbol special game (second special symbol variable game) of the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed is performed.

In the present embodiment, the first special symbol random number acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a and the second special random number acquired when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. Design random numbers are provided. The first special symbol random number includes a first special symbol success / failure random number used for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and a first special symbol random number for determining whether to stop the first special symbol. One special symbol determining random number and a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach production are included. Similarly, for the second special symbol random number, a second special symbol success / failure random number used for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game is determined, and a stop symbol of the second special symbol is determined. The second special symbol determining random number for the purpose and the reach random number for determining whether or not to perform the reach effect are included.

  As the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, the first special symbol success / failure determination random number and the first special symbol determination random number are acquired. One special symbol determination random number is stored as a hold (first special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. Along with the game ball entering the second start port 28b, a second special symbol success / failure determination random number and a second special symbol determination random number are acquired, and a predetermined area (second) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is obtained. Is stored as a hold (second special symbol hold) in the hold storage area).

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The first special symbol hold display unit 53 and the second special symbol hold display unit 54 are each composed of two LEDs, and the number of holds can be set up to 4 each by combining the turn-off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Can be displayed.

  The number of game balls that have entered the first start opening 28a can be held until the maximum number of reserved balls (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of first special symbol held. The first special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is stored in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol random numbers (first special symbol success / failure determination random number, first special symbol determination random number). In the present embodiment, the first special symbol determination random number is acquired together with the first special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, so the first special symbol hold number is This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the first special symbol. The first special symbol hold count is digested and decreased by one each time the first special symbol determination is made and the first special symbol variation display is started.

  The number of game balls that have entered the second start port 28b can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the second special symbol reservation number. The second special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is stored in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol random numbers (second special symbol determination random number, second special symbol determination random number). In the present embodiment, the second special symbol determination random number is also acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the second starting port 28b. This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the second special symbol. The second special symbol hold count is digested each time the second special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and decreases by one. On-hold storage and on-hold digestion of the first and second special symbols are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  A special symbol winning / determining random number is set with a winning / determining hit value (big hit value), and the special symbol acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the first starting port 28a or the second starting port 28b. If the random number for determination of success / failure matches the jackpot value, the jackpot is determined. The first special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the first special symbol starts variable display, and the second special symbol correctness determination is performed when the second special symbol starts variable display.

  When the first special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot value, it is determined that the jackpot value is determined, and the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined as the jackpot symbol. Then, if the first special symbol success / failure random number does not coincide with the jackpot value, the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be an out symbol.

Similarly, if the second special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot value, it is determined to be a jackpot,
The second special symbol that is stopped and displayed by the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined as the big hit symbol. Then, if the second special symbol success / failure determination random number does not coincide with the jackpot value, it is a failure, and the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined to be a missed symbol.

  The special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The special symbol variation pattern is selected by lottery using a variation pattern random number from a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol success / failure determination is executed.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and each is selected and used according to the gaming state (special symbol variation mode). In addition, each variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state is selected when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit and when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out of place. And a deviation variation pattern table. The deviation variation patterns stored in the deviation variation pattern table include a “normal deviation variation pattern (reach variation pattern without reach)” that does not involve reach variation and a “reach variation pattern with reach” that involves reach variation. The normal deviation variation pattern is configured as a variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time than the reach deviation variation pattern. The reach variation variation pattern has a special symbol variation time longer than the normal variation variation pattern. It is configured as. The presence or absence of reach variation is determined by lottery using a reach random number acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the second special symbol priority variation process is performed in which the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. That is, when both the number of the first special symbol hold and the number of the second special symbol hold are “1 or more”, the second special symbol is preferentially displayed in a variable manner over the first special symbol. The reservation of the symbol is preferentially consumed. When the first special symbol reservation count is “1 or more” and the second special symbol reservation count is “zero”, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed.

  First special symbol success / failure determination, second special symbol success / failure determination, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of first special symbol, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of second special symbol, stop of first special symbol Determination of symbol, determination of stop symbol of second special symbol, change display and stop display of first special symbol, change display and stop display of second special symbol, priority change of second special symbol will be described later. 200.

  Next, the jackpot game will be described. When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is the above-mentioned jackpot symbol (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit), the main control unit 200 Starts a big hit game (special game) that is relatively advantageous to the player. The big hit game is started by setting the big hit game flag to ON, and the big winning device 33 is operated, in other words, the big winning opening 33a is opened and closed a plurality of times, so that the game balls to the big winning opening 33a are opened. It gives a player a profit (prize ball) for entering the ball. The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a big hit game process by the main control unit 200 described later.

During the big hit game, the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 prize balls for one prize) according to the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 33a. Will be paid out. Specifically, the big winning opening / closing operation for continuously operating the big winning device 33 and switching the big winning opening 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times by the start of the big hit game. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined ending condition, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 33a reaches a specified time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or the number of game balls that have entered the open big opening 33a is a predetermined number (this implementation) In the example, it is possible to reach 10).

  In the case where one round game is performed from the start to the end of the open state of the big winning opening 33a, the big hit game is ended when a predetermined number of round games are performed. In the grand prize winning device 33, after the opening of the big prize winning opening 33a is completed, that is, after a predetermined closing time (interval time) has elapsed since the big winning prize opening 33a is closed, the special winning prize opening 33a is again opened. The next round game starts. The opening / closing operation of the grand prize opening 33a in which one round game is from the start to the end of the big prize opening 33a is repeated until a predetermined maximum number of consecutive rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) is completed. .

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, the probability variation state in which the function of the variation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function is activated with a probability of 100%. The variable time shortening function, the opening time extending function, and the probability varying function operate by setting the fluctuation shortening flag, the opening extension flag, and the probability changing flag to ON, respectively. The probability variation state (operation of the variation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function) is realized by control of the main control unit 200 described later.

  The variation time shortening function includes a normal diagram variation time shortening function for shortening the variation time of the normal symbol and a special figure variation time shortening function for shortening the variation time of the special symbol. By the activation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is extended from the first opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds) to the second opening time (for example, 4 seconds). As a result, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is higher than that at normal time (when the opening extension function is not activated). As described above, the special symbol (the first special symbol) is shortened by the operation of the variable time shortening function and the opening time of the second start port 28b is extended by the activation of the open time extending function. The variation frequency of the symbol and the second special symbol) is increased. In addition, by the operation of the probability variation function, the jackpot value for determining whether or not the special symbol is increased, and the probability that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is successful is improved. Specifically, a normal probability success / failure determination table and a high probability success / failure determination table in which the number (type) of jackpot values is larger than the normal probability success / failure determination table are prepared. Then, during normal game (when the probability variation function is not activated), a determination is made using the normal probability success / failure determination table. During a probability variation state (when the probability variation function is activated), a high probability success / failure determination table is used. Make a pass / fail decision.

