JP2016106925A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which a new mechanism useful for a game player is introduced concerning a presentation method of game history information.SOLUTION: A game machine performs a jackpot game as a kind of a special game when performing a jackpot lottery and winning the jackpot based on formation of starting conditions. The result of the jackpot lottery is shown to a game player by a stopping mode of symbols after passing variation display of the symbols (special symbols or associated decorative symbols) on symbol display means. The game machine is provided with an image display unit (104) for use in various renderings, and the execution frequency information (2110) of the jackpot game and the variation frequency information (2120) of the symbol can be displayed on the image display unit. However, when a predetermined operation is input by the game player, those information becomes a non-display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  A type of gaming machine (pachinko machine) performs a jackpot lottery (winning determination) based on the establishment of the start condition, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot game with the opening of a big prize opening is performed as a kind of special game . A large number of prize balls can be obtained by winning game balls at the big prize opening. The result of the jackpot lottery is shown to the player in the symbol stop mode after the symbol change display on the symbol display means.

  In the gaming machine, various effects using video and audio are performed, and such a result suggests, for example, a determination result as to whether or not to play a jackpot game. There are many cases where a movable accessory is provided on a game board and the movement of the movable accessory is used for production (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  In addition, the player is often interested in game history information such as the number of executions of special games in the past or the number of changes in symbols. Generally, an island structure (island facility) of a game arcade is provided with a data display for displaying game history information of the gaming machine for each gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2014-30554 A JP 2007-167382 A

  With regard to the first point of view, the production using the movable accessory contributes to the enhancement of the interest of the game, but there is room for improvement in the conventional movable accessory for improving the interest of the game.

  Regarding the second point of focus, it is considered that there is room for improvement in the method of presenting game history information to the player. For example, in a presentation method that relies on a conventional data display, some players may feel inconvenient in checking game history information. Further, for example, when it is difficult for the player to confirm the display content of the external data display device for some reason, it is considered that it is necessary to take care to compensate for it. Also, a certain player may feel annoyed when the game history information is presented unilaterally. There are various ways of receiving for a player, but it is preferable that the provision of information that the player feels excessive is suppressed.

  Needless to say, the provision of interesting new productions and the like for the third point of view contributes to the enhancement of the fun of the game. However, if there is a possibility that the performance or the like gives the player some physical action (for example, the player may come into contact with the actuated movable accessory), the player is informed of the related notification. It is considered better.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that pays attention to the second point of focus and contributes to the player in connection with the presentation of the game history information.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a determination means for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is established, and a predetermined symbol display means variably displays the symbol based on the result of the determination. A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a manner indicating the result of the determination, and a special game executing means for executing the special game when the determination means determines that the special game is to be performed. A gaming machine comprising operation receiving means for receiving an operation by a player and display control means for performing display control of a predetermined display means, wherein the display control means includes information on the number of times of execution of the special game and the symbol It is possible to display game history information including at least one of the fluctuation number information on the display means, and when the game history information is displayed, the input of the operation is performed. When, characterized in that it is possible to hide the game history information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that contributes to a player in relation to presentation of game history information.

It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the basic embodiment of the present invention (when housing the frame gimmick). It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the basic embodiment of the present invention (when the frame gimmick protrudes). It is a back perspective view of the gaming machine of FIG. It is a perspective view of the frame member in the gaming machine of FIG. It is a schematic enlarged view of the information display part in the gaming machine of FIG. It is a block diagram of the part in connection with control of the gaming machine of FIG. It is the figure which listed some processes performed in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the determination table per special figure in the main control part of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the kind of jackpot which concerns on basic embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the special figure fluctuation pattern table in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of a some large winning opening opening pattern. It is the figure which listed a part of process performed in the production | presentation control part of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the special figure fluctuation effect pattern table in the effect control part of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram of the presentation control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows the example of alerting | reporting before an operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of execution presence / absence control of the frame gimmick operation | production effect after notification before an operation | movement concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the game machine which concerns on the specific example ( _EXA1 ) of 1st Embodiment of this invention, and paid its attention to pre-operation alert | report and frame gimmick action | operation effect. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the game machine which concerns on the specific example ( _EXA2 ) of 1st Embodiment of this invention, and paid its attention to the notification before operation | movement and a frame gimmick operation effect. FIG. 6 is a correspondence diagram between special figure determination information and jackpot games according to a specific example (EX _A3 ) of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a related figure between the type of jackpot and the operation of the frame gimmick according to a specific example (EX _A3 ) of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a related figure between the type of jackpot and the operation of the frame gimmick according to a specific example (EX _A4 ) of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a related figure of the type of jackpot and the operation of the frame gimmick according to a specific example (EX _A5 ) of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the other specific example which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows the example of a display of game history information, and switching of display / non-display. It is a schematic external view of the island structure of a game hall according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the data display which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the gaming machine and the data display as seen from the player according to the second embodiment of the present invention (when the frame gimmick is accommodated). It is a front view of the gaming machine and the data display as seen from the player according to the second embodiment of the present invention (when the frame gimmick protrudes). It is explanatory drawing of the forced display method in connection with 2nd Embodiment of this invention when game log | history information is set to non-display. It is explanatory drawing of the forced display method in connection with 2nd Embodiment of this invention when game log | history information is set to non-display. It is a figure which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and shows the example of alerting | reporting for frame gimmicks. It is a figure which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and shows the example of alerting | reporting for accommodating parts. It is a functional block diagram of a game machine of the part especially concerned with the technique of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the gaming machine which paid attention to execution of a demonstration effect in connection with 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the flow of transmission / reception of the command which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and gets involved in jackpot. It is explanatory drawing of the flow of the production which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and gets involved in jackpot.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings to be referred to, the same part is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description regarding the same part is omitted in principle. In this specification, for simplification of description, the names of information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. corresponding to the symbols or signs are indicated by writing symbols or signs referring to information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. Omitted or abbreviated.

/// Basic embodiment ///
An embodiment suitable for a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail. A plurality of embodiments will be described later. First, a basic embodiment will be described as an embodiment serving as a basis for the plurality of embodiments. In the basic embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (so-called digipachi) belonging to the former first type.

<< Basic configuration of gaming machine >>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the basic embodiment. A basic configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine, and includes each component shown in FIG. A launcher (not shown in FIG. 1) for launching a game ball is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. Note that the upper, lower, left, and right refer to the upper, lower, left, and right viewed from the player facing the game board 101 unless otherwise specified, and the vertical and horizontal directions are parallel to the board surface of the game board 101. The vertical direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction.

  In the gaming machine 100, the game ball launched upward by the driving of the launching unit rises between the rails 102a and 102b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then in the game area 103 formed in the game board 101. Falls (flows down). The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. A glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 103 so as to be visible in front of the game board 101 (player side) is fixed to the frame member 113. Further, in the game board 101, a game ball fall path in the game area 103 includes a windmill that changes the fall direction of the game ball, a first start port 105, a second start port 106, an electric tulip 107, a gate 108, a large A winning port 109 and a normal winning port 110 are installed.

  An image display unit 104 composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. The image display unit 104 displays various effect images. For example, the image display unit 104 displays a decorative symbol provided in correspondence with a special symbol for representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, and an image related to an effect that is performed until the gaming machine 100 indicates the lottery result of the jackpot lottery Is displayed. The image display unit 104 may also display a symbol (ordinary decoration symbol) for representing a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery.

  A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are installed below the image display unit 104. The start openings 105 and 106 form a start area through which game balls can pass (winning is possible). When the predetermined first start condition or second start condition is satisfied, the right to receive the big hit lottery is acquired. The first and second start conditions are satisfied when the game balls pass through the start ports 105 and 106, that is, when the game balls win the start ports 105 and 106, respectively. In addition, when the gaming machine 100 detects a winning game ball at the start port 105 or 106, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of gaming balls. The game balls to be paid out are also called prize balls. Winning may be read as winning.

  An electric tulip 107 is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 106. The electric tulip 107 is in a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second start port 106, and an open state (open state) that makes it easier to win the game ball in the second start port 106 than in the closed state. ) In either state. Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the electric tulip 107. In effect, when the electric tulip 107 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the second starting port 106, and only when the electric tulip 107 is in the open state, the second starting of the game ball is started. Winning to the mouth 106 becomes possible. The opening of the electric tulip 107 is also referred to as the opening of the electric tulip 107. The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the right side of the image display unit 104. Similarly to the start ports 105 and 106, the gate 108 forms a start region through which a game ball can pass (winning is possible).

  A big prize opening 109 is provided on the right side of the second start opening 106. The grand prize opening 109 can also be opened and closed like the electric tulip 107, and a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the big prize opening 109, and a larger game ball than the closed state. One of the open states (opened state) that makes it easy to win the winning hole 109 is taken. Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the special winning opening 109. In effect, when the grand prize opening 109 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the big prize opening 109, and only when the big prize opening 109 is in the open state, the game ball is awarded a big prize. Winning to the mouth 109 is possible. The opening of the big prize opening 109 is also referred to as the opening of the big prize opening 109. The big winning opening 109 is normally closed, and when a big win is won in the big win lottery, a predetermined round (for example, 30 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied is predetermined. Repeat as many times as possible (for example, 16 times). When the gaming machine 100 detects a game ball that has won a prize winning port 109, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls.

  One or more normal winning openings 110 are installed on the side or lower side of the image display unit 104. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls when detecting a winning in the normal winning opening 110. The first start port 105, the second start port 106, the gate 108, the big winning port 109, and the normal winning port 110 are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 1, and may be arranged at arbitrary positions in the game area 103. . At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the first start port 105, the second start port 106, the big winning port 109 and the normal winning port 110. Yes. An information display unit 112 is provided in the lower right portion of the game board 101 (details will be described later).

  A frame member 113 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game board 101. The frame member 113 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game board 101 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the upper, lower, left, and right sides and protrudes from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player. The frame member 113 incorporates a speaker 114, an effect light unit 115, and the like. The effect light unit 115 includes a plurality of lamps and a plurality of motors, and the direction of light irradiation by the lamps can be changed up and down or left and right by driving the motors.

  An operation handle 116 is disposed at the lower right position of the frame member 113. The operation handle 116 has a shape that protrudes toward the player side, and a firing instruction member 117 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. The firing instruction member 117 is rotatably supported by the operation handle 116. When a player fires a game ball, the player rotates the firing instruction member 117 clockwise. At this time, the player can adjust the launch intensity of the game ball according to the angle at which the launch instruction member 117 is rotated.

  In the frame member 113, an effect button 118, a cross key 119, a hit ball supply tray 120, and the like are provided below the game area 103. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 constitute an operation accepting unit for accepting an operation from the player. The hitting ball supply tray 120 has a shape that can accommodate a game ball, and sends out the stored game ball to the launching unit.

  On the game board 101, a board movable combination (movable combination on the game board) 130 that is driven at the time of production is provided. For example, when performing an effect using the panel movable combination 130, the panel movable combination 130 slides downward from the position shown in FIG. 1 and advances to the front surface of the image display unit 104. As shown in the figure, the image display unit 104 is retracted to a storage space provided in the upper part. Unlike the below-mentioned frame gimmick 142, the movable board accessory 130 is covered by a later-described glass door 160 (see FIG. 4) during the game. Is inaccessible.

  The frame member 113 is provided with a frame gimmick part 140. The frame gimmick part 140 includes a frame gimmick 142 (see FIG. 2) that is a movable accessory that is driven at the time of production, and an accommodating part (accommodating part) 141 for accommodating (accommodating) the frame gimmick 142. The accommodating portion 141 is disposed above the game board 101 and at a position where the player can always touch it.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the frame gimmick 142 can protrude upward from the accommodating portion 141. Hereinafter, a state in which the frame gimmick 142 protrudes from the accommodating portion 141 is expressed as a protruding state, and a state in which the frame gimmick 142 does not protrude from the accommodating portion 141 (that is, a state in which the frame gimmick 142 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 141) ) Is expressed as an accommodation state or a non-protruding state. Further, hereinafter, the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142 from the housing portion 141 is simply expressed as the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142, and the housing of the frame gimmick 142 in the housing portion 141 is simply expressed as the housing of the frame gimmick 142. In the protruding state of the frame gimmick 142, the player can touch the frame gimmick 142. Therefore, the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142 is a protrusion toward a position where the player can contact. In the accommodated state of the frame gimmick 142, the player cannot touch the frame gimmick 142 because the frame gimmick 142 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 141. The storage unit 141 is provided with a storage button 143 that can be operated by the player. When the storage button 143 is pressed in the projecting state of the frame gimmick 142, the storage unit 141 operates to store the frame gimmick 142 therein, and the state of the frame gimmick 142 changes to the stored state.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the back side structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing a rear configuration of the gaming machine 100. On the back surface of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 301, a prize ball control board 302, an effect control board 303, a power board 304 that supplies power to each board in the gaming machine 100, an output terminal board 305, and the like are provided. ing. Each of these boards (particularly the effect control board 303) may be formed from a plurality of printed boards. Further, a power plug 315 for supplying power to the power supply board 304 and a power switch (not shown) are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 100.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the frame member 113 in a state where the game board 101 is not attached. The frame member 113 includes a game board mounting frame 150 fixed to an outer frame (not shown) installed in an island structure (island facility) of the game store, and a game area 103 on the front side (player side) of the game board 101. And a glass door 160 that covers the glass so as to be visible. A substantially rectangular fitting hole 151 for fitting the game board 101 is formed in the game board mounting frame 150 having a substantially frame shape. The game board 101 is detachably fitted into the fitting hole 151 and fixed. U-shaped metal fittings 152A and 152B for fitting the game board 101 in the horizontal direction are juxtaposed in the vertical direction at predetermined intervals at the left end of the fitting hole 151 of the game board mounting frame 150 when viewed from the front. ing. Further, a fastener (not shown) for fitting the game board 101 in the vertical direction and fixing the game board 101 to the game board mounting frame 150 is provided at the lower end of the fitting hole 151 of the game board mounting frame 150 in the front view. It has been.

  The glass door 160 is detachably coupled to the game board mounting frame 150 via a hinge mechanism portion 320 on one end side in the horizontal direction, and is supported rotatably about the hinge mechanism portion 320 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the glass door 160 can be opened and closed like a door with the hinge mechanism 320 as a fulcrum. When the glass door 160 is closed, the glass door 160 covers the entire game board 101 and most of the game board mounting frame 150. Reference numeral 428 in FIG. 4 represents a launching unit for launching a game ball. The game board mounting frame 150 is provided with a connector portion 153. When the game board 101 is fitted into the fitting hole 151, each board included in the gaming machine 100 is connected to the connector portion 153, and signals or power can be exchanged via the connector portion 153. Regarding the frame gimmick part 140, the frame gimmick part 140 is also connected to the connector part 153, and the effect control board 303 controls the frame gimmick part 140 via the connector part 153 to project or accommodate the frame gimmick 142. Switching control is possible.

