JP2018047113A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that enhances the effect of a performance, which is accompanied with variation (scrolling) of performance drawing patterns.SOLUTION: A game machine according to the present invention includes a performance display device which scrolls performance drawing pattern groups, each group being made up of a set of performance drawing patterns. A plurality of sets (for example, four sets shown in Figs. 7(a)-(d)) of performance drawing pattern groups are provided. A plurality of scroll directions in which the performance drawing pattern groups are scrolled are provided, and the scroll direction can be different for each set of currently scrolling performance drawing pattern groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko gaming machine.

In a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, it is generally known that a big hit game or the like is notified by a combination of effect symbols that are confirmed and stopped after the effect symbol change display (scroll). In addition, this type of gaming machine enhances the interest of the player by scrolling the effect symbols and various effects (for example, reach effects, etc.) performed in association therewith.
The following patent document 1 is illustrated as this type of gaming machine.

  In Patent Document 1, there is a case in which a re-lottery effect is performed after the effect symbol is scrolled downward and the same type of effect symbol is temporarily stopped in a horizontal row to notify the jackpot confirmation. When this re-lottery effect is performed, the effect symbols arranged in a horizontal row are scrolled downward again in that state, and a combination of effect symbols different from the temporary stop time can be confirmed and stopped.

JP 2003-62252 A

  The gaming machine of Patent Document 1 has a little change because it always scrolls the effect symbol downward, and there is a case where the player's interest cannot be sufficiently aroused as an effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that improves the effects of effects accompanied by variations (scrolling) of the effect symbols.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an effect display device in which an effect symbol group having a plurality of effect symbols as a set is scrolled, a plurality of the effect symbol groups are provided, and the effect symbol group is in a direction of scrolling. A plurality of scroll directions are provided, and a gaming machine in which the scroll direction can be different depending on the set of the effect symbols being scrolled is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which improves the effect of the production accompanying the fluctuation (scroll) of production symbols is provided.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the LED group arrange | positioned in the area | region II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in a region III shown in FIG. 1 and the periphery thereof. It is a figure which shows the game board installed in a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is the figure which illustrated the effect design used for a pseudo | simulation continuous effect. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the display screen of a main display part. It is a table which shows the mode of the pseudo | simulation continuous production which a game machine can perform. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a process at the time of starting opening | mouth entrance. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a symbol variation start process.

  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, an outline of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 6, and 7. FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an effect design used for the pseudo-continuous effect.
The gaming machine 10 is a so-called pachinko gaming machine and includes an effect display device.

In the effect display device, an effect symbol group having a plurality of effect symbols as a set scrolls.
The effect display device in the present embodiment is realized by the effect display device 80 and mainly realized by the main display unit 81.

  Here, the effect symbol is a symbol displayed on the effect display device by the sub control board 200 (effect control unit 210). The effect symbol in the present embodiment can be displayed on any of the main display portion 81, the upper sub display portion 82, the left sub display portion 83, and the right sub display portion 84.

A plurality of effect symbol groups used in the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment are provided.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, an effect design group simulating a card on which an animal is drawn (see FIG. 7A), an effect design group simulating an animal running sideways (FIG. 7B). )), An effect symbol group imitating an animal sprinting in the front direction (see FIG. 7 (c)), an effect symbol that is composed only of the number part drawn in common in these three sets of effect symbol groups Four sets of effect symbols such as a group (see FIG. 7D) are prepared in advance.

  In the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of scroll directions, which are directions in which the effect symbol group is scrolled, are provided, and the scroll direction may differ depending on the set of the effect symbol group being scrolled. Since such a configuration is novel, the player is more interested in the game than a conventional gaming machine.

Here, scrolling means that (i) the effect symbol actually moves in the display area of the effect display device, and (b) the effect symbol moves due to a visual effect caused by changing the display of the effect symbol over time. Illusion, or a combination of (a) and (b).
As a specific example of (b), by gradually increasing the size of the effect design, the effect design is given an illusion as if it is moving from the front to the near side, or one effect design is displayed. For example, by causing another effect symbol to be displayed at the display position while causing the other effect symbol to disappear, it is possible to cause an illusion as if the other effect symbol has moved from the direction of the one effect symbol.
Here, the scroll direction is the direction in which the effect symbol group scrolls. Accordingly, when the effect symbol group scrolls from left to right (rightward) and when the effect symbol group scrolls from right to left (leftward), they are treated as different scroll directions.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
The structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing LED groups arranged in the region II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in the area III shown in FIG. 1 and the periphery thereof. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10.
It should be noted that the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are only those necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the configuration and functions not shown here are added to the gaming machine 10. May be. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily include all of the configurations illustrated here, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

  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 the gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and the front side of the gaming board 50. And a front frame 20 configured to cover.

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 receiving tray 27 and a lower ball receiving tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball receiving tray 27 and the lower ball receiving tray 29 are provided integrally with the front frame 20 so as to be vertically separated.
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.

As shown in FIG. 3, an operation button group operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. In addition to the push buttons 37 that can accept the player's operations to change the effects that occur during the game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10, the operation buttons include, Cursor buttons 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, 38 d for instructing down, left, and right operations, a ball lending button 38 e for receiving a ball lending operation, a return button 38 f for receiving a prepaid card return operation, and the like are included.
A movable decorative body 22 that is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27.

  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.

  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 effect display device 80 includes a main display portion 81 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50, an upper sub display portion 82 disposed above the main display portion 81, and a left side of the main display portion 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 effect symbols performed in conjunction with the symbol variation game in the special symbol display unit 91, and can also display other various effects.
In the variation display of the effect symbol group displayed on the main display unit 81, the effect symbol group to be displayed forms one or more columns. The direction of the row formed by the variably displayed effect symbol group is not particularly limited, and may be any of, for example, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, the depth direction, or a combination thereof (oblique direction).
Here, although the depth direction is actually a flat display change on the display screen of the main display unit 81, the effect design changes from the side of the main display unit 81 to the front side or vice versa. This means a virtual direction recognized by a player in a display mode using a technique (for example, perspective method) for recognizing the player as if the player is playing.

  The main display unit 81 can display a hold display (not shown) on a part of the display screen in addition to the display of the effect symbols. The display area where the hold display is displayed and the display area where the effect symbol is displayed may be separated or overlapped. Here, the on-hold display is a so-called on-hold ball, and refers to an effect image that can suggest the possibility that a privilege (for example, a big hit game) is given.

  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 the 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 device 80.

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs) are disposed on the lower right side of the main display portion 81, and a display area of the symbol display device 90 is configured by these LEDs. The symbol display device 90 is disposed at a position that is less visible to the player than the main display portion 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display portion 81.
In addition, although arrangement | positioning and the number of LED which concern on the symbol display apparatus 90 in this embodiment are as showing in FIG. 2, this is one specific example, Comprising: The arrangement | positioning and number of LED which concern on the symbol display apparatus 90 are this example. It is not limited to.

Here, the special symbol is a specific symbol group that is stopped and displayed as a result of the symbol variation game that determines whether or not to operate a special electric character (for example, the special electric character 65). The special symbols in the present embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92.
The first special symbol may be abbreviated as “special symbol 1”, and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as “special symbol 2”. The special symbol may be abbreviated as “special symbol”.