  In the present embodiment, the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function, when the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches “100 times” without starting the next jackpot game after the jackpot game ends. End operation. As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is configured as a so-called ST machine that performs a limited probability variation state (number of times probability variation state) in which the start of the next special game is not secured (promise).

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a special symbol variation game (first special symbol variation game, second special symbol variation game) performed using the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is attached. Then, the symbol change effect is performed by the effect display device 25. As the symbol variation effect, for example, the effect symbol consisting of a number symbol is varied in conjunction with the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display on the second special symbol display unit 62. Examples thereof include a variable display effect to be displayed and a reach effect performed during variable display of the effect symbol. Note that there are a plurality of types of effect contents, and effect image data is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

Here, the symbol variation effect realized under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 described later will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the display area V of the effect display device 25 is provided with an effect symbol display unit 25a for displaying an effect symbol (three-digit symbol combination). This effect symbol is displayed in conjunction with the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game. Further, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, the portion excluding the effect symbol display unit 25a (around the area where the three-digit symbol combination is displayed) has various backgrounds including characters, figures, symbols, characters, and the like. It is a background display area where symbols are displayed. As described above, since the effect display device 25 is arranged in the center of the game board 20 (game area 21), the player usually displays the content displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (particularly, the effect symbol display). The game is played paying attention to the effect symbol displayed on the part 25a.

  In the present embodiment, a three-digit number symbol consisting of “1” to “9” is used as the effect symbol, and the effect symbol display unit 25a displays the right symbol display unit on which the left symbol is displayed and the middle symbol. The middle symbol display area and the left symbol display area on which the right symbol is displayed are composed of three symbol display areas. The effect symbol display unit 25a has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each symbol display unit, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction).

  The effect symbol starts when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts the variable display, and when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at any of the symbols, the effect symbol Is stopped and displayed with a symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In the effect symbol, a symbol combination having the same three digits corresponds to the special symbol jackpot symbol, and the other symbol combinations correspond to the special symbol missing symbol.

  The determination of the variation pattern (variation pattern) and stop symbol of the effect symbol is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200. . Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates the variation pattern of the special symbol. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect The contents of the production are shown. The main control unit 200 determines a variation pattern of the special symbol at random (by random number lottery) according to the determination result of the special symbol. Then, based on the variation pattern of the special symbol determined by the main control unit 200 and the effect mode (to be described later) set at that time, the sub-control unit 260 displays the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a. An effect display pattern is determined. The special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates a special symbol stop symbol, and the main control unit 200 determines the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol. The stop symbol of is decided at random (by random number lottery). Then, based on the special symbol information designation command indicating the special symbol stop symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub control unit 260 determines the stop symbol of the effect symbol to be stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a.

  In the display area V of the effect display device 25, a demonstration effect for displaying a demonstration screen is performed during a standby state in which neither the special symbol variation game nor the big hit game is executed. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation game or jackpot game is not performed, and the state where the number of special symbol hold is zero is the “standby state”, “the special symbol variation game or jackpot game is not performed, And, when the number of special symbol hold is zero, it is determined that it is in a standby state. In this embodiment, the demonstration effect is configured to start when a predetermined time (in this embodiment, “10 seconds”) has elapsed since it was determined that the camera was in the standby state. It should be noted that the timing of the predetermined time after the determination that the standby state has been established and the execution of the demonstration effect are performed by the control process of the sub-control unit 260.

In this embodiment, there are provided a plurality of types of effect modes of the symbol variation effect that are executed when the special symbol variation game is advanced during the probability variation state, and the symbol variation is performed according to a specific effect mode set from these. Production is performed. In the present embodiment, four types of effect modes A to D are provided as effect modes of the symbol variation effect during the probability variation state. These effect modes A to D are different in the contents of the symbol variation effect (for example, effect symbol decoration, background image, reach effect, voice, etc.). In this embodiment, the production mode A is configured as a “spring mode” in which a symbol variation production reminiscent of “spring” is performed, and the production mode B is a “summer mode” in which a symbol variation production reminiscent of “summer” is performed. The production mode C is configured as “autumn mode” in which a symbol variation effect reminiscent of “autumn” is performed, and the effect mode D is configured as “winter mode” in which a symbol variation effect reminiscent of “winter” is performed. ing.

  In this embodiment, the effect mode A (spring mode) is set as the initial value of the effect mode in the probability change state, and the player can arbitrarily change to other effect modes B to D after the start of the probability change state. It has become. In addition, the change of the production modes A to D in the probability variation state is performed by the control process of the sub-control unit 260.

  The effect modes A to D can be changed by the player operating the second effect button 9, the left button 10, and the right button 11 during the probability change state. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the change of the production modes A to D is determined, the production mode is not changed in the special symbol variation game being executed, and the production mode in the special symbol variation game newly started. Is changed. For this reason, it is not possible to change the production modes A to D after the start of the special symbol variation game of the final time (100th in this embodiment) in the probability variation state, and it is possible to determine the change of the production modes A to D. The period during which the effect mode can be changed is until the last special symbol variation game in the probability variation state (the 100th time in this embodiment) is started (that is, until the 99th special symbol game in the probability variation state is completed). Yes. The production mode changeable period of this embodiment includes the special symbol variation game from the first to 99th in the probability variation state and the standby state in which the special symbol variation game is not executed. Also, the change of the production mode is possible. The effect mode changeable period is a button operation effective period in which the operations of the second effect button 9, the left button 10, and the right button 11 are enabled.

  Hereinafter, the procedure for changing the production modes A to D during the probability variation state will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 3A to 3C show a procedure for changing the rendering modes A to D during the display of the symbol variation screen, and FIGS. 3D to 3F illustrate the rendering during the display of the demonstration screen. A procedure for changing modes A to D is shown. In the symbol variation screens shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the effect symbol display unit 25 a is provided near the center in the display region V of the effect display device 25, and the region where the effect symbol display unit 25 a is provided is displayed. A mode display unit 25b indicating the effect mode set in the excluded area, a remaining number display unit 25c indicating the remaining number of operations of the probability variation function, and a mode selection determination unit 25d for performing display for changing the effect mode are provided. It has been. In the demonstration screens shown in FIGS. 3D to 3F, only the mode selection determining unit 25d is provided in the display area V of the effect display device 25. The symbol variation screens of FIGS. 3A to 3C are displayed until the demonstration effect in the special symbol variation game and the standby state starts, and the demonstrations of FIGS. 3D to 3F are performed. The screen is displayed during the demonstration performance.

