JP2020014762A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of executing an interesting operation performance.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 includes: display means 91 having a display area 911; symbol control means for controlling an identification symbol 80 indicating a win/lose determination result to be displayed in the display area 911; operation means 10 operable by a player; and performance execution means for executing an operation performance that prompts the player to operate the operation means 10. It is set so that an operation effective period in which the operation of the operation means 10 is reflected in the operation performance is terminated almost at the same time as the end of the operation performance is indicated after the identification symbol 80 variably displayed in the display area 911 is stopped or pseudo-stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a gaming machine which can prompt a player to operate an operation means such as a push button and execute an operation effect in which an operation during an operation valid period is reflected in the effect. In the operation effect, a meter indicating the operation validity period is displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2017-189199 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing an interesting operation effect.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a display means having a display area, a symbol control means for controlling an identification symbol indicating a success / failure determination result displayed in the display area, Operable operation means, and an effect execution means for executing an operation effect for prompting a player to operate the operation means, wherein an operation in which the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect in the operation effect The validity period is set so as to end almost at the same time as when the identification symbol variably displayed in the display area is stopped or pseudo-stopped and the end of the operation effect is indicated.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to execute an interesting operation effect.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. It is a figure for explaining an outline of a specific operation effect. It is a figure for explaining the 1st example of a specific operation effect. It is a figure for explaining the 4th example of a specific operation effect. It is a figure for explaining an outline of sound operation production. It is a figure for explaining the 1st example of sound operation production. It is a figure for explaining the 3rd example of sound operation production. It is a figure for explaining the difference of the 1st operation means and the 2nd operation means. It is a figure for explaining an outline of a fixed production. It is a figure for explaining the 1st example of a fixed production. It is a figure for explaining the 2nd example of a fixed production.

1) Overall Configuration of Gaming Machine 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The game board 90 is formed of a substantially square plywood, and a guide rail 903 forming a passage for guiding a game ball fired by operation of a firing device 908 (a firing handle) to a game area 902 has a substantially arc shape. It is provided as follows.

  In the game area 902, a display device 91, a start winning port 904, a big winning port 906, an out port 907, and the like are provided. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is an area that can be visually recognized through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. In some drawings, the display region 911 is roughly described, but the shape and the like can be changed as appropriate (the shape and size of the opening 901 and the shape and size of the display device 91 itself can be changed). Can change the shape of the display area 911).

  Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the flow form of the game balls when the game balls flow down. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes in various modes according to the conditions at the time of collision with the game nail.

  In such a gaming machine 1, by operating the launching device 908, a gaming ball is launched toward the gaming area 902. When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 wins a winning opening such as a starting winning opening 904 or a large winning opening 906, a predetermined number of gaming balls (hereinafter, awarded when a gaming ball wins in the winning opening). (A game ball is referred to as a prize ball).

  Components of the gaming machine 1 not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower plate and the upper plate for storing game balls, are not described. For these, those having the same structure as a known game machine can be applied.

  The jackpot lottery is executed by a winning / failing determination means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by a winning of a game ball to the starting winning port 904 (a plurality of such starting winning ports may be provided). Specifically, when a game ball is awarded to the starting winning opening 904, a numerical value (acceptance determination information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined jackpot value, a jackpot is determined. If they are different, they will be missed. The detailed description is omitted because it is the same as a known gaming machine, but in the case of a big hit, the identification symbol 80 (a symbol for informing the result of the determination of success / failure; see FIG. 1 etc.) is a predetermined combination. If any other combination is displayed, it will be lost. In the present embodiment, three groups of identification symbols 80 each including any of the numbers “1” to “9” are displayed in a variably manner, and the combination of the identification symbols selected from each of the identification symbol groups 80 and stopped is the same symbol. It will be reported that a big hit is made when they come together.

  In the present embodiment, the notification of the result of the lottery is started in the order in which the numerical values for the lottery are obtained (the fluctuation of the identification symbol 10 is started), but a certain numerical value is obtained. When the result of the lottery based on the numerical value obtained earlier is notified, the storage provided on the control board (not shown) is started until the notification of the result of the lottery based on the certain value is started. Stored in the means. The maximum storage number (maximum hold number) of numerical values for which the notification of the success / failure lottery result has not yet been started (hereinafter, also referred to as hold information) can be appropriately set. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of pieces of hold information that can be stored by the storage means is four for each type of start winning port 904.