Here, the normal symbol is a specific symbol group that is stopped and displayed as a result of the symbol variation game for determining whether or not to operate the normal electric accessory (for example, the normal electric accessory 61). The normal symbol in the present embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93.
In the following, a normal symbol may be abbreviated as “common figure”.

In the following description, the symbol variation game in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed after the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is variably displayed may be referred to as “the symbol variation game related to the special symbol”. .
In the following description, the symbol variation game in which the ordinary symbol display device 93 is variably displayed and then the ordinary symbol is stopped and displayed may be referred to as “a symbol variation game related to the ordinary symbol”.
Alternatively, in the following description, the variation display of the effect symbol displayed on the main display unit 81 described above is distinguished from “the symbol variation game related to the special symbol” and “the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol” as “the effect symbol. It may be referred to as a “symbol changing game”.
In the following description, when simply referred to as “symbol changing game”, it means “symbol changing game related to special symbol” unless otherwise specified.

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 the 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.

  FIG. 4 shows a large winning port 55, a first starting port 57, a second starting port 59, a gate 63, and normal winning ports 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 57 is disposed at the lower center of the game area 50a. A count switch SW1 is attached to the first start port 57, and a winning for the first start port 57 is determined in response to detection of the count switch SW1, and a prize ball associated with the first start port 57 is displayed. Is granted.
In at least a part of the case where the winning for the first starting port 57 is determined, the starting condition for starting the symbol variation game related to the first special symbol is established.
In the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls are directed toward the first start port 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y. It is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged so as to roll.

The second start port 59 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 50a. A count switch SW2 is attached to the second start port 59, and a winning ball relating to the second start port 59 is determined when the count switch SW2 is detected. Is granted.
In at least a part of the case where the winning for the second starting port 59 is determined, the starting condition for starting the symbol variation game for the second special symbol is established.
In the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls are directed toward the second start port 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X. It is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged so as to roll.

  An ordinary electric accessory 61 is disposed at the second start port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is a member that changes to an open state in which it is easy to enter the game ball in the second start port 59 or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball, and is activated by the operation of the solenoid coil SOL4. Transition to either an open state or a closed state. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.

The big winning opening 55 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 50a. A count switch SW7 is attached to the big winning opening 55, and a winning associated with the big winning opening 55 is determined upon detection of the count switch SW7, and a prize ball associated with the big winning opening 55 is given. .
A special electric accessory 65 is disposed above the big prize opening 55. The special electric accessory 65 is a member that can be switched to an open state where the game ball can be easily entered into the grand prize opening 55 or a closed state where it is difficult to enter the game ball, and is opened by the operation of the solenoid coil SOL1. Transition to either state or closed state.

The special electric accessory 65 is in an open state in at least a part of the big hit game that is won in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, and accordingly, the game ball is allowed to enter the big prize opening 55. The Note that the special electric accessory 65 in the present embodiment is configured so as to be in an open state in a big hit game caused by any of the balls entering the first start port 57 and the balls entering the second start port 59. ing.
When the special electric accessory 65 is in an open state, it is easy to enter a game ball into the big winning opening 55, and thus the chance of winning a prize ball can be greatly increased.
In the present embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, a larger number of game balls roll toward the grand prize opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y. Each obstacle is arranged.

The normal winning opening 67 (67a, 67b) is arranged in the lower left part of the game area 50a. A count switch SW51 that detects a game ball that has entered the ball is attached to the normal winning port 67a, and the winning of the normal winning port 67 is determined in response to the detection of the count switch SW51, and is associated with the normal winning port 67. Awarded prize balls. A count switch SW52 that detects a game ball that has entered a ball is attached to the normal winning port 67b, and the winning of the normal winning port 67 is determined in response to the detection of the count switch SW52, and is associated with the normal winning port 67. Awarded prize balls.
In the present embodiment, as compared to the case of rolling from the second flow path Y, when the game rolls from the first flow path X, a larger number of game balls roll toward the normal winning port 67. Each obstacle is arranged.

  The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. The game balls that have been driven into the game area 50a and have not entered each of the above-described winning holes drop into the out port 69 and are 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 only specific examples, and the present invention can also be implemented by another configuration.

<About the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG. In addition, since the description may be made by touching each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 described above, please refer to these drawings as appropriate.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
Each component shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is a component necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and a component not shown here is 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 control boards such as a main control board 100 and a sub control board 200 in its own machine, and various functions are realized by each board and components electrically connected to each board. doing.
More specifically, the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 include a CPU 101 or CPU 201, a RAM 102 or RAM 202, a ROM 103 or ROM 203, and the like. The main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 implement various functions by executing a control program read from the ROM 103 or the ROM 203 by the CPU 101 or the CPU 201 and writing or reading various data in the RAM 102 or the RAM 202.
Although one sub control board 200 is illustrated in FIG. 5, the sub control board 200 may be formed of a plurality of boards. When the sub control board 200 is formed of a plurality of boards, the plurality of sub control boards 200 may be connected in parallel to the main control board 100, or the plurality of sub control boards 200 may be connected to the main control board 100. It may be connected hierarchically.
Moreover, the board | substrate which implement | achieves each function structure is not limited to the board | substrate shown by FIG. 5, You may implement | achieve on the main control board 100 or the sub control board 200, or another board | substrate.

  The main control board 100 controls the game in an integrated manner, and transmits commands to the sub-control board 200 for effects related to the game. The main control board 100 is a board that realizes a function that affects or may affect the game result, and the sub control board 200 is a board that performs various controls in accordance with commands sent from the main control board 100.

  In FIG. 6, as the main functional configuration realized by the main control board 100, the starting entrance ball processing unit 110, the special game control unit 120, the general game control unit 130, the game state control unit 140, information transmission Part 190 is illustrated. In addition, in the same figure, an effect control unit 210 is illustrated as a main functional configuration realized by the sub control board 200.

The starting port entry processing unit 110 acquires a random number used to determine whether or not the big hit game is successful when a game ball enters the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59 and executes a predetermined process.
The special symbol game control unit 120 executes control related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol.
The general game control unit 130 executes control related to the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.
The game state control unit 140 has a function of controlling a big hit game, a probability change state and a change state, and a function of controlling the granting and release (transition to the normal game state).
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display device 90 to display the special symbol selected as a result of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or the normal symbol selected as the result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol.
The information transmission unit 190 transmits control information (command) generated in each functional configuration realized by the main control board 100 to a functional configuration (for example, the effect control unit 210) realized on the sub control board 200. To do. The command transmitted by the information transmission unit 190 includes special drawing lottery and universal drawing lottery, presence / absence of probability variation state, presence / absence of variation state, information on pending random number, information on execution of jackpot game, etc. May be.

The effect control unit 210 receives control information (commands) generated by various functional configurations realized by the main control board 100 via the information transmission unit 190, and mainly relates to a symbol variation game and a big hit game related to special symbols. The effect display is displayed on the effect display device 80. For example, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to perform variable display or stop display of the effect symbol during execution of the symbol variation game.
The effect control unit 210 can also control the lighting (flashing) effect by the lighting device 35 or the sound effect by the speaker 33, and arouses the player's interest by combining these effect display, lighting effect, sound effect, and the like. can do. Further, the effect control unit 210 can variably switch various effects according to the player's operation received by the push button 37.

