JP2017060694A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine further enhancing a player's interest in changes of reservation displays.SOLUTION: When the number of reservation displays in which a suggestion mode is changed during a performance of a variable display of presentation symbols exceeds the upper limitation number of changes (YES at step S506), the change in the suggestion mode is limited to the reservation displays exceeding the upper limitation number of changes (step S508). Also, if other reservation displays exist in addition to the reservation displays (that are objects of change trigger presentations) that change a standby mode, the other reservation displays which changes to a second standby mode are determined within a range of the upper limitation number of standbys (step S516). Here, the upper limitation number of standbys is set greater than the upper limitation number of changes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine, an effect image (hereinafter referred to as a hold display), which is called a hold ball, is triggered once or a plurality of times when the start condition of the symbol variation game is established Some are displayed throughout the symbol variation game. In addition, there is a gaming machine that produces an effect that suggests that a bonus advantageous to a player such as a big hit game may be given by changing the display mode of the hold display during the display period of the hold display.
The following patent document 1 is illustrated as this type of gaming machine.

  In Patent Document 1, another character may appear before and after the appearance of one character that changes the hold display, and the possibility that the hold display will eventually change depends on the type of other characters that appear. Is described.

JP2015-123350A

In Patent Document 1, in a gaming machine, one character that changes the hold display appears in accordance with the position of the hold display, so after the appearance of one character, where is the changeable hold display? Can also be discriminated by a person. In other words, the player cannot determine which hold display can be changed until one character that changes the hold display appears.
With this configuration, the player can expect only a short period of time when the hold display may change, and the player's interest cannot be sufficiently directed to the change of the hold display.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that further enhances the player's interest in changes in the hold display.

  According to the present invention, a random number acquisition unit that acquires a random number when a start condition is satisfied, a success / failure determination unit that determines success or failure of winning using the random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit, and the success / failure determination unit In at least a part of the case where the winning is determined by, a privilege granting means for granting a privilege advantageous for the player, a symbol display control means for executing a symbol variation game for notifying the determination result by the winning / failing determination means, A hold display control means for displaying a hold display based on the acquired random number in a hold display area, and the hold display control means includes a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the privilege is given, A plurality of standby modes suggesting the possibility that the suggestion mode changes, and the hold display is displayed so that both can be identified, and the hold display is the hold display There is a case where the suggestion mode of the hold display is changed within a predetermined period that is at least a part of the hold display period that is displayed in the area. The standby mode includes a first standby mode and the suggestion mode. And a second standby mode having a higher possibility of changing than the first standby mode, and a standby upper limit number that is an upper limit number of the hold display displayed in the second standby mode within the predetermined period, There is provided a gaming machine in which a larger number than the upper limit of change, which is the upper limit number of the on-hold display in which the suggestion mode changes within the predetermined period, is provided.

According to the above invention, the hold display is displayed in any one of the standby modes, and suggests the ease of changing the suggested mode depending on the standby mode. That is, since the hold display itself suggests the possibility of a change in the suggestion mode, the player can expect a change in the hold display over a period during which the hold display is displayed (hold display period).
Moreover, according to the said invention, even if it is a case where the hold display currently displayed by the 2nd waiting | standby aspect in which a suggestion aspect is easy to change within the predetermined period has reached the upper limit number, all of them are set not to change. ing. Therefore, the player can wait for the change in the hold display while thinking about which hold display changes before the change opportunity effect.
Thereby, a player's interest with respect to a pending | holding display change can be raised more than before.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which raises the player's interest with respect to a hold display change further is provided.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the game board arrange | positioned in the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol display arrange | positioned in the gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram showing a control configuration related to an effect control unit. It is a functional block diagram which shows the payout control structure of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the process at the time of entering. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the pending | holding display process at the time of entering a ball. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the pending | holding display process at the time of symbol fluctuation. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the hold display in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the change opportunity effect performed with respect to a hold display. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the change opportunity effect performed with respect to a hold display. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the change opportunity effect performed with respect to a hold display. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the change opportunity effect performed with respect to a hold display. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart in a success pattern. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the boy with the hammer in the time chart 0s time point. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the boy with the hammer in 1s time of a time chart. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in 3s time of a time chart. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the boy with the hammer at the time of 4s of the time chart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart in a failure pattern. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in 4 s time point of the time chart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart in a failure pattern. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in 3 s time point of the time chart shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” refer to the gaming machine 10 on the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. ) Shall be designated in the state seen from.

<About the outline of the gaming machine 10>
First, the outline of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the game board 50 disposed in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a control configuration related to the effect control unit 210.

The gaming machine 10 includes a random number acquisition unit (special symbol holding control unit 115), a win / fail determination unit (win / no lottery unit 131), a privilege granting unit (big hit control unit 145), and a symbol display control unit (special symbol display control unit). 151) and hold display control means (hold display control unit 214).
The special figure hold control unit 115 acquires a random number when the start condition is satisfied.
The success / failure lottery unit 131 determines success or failure of the winning using the random number acquired by the special figure hold control unit 115.
The big hit control unit 145 gives a privilege (big hit game) that is advantageous to the player in at least a part of the case where the winning determination is made by the winning / failing lottery unit 131.
The special symbol display control unit 151 executes a symbol variation game in which the determination result by the success / failure lottery unit 131 is notified.
The hold display control unit 214 causes the hold display area 86 to display a hold display based on the acquired random number.
The hold display control unit 214 can identify both a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility of a bonus (big hit game) and a plurality of standby modes that suggest the possibility that the suggestion mode changes. Display the hold display.
The hold display control unit 214 may change the suggestion mode of the hold display within a predetermined period that is at least a part of the hold display period in which the hold display is displayed in the hold display area 86.
The standby mode described above includes a first standby mode and a second standby mode in which the possibility of changing the suggestion mode is higher than that of the first standby mode.
The upper limit number (for example, 3) that is the upper limit number of the hold display displayed in the second wait mode within the predetermined period is the upper limit number of change (for example, the upper limit number of the hold display that changes the suggestion mode within the predetermined period (for example, More than 2).

Since the hold display is displayed as described above, the hold display itself can indicate the possibility of change of the suggestion mode, and the player expects the hold display change over the period during which the hold display is displayed. Can do.
Moreover, even if the hold display displayed in the second standby mode in which the suggestion mode is likely to change within the predetermined period has reached the upper limit number, all the settings are set so as not to change. Therefore, the player can expect a change in the hold display while thinking about which hold display changes before the change opportunity effect.

Here, the benefit refers to a benefit advantageous to a player who enjoys the gaming machine 10.
In addition, although the privilege in this embodiment is demonstrated as a big hit game, the pending | holding change effect of this invention may be implemented by making a small hit game, a probable change state or a variable state into a privilege.

Here, the starting condition is a condition for starting the symbol variation game. The start conditions in the present embodiment include (i) that a game ball enters the start port, and (ii) that the number of reserved memories does not reach the upper limit at the start port where the game ball enters.
Here, the symbol variation game is a game in which a symbol is variably displayed, stopped and displayed, and the player is notified of the determination by the winning / failing lottery means by the symbol displayed and stopped. When this embodiment simply refers to a symbol variation game, it refers to a symbol variation game with a special symbol performed in the special symbol display unit 91 unless otherwise specified.

  Here, the on-hold display is a so-called on-hold ball, indicating the number of random numbers stored on hold according to the number of displays, and suggesting the possibility of a privilege being given depending on the display form, This refers to an effect image whose display mode can be changed along with it. In the present embodiment, one hold display can be displayed in the hold display area 86 due to the establishment of the start condition relating to one symbol variation game.

Here, the predetermined period is a period included in a period during which the hold is displayed (hold display period). In addition, the predetermined period in the present embodiment refers to an execution period of one-time variation display of effect symbols executed in the hold display period.
Here, the execution period of the variation display of the effect symbol is equal to the variation cycle of the effect symbol during the pseudo-continuous effect in which the variation cycle of the effect symbol is repeated a plurality of times. In the variation display, it is equal to the variation period of one symbol variation game. In other words, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the plurality of columns of effect symbols displayed on the effect indicator 80 (main display unit 81) start changing display in the hold display period and then stop in all columns. At least one of the period until display or the period until display in a temporary stop state in all columns can be set as the predetermined period.
In the present embodiment, since the upper limit number of the hold display displayed in the second standby mode and the upper limit number of the change hold display are determined for each change of the production symbol, the player has a sense of expectation for the change of the hold display. , Can be held for each variation of the production design.

Here, the temporarily stopped state means a state in which the vehicle is temporarily stopped and can be changed again. Further, in the temporary stop state in the present embodiment, the progress of the effect symbol in the scroll direction (normally the left-right direction) is stopped, and the swing in the direction different from the scroll direction or the display change of the effect symbol is present. This is an allowed state.
Although it has been described that the predetermined period in the present embodiment is the execution period of the one-time variation display of the effect symbol executed in the hold display period, this is an example and the hold of the present invention is performed by another example. Change production may be performed. For example, the predetermined period may be a period equal to the fluctuation period (fluctuation time information included in the fluctuation pattern) of one symbol fluctuation game executed in the hold display period.

Here, the suggestion mode is a display mode that suggests a possibility that a privilege (big hit game) is given. In addition, the standby mode is a display mode that suggests the possibility that the above-described suggestion mode changes. Specifically, the suggestion mode or the standby mode includes the color of the hold display, the shape of the hold display, the pattern displayed on the hold display, the type of the character, the type of the character constituting the hold display, and the hold display. It refers to a combination of any one or more of character movements.
In the following description, the operation of the character (mole) constituting the hold display is set as the standby mode, with the color of the hold display being suggested.