  The symbol indicating that the hold information is present is displayed on the display device 91 as the hold symbol 70. The information may be displayed on a device different from the display device 91. The reserved symbol 70 is displayed at a position corresponding to the order in which the effect for informing the result of the lottery is started. In the present embodiment, the reserved symbols 70 are displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91 so as to be arranged in a predetermined direction. Further, a symbol indicating the presence of the so-called “change pending” may be displayed.

  Hereinafter, various effects that can be executed by the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the term “image” in the following description includes both a still image and a moving image.

2) Operation effect Hereinafter, the operation effect using the operation means will be described. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a specific operation effect and a sound operation effect as operation effects. The following specific operation effects and sound operation effects use the first operation means as the operation means (in the description of the specific operation effects and sound operation effects, the first operation means is simply referred to as operation means). . However, an effect using the second operation means may be provided. In a configuration including only one operation unit, a specific operation effect and a sound operation effect described below may be executed.

2-1) Specific Operation Effect The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a specific operation effect (see FIG. 2) as a kind of operation effect using the operation means. Hereinafter, the specific operation effect will be described. The specific operation effect is executed as a part of a notification effect (an effect from when the identification symbol starts to fluctuate to when the identification symbol stops changing in a combination indicating the result of the judgment), which notifies a certain judgment result. The operation means may be any device that can be operated by the player. The operation means in the present embodiment is a “push button”. A sensor that detects a part of the player's body may be provided, and the detection of the player's hand or the like by the sensor may be referred to as “operation of the operation means”.

  In the specific operation effect, an image is displayed to the player indicating that the operating means should be operated. For example, an image (operation image) representing the operation means and an image (instruction image) representing the operation mode of the operation means are displayed (see FIG. 2B). The operation image only needs to be similar to the actual operation means to the extent that the player can understand that the operation means is represented. As the instruction image, an image including characters corresponding to the requested operation mode can be exemplified. The operation mode of the operation means required for the player may be any mode. A single operation of operating the operation means only once (an operation image including a character such as "press" is displayed), and a continuous operation of operating the operation means continuously (an operation image including a character such as "continuous hit" is displayed. ), And a maintenance operation for maintaining a state in which the operation means is operated (an operation image including a character such as “long press” is displayed).

  In the specific operation effect, an operation effective period is set. The operation of the operation means during the operation valid period is reflected in the effect. However, in the specific operation effect, an image indicating the elapse of the operation effective period or the end point is not displayed (see FIG. 2B). In a general operation effect, a meter indicating the operation validity period (which changes from the start to the end of the operation validity period) and the time of the countdown are displayed. In general, it is possible for the player to grasp, but such an image is not displayed in the specific operation effect in the present embodiment.

  The start time of the operation valid period in the specific operation effect is set almost simultaneously with the time point when the instruction image is displayed. In other words, it can be said that the display of the instruction image indicates the start of the operation valid period. Therefore, if the player moves to the action of operating the operation means to some extent immediately after receiving the display of the instruction image, the operation of the operation means is an operation during the operation valid period, which is reflected in the effect. .

  On the other hand, the end point of the operation valid period in the specific operation effect is a point in time at which the identification symbol variably displayed in the display area is stopped or pseudo-stopped. Here, the pseudo stop refers to a mode in which the movement of the identification symbol is not completely stopped, but appears to the player to be stopped. For example, it is assumed that the identification symbol is slightly shaking.

  The specific operation effect will be described using an example. For example, it is assumed that the player is urged to maintain the operation means. The operation validity period starts almost simultaneously with the display of the instruction image (the image including the character “long press”) indicating that the maintenance operation is requested (see FIG. 2B). In the present embodiment, the operation image is displayed almost simultaneously with the display of the instruction image. That is, it can be said that the display of the operation image also indicates the start of the operation valid period.

  The specific operation effect indicates whether or not the pseudo-continuous effect occurs (the pseudo-continuous effect continues). Since the pseudo continuous production itself is publicly known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the pseudo continuous production is a unit production in which a fluctuating identification symbol is pseudo-stopped and the fluctuation is started again one or more times. In the present embodiment, as in the case of a general pseudo continuous production, as the number of occurrences of the unit production (the number of times of re-change) increases, the probability (big hit reliability) that the hit / fail judgment result of the target becomes a large hit increases. Is set. That is, occurrence of the pseudo continuous effect (unit effect) is set as an advantageous event for the player. In the present embodiment, when a unit effect occurs, a combination of identification symbols that have been pseudo-stopped is set to have a specific mode. The specific embodiment may be any combination other than the combination indicating the jackpot. In the present embodiment, it is set as a specific mode that the identification symbol of “7” is pseudo-stopped as the middle identification symbol.