<< Information display section >>
As shown in FIG. 5, the information display unit 112 includes a special symbol display unit 201 that displays a special symbol indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, a normal symbol display unit 202 that displays a normal symbol that indicates the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, A display unit 203, a round number display unit 204, and a right-handed display unit 205 are provided. Each display unit 201 to 205 can be formed by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

  There are first and second special symbols as special symbols. The special symbol display unit 201 includes a first special symbol display unit 201a that displays a first special symbol and a second special symbol display unit 201b that displays a second special symbol. The hold display unit 203 includes display units 203a, 203b, and 203c. The right of lottery lottery (the information for special figure determination to be described later) due to the establishment of the first start condition is held up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit, and the number of the held rights is displayed on the display unit 203a as the number of held information U1. Is displayed. The right of lottery lottery (the special figure determination information described later) due to the establishment of the second start condition is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit, and the number of the reserved rights is displayed as the reserved information number U2 on the display unit 203b. Is displayed. The right of the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 108 is held up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit, and the number of the held rights is displayed on the display unit 203c as the hold information number U3.

<< Basic operation of gaming machine >>
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. When the first or second start condition is established, the gaming machine 100 acquires special figure determination information according to the establishment timing, and performs a big hit lottery based on the special figure determination information. Acquisition of special figure determination information is equivalent to acquisition of the right of jackpot lottery. In the jackpot lottery, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is won (whether the jackpot is won or the game is lost). In addition, the winning of the jackpot may be expressed as the occurrence of the jackpot (the same applies to the jackpot described later). When the jackpot lottery is performed based on the establishment of the first start condition, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 201a. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery lottery result (that is, in a mode indicating the lottery lottery result). On the other hand, when the jackpot lottery is performed based on the establishment of the second start condition, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 201b. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery lottery result (that is, in a manner indicating the lottery lottery result).

  When the gaming machine 100 displays the special symbol (first or second special symbol) in a variable manner, the gaming machine 100 displays the decorative symbol in a variable manner on the image display unit 104, and stops the decorative symbol in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. Display. The decorative symbols displayed on the image display unit 104 include first to third decorative symbols, and each decorative symbol is associated with a numerical value or a symbol. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (that is, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery), a combination indicating a jackpot (for example, a so-called doublet such as “7, 7, 7”) To stop and display the first to third decorative symbols.

  The combination of the first to third decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed varies depending on the type of jackpot that has been won. For example, when winning per normal length (to be described later) (see FIG. 9), each decorative symbol is displayed in a blue decorative pattern (for example, “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7, 7”). If you stop the display with a number symbol such as “2, 2, 2”, etc. (except for), and win the per-variable length (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, each decorative symbol is displayed in red indicating the per-probable length. Stop display with a decorative symbol (for example, a “3, 3, 3” or “7, 7, 7” numeral symbol). In the case of winning a winning short win, a latent short winning (see FIG. 9) or a small win, which will be described later, each decorative symbol is a decorative symbol indicating a probable short winning, a latent short winning or a small winning (for example, “chance”) The character is displayed with a stop, and the character symbol indicating the mode transition is displayed. Even if the winning per winning variable length is won, a decorative symbol indicating the normal winning length is stopped on the image display unit 104, and after that (for example, before the jackpot game transition or after the jackpot game transition) There may be a promotion effect that clearly shows that it is a win.

  When the result of the jackpot lottery is a loss (that is, when the player wins the jackpot lottery, in other words, when the jackpot lottery is not won), the first to third decorative symbols stop, for example, at a so-called break-off indicating a loser. . The loose eye corresponds to stopping the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol with an unrelated symbol, and is a decorative pattern stop mode that does not develop into reach production.

  When the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the combination indicating the jackpot, the gaming machine 100 enters the jackpot gaming state. In the jackpot game state, a jackpot game is performed in which the jackpot 109 is opened for a round corresponding to the winning jackpot (for example, 16 rounds). When a game ball wins the big prize opening 109 while the big prize opening 109 is opened, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls. During the jackpot game, the jackpot lottery is not performed. The jackpot game ends when the round winning prize opening 109 corresponding to the type of the winning jackpot is completed. In the jackpot game state, the game is played by right-handed. “Right hit” means that a game ball is launched into a game area on the right side of the center line that divides the game area 103 left and right in the game area 103. On the other hand, left-handed strike means that a game ball is launched into the game area on the left side of the center line in the game area 103. The jackpot gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than other gaming states (such as a normal gaming state) that do not involve the opening of the grand prize winning hole 109 (in other words, the jackpot gaming is the It is more advantageous for the player than a game without opening). The advantage here means that the player easily obtains more prize balls (the expected value of the prize balls to be obtained is greater) as the special winning opening 109 is opened.

  After the jackpot game ends, the gaming machine 100 returns to a state in which the jackpot lottery is performed. At this time, the gaming state may be changed according to the type of winning jackpot.

<< Game state of gaming machine >>
The gaming machine 100 is a low-probability non-electric support game state, a low-probability electric support game state, and a probabilistic game state, except for a game state (including a jackpot game state) that involves the opening of the big winning opening 109. Any one of a high probability electric support game state and a high probability non-electric support game state to be said is taken. The electric support is an abbreviation for an electric chew support function, and details will be described later.

  The normal gaming state (low probability non-electric support game state) and the low probability electric support game state belong to the low probability game state. In the low-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery using a determination table per low-probability special chart (see table TAt1 in FIG. 8 described later), and in the basic embodiment, for example, a jackpot with a probability of 1/399 A lottery lottery will be held.

  The high probability electric support game state and the high probability non-electric support game state belong to the high probability game state. In the high-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery using a determination table per high-probability special chart (see table TAt2 in FIG. 8 described later), and here, as an example, the jackpot is won with a probability of 10/399. A lottery lottery will be held. That is, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot is won with a 10 times higher probability than in the low probability gaming state. Therefore, the high probability gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the low probability gaming state for the jackpot winning.

  The low probability electric support game state and the high probability electric support game state belong to the electric support game state. In the electric support game state, the gaming machine 100 provides a game support function (hereinafter referred to as “electric support”) that involves opening and closing the electric tulip 107 (that is, the electric support is activated). The specific contents of the electric support will not be described in detail because it is a publicly known technology. For example, when the electric support is given, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to when the electric support is not provided, A non-electric support game in which an electric support is not given in an electric support game state, in which an increase in the probability of winning a lottery (and thus an increase in the opening frequency of the electric tulip 107) and an increase in the opening time of the electric tulip 107 are achieved. Compared to the state, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the second starting port 106. In the electric support game state, a game is played by the above-mentioned right strike, and the opportunity for the big hit lottery is mainly winning the second start opening 106.

  The normal gaming state (low probability non-electric support game state) and the high probability non-electric support game state belong to a non-electric support game state to which no electric support is given. In the non-electric support game state, the game is played by left-handed as described above, and the big win lottery is mainly a winning to the first start opening 105. As understood from the above description, the electric support game state is a game state in which the start condition (second start condition) is more easily established than the non-electric support game state. Therefore, the electric support game state is more advantageous to the player than the non-electric support game state with respect to the ease of establishment of the start condition.

<< Internal structure of gaming machine >>
With reference to FIG. 6, the internal structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a part related to control in the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 400 provided in the gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 401 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 402 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect that controls the contents of the effect. And a control unit 403. In addition to the control unit 400, each component shown in FIG. 6 is provided in the gaming machine 100. For example, the main control board 301, prize ball control board 302, and effect control board 303 in FIG. 3 form the main control section 401, prize ball control section 402, and effect control section 403 in FIG. 6, respectively, and the output in FIG. The terminal board 305 includes the board external information terminal board 491 of FIG.

[1. Main control unit]
The main control unit 401 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 413, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The The CPU, ROM, and RAM in the main control unit 401 are also referred to as a main CPU, a main ROM, and a main RAM, respectively. The main CPU 411 reads various programs related to the progress of the game from the main ROM 412 and executes the read program using the main RAM 413 as a work area. As shown in FIG. 6, the main ROM 412 stores tables TAt, TZt, THt, FAt, FZt, FHt and DKt, and the main RAM 413 is provided with storage areas 413a to 413j. In addition to this, various tables can be stored in the main ROM 412, and various storage areas can be provided in the main RAM 413.

  The main controller 401 is connected to various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 401 includes a first start port SW 414 a that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105 and a second start point that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. A start port SW414b, a gate SW415 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning port SW416 that detects a game ball that has won a prize winning port 109, and a normal ball that detects a game ball that has won a normal winning port 110 A winning opening SW417 is connected.

  Each of the SWs 414a and 414b and the SWs 415 to 417 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 401, and the main control unit 401 receives a jackpot lottery based on the input detection signal. For example, special figure determination information corresponding to the right for this purpose is stored, a lottery lottery is performed using the special figure determination information, and a prize ball payout instruction is given to the prize ball control unit 402. As the SWs 414a, 414b, 415, 416 and 417, proximity switches or the like can be employed. Further, when a plurality of first start ports 105 are provided on the game board 101, a first start port SW 414 a is provided for each of the plurality of first start ports 105. The same applies to the case where a plurality of the second start opening 106, the gate 108, the big winning opening 109 or the normal winning opening 110 are provided.

  The main control unit 401 is connected to various solenoids that drive the electric combination on the game board 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 401 is connected to an electric tulip solenoid 418 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 419 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109. The main control unit 401 inputs or does not input an electric signal to the electric tulip solenoid 418 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, and inputs or does not input an electric signal to the big prize opening solenoid 419 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery And The solenoids 418 and 419 perform the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 107 and the opening / closing operation of the special prize opening 109 by converting the electric signal supplied from the main control unit 401 into a mechanical motion, respectively.

  Also, various display units in the information display unit 112 in FIG. 5 are connected to the main control unit 401 (however, the display units 204 and 205 are not shown in FIG. 6). The main control unit 401 performs display control of the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, and the display control of the normal symbol display unit 202 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. I do. Furthermore, the main control unit 401 controls the display content of the hold display unit 203 based on the number of hold information U1, U2, and U3.

[1-1. Main processing]
FIG. 7 lists the main processes performed by the main control unit 401. When power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, the main process is executed by the main CPU 411. In the main process, the main CPU 411 performs initial setting of built-in devices such as a CTC (timer counter) of the main control unit 401 and stores setting information indicating setting contents in the setting storage area 413a. For example, the setting information includes information indicating a cycle for executing a timer interrupt process to be described later. In the main process, whether or not the gaming machine 100 is turned off is monitored. When the power is turned off, backup information is generated and the backup information is stored in the backup storage area 413b. The main RAM 413 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). For this reason, the main RAM 413 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 413b for a certain period even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off.

[1-2. Timer interrupt processing]
The main CPU 411 interrupts and executes a timer interrupt process for the main process at a period (for example, a period of several milliseconds or less) stored in the setting storage area 413a by the main process (see FIG. 7). In the timer interrupt process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a random number update process, a switch process, a special symbol process, a normal symbol process, an electric accessory control process, a prize ball process, and an output process.

[1-2-1. Random number update processing]
The random number update process will be described (see FIG. 7). In the random number update process, the main CPU 411 updates the count value of each random number counter by adding “1” to the count value of each random number counter stored in the counter storage area 413c. The counter storage area 413c includes a main control unit 401 that includes a random number counter C1 per special figure, a special figure random number counter C2, a special figure variation pattern random number counter C3, a random number counter C4 per common figure, and a general figure random number counter C5. The count values of various random number counters to be managed are stored. The counters C1 to C5 respectively count a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, a special fluctuation pattern random number, a random number per common figure, and a common figure random number. In the random number update processing, the main CPU 411 returns the count value of the counter to “0” when the count value of any one of the random number counters C1 to C5 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, and thereafter the same Count up. Here, for example, a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number are counted within the ranges of “0 to 398”, “0 to 99”, and “0 to 499”, respectively. The random numbers per common figure and the random numbers of common symbols are counted within a range of “0 to 9”, for example. Note that any random number in the basic embodiment takes only an integer value unless otherwise specified.

[1-2-2. Switch processing]
The switch process will be described (see FIG. 7). In the switch process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a start opening switch process, a gate switch process, a big winning opening switch process, and a normal winning opening switch process.

  The start port switch process includes first and second start port switch processes (see FIG. 7). In the first start port switch process, the main CPU 411 establishes the first start condition based on the timing at which the first start port SW 414a detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105 (that is, based on the winning to the start port 105). Timing), the count values of the random number counter C1, the special symbol random number counter C2, and the special symbol variation pattern random number counter C3 in the counter storage area 413c are acquired, and the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 are displayed as the special values. Special figure determination information (special figure holding information) including hit random numbers, special figure random numbers, and special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d of the main RAM 413. In the second start port switch process, the main CPU 411 establishes the second start condition based on the timing at which a game ball winning the second start port 106 is detected by the second start port SW 414b (that is, based on the winning to the start port 106). Timing), the count values of the random number counter C1, the special symbol random number counter C2, and the special symbol variation pattern random number counter C3 in the counter storage area 413c are acquired, and the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 are acquired per special symbol. Special figure determination information (special figure hold information) included as a random number, special figure design random number and special figure variation pattern random number is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d of the main RAM 413.

  The special figure determination information storage area 413d stores special figure determination information based on establishment of the first start condition and special figure determination information based on establishment of the second start condition, with a predetermined number as an upper limit. it can. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. Therefore, up to eight pieces of special figure determination information can be stored in the storage area 413d. The number of special figure determination information triggered by the establishment of the first and second start conditions in the storage area 413d corresponds to the above-described numbers of hold information U1 and U2, respectively. In addition, a priority order for receiving the big hit lottery is set for each special figure determination information stored in the storage area 413d. Basically, a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired earlier in time. However, it is assumed that a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired when the second start condition is satisfied as compared to the special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied. The prior determination process executed in the start port switch process will be described later.

  In the gate switch process (see FIG. 7), the main CPU 411 detects the game random number counter C4 and the general symbol random number counter C5 in the counter storage area 413c at the timing when the game ball that has passed through the gate 108 is detected by the gate SW415. Obtains the count value, and stores the information for determining the usual figure (ordinary figure holding information) including the obtained count values of the counters C4 and C5 as the random numbers per common figure and the common symbol random numbers, and stores the information for the usual figure determination in the main RAM 413. It memorize | stores in the area | region 413i. The common figure determination information storage area 413i can store the common figure determination information with a predetermined number as an upper limit. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. The number of general-purpose determination information in the storage area 413i corresponds to the above-described reserved information number U3. Priorities for receiving the normal symbol lottery are set for each of the information for determining ordinary symbols stored in the storage area storage area 413i. A higher priority is set for the information for determining ordinary drawings acquired earlier in time.

  In the big prize opening switch process (see FIG. 7), the main CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 109 by the big prize opening SW416. In the normal winning opening switch process (see FIG. 7), the main CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the normal winning opening 110 by the normal winning opening SW417.