  First, the procedure for changing the production modes A to D during the symbol variation screen display will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (c). FIG. 3A shows a normal display when the symbol variation effect is performed according to the set effect mode. In the normal display of FIG. 3A, in order to prompt the player to operate the second effect button 9, a pattern imitating the design of the second effect button 9, the left button 10, and the right button 11 on the mode selection determining unit 25d. Is displayed. When the pressing operation (first operation) on the second effect button 9 is performed during the normal display of FIG. 3A, the mode selection display of FIG. 3B is performed and the effect mode is changed. A selectable state in which an effect mode (hereinafter referred to as “change candidate effect mode”) can be selected occurs. When the normal display in FIG. 3A is shifted to the mode selection display in FIG. 3B, the currently set effect mode is set as the initial value of the change candidate effect mode.

Note that the period during which the special symbol variation game of the final round (100th in this embodiment) is being executed is not a period in which the effect mode can be selected, so the normal display mode in FIG. The selection decision unit 25d is not displayed. In addition, the period during which the last special symbol variation game in the probability variation state is being executed is not the button operation effective period, and even if the second effect button 9 is operated, the mode selection display of FIG.

  In the mode selection display shown in FIG. 3B, the mode selection symbol indicating the change candidate effect mode is displayed on the mode selection determining unit 25d. The mode selection symbol of this embodiment is a character image corresponding to the change candidate effect mode, and the mode selection symbol corresponding to the effect mode A (spring mode) is the character “spring”, the effect mode B (summer). The mode selection symbol corresponding to the mode) is “Summer”, the mode selection symbol corresponding to the production mode C (autumn mode) is “autumn”, and the mode selection symbol is corresponding to the production mode D (winter mode). The symbol is “Winter”.

  In the mode selection determination unit 25d of the mode selection display shown in FIG. 3B, arrow symbols are displayed on the left and right sides of the mode selection symbol. When the left button 10 or the right button 11 is pressed during mode selection display, the selection candidate effect mode is changed, and the mode selection symbol of the mode selection determination unit 25d is switched. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the change candidate effect mode is the effect mode A. When the left button 10 is operated in this state, the change candidate effect mode is “effect mode A (spring mode)”. ”→“ production mode B (summer mode) ”→“ production mode C (autumn mode) ”→“ production mode D (winter mode) ”, and the mode selection symbol of the mode selection determination unit 25d is“ spring ”. → “Summer” → “Autumn” → “Winter”. When the right button 11 is operated in the state of FIG. 3B, the change candidate production mode is “production mode A” → “production mode D” → “production mode C” → “production mode B”. The mode selection symbols of the mode selection determination unit 25d are switched in the order of “spring” → “winter” → “autumn” → “summer”.

  The change candidate effect shown in the mode selection determining unit 25d is performed by performing a pressing operation (second operation) on the second effect button 9 during the mode selection display (selectable state) of FIG. 3B. The mode is determined as an effect mode to be changed (hereinafter referred to as “change determination effect mode”). Then, the change determination effect mode is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the sub-control unit 260, the selectable state ends, and the mode determination display shown in FIG. Thereby, in the selectable state, the change candidate effect mode desired by the selection operation by the left button 10 or the right button 11 can be selected, and the change determination effect mode can be determined by the determination operation by the second effect button 9.

  In this embodiment, if a new special symbol variation game is started before an operation (second operation) is performed on the second effect button 9 in the selectable state (mode selection display), a new special symbol is displayed. The selectable state continues in the symbol variation game. That is, when a new special symbol variation game is started during the selectable state, a variation display of a new effect symbol is started on the effect symbol display unit 25a, and the probability variation function displayed on the remaining number display unit 25c is displayed. Although “1” is subtracted from the remaining number of operations, the display of the mode display unit 25b and the mode selection determination unit 25d does not change. In this embodiment, the selectable state is not terminated when one special symbol variation game is completed, but can be continued over a plurality of special symbol variation games. ing.

  In addition, during the mode selection display of FIG. 3B, the second effect button 9 is not operated for a predetermined time (20 seconds in this embodiment) after the left button 10 or the right button 11 is last operated. When elapses, the display shifts to the normal display of FIG. 3A, and the selectable state ends. In this case, the change determination effect mode is not determined, and the effect mode is not changed.

Also, during the selectable state (during mode selection display), before the operation (second operation) on the second effect button 9 is performed, the special symbol variation game of the last time (100th in this embodiment) of the probability change state is performed. When it starts, the period during which the effect mode can be selected ends, the selectable state ends, and the display shifts to the normal display of FIG. As described above, the mode selection determination unit 25d is not displayed in the normal display in the last special symbol variation game in the probability variation state.

  In the mode determination display of FIG. 3C, a mode determination symbol indicating the change determination effect mode is displayed on the mode selection determination unit 25d. The mode determination symbol is a different type of symbol from the mode selection symbol (character image) displayed on the mode selection screen of FIG. The mode determining symbol of this embodiment is a graphic image corresponding to the change determining effect mode, and the mode determining symbol corresponding to the effect mode A (spring mode) is “sakura graphic” and the effect mode B (summer mode). ) Is a “watermelon graphic”, and the mode determination symbol corresponding to the production mode C (autumn mode) is “foliage graphic”, the mode decision symbol corresponding to the production mode D (winter mode). Is "snowman figure". In the example shown in FIG. 3C, “watermelon figure” is displayed as the mode determination symbol of the mode selection determining unit 25d, and the effect mode B (summer mode) is determined as the change determination effect mode. Is shown.

  At the time of shifting to the mode determination display of FIG. 3 (c), the change of the probabilistic effect mode is not performed, and the next special symbol variation game is performed in the state where the mode determination display of FIG. 3 (c) is displayed. By starting, the effect mode is changed to the change determination effect mode stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the sub-control unit 260. If the second effect button 9 is pressed again before the next special symbol variation game is started in the state in which the mode determination display in FIG. 3C is displayed, FIG. 3B. The mode selection display is resumed and the selectable state resumes. In this case, the change determination effect mode stored in the predetermined area of the RAM of sub-control unit 260 is cleared (cancellation of change determination of effect mode).