<Regarding the processing when entering the starting gate>
Hereinafter, the start-port entrance time processing unit 110 that controls the start-port entrance processing will be described in detail.
The starting entrance ball processing unit 110 includes a special figure hold control unit 111 and a prior determination unit 112.

When the game ball enters the first start port 57, that is, when the first start port 57 wins, the special figure hold control unit 111 sets the number of reserved random numbers M1 to the hold upper limit number (for example, four pieces). ) Is not reached, the random number M1 is acquired and held.
Further, the special figure holding control unit 111 sets the number of reserved random numbers M2 when the game ball enters the second starting port 59, that is, when winning the second starting port 59, the holding upper limit number (for example, If it has not reached (4), a random number M2 is acquired and held.
The special figure holding control unit 111 distinguishes and holds the random number M1 acquired when the first starting port 57 wins and the random number M2 acquired when the second starting port 59 wins.

The special figure hold control unit 111 may request the symbol display control unit 150 to display the number of random numbers held on the symbol display device 90, or transmit information to display the effect display device 80. A command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 via the unit 190.
At this time, the symbol display control unit 150 may cause the symbol display device 90 to display the number of random numbers held on the LED light emission pattern in response to a request from the special symbol hold control unit 111.
In addition, the effect control unit 210 may cause the effect display device 80 to display a number of reserved balls equal to the number of reserved random numbers in response to a command input via the information transmission unit 190.

The prior determination unit 112 determines whether or not the held random number M1 or the random number M2 is determined to be won by the success / failure determination unit 121 in at least a part of the case where the special figure hold control unit 111 holds the random number M1 or the random number M2. A prior determination is performed to determine whether or not the determination by the success / failure determination unit 121 is in advance.
Moreover, the prior determination part 112 may perform the process regarding the production | presentation based on the result of prior determination other than prior determination. Here, “the effect based on the result of the prior determination” is, for example, an effect that changes the color or form of the reserved ball that represents the random number that has been subject to the prior determination, or a hold that represents the random number that has been subject to the prior determination. The effect etc. which are performed over the period (so-called prefetch zone) where the ball is displayed are mentioned.
In addition, the “production based on the result of the prior determination” may be configured to have continuity over the symbol variation game related to a plurality of special symbols. To do.

<About the symbol variation game related to special symbols>
Hereinafter, the special figure game control unit 120 that executes control related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol will be described in detail.
The special figure game control unit 120 includes a success / failure determination part 121, a special figure selection part 122, a reach lottery part 123, and a variation pattern determination part 124.

When both the random number M1 and the random number M2 are held, the success / failure determination unit 121 is configured to determine whether or not the randomness M2 is used first. More specifically, the success / failure determination unit 121 reads the held random number M1 or random number M2 at a predetermined cycle when the control related to the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or the control related to the jackpot game is not performed. At this time, the success / failure determination unit 121 preferentially executes the reading of the random number M2, and reads the random number M1 when the random number M2 cannot be read (when the reserved random number M2 is zero). By such control, the random number M2 is read preferentially over the random number M1. As a result, the success / failure determination unit 121 preferentially determines the random number M2 over the random number M1.
Such processing may be referred to as priority processing in the following description.

The special figure selection unit 122 selects a special symbol based on the result of the determination of the success / failure by the determination unit 121.
More specifically, when winning is determined by the success / failure determination unit 121, the special figure selection unit 122 selects a special symbol (winning symbol) indicating the winning by performing random number lottery. That is, when winning / not-judging section 121 determines that winning is made, special figure selecting section 122 selects any one of a plurality of winning symbols prepared in advance.
Alternatively, when the winning / failing determination unit 121 determines a loss, the special figure selection unit 122 uniquely determines a special symbol (losing symbol) indicating a loss.

When the random number M1 is determined by the success / failure determination unit 121, the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 122 is displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 by the first special symbol display control unit 151 described later.
When the random number M2 is determined by the success / failure determination unit 121, the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 122 is displayed on the second special symbol display device 92 by the second special symbol display control unit 152 described later.

When the winning determination unit 121 determines that the winning is determined, the reach lottery unit 123 selects whether or not to perform a reach effect during the execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol indicating the determination result by random lottery. Here, the reach effect means that the effect symbols are temporarily stopped in a plurality of columns except the column where the temporary stop is made in the display of variation of the effect symbols on the main display unit 81, and each temporarily stopped effect symbol is This refers to an effect performed when the types are the same.
Note that when the winning / decision determining unit 121 determines that the winning is the result of the symbol variation game resulting from the determination, even if the reach effect is executed in the symbol variation game, the final temporary stop effect The symbols are of a different type from the effect symbols in the other columns.
In addition, when the winning / non-winning determination unit 121 determines that the winning is performed, the result of the symbol variation game resulting from the determination is winning, so even if the reach drawing unit 123 does not perform the drawing, The reach effect is performed in the main display unit 81, and the effect symbol of the column temporarily stopped last is the same type as the effect symbol of the other columns.

The variation pattern determination unit 124 determines a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating a time period from the start of the variation display to the stop display in the symbol variation game related to the special symbol.
The variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 124 is output as control information for the first special symbol display control unit 151 or the second special symbol display control unit 152, and the first special symbol display control unit to which the control information is input. 151 or the second special symbol display control unit 152 executes the symbol variation game related to the special symbol over the time indicated by the control information.
The variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 124 is output to the effect control unit 210 as a command transmitted via the information transmission unit 190, and the effect control unit 210 that has input the command is included in the command. The production (reach production etc.) is controlled using the fluctuation pattern. More specifically, the effect control unit 210 changes the effect pattern variation mode so as to end the symbol variation game related to the effect symbol based on the variation pattern in accordance with the time indicated by the input variation pattern (variation time information). And the effect mode accompanying it is determined and executed.
Thereby, the effect control part 210 can perform the effect with respect to the symbol variation game according to the execution time of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol.

  Note that, when the reach effect is executed, it takes a longer time than when the reach effect is not executed. Therefore, when the reach effect is selected by the reach lottery unit 123, the variation pattern determination unit 124 selects Compared with the case where non-execution of reach production is selected, the ratio of determining a variation pattern (variation time information) indicating a long time is configured to be higher.

<Regarding the symbol variation game related to ordinary symbols>
Hereinafter, the general game control unit 130 that executes control related to the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol will be described in detail.
The general figure game control unit 130 includes a general figure holding control unit 131, a general drawing lottery unit 132, and a normal electric role control unit 133.

  When the number of reserved random numbers M3 does not reach the upper limit of reservation (for example, 4) when a game ball enters the gate 63, the general hold control unit 131 acquires the random number M3. Hold.

  When the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol is not being executed, the regular symbol lottery unit 132 reads the reserved random number M3 at a predetermined cycle, and uses the read random number M3 to release the ordinary electric accessory 61. A lottery is performed to determine whether or not to change to a state. In addition, the winning probability of the lottery performed by the normal drawing lottery unit 132 is higher in the variable state described later than in the normal gaming state.