[1-2-3. Special design processing]
The special symbol process will be described (see FIG. 7). In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 executes special symbol determination. The special figure determination includes a special figure determination, a special symbol design determination, and a special graphic fluctuation pattern determination. The above jackpot lottery may include special symbol determination and special symbol design determination, and may further include special symbol variation pattern determination. Therefore, the special figure determination may be considered to include a jackpot lottery, or the special figure determination and the jackpot lottery may be considered to be equivalent to each other. In the special symbol processing, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes determination per special symbol, special symbol determination and special symbol variation pattern determination using the special symbol determination information stored in the special symbol determination information storage area 413d. These determination results are stored in the special figure determination result storage area 413e. Then, after the special symbol fluctuation display is performed for the fluctuation time indicated by the special figure fluctuation pattern selected by the special figure fluctuation pattern judgment, the special symbol is stopped at the symbol indicating the judgment result of the special figure judgment and the special symbol judgment. Let

  When the main CPU 411 starts the variation display of the special symbol, the main CPU 411 sets a variation start command including the determination result of the special symbol determination, the special symbol determination, and the special symbol variation pattern determination in the main RAM 413, so On the other hand, when the execution of the variation effect is instructed and the variation of the special symbol is stopped, the variation control command is set to the main RAM 413 to instruct the effect control unit 403 to end the execution of the variation effect. In addition, when the result of the special figure hit determination shows that the big win or the small win is won, the main CPU 411 sets the opening command in the main RAM 413 following the change stop command, and executes the hit effect on the effect control unit 403. The start is instructed, and an end command is instructed to the effect control unit 403 by setting an ending command in the main RAM 413 at the end of the big hit game or the small hit game. These commands are output to the effect control unit 403 in an output process (see FIG. 7) described later.

  In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 acquires the special figure determination information set with the highest priority in the special figure determination information storage area 413d as the determination target (the determination target) TT, and the special CPU determines the special target of the determination target TT. By using the information for figure determination, judgment per special figure, special figure design judgment and special figure variation pattern judgment are sequentially executed. The special figure determination information that is the determination target TT is deleted from the storage area 413d (therefore, the number of held information U1 or U2 is decreased by 1) and transferred to another storage area (not shown). In the special symbol processing, when the special symbol determination information is not stored in the storage area 413d, the special symbol processing is finished without performing the special symbol determination.

  In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 first makes a per-special symbol determination that involves a comparison between the special symbol determination table TAt stored in the main ROM 412 and a random number per special symbol of the determination target TT.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the determination table TAt per special figure includes a determination table TAt1 per low probability special figure and a determination table TAt2 per high probability special figure. Each of the tables TAt1 and TAt2 has a predetermined determination value associated with the jackpot.

  If the high probability game flag is set to OFF at the time of determination per special figure (that is, at the time of lottery lottery), the main CPU 411 performs determination per special figure using the table TAt1 and sets the high probability game flag to ON. If it has been set, judgment per special figure is performed using the table TAt2. Then, the main CPU 411 determines that the jackpot has been won if the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the jackpot, otherwise it is a loss (that is, the jackpot is won) Not). The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. Here, the determination table TAt per special figure is formed so that the winning probability of the jackpot (winning probability of the jackpot lottery) becomes 1/399 and 10/399 in the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state, respectively. It shall be.

  In addition, the main CPU 411 determines whether or not a small hit is made in the special figure determination. The small hit is not a big hit, but a specific lose represented by a special symbol different from a normal lose (a loss other than the small hit). The main CPU 411 determines that the winning unit is won when the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the small unit. Here, it is assumed that the winning probability per unit is 1/399 without depending on ON / OFF of the high probability game flag. However, in the determination per special figure for the second special symbol (in the determination per special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition), no win is won regardless of the random number per special figure.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing types of jackpots. As types of jackpots, there are special A to special G and general A to general C. Special A to Special D and Special G belong to the probability variation length, Special E belongs to the probability variation short length, and Feature F belongs to the latent probability short length. A to C are usually per unit length. The special G belongs to a jump-up bonus (JUB) which is a kind per probability variation length. Special A and A rounds, Special B and B rounds, Special C and C rounds, Special D and Special G rounds, Special E and Special F rounds are 5, respectively. 10, 13, 16, and 2. Note that “R” in the jackpot indicates a round. The larger the number of rounds, the more the number of prize balls that can be obtained by winning the big winning opening 109 in the jackpot game, which is more advantageous to the player. In each round, the big prize opening 109 is opened until the opening time of the big prize opening 109 reaches a predetermined time. However, in each round, even if the opening time of the big prize opening 109 does not reach a predetermined time, the big prize opening 109 is closed when the number of winning game balls to the big prize opening 109 reaches a predetermined number. . In the following description regarding the opening time of the big prize opening 109, it is assumed that the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 109 does not reach a predetermined number in each round.

  The opening time of the big winning opening 109 of each round per probability variation length and per normal length is a predetermined long opening time (for example, 30 seconds), and each round winning winning opening 109 per probability variation short and latent probability short. Is a predetermined short opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds) shorter than the long opening time. The opening time of the big winning opening 109 in each round is the same between the probability variation length and the normal length, but may be slightly different between the probability variation length and the normal length. The opening time of the big winning opening 109 in each round is the same between the probability variation per short and the latent probability short per, but may be slightly different between the probability variation per short and the latency short per. The opening mode of the first round big prize opening 109 in the special G is different from that of the special A or the like, but details will be described later.

  In the judgment per special figure for the first special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the first starting condition), when the jackpot is won, the jackpot is special A, special B, special C, special D, special The ratio of E, Special F, Special G, A, B, C is 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 15%, 15%, 5%, 5%, 18%, 2%. In the judgment per special figure for the second special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the second starting condition), when the jackpot is won, the jackpot is special A, special B, special C, special D, general The ratios of A, B, and C are 10%, 10%, 10%, 45%, 5%, 18%, and 2%, respectively. In other words, in the special symbol processing for the second special symbol (in the special symbol processing based on the establishment of the second start condition), the special E to special G jackpot is not won.

  After the special A to special E or special G jackpot game is over, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game state, and the setting contents (high probability until the next jackpot is won. Maintain electric support game state). Actually, for example, after the special jackpot game of special A to special E or special G is completed, the high probability electric support game state is maintained until the special symbol fluctuates 10,000 times unless the next jackpot is generated. Since the winning probability of jackpot in the high probability electric support game state is “10/399”, after the end of the special A to special E or special G jackpot game, the high probability electric until the next jackpot winning It can be said that the sapo game state is maintained.

  After the special F jackpot game ends, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability non-electric support game state, and the setting contents (high probability non-electric support game state until the next jackpot is won. ). Actually, for example, after the special F jackpot game is over, unless the next jackpot is generated, the high probability non-electric support game state is maintained until the special symbol fluctuates 10,000 times. The probability of winning the jackpot in the high-probability non-electric support game state is “10/399”. Therefore, after the special F jackpot game is over, the high-probability non-electric support game state is practically until the next jackpot win. It can be said that it is maintained.

  However, as a first exception, in the high probability non-electric support game state after the special F jackpot game, when the special F jackpot is won again, the main CPU 411 after the end of the special F jackpot game again Sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game state, and maintains the setting content (high probability electric support game state) until the next jackpot is won. As a second exception, even when a special F jackpot is won in the high probability electric support game state, after the special F jackpot game is over, the main CPU 411 changes the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game. The game state is set, and the set content (high probability electric support game state) is maintained until the next jackpot is won.

  After the end of the big hit game of A, B or C, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the low probability electric support game state until the special symbol fluctuates by the predetermined number of times of electric support. After the special symbol fluctuates by the predetermined number of times of providing electric support, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low probability non-electric support state (that is, the normal gaming state). However, if the next jackpot is won after the completion of the jackpot game of A, B or C, the game state after the end of the next jackpot game will be set according to the type of jackpot won next time Is done. For example, if the special A jackpot is won at the first change of the special symbol after the end of the jackpot game of the communication A, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the high probability electric support game after the end of the jackpot game of the special A. Set to state.

  The number of times when the electric support is given refers to the number of times the special symbol is maintained to maintain the electric support game state. That is, for a certain jackpot, after the jackpot game is over, while the special symbol fluctuates i times, the gaming state is set to the electric support game state, and after the special symbol fluctuates i times, the non-electric support game state. When this is done, the number of times of providing electric support corresponding to the jackpot is i (i is an integer). The number of times of providing electric support for the communication A, the communication B, and the communication C is 70 times in common (see FIG. 9). The number of times electric support is given to special A to special E and special G is 10,000 times sufficiently larger than them. Since the start condition is easily established in the electric support game state, the more the electric support is given, the more advantageous for the player.

  Note that even when winning a small winning game, a game with the opening of the big winning opening 109 (this is called a small winning game) is executed, but the main control unit 401 uses the winning of the small winning game as an opportunity. The game state (the winning probability of the big hit lottery and the presence / absence of electric support) is not changed. That is, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 (the winning probability of the big win lottery and the presence / absence of electric support) does not change between before and after the small win. In the small hit game, the opening of the special winning opening 109 with a short opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds) is repeated a plurality of times.

  If it is determined that the big win is won in the special symbol determination, the main CPU 411 compares the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the main ROM 412 with the special symbol random number of the determination target TT, and based on the comparison result. A special symbol design is determined to determine the type of jackpot.

  The special symbol symbol determination table TZt is composed of a first special symbol symbol determination table and a second special symbol symbol determination table. When the determination target TT is special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied, the determination target TT is triggered when the second start condition is satisfied using the first special symbol determination table. In the case of the acquired special symbol determination information, the special symbol determination is performed using the second special symbol determination table. The first and second special symbol determination tables are formed so that the types of jackpots for the first and second special symbols are determined by the above-described ratio (see FIG. 9).

  As can be seen from FIG. 9, the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the second start condition is relatively more advantageous to the player than the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the first start condition (ie, more Easy to get many prize balls). Here, “relatively advantageous” means that the expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the winning prize opening 109 in the jackpot game executed based on the establishment of the second starting condition is executed based on the establishment of the first starting condition. This means that the number of prize balls obtained by winning the winning prize opening 109 in the jackpot game is larger than the expected value. Similarly, a jackpot game involving the opening of the big winning opening 109 with a long opening time is relatively advantageous to the player over a jackpot game or a small winning game in which the big winning opening 109 is opened only with a short opening time ( The expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the big winning opening 109 is large). “Expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the jackpot game 109 in the jackpot game” is the expected value of the number of rounds in the jackpot game or the maximum value of the total opening time of the jackpot game 109 in the jackpot game It may be read as a value.

  In the special symbol processing, the main CPU 411 performs special figure fluctuation pattern determination for determining a special figure fluctuation pattern for the determination target TT based on the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt and the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT. The determination of the special figure fluctuation pattern is synonymous with the selection or setting of the special figure fluctuation pattern.

  FIG. 10 shows a special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_d which is an example of components of the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_d includes a special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_d1 for loss and a special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_d2 for jackpot. In the following, it is assumed that the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_d unless otherwise specified.

  Each of the tables THt_d1 and THt_d2 is a table in which predetermined determination values are associated with all or a part of the special figure variation patterns THp_d11 to THp_d16. Each special figure fluctuation pattern including the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_d11 to THp_d16 defines a special symbol fluctuation mode, and defines, for example, a special symbol fluctuation time (the length of time during which the special symbol fluctuation display is performed). doing. The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_d11 is a special figure fluctuation pattern in which a normal loss effect is performed, and the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_d12 to THp_d16 are special figure fluctuation patterns in which a reach effect is performed (see FIG. 13). The special symbol fluctuation times in the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_d11 to THp_d16 are 13.5 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds, 70 seconds, and 90 seconds, respectively.

  In the special figure variation pattern determination using the table THt_d, the main CPU 411 selects the table THt_d1 when the determination result of the special figure determination is lost, and selects the table when the determination result of the special figure determination is a big hit. Select THt_d2. The main CPU 411 corresponds to the determination target TT when the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_di in the selection table (here, THt_d1 or THt_d2). The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_di is selected and set as the special figure fluctuation pattern to be performed (where i is an integer of 11 to 16, inclusive).

  In the table THt_d1, a total of 475 judgment values “0 to 474” and a total of 16 judgment values “475 to 490” and a total of five for the special figure variation patterns THp_d11, THp_d12, THp_d13, THp_d14, and THp_d15, respectively. Determination values “491 to 495”, a total of three determination values “496 to 498”, and one determination value “499” are assigned (each determination value is an integer). In the table THt_d2, for the special figure variation patterns THp_d12, THp_d13, THp_d14, THp_d15, THp_d16, a total of 25 judgment values “0-24”, a total of 50 judgment values “25-74”, a total of 125 Determination values “75 to 199”, a total of 290 determination values “200 to 489”, and a total of 10 determination values “490 to 499” are assigned (each determination value is an integer).

  In the special figure determination result storage area 413e (see FIG. 6), each determination result of special figure per-determination, special symbol determination, and special figure variation pattern determination for the determination target TT is stored in a state of being associated with each other. The

[Pre-judgment process in start-up switch process]
In addition, the main CPU 411 executes a pre-determination process during the start port switch process (see FIG. 7). In the pre-determination process, the main CPU 411 sets, as a pre-determination target, the special-determination determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d and put on hold. The special symbol design determination and the special symbol variation pattern determination are sequentially executed. The method of special figure determination, special symbol design, and special figure variation pattern determination for the prior determination target is the same as those for the determination target TT. The determination result of the pre-determination process (that is, the determination result of the special figure for the pre-determination target, the determination result of the special symbol design and the special figure variation pattern determination) is stored in the pre-determination information storage area 413h, The pre-determination command that is included is set in the main RAM 413 and transmitted to the effect control unit 403 in the output process described later. The pre-determination process for certain special figure determination information is executed in the start-up switch process before the special figure determination information is acquired and stored in the storage area 413d.

[1-2-4. Normal symbol processing]
The normal symbol processing (see FIG. 7) will be described. In the normal symbol processing, the main CPU 411 obtains the common symbol determination information set with the highest priority in the general symbol determination information storage area 413i as the normal symbol determination target FF, and determines the normal symbol per-determination determination table FAt, Based on the general symbol determination table FZt, the general symbol variation pattern table FHt, the general symbol determination target FF, etc., the general symbol determination consisting of the general symbol determination, the general symbol determination, and the general symbol variation pattern determination (equivalent to the normal symbol lottery) Is executed, and the determination result of the common figure determination is stored in the general figure determination result storage area 413j, and the change display and the stop display of the normal symbol are performed based on the determination result of the common figure determination. The information for determining the normal map that has become the normal map determination target FF is deleted from the storage area 413i (therefore, the number U3 of reserved information is decreased by 1) and transferred to another storage area (not shown). In the normal symbol process, when the general pattern determination information is not stored in the storage area 413i, the normal symbol process is terminated without performing the normal symbol determination.

  In the determination per common figure, it is determined whether or not the winning per common figure is won. When the winning is per common figure, the type per common figure is determined by the general symbol determination using the general symbol determination table FZt. There are two types of per map: per long open and short open. The time for the electric tulip 107 to be in the open state is longer per long opening than per short opening. In the normal map variation pattern determination, the main CPU 411 selects a general map variation pattern for the normal map determination target FF from a plurality of normal map variation patterns included in the general map variation pattern table FHt based on whether or not the electric support is provided. To do. The regular pattern variation pattern defines the variation time of a normal symbol. The main CPU 411 controls the display of the normal symbols based on the stored contents of the general pattern determination result storage area 413j in which the determination result of the general pattern determination is stored. For example, after displaying the fluctuation of the normal symbol for the fluctuation time indicated by the normal fluctuation pattern selected by the normal fluctuation pattern determination, stop the normal symbol at the symbol that shows the judgment result of the universal symbol determination and the normal symbol determination. Let

[1-2-5. Electric accessory control processing]
The electric accessory control process will be described (see FIG. 7). In the electric accessory control process, the big prize opening process and the electric chew process are sequentially executed.

