JP2019037587A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can effectively suggest that a remaining number of times of being controlled to one state has become less than a predetermined number of times.SOLUTION: Regardless of a remaining number of times of being controlled to a first specific state, a unit game number image is displayed in a left upper area of a liquid crystal display as a character image of a number according to the remaining number of times. In addition, when the remaining number of times of being controlled to the first specific state becomes less than a predetermined number of times, a control is executed in which a specific image is displayed on the liquid crystal display and the remaining number of times of the first specific state is suggested. A mode of the unit game number image is changed depending on when the remaining number of times is less than a predetermined number of times and the specific display is carried out, or when the remaining number of times is equal to or more than the predetermined number of times and the specific display is not carried out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, a predetermined number of bets are set, and a slot machine in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed based on a start operation, and a gaming medium such as a gaming ball is played by a launching device. And a pachinko gaming machine in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed when a game medium is won in a starting area such as a prize opening provided in the gaming area.

  Some slot machines, which are this type of gaming machine, can be controlled to a state called assist time (AT), and there are those that perform a countdown effect at the timing when the number of remaining games controlled by the AT becomes three games. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-000182 A

  However, in a conventionally known gaming machine, there is room for improvement in a method that suggests that the remaining number of times controlled to one state is less than a predetermined number.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can effectively suggest that the remaining number of times controlled to one state is less than a predetermined number. is there.

(1) A gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, gaming machine 1),
State control means (for example, main control unit 41) for controlling to a specific state;
Display means (for example, a liquid crystal display 51) for displaying information on the specific state;
The display means includes
The number of unit games that can specify the remaining number of unit games until the control to the specific state is completed is displayed (for example, a unit game number image 510 is displayed as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2F). )
When the remaining number is less than the predetermined number, a specific display corresponding to the remaining number is performed (for example, as shown in FIGS. 2C to 2D, the remaining number is less than the predetermined number). Specific display to display the specific image 520)
The unit game number display is performed differently when the remaining number is less than the predetermined number and when the remaining number is equal to or more than the predetermined number (for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the remaining number is smaller than the predetermined number). The mode of the unit game number image 510 is changed between when the specific display is performed and when the remaining number is equal to or more than the predetermined number and the specific display is not performed).

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1) above,
The display means displays the number of unit games in a manner similar to the specific display mode when the remaining number is less than the predetermined number (for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the remaining number is a predetermined number). When the specific display is reduced and the unit game number image 510 has the same font and pattern as the specific image 520).

(3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above,
A specific effect executing means for performing a specific effect (for example, the specific effects shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E),
In the unit game in which the specific effect is performed, the display means does not perform the unit game number display and the specific display (for example, when executing the specific effect as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E). (The unit game number image 410 and the specific image 520 are not displayed).

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
Game control means for controlling the game (for example, main control unit 41);
Production control means (for example, sub-control unit 91) for controlling the production,
The game control means manages the number of unit games and transmits number information (for example, a remaining number command) indicating the number of unit games in the specific state to the effect control means,
The effect control unit causes the display unit to perform the specific display based on the number-of-times information (for example, the sub-control unit 91 specifies the specific image 520 displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 based on the remaining number-of-times command. Display).

(5) In the gaming machine described in (4) above,
The production control means determines that the number of unit games in the specific state is abnormal based on the number information (when determined as YES in Step 110 of FIG. 8), and based on the number information. When it is determined that the remaining number of times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (when NO is determined in step 114 of FIG. 8), the same control is performed on the display unit (the process of step 118 is performed).

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The display means starts a specific display at a predetermined opportunity (for example, establishment of a unit game start condition) and then triggers an advance (for example, the player with respect to the gaming machine 1) related to the progress of the game following the predetermined opportunity. When a power interruption occurs until the operation is performed, and when the power is restored from the power interruption, the specific display is performed from the beginning.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
Sound output means for outputting a specific sound (for example, speakers 53 and 54),
The period in which the specific display is performed is included in the output period of the specific sound (for example, the period of FIGS. 4C to 4G in which the specific display is performed as described with the US mark in FIG. 4). (A specific sound is output during).

It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of whole structure of a gaming machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the production | presentation in a 1st specific state. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of an effect in the case of performing a specific effect during a countdown effect. It is a figure for demonstrating a countdown effect. It is a figure for demonstrating normal unit number display. It is a figure for demonstrating the production in the 2nd specific state. It is a figure showing the execution probability of suggestion production. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the 1st specific process which a sub-control part performs. It is a figure which shows the modification of a countdown effect.

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. In the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a gaming machine. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a main external configuration of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a main internal configuration of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal display 51 and a speaker as effect means for executing the effect. The liquid crystal display 51 functions as display means for displaying an image. The speakers 53 and 54 function as sound output means for outputting sound. In addition, the production | presentation means shown to Fig.1 (a) is an example, Comprising: The game machine 1 may be provided with the other production | presentation means. For example, a plurality of display means may be provided, and lighting means such as a lamp may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (b), inside the gaming machine 1, a game control board 40 that controls the progress of the game and outputs various commands according to the progress of the game, and a predetermined effect according to the command. An effect control board 90 to be controlled is provided. The game control board 40 includes a main control unit 41 that performs processing related to the progress of the game and controls the configuration mounted on or connected to the game control board 40. The effect control board 90 includes a sub-control unit 91 that receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40 and performs an effect, and controls a configuration mounted on or connected to the effect control board 90.