  Next, the procedure for changing the production modes A to D during the demonstration production will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (d) to 3 (f). FIG. 3D shows a normal display displayed on the effect display device 25 during the demonstration effect, FIG. 3E shows a mode selection display during the demonstration effect, and FIG. 3F shows a mode during the demonstration effect. A decision display is shown. In the demonstration screen shown in FIGS. 3D to 3F, only the mode selection determining unit 25d is displayed in the vicinity of the center of the display area V of the effect display device 25. That is, since it is not necessary to display the effect symbol during the demonstration effect, the effect mode can be changed using the entire display area V of the effect display device 25.

  In the normal display shown in FIG. 3D, a pattern imitating the design of the second effect button 9, the left button 10, and the right button 11 is displayed large on the mode selection determining unit 25d. In the mode selection display shown in FIG. 3E, mode selection symbols (character images) corresponding to each of the plurality of effect modes A to D are displayed on the mode selection determination unit 25d. In the example shown in FIG. 3E, the effect mode A (spring mode) is the change candidate effect mode, and the mode selection symbol corresponding to this is highlighted by being shaded. . In the mode determination display shown in FIG. 3F, the display of the mode selection determination unit 25d is changed to a mode determination symbol (graphic image). In the mode determination display of FIG. 3 (f), only the mode determination symbols corresponding to the change determination effect mode are displayed, and the other portions are blank.

  As described above, the demonstration effect starts when a predetermined time (“10 seconds” in the present embodiment) elapses after the special symbol variation game ends and becomes a standby state. For this reason, when the demonstration effect starts during the normal display of the symbol variation screen of FIG. 3A, the display shifts to the normal display of the demonstration screen of FIG. Then, when the special symbol variation game is started during the normal display of the demonstration screen of FIG. 3D, the display shifts to the normal display of the symbol variation screen of FIG.

In addition, when the demonstration production starts during the mode selection display of the symbol variation screen of FIG.
The mode shifts to the mode selection display on the demo screen in FIG. 3E, and the selectable state continues. When the special symbol variation game is started during the mode selection display of the demo screen of FIG. 3 (e), the mode shifts to the mode variation display of the symbol variation screen shown in FIG. 3 (b) and the selectable state continues. To do.

  When the demonstration effect starts during the mode determination display of the symbol variation screen of FIG. 3C, the mode shifts to the mode determination display of the demonstration screen of FIG. When the special symbol variation game is started during the mode selection display of the demo screen of FIG. 3E, the effect mode is changed according to the change determination effect mode, and the symbol variation effect is changed according to the changed effect mode. Since it is started, the mode change display on the symbol variation screen in FIG.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

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

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a lottery unit that is mainly determined by the CPU 200b and determines whether or not a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is determined by a determination program stored in the ROM. Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 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 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, start-port entrance detection switches 28 s and 28 t, and a grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 33 s, and these signals are input to the main control unit 200. Is configured to do. The board output relay board 202 is connected with a normal symbol display device 51, special symbol display devices 61 and 62, a start port solenoid 28c, and a big prize port solenoid 33c, and a control signal from the main control unit 200 is output. .

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 15, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command 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. When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 is based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 14a to 14d, display of effect symbols by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  From the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, various symbol control commands (variation pattern designation command, special symbol information designation command, symbol stop command, etc.) related to special symbol variation display, various lamp control commands, and various voice controls A command is sent. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260, and display of effect symbols according to various symbol control commands from the main control unit 200 (from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280). Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control for realizing a symbol variation effect) are simultaneously transmitted.

  The effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) including a CPU 280b, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output port, a VDP (video display processor), and the like. The display unit 25 is connected to the control unit 260, and the effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. In addition, an image ROM (not shown) is provided on the effect display control board 280a, and the image data of the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 (such as the image data relating to the above-described variation effect) is stored in the image ROM. Is stored more than once.

  In addition, various LEDs / lamps 262 and an amplifier board 263 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. Each LED / lamp 262 includes a frame lamp portion 5c. Connected to the amplifier board 263 are speakers 14a to 14d that output various sounds, sounds, and the like in accordance with the progress of the game. Furthermore, various effect buttons are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via an effect button board 264. The sub-control unit 260, based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and various effect buttons (reception of change pattern designation command, input of various effect button operation signals, etc.), lighting / flashing patterns of various LEDs and lamps. Selection / execution processing, selection / output processing of sound effect data output from the speakers 14a to 14d, selection processing of an execution pattern (effect display pattern) of the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 25, and its execution pattern The execution process of the design variation effect based on the

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 5 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 200b mounted on the main control board 200a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 200b or a ROM mounted on the main control board 200a). After the throw-in process (S100), each process of a game start process (S200), a normal symbol game process (S300), a normal electric game game process (S400), a special symbol game process (S500), and a big hit game process (S600) Are repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. The power-off generation process (S50) is a power-on process (S100) when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and a system reset occurs. It has come to move to.

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, RAM initialization processing is performed. Return settings etc. are made to make it happen. In the game start process (S200), detection of various switch states, update of various random numbers, prize ball payout control, etc. are performed. In the normal symbol game process (S300), first, the normal symbol display part is determined. At 51 (see FIG. 2), it is determined whether the normal symbol is hit and stopped in the display mode of the normal symbol or whether it is stopped and displayed in the display mode of the off-normal symbol. Here, as described above, the normal symbol success / failure determination in the present embodiment has a probability of being a hit according to the operating state of the opening time extension function (and the fluctuation time reduction function) that extends the opening time of the start port 28b. There is a difference that the probability of hitting is higher when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is activated than when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is not active.

  Next, when the result of normal symbol success / failure determination is obtained, the variation time of the normal symbol is set, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started according to the variation time. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the determined display mode, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. (The 2nd starting port 28b is made into an open state). In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is activated. I do. 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 determined. It is determined whether or not a predetermined number of winnings 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 a normal state (closed state).