  In the special prize opening process, when the result of the special figure determination indicates that the jackpot is won, the special prize opening 109 is opened / closed using the special prize opening pattern according to the type of the big prize, and the result of the special figure determination When winning indicates a winning game, the winning prize opening 109 is opened and closed using the winning pattern opening pattern for winning a small prize. In the big prize opening pattern table DKt, a big prize opening pattern defining the opening mode of the big prize opening 109 is stored for each type of jackpot, and a big prize opening pattern for small hits is stored. . The main CPU 411 realizes the big prize opening process with reference to the table DKt.

Except for the first round of special G jackpot games, in the big prize opening pattern corresponding to the probability variation length and the normal length, the opening time of the big prize opening 109 in each round is a predetermined long opening time of 30 seconds. At t _LONG , the big winning opening 109 is continuously opened in each round for the long opening time t _LONG . However, as described above, in each round, even if the opening time of the big winning opening 109 has not reached the long opening time t _LONG , the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 109 is a predetermined value (for example, 10). At this point, the special winning opening 109 is closed and the round ends.

11 (a), (b), and (c), respectively, a special winning jackpot game, a special F jackpot game, and a big winning opening pattern DKp [E], DKp [F], DKp [K in the special jackpot game, respectively. ] Is shown. In the special E jackpot game, the special F jackpot game, and the small jackpot game, the short opening process for opening the big winning opening 109 for a predetermined short opening time t _EO , t _FO , t _KO is performed for a predetermined interval time (for example, It is executed twice with 2 seconds in between. After two short opening processes, a predetermined ending time (for example, 5 seconds) for performing a predetermined ending effect is provided.

With reference to FIG. 11D, the special winning opening opening pattern DKp [G] in the first round in the special G jackpot game will be described. In the first round of the special G jackpot game, the short opening process for opening the big winning opening 109 for a predetermined short opening time t _{JUBO1 is performed twice} with a predetermined interval time t _JUBC1 (for example, 2 seconds) in between. Executed. After two short opening processes, after waiting for a predetermined pseudo ending time t _JUBC2 (for example, 5 seconds), the _special winning opening 109 is opened for a predetermined long opening time t _JUBO2 . The sum of the two times and time t _JUBO2 of time t _JUBO1 is 30 seconds. After the end of the first round, the second round is performed after a predetermined interval time has elapsed.

_Each of the short opening times t _EO , t _FO , t _KO and t _JUBO1 is shorter than the long opening time (t _LONG , t _JUBO2 ) of the big winning opening 109. _{Each of the} times (2 × t _EO ), (2 × t _FO ), (2 × t _KO ), and (2 × t _JUBO1 ) is _longer than the long opening time (t _LONG , t _JUBO2 ) of the big winning opening 109. short. It is _assumed that the short opening times t _JUBO1 , t _EO , t _FO and t _KO are the same time and are 0.2 seconds here. Therefore, the long opening time t _JUBO2 is 29.6 seconds. However, when the player sees the opening of the grand prize opening 109 due to the short opening time (hereinafter also referred to as short opening), is the opening the special prize opening 109 due to special E, special F or small hits? The short opening times t _JUBO1 , t _EO , t _FO, and t _KO may be slightly different from each other to the extent that the player cannot easily distinguish whether the special G first round winning opening 109 is opened. .

Times t _JUBC1 and t _JUBC2 (see FIG. 11 (d)) are _{preferably matched with} the interval time (2 seconds) and the ending time (5 seconds), respectively. As a result, even if the special G is won, the short opening of the special prize opening 109 will be special E, special F, special G and long until the opening of the special prize opening 109 with the long opening time t _JUBO2 is seen. It becomes difficult for the player to recognize which of the small hits is due. As a result, it is possible to make the player have a sense of expectation for the special E, special F or special G and anxiety about the small hit, and the fun of the game increases.

  In each of the above-mentioned special E, special F and special G jackpot games and small jackpot games, the number of times of opening of the big winning opening 109 by the short opening time is two times. The number of times of opening 109 may be three or more, or may be one. However, it is preferable that the number of times the special winning opening 109 is opened by the short opening time is common among the big hit games and the special hit games by the special E, special F and special G.

  In addition, even in special E or special F jackpot games or small bonus games, even though it is a short time, the special winning opening 109 is opened, so that a special E or special F jackpot game or a small bonus game is performed. However, this is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than other gaming states (such as a normal gaming state) that do not involve the opening of the big winning opening 109 (in other words, special E or special F big hit games or small hit games are It can be said that it is more advantageous for the player than a game that does not involve the opening of the big prize opening 109). The advantage here means that the player easily obtains more prize balls (the expected value of the prize balls to be obtained is greater) as the special winning opening 109 is opened.

  Further, the game state setting process (see FIG. 7) is executed in the big prize opening process during the jackpot game or after the jackpot game. In the game state setting process, the main CPU 411 sets various game flags such as a high probability game flag and an electric support game flag that determine the game state in the game flag storage area 413f. As described above, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is an electric support game state when the electric support game flag is ON, and a non-electric support game state when the electric support game flag is OFF. In the game state setting process during the big prize opening process executed in response to the occurrence of the jackpot, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are set ON / OFF according to the type of the jackpot that has occurred, Depending on the type of jackpot that occurred, the high probability remaining game number X indicating the remaining number of variations of the special symbol that maintains the high probability gaming state and the remaining variation number of the special symbol that maintains the electric support game state The electric support game remaining count J is set in the main RAM 413.

Therefore, in the game state setting process associated with the special A to special E or special G jackpot (see FIG. 9), both the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are turned ON, and the high probability game remaining number X and the electric support game are set. Both “10000” are set in the remaining number of times J.
In the game state setting process associated with the special F jackpot, the high probability game flag is turned ON while the electric support game flag is turned OFF, and the high probability game remaining number X and the electric support game remaining number J are “10000” respectively. And “0” are set. However, if a special F jackpot is won in the high probability non-electric support game state or the high probability electric support game state, both the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are set in the game state setting process associated with the special F jackpot. Both are set to ON and “10000” is set to both the high probability remaining game count X and the electric support game remaining count J (that is, the gaming state is changed or maintained to the high probability electric support game state).
In the game state setting process associated with the big hit of A, B or C, the high probability game flag is turned OFF while the electric support game flag is turned ON, and the high probability game remaining count X and the electric support game remaining count “0” and “70” are set in J, respectively.

  The high probability remaining game count X set in the game state setting process is subtracted by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “X ≧ 1”, and becomes “X = 0”. The high probability game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a low probability gaming state. The electric support game remaining number J set in the game state setting process is decremented by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “J ≧ 1”, and becomes “J = 0”. The electric support game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a non-electric support game state. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are OFF, and “0” is set to the number of times X and J. By pushing a RAM clear switch (not shown) provided on the back of the game board 101, the gaming machine 100 is in an initial state.

  In the electric Chu process, the main CPU 411 opens and closes the electric tulip 107 based on the result of the normal symbol process. When a normal symbol lottery is won (per common symbol), the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined time.

[1-2-6. Prize ball processing]
In the winning ball process, the main CPU 411 pays out a predetermined number of winning balls for winning at the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, and the normal winning port 110. Is set in the prize ball information storage area 413g as a prize ball command.

[1-2-7. Output processing]
In the output process, the main CPU 411 sends information (including arbitrary commands) indicating the storage contents of each storage area in the main RAM 413 to each control unit (the prize ball control unit 402 and the effect) connected to the main control unit 401. Output to the control unit 403). A command related to the prize ball is output to the prize ball control unit 402, and a command related to the effect is output to the effect control unit 403. In the output process, the main CPU 411 can transmit any information that it recognizes or holds (for example, information indicating the state of the electric support game flag and the high probability game flag) to the effect control unit 403. When the output process ends, the timer interrupt process also ends. When the timer interrupt process ends, the process executed by the main CPU 411 returns to the main process (see FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIG. 6, a board external information terminal board 491 is connected to the main control section 401, and the main control section 401 sends information indicating the contents stored in the main RAM 413 to the outside (through the board 491 ( For example, it can be output to a hall computer in a game hall.

[2. Prize ball control unit]
The winning ball control unit 402 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The prize ball control unit 402 pays out a prize ball based on a payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 401.

  Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 402. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the prize ball control unit 402 is provided with a fixed position detection SW 424 for detecting a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW425 for detecting a paid game ball, and a front surface of the frame. A ball presence detection SW 426 that detects whether there is a game ball in the hit ball supply tray 120 and a full tank detection SW 427 that detects that the hit ball supply tray 120 is filled with the game ball are connected. Each of SW 424 to 427 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 402. The winning ball control unit 402 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 401 or a detection signal input from the SWs 424 to 427. Further, the prize ball control unit 402 may output detection signals input from the SWs 424 to 427 to the main control unit 401.

  Further, a launching unit 428 is connected to the prize ball control unit 402. The award ball control unit 402 detects the operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 428 (operation by the player) and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 428 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 402 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 428, the game ball 103 is intermittently fired by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, and the game area 103 of the game board 101 is played. Launch a game ball.

  The prize ball control unit 402 is connected to a payout unit 429 for paying out a prize ball. The payout unit 429 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from a storage unit (not shown) that stores game balls. The prize ball control unit 402 controls the payout unit 429 to drive the payout drive motor, thereby to each winning port (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110). The payout of prize balls corresponding to the winnings of will be realized. The prize ball controller 402 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 492, and various information handled by the prize ball controller 402 can be output to the outside through the board 492.

[3. Production control unit]
The effect control unit 403 includes a CPU 431, a ROM 432, a RAM 433, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like (see FIG. 6). The CPU, ROM, and RAM in the effect control unit 403 are also referred to as a sub CPU, a sub ROM, and a sub RAM, respectively. The sub CPU 431 reads various programs related to the control of effects performed by the gaming machine 100 from the sub ROM 432, and executes the read programs using the sub RAM 433 as a work area.

  The effect control unit 403 includes an image / sound control unit (not shown) that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 114, lighting control of the effect light unit 115 and the board lamp 135 on the game board 101, and A lamp control unit (not shown) that performs drive control of the panel movable accessory 130 and the frame gimmick unit 140 is provided. In addition, the effect control unit 403 is connected to an effect button 118 and a cross key 119 for receiving an operation from the player. The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect corresponding to the input operation content from the player with respect to the effect button 118 and the cross key 119.

  The effect control unit 403 realizes an arbitrary effect including a change effect using an effect realizing element (effect means). That is, the production control unit 403 controls the production realization element to cause the production realization element to perform a desired production (the main body of the production in this expression is the production realization element, but in the description of the basic embodiment, The effect control unit 403 is regarded as the main subject of the effect). The effect realization element includes at least one of the image display unit 104, the speaker 114, the effect light unit 115, the panel lamp 135, the panel movable accessory 130, and the frame gimmick unit 140 (frame gimmick 142). The variation effect refers to an effect executed by the effect control unit 403 at the time of the variation of the special symbol and the end of the variation, and includes an effect that suggests a determination result of the special symbol determination. It should be noted that the suggestion, notification, notification, or notification by effect may be considered to be for the player unless otherwise specified.

[3-1. Production main processing]
FIG. 12 lists the main processes performed by the effect control unit 403. When power is supplied to the effect control unit 403, the effect main process is executed by the sub CPU 431. In the effect main process, the sub CPU 431 performs initial setting of a built-in device such as CTC in the effect control unit 403 and stores the setting content in the sub RAM 433.

[3-2. Production timer interrupt processing]
The sub CPU 431 interrupts and executes the effect timer interrupt process with respect to the effect main process at a cycle according to the setting content stored in the sub RAM 433 by the effect main process (see FIG. 12). In the effect timer interruption process, the sub CPU 431 sequentially executes a command reception process and an operation reception process.

[3-2-1. Command reception processing]
In the command reception process, the sub CPU 431 executes a special drawing effect process, a general drawing effect process, and a hit effect process.

[3-2-1-1. Special drawing production process]
The special figure effect process includes an effect start process and an effect end process. The sub CPU 431 starts the variation effect by executing the effect start process in response to the reception of the variation start command from the main control unit 401, and then performs the effect in response to the reception of the variation stop command from the main control unit 401. The variation effect is ended by executing the end process. The effect start process includes a variable effect pattern selection process. In the variation effect pattern selection process, the sub CPU 431 selects and displays a special diagram variation effect pattern from the special diagram variation effect pattern table TEt (see FIG. 13) stored in the sub ROM 432 based on a command received from the main control unit 401 or the like. judge. The variation effect by the selected and determined special figure variation effect pattern is executed in the special figure effect process.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the special figure variation effect pattern table TEt. In the table TEt, a plurality of special figure variation effect patterns that define the effect contents of the variation effects such as the normal lose effect and the reach effect are stored. In FIG. 13, six different special figure fluctuation effect patterns TEp_d11 to TEp_d16 are shown as part of the special figure fluctuation effect patterns stored in the table TEt. The special figure variation effect patterns TEp_d11 to TEp_d16 are associated with the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_d11 to THp_d16 (see FIG. 10) on a one-to-one basis.

  The normal lose effect is a normal lose effect that is associated with the special figure variation pattern THp_d11 and appears most frequently. Reach production means that, for example, when three decorative symbols (first decorative symbol to third decorative symbol) are changed, the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol are aligned on the effective line, and then the third decorative symbol is arranged. This is an effect in which only the symbol is changed, and the fluctuation time is longer than that of the normal loss production, so that the expectation for the big hit is increased. The reach production includes a normal reach production, a low reliability reach production, a medium reliability reach production, a high reliability reach production, and a premier reach production. The premier reach production is a production showing the jackpot decision. In the order of low-reliability reach production, medium-reliability reach production, high-reliability reach production, and premier reach production, the reliability for the big hit is high.

  Further, when the sub CPU 431 receives a prior determination command from the main control unit 401, the sub CPU 431 performs a pending increase process in the command reception process. In the hold increase process, a hold image corresponding to the prior determination target is additionally displayed on the image display unit 104. The reserved image corresponding to the advance determination target is later deleted from the image display unit 104 or shifted to a specific display position when the change start command is received when the advance determination target becomes the determination target TT. . The sub CPU 431 can also perform a pre-reading notice effect on the prior determination target based on the prior determination command.

[3-2-1-2. General drawing processing]
The ordinary drawing effect process (see FIG. 12) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to a normal symbol is received from the main control unit 401. A command related to the normal symbol is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation of the normal symbol. In the ordinary drawing effect process, the ordinary drawing effect is executed when the normal symbol changes.

[3-2-1-3. Winning effect processing]
The winning effect process (see FIG. 12) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to the winning effect is received from the main control unit 401. An opening command and an ending command are respectively transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 as commands related to the win effect at the start and end of the win game that is a big hit game or a small hit game. In the winning effect process, the effect control unit 403 starts the winning effect in response to the reception of the opening command, and ends the winning effect in response to the reception of the ending command.

[3-2-2. Operation acceptance process]
In the operation accepting process (see FIG. 12), the sub CPU 431 operates based on a signal from the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 to the player's operation state on the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 (whether or not an operation is input and the content of the operation ) The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect according to the recognized operation state.