  A player can start a game in the gaming machine 1 by betting a game value. The gaming machine 1 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable. After the variable display unit is variably displayed, the display result is displayed by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. It may be a slot machine that can be derived and can be awarded according to the display result. Also, it can play a game by launching a game medium that is a game value used for playing a game and driving it into the game area. It may be a pachinko gaming machine that can perform.

[Game state]
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is controlled to any one of a plurality of types of gaming states. The game state includes a specific state managed by the number of unit games. Here, the number of unit games is managed by the main control unit 41. A unit game is a section in which a start and an end are defined. For example, the fact that the variable display is performed once may be defined as one unit game, and the fact that the variable display is performed a plurality of times may be defined as one unit game. Also, in a pachinko gaming machine, it may be defined as one unit game that a winning opening through which a game medium can pass is opened and closed once, and it is defined as one unit game that is opened and closed a predetermined number of times. Also good.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls to any one of a plurality of types of gaming states. The main control unit 41 determines the number of executions of the unit game as the period for controlling to the specific state, and based on the fact that the number of executions of the unit game after starting the control to the specific state has reached the determined number of executions Then, the control to the specific state is finished.

  The main control unit 41 updates the remaining number of unit games (hereinafter, also referred to as “remaining number of times”) controlled to a specific state in response to a start operation that triggers the start of a unit game. After updating the remaining number of times, the main control unit 41 transmits a command indicating the remaining number of times (hereinafter also referred to as “remaining number of times command”) to the sub-control unit 91. The sub-control unit 91 executes an effect corresponding to the remaining number of times based on the received remaining number command. That is, the main control unit 41 transmits a remaining number command to the sub control unit 91 every time the remaining number is updated.

[Specific state]
In the present embodiment, the specific state is an advantageous state over a normal state with a high stay rate. The normal state is a state in which an increase in gaming value cannot be expected as a design value of the gaming machine 1. The advantageous state may be any state that is more advantageous than the normal state, for example, a state where it is easier to acquire gaming value than the normal state, a state where the gaming value is less likely to decrease than the normal state, However, there is an advantageous state in which it is easy to shift to an advantageous state in which it is easy to obtain gaming value. In this embodiment, the specific state is an advantageous state over the normal state. However, the specific state may be a state managed by the number of unit games, and the degree of advantage may be the same as the normal state. It may also be disadvantageous.

  In the present embodiment, the specific state includes a first specific state and a second specific state. The first specific state is an advantageous state in that it is easier to acquire game value than the normal state. The second specific state is a state where it is easier to shift to an advantageous state including the first specific state than the normal state. The first specific state and the second specific state may be different from each other in the content of the effect executed by the sub-control unit 91, and the degree of advantage for the player may be the same or different. .

  In the present embodiment, both the first specific state and the second specific state are managed by the number of variable displays. In other words, both the first specific state and the second specific state are managed by the same type of unit game. The first specific state and the second specific state may be managed by different types of unit games. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, the first specific state may be managed by the number of opening / closing of the winning opening, and the second specific state may be managed by the number of variable displays.

  The main control unit 41 transmits a command (hereinafter also referred to as “specific state command”) that can specify the type of the specific state to the sub-control unit 91. The sub control unit 91 executes an effect according to the specific state command and the remaining number of times command. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 manages the types of specific states, but the sub control unit 91 may manage them.

[Direction in a specific state]
The sub control unit 91 performs an effect using the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54 based on the specific state command and the remaining number command transmitted from the main control unit 41.

  The sub-control unit 91 executes a normal effect that suggests that the sub-control unit 91 is controlled to a specific state. Further, the sub-control unit 91 performs specific control that suggests the remaining number of times of the specific state when the remaining number of times to be controlled to the specific state is less than the predetermined number.

  The sub-control unit 91 performs the first specific control when being controlled to the first specific state, and performs the second specific control different from the first specific control when being controlled to the second specific state.

  The predetermined number of times may be a predetermined value, and may be a different value between the first specific state and the second specific state. For example, when the sub-control unit 91 is controlled to the first specific state, the sub-control unit 91 performs the first specific control when the remaining number of times is equal to or less than the first number, and is controlled to the second specific state. The second specific control may be performed when the remaining number of times becomes equal to or less than the second number.

  After performing the specific control, the sub-control unit 91 may execute a continuation effect informing whether or not to continue the control to the specific state. Further, the sub-control unit 91 may execute a specific effect that is executed during the specific state regardless of the remaining number of times controlled in the specific state. The specific effects include, for example, suggested effects that suggest game results. The game result includes a transition to another state, an extended period of time controlled to a specific state, a specific display result among the display results displayed with the variable display stopped, etc. Including.