  Here, “the hold display is easy to be displayed in the second standby mode” means that (i) the percentage of time that the hold display is displayed in the second standby mode is high, or (ii) the hold display is in the second standby mode. It is a concept that includes any of the high frequency of being displayed. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented according to either one or both of the above (i) and (ii).

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
The structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 or FIG.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a symbol display 90 disposed in the gaming machine 10. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a payout control configuration of the gaming machine 10.

  The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and fires a game ball on a front area (hereinafter referred to as a gaming area 50a) of a gaming board 50 on which a large number of gaming nails (not shown) are erected. A game in which a prize ball is obtained when a game ball enters a specific prize opening (for example, the big prize opening 55, etc.) is performed.

  The gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens forward and backward, a middle frame (not shown) that detachably holds a gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a gaming board 50 (middle frame). ) And a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side.

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported on the left end side by a hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23.
The front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 disposed so as to cover the game area 50 a, and the game area 50 a and the game board 50 are transparently protected by the transparent member 25.
The front frame 20 includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 that store game balls. The upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are provided integrally with the front frame 20 so as to be spaced apart from each other.
The front frame 20 is provided with an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29 so that the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a by rotating the operation handle 31. It has become.

A pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34 and 36 of the front frame 20 are formed by a light-transmitting cover, and lighting devices 35 (35a, 35b, and 35c) are disposed therein. Yes. The speaker 33 and the illuminating device 35 can output sound or can be turned on or off in conjunction with effects or error notifications that occur during the game.
The front frame 20 is provided with a button 37 at the front portion of the upper ball tray 27. The button 37 can accept a player's operation performed to switch effects generated during the game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 by the player.

  Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball removal mechanism 39 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating the ball removing mechanism 39, a bottom surface opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the bottom surface opening.

  The effect display 80 is provided on the left side of the main display unit 81, a main display unit 81 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50, an upper sub display unit 82 disposed above the main display unit 81, and the main display unit 81. It includes a left sub display portion 83 disposed and a right sub display portion 84 disposed on the right side of the main display portion 81. The main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal device, and the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, and the right sub display unit 84 are movable liquid crystal devices.

The main display unit 81 can display a variation display of the effect symbol performed in conjunction with the symbol variation game in the special symbol display unit 91 in the effect symbol variation area 85, and also display other various effects. Can do. Here, the effect symbol is a symbol that is displayed in order to further enhance the interest of the game in the gaming machine 10, and is specifically composed of numbers, pictures, or a combination thereof.
The effect symbol variation area 85 can display an effect symbol at the approximate center, and can also display effect symbols above and below the effect symbol, respectively. That is, in the effect design variation area 85, effect designs are displayed in the “upper”, “middle”, and “lower”, respectively, and the displayed effect symbols form one or more columns.
The hold display area 86 is a part of the display area of the main display unit 81, and is provided below the effect symbol variation area 85. The hold display area 86 is a display area for displaying the above hold display, and can display an effect image different from the hold display when executing a specific effect.
In the present embodiment, the hold display area 86 is capable of displaying a hold display corresponding to hold storage with the maximum number (4) of hold storage in the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 as an upper limit. Although explained, implementation of the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the game balls that enter the start opening are distributed inside the start opening and pass through different areas, so that eight reserved memories are allowed for a single start opening. When the present invention is implemented in a visible gaming machine (so-called eight-hold type), eight hold displays may be displayed in the hold display area 86.

  The upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, or the right sub display unit 84 is provided mainly for displaying an effect image related to an effect, and can move when a specific effect is executed. The respective original positions are upward, left, or right with respect to the main display unit 81, and the upper sub display unit 82 and the left sub display unit 83 extend from these original positions to a position overlapping the display area of the effect symbol in the main display unit 81. Alternatively, the right sub display unit 84 can move.

  Note that although the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub display unit 82, left sub display unit 83, or right sub display unit 84) in the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display device, The implementation of the invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type can be adopted as the effect display unit 80.

The symbol display 90 is disposed at a position that is less visible to the player than the effect display 80, such as the lower right side of the effect display 80. Further, the display area of the symbol display 90 is smaller than the display area of the effect display 80.
In the symbol display 90, a plurality of lamps are arranged. The lamp used for the symbol display 90 in this embodiment is a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED). The symbol display 90 shows various information depending on the arrangement of the light emitting LEDs, and includes a special symbol display unit 91 or a normal symbol display unit 93.

The special symbol display unit 91 displays the lottery result of the symbol variation game by the special symbol by the light emission patterns of the plurality of LEDs. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display unit 91 is composed of 16 LEDs on the left side.
The normal symbol display unit 93 displays the lottery result of the symbol variation game based on the normal symbols by the light emission patterns of the LEDs (eg, two) less than the special symbol display unit 91.

As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display 90 also includes LEDs that are not used for display on the special symbol display unit 91 or the normal symbol display unit 93. In addition, information such as the number of reserved memories and the number of rounds of jackpot games can be displayed.
In addition, the special symbol display unit 91 according to the present embodiment performs a variable display in a symbol variation game caused by either a ball entering the first start port 58 or a ball entering the second start port 59. At this time, the LED used for the variable display may be different depending on the start opening into which the ball has entered, or may be the same.

  Here, the special symbol refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the special symbol display unit 91 or a symbol (LED light emission pattern) that can be displayed on the special symbol display unit 91. Hereinafter, special symbols may be abbreviated as “special symbols”. Here, the symbol variation game with special symbols is a special symbol after the special symbol display unit 91 is variably displayed in order to show a lottery result for releasing the special electric actor 65 (so-called attacker). To stop display.

  Here, the normal symbol means a data group that can be selected for display on the normal symbol display unit 93 or a symbol (LED light emission pattern) that can be displayed on the normal symbol display unit 93. In the following, a normal symbol may be abbreviated as “common figure”. Here, the symbol variation game with the ordinary symbol is a specific ordinary symbol after the ordinary symbol display unit 93 is variably displayed in order to show a lottery result for releasing the ordinary electric accessory 61 (so-called electric tulip). Is to stop display.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of lamps arranged on the symbol display 90 are described as LEDs, but the type of lamp is not limited to this. The arrangement of the lamps is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and various arrangements can be adopted.

On the front surface of the game board 50, a large number of game nails (not shown), windmills 52, decorative members, and the like are arranged, so that a game area 50a is drawn so that the launched game ball rolls. It is made. Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 provided for guiding game balls launched by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a are arranged. Has been. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with the center of the game area 50a as a reference.
Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction in which the game ball falls, and is a nail-like one.

  The gaming machine 10 can increase or decrease the launch of the game ball according to the magnitude of the rotation operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operation handle 31. In addition, one of the first flow path X (so-called left-handed) in which the weakly launched game ball rolls and the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed) in which the harder launched game ball rolls are used. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls.

In the game area 50a, various winning holes (for example, a large winning hole 55) are arranged, and behind each winning hole, various switches (for example, a count switch SW4, etc.) for detecting a game ball that has entered are arranged. Has been. In the following description, winning means that a game ball enters a specific winning opening.
In the present embodiment, the above-described various switches are arranged so that the player cannot visually recognize them, and are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  FIG. 2 shows a large winning port 55, a first starting port 58, a second starting port 59, an operation gate 63, and a normal winning port 67 (67a, 67b) as main winning ports. The winning award shown here is an example, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

The first start port 58 is disposed at the lower center of the game area 50a (below the main display portion 81), and is generally called “navel”.
A count switch SW1 for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed at the first start port 58, and a game ball that has entered the first start port 58 is detected by the count switch SW1, thereby allowing a special symbol pattern to be detected. A start condition for starting the variable game and a payout condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls can be satisfied.

The second start port 59 is disposed on the lower right side of the game area 50a (the lower right side of the main display portion 81), and the ordinary starter 61 is attached to the second start port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is an opening / closing member that switches to the second starting port 59 in an open state in which it is easy to enter the game ball or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball. Transition to either the open state or the closed state. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.
The second start port 59 is provided with a count switch SW2 that detects a game ball that has entered the ball, and the game ball that has entered the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW2, thereby depending on a special symbol. The starting condition of the symbol variation game and the winning ball payout condition can be satisfied.

  The operation gate 63 is disposed on the upper right side of the second start port 59 (on the right side of the main display portion 81). The operation gate 63 is provided with a count switch SW3 that detects a game ball that has passed, and when the game ball that has passed the operation gate 63 is detected by the count switch SW3, the start of a symbol variation game with a normal symbol is started. Conditions can be met.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as apparent from the fact that the count switch SW3 is not shown in FIG. 6, the detection of the count switch SW3 is not included in the award ball payout condition. That is, even if a game ball enters the operation gate 63 of this embodiment, the prize ball is zero.
Further, the operation gate 63 may be a so-called gate type winning opening in which the passed game ball rolls again in the game area 50a after passing. In this case, passing through the operation gate 63 is also referred to as “entrance ball” in this specification.

The big winning opening 55 is arranged below the second start opening 59 (lower right side of the main display portion 81). The special winning opening 55 is provided with a special electric accessory 65 that opens and closes by the operation of the actuator AC2.
In addition, the grand prize winning port 55 is provided with a count switch SW4 that detects a game ball that has entered the game. The payout conditions can be satisfied.