<< About reliability >>
Here, the explanation of the term “reliability” will be supplemented. In the case where certain effect Q ₂ for a certain one of JP diagram determination information Q ₁ is carried out, the probability that special symbol determination information Q ₁ is elected jackpot, i.e., based on the special symbol determination information Q ₁ The expected value (probability expected value) determined as jackpot in the special figure determination is called the jackpot reliability, the reliability of the special figure determination information Q ₁ , or the reliability of the production Q ₂ , or In addition, it is simply referred to as reliability while being associated with a term related to the special figure determination information Q ₁ or the production Q ₂ (for example, the reserved image for the reserved special figure determination information Q ₁ ). For example, if the information Q ₁ is being held, it is sometimes referred to as reliability information Q ₁ and so the reliability of the hold. The information Q ₁ being held means a state in which the information Q ₁ is stored in the special symbol determination information storage area 413d and the special symbol variation based on the information Q ₁ has not yet started. Effect Q ₂ are to be located in the notice made during variation of the special symbols that correspond to special symbol determination information Q ₁ (the announcement attraction), fluctuations before the start of the special symbols that correspond to special symbol determination information Q ₁ Can be a pre-reading notice (pre-reading notice effect). The term “reliability” may be read as “expectation”.

For one Japanese view determination information Q _1, expressed as a probability "r" to effect Q ₂ is performed on the result of a "loss" and special symbol determination information to Q ₁ determination per special symbol, The probability of the effect Q ₂ being executed for the special figure determination information Q _{1 when} the result of the special figure determination is “big hit” is represented by “v”. Then, the reliability of the jackpot when the effect Q ₂ is performed on the special figure determination information Q ₁ is (100 × v / (r + v))%.

For example, in a gaming state in which Japanese view variation pattern table THt_d are used in FIG. 10, one of Japanese view determination information Q ₁ is a "loss" and special symbol determination information Q ₁ is special symbol variation pattern THp_d13 Assignment probability r is to be a "(398/399) × (5/500) ", 1 single Japanese view determination information Q ₁ is "big hit" in a by and special symbol determination information Q ₁ to special symbol variation pattern THp_d13 since the probability v assigned is "(1/399) × (50/500) ", the reliability of the jackpot when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_d13 is assigned to special symbol determination information Q ₁ (Japanese The reliability of the information for figure determination Q _{1 and} the reliability of the effect by the special figure variation pattern THp_d13) are about 2.5%. Similarly example, the reliability of the jackpot when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_d15 is assigned to special symbol determination information Q ₁ (special symbol reliability of the determination information Q _1, reliability of the effect by JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp_d15 Degree) is about 42.2%.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of other embodiments relating to the gaming machine 100 will be described. Of the plurality of embodiments described below, any two or more embodiments may be combined.

/// first embodiment ///
A first embodiment of a gaming machine 100 according to the present invention will be described. Unless stated otherwise and there is no contradiction, the description of the basic embodiment described above also applies to the first embodiment. In the following, the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142 is also expressed as the operation of the frame gimmick 142. In the first embodiment, attention is paid to a frame gimmick action effect that can be executed by the effect control unit 403 (this may also be noted in other embodiments described later). The frame gimmick actuating effect is an effect of projecting the frame gimmick 142 (that is, an effect of changing the state of the frame gimmick 142 from the housed state to the projecting state, or projecting by changing the state of the frame gimmick 142 from the housed state to the projecting state) Production to maintain the state).

  FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the effect control unit 403 particularly related to the technique of the first embodiment. It can be considered that the production control unit 403 includes a pre-operation notification control unit 452 and a pre-gase activation notification control unit 453 in addition to the frame gimmick operation production control unit 451 capable of executing the frame gimmick operation production. .

  For example, the effect control unit 403 (specifically, the frame gimmick operation effect control unit 451) can perform the frame gimmick operation effect based on the determination result of the special figure determination by the main control unit 401. However, when the frame gimmick 142 is operated, the frame gimmick 142 protrudes to a position where the player can come into contact with the frame gimmick 142, so that the frame gimmick 142 may hit the player. In addition, when an object (such as a plastic bottle) is placed above the accommodating portion 141, if the frame gimmick 142 is activated, the object may fall.

  Therefore, when the production control unit 403 (specifically, the pre-operation notification control unit 452) intends to execute the frame gimmick operation effect, it performs a predetermined pre-operation notification before the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect (notification). The device performs a predetermined pre-operation notification). The pre-operation notification is a notification that suggests to the player that the frame gimmick 142 may be projected (that is, the frame gimmick 142 may protrude toward a position where the player can contact the frame gimmick 142). The pre-operation notification may be a notification appealing to any of the five senses of the player (particularly, for example, vision and / or hearing), and is realized by a predetermined notification means. In the gaming machine 100, the notification means includes an image display unit 104 and a speaker 114.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the pre-operation notification. In the example of FIG. 15, the display of the wording 1100 “Attention to X face protrusions! Sit and watch!” Is executed as a pre-operation notification on the image display unit 104. “X face” represents the name of the frame gimmick 142 in the game. The pre-operation notification may be realized by outputting the word as sound from the speaker 114, or the pre-operation notification may be realized by both the display on the image display unit 104 and the sound output from the speaker 114. Further, in FIG. 15, three square frames each having an arrow added represent the first to third decorative symbols variably displayed (the same applies to FIG. 16A described later).

  The pre-operation notification has a purpose of preventing occurrence of a situation such as the protruding frame gimmick 142 hitting the player. Accordingly, the pre-operation notification is preferably performed before the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect, and also prompts the player to pay attention to the frame gimmick 142 (more specifically, for example, attention to the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142). It is good to include a warning message. The caution here is that the player is wary of touching the frame gimmick 142 and / or that the object is placed on the movable part of the frame gimmick part 140 (including the upper surface of the housing part 141) May be included). The effect control unit 403 may continuously perform the pre-operation notification performed before the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect even during the execution period of the frame gimmick operation effect.

  Although specific examples will be described in detail later, the frame gimmick operation effect is likely to be executed in a situation that is relatively advantageous to the player, such as when the degree of expectation of winning the big hit is high. For this reason, when the pre-operation notification is performed, the player expects that a frame gimmick operation effect will be subsequently executed, that is, a situation that is likely to be relatively advantageous to the player. Even if the frame gimmick operation effect is not performed later, the effect control unit 403 (specifically, the pre-gase operation notification control unit 453) may perform the pre-operation notification. There may be. That is, the effect control unit 403 can perform the frame gimmick operation effect after performing the pre-operation notification as shown in FIG. 16A, and does not perform the frame gimmick operation effect later as shown in FIG. However, it is also possible to notify before operation. Thereby, the player who has seen the pre-operation notification can wait with a sense of tension whether or not the frame gimmick operation effect is actually performed thereafter, and the fun of the game is increased.

  In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the frame gimmick 142 is in the housed state. After making the frame gimmick 142 project from the frame gimmick operation effect, the effect control unit 403 can accommodate the frame gimmick 142 in the accommodation unit 141 at an arbitrary timing. For example, when performing the frame gimmick operation effect during the execution time of the variable effect, the frame gimmick 142 is accommodated at any timing before the end of the variable effect or at the same time as the end of the variable effect after the execution of the frame gimmick effect. You can return to the state. Also, for example, when performing a frame gimmick operation effect during the execution of the jackpot game, after the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect, at any timing before, at the end of the jackpot game, or after the end (for example, the ending effect is The frame gimmick 142 may be returned to the stowed state (when done).

  In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame gimmick 142 protrudes upward from the accommodating portion 141 provided at the upper part of the gaming machine 100, so that the frame gimmick 142 may be less likely to hit the player. Absent. However, in the basic embodiment, the first embodiment, and other embodiments described later, the arrangement position of the accommodating portion 141 and the protruding direction of the frame gimmick 142 are not limited to those described above. For example, the accommodating portion 141 may be provided on the left, right, or lower side of the game board 101, and the protruding direction of the frame gimmick 142 in the frame gimmick operation effect is directed toward the player facing the game board 101. It may have a directional component (as an extreme example, the frame gimmick 142 may be projected toward the player). In other words, the distance (shortest distance) between the player who is stationary facing the game board 101 and the frame gimmick 142 may be shorter in the protruding state of the frame gimmick 142 than in the accommodated state of the frame gimmick 142. In this case, in particular, the need for alerting increases.

  Several specific examples will be described as specific examples regarding the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect and / or the pre-operation notification.

[Specific example EX _A1 ]
A specific example EX _A1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of the gaming machine 100 according to the specific example EX _A1 . First, in step S111, the main control unit 401 confirms whether or not at least one of the numbers of pending information U1 and U2 is 1 or more. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is considered that “U2 = 0”. The process of step S111 is repeated as long as “U1 = 0”, and the process proceeds to step S112 if “U1 ≧ 1”. In step S112, after the main control unit 401 subtracts 1 from the pending information count U1, the special figure determination information having the highest priority in the special figure determination information storage area 413d is acquired as the determination target TT. Special symbol processing including special figure determination is performed on the determination target TT.

  In subsequent step S113, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the determination target TT has won the jackpot based on the change start command for the determination target TT received from the main control unit 401. When the determination target TT wins the jackpot, the effect control unit 403 performs the first frame gimmick operation effect execution determination in step S114 and then proceeds to step S116, where the determination target TT wins the jackpot. If not, the process proceeds to step S116 after performing the second frame gimmick operation effect execution determination in step S115. In addition, when the determination target TT is won in the small hit, the first frame gimmick operation effect execution determination may be performed and then the process may proceed to step S116.

In each of the first and second frame gimmick operation effect execution determinations, the effect control unit 403 determines whether or not to execute the frame gimmick operation effect by lottery using a random number generated by itself. In the execution of the first and second frame gimmick action effects, the probabilities determined to execute the frame gimmick action effects are predetermined probabilities RR ₁ and RR ₂ , respectively. Each of the probabilities RR ₁ and RR ₂ has a predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and the probability RR ₁ is sufficiently greater than the probability RR ₂ . For example, the probability RR ₁ may be set to about 70%, and the probability RR ₂ may be set to about a jackpot winning probability (such as 1/399).

  In step S116, it is confirmed whether or not it is determined to execute the frame gimmick operation effect. When it is determined that the frame gimmick operation effect is to be executed (Y in step S116), the variation effect of the determination target TT is started in step S117, and the pre-operation notification (step S118; operation by the pre-operation notification control unit 452). Through the execution of the previous notification) and the subsequent frame gimmick operation effect (step S119), the variation effect is terminated (ie, stopped) in accordance with the variation stop command in step S125. In step S125 after execution of the frame gimmick action effect, the frame gimmick 142 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 141 when the variation effect is ended.

On the other hand, when it is not determined that the frame gimmick operation effect is to be executed (N in step S116), the effect control unit 403 performs the pre-operation notification execution determination in step S120. In the pre-operation notification execution determination, the effect control unit 403 determines whether to execute the pre-operation notification by lottery using a random number generated by itself. Here, the probability RR ₃ determined to execute the pre-operation notification has a predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and is, for example, about several hundredths to one hundredths.

  In step S121 after step S120, it is confirmed whether or not it is determined to perform pre-operation notification. When it is determined that the pre-operation notification is to be executed (Y in step S121), the variation effect of the determination target TT is started in step S122, and the pre-operation notification (step S123; operation by the pre-operational notification control unit 453). In step S125, the variation effect is terminated according to the change stop command without performing the frame gimmick operation effect. If it is not determined that the pre-operation notification is to be executed (N in Step S121), the variation effect of the determination target TT is started in Step S124, and both the pre-operation notification and the frame gimmick operation effect are not performed. The variation effect is terminated according to the variation stop command at.

  If the determination target TT wins the jackpot after the variation effect is ended in step S125 (Y in step S126), the jackpot game is played (step S127), the process returns to step S111, and the processes after step S111 are performed. Are repeated, and if the determination target TT is not won in the jackpot (N in Step S126), the process returns to Step S111 without repeating the jackpot game, and the processes after Step S111 are repeated.

In the specific example EX _A1 , the frame gimmick operation effect may be considered as a part of the change effect that suggests the determination result of the special figure determination, and the pre-operation notification may be considered as a component of the change effect (described later). The same applies to the specific example EX _A2 etc. This is because, depending on the determination result of the special figure determination, whether or not the frame gimmick operation effect and the pre-operation notification are executed is controlled during the special symbol variation display.

The probability RR ₁ (see step S114) can be set to “1”. When “RR ₁ = 1” and the determination target TT wins a big win, the pre-operation notification and the frame gimmick operation effect are always executed in the variation effect for the determination target TT.

The probability RR ₂ (see step S115) can be set to “0”. In the case of “RR ₂ = 0”, the frame gimmick operation effect is executed only when the determination target TT wins the jackpot (that is, the frame gimmick operation effect is a jackpot finalizing effect) Will work).

The probability RR ₃ (see step S120) can be set to “0”. When “RR ₃ = 0”, the frame gimmick operation effect is not performed later, but the pre-operation notification is not performed (in other words, the frame gimmick operation effect is always performed after the pre-operation notification is performed). Will be done). That is, in the operation of FIG. 14, when “RR ₃ = 0”, the pre-gase activation notification control unit 453 of FIG. 14 does not function.

[Specific example EX _A2 ]
A specific example EX _A2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart of the gaming machine 100 according to the specific example EX _A2 . First, in step S141, the main control unit 401 confirms whether or not at least one of the numbers of held information U1 and U2 is 1 or more. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is considered that “U2 = 0”. The process of step S141 is repeated as long as “U1 = 0”, and the process proceeds to step S142 if “U1 ≧ 1”. In step S142, after the main control unit 401 subtracts 1 from the pending information count U1, the special figure determination information having the highest priority in the special figure determination information storage area 413d is acquired as the determination target TT. Special symbol processing including special figure determination is performed on the determination target TT.

  In step S143 after step S142, the effect control unit 403 executes the effect start process (see FIG. 12) based on the change start command for the determination target TT received from the main control unit 401, and in step S144, the effect starts. It is confirmed whether or not a specific first special figure variation effect pattern is selected for the determination target TT by the variation effect pattern selection process during the start process. The specific first special figure fluctuation effect pattern is a special figure fluctuation effect pattern with relatively high reliability of the jackpot. Here, for example, the special figure fluctuation effect patterns TEp_d15 and TEp_d16 (see FIG. 13) are the specified first special characteristics. It belongs to the figure variation effect pattern. Selecting a specific first special figure variation effect pattern (TEp_d15, TEp_d16) for the determination target TT selects a specific first special figure variation pattern (THp_d15, THp_d16) for the determination target TT. It can be considered that this is equivalent (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 13).

  When the specific first special figure variation effect pattern is selected (Y in step S144), the variation effect of the determination target TT is started in step S145, and the pre-operation notification (step S146; pre-operation notification control unit 452). After the execution of the pre-operation notification) and the subsequent frame gimmick operation effect (step S147), the variation effect is ended (that is, stopped) in accordance with the change stop command in step S152. In step S152 after the execution of the frame gimmick action effect, the frame gimmick 142 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 141 when the variation effect ends.