[Direction during the first specific state]
With reference to FIG. 2, the effect which the sub control part 91 performs during the 1st specific state is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of effects during the first specific state. The (A) line of FIG. 2 shows the remaining number of times controlled to the first specific state. The (B) line of FIG. 2 shows the display mode of the liquid crystal display 51 at a specific timing after the unit game is started. The (C) line of FIG. 2 shows the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54.

  When the control to the first specific state is started, the sub-control unit 91 displays a background image indicating that the control is in the first specific state (the stars, the moon, and the mountains in FIGS. 2A to 2F). The first normal effect of displaying the background image) on the liquid crystal display 51 is executed. Further, the sub-control unit 91 can execute a continuation effect (effects shown in FIGS. 2G to 2I) for notifying whether or not the control to the first specific state is continued. The sub-control unit 91 outputs the music A during the normal production as the BGM from the speakers 53 and 54, and outputs the music B during the continuous production. In FIG. 2, the example of an effect in the case of performing a continuous effect is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, during the first normal performance, the sub-control unit 91 sets a number corresponding to the remaining number in the upper left in the figure of the liquid crystal display 51 regardless of the remaining number. A normal unit game number display for displaying a unit game number image 510 as a character image is performed.

  The number corresponding to the “remaining number of times” displayed as the unit game number image 510 by the sub-control unit 91 is the value that has been executed from the value that the player recognizes as the number of unit games controlled to the first specific state. The value may be a value obtained by subtracting the number of unit games and not coincident with the remaining number of times managed by the main control unit 41. For example, when the sub-control unit 91 notifies the number of unit games controlled to the first specific state, the unit game number image 510 that can specify the value obtained by subtracting the number of unit games that has been executed from the notified number of unit games. It may be displayed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2C to 2F, the sub-control unit 91 performs the first specific control when the remaining number of times to be controlled to the first specific state is less than the predetermined number of times. A countdown effect that suggests the remaining number of times in a specific state is executed.

  Here, the “remaining number of times controlled to the first specific state”, which is a target for determining whether or not the sub-control unit 91 is less than the “predetermined number”, is “remaining number of times” displayed as the unit game number image 510. And the remaining number of times managed by the main control unit 41 may not be used.

  In the countdown effect, the sub-control unit 91 performs the number-related display as a display related to the “remaining number of times” displayed as the unit game number image 510. The number-related display includes a specific display for displaying on the liquid crystal display 51 an image corresponding to the “remaining number of times” displayed as the unit game number image 510 (hereinafter also referred to as “specific image 520”) and a special display related to the specific display. Including. The “special display related to the specific display” is a display that may accompany the specific display. For example, a display that is made to make the specific display stand out, or that the specific display is started. Includes indications to suggest.

  In addition, the sub-control unit 91 performs normal unit game number display while performing specific display. Specifically, as shown in (c) to (f) of FIG. 2 (B), the sub-control unit 91 displays the specific image 520 and the unit game number image 510 in such a manner that the player can recognize each of them. This is displayed on the display 51. The “image according to the remaining number of times” may be an image in which a number cannot be specified directly. For example, it may be a character image explaining the situation, such as “coming soon”.

  As shown in (c) to (f) of FIG. 2B, in the countdown effect, the sub control unit 91 outputs a specific sound from the speakers 53 and 54 when performing a specific display. The specific sound is, for example, a sound corresponding to a number corresponding to the remaining number of times, and is a sound that can specify a number such as “3” or a sound that can specify information corresponding to a number such as “last”. The specific sound need not be a sound corresponding to the number corresponding to the remaining number of times, and may be a specific sound that is output during the countdown effect.

  When outputting the specific sound, the sub control unit 91 outputs the sound such that the volume of the specific sound is higher than that of the BGM. For example, the sub-control unit 91 may increase the volume of the specific sound that is output without changing the volume of the BGM, or may decrease the volume of the BGM while the specific sound is being output.

  As shown in FIGS. 2G to 2I, the sub-control unit 91 performs a continuation effect for notifying whether or not the control to the first specific state is continued after the countdown effect. In FIG. 2, control to a specific state shall not be continued. The sub-control unit 91 executes a battle effect as a continuation effect, informs that it is not continued when it is defeated, and informs that it is continued when the battle is won. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (i), the sub-control unit 91 outputs a LOSE sound from the speakers 53 and 54 at a timing for notifying that the battle has been lost.

  In addition, in FIG. 2, although the example of the effect when not continuing was shown, the case where it continues is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 2 shows an example in which the specific effect is not executed during the countdown effect, but the specific effect may be executed during the countdown effect, and the specific effect may be executed during the countdown effect with reference to FIG. The case of executing is described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the effect when the specific effect is executed during the countdown effect. 3A to 3C and FIG. 3F are the same as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, at the timing when the remaining number of times to be controlled to the first specific state becomes five, a condition for extending the period to be controlled to the first specific state is satisfied, and the first specific state is controlled. However, it is assumed that, at the timing of the addition, it was suggested that the addition was performed by executing a specific effect without notifying the addition.