The special electric accessory 65 in the closed state extends so as to substantially coincide with the surface position of the game area 50a, and covers the big prize winning opening 55 on the far side from the surface position.
In addition, the special electric accessory 65 in the open state operates so as to function as a tray for the game ball that jumps forward from the surface position of the game area 50a and flows down from above, and receives the received game ball as a big prize opening 55. Guide to.
The special electric accessory 65 in this embodiment operates so as to be in an open state during execution of the big hit game, and allows the game ball to enter the big prize opening 55.

The normal winning opening 67 (67 a, 67 b) is arranged on the lower left side of the main display portion 81. The normal winning opening 67 is provided with a count switch SW5 that detects a game ball that has entered, and the game ball that has entered the normal winning opening 67 is detected by the count switch SW5, whereby the payout condition of the winning ball is determined. It can be established.
In the present embodiment, the example in which one count switch SW5 is provided for the two normal winning openings 67a and 67b has been described, but a sensor (count switch) may be provided individually. At this time, the payout condition of the prize ball may be different or the same for each sensor.

In the present embodiment, the game area 50a is located at the first start port 58 or the normal winning port 67 when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X, rather than when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier to enter the ball. That is, the first start port 58 or the normal winning port 67 is provided in the first flow path X mainly including the left side of the game area 50a.
In addition, the game area 50a in the present embodiment is configured such that when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, when the game ball rolls from the second flow path X, the big winning opening 55, the second start opening. Various obstacles are arranged so that it is easy to enter the 59 or the operation gate 63. That is, the special winning opening 55, the second start opening 59, or the operation gate 63 is provided in the second flow path Y mainly on the right side of the game area 50a.

  The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. The game balls that have not entered the winning ports (except for the operation gate 63) are dropped into the out port 69 and processed as out balls.

  Up to this point, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment has been described. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented by another configuration.

<About the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Subsequently, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. In addition, since the description may be made by touching each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, please refer to these drawings as appropriate.
4 to 6 are components necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and components not shown here are added to the gaming machine 10. May be. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily include all of the components illustrated here, and some components may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 includes a board (not shown) inside itself, and includes a board including the components shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and a functional component electrically connected to the board. Various functions are realized by this processing. More specifically, the board includes a CPU (not shown) that executes control operations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM (not shown) that stores a control program for the CPU, and writing and reading of necessary data. A RAM (not shown) is provided. The CPU can implement various functions by executing a control program read from the ROM and writing various data to the RAM or reading various data from the RAM.
Each of the components shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is a component that functions only on one substrate, a component that functions by performing various data exchanges between a plurality of substrates, and the substrate and the substrate. In other words, components that function by electrically connecting non-mounted functional components are mixed. There can be many hardware configurations for realizing each of these components, and the configuration is not necessarily limited to one.

  The main control unit 100 controls the game in an integrated manner, and transmits commands to other components (for example, the effect control unit 210) for effects related to the game. The main control unit 100 is a board having a function that affects or may affect the game result, and functions as a so-called main board. As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 100 has a number of components, and these components are connected to each other. The connection is an example and is not necessarily limited to this.

Main components included in the main control unit 100 include a special drawing lottery control unit 130, a general drawing lottery control unit 170, a gaming state control unit 140, a symbol display control unit 150, a variation pattern processing unit 160, an information transmission unit 110, and the like. Is mentioned.
The special symbol lottery control unit 130 controls other components in relation to the symbol variation game with special symbols.
The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 controls other components in association with the symbol variation game based on the normal symbols.
The game state control unit 140 performs control of the big hit game, management of the probability change state, or management of the change state.
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display 90 to display the special symbol selected as a result of the symbol variation game based on the special symbol or the normal symbol selected as the result of the symbol variation game based on the normal symbol.
The variation pattern processing unit 160 determines a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating the time from when the symbol display control unit 150 starts the variation display until the stop display is performed in the symbol variation game using the special symbols. In addition, the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern processing unit 160 is output to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110 to execute a display effect (reach effect, hold change effect, etc.) on the effect indicator 80. Also used for.
The information transmission unit 110 has a function of transmitting control information (command) generated by each component included in the main control unit 100 to another component (for example, the effect control unit 210). The command transmitted by the information transmission unit 110 includes, in addition to the information indicating the above-described variation pattern, the result of special drawing lottery or ordinary drawing lottery, the presence / absence of a probable variation state or variation state, information on reserved storage or jackpot May include information on the execution of.

In addition to the main components described above, the gaming machine 10 includes an effect control unit 210, a payout control unit 230, and the like.
The effect control unit 210 controls an effect related to a game (such as a symbol variation game or a big hit game) performed by the gaming machine 10.
The payout control unit 230 controls the payout of a prize ball given as a bonus privilege to each winning opening.
Each component mentioned so far will be described in more detail below.

<Special drawing lottery>
The main control unit 100 includes a special drawing hold control unit 115 and a special drawing lottery control unit 130.
In addition, the special drawing lottery control unit 130 manages a symbol variation game using special symbols, and includes a success / failure lottery unit 131 and a special drawing selection unit 132.

The special figure hold control unit 115 acquires and stores the random number M1 with the winning of the first start port 58 as a trigger. Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires and stores the random number M2 in response to the winning of the second start port 59.
More specifically, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M1 when the winning of the first start port 58 is detected by the count switch SW1, and stores it in a dedicated storage area (holding storage). Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M2 when the winning of the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW2, and stores (holds) the random number M2 in the dedicated storage area.
The reserved upper limit number of the random number M1 or the reserved upper limit number of the random number M2 is determined in advance, and in this embodiment, four are set as the reserved upper limit number for each of the random number M1 and the random number M2.

The special figure hold control unit 115 distinguishes and stores the random number M1 acquired in response to the winning of the first starting port 58 and the random number M2 acquired in response to the winning of the second starting port 59.
The special figure hold control unit 115 may cause the success / failure lottery unit 131 to process the random number M1 or the random number M2 stored on hold in the order in which the random number M2 is stored on hold. You may let them.

  The special figure hold control unit 115 may monitor the number of random numbers stored on hold. In this case, the special symbol hold control unit 115 may output a command to the symbol display control unit 150 (special symbol display control unit 151) so as to display the number of random numbers being monitored on the symbol display 90. . Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 causes the production control unit 210 (hold display) to display the hold display corresponding to the number of random numbers stored in the hold display area 86 in the hold display area 86. A command may be output to the control unit 214).

The special figure hold control unit 115 has a pre-determination unit 118 described later, and can pre-determine information that is a determination result by the pre-determination unit 118 and store the pre-determination information in association with the random number M1 or the random number M2. The pre-determined information that is reserved and stored in the special figure hold control unit 115 is included in a command that is generated in a symbol variation start process described later, and is output to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110.
The pre-determination unit 118 determines whether or not the random number M1 or the random number M2 that is stored on hold is a winning value in the determination by the determination unit for lottery 131 (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as a first determination). Further, based on the determination as to whether or not the winning value is a pre-determining unit 118, the effect content (reach) determined by the effect control unit 210 in the special symbol variation game resulting from the random number M1 or the random number M2 to be determined The determination conditions of the presence / absence of the effect and the type of reach effect are determined (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as second determination). Furthermore, the pre-determination unit 118 holds during execution of the effect based on the determined determination condition (during the execution of the symbol variation game of the special symbol caused by the random number M1 or the random number M2 to be determined). It is determined whether or not a change effect is performed (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as a third determination).
Here, the preliminary determination information is information including at least the determination result of the third determination described here, and the determination result of the first determination or the second determination may or may not be included. Here, the hold change effect is an effect that changes the suggestion mode of the hold display, and is a concept different from the change trigger effect that suggests the change of the suggestion mode and the change of the standby mode.
When the first determination described here is affirmed, the third determination is easily affirmed, and when the first determination is denied, the third determination is easily negated. That is, when the random number M1 or the random number M2, which is the winning value, is stored on hold, it is easy to perform a hold change effect.

The success / failure lottery unit 131 performs a success / failure lottery of the big hit game using the random number M1 or the random number M2 acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 58 or the second start port 59. In addition, the winning probability of the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery unit 131 is not limited to an example, and can be changed as appropriate.
Here, “to perform a lottery determination with an incoming ball as an opportunity” means that the winning lottery can be executed after that the detection of an incoming ball is one condition. In other words, even if a ball is detected, the success / failure lottery does not necessarily have to be executed. For example, a ball detected by the count switch SW1 when the number of held random numbers M1 exceeds the holding upper limit number or a count switch SW2 when the number of held random numbers M2 exceeds the holding upper limit number The entry detected by means of the above is not a condition for the lottery.

The special symbol selection unit 132 selects a special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display unit 91 based on the result of the success / failure lottery performed by the success / failure lottery unit 131.
The special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 132 is displayed on the special symbol display unit 91 by the special symbol display control unit 151 described later during the execution of the symbol variation game using the special symbol.
Note that the selection by the special figure selection unit 132 includes a mode in which the random number used in the lottery determination and the number of special symbols prepared in advance are the same and uniquely determined.

<Regular drawing lot>
The gaming machine 10 includes a general figure holding control unit 116, a general drawing lottery control unit 170, and a normal electric role control unit 180.
The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 manages a symbol variation game based on normal symbols, and includes an open lottery unit 171 and a universal symbol selection unit 172. Further, the ordinary electric combination control unit 180 is a function for controlling the ordinary electric combination 61.