  On the other hand, when the specific first special figure variation effect pattern is not selected (N in Step S144), the process proceeds to Step S148, and the effect control unit 403 performs the specific second special figure variation effect pattern with respect to the determination target TT. Check whether or not is selected. The specific second special figure fluctuation effect pattern may be an arbitrary special figure fluctuation effect pattern (for example, the special figure fluctuation effect pattern TEp_d14) different from the specific first special figure fluctuation effect pattern. Selecting a specific second special figure variation effect pattern (for example, TEp_d14) for the determination target TT means that a specific second special figure variation pattern (for example, THp_d14) is selected for the determination target TT. It can be considered that they are equivalent (see FIGS. 10 and 13).

  When the specific second special figure variation effect pattern is selected (Y in Step S148), the variation effect of the determination target TT is started in Step S149, and the pre-operation notification (Step S150; pre-gase operation notification control unit 453). In step S152, the variation effect is terminated according to the change stop command without performing the frame gimmick operation effect. On the other hand, when a special figure fluctuation effect pattern other than the specific first and second special figure fluctuation effect patterns is selected (N in step S148), the fluctuation effect of the determination target TT is started in step S151, and before the operation. Without performing both the notification and the frame gimmick operation effect, the variation effect is terminated according to the variation stop command in step S152.

  If the determination target TT has won the jackpot after the variation effect is ended in step S152 (Y in step S153), after playing the jackpot game (step S154), the process returns to step S141 and the processes after step S141 are performed. Is repeated, and if the determination target TT is not won by the jackpot (N in step S153), the process returns to step S141 without repeating the jackpot game, and the processes in and after step S141 are repeated.

[Specific example EX _A3 ]
A specific example EX _A3 will be described with reference to FIG. Now, it is assumed that the special figure determination information 1200 is won, and the jackpot game for the special figure determination information 1200 is referred to as a jackpot game 1210. Further, here, consider a mode in which the jackpot of special A to special C (see FIG. 9) is used as a so-called rank-up bonus. In other words, when a special jackpot of special A, special B or special C is won, at the start of the big jackpot game, the total number of rounds of the big jackpot game (whether the special jackpot of special A to special C was won) The total number of rounds is revealed depending on whether or not a round is added in the jackpot game (assuming that the player does not look at the round number display unit 204).

  When the special figure determination information 1200 wins the big hit of any of the special A to special C, the effect control unit 403 determines the round of the big hit game 1210 depending on whether or not the frame gimmick 142 is activated in the big hit game 1210. The presence or absence of continuation can be notified. An implementation example of this will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (a), when the special figure determination information 1200 is won for the big hit of the special A (see FIG. 9), the big hit game 1210 is made up of the first to fifth round games. In this case, the effect control unit 403 maintains the frame gimmick 142 in the housed state in the jackpot game 1210 (that is, does not perform the frame gimmick operation effect).

  As shown in FIG. 20 (b), when the special figure determination information 1200 is won for the big hit of the special B (see FIG. 9), the big hit game 1210 is composed of the first to tenth round games. In this case, the effect control unit 403 maintains the frame gimmick 142 in the accommodated state in the first to fifth rounds of the jackpot game 1210, and the frame gimmick operation effect in a predetermined interval period between the fifth round and the sixth round. To notify that the jackpot game 1210 will continue after the sixth round. Thereafter, the effect control unit 403 stores the frame gimmick 142 in the storage unit 141 at any timing before, at or after the end of the tenth round, and thereafter maintains the storage state. FIG. 20B shows an example in which the frame gimmick 142 is in a protruding state only in the interval period between the fifth and sixth rounds. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, up to the sixth round. The protruding state may be continued, or for example, a frame gimmick operation effect may be performed during the fifth round.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (c), when the special figure determination information 1200 wins the big win of the special C (see FIG. 9), the big hit game 1210 is composed of the first to thirteenth round games. In this case, the effect control unit 403 maintains the frame gimmick 142 in the accommodated state in the first to fifth rounds of the jackpot game 1210, and the frame gimmick operation effect in a predetermined interval period between the fifth round and the sixth round. (Or, for example, by performing a frame gimmick operation effect in the fifth round), it is notified that the jackpot game 1210 continues after the sixth round. Thereafter, the effect control unit 403 accommodates the frame gimmick 142 in the accommodating unit 141 at an arbitrary timing until the end timing of the tenth round, and repeats the frame again in a predetermined interval period between the tenth round and the eleventh round. By performing the gimmick operation effect, it is notified that the jackpot game 1210 continues after the eleventh round. Thereafter, the effect control unit 403 stores the frame gimmick 142 in the storage unit 141 at any timing before, at or after the end of the thirteenth round. FIG. 20C shows an example in which the protruding state of the frame gimmick 142 is maintained until the end of the thirteenth round.

  As shown in FIGS. 20B and 20C, the effect control unit 403 (pre-operation notification control unit 452) also performs the frame gimmick operation effect during the jackpot game 1210, before executing the frame gimmick operation effect. Performs pre-operation notification. When the special figure determination information 1200 is won for the special A jackpot, such as in the fifth round of the jackpot game 1210, the effect control unit 403 (pre-gasse activation notification control unit 453) has a predetermined probability less than 1 ( (For example, 20%), a notification before operation (gase) may be performed without performing a frame gimmick operation effect thereafter. Similarly, when the special figure determination information 1200 is won for the special B jackpot, in the tenth round of the jackpot game 1210, the effect control unit 403 (pre-gasse activation notification control unit 453) has a predetermined value less than 1. In this case, the pre-operation notification (gase) may be performed without performing the frame gimmick operation effect thereafter.

  In addition, when the special figure determination information 1200 is won by the special B or special C jackpot, the frame gimmick operation effect is not performed during the jackpot game 1210 with a predetermined probability less than 1 (for example, 10%). There may be a thing.

Further, the above-mentioned special A to special C in the specific example EX _A3 may be read as A to C. Although execution control of execution of the frame gimmick effect for three jackpot games having different numbers of rounds has been described, the control may be applied to two or four or more jackpot games having different numbers of rounds.

[Specific example EX _A4 ]
A specific example EX _A4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b). When the determination target TT wins the big hit or the big hit of the special E (2R hit), the special F (2R diving) or the special G (JUB), the production control unit 403 is in the corresponding big hit game or the small hit game Whether or not the special winning opening 109 is long-opened (that is, whether or not a special G jackpot is won) can be notified by whether or not the frame gimmick 142 is activated. An implementation example of this will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (a), when the determination target TT wins a special E jackpot, a special F jackpot or a jackpot, the big prize opening pattern DKp [E], DKp [E] or DKp [K ] (See FIGS. 11A to 11C), a big win game or a small win game in which the big winning opening 109 is opened is performed. In this case, the effect control unit 403 maintains the frame gimmick 142 in the accommodation state including the ending time during the big hit game and the small hit game (that is, the frame gimmick operation effect is not performed).

As shown in FIG. 21B, when the determination target TT wins a special G jackpot, the special winning opening 109 is opened according to the special winning opening opening pattern DKp [G] (see FIG. 11D). A jackpot game is played. In this case, the production control unit 403 stores the state of the frame gimmick 142 after the start of the special G jackpot game and before the grand prize opening 109 is opened by the long opening time t _JUBO2 of FIG. To a projecting state (that is, the frame gimmick operation effect is started). Thereafter, the effect control unit 403 can return the frame gimmick 142 to the accommodation state at any timing before, at or after the end of the special G jackpot game.

  The effect control unit 403 (pre-operation notification control unit 452) also performs pre-operation notification before the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect even when performing the frame gimmick operation effect during the special G jackpot game. During the special E or special F big hit game or the small hit game, the production control unit 403 (the pre-gase activation notification control unit 453) performs the frame gimmick operation production thereafter with a predetermined probability less than 1 (for example, 20%). Although it is not performed, a pre-operation notification (gase) may be performed.

[Specific example EX _A5 ]
A specific example EX _A5 will be described. When a game is controlled in an advantageous game state advantageous to the player after the jackpot game, a frame gimmick operation effect may be performed during the jackpot game as an effect to notify the game.

  A first example of the advantageous gaming state will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 (a) and 22 (b). In the first example, the advantageous gaming state may be a high-probability gaming state that is more advantageous than the low-probability gaming state with respect to the jackpot winning probability.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), when the determination target TT wins a special jackpot of any of special A to special G, the effect control unit 403 can execute at any timing during execution of the corresponding jackpot game. The frame gimmick operation effect is performed, and then the frame gimmick 142 can be returned to the accommodation state at any timing before, at or after the end of the jackpot game. Also in this case, the pre-operation notification is performed before the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect. Note that the frame gimmick operation effect may be executed only for some specific jackpot games (for example, special A to special C jackpot games) of the special A to special jackpot games.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), when the determination target TT wins any one of the big hits from A to C, the effect control unit 403 has a frame gimmick in the corresponding jackpot game execution period. The frame gimmick 142 is maintained in the accommodated state without performing the operation effect. In this case, during the big hit game of A to C, the production control unit 403 (the pre-gasse activation notification control unit 453) performs the frame gimmick operation production with a predetermined probability less than 1 (for example, 20%) thereafter. Although there is no notification, pre-operation notification (gase) may be performed.

  The advantageous gaming state may be an electric support game state that is more advantageous than the non-electric support game state in terms of the ease with which the start condition is established. For example, when the determination target TT wins a jackpot of special E, the effect control unit 403 performs a frame gimmick operation effect at an arbitrary timing during the execution of the corresponding jackpot game, and then, before the end of the jackpot game, The frame gimmick 142 can be returned to the housed state at any timing at the end or after the end. Also in this case, the pre-operation notification is performed before the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect. On the other hand, when the determination target TT has won the special F jackpot or jackpot, the effect control unit 403 does not perform the frame gimmick operation effect in the corresponding jackpot game or jackpot execution period. Is maintained in the containment state. In this case, during the special F big hit game or the small hit game, the production control unit 403 (pre-gasse activation notification control unit 453) has a predetermined probability less than 1 (for example, 20%), and then the frame gimmick operation production. It is also possible to perform a pre-operation notification (gase) without performing the operation.

[Other specific examples or modifications]
In addition, a frame gimmick operation effect may be performed as a so-called reserved continuous notice effect. Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 19 again, the special figure determination indicating that the jackpot is won in the special figure determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d during the execution of the jackpot game 1210 Consider the case where the usage information Q is included. This is transmitted to the effect control unit 403 by the prior determination command by the prior determination process executed when the special figure determination information Q is acquired. In this case, the effect control unit 403 receives the content indicated by the received advance determination command (that is, the result of the advance determination process for the special figure determination information Q) until the variation start command for the special figure determination information Q is received. It is held in the sub RAM 433. Then, during the execution of the jackpot game 1210, the production control unit 403 determines that the jackpot game is performed in advance for the special figure determination information Q based on the result of the preliminary determination process for the special figure determination information Q. As a suggestion effect (an effect that suggests that the special figure determination information Q is preliminarily determined to be won), the frame gimmick operation effect may be executed after the pre-operation notification.

  The wording displayed on the image display unit 104 in the pre-operation notification is not limited to the wording 1100 illustrated in FIG. 15, and may be anything that suggests the possibility of the frame gimmick 141 being actuated. Further, when performing the pre-operation notification, an image that prompts the player to operate the effect button 118 or the like may be displayed on the image display unit 104.

  As shown in FIG. 23, for example, in the pre-operation notification, the effect control unit 403 displays the wording “Press the button to pop out the X face!” On the image display unit 104 and set a predetermined operation effective period. To wait for an input of a press operation of the effect button 118. When the frame gimmick operation effect is to be executed, the frame gimmick operation effect is actually executed when the effect button 118 is pressed within the operation effective period or when the operation effective period expires. If not, the frame gimmick operation effect is not executed regardless of whether or not the effect button 118 is pressed.

/// Second embodiment ///
A second embodiment of the gaming machine 100 according to the present invention will be described. Unless stated otherwise and there is no contradiction, the description of the basic embodiment and the first embodiment described above also applies to the second embodiment.

The effect control unit 403 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display content of the image display unit 104, and the display control unit performs the jackpot game execution count information _ONUM and the symbol variation count information H. Game history information including at least one of _NUM can be displayed on the image display unit 104. In the following, it is assumed that the game history information displayed under the control of the display control unit includes both the execution count information O _NUM and the variation count information H _NUM .

FIG. 24A shows a display example of game history information on the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 shown in FIG. 24 (a) includes an information 2110 is executed count information O _NUM jackpot game, and the information 2120 is the variation time count information H _NUM of symbols are displayed.

The execution count information O _NUM indicates the number of executions of the jackpot game in a predetermined history target period. In other words, the number-of-executions information O _NUM indicates the number of times that the jackpot game is determined to be performed by the special figure determination in a predetermined history target period.

The production control unit 403 assigns zero to the value of the execution count information O _NUM at the start of the history target period, and every time a jackpot game opening command is received from the main control unit 401 in the history target period, the execution count information O Add 1 to the value of _NUM .

The history target period may be an arbitrary period determined by the gaming machine 100, but here, it is assumed that the day on which a game is played by the gaming machine 100 corresponds to the gaming history period. In other words, for example, the execution frequency information O _NUM displayed on the image display unit 104 at 3:00 pm on November 30, 2014 indicates that the operation start time of the gaming machine 100 on November 30, 2014 is 10:00 am , The number of executions of jackpot game from 10 am to 3 pm on November 30, 2014 is shown.

The number-of-changes information H _NUM indicates the number of times the special symbol has changed since the last jackpot game ended in the history target period. When the jackpot game has never been performed in the history target period, the fluctuation count information H _NUM indicates the number of changes in the special symbol in the history target period (that is, the number of changes in the special symbol from the start of the history target period to the present). ).

The production control unit 403 assigns zero to the value of the variation count information H _NUM at the start of the history target period, and changes the variation count information every time a special symbol variation stop command is received from the main control unit 401 during the history target period. Add 1 to the value of _HNUM . When the jackpot gaming in the history period is performed, the performance control unit 403 resets the fluctuation count information H _NUM (i.e., 0 is substituted to the value of the variation time count information H _NUM). For example, when the ending command of the jackpot game is received from the main control unit 401, the effect control unit 403 resets the variation number information _HNUM . Alternatively, for example, when the first variation start command is received from the main control unit 401 after receiving the jackpot game ending command from the main control unit 401, the effect control unit 403 resets the variation count information _HNUM .

  As shown in FIG. 24B, when the effect control unit 403 (display control unit) displays the game history information on the image display unit 104, a predetermined non-display designation operation is performed by the effect button 118 and the cross key 119. Can be hidden in the image display unit 104. In addition, when the game history information is not displayed on the image display unit 104, when a predetermined display designation operation is input to the operation receiving unit, the effect control unit 403 displays the game history information on the image display unit 104. Can be displayed. That is, the effect control unit 403 can switch display / non-display of the game history information on the image display unit 104 in accordance with an operation to the operation reception unit.

  The effect control unit 403 may display an icon or the like suggesting how to perform a display designation operation on the image display unit 104 when the game history information of the image display unit 104 is not displayed. When game history information is displayed on the image display unit 104, an icon or the like suggesting how to perform a non-display designation operation may be displayed on the image display unit 104.

  By the way, the gaming machine 100 is attached to an island structure (island facility) of a game store, and a data display is installed in the island structure.