  The sub-control unit 91 can execute the specific effect during the first normal effect. As shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 3B, the sub-control unit 91 does not perform the specific display and the normal unit game number display when executing the specific effect. In addition, the sub-control unit 91 switches the BGM output from the speakers 53 and 54 to the song C during the specific effect as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. At this time, the sub-control unit 91 does not output the specific sound that is output when the countdown effect is executed. The sub-control unit 91 does not need to switch the BGM from the song A to the song C during the specific performance, and does not output the specific sound even when the song is not switched.

  After execution of the specific effect, the sub control unit 91 resumes the countdown effect. Since the number of unit games is consumed even during the specific performance, a specific image 520 “LAST GAME” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as shown in (f) of FIG. A unit game number image 510 is displayed.

  Thereafter, as shown in (g) to (i) of FIG. 3 (B), the sub-control unit 91 executes the continuation effect and notifies that the control is continued in the first specific state. As shown to (i) of FIG. 3 (B), the sub-control part 91 alert | reports continuing with having won the battle. At this time, a “WIN sound” different from the LOSE sound is output. When the control to the specific state is continued, after the winning effect is performed, the first normal effect is executed together with the start of the unit game as shown in FIG.

[Countdown production]
The countdown effect will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the countdown effect.

  After the unit game is completed (FIG. 4A), when the start condition for the next unit game is satisfied, the sub-control unit 91 updates the numerical value of the unit game number image 510 as shown in FIG. 4B. And darken the background. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4C to 4F, the sub control unit 91 enlarges and displays the specific image 520 in the central region 523 of the liquid crystal display 51. After the display of the specific image 520 is maximized, the sub control unit 91 increases the transparency of the specific image 520 as shown in FIG. 4G, and the specific image 520 as shown in FIG. The display of 520 is turned off.

  4B to 4E, the sub control unit 91 displays a special image 521 having a higher brightness than other images on the liquid crystal display 51 as a special display related to the specific display. The sub-control unit 91 displays the special image 521 shown in the special display so as to move from the right region of the liquid crystal display 51 toward the central region 523. Here, the other images include a specific image 520, a unit game number image 510, and an operation promotion image 540.

  The operation promotion image 540 is an image for instructing the player to prompt a predetermined operation. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, a navigation image showing the operation order of stop switches in the slot machine as the operation promotion image 540. As the operation promotion image 540, an image prompting the user to operate an effect button provided on the gaming machine, an image showing the timing of pressing the stop switch in the slot machine, and a game ball in the pachinko gaming machine are fired. The image which shows the direction to perform is included.

  As described above, the sub control unit 91 gradually enlarges and displays the specific image 520 in the central area of the liquid crystal display 51. Here, the specific image 520 in FIG. 4C is so small that the player cannot recognize the character. In the present embodiment, displaying the specific image 520 in a manner in which the player can read the information is referred to as a specific display, and displaying the specific image 520 in a manner in which the information cannot be read is called a specific display. Absent. Therefore, the specific display has not yet been performed at the timing of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the sub-control unit 91 performs the special display after performing the special display in the central area 523 that performs the specific display.

  The special display is a display related to the specific display in that it is a display that gives an impression that the specific display is performed. As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4G, the sub-control unit 91 gradually widens the display areas of the specific image 520 and the special image 521, which are areas where special display and specific display are performed, and the specific image 520. When the display area of the special image 521 and the display area of the operation promotion image 540 overlap, the operation promotion image 540 is displayed with priority.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the display area of the operation promotion image 540 overlaps the display area of the specific image 520 and the special image 521 has been described, but the display is given priority over the specific image 520 and the special image 521. The image to be displayed may be an information image indicating predetermined information, and is not limited to the operation promotion image 540. Examples of the information image indicating the predetermined information include a unit game number image 510. Further, when the game value acquired during the specific state is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, an image showing the acquired game value is also included in the information image. In the pachinko gaming machine, the hold display image is also included in the information image.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the sub-control unit 91 darkens the background when performing the specific display, but does not darken the background when the specific display is not performed. That is, when the specific display is compared with the case where the specific display is not performed, the background is darker when the specific display is performed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4H, the sub control unit 91 darkens the background when performing the specific display, but the brightness of the operation promoting image 540 is also performed when performing the specific display. Don't change when not.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4G, the sub-control unit 91 does not darken the background even during the specific display period. In other words, the sub-control unit 91 does not always darken the background during the unit game in which the specific display is performed and during the unit game in which the specific display is performed, during the period of FIGS. 4D to 4F. The background is darkened only during the period when it is desired to attract attention to the specific display.

  In addition, the specific sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 during the countdown effect is output during the period of FIGS. 4C to 4G in which the specific display is performed as described in the US marks in FIG. The That is, the sub-control unit 91 controls the speakers 53 and 54 so that the specific sound output period includes a period during which specific display is performed.