When the winning of the operation gate 63 is detected by the count switch SW3, the usual hold control unit 116 acquires the random number M3 and stores it in a dedicated storage area (holding storage). Here, the random number M3 is a random number used for the lottery by the open lottery unit 171. A holding upper limit number that is the upper limit number of random numbers M3 that can be held is determined in advance.
When the general symbol lottery control unit 170 is not performing control related to the symbol variation game by the normal symbol, the general symbol hold control unit 116 reads the random number M3 that is reserved at a predetermined cycle.

  The general hold control unit 116 monitors the number of random numbers M3 that are held. Further, the general symbol hold control unit 116 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 150 to display the number of the random number M3 being monitored on the symbol display 90, or display it on the effect display 80. As described above, a command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110.

The open lottery unit 171 performs an open lottery to determine whether or not to change the ordinary electric accessory 61 to the open state, using the random number M3 acquired by the ordinary map holding control unit 116. The winning probability of the open lottery by the open lottery unit 171 is lower when in the normal gaming state than when in the variable state, and higher when in the variable state than when in the normal gaming state. Yes.
When an open lottery by the open lottery unit 171 is won, the normal electric role control unit 180 operates the actuator AC1 to open the normal electric combination 61 under a predetermined open condition.

The normal symbol selection unit 172 selects a normal symbol based on the result of the open lottery by the open lottery unit 171, and causes the normal symbol display control unit 153 to display the selected normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 93. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display unit 93 corresponds to winning and one of them corresponds to defeat. The normal symbol display control unit 153 emits either one according to the normal symbol selected by the general symbol selecting unit 172. Let
The selection here means that the random number M3 used for the lottery by the open lottery unit 171 and the number of special symbols prepared in advance are the same as the selection by the special figure selection unit 132, and are uniquely The aspect to be determined is also included.

  The normal electric role control unit 180 controls the normal electric combination 61 so that the time taken for the open state increases per unit time when the change state is given by the change control unit 143. That is, the control of the normal electric power control unit 180 varies due to the provision of the variable state by the variable control unit 143 described later.

<About game state control>
The game state control unit 140 controls a big hit game, a probability change state or a short change state, and has a probability change control unit 141, a short change control unit 143 or a big hit control unit 145.

  The probability change control unit 141 can shift from the normal game state to the probability change state when the probability change state provision condition is satisfied, or from the probability change state to the normal game state when the probability change state release condition is satisfied. Here, the probability variation state means that the winning probability in the symbol variation game with the special symbol becomes higher than the normal gaming state.

There are generally three types of probability variation methods: loop method, ST method, and falling lottery method. The probability variation control unit 141 in the present embodiment may be in any of these three types of probability variation states.
The probability change of the loop method means a probability change that shifts to a probability change state after a jackpot game related to a probability change jackpot and continues at least until the next jackpot. Therefore, in the case of the loop type probability change, the condition for canceling the probability change state is that the next big hit is started.
ST method probability change is also referred to as “special time probability change” or “number cut probability change”, etc., and after shifting to the probability change state after the big hit game related to the probability change big hit, in the big hit lottery in the predetermined number of symbol change games When not winning, it means a probability change to the normal gaming state. Therefore, in the case of the ST method of probability variation, the probability variation state cancellation condition includes a predetermined number of symbol variation games being played in addition to the next big hit.
The probability change of the falling lottery method is a lottery (falling lottery) to determine whether or not to fall from the probabilistic state to the normal game state in the symbol variation game that is performed after the big hit game related to the probability big hit game is shifted to the probability variation. This refers to the probability of changing to the normal gaming state when winning. Therefore, in the case of the probability change of the falling lottery method, the condition for canceling the probability variation state includes winning the falling lottery in addition to starting the next big hit.

The conditions for granting the probability change state are generally (a) a method in which a part or all of the hit games are a condition, and (b) the entry of a game ball into a predetermined area (including a winning opening) during the hit game. And a method using a sphere as a condition. In addition, in the method (a), as a method for selecting a part of winning game that is a condition for giving a certain probability change state, a method that is determined by a special symbol drawn in a special symbol variation game is often adopted.
In addition, the method of (a) may be employ | adopted for the provision conditions of the probability variation state in this embodiment, and the method of (b) may be employ | adopted.

The change control unit 143 shifts from the normal game state to the change state when the change condition grant condition is satisfied, and changes from the change state to the normal game state when the change state cancellation condition is satisfied. It is a function to be transferred.
In addition, the provision condition of the variable state in the present embodiment may be the same as or different from the provision condition of the probability variation state. Further, the changing condition cancellation condition in the present embodiment may be the same as or different from the probability changing condition releasing condition. That is, the period during which the probability variation state is imparted and the period during which the variation state is imparted may be common or different.

The variable speed state means that (i) the probability of winning the open lottery of the ordinary electric game is higher than the normal game state, and (ii) the opening time per time of the normal electric game is extended from the normal game state. (Iii) The number of times the normal electric combination is released is increased from the normal gaming state in response to the winning of the open lottery of the normal electric combination, (iv) The variable display time per time in the normal symbol display section Is at least one of the following.
When the variable state is given in the present embodiment, any of the above four is executed. Note that at least one of the above (ii) and (iii) is generally referred to as “electric chew support” or “electric support”.

The jackpot control unit 145 is a function for controlling the jackpot game.
Specifically, the jackpot game in the present embodiment is executed as follows.

First, when a big win game is won by the winning / losing lottery unit 131, a special symbol corresponding to the big hit game is selected by the special symbol selecting unit 132, and the selected special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 91 (special After the symbol variation game with symbols is finished), the big hit control unit 145 starts the big hit game.
When the big hit game is started, the big hit control unit 145 issues a command regarding the opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game to the effect control unit 210. The effect control unit 210 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) according to the command of the big hit control unit 145. In addition, it is preferable to encourage the player to launch a game ball into the second flow path Y toward the big prize opening 55 by recommending the player to make a right strike in the opening effect.
After the opening effect is completed, the round game in which the special winning opening 55 is opened is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of times (number of rounds) as an upper limit. In the round game, the special winning opening 55 is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, once). In addition, after a specified number of game balls have entered the opened big prize opening 55 or after a prescribed time (round game time) has elapsed, the big prize opening 55 is closed and the round game is ended.
After the end of the round game, the big prize opening 55 is closed for a predetermined time (interval time), and the big prize opening 55 is opened again with the start of the next round game.

The jackpot control unit 145 transmits a command including the number of rounds, round game time, interval time, and the like as control information to the special power control unit 190 in order to perform control as described in the previous stage.
The special electric combination control unit 190 operates the actuator AC2 according to the command received from the big hit control unit 145 to open the special electric combination item 65. Also, the special electric role control unit 190 determines the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 55 during one round game while the special electric accessory 65 is opened based on the detection of the count switch SW4. Monitoring. Then, the special electric combination control unit 190 operates the actuator AC2 to close the special electric combination 65 when the number of game balls entered reaches the upper limit.

The big hit control unit 145 issues a command related to the effect related to the round game to the effect control unit 210. The effect control unit 210 executes the round effect according to the command of the big hit control unit 145.
When the prescribed number of rounds is over, the jackpot control unit 145 issues a command regarding the ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110. The effect control unit 210 executes an ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the command of the jackpot control unit 145, and the jackpot control unit 145 ends the jackpot game.

<About payout control>
The gaming machine 10 includes a payout control unit 230 that controls the payout mechanism unit 70 communicating with the upper ball tray 27 and can pay out the prize balls to the upper ball tray 27.
More specifically, the main control unit 100 pays out a predetermined prize ball in response to winning detection by each count switch (count switch SW1, count switch SW2, count switch SW4, count switch SW5). Command is output. Then, the payout control unit 230 controls the payout mechanism unit 70 based on the command received from the main control unit 100. The payout mechanism 70 is disposed behind the middle frame (not shown) and cannot be visually recognized when the front frame 20 is closed.
The number of predetermined prize balls set in advance for each count switch may be appropriately set according to the embodiment, and is not limited to an example.

<About variation display of symbol variation game and production symbol>
The gaming machine 10 includes a symbol display control unit 150, an effect control unit 210, and a variation pattern processing unit 160.
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display 90 to display a special symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game based on the special symbol or a normal symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game based on the normal symbol.
The effect control unit 210 causes the effect display unit 80 to display an effect display related to a symbol variation game or a big hit game based on special symbols. In particular, regarding the execution of the symbol variation game with the special symbol, the effect symbol variation control unit 211 included in the effect control unit 210 produces an effect in accordance with the variation time of the symbol variation game with the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 91. The effect symbol variation display is performed in the effect symbol variation area 85 which is a part of the display area of the display device 80. In other words, the effect symbol variation control unit 211 executes the symbol variation game by one special symbol in the special symbol display unit 91 and the one effect display in the effect symbol variation area 85 in association with each other in principle. .
However, when an effect display having continuity is executed over a symbol variation game with a plurality of special symbols, or when a symbol variation game with one special symbol is performed, a variation of a plurality of times is set as one set. Display may be performed. The former representative example is an effect display referred to as a so-called continuous notice, and the latter representative example is an effect display referred to as a so-called pseudo-continuous effect.