  The lottery result by the normal symbol lottery unit 132 is transmitted to the normal symbol display control unit 153 described later. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display device 93 corresponds to winning and the other corresponds to loss, and the normal symbol display control unit 153 causes one of the LEDs to emit light according to the lottery result transmitted.

When winning the lottery by the general drawing lottery unit 132, the ordinary electric combination control unit 133 operates the solenoid coil SOL4 to open the ordinary electric accessory 61 under a predetermined opening condition. Here, the predetermined opening condition includes a time (hereinafter referred to as “opening time”) when the ordinary electric accessory 61 is opened in response to one winning by the general drawing lottery unit 132 and a number of times when the normal electric accessory 61 is opened (hereinafter referred to as the number of times of opening). And the like.
The ordinary electric combination control unit 133 controls the ordinary electric combination 61 so that the time taken for the open state increases per unit time when the variation state is given by the variation control unit 144. That is, the control of the ordinary electric power control unit 133 varies due to the provision of the variable state by the variable control unit 144 described later.

<About game state control>
Hereinafter, the gaming state control unit 140 that controls the big hit game, the probability variation state, and the variation state will be described in detail.
The gaming state control unit 140 includes a jackpot control unit 141, a probability change control unit 143, and a change control unit 144.

Here, the big hit game refers to a special game state in which the special electric accessory 65 can be operated continuously. Here, “successively operating the special electric accessory” means that the number of round games (number of rounds) described later is a plurality of times.
Here, the probability variation state refers to a gaming state in which the winning probability of the success / failure determination by the success / failure determination unit 121 is higher than the normal gaming state.
Here, the variable state means a gaming state in which at least one of the following is performed.
(I) The winning probability of the lottery by the ordinary drawing lottery unit 132 is higher than that in the normal gaming state.
(Ii) The opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 61 is extended from the normal gaming state.
(Iii) The number of times of opening the ordinary electric accessory 61 is increased from the normal gaming state.
(Iv) The fluctuation display time per time in the normal symbol display device 93 is shortened from the normal gaming state.
Note that the winning probability of the lottery performed by the normal drawing lottery unit 132 referred to in (i) may be zero or may not be zero in the normal gaming state.

The probability change control unit 143 gives a probability change state triggered by the end of the big hit game resulting from the stop display of a specific special symbol (winning symbol) on the symbol display device 90.
In addition, the provision condition of the probability variation state according to the present embodiment is one specific example, and the provision condition of the probability variation state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the probability variation state may be given when a game ball enters the specific area.

The probability variation control unit 143 starts a new jackpot game when the symbol variation game related to a predetermined number of special symbols is performed after the transition to the probability variation state or before the symbol variation game according to a predetermined number of special symbols is performed. When winning, cancel the probability change state.
Note that the probability variation state cancellation condition according to the present embodiment is one specific example, and the probability variation state cancellation condition in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the probability variation control unit 143 may cancel the probability variation state only when winning the big hit game regardless of the number of symbol variation games related to the special symbol. Alternatively, the probability variation control unit 143 may cancel the probability variation state when a lottery (falling lottery) for determining whether or not to cancel the probability variation state is won.

The change control unit 144 gives a change state with every occurrence of the big hit game executed by the big hit control unit 141 as an opportunity.
In addition, the provision condition of the variable state according to the present embodiment is a specific example, and the provision condition of the certain variable state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the change control unit 144 may give a change state with a part of the case where the big hit game executed by the jackpot control unit 141 is ended.

The variable speed control unit 144 is a new jackpot when the symbol variation game related to a predetermined number of special symbols is performed after the shift to the variable state or before the symbol variation game related to a predetermined number of special symbols is performed. When the game is won, the variable state is canceled.
Note that the changing condition cancellation condition by the changing control unit 144 may be the same condition as the probability changing condition releasing condition, or may be a different condition. According to this embodiment, the predetermined number of times related to the cancellation of the variable state may be the same number as the predetermined number of times related to the cancellation of the probability change state, or may be a different number.

The jackpot control unit 141 executes a jackpot game when the winning / non-winning determination unit 121 determines that a winning is made. Specifically, the jackpot game in the present embodiment is executed as follows.
First, when winning / not-judging unit 121 determines that a winning symbol is selected, special symbol selecting unit 122 selects a special symbol, and the selected special symbol is stopped and displayed on first special symbol display device 91 or second special symbol display device 92. After being made, the big hit control unit 141 starts the big hit game.
When the big hit game is started, the big hit control unit 141 outputs a command related to the opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game to the effect control unit 210 to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 190. The effect control unit 210 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) according to the command. In the opening effect according to the present embodiment, it is preferable to encourage the player to launch a game ball into the second flow path Y toward the big winning opening 55 by recommending the player to make a right strike.
After the opening effect, 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). Also, after a specified number of game balls have entered the opened big winning opening 55, or after a predetermined time (round gaming time) has elapsed, the big winning opening 55 is closed and the round game ends.
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 big hit control unit 141 transmits the control information including the number of rounds, the round game time, the interval time and the like to the special power control unit 142.
The special electric combination control unit 142 opens the special electric combination item 65 according to the control information received from the jackpot control unit 141.
The special electric control unit 142 monitors the number of game balls that have entered the big winning opening 55 during one round game based on the detection of the count switch SW7 while the special electric combination 65 is opened. ing. When the number of winning game balls being monitored reaches the upper limit number, the special electric role control unit 142 activates the solenoid coil SOL1 to close the special electric role item 65.

The jackpot control unit 141 outputs a command related to the effect during the round game to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 190. The effect control unit 210 executes a round effect according to the input command.
When the specified number of rounds is over, the jackpot control unit 141 outputs a command related to the ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 190. The effect control unit 210 executes an ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the input command, and the big hit control unit 141 ends the big hit game.

<About the symbol change game and effect display for each symbol>
Hereinafter, the symbol variation game and the effect display relating to each symbol will be described in detail.

The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display device 90 to display a special symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol or a normal symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game related to the normal symbol. In other words, the symbol display device 90 is a display device different from the effect display device 80, and can display a symbol variation game in which a symbol indicating whether or not a special game has been won is informed by a stop display.
Here, the special game is a game state that is advantageous to the player, and according to the present embodiment, is a game state (a big hit game) in which the special electric accessory is released in a plurality of rounds. Note that the special game may include a game state (small hit game) in which the special electric accessory is opened only for a single round.

The symbol display control unit 150 includes a first special symbol display control unit 151, a second special symbol display control unit 152, and a normal symbol display control unit 153.
The first special symbol display control unit 151 controls the special symbol variation display and the stop display in the first special symbol display device 91.
The second special symbol display control unit 152 controls the variation display and stop display of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 92.
The normal symbol display control unit 153 controls the normal symbol variation display and the stop display in the normal symbol display device 93.