  Next, the special symbol game process (S500) will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 6A, a start opening winning process is performed (S501). Here, the start opening winning process (S501) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the first start port 28a has been won (a game ball has entered) (S501a). If it is determined that the first start port 28a has not been won (S501a: NO), The process proceeds to S501d. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start port 28a has been won (S501a: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b). As a result, when it is determined that the number of first special symbol reservation is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501b: NO), the process proceeds to S501d, and the number of first special symbol reservation is less than 4. Is determined (S501b: YES), the first special symbol random number (first symbol success / failure determination information) is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501c). The first special symbol random number includes a first special symbol determination random number, a first special symbol determination random number (per symbol determination random number), a reach random number, and the like. Thereby, the 1st special symbol reservation number increases by one.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second start port 28b has been won (S501d). If it is determined that the second start port 28b has not been won (S501d: NO). The start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second start port 28b has been won (S501d: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501e). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501e: NO), the start opening winning process is terminated, and the second special symbol hold number is less than 4. If it is determined that there is (S501e: YES), a second special symbol random number (second symbol success / failure determination information) is acquired and stored (S501f). The second special symbol random number includes a second special symbol determination random number, a second special symbol determination random number (per symbol determination random number), a reach random number, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one.

  Next, returning to FIG. 6A, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is being played (whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON) (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game is being played (the big hit game flag is ON) (S502: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated, and the big hit game is not being played (the big hit game flag is OFF). ) (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503).

  As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S510 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S503: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504). Here, the stop display time of the special symbol is a time for determining the special symbol stopped and displayed. In this embodiment, the stop display time of the special symbol is “1 second”. If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504: YES), the process proceeds to S514 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S504). : NO), it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbol hold is zero (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of second special symbol reservation is zero (S506: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbol reservation is zero (S507).

  And when it determines with the 1st special symbol holding | maintenance number being zero (S507: YES), a special symbol game process is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of first special symbol hold is not zero (S507: NO), a first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S506 that the second special symbol hold count is not zero (S506: NO), a second special symbol variation display process is performed (S509). That is, if it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), the first special symbol hold number is not zero (even if it is 1 or more). 2. The special symbol variation display process is executed. Thereby, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed in preference to the first special symbol, and the priority variation function of the second special symbol is realized by the determination processing in S506.

Here, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) and the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The first special symbol variation display process and the second special symbol variation display process are processes having the same contents. That is, the “special symbol” in FIG. 8 becomes “first special symbol” in the first special symbol variation display process, only “second special symbol” in the second special symbol variation display process, and the others are the same. is there. Hereinafter, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) will be described, and the description of the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be omitted.

  First, the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening 28) is read (S508a). ), Special symbol winning / failing determination is performed (S508b). In the special symbol success / failure determination, when the probability variation function is in operation (in the probability variation state), using the high-probability determination table, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit (high probability state). If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (in normal game), the normal probability determination table is used to determine whether the determination result is a big hit (low probability state). Make a decision.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (S508b) is a big hit (S508c). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit (S508c: YES), a big hit hour variation pattern table setting process is performed (S508d). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S508c: NO), a variation pattern table setting process at the time of disconnection is performed (S508e).

  Next, the variable pattern random number is acquired, and the symbol determining random number (the special symbol determining random number acquired when the game ball enters the starting port 28) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200. Read (S508f).

  Next, the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are determined (S508g). As the special symbol variation pattern, the variation pattern random number acquired in S508h is used to select a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d or S508e. Note that each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d and S508e is associated with a variation pattern random value and a variation pattern, and the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random value obtained in S508f is the current variation pattern table. It is determined as a variation pattern to be used. The special symbol stop symbol is a symbol determination table stored in a predetermined area of the main control unit 200 using the special symbol determination random number read in S508f when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is unsuccessful, it is determined as a missed symbol. Similarly to the variation pattern table, the symbol determination table also associates the value of the special symbol determination random number with each jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the special symbol determination random number read in S508f is It is determined as a jackpot symbol to be stopped.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in the processing of S508g, the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S508h), 1 is subtracted (S508i), and a symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S508j). The “design variation start command” includes a variation pattern designation command, a special symbol information designation command, and a hold count designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in the processing of S508g, and the special symbol information designation command is a command for designating the stop symbol of the special symbol similarly determined in the processing of S508g. is there. The number-of-holds designation command is a command for designating the number of special symbols held after the start of variable symbol display. When this symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260, the symbol variation effect (effect symbol variation display) is started under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 that have received these commands. The processing up to this point is when the special symbol variation display is started.

Next, returning to FIG. 6A, if it is determined in S503 that the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503: YES), the changing special symbol. It is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (S510). As a result, if it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed (S510: NO), it is determined that the special symbol game processing is terminated and the special symbol variation display time has elapsed. In this case (S510: YES), the special symbol variation display is stopped (S511), and a special symbol designating command indicating that the special symbol variation display is stopped is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S512). A stop display time is set (S513).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S514). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S514: NO), the special symbol game processing is terminated and it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. If it is determined (S514: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is a jackpot symbol (FIG. 6 ( b) S515).

  As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol (S515: YES), the gaming state at the start of the big hit game is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (S516). The “game state at the time of starting the big hit game” includes the type of the big hit symbol stopped at that time and the setting state of the game state flags (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag) at that time Yes.

  Next, the big hit game flag is set to ON (S517). Thereby, the big hit game is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating that the jackpot game has started is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S518).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S519). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S519: NO), the process proceeds to the determination processing of S521, and when it is determined that the probability variation flag is set to ON ( (S519: YES), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S520). As a result, the probability variation function stops operating with the start of the big hit game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S521). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S521: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. (S521: YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S522), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S523). Thereby, with the start of the big hit game, the operation of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function stops.

  Next, in the determination process of S515, when it is determined that the special symbol stopped symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is not a big hit symbol (in the case of a missed symbol) (S515: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S524). As a result, if it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not ON (S524: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S524: YES), “1” is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S525).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter obtained by subtracting “1” in S525 is “zero” (S526). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S526: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S526). : YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S527), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S528).

  As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function stop operating. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating that the gaming state is such that the variable time shortening function and the opening time extending function are not activated is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S529). Upon receiving this game state designation command, the sub-control unit 260 displays characters, characters, backgrounds, and the like indicating that the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are inactive (normal state) on the effect display device 25. Processing to display in area V is performed.

  Next, the jackpot game process (S600) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is being played (whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON) (S601). As a result, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not being played (the jackpot game flag is OFF) (S601: NO), the jackpot game process is terminated and the jackpot game is being played (the jackpot game flag is ON). 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), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. When it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the specified winning number 33a has been won (whether or not the specified number of game balls have entered). (S604).

  As a result, if it is determined that the prescribed number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the jackpot game processing is terminated and the prescribed winning number has been won in the big winning opening 33a. When it is determined (S604: YES) or when it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605).