  FIG. 25 shows a state where a plurality of gaming machines 100 are attached to the island structure 10. As shown in FIG. 25, the island structure 10 is provided with a predetermined number (6 in FIG. 25) of gaming machine mounting portions 11 and a corresponding number of inter-mounting mounting portions 12. One gaming machine 100 is installed in each gaming machine mounting portion 11, and one inter-device device 13 is installed in each inter-mounting mounting portion 12. The inter-device device 13 represents an electronic device or the like installed between two adjacent gaming machines 100, and includes a lending machine that lends game balls. In addition, inside the island structure 10, in addition to structures such as pillars and beams, a game ball transport device that transports game balls to each game machine 100, and game balls collected from each game machine 100 are temporarily stored. A storage tank, a game ball polishing device and the like for removing and polishing the collected game balls are disposed (all not shown).

  In the game hall, one chair 14 is installed for each gaming machine 100, and a player who uses a certain gaming machine 100 sits on the chair 14 corresponding to the gaming machine 100 to play the game. Facing the game board 101 of the machine 100. In the island structure 10, a data display 20 is installed above each gaming machine 100.

  FIG. 26 is a front view of the data display 20. Focusing on one gaming machine 100, the display contents of the data display device 20 corresponding to the gaming machine 100 focused on will be described. The data display 20 is electrically connected to the gaming machine 100 and can display various information related to the gaming history of the gaming machine 100.

Specifically, the data display device 20 according to the example of FIG. 26 can display the above-described variation number information _HNUM and execution number information _ONUM (corresponding to the displays 21 and 22 in FIG. 26). Further, the data display 20 (corresponding to the display 23 and 24) run times information O _NUM and can display the number of executions information O _NUM at the last point of two days ago at the last point of yesterday. In addition, the data display 20 can display the number of first hits on the current day, yesterday and two days ago (corresponding to the displays 25, 26 and 27), and (n-1) times from the nth first hit. It is possible to display the number of changes in the special symbol up to the previous first hit (corresponding to the display 28; n is an integer). First win means winning a big hit from a low probability gaming state. Further, the data display 20 is provided with a call button 29 for calling an employee of the game hall. The data display 20 may display only one of the fluctuation count information _HNUM and the execution count information _ONUM .

  The data display 20 is electrically connected to the main control unit 401 of the gaming machine 100. For example, the data display 20 is connected to the main control unit 401 via the connector unit 153 shown in FIG. 4 and the board external information terminal board 491 shown in FIG.

The fluctuation count information H _NUM displayed on the data display 20 is initialized at the start of the history target period and indicates zero. The main control unit 401 transmits a variation stop signal to the data display device 20 every time the variation display of one special symbol is completed. For example, when a change stop command is transmitted to the effect control unit 403, a change stop signal is transmitted to the data display 20 in synchronization with the transmission. Each time the data display 20 receives the fluctuation stop signal, the data display 20 increases the value of the fluctuation count information _HNUM displayed by itself by one.

The execution frequency information O _NUM displayed on the data display 20 is initialized at the start of the history target period and indicates zero. When the main control unit 401 stops the variable display of the special symbol of the determination target TT that has won the jackpot, the main control unit 401 transmits one jackpot signal to the data display 20 immediately before the start of the corresponding jackpot game. Each time the data display 20 receives a jackpot signal, the data display 20 increases the value of the execution count information _ONUM displayed by itself by one. Further, for example, the main control unit 401 allows the determination target TT to win a big hit of special A to special G so that the data display 20 can display 25 to 27 (see FIG. 26). Only the jackpot signal is transmitted to the data display 20 with the probability variation jackpot signal, or the first jackpot signal is transmitted to the data display 20 together with the jackpot signal only at the first hit.

In addition, after receiving the jackpot signal, the data display unit 20 transmits a signal indicating that when the next special symbol variation starts (for example, a variation start transmitted in synchronization with the transmission of a variation start command to the effect control unit 403). Signal) from the main control unit 401, the value of the fluctuation count information _HNUM displayed by itself is initialized to zero.

Depending on the specifications of the data display 20 or depending on the connection form between the data display 20 and the gaming machine 100, the value of the variation number information _HNUM displayed on the image display unit 104 by the effect control unit 403 and the data display are displayed. The change timing of the value of the fluctuation count information H _NUM displayed on the device 20 may not be completely synchronized, and there may be a timing at which those values are shifted from each other by 1.

Further, when the main control unit 401 is configured to transmit a small hit signal to the data display 20 when a small hit occurs, depending on the specifications of the data display 20 or the data display 20 and the gaming machine 100 Depending on the connection form, the data display 20 may perform the same operation as when receiving the jackpot signal in response to receiving the jackpot signal. In this case, the number-of-executions information O _NUM displayed on the data display device 20 is displayed on the image display unit 104 because it is the sum of the number of executions of the big hit game and the number of executions of the small hit game during the history target period. The specific number may be different from the execution count information _ONUM .

  27 and 28 are front views of the gaming machine 100 and the data display 20 as seen from the player. However, in FIG. 27, the frame gimmick 142 is in the housed state, and in FIG. 28, the frame gimmick 142 is in the protruding state. When the frame gimmick 142 is in the housed state, the frame gimmick 142 is housed in the housing portion 141, so that the frame gimmick 142 naturally does not block the line of sight of the player looking at the data display 20.

  On the other hand, when the frame gimmick 142 is in the protruding state, as shown in FIG. 28, the frame gimmick 142 blocks the line of sight of the player who views the data display device 20. That is, the frame gimmick 142 is directed to a position where the player can contact in the frame gimmick operation effect so as to block the player's line of sight when viewing the data display 20 (so as to cover the front of the data display 20). Protruding. In other words, when the frame gimmick 142 is in the protruding state, the frame gimmick 142 exists on the normal line of the display surface passing through a predetermined position on the display surface of the data display 20. On the other hand, when the frame gimmick 142 is in the housed state, the frame gimmick 142 does not exist on the normal line of the display surface that passes through the predetermined position.

  The effect control unit 403 may display the game history information on the image display unit 104 when a predetermined forced display condition is satisfied when the game history information in the image display unit 104 is not displayed. After the game history information is displayed on the image display unit 104 due to the establishment of the forced display condition, the effect control unit 403 may return the game history information on the image display unit 104 to non-display when a predetermined release condition is satisfied. it can. The satisfaction of the release condition may be the same as the failure of the forced display condition.

  Refer to FIG. For example, the forced display condition is satisfied when the frame gimmick operation effect is executed. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, the game history information in the image display unit 104 is not displayed before the timing 2210, and the state of the frame gimmick 142 changes from the housed state to the protruding state at the timing 2210, and thereafter Consider a case where the state of the frame gimmick 142 is returned from the protruding state to the accommodated state at the timing 2220. In this case, the effect control unit 403 displays the game history information on the image display unit 104 between the timings 2210 and 2220, and then determines that the release condition is satisfied when the frame gimmick 142 returns to the accommodation state, and the image display unit The game history information in 104 is returned to non-display. The period between the timings 2210 and 2220 may be included, and the game history information may be displayed on the image display unit 104 during a period slightly longer than the period.

Referring to FIG. 30, or, for example, when the variation time count information H _NUM value effect control unit 403 recognizes and management (i.e. the value of the variation time count information H _NUM displayed on the image display unit 104) coincides with a predetermined value The forced display condition may be satisfied. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, the game history information in the image display section 104 starting from the state of being hidden, the value of the variation time count information H _NUM is to the variation time count information H _NUM increase When the value reaches (k ₁ × 100), the effect control unit 403 determines that the forced display condition is satisfied, and causes the image display unit 104 to display game history information. Thereafter, when the value of the number-of-changes information H _NUM recognized and managed by the effect control unit 403 reaches (k ₁ × 100 + k ₂ ), it is determined that the release condition is satisfied, and the game history information in the image display unit 104 is not displayed. Return to display. k ₁ is an arbitrary natural number. k ₂ has a predetermined integer value of 1 or more. Alternatively, for example, when a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the game history information on the image display unit 104 is started due to the establishment of “H _NUM = k ₁ × 100”, it is determined that the release condition is satisfied. Thus, the game history information in the image display unit 104 may be returned to non-display.

According to the present embodiment, the player can play game history information indicating the jackpot game execution count information O _NUM and / or symbol variation count information H _NUM on the image display unit 104 without relying on the data display 20. Can be confirmed. This is particularly beneficial in a gaming machine provided with a movable accessory such as the frame gimmick 142 that makes it difficult to visually recognize the data display 20. However, if game history information is constantly displayed on the image display unit 104, it may be difficult for some players to see other displays on the image display unit 104. Further, depending on the player, the display of the game history information on the image display unit 104 may be bothersome. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24B, the game history information is configured to be non-displayable in response to an input of a predetermined non-display designation operation. Thereby, it becomes possible to follow a player's liking.

  However, when the frame gimmick action effect is being executed, the game history information may be forcibly displayed on the image display unit 104 even if non-display is designated. Although it is difficult for the player to see the data display 20 at the time of execution of the frame gimmick effect, since the same game history information is displayed on the image display unit 104 even if non-display is specified, the data display 20 The difficulty in viewing the game history information is compensated.

  Note that the game history information that can be displayed on the image display unit 104 by the effect control unit 403 may include arbitrary information that can be displayed by the data display 20.

/// Third embodiment ///
A third embodiment of the gaming machine 100 according to the present invention will be described. Unless stated otherwise and there is no contradiction, the above-described basic embodiment and the descriptions of the first and second embodiments also apply to the third embodiment.

  The effect control unit 403 includes a notification control unit (not shown) that performs predetermined notification to the player using predetermined notification means (which causes the notification means to perform predetermined notification). The notification here may be notification that appeals to any of the five senses of the player (particularly, for example, vision and / or hearing). In the gaming machine 100, the notification means includes the image display unit 104 and the speaker 114. The notification performed by the notification control unit includes at least one of notification regarding the frame gimmick 142 (hereinafter referred to as notification for the frame gimmick) and notification regarding the storage unit 141 (hereinafter referred to as notification for the storage unit). It is assumed that both notifications are included.

  The frame gimmick notification may be notification that gives the player any information about the frame gimmick 142, and specifically may include notification regarding the operation of the frame gimmick 142, for example. As described above, when the frame gimmick 142 is operated, the frame gimmick 142 protrudes to a position where the player can come into contact with the frame gimmick 142, so that the frame gimmick 142 may hit the player. In addition, if the frame gimmick 142 is operated while an object (such as a plastic bottle) is placed above the housing part 141, the object may fall.

  Therefore, the notification for the frame gimmick may be to notify the player that the frame gimmick 142 may protrude from the accommodating portion 141 toward a position where the player can contact during the game. It is preferable to include a notice for alerting that prompts the player to pay attention (more specifically, attention to the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142, for example). The attention here is that the guard against the protrusion of the frame gimmick 142, the guard against the player's contact with the frame gimmick 142, and / or the thing placed on the movable part (including the upper surface of the housing part 141) of the frame gimmick part 140. May be included (recommendation not to place objects).

  FIG. 31 shows an example of a frame gimmick notification. In the example of FIG. 31, the word 3110 “Please note that there is a chance that an object will pop out from the overhead case.”, Along with an animation (3120a, 3120b) showing the frame gimmick 142 protruding, notification for the frame gimmick Is displayed on the image display unit 104 as a part of the image. After that, the wording 3130 “There is a risk of falling, so please do not place any objects on the overhead case.” The plastic bottle placed on the housing 141 drops as the frame gimmick 142 projects. Are displayed on the image display unit 104 as the remainder of the frame gimmick notification. The overhead case refers to the accommodating portion 141.

  The notification for the storage unit may be a notification that gives the player arbitrary information about the storage unit 141. However, since the accommodating portion 141 protrudes from the surface on which the game board 101 is arranged above the game board 101 toward the player's direction, the player 141 stands up from the chair 14 (see FIG. 25). There is a risk that the player may hit his head against the accommodating portion 141.

  Therefore, the notification for the storage unit may be to notify the player of the presence of the storage unit 141 (which may include the presence position), and includes a warning message that prompts the player to pay attention to the storage unit 141. good. The attention here may include vigilance against the player's contact with the accommodation unit 141.

  FIG. 32 shows an example of the storage unit notification. In the example of FIG. 32, the wording 3210 “Please be careful not to hit your head against the overhead case.” Is the general appearance of the gaming machine 100 as seen from the side, and the housing 141 protrudes forward. Is displayed on the image display unit 104 as a storage unit notification.

  The frame gimmick notification and the storage unit notification differ from the pre-operation notification described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 15 and the like) both regarding the content of the notification and the conditions under which the notification is executed. While the pre-operation notification is performed prior to the execution of the frame gimmick operation effect accompanying the frame gimmick operation effect, the frame gimmick notification and the storage unit notification in this embodiment are performed by the frame gimmick operation effect. Regardless of the event (and therefore regardless of the determination result of the special figure determination), it is performed under predetermined notification execution conditions. As examples of the notification execution condition, the first and second notification execution conditions will be described below, but conditions other than those exemplified below may be adopted as the notification execution condition.

[First notification execution condition]
The first notification execution condition is satisfied when it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing a game. When the gaming machine 100 is playing, it means a situation where a game is played by the player in the gaming machine 100, and when the gaming machine 100 is not playing, a situation where no game is played by the player in the gaming machine 100. Point to.

  FIG. 33 shows a partial functional block diagram of the gaming machine 100 particularly related to the first notification execution condition. The gaming machine 100 provides a predetermined demonstration effect when the gaming / non-game determining unit 171 determines whether or not the gaming machine 100 is playing and when the gaming / non-game determining unit 171 determines that the game is not playing. It can be considered that the demonstration effect control unit 172 is provided. The demonstration production may be replaced with a customer waiting production. For example, the main control unit 401 and the effect control unit 403 cooperate to realize the function of the game / non-game determination unit 171, and the demonstration effect control unit 172 is included in the effect control unit 403.

  FIG. 34 shows an operation flowchart of the gaming machine 100 focused on execution of the demonstration effect. After the gaming machine 100 is activated, in step S311, the game / non-game determining unit 171 starts determining whether or not the gaming machine 100 is playing a game. This determination is continuously executed, and only when it is determined that the game is not in progress (N in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312. Note that the processing may start from step S312 immediately after the gaming machine 100 is activated. In step S312, the demonstration effect control unit 172 starts executing a predetermined demonstration effect. In the demonstration effect, a predetermined image stored in the sub ROM 432 is displayed on the image display unit 104, and the above-described frame gimmick notification and storage unit notification are executed in the demonstration effect. You may think that the notification for frame gimmicks and the notification for accommodating parts are included in the demonstration effect.

  Even after execution of the demonstration effect is started, the game / non-game determination unit 171 continues to determine whether or not the gaming machine 100 is playing a game (step S313). If it is not determined that the game is being played (N in step S313), the demonstration effect is continuously executed. If it is determined that the game is being played (Y in step S313), the process proceeds to step S314 and the demonstration effect is stopped. After that, the process returns to step S311.

  As a method for determining whether or not the gaming machine 100 is playing a game, first to fourth determination methods will be exemplified below. Of the first to fourth determination methods, any two or more determination methods may be combined to determine whether or not the gaming machine 100 is playing a game.