[Normal unit display]
The normal unit game number display will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the normal unit number display.

  The sub-control unit 91 changes the mode of the unit game number image 510 according to the remaining number of times displayed as the normal unit number display. As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control unit 91 changes the mode of the unit game number image 510 depending on whether the remaining number of times controlled in the specific state is less than a predetermined number or more than a predetermined number.

  Further, the sub-control unit 91 performs a specific display for performing a countdown effect when the remaining number of times to be controlled in the specific state is less than a predetermined number. As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control unit 91 displays the unit game number image 510 in a manner similar to that of the specific image 520 displayed by performing the specific display. Specifically, the specific image 520 and the unit game number image 510 are composed of character images having the same font and the same pattern. Thereby, it is possible to make the player recognize that the unit game number image 510 and the specific image 520 are related, and the interest of the game is improved.

  Here, “the aspect is similar” means that, for example, when the aspects are compared, at least one of the shape, color, and pattern is common. Examples of shapes include character fonts.

[Direction during the second specific state]
Up to this point, the effects in the first specific state have been described. In the following, the effects in the second specific state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an effect during the second specific state. The (A) line shows an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The row (B) shows characteristic matters regarding the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54. The column (a) shows items related to the second normal performance that suggests that the second specific state is controlled. The column (b) shows items related to the second specific control that is performed when the remaining number of times to be controlled to the second specific state is less than the predetermined number.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the control to the second specific state is started, the sub control unit 91 executes the second normal effect that suggests that the control is performed to the second specific state. The sub control unit 91 displays a background image of the universe on the liquid crystal display 51 as the second normal effect, and outputs the song D as BGM from the speakers 53 and 54. In addition, during the second normal performance, the sub-control unit 91 displays the unit game number image 510 with the number corresponding to the remaining number as a character image on the upper left in the figure of the liquid crystal display 51 regardless of the remaining number. The number of unit games is displayed.

  The number corresponding to the “remaining number of times” displayed as the unit game number image 510 by the sub-control unit 91 is recognized as the number of unit games controlled by the player in the second specific state, as in the first specific state. It may be a value obtained by subtracting the number of unit games that have been executed from the existing value, and a value that does not match the remaining number of times managed by the main control unit 41. For example, when the sub-control unit 91 notifies the number of unit games controlled to the second specific state, the unit game number image 510 that can specify a value obtained by subtracting the number of unit games that has been executed from the notified unit game number is displayed. It may be displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the sub-control unit 91 performs the second specific control when the remaining number of times controlled to the second specific state is less than the predetermined number of times, and displays the unit game number image 510. Light up.

  Here, the “remaining number of times controlled to the second specific state”, which is a target for determining whether or not the sub-control unit 91 is less than the “predetermined number of times”, is “remaining number of games” displayed as the unit game number image 510 “The number of times” and not the remaining number of times managed by the main control unit 41.

  As shown in FIG. 6B (B), when the remaining number of times controlled in the second specific state is less than the predetermined number, the sub-control unit 91 differs from the first specific state in that the specific sound. Is not output.

[First specific state and second specific state]
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the first specific control performed during the first specific state is a control that suggests the remaining number of times by performing specific display for displaying the specific image 520 on the liquid crystal display 51. On the other hand, the second specific control performed during the second specific state is a control that suggests the remaining number of times by lighting the unit game number image 510. In other words, the first specific control is control that suggests the remaining number of times by performing specific display, whereas the second specific control is control that suggests the remaining number of times by a display different from the specific display.

  In the present embodiment, the first specific state is advantageous in that it is easier to obtain gaming value than the normal state, and the second specific state is advantageous including the first specific state over the normal state. This is a state that is easily shifted to a state. It is easier to acquire gaming value during the first specific state, the player wants to stay in the first specific state than during the second specific state, and stays in the first specific state than during the second specific state The player is very interested. Thus, the interest of the game is improved by performing the specific display during the first specific state in which the interest regarding the stay period is higher than in the second specific state.

  In addition, the sub-control unit 91 executes a suggestion effect that suggests a game result that a specific display result is displayed as the specific effect in both the first specific state and the second specific state. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the execution probability of the suggestion effect.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the execution probability of the suggestion effect is higher in the second specific state than in the first specific state. Here, the execution probability of the suggestion effect is a probability of execution per unit game. That is, in other words, the sub-control unit 91 changes the execution probability of the suggestive effect between when being controlled to the first specific state and when being controlled to the second specific state. Further, the specific control that suggests the remaining number of times differs between the first specific state and the second specific state.

  In addition, the specific display is performed during the first specific state, whereas the specific display is not performed during the second specific state. The sub-control unit 91 does not perform the specific display when the suggestive effect that is the specific effect is performed. Thus, in a gaming machine that performs a suggestion effect in preference to a specific display, the specific display is performed during the first specific state where the execution probability of the suggestion effect is low, and the second specific state where the execution probability of the suggestion effect is high By not performing the specific display inside, it is possible to prevent the execution of the specific display from being unnecessarily prevented.