  The end of the specific operation effect is classified into a successful end in which the unit effect occurs and a failure end in which the unit effect does not occur. In the specific operation effect, a situation in which the identification symbol “7” is likely to stop as the middle identification symbol is shown, and then the instruction image is displayed (see FIG. 2B). That is, the operation validity period is started. Every time a maintenance operation of the operation means for a predetermined time or more is detected during the operation valid period, the identification symbol of “7” greatly shakes, and the “situation that is likely to stop” is emphasized (so-called “fanning” effect is performed). appear). That is, the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect. It should be noted that whether the ending of the specific operation effect is a success ending or a failure ending is determined in advance, and is not determined by the operation state of the operating unit during the operation valid period, but the operation unit is operated during the operation valid period. By doing so, the player gets an impression as if he / she participates in shifting the effect toward a situation where a specific mode is constructed (toward a successful outcome).

  When the specific operation effect results in a failure, the identification symbol “7” does not eventually stop pseudo-stop, but another identification symbol (the identification symbol “8” in the present embodiment) stops (FIG. 2 ( c-2)). That is, the specific mode is not constructed. The three distinctive symbols are completely stopped in the combination that is not the specific mode and the combination that does not indicate the jackpot (hereinafter, also referred to as the “missing mode”), and the result of the hit / fail judgment is “missing”. Notification is completed. That is, it is indicated that the unit operation does not occur as a result of the failure of the specific operation effect, and at the same time, the notification of the result of determination (miss) of the target is completed. In the case of a failure result, the operation validity period ends almost at the same time when the above-mentioned outlying aspect is indicated. After that, the next fluctuation (a notification effect for notifying the next result of the determination of success / failure) is started (see FIG. 2D-2).

  When the specific operation effect is a successful outcome, the identification symbol “7” is finally pseudo-stopped as the middle identification symbol (see FIG. 2 (c-1)). That is, the specific mode is established. Thereafter, the three discrimination symbols change again (see FIG. 2 (d-1)), and it is indicated that the pseudo continuous production has occurred (the pseudo continuous production has continued). In the case of a successful outcome, the operation validity period ends almost at the same time when the specific mode is indicated.

  As described above, in the specific operation effect according to the present embodiment, an image indicating the elapse of the operation effective period and the end time is not displayed, and the identification indicating whether the end of the specific operation effect is a success end or a failure end is indicated. The operation validity period ends almost at the same time as the symbol stop or the pseudo stop. The reason why the player is prompted to operate the operation means in the specific operation production is to give an impression as if he or she is participating in a situation where the specific operation production is a successful outcome. It can be said that it is natural that the operation effect ends as soon as the end is reached. In other words, it is natural that the operation validity period ends when the specific operation effect reaches the end in order to give an impression that the success of the game is determined as a result of the player's own involvement. . Further, when an image (a meter or the like) indicating the elapse of the operation effective period or the end time is displayed as in the related art, the end of the effect is easily predicted from the state of the image, and the player gets excited. However, in the present embodiment, the image is not displayed, and the player does not know at which stage the operation validity period ends, so it is difficult to predict the end, and the effect is interesting. .

  Further, when the specific operation effect is a failure outcome, a combination of identification symbols of a loss mode indicating that the target determination result is a loss is constructed. In other words, the fact that the loss has been confirmed is notified at the same time as the end of the operation validity period, so that it is possible to give an impression to the player that the operation of his own operation means does not reach and a disappointing ending has been reached. .

  Further, when the specific operation effect is a successful outcome, a combination of identification symbols in a specific mode indicating that a pseudo continuous effect (unit effect) is generated is constructed. In other words, it is notified that a pseudo continuous production (unit production) will occur at the same time as the end of the operation validity period. Therefore, as a result of operating the own operation means, it is possible to give the player the impression that a happy ending has been reached. Is possible.

  In addition, although the example of the specific operation effect described above has been described in which the player is prompted to maintain the operation means, the present invention is applied to a case where a single operation is promoted and a case where a continuous operation is promoted. It is also possible. For a single operation prompt, the detection of one operation of the operation means ends the operation validity period. Therefore, the detection of the operation causes a specific mode to be established. Or not (successful outcome). Regarding the thing that the continuous operation is prompted, every time the operation of the operation means is detected, whether or not the specific mode is constructed at the same time as the end of the operation validity period while causing the above-mentioned “fanning” to occur (Whether successful or not) should be indicated.