  If it is determined in the determination process of S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not a big hit game ending condition is satisfied (S606). In the determination process of S606, it is determined whether the number of rounds has reached “15 rounds” which is the maximum number of continuous rounds. When the “round number reaches 15 rounds”, it is determined that the condition for ending the big hit game is satisfied.

  As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game ending condition is not satisfied (S606: NO), it is determined whether or not the closing time (interval time) of the big winning opening 33a has passed (S607), When it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the big hit game process is terminated, and it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has elapsed. (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608). In the present embodiment, when the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605) or when the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608), a special winning opening closing command or a special winning opening is directed to the sub-control unit 260. Send a release command. Specifically, a special winning opening closing command is transmitted when closing the special winning opening 33a, and a special winning opening opening command is transmitted when opening the large winning opening 33a.

  If it is determined in the determination process of S606 that the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S606: YES), the big hit game end process is performed (S609). Here, the big hit game end process (S609) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the big hit game end process, first, the big hit game flag is set to OFF (S609a). Next, the probability variation flag is set to ON (S609b), the variation shortening flag is set to ON (S609c), the open extension flag is set to ON (S609d), and the probability variation counter is set to 100 times (S609e). Thereby, the probability variation function, the variation time shortening function, and the open time extension function start to operate.

Next, the effect control process executed by the sub-control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
These are examples of effect control processing performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260. The effect control process shown in FIG. 11 is executed by the CPU 260b mounted on the sub-control board 260a based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub-control board 260a). Thus, every time a timer interruption of the CPU 260b occurs (every 4 ms in the present embodiment), the start winning effect process (S700), the symbol variation effect process (S800), the jackpot game effect process (S900), and the effect mode setting process (S1000) ) Are repeatedly executed.

  In the start winning effect process (S700), when a game ball enters the start port 28 (the first start port 28a, the second start port 28b), the on-hold display effect is updated in the effect display device 25 and the speakers 14a to 14d. Sound effects are output from.

  Next, the symbol variation effect process (S800) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S801). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S801: YES), the process proceeds to S811 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol is not fluctuating (S801: YES), a symbol variation start command (variation pattern) transmitted from the main control unit 200 in the processing of S508j and S509j (see FIG. 8). It is determined whether a designation command and a stop information designation command have been received (S802).

  As a result, when it is determined that the symbol change start command has not been received (S802: NO), the symbol change effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S802: YES), it is determined whether or not the probability variation function is in operation (S803). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (S803: NO), the process proceeds to the determination process of S805, and when it is determined that the probability variation function is in operation (S803: YES). ), An effect mode setting process is performed (S804). Here, the effect mode setting process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the operation of the probability variation function is started (S804a). As a result, when it is determined that the operation of the probability variation function is started (S804a: YES), the effect mode is initially set (S804b). In the present embodiment, in the process of S804a, the effect mode A (spring mode) is initially set as the effect mode in the probability variation state. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the probability variation function is not started (S804a: NO), it is determined whether or not the mode determination flag is set to ON (S804c). The “mode determination flag” is a flag indicating that a change determination effect mode that is an effect mode that the player desires to change is determined.

  As a result, when it is determined that the mode determination flag is not set to ON (S804c: NO), the effect mode setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode determination flag is set to ON (S804c: YES), the effect mode is changed according to the change determination effect mode stored in the predetermined area of the RAM of the sub-control unit 260 ( S804d), the mode determination flag is set to OFF (S804e).

  Next, returning to FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit (S805). The result of the special symbol success / failure determination can be determined based on the type of variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command or the type of stop symbol of the special symbol designated by the stop information designation command.

As a result, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit (S805: YES), a big hit effect pattern table corresponding to the set effect mode is selected (S806). On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is not a big hit (S805: NO), an off-stage effect pattern table corresponding to the set effect mode is selected (S807). In this embodiment, tables corresponding to each of the above-described effect modes A to D are provided as the “big hit effect pattern table” and the “off-effect effect pattern table”. Specifically, the effect mode Corresponding to A, “big hit effect pattern table A” and “outgoing effect pattern table A” are provided, and corresponding to effect mode B, “big hit effect pattern table B” and “outgoing effect pattern table B”. Are provided in association with the production mode C, and a “hit-time production pattern table C” and a “off-time production pattern table C” are provided. An hour performance pattern table D "is provided. In the effect pattern tables A to D, effect execution modes (effect display patterns and the like) of different effect symbols are set.

  Next, using the effect pattern table selected in the processing of either S806 or S807, the effect display pattern (variation pattern) of the symbol variation effect to be executed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 is determined (S808). Then, the stop symbol of the effect symbol is set according to the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (S809). Then, the variation display of the effect symbol is started in the display area V of the effect display device 25, and the symbol variation effect display is started (S810).

  The “symbol changing effect display” by the process of S810 is a command (effect display pattern specifying command) for specifying the effect display pattern determined by the process of S808 and a command (stop) for setting the stop symbol set by the process of S809. The symbol designating command) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280 by the sub-control unit 260, and the commands are received by the effect display control unit 280, thereby being realized under the control of the effect display control unit 280.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command transmitted from the main control unit 200 has been received in the process of S512 (see FIG. 6A) (S811). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received (S811: NO), the symbol variation effect process is terminated, and when it is determined that the symbol stop command has been received (S811: YES), the effect symbol that is variably displayed in the display area of the effect display device 25 is stopped and displayed at the stop symbol (pseudo symbol) set in S809, and the symbol variation effect display is ended (S812). In the “end of symbol variation effect display” by the processing of S812, the sub-control unit 260 that has received the symbol stop command from the main control unit 200 terminates the symbol variation effect display (determination display of the effect symbol stop symbol). A command to be specified (effect stop command) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 280, and the command is received by the effect display control unit 280, and thus realized under the control of the effect display control unit 280. It should be noted that the symbol stop command transmitted from the main control unit 200 may be transferred to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub control unit 260 at the time of “end of the symbol variation effect display”.

  Next, the effect mode selection determination process (S1000) executed by the sub-control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the production mode changeable period during which the production modes A to D in the probability change state can be changed (S1001). As described above, the period during which the production mode can be changed is from the start of the probability change state to the last (100th in this embodiment) special symbol variation game (the 99th time from the start of the probability change state). Until the special symbol variation game ends).

  As a result of the determination process in S1001, when it is determined that the period during which the effect mode can be changed is determined (S1001: YES), it is determined whether or not the mode determination flag is set to ON (S1002).