[Sub-control unit processing]
The main control unit 41 transmits the remaining number of times command and the specific state command to the sub control unit 91 at the start of the unit game. The sub-control unit 91 determines an effect during the unit game based on the sent command. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a process for determining an effect performed per unit game executed by the sub-control unit 91 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control content of the first specific process executed by the sub-control unit. The first specific process is a process for determining an effect in the first specific state. The effect during the second specific state is determined by the second specific process.

  The sub-control unit 91 specifies which of the first specific state and the second specific state is controlled based on the specific state command. The sub-control unit 91 executes the first specifying process when it is determined that it is controlled to the first specific state, and executes the second specifying process when it is determined that it is controlled to the second specific state.

  In step 110 (hereinafter, the step is simply referred to as “S”), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the remaining number of times is an abnormal value. Whether it is an abnormal value is determined based on the remaining number of times command. For example, the sub-control unit 91 temporarily stores the remaining number of times command sent immediately before in the RAM 91c, and compares the remaining number of times command sent this time with the remaining number of times command sent immediately before. Then, it is determined whether or not the value is an abnormal value.

  When it determines with it being an abnormal value (in S110 YES), the sub control part 91 switches a process to S118.

  When it determines with it not being an abnormal value (in S110 NO), the sub control part 91 switches a process to S112.

  In S112, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not to execute the specific effect. Whether or not to execute the specific effect is determined in a process different from the first specific process. The sub-control unit 91 determines execution of the specific effect based on a command that can specify the game result sent from the main control unit 41.

  If it is determined that the specific effect is to be executed (YES in S112), the sub-control unit 91 switches the process to S118.

  When it determines with not performing a specific production (in S112 NO), the sub control part 91 switches a process to S114.

  In S114, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the remaining number of times is less than the predetermined number a. If it is determined that the remaining number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number a (NO in S114), the sub-control unit 91 switches the process to S118. When it is determined that the remaining number is less than the predetermined number a (YES in S114), the sub-control unit 91 switches the process to S116.

In step S116, the sub-control unit 91 determines to perform the first specific control.
In step S118, the sub-control unit 91 determines not to perform the first specific control.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-control unit 91 determines that the remaining number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number a even when the remaining number value specified by the remaining number command sent from the main control unit 41 is an abnormal value. In either case, it is determined that the first specific control is not performed. In this case, without performing the first specific control, the normal effect is continued and the number of unit games is displayed. That is, the sub-control unit 91 is either the case where the value of the remaining number specified by the remaining number command sent from the main control unit 41 is an abnormal value or the case where it is determined that the remaining number is less than the predetermined number a. Even in this case, the same control is performed on the liquid crystal display 51.

  In addition, when performing 2nd specific processing, although it differs in the point which performs 2nd specific control instead of 1st specific control, since it is common with 1st specific processing, description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Processing when power interruption occurs during specific display]
Next, a process executed by the sub control unit 91 when a power interruption occurs during the specific display will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2B to 2D, the sub control unit 91 starts the specific display after the unit game start condition is satisfied. That is, the establishment of the unit game start condition is a predetermined opportunity for starting the specific display. The sub-control unit 91 performs the specific display from the beginning when a power interruption occurs after the predetermined trigger is established and the specific display is started and before the trigger related to the progress of the game following the predetermined trigger occurs. . That is, even if a power interruption occurs in the middle of the specific display, the specific display is not started from the middle of the occurrence of the power interruption but is started from the beginning of the specific display when returning from the power interruption.

  Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 has moving image data of a series of effects related to the number-related display from the darkening of the background to the disappearance of the specific image 523, and an opportunity related to the progress of the game following a predetermined opportunity If a power interruption occurs before the occurrence of, the video is played from the beginning.

  The “predetermined opportunity” may be any trigger as long as the specific display is started. For example, a specific game start condition is satisfied, and a specific operation is performed after the unit game start condition is satisfied. It may have been done. Further, the sub-control unit 91 displays a moving image of a series of effects related to the number-related display on the liquid crystal display 51 at a timing when a predetermined opportunity is established.

  “An opportunity related to the progress of a game following a predetermined opportunity” may be an operation performed by the player on the gaming machine 1 or may be simply an elapse of a predetermined period.

  “Beginning of specific display” refers to the beginning of a series of animations related to the number-related display, and specifically, from the point where the background is darkened.

[Main effects]
Next, main effects obtained by the present embodiment will be described.

  (1-1) As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, the sub-control unit 91 performs a specific display after updating the normal unit game number display. Since the specific display is performed after the normal unit game number display that has been performed before the specific display is performed, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying the remaining number of times.

  (1-2) As shown in (c) to (f) of FIG. 2 (B) and FIGS. 4 (b) to (g), the number of unit games during the specific display for displaying the specific image 520 is also performed. An image 510 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Thus, since the unit game number image 510 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 in a manner that can be recognized by the player even during the specific display, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying the remaining number of times. it can.