The effect control unit 210 executes a notice effect. Here, the notice effect is an effect suggesting a game development after the execution, and is mainly an effect related to a symbol variation game related to a special symbol or a big hit game.
When performing the notice effect, the effect control unit 210 causes the effect display device 80 to display an effect display related to the notice effect. In particular, regarding the execution of the symbol variation game related to the special symbol, the production control unit 210 has won the special game (big hit game) by the combination of the production symbols that are confirmed and stopped after the plurality of rows of production symbol groups scroll. The effect display device 80 is notified of whether or not.
The effect control unit 210 performs an effect display by the effect display device 80 (including the symbol change game related to the effect symbol) in accordance with the change time of the special symbol by the symbol display device 90 during the execution of the symbol change game related to the special symbol. Is running. In other words, the effect control unit 210 displays a symbol variation game related to one special symbol in the symbol display device 90 and a single effect display (including a symbol variation game related to the effect symbol) in the effect display device 80. As a general rule, execute in association.
However, when the notice effect having continuity is executed over the symbol variation game related to a plurality of special symbols, or when the symbol variation game related to one special symbol is performed, a variation display of a plurality of effect symbols is displayed. In some cases, a notice effect including The former representative example is a notice effect called a continuous effect, and the latter representative example is a notice effect called a pseudo-continuous effect.

  As described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of effect symbol scroll directions, and this feature is the effect display device 80 when various effect effects are executed by the effect control unit 210. It is realized by the control for.

For example, the effect control unit 210 may change the scroll direction of the effect symbol from one scroll direction to another scroll direction in at least a part of the case where the reach effect is executed with the effect symbol scroll. In other words, the effect display device 80 is configured to be able to display the reach effect, and the type of the scroll direction may change at least partially when the reach effect is started.
Alternatively, the effect control unit 210 may change the scroll direction of the effect symbol from one scroll direction to another scroll direction in at least a part of the case where the pseudo-continuous effect is executed along with the effect symbol scroll. In other words, the effect display device 80 variably displays the effect symbol group in a variation cycle that is a period from a break that can be recognized by the player, and a plurality of variation cycles are performed for one symbol variation game. The pseudo-continuous effect is configured to be displayed, and the type of the scroll direction may change at least partially when transitioning from one fluctuation cycle to the next fluctuation cycle.
If the characteristics of the reach effect and the pseudo-continuous effect are arranged, the type of scroll direction may change in the effect display device 80 during the period in which the symbol display game 90 is displayed once. In other words.

Here, the fluctuation cycle is a period from a break to a break that can be recognized by the player in the pseudo-continuous performance. In general, “pseudo n (where n is the nth fluctuation after the pseudo-continuous performance is started). Or an ordinal number indicating a cycle) ”.
The manner in which the player recognizes the break of the fluctuation cycle is not particularly limited. For example, the change display may be recognized by displaying a number corresponding to the above n in a part of the display area of the effect display device 80. You may make it recognize by performing a specific production | presentation according to the timing when the division | segmentation of a cycle arrives.

  Further, the effect control unit 210 may change the scroll direction of the effect symbol from one scroll direction to another scroll direction across a plurality of symbol variation games in the execution period of the continuous effect. In other words, the type of scroll direction of the effect symbol group that is scrolled in the effect display device 80 is at least partially when the symbol display game 90 makes a transition from one symbol change game to the next symbol change game. It may change.

In the above description, the effect control unit 210 controls that the effect display of the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub display unit 82, left sub display unit 83, right sub display unit 84) is controlled. However, the control target of the effect control unit 210 is not limited to this. In addition, the effect control unit 210 can also control a lighting (flashing) effect by the lighting device 35 or an audio effect by the speaker 33, and a player combining these effect display, lighting effect, audio effect, and the like. Can be aroused.
Further, the effect control unit 210 can variably switch various effects according to the player's operation received by the push button 37.
Further, the effect control unit 210 can perform 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.

<About the pseudo-continuous production according to the present invention>
Next, the pseudo continuous effects according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an effect design used for the pseudo-continuous effect. 8 to 18 are diagrams showing a specific example of the display screen of the main display unit 81. FIG. 19 is a table showing modes of pseudo-continuous effects that can be executed by the gaming machine 10.

The effect symbol included in the effect symbol group used for the pseudo-ream effect according to the present invention identifies the first attribute that identifies a plurality of effect symbols included in the same effect symbol group and the effect symbol group of a different set. The second attribute is represented in a display form that can be recognized by the player.
Here, both the first attribute and the second attribute are common in that they are features that can be seen from the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device. On the other hand, the first attribute is distinguishable in that a plurality of effect symbols included in the same set of effect symbol groups can be identified, whereas the second attribute is different in that a different set of effect symbol groups can be identified. . The first attribute and the second attribute may be represented by a display mode that can be separated from each other, or may be represented by a display mode that is inseparable.
According to the present embodiment, the first attribute of the effect design corresponds to the number drawn in the effect design and the type of animal when an animal is depicted in the effect design. In addition, the second attribute of the production symbol is drawn if an animal is drawn on the production symbol, whether the production symbol mimics a card, and if the production symbol does not mimic a card. The direction of the animal is applicable.

As the effect symbol group used for the pseudo-ream effect according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, four sets of effect symbols having different second attributes are provided.
FIG. 7A is an effect design imitating a card, in which animals and numbers are drawn in the card. Hereinafter, the effect design group of this display mode is referred to as a first effect design group.
FIG. 7B is an effect design in which a sideways animal is drawn, and numbers are drawn beside the animal. Hereinafter, the effect design group of this display mode is referred to as a second effect design group.
FIG. 7C is an effect design in which a forward-facing animal is drawn, and numbers are drawn beside the animal. Hereinafter, the effect design group of this display mode is referred to as a third effect design group.
FIG.7 (d) is the effect design in which the number is drawn, Comprising: The animal currently drawn is not drawn in the other effect design groups. Hereinafter, the effect design group of this display mode is referred to as a fourth effect design group.

The first effect symbol group, the second effect symbol group, the third effect symbol group, and the fourth effect symbol group are common in that the number being drawn is the first attribute.
Further, the first effect symbol group, the second effect symbol group, and the third effect symbol group have a common correspondence between the number of the first attribute and the type of animal. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the number “7” corresponds to “lion”. Although not shown in the figure, the number “3” is “Elephant”, the number “4” is “Zebra”, the number “5” is “Hippo”, and the number “6” is “ "Tiger" corresponds to each.
Note that other effect designs not included in the above (for example, effect designs in which the number “1” and the number “2” are drawn, etc.) may be used for the pseudo-continuous effect according to the present invention.

At a certain time point included in the execution period of the pseudo-continuous effect, the number of fluctuation cycles started up to that time point is suggested by the second attribute of the effect symbol displayed at that time point. In other words, (b) from (b) to (b) is estimated between (b) the number of fluctuating cycles started up to that point and (b) the second attribute of the production symbol displayed at that point. Relevance is found to the extent possible.
More specifically, in the first variation cycle, in principle, the first effect symbol group scrolls, in the second variation cycle, in principle, the second effect symbol group scrolls, and in the third variation cycle, in principle. The third effect symbol group is scrolled, and the fourth effect symbol group is basically scrolled in the fourth variation cycle.

In addition, the scroll direction of the fluctuating cycle included in the pseudo-continuous effect can change when the number of times increases. When the number of fluctuating cycles increases, the set of effect symbol groups (second attribute) can also change, so the above features can vary in the scroll direction depending on the set of effect symbol groups being scrolled. In other words.
More specifically, the first variable cycle is in principle the downward scroll direction, the second variable cycle is in principle the left scroll direction, and the third variable cycle is in principle the forward scroll direction. The fourth variable cycle is in principle a downward scroll direction.