  As a result of this determination processing, when it is determined that the mode determination flag is not set to ON (S1002: NO), it is determined whether or not the mode selection flag is set to ON (S1003). The “mode selection flag” is a flag indicating that it is in a selectable state, and is set to ON when the mode selection screen of FIG. 3B or 3E is displayed.

  As a result of the determination processing in S1003, when it is determined that the mode selection flag is not set to ON (S1003: NO), normal display is performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (S1004). In the process of S1004, during the special symbol variation game, the normal display of FIG. 3A is performed, and during the demonstration effect, the normal screen of FIG. 3D is displayed and displayed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second effect button 9 has been operated in a state where the normal screen is displayed on the effect display device 25 (S1005). As a result, when it is determined that the second effect button 9 has not been operated (S1005: NO), the effect mode selection determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second effect button 9 is operated (S1005: YES), the mode selection flag is set to ON (S1006), and the mode selection display is displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25. Perform (S1007). In the process of S1007, the mode selection display of FIG. 3B is performed during the special symbol variation game, and the mode selection display of FIG. 3E is performed during the demonstration performance. Thereby, a selectable state occurs.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the left button 10 or the right button 11 has been operated in a state where the mode selection display is displayed on the effect display device 25 (S1008). As a result, when it is determined that neither the left button 10 nor the right button 11 is operated (S1008: NO), the process proceeds to S1010. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left button 10 or the right button 11 is operated (S1008: YES), the change candidate effect mode is changed (S1009).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second effect button 9 has been operated in a state where the mode selection display is displayed on the effect display device 25 (S1010). As a result, when it is determined that there is no operation of the second effect button 9 (S1010: NO), the effect mode selection determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second effect button 9 has been operated (S1010: YES), the mode selection flag is set to OFF (S1011), and the mode determination flag is set to ON (S1012). As a result, the selectable state ends.

  Then, the change candidate effect mode is stored as a change determination effect mode in a predetermined area of the RAM of the sub-control unit 260 (S1013), and mode determination display is performed on the display area V of the effect display device 25 (S1014). In the process of S1014, the mode determination display of FIG. 3C is performed during the special symbol variation game, and the mode determination display of FIG. 3F is performed during the demonstration performance.

  Next, in the determination process of S1003, when it is determined that the mode selection flag is set to ON (S1003: YES), a predetermined time (this time) after the left button 10 or the right button 11 is last operated. It is determined whether or not 20 seconds has elapsed in the embodiment (S1015). As a result, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S1015: NO), the selectable state continues, so that the mode selection display is continuously performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (S1007). ). At this time, when the demonstration effect is started during the mode selection display of the symbol variation screen of FIG. 3B, the mode shifts to the mode selection display of the demonstration screen of FIG. Further, when the special symbol variation game is started during the mode selection display of the demo screen of FIG. 3E, the mode shifts to the mode selection display of the symbol variation screen of FIG.

If it is determined in S1015 that the predetermined time has elapsed (S1015: YES), the mode selection flag is set to OFF (S1016), and the normal screen is displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25. (S1004).

  Next, in the determination process of S1002, when it is determined that the mode determination flag is set to ON (S1002: YES), it is determined whether or not the second effect button 9 has been operated (S1017). As a result, when it is determined that the second effect button 9 has not been operated (S1017: NO), the mode determination display of the display area V of the effect display device 25 is continued (S1014). At this time, when the demonstration effect is started during the mode determination display of the symbol variation screen of FIG. 3C, the mode shifts to the mode determination display of the demonstration screen of FIG.

  If it is determined in S1017 that the second effect button 9 has been operated (S1017: YES), the mode determination flag is set to OFF (S1018), and the mode selection flag is set to ON (S1019). ) Mode selection display is performed on the display area V of the effect display device 25 (S1007).

  Next, in the determination process of S1001, when it is determined that the effect mode change period is not in effect (S1001: NO), it is determined whether or not the mode selection flag is set to ON (S1020). As a result, when it is determined that the mode selection flag is not set to ON (S1020: NO), the effect mode selection determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode selection flag is set to ON (S1020: YES), the special symbol variation game of the last time (100th in this embodiment) of the probability variation state during the display of the mode selection screen. Since the mode selection flag is set to OFF (S1021), normal display is performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (S1022).

  According to the present embodiment described above, from when the selectable state occurs during the special symbol variation game, until the player performs the operation for determining the effect mode (the second operation of the second effect button 9). When a new special symbol variation game is started, the selectable state is continued during the new special symbol variation game. As a result, an effect mode that the player desires to change is selected without causing an effect mode contrary to the player's will to be determined by the start of a new special symbol variation game in the middle of the selection of the effect mode. Enough time can be secured. As a result, it is possible to reliably change to the effect mode desired by the player.

  In addition, in this embodiment, even when a standby state occurs between the occurrence of a selectable state during the special symbol variation game and the player's operation for determining the production mode, the selection is performed during the standby state. The possible state is continued. As a result, the player wishes to change the production mode without deciding the production mode contrary to the player's will due to the occurrence of the standby state in the middle of selecting the production mode, or discarding the production mode selection status. It is possible to secure sufficient time for selecting the production mode to be performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably change to the effect mode desired by the player.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when a demonstration state starts when a standby state occurs between the occurrence of a selectable state during the special symbol variation game and the player performing the operation for determining the production mode, Then, the mode selection display on the symbol variation screen in FIG. 3B shifts to the mode selection display on the demonstration screen in FIG. In other words, when the selectable state continues even during the demonstration production, it is not necessary to display the production design, so that the production mode can be selected in an easily recognizable manner using the entire screen of the production display device 25. In addition, the production mode can be selected continuously during the special symbol variation game.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to change the effect mode during the probability variation state in which the variation time shortening function is activated. During the operation of such a variation time shortening function, since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened, it is difficult to determine the effect mode in one special symbol variation game. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, the selectable state is continued over a plurality of special symbol variation games until the player determines the production mode, thereby reducing the variation time. Even during the operation of the function, it is possible to reliably change to the effect mode desired by the player.

  In this embodiment, when the second effect button 9 is not operated even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the left button 10 or the right button was last operated during the selectable state, the selectable state is ended. The production mode is not changed to the production mode selected as the change candidate during the selectable state. Thereby, when a selectable state is complete | finished with progress of predetermined time, it can prevent changing to the production mode contrary to a player's will.