  (1-3) As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control unit 91 changes the mode of the unit game number image 510 according to the remaining number of times. This makes it easy to understand the remaining number of times. Further, attention can be gathered for the unit game number image 510, and it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying the remaining number of times controlled to a specific state.

  In the present embodiment, the mode of the unit game number image 510 is changed depending on whether the remaining number of times controlled in the specific state is less than the predetermined number of times or more than the predetermined number of times. The mode may be changed each time the numerical value of the image 510 is updated. Further, when the numerical value indicated by the unit game number image 510 increases, the aspect of the unit game number image 510 may be changed.

  (1-4) The main control unit 41 transmits a remaining number command to the sub control unit 91 every time the remaining number is updated. Therefore, the sub control unit 91 can execute the effect in synchronization with the number of unit games managed by the main control unit 41.

  (1-5) As shown in FIG. 8, the sub control unit 91 determines that the remaining number of times specified by the remaining number command sent from the main control unit 41 is an abnormal value and the remaining number of times is a predetermined number a. Since the same control is performed on the liquid crystal display 51 when it is determined as above, it is not necessary to execute another process for when it is determined as an abnormal value, and the processing load of the sub-control unit 91 is reduced. Can be reduced.

  (1-6) The sub-control unit 91 specifies a specific case when a power interruption occurs after a predetermined trigger is established and a specific display is started and before a trigger related to the progress of the game following the predetermined trigger occurs. Display from the beginning. Therefore, it becomes easier for the player to recognize the situation before the power interruption when the power interruption is restored.

  (1-7) The sub control unit 91 controls the speakers 53 and 54 so that the specific sound output period includes the period during which the specific display is performed. In other words, since the specific sound is output while the specific display is being performed, the player can confirm that the specific display is being performed by the specific sound.

  Note that it is only necessary that the specific sound output period includes a period during which the specific display is performed. For example, the start timing of outputting the specific sound may be set before the specific display is performed. The end timing may be after the specific display is no longer performed.

  (2-1) As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the sub-control unit 91 performs the special display on the central area 523 after performing the special display so that the specific display is performed. Impress the player.

  (2-2) Since the special image 521 has higher brightness than the other images, the special image 521 can attract attention, and as a result, attention to the specific display can also be collected.

  (2-3) Since the special image 521 is displayed so as to move from a specific position, it is possible to attract attention to the special image 521 from the viewpoint that the special image 521 moves. You can also get attention to the display.

  Further, the special image 521 is displayed on the right side of the liquid crystal display 51 on which the image displayed for notifying the player of predetermined information is not displayed, such as the unit game number image 510 and the operation promotion image 540. Similarly, these images are displayed so as to move toward the central region 523 of the liquid crystal display 51 where these images are not displayed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the visibility of the image displayed for notifying the player of the predetermined information.

  (3-1) As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4G, the sub-control unit 91 gradually widens the display areas of the specific image 520 and the special image 521 that are areas where the number-related display is performed, When the display area of the specific image 520 and the special image 521 overlaps the display area of the image indicating the predetermined information, the image indicating the predetermined information is preferentially displayed. As described above, when performing the number related display, the information image indicating the predetermined information is preferentially displayed. Therefore, the number related display can be performed without impairing the visibility of the information image. The predetermined information represented by can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 performs the specific display and the special display as the number-related display. For example, when only the specific display is performed, the sub control unit 91 preferentially displays the predetermined information when the area where the specific display is performed overlaps the area where the predetermined information is displayed. In addition, when performing the specific display and the special display, the sub control unit 91 overlaps at least one of the first area for performing the specific display and the second area for performing the special display with an area indicating predetermined information. You just have to be there.

  (3-2) As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the background is darkened when performing the specific display, whereas the background is not darkened when the specific display is not performed. That is, when the specific display is compared with the case where the specific display is not performed, the background is darker when the specific display is performed. For this reason, the degree of attention to the specific display can be increased.

  Note that darkening the background means lowering the luminance. In the present embodiment, the brightness of the entire display screen of the liquid crystal display 51 is lowered when performing the specific display. However, it is a part of the display screen and around the area where the specific display is performed. It is also possible to reduce only the brightness of the.

  Further, the sub-control unit 91 reduces the luminance of the specific image 520 while decreasing the luminance of the area where the specific display is performed. That is, the sub-control unit 91 displays the specific image 520 so that the luminance of the specific image 520 is higher when the luminance around the specific image is compared with the luminance of the specific image 520. In this way, attention to the specific image 520 can be collected.

  (4-1) As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control unit 91 determines the mode of the unit game number image 510 when the remaining number of times controlled in the specific state is less than the predetermined number and when it is equal to or more than the predetermined number. change. Therefore, it is possible to make the player recognize that the remaining number of times is less than the predetermined number, and the interest of the game is improved.