  Hereinafter, specific examples in which the specific operation effect in the above embodiment is improved, embodied, or modified will be described. As far as possible, a configuration in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied may be adopted.

-First specific example Although it has been described that the specific operation effect in the above embodiment leads to the end indicating whether or not a pseudo continuous effect is generated (continued), it is determined whether the so-called look-ahead continuous effect is generated (continued). It may be shown (see FIG. 3). Pre-reading continuous production itself is publicly known, so detailed description is omitted.However, while pseudo-continuous production is generated during one notification production that informs a certain validity determination result, pre-reading continuous production is It is different in that it occurs over a plurality of notification effects. Specifically, the look-ahead continuous production is a process in which the fluctuating identification symbol is stopped, and then the fluctuating unit effect is repeated one or more times. This indicates that the result of the determination as to whether the result is correct is earlier than the result of the determination. In other words, it is suggested that the likelihood that the hit / failure determination result to be the target of the continuous look-ahead effect becomes a big hit is increased by using the notification effect for notifying the hit / failure determination result earlier than that.

  As for the occurrence of the consecutive look-ahead effects, the combination for notifying the result of the previous pass / fail determination (miss) is a specific mode (a so-called chance. In this example, the mode in which the identification symbol is the “first run” from the left is set as the chance. Or not). The fact that the specific mode is constructed results in the success of the specific operation effect (see FIG. 3 (c-1)). 3 (c-2)). Then, the end point of the operation validity period of the specific operation effect is set to be substantially the same as the point of time when the specific mode or the outlier mode is constructed (FIGS. 3B to 3C or 3C). )reference). If the result is a success, a look-ahead effect (unit effect) occurs, and a state where expectations can be expected after the next change (compared to the case where the look-ahead effect did not occur) (FIG. 3 (d-1)) )reference). If the failure results, the prefetching effect (unit effect) does not occur (see FIG. 3 (d-2)).

Second Specific Example In the above embodiment and the first specific example, it has been described that the end of the specific operation effect indicates whether or not a continuous effect has occurred, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The specific operation effect indicates whether or not an event advantageous to the player occurs due to the end thereof, and the end time of the operation validity period is set to be substantially the same as the time point at which the end is indicated. Just do it.

Third Specific Example Although the specific operation effect in the above-described embodiment has been described as not displaying an image (meter or the like) indicating the elapse of the operation effective period or the end point, this type of image is displayed. It may be something. After displaying this kind of image, the end time of the operation validity period may be substantially the same as the time point until the identification symbol stops or the pseudo stop. However, as described in the above-described embodiment, no fun can be obtained because the end point of the operation valid period cannot be predicted.

-Fourth specific example Since the specific operation effect in the above embodiment does not display an image (meter or the like) indicating the elapse of the operation effective period or the end point, the specific operation effect is generated by elements other than the image displayed in the display area. Alternatively, it may be possible to determine whether the operation is valid. For example, it is assumed that the operation unit has a changing unit capable of changing the mode. As an example of the changing portion, a light emitting portion capable of emitting light in a predetermined mode can be given. The light emitting unit is in a non-light emitting state (normal mode) when the operation is not in the effective period (see FIGS. 4A and 4C), and is in a light emitting state (specific mode) when the operation is in the effective period (FIG. 4). (B)). By doing so, in the specific operation effect, it is possible to know whether or not the operation validity period has ended based on whether or not the light emitting unit is in the light emitting state.

  The light emitting unit may emit light even when the operation is not in effect. Specifically, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit when the operation is not in effect (normal mode) and the light emission mode of the light emitting unit in the operation effective period (specific mode) may be different. Further, the light emitting section may be provided at a place other than the operation means. However, it is more likely that the operation effective period is set by indicating the operation effective period by the operation means itself or the mode of the light emitting unit provided near the operation means. It has the advantage of being expensive.

2-2) Sound Operation Effect The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a sound operation effect different from the specific operation effect as the operation effect using the operation means. Hereinafter, the sound operation effect will be described. The sound operation effect is an effect that prompts the operation of the operation means. Any operation means for prompting the operation may be used. As described in the specific operation effect, the detection of a part of the player's body by the sensor may be treated as “operation of the operation unit”.