An execution example of the pseudo continuous effect of the present invention will be described below.
First, in the first variation cycle in the symbol variation game in which the pseudo-continuous effect is performed, the first effect symbol group that is also used when executing the symbol variation game in which the pseudo-series effect is not performed is scrolled downward (see FIG. 8). ), Temporarily stop in the order of left column → right column → center column (see FIG. 9).
Here, the temporary stop is a display mode indicating that the temporary stop has occurred, and means a state that can be changed again in the same symbol change game. Note that the temporary stop mode in the present embodiment is that the progress in the scroll direction is stopped for the effect symbol, and the swing in the direction different from the scroll direction and the display change of the effect symbol (for example, drawn in the effect symbol) This is a display mode in which an animal is moving).
As described above, since the content displayed on the main display unit 81 in the first variation cycle is the same as the variation display of the normal production symbol, it is difficult for the player to notice the execution of the pseudo-continuous production.

As shown in FIG. 9, with the effect that the animal drawn in the card in the effect symbol of the first effect symbol group temporarily suspended as shown in FIG. 9 jumps out of the card, the effect symbol that is temporarily stopped is the effect symbol of the second effect symbol group. It changes into a production | presentation symbol and the scroll to the left direction is started (refer FIG. 10). In order to enhance the visual effect of the effect that the animal drawn in the card jumps out of the card and to realistically express the change in the direction of the animal, the effect design of the first effect design group is flat. The image may be an image, and the effect symbol of the second effect symbol group may be a three-dimensional image. Here, the three-dimensional image is an image drawn using a three-dimensional computer graphics technique, and is an image that is viewed three-dimensionally even though it is drawn on a plane.
The player can recognize the start of the second variable cycle at the start of the scroll shown in FIG. Alternatively, the player can recognize the start of the second variation cycle by visually recognizing that the display 85 in the upper right portion of the main display portion 81 is “× 2” at the start.
In addition, the arrow shown to the left of each effect symbol in FIG. 10 indicates that the scroll direction of each effect symbol is leftward, and is not an effect image displayed on the main display unit 81.

In the second variation cycle in the symbol variation game in which the pseudo-continuous effect is performed, the second effect symbol group scrolls leftward (see FIG. 11), and temporarily stops in the order of the upper stage → the lower stage → the middle stage (see FIG. 12).
As shown in FIG. 12, the temporarily drawn effect symbol changes to the effect symbol of the third effect symbol group together with the effect that the animal drawn to the left in the effect symbol of the second effect symbol group temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. Then, forward scrolling is started (see FIG. 13). Note that the effect symbol of the third effect symbol group is preferably a three-dimensional image, like the effect symbol of the second effect symbol group. This is because it is possible to realistically express how the direction of the animal changes from the left to the front, and the production effect can be enhanced.
The player can recognize the start of the third variable cycle at the start of the scroll shown in FIG. Alternatively, the player can recognize the start of the third variation cycle by visually recognizing that the display 85 in the upper right part of the main display unit 81 is “× 3” at the start.
In addition, the arrow shown in the position where each effect symbol overlaps in FIG. 13 indicates that the scroll direction of each effect symbol is forward, and is not an effect image displayed on the main display unit 81.

In the third variation cycle in the symbol variation game in which the pseudo-continuous effect is performed, the third effect symbol group scrolls forward (see FIG. 14) and temporarily stops in the order of upper left → lower right → central portion (FIG. 15). reference).
As shown in FIG. 15, instead of the effect symbol of the third effect symbol group temporarily stopped, an image indicating “full rotation” is displayed (cut-in) (see FIG. 14) and the fourth effect symbol. Scrolling with the group effect symbols is performed downward at a scroll speed lower than the normal scroll speed in a state where effect symbols having the same first attribute (equal numbers) are arranged in a horizontal row (see FIG. 15). The player can recognize the start of the third variable cycle at the start of the scroll. Alternatively, the player recognizes that the display of the image indicating “Full rotation” and the display 85 in the upper right part of the main display unit 81 is “× 4” and recognizes the start of the fourth variable cycle. Yes.
In FIG. 17, an arrow shown below each effect symbol indicates that the scroll direction of each effect symbol is downward, and is not an effect image displayed on the main display unit 81.

  The effect display performed as the fourth fluctuation cycle is an effect also called a full rotation effect, which informs the winning of the big hit game before the special symbol stop display and wins what kind of jackpot game. (For example, whether or not the game is a big hit game with certainty), the content attracts the player's interest.

  As a result of the pseudo-continuous effects as described above, the effect symbols representing the number “7” in the fourth effect symbol group are fixedly stopped in a state where they are arranged in a horizontal row (see FIG. 18). Here, the fixed stop means a display mode of effect symbols that does not allow re-variation in the same symbol variation game.

Note that the above-described pseudo-continuous production mode is merely a specific example, and there are other pseudo-continuous production modes that can be executed by the gaming machine 10. FIG. 19 shows another example of the pseudo continuous effect mode.
On the vertical axis of the table shown in FIG. 19, Pattern 1 to Pattern 8 are assigned as names for convenience in order to distinguish each effect mode.
The horizontal axis of the table shown in FIG. 19 indicates which set of effect symbols is used for the number of fluctuation cycles in the corresponding effect mode. Moreover, the development place when the pseudo | simulation continuous production is performed by the applicable production aspect is shown. Here, the development destination refers to the contents of an effect performed at the end of the last fluctuation cycle in the corresponding pseudo-continuous effect effect mode.

The above pseudo-continuous effect including the four fluctuation cycles shown in FIGS. 8 to 18 corresponds to the pseudo-continuous effect of pattern 8 in FIG.
In addition, in the pattern 2 pseudo-continuous production, the first production symbol group is used in the first fluctuation cycle, the second production symbol group is used in the second fluctuation cycle, and the reach production is developed in the second fluctuation cycle. It is a thing of the mode to do.
In the pseudo-continuous effect of pattern 4, the first effect symbol group is used in the first variation cycle, the second effect symbol group is used in the second variation cycle, and the third effect symbol in the third variation cycle. A group is used, which develops reach production in the third fluctuation cycle.
The pseudo-continuous effects of these patterns 2, 4 and 8 can be said to be orthodox in conformity with the above principle that the number of fluctuation cycles and the set of effect symbols (second attribute) are associated with each other. .

The expectation of winning the jackpot game via pattern 2, pattern 4, and pattern 8 has a relationship of pattern 2 <pattern 4 <pattern 8 and is related to the number of fluctuation cycles in the pseudo-continuous performance. It can be said that the expectation of winning is increased.
The pseudo-ream effect of pattern 8 is an effect that is executed only when the jackpot game is won as already described, and the winning expectation degree of the jackpot game is 100%.

In the pattern 1 pseudo-continuous production, the first production design group is used in the first variation cycle, the first production design group is also used in the second variation cycle, and does not develop into a reach production in the second variation cycle. This is a so-called “gase effect” in which a fixed stop is made at a break (for example, a combination of effect symbols shown in FIG. 9).
The pseudo-continuous production of pattern 1 is an exceptional aspect because the correspondence between the number of fluctuation cycles and the set of production symbols (second attribute) is broken.
In addition, the winning expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo-running effect of the pattern 1 is 0%, which is smaller than the winning expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo-running effect of the pattern 2 including the same number of fluctuation cycles.