  In the first determination method, the game / non-game determination unit 171 satisfies the essential condition that the jackpot game is not being executed, the number of held information U1 and U2 are both zero, and the variation of the special symbol is stopped. Below, it can be determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing when the state in which neither of the first and second starting conditions is satisfied continues for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) or longer, and otherwise, the gaming machine 100 is playing. It can be determined that there is. When the first or second start condition is satisfied after it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing and the demonstration effect is started, the gaming / non-game determining unit 171 determines that the gaming machine 100 is playing a game. For example, after the demonstration effect is started, when the first or second start condition is satisfied and a variation start command is given to the effect control unit 403 including the demonstration effect control unit 172, the demonstration effect control unit 172 stops the demonstration effect. To do.

  In the second determination method, the game / non-game determination unit 171 is in a state where an output signal of a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the operation handle 116 or the launch unit 428 is an off signal under the above-described essential conditions. When the game machine 100 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) or more, it can be determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing a game. Otherwise, it can be determined that the gaming machine 100 is playing a game. The touch sensor detects whether or not the player directly operates the firing instruction member 117 and outputs an ON signal at a timing when the player detects that the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated. At other times, an off signal is output. After it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing and the demonstration effect is started, when the ON signal is received from the touch sensor, it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is playing and the demonstration effect is stopped.

  In the third determination method, the gaming / non-game determining unit 171 determines that the gaming machine 100 is in a state where the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 has not been operated for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) or longer under the above essential conditions. It can be determined that the game machine 100 is not playing. Otherwise, it can be determined that the gaming machine 100 is playing a game. After it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing and the demonstration effect is started, when it is detected that the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 is operated, it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is playing a game. The production is stopped.

  In the fourth determination method, the game / non-game determination unit 171 determines that a state in which an output signal of a specific sensor (not shown) provided in the game board 101 is an off signal for a predetermined time (for example, under the above-described essential conditions). When the game machine 100 continues for 20 seconds or more, it can be determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing, and otherwise, it can be determined that the gaming machine 100 is playing a game. The specific sensor detects whether or not the game ball has passed through a predetermined area in the game area 103, and outputs an on signal at the timing when the passage is detected, and outputs an off signal at other times. The predetermined area may be, for example, the entrance of the gaming area 103 through which the gaming machine launched into the gaming area 103 necessarily passes (the exit of the area between the rails 102a and 102b) or the collection port 111. After it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is not playing a game and the demonstration effect is started, when the ON signal is received from the specific sensor, it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is playing a game and the demonstration effect is stopped.

[Second notification execution condition]
The second notification execution condition is satisfied when the ending effect of the jackpot game is performed. That is, the frame gimmick notification and the storage unit notification may be executed in the ending effect.

  With reference to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, the transmission / reception of commands related to jackpots and the flow of effects will be described. It is assumed that the change display of the special symbol for the determination target TT that has won the jackpot is stopped at the timing 3410. The main control unit 401 transmits a change stop command 3440 to the effect control unit 403 in synchronization with the stop of the change display. On the basis of the reception of the change stop command 3440, the effect control unit 403 stops the change effect on the determination target TT and stops the decorative design on the image display unit 104 in a manner indicating a big win.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 401 transmits an opening command 3442 to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined opening effect in response to the reception of the opening command 3442. At a timing 3412 when a predetermined opening time has elapsed from the transmission of the opening command 3442, the main control unit 401 starts opening the big winning opening 109 in the first round and transmits a round start command 3444 to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined effect during the round in response to receiving the round start command 3444.

  After repeating the opening and closing of the big winning opening 109 over a plurality of rounds, at timing 3414, the main control unit 401 ends the opening of the big winning opening 109 in the final round of the jackpot game. At this time, the ending command 3446 Is transmitted to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined ending effect in response to receiving the ending command 3446. This ending effect includes a frame gimmick notification and a housing portion notification as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Timing 3420 is a timing at which a predetermined ending time has elapsed since the transmission of the ending command 3446. The ending effect is performed between timings 3414 and 3420.

  Between the timings 3410 and 3420, the special symbol determination is not performed and the variation of the special symbol is stopped. After timing 3420, if the number of pending information U1 or U2 is 1 or more, or if the first or second start condition is satisfied and the special figure determination information is acquired, a new special figure determination is performed. The corresponding special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and a new variation effect is performed through transmission / reception of a variation start command 3448.

  In this way, the effect control unit 403 (the ending effect control unit included in the effect control unit 403) determines a new special figure by the main control unit 401 after the big hit game with the opening of the special winning opening 109 is performed. Is performed, a predetermined ending effect (special game end effect) can be performed, and the frame gimmick notification and the storage unit notification can be performed in the ending effect.

  According to the present embodiment, since the frame gimmick notification and the storage unit notification regarding the frame gimmick 142 and the storage unit 141 that may cause a player's contact, etc. are performed, it is expected to suppress actual contact or the like. The In addition, by performing the frame gimmick notification and the storage unit notification regardless of the execution of the frame gimmick effect, attention to the frame gimmick 142 and the storage unit 141 can be obtained even if the frame gimmick operation effect is not performed. Can be aroused.

<< Consideration of the Present Invention >>
Consider the present invention embodied in the above-described embodiments.

In particular, for example, the gaming machine W _{1 according} to one aspect of the present invention embodied in the first embodiment determines whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied (401). ), A movable accessory (142) that can project toward a position where the player can contact, and an effect control means (403) that causes a predetermined effect means including the movable accessory to produce an effect, The effect control means includes a specific effect control means (451) capable of causing a specific effect (frame gimmick operation effect) to project the movable accessory toward the position based on a determination result of the determination means. It is characterized by that.

  By making it possible to execute a specific effect in which the movable accessory protrudes toward a position where the player can contact, the force of the effect can be increased. Increasing the power of production contributes to improving the fun of the game. If the specific effect, which is a specific effect, can be performed based on the determination result of the determination means, the determination result can be suggested using a specific effect. The variety of productions including unique productions increases the fun of the game.

For the gaming machine W ₁ , for example, a pre-operation notification control means (452) that performs a pre-operation notification that suggests the possibility that the movable accessory protrudes toward the position before the specific effect is executed. The production control means may further include

  If a specific effect is made to project the movable accessory toward a position where the player can contact, there is a risk that the player may come into contact with the projected movable accessory, but by performing the pre-operation notification in advance, The risk of such contact is reduced.

Regarding the gaming machine W ₁ , for example, when the specific effect is not performed, the effect control unit further includes second pre-operation notification control means (453) capable of performing the pre-operation notification. May be.

  When the second pre-operation notification control means is provided, the player who has seen the pre-operation notification can wait with a sense of tension whether or not the specific performance is actually performed thereafter, and the game is interesting. Increase.

Regarding the gaming machine W ₁ , for example, the pre-operation notification may include a notification that prompts the player to pay attention to the movable accessory.

  If a specific effect is made to project the movable accessory toward a position where the player can contact, there is a possibility that the player may come into contact with the projected movable accessory, but a notification that calls attention to the movable accessory is issued. Inclusion in the pre-operation notification reduces the risk of such contact.

In particular, for example, the gaming machine W _{2 according} to another aspect of the present invention, which is embodied in the second embodiment, determines whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied ( 401), on the basis of the result of the determination, the symbol display control means for displaying the symbol in a manner that shows the result of the determination after the symbols are variably displayed on the predetermined symbol display means, and the special means by the determination means When it is determined that a game is to be performed, special game execution means (401) for executing the special game, operation accepting means (118, 119) for accepting an operation by the player, and display control of predetermined display means (104) a gaming machine and a display control means for, said display control means, at least of said special play execution count information (O _NUM) and the variation time count information of the symbol (H _NUM) Can be displayed on the display means, and if the operation is input while the game history information is being displayed, the game history information may be hidden. It is possible.

Game history information as described above may also be displayed on an external display of the gaming machine, but according to the gaming machine W _2, the player of the game machine W ₂ without depending on an external display device It becomes possible to check the game history information on the display means, and convenience is increased. However, if game history information is always displayed on the display means, it may be difficult for some players to see other displays on the display means. Further, depending on the player, it may be troublesome to display the game history information on the display means. Therefore, the game history information can be hidden in response to an input of a predetermined operation. Thereby, it becomes possible to follow a player's liking.

It relates game machine W _2, for example, the display control means, when a predetermined condition is satisfied when you are invisible to the game history information, the game history information may be displayed on the display means.

  Thereby, for example, even when an operation for hiding the game history information is input, it is possible to cope with a case where it is better to display the game history information on the display means.

In the gaming machine W _2, for example, the player can project movable won game Towards contactable position (142), presentation control means for causing an effect on the predetermined effect means including said movable won game (403) May be further provided, and the effect control means may cause a specific effect (frame gimmick operation effect) to project the movable accessory toward the position, and the display control means When the specific effect is performed while the game history information is not displayed, the game history information is displayed on the display means, and is installed on the island structure (10) to which the gaming machine is attached. In the specific effect, the movable accessory is directed to the position so as to block the player's line of sight when the player views the external display means (20) for displaying at least one of the variation number information. It may protrude.

  When the protruding movable combination obstructs the line of sight of the player who looks at the external display means, it is difficult for the player to see the display contents (execution count information and / or variation count information) on the external display means when executing the specific effect. However, even if the game history information on the display means of the gaming machine is not displayed, as described above, if the control is performed so that the game history information is displayed when the specific effect is performed, the external at the time of the specific effect is displayed. It is possible to compensate for the difficulty in viewing the display contents of the display means.

In particular, for example, the gaming machine W _{3 according} to another aspect of the present invention embodied in the third embodiment includes a movable accessory (142), and a housing that accommodates the movable accessory and is accessible to a player. In the gaming machine provided with a portion (141), the movable accessory can protrude from the housing portion toward a position where the player can contact, and the gaming machine can notify the movable accessory and It is further characterized by further comprising a notification control means for causing a predetermined notification means to perform a predetermined notification including at least one of the notifications related to the housing unit.

When the accommodating portion and the protruding movable accessory can be contacted by the player, there is a possibility that the player may contact the accommodating portion or the protruding movable accessory. According to the gaming machine W ₃ , since the notification regarding the movable accessory and / or the notification regarding the storage unit is performed, such a fear is reduced.

In the gaming machine W _3, for example, may the keep specific effect to project toward the position of the movable role was further specific effect control means capable to perform (frame gimmicks working effect) (451) is provided. For example, the notification control means may cause the predetermined notification to be performed under a predetermined condition regardless of the specific effect being performed.

  Thereby, even if the specific effect is not performed, the notification regarding the movable accessory and / or the notification regarding the accommodation unit is performed, and thus the above-described fear is reduced.

In the gaming machine W ₃ , for example, a pre-operation notification control means (452) for performing a pre-operation notification that suggests that the movable accessory may protrude toward the position before the specific effect is executed. It is good to provide further. For example, the predetermined notification and the pre-operation notification may be different from each other.

And, for example, in the gaming machine W ₃ , the predetermined notification (notification regarding the movable accessory included in the predetermined notification) or the pre-operation notification includes notification that prompts the player to pay attention to the movable accessory. good.

  If a specific effect is made to project the movable accessory toward a position where the player can contact, there is a possibility that the player may come into contact with the projected movable accessory, but a notification that calls attention to the movable accessory is issued. By including it in the predetermined notification or the notification before operation, the risk of such contact or the like is reduced.

The explanation of the gaming machines W _{1 to} W ₃ will be supplemented. In the gaming machine 100, the determination means, the symbol display control means, and the special game execution means in the gaming machine W ₁ , W _2, or W ₃ are realized by, for example, the main control unit 401 (provided that the symbol is regarded as a decorative symbol) The symbol display control means is realized by the effect control unit 403). The effect control means in the gaming machine W ₁ , W _2, or W ₃ is realized by all or part of the effect control unit 403 in the gaming machine 100, for example. In the gaming machine 100, the specific effect control means, the display control means, or the notification control means in the gaming machines W ₁ , W ₂ or W ₃ may be considered as a part of the effect control unit 403, for example.

  Special games include games that involve opening a special prize opening. The special prize opening may be the big prize opening 109, and thus the special game may be a game (for example, a big hit game) with the opening of the big prize opening 109. In this case, the determination in the determination means includes determination per special figure, and may further include special symbol determination and special pattern fluctuation pattern determination.

/// Deformation etc.///
The embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims. The above embodiment is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the meaning of the term of the present invention or each constituent element is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The specific numerical values shown in the above description are merely examples, and as a matter of course, they can be changed to various numerical values.

  The above-described gaming machine 100 belongs to a loop machine in which the high probability gaming state is completely or substantially maintained until the next jackpot is won when the jackpot of special A to special G is won. However, the gaming machine 100 may be formed as a so-called ST machine. In this case, after the jackpot game with the special A to G jackpot ends, the game is only performed while the special symbol is changed for the predetermined number of STs (that is, until the jackpot lottery for the predetermined number of STs is performed). The gaming state of the machine 100 is maintained in a high probability gaming state, and if the next jackpot is not won by the completion of the variation of the special symbol for the predetermined number of STs, the gaming machine 100 will be in the next variation of the special symbol. The gaming state is changed from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state. The number of STs may be any number as long as it is an integer of 1 or more. Actually, for example, the number of STs is set to an integer equal to or less than twice the reciprocal of the jackpot winning probability (10/399 in the example of FIG. 8) in the high probability gaming state.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the old first-class type pachinko gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to other types (for example, the old-type two-kind mixed type) pachinko gaming machine. The present invention may be applied to other game machines such as slot machines that are not classified as pachinko gaming machines. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball is used as a game medium, while in a slot machine, a coin is used as a game medium.

100 gaming machine 105, 106 start opening 118 production button (operation receiving means)
119 Four-way controller (operation receiving means)
142 Frame Gimmick (movable accessory)
401 Main control unit (determination means, special game execution means)
403 effect control unit (effect control means, display control means, notification control means)
451 Frame gimmick operation effect control unit (specific effect control means)
452 Pre-operation notification control unit (pre-operation notification control means)
453 Gase pre-operation notification control unit (second pre-operation notification control means)

Claims (3)

A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing the start condition;
Based on the result of the determination, the symbol display control means for displaying the symbol in a manner indicating the result of the determination after the symbol is variably displayed on the predetermined symbol display means;
Special game execution means for executing the special game when the determination means determines that the special game is to be performed;
Operation accepting means for accepting an operation by a player;
A display control means for performing display control of a predetermined display means, and a gaming machine comprising:
The display control means can cause the display means to display game history information including at least one of the special game execution count information and the symbol variation count information, and display the game history information. The gaming machine is characterized in that the game history information can be hidden when the operation is input during the operation. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means causes the display means to display the game history information when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the game history information is not displayed. A movable accessory that can project toward a position where the player can contact;
Production control means for causing the predetermined production means including the movable accessory to produce an effect,
The production control means can cause a specific production to project the movable accessory toward the position,
The display control means causes the display means to display the game history information when the specific effect is performed when the game history information is not displayed.
In order to block the player's line of sight when the player sees external display means installed on the island structure to which the gaming machine is attached and displaying at least one of the execution frequency information and the variation frequency information The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the movable accessory projects toward the position in a specific performance.

Images