  (4-2) As shown in FIG. 5, when the remaining number is less than the predetermined number and the specific display is performed, the font and the pattern of the unit game number image 510 are made the same as those of the specific image 520. Thereby, it is possible to make the player recognize that the unit game number image 510 and the specific image 520 are related, and the interest of the game is improved.

  (4-3) As shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 3B, the sub-control unit 91 does not perform the specific display and the normal unit game number display when executing the specific effect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the execution of the specific effect from being hindered by the specific display and the normal unit game number display. Further, when the specific display and the normal unit game number display are performed during the specific effect, the player should acquire whether the specific effect is being executed or whether the period controlled in the specific state is consumed. A lot of information is confusing. By not performing the specific display and the normal unit game number display during the specific performance, it is possible to prevent such confusion.

  (5-1) The sub-control unit 91 performs specific control that suggests the remaining number of times of the specific state when the remaining number of times to be controlled to the specific state is less than the predetermined number. The sub-control unit 91 performs the first specific control when being controlled to the first specific state, and performs the second specific control different from the first specific control when being controlled to the second specific state. Thus, since the gaming machine 1 performs different specific control depending on the state, the remaining number of times can be suggested by an appropriate method according to the state.

  Note that the second specific control may be any control different from the first specific control. For example, the same control as when the remaining number of times controlled in the specific state is a predetermined number or more may be continued. Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 may perform only the number update without changing the mode of the unit game number image 510 as the second control. That is, the sub-control unit 91 only needs to perform control different from the first specific control as the second specific control, and does not need to display the remaining number of times such as changing the mode of the unit game number image 510.

  (5-2) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first specific control is a control that suggests the remaining number of times by performing the specific display, whereas the second specific control is different from the specific display. This is a control that suggests the remaining number of times by display. Thus, since the method of suggesting the remaining number of times can be changed according to the state, the remaining number of times can be suggested by an appropriate method according to the state.

  (5-3) As illustrated in FIG. 7, the sub-control unit 91 changes the execution probability of the suggestion effect between when being controlled in the first specific state and when being controlled in the second specific state. . Further, the specific control that suggests the remaining number of times differs between the first specific state and the second specific state. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately perform control that suggests the remaining number of times according to the execution state of the suggestion effect.

  (6-1) As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the background is darkened when performing the specific display, whereas the background is not darkened when the specific display is not performed. That is, when the specific display is compared with the case where the specific display is not performed, the background is darker when the specific display is performed. For this reason, the degree of attention to the specific display can be increased.

  (6-2) As shown in FIGS. 4F and 4H, although the background is darkened when performing the specific display, the brightness of the operation promoting image 540 is the same even when the specific display is performed or not. ,Not going to change. Thereby, the visibility of the operation promotion image 540 can be ensured.

  (6-3) The sub-control unit 91 darkens the background during the period of FIGS. 4D to 4F during the specific display, and always darkens the background during the unit game for performing the specific display. Instead, darken the background only during the period when you want to draw attention to a specific display. Thereby, it can prevent that the visibility of another effect is disturbed too much.

[Main variations]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, main modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[Countdown production]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the special image 521 displayed in the countdown effect is displayed so as to move from the right area of the liquid crystal display 51 to the central area 523. However, the special image 521 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 4, and the display method is not limited to the method shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the countdown effect. As shown in FIG. 9, the special image 521 may have a star shape. The special image 521 may be displayed in the central area 423 so that the display area gradually expands outward.

  Further, the countdown effect may be executed in another manner. For example, after the unit game number image 510 is updated, a part of the unit game number image 510 may be enlarged and displayed to suggest the remaining number of times.

[Specific state]
In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls the specific state, but the sub-control unit 91 may perform control related to the specific state. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls both the first specific state and the second specific state. However, one specific state is controlled by the main control unit 41 and the other specific state is controlled. The sub-control unit 91 may control the control.

[Remaining times command]
In the present embodiment, the remaining number of times command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 every time at the start timing of the unit game, but the timing when the period for controlling to the specific state is determined and the timing when the determined period is extended Alternatively, the remaining number of times command may be transmitted only at the timing when the determined period is intermediate. That is, the sub control unit 91 may update the remaining number of times based on the sent remaining number command. Thereby, the number of times of transmitting the remaining number of times command to the sub-control unit 91 can be reduced.

[Performance probability of suggestion production]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the execution probability of the suggestion effect is designed to be higher in the second specific state than in the first specific state. However, it may be designed to be higher in the first specific state than in the second specific state, and it is designed so that the execution probability does not change during the first specific state and the second specific state. May be.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine, 40 Game control board, 41 Main control part, 51 Liquid crystal display, 53,54 Speaker, 90 stage control board, 91 Sub control part.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
State control means for controlling to a specific state;
Display means for displaying information on the specific state,
The display means includes
Display the number of unit games that can specify the remaining number of unit games until the control to the specific state ends,
When the remaining number of times is less than a predetermined number, perform a specific display according to the remaining number of times,
A gaming machine in which the unit game number display is performed differently depending on whether the remaining number of times is less than the predetermined number of times or more than the predetermined number of times.

Images