For the pattern 3 pseudo-continuous effect, the first effect symbol group is used in the first variation cycle, the second effect symbol group is used in the second variation cycle, and the second effect symbol group is also used in the third variation cycle. Is used, and the third fluctuation cycle develops into reach production.
The pseudo-continuous production of pattern 3 is also an exceptional aspect because the correspondence between the number of fluctuation cycles and the production symbol group set (second attribute) is broken.
Note that the winning expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo-continuous effect of the pattern 3 is smaller than the expected expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo continuous effect of the pattern 4 including the same number of fluctuation cycles.

The pseudo-continuous effect of pattern 5 is a mode in which the second effect symbol group is used in both the first fluctuation cycle and the second fluctuation cycle, and develops into a reach effect in the second fluctuation cycle.
In the pattern 6 pseudo-continuous production, the second production symbol group is used in the first fluctuation cycle, the third production symbol group is used in the second fluctuation cycle, and the second fluctuation cycle develops into a fierce heat reach production. It is a thing of the mode to do.
The pattern 7 pseudo-continuous production uses the third production symbol group in the first variation cycle, the second variation cycle, and the third variation cycle, and develops into an intense reach production in the third variation cycle. It is a thing of the mode to do.
Here, the fierce heat reach effect is a reach effect that has a higher winning expectation level of the big hit game than the above reach effect.

The pseudo-continuous productions of the pattern 5, the pattern 6, and the pattern 7 are exceptional because the correspondence between the number of fluctuation cycles and the set of production symbols (second attribute) is broken.
However, the pseudo-continuous effects of pattern 5, pattern 6, and pattern 7 are associated with the total number of variable cycles in the pseudo-continuous effects, with the set of effect symbols (second attribute) used in the first variable cycle. They are common in that they have regularity.
Since it has such a feature, when the simulated continuous effects of pattern 5, pattern 6, and pattern 7 are executed, the player must predict the total number of variable cycles in the first variable cycle. Can do.

In the present embodiment, the example has been described in which the set of effect symbols used in the first variation cycle corresponds to the total number of variation cycles in the pseudo-continuous effect, but before the last variation cycle. If the set of effect symbols used in the above is a pseudo-continuous effect in a form corresponding to the total number of variable cycles in the pseudo-continuous effect, the same effect as described above can be obtained. In other words, if the second attribute of the production symbol used for at least one of the fluctuation cycles before the last fluctuation cycle in the pseudo-continuous production indicates the total number of fluctuation cycles included in the pseudo-continuous production. Good.
Here, “at least one of the fluctuation cycles before the last fluctuation cycle in the pseudo-continuous presentation” means, for example, that the first or second fluctuation cycle is the third or second in the pseudo-continuous presentation. One of the variable cycles. Alternatively, for example, when the last fluctuation cycle in the pseudo-continuous performance is the second time, it is the first fluctuation cycle.
In addition, here, “the total number of fluctuation cycles performed in the pseudo-continuous effect” means the change that starts between the start of the symbol change display and the final stop in the symbol variable game in which the pseudo-continuous effect is performed. The number of cycles.

The winning expectation degree of the jackpot game in the pseudo-continuous effects of the pattern 5 and the pattern 6 is larger than the winning expectation degree of the jackpot game in the pseudo-continuous effects of the pattern 2 including the same number of fluctuation cycles.
Further, the winning expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo-continuous effect of the pattern 7 is larger than the expected expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo continuous effect of the pattern 4 including the same number of fluctuation cycles.
In other words, the pseudo-continuous performance of the aspect having the regularity as described above is larger than the winning expectation degree of the big hit game as compared with the pseudo-continuous performance including the same number of fluctuation cycles.

In addition, the winning expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo-continuous effect of the pattern 6 is similarly larger than the expected expectation degree of the big hit game in the pseudo continuous effect of the pattern 5 using the second effect symbol group in the first variation cycle.
In addition, the winning expectation degree of the jackpot game in the pseudo-continuous production of the pattern 7 is larger than the winning expectation degree of the jackpot game in the pseudo-continuous production of the pattern 6 that also develops to intense heat reach.

Since the winning expectation degree of the jackpot game in each pseudo-continuous effect varies depending on the pattern as described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment changes the winning expectation degree of the jackpot game according to the scroll direction of the effect symbol. In other words, it is configured as described above.
Therefore, it is preferable that a specific notice effect that is executed only when the effect symbol is scrolled in a specific scroll direction is executed. In other words, the effect control unit 210 desirably executes a specific notice effect in a part of the case where the effect symbol group scrolls in a specific scroll direction among a plurality of scroll directions, and excludes the specific scroll direction. When the effect symbol group scrolls in another scroll direction, it is desirable not to execute a specific notice effect. This is because there is an effect of further enhancing the production performance that focuses on the scroll direction of the production symbol.
For example, the effect shown in FIG. 10 where the effect symbol of the first effect symbol group that is temporarily stopped changes to the effect symbol of the second effect symbol group, and the effect of starting scrolling to the left is scrolling leftward. It corresponds to a specific notice effect executed only during Alternatively, the effect shown in FIG. 13 in which the effect symbol of the second effect symbol group temporarily stopped is changed to the effect symbol of the third effect symbol group, and the effect of starting the forward scrolling is scrolled forward. It corresponds to a specific notice effect executed only during

In addition, since the winning expectation degree of the big hit game in each pseudo-continuous production is different for each pattern as described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a special game (big hit game) as a result of scrolling the production symbol group. In other words, the degree of expectation that the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the winning is determined and stopped varies depending on the set of effect symbols that are scrolled.
Here, the “expected degree that the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the winning of the special game is fixed and stopped” is equal to the expected degree of winning the special game as a result of the symbol variable game related to the special symbol parallel to the scroll.

  As described above, the game machine 10 according to the present embodiment can strongly stimulate the player's interests as compared with the conventional game machine because it is configured to be able to execute various types of pseudo-continuous effects.

<About various processing procedures>
Next, processing procedures of the various processes described above will be described with reference to FIG. 20 or FIG. In addition, since the description may be made by touching each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 described above, please refer to these drawings as appropriate.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the start-entry ball entry processing. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the symbol variation start process.
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.
Each process illustrated in FIG. 20 or FIG. 21 is a main process necessary for describing the present invention, and does not indicate all processes executed by the gaming machine 10.

First, the process at the time of entering the starting opening will be described. Here, the “starting-port entering process” is a series of processing executed after a game ball enters the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59.
Until the ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW1 or the count switch SW2 (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 57 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), if the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 111 reaches the upper limit (in step S104). YES), the process after step S106 is on standby without being performed.

  When a ball entering the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102) and the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 111 has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S104). The number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 111 is added (step S106). Further, the special figure hold control unit 111 acquires the random number M1 or the random number M2 and holds it in a dedicated storage area (step S108).

When the prior determination unit 112 makes a prior determination (YES in step S110), the prior determination unit 112 determines whether or not the random number M1 or the random number M2 that is stored and stored in step S108 is determined to be winning by the determination unit 121. Determination is made (step S112).
When the prior determination unit 112 does not perform prior determination (NO in step S110), the process proceeds to step S114 without performing the process in step S112.