  In the sound operation effect (see FIG. 5), the instruction to prompt the player to operate the operation means is based on “voice”. In other words, in a general operation effect, it is normal that a display prompting to operate the operation means (display of the above-described operation image, instruction image, meter indicating operation effective time, etc.) is made in the display area. There is no instruction by displaying an image in such a display area (main display device), and the instruction is given by a sound (hereinafter, also referred to as an instruction sound) output from a speaker serving as an audio output unit. That is. In the sound operation effect according to the present embodiment, an operation instruction is made only by the instruction voice, and no instruction is made by any other elements (see FIGS. 5B and 5C).

  The content of the instruction sound is determined according to the operation mode of the operation means requested to the player. If a single operation is requested, it includes a word such as “press” (see FIG. 5B). If a continuous operation is requested, a word such as “continuous hit” is included, and a maintenance operation is requested. If it does, it is said to include words such as "long press". In other words, the player who has heard the instruction voice can grasp the requested operation mode.

  In the case of a configuration including a plurality of types of operation means, the instruction sound includes a word that allows the user to know which operation means should be operated. In other words, the term includes a word that can be understood to indicate a certain one of the plurality of types of operation means (does not misunderstand that it indicates another operation means). For example, as the operation means, a known “push button” and a configuration other than the above are provided, and when the sound operation effect is to prompt the operation of the “push button”, the instruction sound is “button”. (See FIG. 5B). When a single operation of the push button is requested, the instruction sound includes a phrase such as “press the button”.

  In the sound operation effect in the present embodiment, since the operation of the operation means is requested by the instruction voice, no operation instruction is issued, but the operation of the operation means during a predetermined period is reflected in the effect. This is different from the so-called “hidden operation effect”.

  In the present embodiment, the operation validity period is started substantially simultaneously with the completion of the output of the instruction voice. However, since a meter or the like indicating the operation valid period is not displayed, the player cannot know the lapse of the operation valid period or the end point. This point is the same as the specific operation effect described above. The operation validity period will end after a predetermined time has elapsed from the completion of the output of the instruction sound, and the time is assumed to be sufficiently longer than the time required for the player who heard the instruction sound to operate the operation means. Is done.

  The effect (result effect) (see FIG. 5 (e)) executed as a result of the operation (see FIG. 5 (d)) performed during the operation valid period may be in any form. However, if the operation means is not operated during the operation validity period, the result effect is not generated. For example, in the case where no operation is performed during the operation valid period, it is known that a result effect is generated when the operation valid period elapses. If it is generated, a player who has not noticed the generation of the sound operation effect in which the operation instruction is issued by voice may feel uncomfortable with the generation of the result effect, so that the result effect is not generated.

  As described above, since the sound operation effect in the present embodiment prompts the operation of the operation unit by the instruction voice, the sound operation effect expresses a different taste from the conventional mode in which the instruction by the image is issued. .

  Hereinafter, a specific example in which the sound operation effect in the above embodiment is improved, embodied, or modified will be described. As far as possible, a configuration in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied may be adopted.

-First specific example Although the sound operation effect in the above-described embodiment has been described in which the operation instruction is issued only by the instruction sound, it is assumed that the operation validity period is set by other factors. May be able to be grasped.

  For example, it is assumed that the operation unit has a changing unit capable of changing the mode. As an example of the changing portion, a light emitting portion capable of emitting light in a predetermined mode can be given. The light emitting unit is set to a non-light emitting state (normal mode) when the operation is not in effect (see FIG. 6A), and to a light emitting state (specific mode) (see FIG. 6B) when in the operation is in effect. Shall be performed. In this manner, in the sound operation effect, the operation valid period starts almost simultaneously with the completion of the output of the instruction voice, but the light emitting unit is in the light emitting state during the operation valid period. This means that the light emitting unit, which was in the non-light emitting state before the completion of the output of the instruction voice, changes to the light emitting state after the completion of the output.

  If the configuration is such that the operation instruction is issued only by the instruction voice, the player may not know whether the operation of the operation means is prompted. Therefore, it is preferable to make the light emitting unit emit light during the operation valid period to indicate to the player that the operation of the operation unit is reflected. It should be noted that making the light emitting portion emit light is in a category that does not correspond to an operation instruction in view of not clearly indicating to the player that the operating means is to be operated. The sound operation effect is a configuration in which the operation instruction is issued only by the instruction sound, and the player may not be aware that the operation validity period is set, so that the player plays an auxiliary role for noticing it. It can be said that it fulfills.