The variation pattern processing unit 160 determines a variation pattern in order to ensure the correspondence between the symbol variation game with the special symbol described in the previous stage and the variation display of the effect symbol.
More specifically, the variation pattern processing unit 160 determines a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating the time at which the special symbol varies in the symbol variation game with the special symbol, and issues a command including the variation pattern to the symbol display control unit 150. (Special symbol display control unit 151) or production control unit 210 (production design fluctuation control unit 211). At this time, the variation pattern processing unit 160 may determine the variation pattern with reference to the determination result by the prior determination unit 118, in particular, the determination condition determination (second determination) regarding the content of the effect.
The special symbol display control unit 151 executes a symbol variation game with a special symbol according to the variation pattern, and the effect symbol variation control unit 211 executes the variation display of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern. Is secured.

In the above description, it is described that the effect control unit 210 controls the effect display of the effect display device 80 (the main display unit 81, the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, and the right sub display unit 84). However, the lighting (flashing) effect by the lighting device 35 or the sound effect by the speaker 33 can also be controlled. The effect display, the lighting effect, the sound effect, etc. are combined to stimulate the player's interest. be able to.
In addition, the production control unit 210 can switch various productions variably in accordance with the player's operation received by the button 37.
Further, the effect control unit 210 can execute movement control of the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, or the right sub display unit 84, and although not shown in FIG. It may be possible to execute movement control.

  In the above description, it has been described that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern processing unit 160 includes at least variation time information. In addition to this, the variation pattern may include information indicating whether the reach effect is to be performed or separated, information indicating the type of reach effect, and the like.

<About hold display and change opportunity production>
The gaming machine 10 includes a hold display control unit 214, a change period setting unit 213 (change period setting means), and a change trigger effect control unit 212 (change trigger effect control means).
The hold display control unit 214 displays a hold display based on the jackpot determination random number (random number M1 or random number M2) acquired by the special figure hold control unit 115 in the hold display area 86. Here, the “hold display based on the acquired jackpot determination random number” is not limited to the display of the hold display directly from the jackpot determination random number, but when the jackpot determination random number is acquired (when the start condition is satisfied) ) Includes deriving the hold indication using other data derived based on the jackpot determination random number.
The change period setting unit 213 reads the random number M1 or the random number M2 acquired by the special figure hold control unit 115 (random number acquisition unit) by the determination unit 131 (the determination unit). Before that, the effect of changing the suggestion mode of the hold display corresponding to the random number and the change period thereof are set. Here, the change period is a period including a timing at which the hold display control unit 214 changes the suggestion mode of the hold display. Specifically, the symbol variation game in which the hold display control unit 214 changes the suggestion mode of the hold display. That is. In other words, when the variable display of the multi-row effect symbols started in the hold display period corresponds to a change period related to one hold display among the hold displays displayed in the hold display area 86, the hold display control unit 214 changes the suggestion mode of one hold display during the fluctuation display.
The change opportunity production control unit 212 executes a plurality of change opportunity productions for one or more hold displays within a predetermined period, suggesting that the hold display displayed in any of the standby modes may be changed. Yes. Note that, as described above, the predetermined period in the present embodiment is specifically a period in which a variation display of the effect symbol executed in the hold display period is performed. In the following description, a display area in which the change opportunity effect control unit 212 displays an effect image related to the change opportunity effect (indicating the possibility that the suggestion mode changes) is referred to as an effect display area 88.

The change period setting unit 213 sets a change period for at least a part of the acquired random numbers, triggered by acquisition of random numbers by the special figure hold control unit 115 (random number acquisition means). Remember. More specifically, the change period setting unit 213 sets the change period for the hold display that indicates that the hold change effect is to be performed by the prior determination information.
When the number of hold displays for which the change period is set has reached the upper limit of change for one variation display of the effect design, and when the special figure hold control unit 115 newly acquires a random number The change period setting unit 213 does not set at least one variation display of the effect symbol as a change period for the random number. That is, even in the case of the hold display in which it is indicated that the hold change effect is performed by the prior determination information, the change period setting unit 213 does not set the change period for the hold display.
Since such a restriction is performed, in the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the number of on-hold indications exceeding the change upper limit number does not change in a single variation display of the effect symbol.

11 to 24 are diagrams related to the above-described hold display or change trigger effect. With reference to these drawings, the hold display or the change trigger effect will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the hold display in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the hold display in the present embodiment is configured by a character simulating a mole (hereinafter simply referred to as a mole), and the mole sticks its head out of any of the four holes 86a to 86d. Or withdraw. The hole in the present embodiment is an effect image displayed so that the player can recognize it as a hole, and does not mean a physical cavity.
The mole corresponding to the random number stored in advance is displayed in the left hole, and the one corresponding to the random number stored in the later is displayed in the right hole. Each time the symbol variation game is executed, the mole displayed in the hole 86a disappears from the holding display area 86, and the moles displayed in the holes 86b to 86d are placed on the left side so as to fill the disappeared mole. Slide to display.
In FIG. 11, four holes for displaying moles are shown. This corresponds to the upper limit number of reserved memories at the first starting port 58 or the second starting port 59 being four. . When the present invention is implemented with the above-described eight-hold type gaming machine, displays corresponding to these holes may be provided at eight locations.

As already described, the standby mode of the hold display in the present embodiment is displayed by the operation of the mole, and specifically, there are the following four patterns.
(I) The mole has withdrawn the head over the change display of the effect design of one time (mole displayed in the hole 86a in FIG. 11).
(Ii) The mole is protruding over the variation display of the effect pattern once (mole displayed in the hole 86b in FIG. 11).
(Iii) The mole is sleeping on at least a part of the variation display of the one-time effect symbol (mole displayed in the hole 86c in FIG. 11).
(Iv) The mole sticks out or retracts in a single change display of the effect symbol (mole displayed in the hole 86d in FIG. 11).
In addition, although the operation | movement of the mole in this embodiment shall be performed within the display area of the hold display area 86, it does not need to be limited to this aspect. In other words, the display indicating the change in the standby mode of the hold display may deviate from the display area in the hold display area 86 and reach a part of the effect design fluctuation area 85.

In the present embodiment, the mole displayed in the standby mode of the above pattern (i) is such that the mole color (suggested mode) does not change while it is displayed in the standby mode.
In this embodiment, the mole displayed in the standby mode of the pattern (ii), (iii) or (iv) is the color of the mole (suggested mode) while being displayed in the standby mode. Is likely to change.
Therefore, when the above pattern (i) is the first standby mode of the present invention, the above pattern (ii), (iii) or (iv) can be handled as the second standby mode of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the upper limit number (waiting upper limit number) of moles displayed in any of the patterns (ii), (iii), or (iv) in the predetermined period is three. That is, in the present embodiment, the standby upper limit number is lower than the upper limit number (4) of the hold display displayed in the hold display area 86. However, the contents described here do not exclude an aspect in which the standby upper limit number is not provided in a specific period excluding a predetermined period.

FIG. 12 to FIG. 15 are diagrams illustrating display examples of the change trigger effect performed for the hold display. The following four types are included in the types of change opportunity effects in the present embodiment.
(I) A boy 88a with a hammer appears in the effect display area 88, and shakes the hammer off the head of one mole (see FIG. 12).
(Ii) Oni 88b with a hammer appears in the effect display area 88, and the hammer is shaken off on the head of one mole (see FIG. 13).
(Iii) A boy 88c on a balloon appears in the effect display area 88 and drops a bomb on the head of one mole (see FIG. 14).
(Iv) An earthworm 88d, which is a favorite of moles, passes in front of one or more moles in the effect display area 88 (see FIG. 15).

Note that the change display effect 88 shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 is assumed to be executed for the hole 86a, but other holes (holes 86b to 86b) are illustrated. When the change opportunity effect is executed for 86d), the effect display area 88 is provided in the vicinity of each hole or in a position including each hole.
In the change opportunity effect in the present embodiment, the effect display area in which the boy 88c on the balloon and the bomb to be dropped are displayed, compared to the effect display area 88 in which the boy 88a with the hammer and the demon 88b with the hammer are displayed. 88 is widened.
Moreover, in the change opportunity production | presentation in this embodiment, the production | presentation display area 88 where the earthworm 88d is displayed has the substantially same area as the holding | maintenance display area 86. FIG.
Moreover, in the change opportunity effect in this embodiment, the effect display area 88 in which the earthworm 88d is displayed extends over a plurality of holes (holes 86a to 86d), and in the effect display area 88 in other change opportunity effects. Includes a single hole. That is, the change opportunity effect in which the earthworm 88d appears can be targeted for a plurality of hold displays in one execution, whereas the other change trigger effects are different for a single hold display.
The range of the effect display area 88 in each change opportunity effect mentioned above is an example, and is not limited to the illustrated mode. That is, the range of the effect display area 88 may be changed as appropriate according to the mode of the change trigger effect.

  When the change trigger effect is executed with a success pattern, the suggestion mode (mole color) of the hold display changes with the change pattern. Moreover, the change opportunity presentation includes a failure pattern and a gusset pattern, and when the change opportunity presentation is executed with the failure pattern or the gusset pattern, the suggestion mode of the hold display does not change.

The above-mentioned four types of change opportunity effects differ in the possibility of becoming a success pattern, that is, the possibility of change in the suggestion mode of the hold display. For example, the possibility of change in the change opportunity production in which the demon 88b with a hammer hits the head of the mole is higher than the change possibility in the change opportunity production in which the boy 88a with a hammer appears. In addition, the change trigger production in which the boy 88c riding on the balloon drops a bomb on the head of the mole is higher than the change possibility in the change trigger production in which the demon 88b with a hammer hits the head of the mole.
In addition, at least a part of the above-described four types of change trigger effects have good or bad compatibility depending on the operation of the mole (the standby display standby mode). For example, a boy 88a with a hammer is easy to hit a sleeping mole (prone to be a successful pattern), and difficult to hit a mole that pulls out and retracts (prone to a successful pattern). In addition, when earthworm 88d passes in front of mole, sleeping mole is less likely to eat earthworm 88d (not likely to be a success pattern), and moles that stick out or withdraw are likely to eat earthworm 88d (become a success pattern). Cheap).