  In the present embodiment, the selectable state is generated by performing the first operation of the second effect button 9 during the effect mode changeable period, and then the second operation of the second effect button 9 is performed. Thus, the change to the production mode desired by the player can be determined. Thereby, only by operating the second effect button 9 once in the effect mode changeable period, the effect mode is not changed, and the effect mode can be prevented from being changed carelessly.

  Here, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the present invention will be described. The second effect button 9 corresponds to the “operation means” of the present invention, and the left button 10 and the right button 11 correspond to the present invention. The processing performed by the main control unit 200 corresponding to the “selecting unit” corresponds to the “shortened fluctuation state generating unit”, and the processing performed by the sub-control unit 260 is the “production execution unit”, “selectable” of the present invention. This corresponds to “state generation means”, “change determination means”, “production execution mode change means”, “selectable state continuation means”, “selectable state end means”, and “change prohibition means”.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect accompanying the special symbol variation game performed during the probability variation state can be changed by the player's operation, but not limited to this, even in a game state other than the probability variation state The effect mode of the symbol variation effect may be changeable. For example, the effect mode of the symbol variation effect may be changed only during a normal game in which the probability variation state is not performed, or the effect mode of the symbol variation effect may be constantly changed regardless of the game state.

  Moreover, in the said Example, 1st operation which produces | generates a selectable state, and 2nd operation which determines the production mode (change determination production mode) which desires a change are used for the same 2nd production button 9. Although it was configured to be executed, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first operation and the second operation may be executed using different buttons.

  In performing the first operation for generating the selectable state and the second operation for determining the effect mode (change determination effect mode) desired to be changed using the same second effect button 9, The operation mode for the same second effect button 9 may be different between the first operation and the second operation. For example, the first operation may be “long press for 3 seconds”, the second operation may be “long press for 1 second”, and the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, “various buttons” are exemplified as the operation means used for selecting and determining the production mode. However, the operation means is not limited to this, and any operation means can be used as long as it has a function that can be operated by the player. Other configurations may be used. For example, the operation means may be configured with a switch member, a lever member, a non-contact member, or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the presentation mode can be selected by operating the left button 10 or the right button 11 in the selectable state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mode selection is being displayed (FIG. 3B). Alternatively, the mode selection determining unit 25d in FIG. 3 (e) may be configured to select the effect mode by sequentially switching and displaying the mode selection symbols corresponding to a plurality of types of effect modes at predetermined time intervals. Good. In this case, when the mode selection symbol corresponding to the effect mode desired by the player is displayed, the second effect button 9 is operated (second operation), so that the effect mode desired to be changed is selected. Can be determined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the selectable state is displayed when the last special symbol variation game in the probability variation state is started during the selectable state (during the mode selection display in FIG. 3 (b) or FIG. 3 (e)). Although it is configured to end and switch to the normal display of FIG. 3A, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the last special symbol variation game in the probable state is started during the selectable state, FIG. The mode selection display of FIG. 3B may be performed without switching to the normal display. In this case, when the second effect button 9 is operated while the mode selection display of FIG. 3B is being performed during the last special symbol variation game in the probability variation state, the mode selection determination unit 25d By displaying the content different from the mode determination symbol, it is possible to make the player recognize that the selectable state has ended.

  In addition, the production mode is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and includes a plurality of modes in which only the production sound is different without changing the production image, a plurality of modes in which only the production image is different without changing the production sound, and the like. It may be.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 9 ... 2nd effect button (operation means), 10 ... Left button (selection means), 11 ... Right button (selection means), 25 ... Effect display apparatus, 25a ... Effect symbol display part, 25b ... Mode Display unit, 25c: Remaining number display unit, 25d ... Mode selection determination unit, 200 ... Main control unit (shortening variation state generation unit), 260 ... Sub control unit (effect execution unit, selectable state generation unit, change determination unit, Effect execution mode change means, selectable state continuation means, selectable state end means, change prohibition means).

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A gaming machine that executes a symbol variation game in which a symbol is variably displayed when a predetermined start condition is established, and the symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined variation time has elapsed,
Effect execution means for executing a game effect according to any of a plurality of effect execution modes when the symbol variation game is advanced;
A change determining means for determining a change in the performance execution mode when an operation is performed on an operation means operable by a player during a selectable state in which the change in the performance execution mode is selectable;
When the change of the effect execution mode is determined by the change determination means during the symbol variation game, the effect execution mode executed in the symbol variation game is not changed, and at the start of the next symbol variation game. Production execution mode changing means for changing the production execution mode;
It is characterized by having.

Claims (3)

A gaming machine that executes a symbol variation game in which a symbol is variably displayed when a predetermined start condition is established, and the symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined variation time has elapsed,
Effect execution means for executing the game effect according to any one of a plurality of effect execution modes having different game effect modes executed when the symbol variation game is advanced,
Operation means that can be operated by the player;
Selectable state generating means for generating a selectable state that enables selection of the effect execution mode when a first operation is performed on the operation means during the symbol variation game;
A selection means for allowing the player to select the effect execution mode desired by the player from the plurality of effect execution modes during the selectable state;
When a second operation is performed on the operation means during the selectable state, a change determination means for determining a change to the effect execution mode selected by the selection means;
When a new symbol variation game is started in a state where the change of the effect execution mode is determined by the change determining means, the effect execution set by the effect execution means is accompanied with the start of the new symbol variation game. Production execution mode changing means for changing the mode to the production execution mode selected by the selection unit;
When a new symbol variation game is started between the occurrence of the selectable state and the change of the effect execution mode, the selectable state is continued during the new symbol variation game. Selectable state continuation means;
A gaming machine comprising: As the symbol variation effect, a normal variation game in which a normal variation time is set as a variation period in which the symbol is variably displayed, and a shortened variation game in which a shortened variation time shorter than the normal variation time is set as the variation time, Is feasible,
A shortened variation state generating means for generating a shortened variation state that improves the execution frequency of the shortened variation game as compared with a normal state when a predetermined condition is established,
The selectable state generating means is configured to generate the selectable state when the first operation is performed at least in the shortened variation state,
The selectable state continuation means is configured to reduce the plurality of times when the reduced variation game is executed a plurality of times during the period from the occurrence of the selectable state to the determination of the change of the performance execution mode. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the selectable state is continued in a variable game. Selectable state ending means for ending the selectable state when the second operation is not performed even if a predetermined time limit elapses during the selectable state;
A change prohibiting means for prohibiting a change to the effect execution mode selected by the selecting means when the selectable state is ended by the selectable state ending means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

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