  Unlike a sound operation effect, if another operation effect (general operation effect) in which an instruction is given by an image displayed in a display area such as an operation image or an instruction image can be executed, It is preferable that the light emitting unit emits light during the operation valid period in the operation effect. According to this configuration, the player who has come into contact with another operation effect causes the light emitting unit to be in the light emitting state during the operation effective period (the light emitting unit is changed from the non-light emitting state to the light emitting state by the start of the operation effective period). Change), it is more likely that the user will notice that the operation validity period is set by seeing that the light emitting unit is in the light emitting state in the sound operation effect.

  The light emitting unit may emit light even when the operation is not in effect. Specifically, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit when the operation is not in effect (normal mode) and the light emission mode of the light emitting unit in the operation effective period (specific mode) may be different. Further, the light emitting section may be provided at a place other than the operation means. However, it is more likely that the operation effective period is set by indicating the operation effective period by the operation means itself or the mode of the light emitting unit provided near the operation means. It has the advantage of being expensive.

-Second specific example It is assumed that the player has a volume adjusting means (volume customizing function) that can adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker. However, even if the sound volume is adjusted by the sound volume adjusting means, the sound volume of the instruction sound does not fall below a predetermined threshold. In a sound operation effect in which an image or the like of an operation instruction is not displayed in the display area, if the volume of the instruction sound is reduced, the player may not notice the occurrence of the effect at all. It is assumed that the volume of the sound is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. In order to obtain such a configuration, for example, the following settings can be considered.

  As a first setting, it is conceivable that the instruction sound is not set as a target that can be adjusted by the volume adjusting means. That is, it is assumed that the volume of the instruction voice is maintained even if the volume is changed by the volume adjusting means in order to make the volume of the sound for the performance desired.

  As a second setting, in a certain range, the volume of the instruction sound is increased or decreased based on the adjustment by the volume adjustment unit, while in a range lower than the above range, the adjustment by the volume adjustment unit is performed. It is also assumed that the volume of the instruction voice does not change. For example, it is assumed that the sound volume adjusting means can adjust the sound volume in ten steps, and the minimum sound volume (threshold) of the instruction voice is “3” in the ten steps. When the sound volume is adjusted by the sound volume adjusting means in the range of 3 to 10, the sound volume of the instruction voice is increased or decreased accordingly. On the other hand, when the sound volume is adjusted in the range of 1 to 3 by the sound volume adjusting means, the sound for the effect is increased or decreased accordingly, but the sound volume of the instruction sound is kept at “3”. By doing so, the volume of the instruction voice does not become lower than “3”.

-Third specific example It is assumed that the sound operation effect is set as a so-called chance-up effect (see FIG. 7). When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a sound operation effect (see FIG. 7 (b-1)) is generated or a general operation effect (a normal operation effect) (FIG. 7). (See (b-2)) is to be determined. In other words, the occurrence of the sound operation effect during the notification effect for notifying the certain result determination result has a higher probability (big hit reliability) that the result determination result becomes a big hit than the case where the sound operation effect does not occur. This is set (see FIGS. 7 (b-1) and 7 (b-2)).

  Since the sound operation effect is one in which an operation instruction is issued by voice, the sound operation effect is not so noticeable as compared with a general operation effect (normal operation effect), and it is highly probable that the player does not notice the occurrence. I can say. By setting the occurrence of such inconspicuous sound operation effects as so-called chance-up, the game becomes more interesting.

3) Fixed Effect The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can execute a fixed effect as an effect using operation means. Hereinafter, the confirmed effect will be described in detail. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes first operation means and second operation means as operation means (see FIG. 1). The configuration and operation mode of each of the first operation means and the second operation means may be any. For one operation target that can be operated in a plurality of operation modes, operating the operation target in one operation mode is referred to as “operation of the first operation unit”, and the operation target in another operation mode. The operation may be referred to as “operation of the second operation means”, and a fixed effect as described below may be generated. In the present embodiment, the first operation means is a "push button", and the second operation means is a structure provided at the lower left of the gaming machine and slidable in the front-rear direction, and is slid from the original position to the back. It can be operated.

  In the present embodiment, the player is impressed that the second operation means is “higher in value” than the first operation means. The following can be considered as a technique for impressing such a value.