  The success pattern, the failure pattern, and the gaze pattern will be described in detail, taking as an example a change trigger production in which a boy 88a with a hammer appears and shakes the hammer off the head of the mole 89a displayed in the hole 86a.

First, the success pattern change opportunity effect will be described.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart in the success pattern. Here, the presence / absence of the boy 88 a having a hammer means whether or not the boy 88 a having a hammer is displayed on the main display portion 81. That is, the period in which the boy 88a with the hammer is present is equal to the period in which the change opportunity effect relating to the boy 88a with the hammer is executed.
Here, the appearance of the mole 89a means whether the mole 89a sticks out or retracts from the hole 86a.
Further, the shaded portions in FIG. 16 indicate a period (hereinafter referred to as action A) in which the boy 88a holding the hammer performs an action of swinging down the hammer.
In addition, “s” in FIG. 16 means seconds.
FIGS. 17 to 20 are diagrams showing display modes of the main display unit 81 at each time point in the time chart.

The display mode of the main display unit 81 at the beginning (0 s) of the time chart of FIG. 16 is shown in FIG.
In the effect symbol variation area 85, effect symbols are scrolled from right to left in the upper, middle, and lower stages. These scrolls are simply illustrated by arrows from right to left in FIG. 18 and other drawings.
Here, it is assumed that two hold displays (a mole 89a and a mole 89b) are displayed in the hold display area 86. The mole 89a is displayed in the hole 86a with the head retracted, and the mole 89b is displayed in the hole 86b with the head retracted. No hold display is displayed in the hole 86c and the hole 86d, that is, there are two jackpot determination random numbers (random number M1 or random number M2) stored and held by the special figure hold control unit 115 at the time shown in FIG. .

FIG. 18 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the 1s point in the time chart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that a change opportunity effect in which a boy 88a holding a hammer is displayed near the mole 89a is started. At this time, the boy 88a holding the hammer is displayed in the effect display area 88 that straddles the hold display area 86 and the effect symbol variation area 85 and includes the hole 86a.

The display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 3s or 4s in the time chart of FIG. 16 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16 or FIG. 19, the mole 89a has a head protruding from the hole 86a immediately before the time point 3s. The boy 88a holding the hammer starts to shake the hammer from the 3s point and swings the hammer down at the 4s point.
As shown in FIG. 16 or FIG. 20, the mole 89a is still protruding from the hole 86a at the time of 4s, so the hammer swung down by the boy 88a with the hammer can hit the head of the mole 89a, With this as a trigger, the color (suggested mode) of the mole 89a changes.

Next, the failure pattern change opportunity effect will be described.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart in the failure pattern. The shaded portions in FIG. 21 indicate the period during which action A is performed as in FIG. Further, “s” in FIG. 21 means seconds as in FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 4s in the time chart illustrated in FIG. Note that the display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time 0s, 1s, and 3s in the time chart of FIG. 21 is the same as the display mode illustrated in FIGS. .

FIG. 22 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 4s in the time chart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 21 or FIG. 22, the mole 89a retracts its head into the hole 86a at the time of 4s, so that the hammer swung down by the boy 88a with the hammer can hit the head of the mole 89a. Will fall down. Accordingly, the color (suggested mode) of the mole 89a is maintained.

Next, the change trigger effect of the gas pattern will be described.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart in the failure pattern. Further, “s” in FIG. 23 means seconds as in FIG.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 3s in the time chart illustrated in FIG. Note that the display mode of the main display unit 81 at time 0s and 1s in the time chart of FIG. 23 is the same as the display mode illustrated in FIG. 17 or FIG.

FIG. 24 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 3s in the time chart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 23, the mole 89a has a head protruding from the hole 86a immediately before 3s. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the boy 88a holding the hammer disappears from the effect display area 88 without taking any action. Accordingly, the color (suggested mode) of the mole 89a is maintained. In FIG. 24, the moment when the boy 88a with the hammer disappears is illustrated by drawing the boy 88a with the hammer with a broken line.

As described above, the failure pattern and the gusset pattern are the same in that the suggestion mode of the hold display is finally maintained. On the other hand, the failure pattern and the gusset pattern differ with respect to the timing at which the suggestion mode does not change (timing at which the player is disappointed).
As described above, there are a plurality of display modes that indicate to the player that the suggestion mode does not change, and the timing at which that effect becomes definite is different.

If the change trigger effect or the change of the hold display is arranged, the change trigger effect control unit 212 (change trigger effect control means) starts the change trigger effect for one hold display, and then the hold display control unit 214 (hold). In other words, the display control means can change the suggestion mode of one hold display.
Or when the hold display control part 214 changes the suggestion aspect of one hold display, the change opportunity production | generation control part 212 displays one hold display according to the timing to which the suggestion aspect of one hold display changes. It can be said that the change trigger effect is executed by displaying a plurality of effect images that suggest the possibility of change in which the suggestion mode changes in the vicinity of the region or in the vicinity of the region.
Here, “a plurality of production images suggesting the possibility of change” are, in the example of this embodiment, a boy 88a with a hammer, a demon 88b with a hammer, a boy 88c on a balloon, and an earthworm 88d. That is.

It is as follows when the change opportunity presentation and the change of the suggestion mode of the hold display are arranged in time series.
First, effect symbol variation display is performed in the effect symbol variation area 85. In this case, the mole is waiting in one of the above-described operations (standby mode) in the hold display area 86.
Next, a change opportunity effect is executed in the effect display area 88 for one or a plurality of moles in a part during the change display of the effect symbol. When this change opportunity production is a success pattern, the color of the mole changes with this as an opportunity. Further, when the change opportunity effect is a failure pattern or a gusset pattern, the mole color is maintained.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the mole is displayed in the standby mode (first standby mode) in which the mole is retracted over the variation display of the production effect once, the color (suggested mode) of the mole does not change. Is set to That is, when the color of the mole changes, the color is changed after the other standby mode (second standby mode) is displayed.
That is, when the variation display of the multi-row effect symbols started in the hold display period corresponds to the change period related to one hold display and the one hold display is displayed in the first standby mode, The display control unit 214 or the change opportunity production control unit 212 changes one hold display in the following procedure.
First, the hold display control unit 214 changes the standby mode of one hold display from the first standby mode to the second standby mode during the variable display. Next, the change trigger production control unit 212 starts the change trigger production for the one hold display displayed in the second standby mode. Then, the hold display control unit 214 changes the suggestion mode of one hold display after the change trigger effect is started and before the change display ends.

In this way, the operation change or color change of the hold display, or the change opportunity effect performed in the vicinity thereof is performed in stages, so that the player can obtain various interests at each stage.
In addition, since the behavior change of the mole (change of the standby mode), the execution of the change trigger effect, and the color change of the mole (change of the suggested mode) are performed in time series as described above, the suggested mode of the standby mode changes. It can be said that this is an effect that suggests the possibility of performing, and an effect that suggests the possibility of executing the change opportunity effect.

<About various processing procedures>
Next, processing procedures for the various processes described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since there is a case where each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above and each component illustrated in FIG. 5 are touched for explanation, these drawings should be referred to as appropriate.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing at the time of entering the ball. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the hold display processing at the time of entering the ball. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the symbol variation start process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the hold display processing at the time of symbol variation.
Note that the processing procedures illustrated in these flowcharts do not limit the processing procedure of the present invention and the execution timing thereof. For this reason, when carrying out the processing relating to the present invention, the plurality of processing procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents, and some or all of the execution timings of the plurality of processing overlap each other. Also good.
Further, each process illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10 is a main process necessary for explaining the present invention, and does not indicate all processes executed by the gaming machine 10.

First, the process at the time of entering will be described. Here, the entry process is a series of processes executed after a game ball has entered the first start port 58 or the second start port 59.
Until a ball entering the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 is detected (NO in step S102), the processing after step S104 is not performed and is on standby.
Even if a ball entering the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), if the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 reaches the upper limit (step S104). YES), the process after step S106 is on standby without being performed.

When a ball entering the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), and the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S104). The number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 is added (step S106). Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M1 or the random number M2 and holds it in a dedicated storage area (step S108).
That is, affirmation in step S102 and negation in step S104 mean that the start condition is satisfied.

Next, when the random number M1 or the random number M2 is suspended, the preliminary determination unit 118 performs a preliminary determination process (step S110).
When the pre-determination process is executed, the pre-determination unit 118 determines whether or not to win the jackpot game due to the random number M1 or the random number M2 stored on hold, and whether or not to perform a hold change effect on the random number. And pre-determination information indicating the determination result is generated.
The prior determination unit 118 in the present embodiment has a determination table used for the first determination, the second determination, or the third determination described above, and performs each determination process based on the determination table. Note that the determination table used for the first determination stores at least a part of the winning values stored in the lottery table used in the winning lottery unit 131, and the random number M1 or the random number M2 to be determined is the determination table. The first determination can be performed based on whether or not the winning value stored in the table matches.

A command including a series of processing results from step S102 to step S110 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the effect control unit 210 (step S112), and the entry processing is completed.
The command output in step S112 includes, for example, advance determination information indicating the determination result of the advance determination unit 118 in step S110.