  A command including a series of processing results from step S102 to step S112 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 190 to the sub-control board 200 (step S114), and the start-entry ball entry processing is completed.

Next, the process procedure of the symbol variation start process will be described. Here, the “symbol change start process” is a series of processes performed when starting a symbol change game related to a special symbol.
First, the special figure game control unit 120 determines whether or not a variation start condition is satisfied (step S202). Here, the “variation start condition” means (i) that the symbol variation game related to the special symbol is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, and (ii) that the big hit game is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202. (Iii) There are one or more reserved memories at the time of the determination in step S202.
When the determination in step S202 is negative (NO in step S202), the process after step S204 is not executed, and the symbol variation start process ends.

When the determination in step S202 is affirmative (YES in step S202), the success / failure determination unit 121 reads the random number M1 or random number M2 held in the special figure hold control unit 111 (step S204).
In step S <b> 204, the success / failure determination unit 121 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 111, 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-described determination of success / failure by the determination unit 121 and the selection of a special symbol by the special figure selection unit 122. 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.

Then, the special figure hold control unit 111 specifies the number of random numbers M1 or M2 that are held at that time (step S208). Thereby, the number of remaining random numbers excluding the random number read in the symbol variation game executed in this processing procedure is specified as the reserved number.
The variation pattern determination unit 124 determines a variation pattern using the processing result in step S206 and the number of holds specified in step S208 (step S210).

  A command including a series of processing results from step S202 to step S210 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 190 to the sub-control board 200 (step S212), and the symbol variation start process ends. The command includes various information for enabling the sub-control board 200 to determine whether or not the symbol variation game is executed, the gaming state, etc., for example, information indicating a variation pattern, the number of holds, the presence or absence of a probability variation state, a variation state This includes the presence or absence of.

<Modification of the present invention>
Although the present invention has been described so far in accordance with the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and as long as the object of the present invention is achieved. Various modifications, improvements, etc. are also included.

In the above embodiment, the pseudo-continuous effect using four sets of effect symbol groups has been described. However, in the execution of the pseudo-continuous effect according to the present invention, there may be a plurality of effect symbol group sets. There may be less or more.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pseudo continuous effect having the upper limit of four fluctuation cycles has been described, but the upper limit of the number of variable cycles is not particularly limited in the execution of the pseudo continuous effect according to the present invention, and four times. It may be less or more.

  In the above-described embodiment, the scroll directions of the four sets of effect symbol groups are uniquely determined (first effect symbol group: downward, second effect symbol group: leftward, third effect symbol group: forward facing Although the fourth effect design group: downward) has been described, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a mode in which one set of effect symbols is scrolled in a plurality of scroll directions may be employed.

  Although the embodiment has been described in which the number of sets of the effect symbol group used for the pseudo-continuous effect according to the present invention (four ways) and the upper limit number of fluctuation cycles (four times) are the same, they may be different numbers.

Although the embodiment in which the effect symbol group is displayed only on the main display unit 81 in the execution period of the pseudo continuous effect according to the present invention has been described, the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, in at least a part of the execution period of the pseudo-continuous production according to the present invention, the production control unit 210 excludes the main display unit 81 such as the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, or the right sub display unit 84. The effect symbol group may be displayed on the display device.

Although the eight modes shown in FIG. 19 have been described with respect to the pseudo continuous effect mode according to the present invention, the number of modes may be smaller or larger.
Moreover, although the magnitude relationship of the expectation level of the jackpot game related to the pseudo-continuous effects of each aspect has been described, the magnitude relationship is one specific example, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) An effect display group having a plurality of effect symbols as a set includes an effect display device for scrolling, a plurality of the effect symbol groups are provided, and a scroll direction in which the effect symbol group is scrolled is set. A gaming machine in which a plurality of scrolling directions may be varied depending on a set of the effect symbols being scrolled.
(2) The effect symbol included in the effect symbol group includes a first attribute that identifies a plurality of effect symbols included in the effect symbol group of the same set, and a second attribute that identifies the effect symbol group of a different set. The gaming machine according to (1), which is represented in a display form recognizable to a player.
(3) Providing effect control means for executing a notice effect, wherein the effect control means executes a specific notice effect in a part when a specific scroll direction is executed among the plurality of types of scroll directions, The gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the specific notice effect is not executed when a scroll direction other than the specific scroll direction is executed.
(4) The effect display device notifies whether or not a special game advantageous to a player has been won by a combination of effect symbols that are confirmed and stopped after scrolling the effect symbol groups in a plurality of rows, and the effect symbol group As a result of scrolling, the degree of expectation that the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the winning of the special game is determined and stopped depends on the set of effect symbols group that has been scrolled, to any one of (1) to (3) The gaming machine described.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game machine 15 Outer frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decoration body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame part 33 Speakers 34, 36 Left right frame part 35 Illumination device 37 Push button 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d Cursor button 38e Ball lending button 38f Return button 39 Ball removal mechanism 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Grand prize opening 57 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Normal electric accessory 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 67 Normal winning opening 69 Out port 80 Production display device 81 Main display portion 82 Upper sub display portion 83 Left sub display portion 84 Right sub display portion 85 Display 90 Symbol display device 91 Special Symbol display unit 91 First special symbol display device 92 Second special symbol display device 93 Normal symbol display device 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
110 Start-up entrance processing unit 111 Special figure hold control unit 112 Preliminary determination unit 120 Special figure game control unit 121 Match determination unit 122 Special figure selection unit 123 Reach lottery unit 124 Fluctuation pattern determination unit 130 General-purpose game control unit 131 Figure hold control part 132 General drawing lottery part 133 Normal electric role control part 140 Game state control part 141 Big hit control part 142 Special electric role control part 143 Probability change control part 144 Change control part 150 Symbol display control part 151 First special symbol display Control unit 152 Second special symbol display control unit 153 Normal symbol display control unit 190 Information transmission unit 200 Sub control board 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
210 Production control units SOL1, SOL4 Solenoid coils SW1, SW2, SW51, SW52, SW7 Count switch X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims (4)

An effect display device in which an effect symbol group having a plurality of effect symbols as a set is scrolled,
A plurality of sets of the effect symbol groups are provided, and a plurality of scroll directions in which the effect symbol groups are scrolled are provided,
A gaming machine in which the scroll direction may be different depending on the set of the effect symbols being scrolled.   The effect symbol included in the effect symbol group includes a first attribute that identifies a plurality of effect symbols included in the effect symbol group of the same set, and a second attribute that identifies the effect symbol group of a different set. The gaming machine according to claim 1, represented in a display form recognizable to a person. Providing production control means for executing the notice production,
The production control means includes
In some cases where a specific scroll direction is executed among the plurality of types of scroll directions, a specific notice effect is executed,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific notice effect is not executed when a scroll direction other than the specific scroll direction is executed. The effect display device informs whether a special game advantageous to the player is won or not by a combination of effect symbols that are confirmed and stopped after scrolling the effect symbol group in a plurality of rows,
The expectation that the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the winning of the special game as a result of scrolling the effect symbol group varies depending on the set of the scrolled effect symbol groups. The gaming machine according to the item.

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