  As a first technique, as an operation effect for prompting the player to operate the operation means, the operation of the second operation means is more effective than the effect of prompting the operation of the first operation means (hereinafter, referred to as a first operation effect). It is conceivable that the effect that is prompted (hereinafter, referred to as a second operation effect) has a lower frequency of occurrence (lower probability of occurrence) (see FIG. 8A). That is, the second operation effect is set to be “rare effect” as compared to the first operation effect. By doing so, the player has the impression that operating the first operating means is a normal case in operating the operation, and operating the second operating means is a special case. Will receive it.

  As a second technique, a setting is made such that when the second operation effect occurs, the probability that an advantageous event for the player will occur later will be higher than when the first operation effect occurs. (See FIG. 8B). For example, if a success ending advantageous to the player and a failure ending unfavorable to the player are set as the ending of the operation effect, the second operation effect is a success ending rather than the probability that the first operation effect is a success ending. The probability is set to be high. By doing so, the player has an impression that the second operation means indicates “chance up”. In addition, by adopting the second method, as a result, the second operation effect may have a setting with a lower occurrence frequency (the setting to which the first method is applied) than the first operation effect. Normal.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second operation means is more impressed as the “high value” (rare) operation means than the first operation means. The fixed effect is an effect using the “high value” second operation means.

  During the notification effect (the effects from FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (d), which may be hereinafter referred to as a "big hit notification effect"), the operation of the second operation means is prompted during the notification effect in which the result of the final judgment to be notified is a big hit. Even in the situation where the second operation means is operated (see FIG. 9 (b)), a confirmation effect (see FIG. 9 (c)) indicating that the jackpot is confirmed is generated even in the situation where the second operation means is not operated. Let it. In the present embodiment, a fixed effect is generated only during the jackpot notification effect in the normal gaming state (a low probability state in which the probability of winning the winning / non-winning lottery is low) by operating the second operating means. That is, such control is not executed during a high-probability game state (probability variation state) in which the probability of winning in the success / failure lottery is higher than in the normal game state.

  The specific mode of the fixed effect may be any. It is conceivable to output a determined sound that can only be generated when the jackpot is determined from the speaker (see FIG. 9C), or to display a so-called premium image in the display area. In other words, a fixed effect that occurs only when the big hit is determined occurs when the second operation means is operated. In addition, even if the first operation means is operated during the situation where the confirmed effect is generated in response to the operation of the second operation means, that is, during the jackpot notification effect, the confirmed effect does not occur.

  It is known that an operation effect may cause a fixed effect to be triggered by an operation of an operation means. In the present embodiment, even if “the operation of the second operating means is not prompted”, a definite effect is generated in response to the operation of the second operating means. Assuming that the operating means is not operated unless the operation of the operating means is prompted, the determined effect does not occur (the determined effect (operation of the second operating means only) (Except that which occurs as the second operation effect) does not occur, and may occur as a part of the notification effect whose content is determined by a previously executed lottery). In the present embodiment, the setting is such that, regardless of the situation of the jackpot notification effect, if the second operating means is operated, a definite effect is always generated in response to the operation. Therefore, it can be said that when the second operation means is operated in a certain notification effect, the jackpot is determined if the determined effect is generated, but it is determined that the game is a miss if the determined effect is not generated. If the second operating means is operated, the timing is irregular, so that the timing at which the definite effect occurs is also irregular. However, it is not denied that the setting is such that the fixed effect does not occur even if the second operation means is operated during a part of the notification effect of the target. For example, after three sets of identification symbols of the same type are shown, a so-called fluctuation effect indicating that the type of the identification symbol may change (for example, a fluctuation effect indicating whether the jackpot is a so-called probable jackpot). Is publicly known), so that a definite effect is not generated. Since the "big hit" has been determined in the situation where the re-orientation effect has occurred, it is determined that there is no point in generating a definite effect, and during the re-effect effect, the definite effect is performed even if the second operating means is operated. Avoid it.

  By providing such a function for generating a fixed effect (hereinafter, referred to as a fixed effect function), the player who does not know that the function is installed can easily operate the second operating means. It is possible to give a surprise that a definitive effect will occur when the player performs the action. On the other hand, when the player who knows that the function is installed is in a situation where a jackpot can be expected in the middle of the informing effect (when the content of the informing effect can be expected in the jackpot) ), The user can operate the second operation means to check whether or not a confirmed effect occurs (whether or not a big hit).