Next, the processing procedure of the hold display process at the time of entering the ball will be described. When the production control unit 210 inputs the command output in step S112 (step S402), the prior determination information included in the input command indicates a determination result indicating that the hold change production is performed. (YES in step S404), a determination is made regarding a change in the color (suggestion mode) of the hold display corresponding to the random number M1 or the random number M2 in which the hold change effect is performed (step S406).
If the prior determination information included in the input command indicates a determination result indicating that the hold change effect is not performed (NO in step S404), the process waits without performing the process in step S406.

In step S406, the change period setting unit 213 sets the change period for the hold display that is the target of the hold change effect.
In addition to the change period, in step S406, the color of the hold display at the beginning of the hold display period, the number of changes within the hold display period, the end of the hold display period (which is caused by a random number corresponding to the hold display period). The color or the like of the hold display may be set immediately before the symbol variation game. The setting content given here is an example, and the content set based on the advance determination information (determination result by the advance determination unit 118) in step S406 may be changed as appropriate.

  Next, the hold display control unit 214 adds the hold display of the color set in step S406 (the color of the hold display at the beginning of the hold display period) to the hold display area 86 (step S408). At this time, among the holes 86a to 86d included in the hold display area 86, a new hold display is added to a hole that is not displayed with a hold display and is located at the leftmost position.

Next, the process procedure of the symbol variation start process will be described. Here, the symbol start process is a series of processes performed when starting a symbol variation game with a special symbol.
First, the special drawing lottery control unit 130 determines whether or not a change start condition is satisfied (step S202). Here, the variation start condition is (i) that the symbol variation game with the special symbol is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, (ii) that the big hit game is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, (iii) ) At the time of determination in step S202, there may be one or more reserved memories.
When the determination in step S202 is negative (NO in step S202), the process after step S204 is not executed, and the start process ends.

When the determination in step S202 is affirmative (YES in step S202), the success / failure lottery unit 131 reads the random number M1 or the random number M2 held in the special figure hold control unit 115 (step S204).
In step S <b> 204, the success / failure lottery unit 131 may read the random number M <b> 1 or the random number M <b> 2 in the order stored in the special figure hold control unit 115, or may read one with priority over the other.

Each determination process is executed when a random number is read in step S204 (step S206).
Here, the processing included in step S206 specifically includes at least the above-mentioned lottery selection by the lottery selection unit 131 and the selection of special symbols by the special figure selection unit 132. In addition, a determination process such as (i) whether or not a variable state is given, (ii) whether or not to stop the effect design at the reach eye, and (iii) whether or not to perform a specific effect is performed in step S206. It may be included in the processing.

  The fluctuation pattern processing unit 160 determines a fluctuation pattern using the processing result of step S206 (step S208). The process related to the variation pattern in step S208 may be executed with reference to the determination result in step S110.

A command including a series of processing results from step S202 to step S208 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the effect control unit 210 (step S210), and the symbol variation start process ends.
The command output in step S210 is used, for example, for information indicating the processing result of the determination executed in step S206, information indicating the variation pattern determined in step S208, or for an effect executed in association therewith. Information may be included.

  Next, the processing procedure of the hold display process at the time of symbol change will be described. When the production control unit 210 inputs the command output in step S210 (step S502), the on-hold display in which the suggestion mode changes during the execution of the production symbol variation display performed based on the input command. If NO exists (NO in step S504), there is no need to execute a change trigger effect that becomes a success pattern, and the process proceeds from step S506 to step S510 without performing the process in step S510.

When there is a pending display in which the suggestion mode changes during the execution of the variation display of the effect symbol performed based on the command input in step S502 (YES in step S504), the number of the pending display as the target is the upper limit of change. It is determined whether or not the number is exceeded (step S506).
When the determination in step S506 is affirmative (YES in step S506), the change of the suggestion mode is limited for the number of pending displays that exceeds the upper limit of change (step S508). Note that the hold display restricted in step S508 may prioritize the hold display corresponding to the random number stored later.
If the determination in step S506 is negative (NO in step S506), the process proceeds to step S510 without performing the process in step S508.

Subsequently, the change opportunity production control unit 212 determines the success pattern of the change opportunity production executed for the hold display in which the suggestion mode changes (step S510). Moreover, the change opportunity production | presentation control part 212 determines the failure pattern or gusset pattern of the change opportunity production performed with respect to the hold display whose suggestion aspect does not change (step S512). The process of step S510 or step S512 specifically includes a process of determining the type of change trigger effect and the execution timing of the change trigger effect.
The determination in step S510 or step S512 is performed based on the variation pattern included in the command input in step S502. That is, the change opportunity effect control unit 212 determines the change opportunity effect so that the execution time of the change opportunity effect falls within the execution time of the symbol variation game executed by the special symbol display unit 91.

In addition, the change opportunity production | generation control part 212 in this embodiment performs a change opportunity production within the range of the change upper limit number. In other words, the number of change trigger effects performed during one variation display of the effect symbol is less than or equal to the upper limit number of changes and less than the upper limit number of standby. This is an example of the implementation of the present invention, and the number of change trigger effects is not necessarily less than the upper limit number of change and less than the upper limit number of standby, and even if the number of change trigger effects exceeds the upper limit number of changes and the upper limit number of standby Good. However, when the effect of the present invention is executed in this mode, the change trigger effect of the success pattern cannot be increased beyond the upper limit of change, and therefore, the failure pattern or the gasset pattern is exceeded for the amount exceeding the upper limit of change. A change opportunity production will be executed.
In addition, when there are a plurality of change trigger effects that are performed during the change of a single effect design, the change trigger is set so that the sum of the length of execution times of each change trigger effect is within the change time of the effect design. It is preferable that the production control unit 212 determines the change opportunity production.

Subsequently, the hold display control unit 214 determines a stand-by display standby mode (mole operation) that is a target of the change trigger effect (step S514).
At this time, the hold display control unit 214 determines the timing for changing the standby mode based on the timing of the change opportunity effect to be executed. The example of the timing of changing opportunity production and the timing of changing the standby mode are as described in the above time chart (FIGS. 16, 21, and 23), and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

If the hold display is displayed in the hold display area 86 in addition to the hold display that is the target of the wait mode determined in step S514, the hold display control unit 214 sets the second standby mode within the range of the standby upper limit number. Another hold display to be changed to can be determined (step S516). Thereby, the hold display displayed in the second standby mode for liveliness is displayed in the hold display area 86, and the player can be confused about which hold display changes.
In the process of step S516, the number of other hold displays to be changed to the second standby mode does not need to exceed one, and may be zero. That is, the hold display control unit 214 does not have to change the stand-by display standby mode that is not the target of the change trigger effect to the second standby mode.

  The change trigger effect control unit 212 or the hold display control unit 214 executes the hold display effect with the contents reflecting the result of the series of processes included in steps S502 to S516 (step S518). Here, the hold display effect is a concept that includes an effect that changes the suggestion mode or standby mode of the hold display and an effect that maintains the suggestion mode or standby mode of the hold display.

<About the effect of the pending change effect of the present invention>
The structure, functional configuration, and processing procedure of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment have been described above. Based on these descriptions, the effect of the pending change effect of the present invention will be described.
The pending change effect of the present invention is not a simple effect that changes the color or the like (suggestion mode) in order to suggest the possibility of granting a privilege, but an operation or the like that suggests the possibility that the suggestion mode changes (standby mode) ) Is accompanied by a change. Since the standby mode is configured to change when the symbol variation game is executed, the player can have an expectation that “the suggestion mode may change” from the beginning of the symbol variation game.
In addition, when the change timing of the standby mode matches the execution timing of the change trigger production, the change trigger presentation is successful and the suggested mode changes, so the change of the standby mode and the change trigger production change It is possible to attract the player's interest in the transition.
Further, the upper limit number (change upper limit number) at which the change trigger effect is successful and the suggestion mode changes is determined for each variation display of the effect symbol, and is displayed in the second standby mode during the variation display. Since the upper limit of the number of pending displays (the number of waiting upper limits) is greater than the upper limit of change, so that the player cannot determine which pending display changes until the success or failure / gase of the change trigger production is confirmed It has become. Therefore, it is possible to arouse the player's interest in multiple stages in a single display of variation of the effect symbol.

<Modification of the present invention>
The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. Various modifications, improvements, etc. are also included.
In the above-described embodiment, the prior determination unit 118 included in the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the suggestion mode has changed, and each component included in the effect control unit 210 (change trigger effect control unit 212, change period setting unit 213). Or although the hold display control part 214) demonstrated in the example which determines the content of the concrete hold change production, it does not need to be restricted to this aspect.
For example, the present invention may be implemented by a modification in which the constituent elements included in the production control unit 210 determine whether or not there is a pending change production (change in suggestion mode), and in the present embodiment, the production control unit 210 determines the present invention. The present invention may be implemented by a modified example in which the prior determination unit 118 determines a part of the contents of the effect being output and outputs a command. Furthermore, in the latter modification, the prior determination unit 118 may be configured to limit the number of pending change effects (change upper limit number).

Moreover, the said embodiment was demonstrated so far on the assumption of what is called a pachinko machine. However, it is also possible to execute a similar on-hold change effect in the slot machine. Hereinafter, modifications of applying the present invention to a slot machine will be described, but illustration of each component is omitted.
In this case, the random number acquisition means of the present invention includes detection of operation of the start lever by the player as at least one of the start conditions. Further, the symbol display control means of the present invention performs a symbol variation game by rotating a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed triggered by the establishment of the start condition. Further, the success / failure determination means according to the present invention makes the transition to the advantageous gaming state advantageous to the player due to at least a part of the case where the winning of the symbol variation game (small role winning or re-game establishment) is determined. Is determined as a privilege. Moreover, the hold display control means of the present invention displays a hold display including a suggestion mode that suggests the transition to the advantageous gaming state in the hold display area during the hold display period.
The above-mentioned hold display control means suggests the transition to the advantageous gaming state by changing the suggestion mode of the hold display during at least a part of the hold display period. Moreover, said privilege provision means is made to transfer to an advantageous game state based on the determination by said winning / bad lottery means after the hold display period. In other words, the hold display control means can perform the hold change effect of the present invention as a prelude effect or a prelude effect that is performed before shifting to the advantageous gaming state.
In addition, as an example corresponding to the advantageous gaming state in this modification, specifically, a so-called big bonus (a combination continuous action device), an assist replay time (ART), and the like can be given.
In addition, as an example corresponding to the hold display in this modified example, there is an effect image that is displayed in a simulated manner as a hold ball in a pachinko machine, and a number that is shown to count down a period in which there is a high possibility that a privilege will be granted Designs are also included.

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number when the start condition is satisfied, a success / failure determination means for determining success or failure of winning using the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means, and the winner determination means In at least part of the case where the determination is made, a privilege granting unit for granting a privilege advantageous to the player, a symbol display control unit for executing a symbol variation game for notifying the determination result by the success / failure determination unit, and Hold display control means for displaying the hold display based on the random number in the hold display area, the hold display control means, a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the privilege is provided, and the suggestion mode A plurality of standby modes that suggest the possibility of change, and the hold display is displayed so that both can be identified, and the hold display is displayed in the hold display area The suggestion mode of the hold display may be changed within a predetermined period that is at least a part of the hold display period that is a period to be displayed. The standby mode may change the first standby mode and the suggestion mode. And a second standby mode having higher characteristics than the first standby mode, and a standby upper limit number that is an upper limit number of the hold display displayed in the second standby mode within the predetermined period is within the predetermined period. More than the change upper limit number which is the upper limit number of the said hold display from which the said suggestion aspect changes.
(2) Executing a plurality of change trigger effects for one or a plurality of the hold displays within the predetermined period, suggesting that the hold display displayed in any one of the standby modes may be changed. A change opportunity effect control means, and after the change opportunity effect control means starts the change opportunity effect with respect to the one hold display, the hold display control means changes the suggestion mode of the one hold display. The gaming machine described in (1).
(3) The period from the start of the variable display in the hold display period until the stop display is displayed in all the columns, or in the temporary stop state in all the columns. The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein at least one of the periods until display is the predetermined period.
(4) For at least a part of the random numbers acquired by the random number acquisition unit, before the random number is read by the validity determination unit, the suggestion mode of the hold display corresponding to the random number is changed. And a change period setting means for setting the change period, and the change display of the effect symbols in a plurality of columns started in the hold display period is one of the hold displays displayed in the hold display area. The game machine according to (3), wherein the hold display control unit changes the suggestion mode of the one hold display during the change display when the change period related to the hold display is satisfied.
(5) The variation display of the production symbols in a plurality of columns started in the hold display period corresponds to the change period related to the one hold display, and the one hold display is the first standby mode. When being displayed, the hold display control means changes the standby mode of the one hold display during the variable display from the first standby mode to the second standby mode, and the change trigger production control unit The change trigger effect is started with respect to the one hold display displayed in the second standby mode, and the hold display control means displays the change display after the change trigger effect is started. The gaming machine according to (4), wherein the suggestion mode of the one hold display is changed before the end.
(6) The change period setting unit sets the change period for at least a part of the acquired random number, and stores the set change period, triggered by the acquisition of the random number by the random number acquisition unit. , When the number of the hold display for which the change period is set has reached the change upper limit number for the variable display of the effect design of one time, and the random number acquisition means newly acquires the random number The gaming machine according to (4) or (5), in which at least one variation display of the effect symbol is not set as the change period with respect to the random number.
(A) The random number acquisition means includes detection of a start lever operation by a player as at least one of the start conditions, and the symbol display control means displays a plurality of symbols when the start condition is satisfied. The symbol variation game is performed by rotating a plurality of reels, and the success / failure determination means is advantageous to the player due to at least a part of the case where the symbol variation game is determined to be won. The transition to the advantageous gaming state is determined as the privilege, and the hold display control means displays the hold display including the suggestion mode that suggests the transition to the advantageous gaming state in the hold display area in the hold display period. Indicating a transition to the advantageous gaming state by changing the suggestion mode of the hold display during at least a part of the hold display period, Dian applying means, the gaming machine according to (1) to shift to the advantageous game state based on the determination by the propriety selecting means after said hold display period.

10 gaming machine 15 outer frame 20 front frame 21 hinge mechanism 23 cylinder lock 25 transparent member 27 upper ball tray 29 lower ball tray 31 operation handle 32 upper frame portion 33 speakers 34, 36 left right frame portion 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Illuminating device 37 Button 39 Ball removal mechanism 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Big prize opening 58 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Normal electric accessory 63 Operating gate 65 Special electric accessory 67 (67a, 67b) Normal winning port 69 Out port 70 Payout mechanism unit 80 Effect display unit 81 Main display unit 82 Upper sub display unit 83 Left sub display unit 84 Right sub display unit 85 Production symbol variation area 86 Reservation display area 86a, 86b , 86c, 86d Hole 88 Production display area 88a Boy with a hammer 88b Demon 88c with a hammer Balloon Riding boy 88d Earthworm 89a, 89b Mole 90 Symbol display 91 Special symbol display unit 93 Normal symbol display unit 100 Main control unit 110 Information transmission unit 115 Special figure hold control unit 116 Universal figure hold control unit 118 Pre-determination unit 130 Special figure Lottery control unit 131 Win / fail lottery unit 132 Special figure selection unit 140 Game state control unit 141 Probability change control unit 143 Shortening control unit 145 Big hit control unit 150 Symbol display control unit 151 Special symbol display control unit 153 Normal symbol display control unit 160 Fluctuation pattern Processing unit 170 Universal drawing lottery control unit 171 Open lottery unit 172 Universal drawing selection unit 180 Normal electric role control unit 190 Special electric role control unit 210 Production control unit 211 Production symbol variation control unit 212 Change opportunity production control unit 213 Change period setting unit 214 Hold display control unit 230 Discharge control unit AC1, AC2 Actuator SW1, S W2, SW3, SW4, SW5 Count switch X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims (6)

Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number triggered by the establishment of the start condition;
A success / failure determination means for determining success / failure of winning using the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means;
In at least a part of the case where the winning is determined by the winning / failing determining means, a privilege granting means for giving a privilege advantageous to the player;
A symbol display control means for executing a symbol variation game for notifying the determination result by the determination unit;
A hold display control means for displaying a hold display based on the acquired random number in a hold display area;
With
The hold display control means includes
A plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the privilege is granted and a plurality of standby modes that suggest the possibility that the suggestion mode is changed display the hold display so as to be identifiable together,
The suggestion mode of the hold display may be changed within a predetermined period that is at least part of a hold display period that is a period during which the hold display is displayed in the hold display area.
The standby mode includes a first standby mode and a second standby mode in which the possibility that the suggesting mode is changed is higher than that of the first standby mode.
The upper limit number of standby display, which is the upper limit number of the hold display displayed in the second standby mode within the predetermined period, is greater than the upper limit number of change, which is the upper limit number of the hold display, in which the suggestion mode changes within the predetermined period. A lot of game machines set. A change trigger that can execute a plurality of change trigger effects that suggest that the hold display displayed in any of the standby modes can be changed for one or a plurality of the hold displays within the predetermined period. Providing production control means,
The game according to claim 1, wherein the hold display control means can change the suggestion mode of the one hold display after the change trigger effect control means starts the change trigger effect for the one hold display. Machine.   A plurality of columns of effect symbols displayed on the effect indicator are displayed in a period from the start of variable display in the hold display period until stopped display in all columns, or in a temporarily stopped state in all columns. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the periods up to is the predetermined period. Change and change of the suggestion mode of the hold display corresponding to the random number before the random number is read by the success / failure determination unit for at least a part of the random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit A change period setting means for setting a period;
When the variable display of the effect symbols of a plurality of columns started in the hold display period corresponds to the change period related to the hold display among the hold displays displayed in the hold display area, the hold display 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the control means changes the suggestion mode of the one hold display during the change display. The variation display of the effect symbols in a plurality of columns started in the hold display period corresponds to the change period related to the one hold display, and the one hold display is displayed in the first standby mode. When
The hold display control means changes the standby mode of the one hold display during the variable display from the first standby mode to the second standby mode,
The change opportunity production control means starts the change opportunity production for the one hold display displayed in the second standby mode,
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the hold display control means changes the suggestion mode of the one hold display after the change trigger effect is started and before the change display ends. The change period setting means includes
Triggered by acquisition of the random number by the random number acquisition means, the change period is set for at least a part of the acquired random number, the set change period is stored,
The number of the hold display for which the change period is set has reached the change upper limit number for the variable display of the effect design of one time, and the random number acquisition unit newly acquires the random number. The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when it is performed, at least one variation display of the effect symbol is not set as the change period with respect to the random number.

Images