  One of the points that the definitive effect is generated is not the operation of the first operation means but the operation of the second operation means. The first operation means has a high frequency of occurrence of a situation (first operation effect) prompting the operation (more than the second operation means), and is an operation means familiar to a player who is playing continuously. You can say that. If it is decided that a definite effect is to be triggered by such an operation of the first operation means, the player may operate the first operation means unconsciously, and a definite effect may occur unexpectedly frequently. There is a possibility that it will. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the frequency of requesting the operation is low, and the confirmed effect is generated by the operation of the second operation means which is not familiar to the player.

  Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the definite effect in the above embodiment are improved, embodied, or modified will be described. As far as possible, a configuration in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied may be adopted.

-First specific example In the jackpot notification effect, an operation effect (second operation effect) that prompts the operation of the second operation means is generated. When the second operating means is operated when the operation is not in the operation validity period of the second operation effect, a definite effect is triggered by the operation, but during the operation validity period of the second operation effect (see FIG. 10B). Prevents the fixed effect from being generated when the second operation means is operated (see FIG. 10C) (an effect is generated as a result of the second operation effect) (see FIG. 10D). Note that, of course, when the second operation effect occurs in the notification effect in which the result of the determination is incorrect, the fixed effect does not occur regardless of whether the operation is performed during the operation valid period.

  Since the second operation effect is to urge the player to operate the second operation means, it is usual that the second operation means is operated during the operation effective period. If a confirmed effect occurs as a result of such an operation, the player may not know whether or not the result is a jackpot in the middle of the notification effect (at the time when the second operation effect occurs), although the player does not want to. become. In other words, the second operation effect substantially functions as an effect that determines whether the result of the hit determination is a big hit or a wrong hit. If it is not preferable that such a situation occurs, the operation of the second operation means during the operation valid period of the second operation effect may not be a trigger for the occurrence of the fixed effect.

  However, it does not deny that the operation of the second operation means during the operation valid period of the second operation effect is set to be a trigger of the occurrence of the fixed effect. In other words, the second operation effect may substantially function as an effect for determining whether the result of the hit determination is a big hit or a wrong hit.

-Second specific example It is assumed that the player can arbitrarily select valid (ON) or invalid (OFF) of the fixed effect function. Although a customization function that allows the player to arbitrarily adjust and select various settings relating to effects is known, a determined effect function is set as an object of the customization. For example, it is possible to enable / disable the confirmed effect function by an operation on the customization screen (see FIG. 11).

  Whether or not a confirmed effect is triggered by the operation of the second operating means means that the result is known in the middle of the notification effect.Therefore, some players consider that the confirmed effect function is unnecessary. Seem. Therefore, it is preferable that the confirmed effect function can be turned off for such a player. Further, by setting the confirmed effect function as an object to be customized, there is also an effect that a player who does not know that such a function is installed is notified of the fact.

Third Specific Example In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given that the confirmed effect is generated by operating the second operation means during the jackpot notification effect, but the determined effect may or may not be generated. It may be set.

  For example, when the second operation means is operated during the jackpot notification effect, a lottery (hereinafter, referred to as a fixed effect lottery) for determining whether or not to generate a fixed effect is performed. The probability of winning the determined effect lottery is less than 100%. Therefore, even if the second operating means is operated during the notification effect, the fixed effect does not always occur.

  The determined effect lottery may be executed only once during one information effect (big hit information effect), or may be executed each time the second operation means is executed. In the former case, even if the second operation means is operated a plurality of times in the jackpot notification effect, if the finalized production lottery triggered by the operation of the first second operation means is omitted, the finalized production will not be performed during the notification production. Does not occur. In the case of the latter, even if the finalized production lottery triggered by the operation of the first second operation means is omitted, the finalized production lottery triggered by the operation of the second and subsequent second operation means is won, and the finalized production occurs. May be.

  As described above, if the probability of the occurrence of the fixed effect triggered by the operation of the second operating means during the jackpot notification effect is set to be less than 100%, even if the fixed effect does not occur, the target determination result is determined. There is a possibility that a big hit may be left. As in the above embodiment, if the probability of occurrence of the finalized effect triggered by the operation of the second operating means during the jackpot notification effect is 100%, the target determination result is incorrect at the time when the finalized effect does not occur. There is also the aspect that it is determined that it is. Even in the case where a fixed effect does not occur, it is preferable to adopt a configuration as in the present example, as long as the game can be expected to have the player's expectation until the end.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the gaming machine described in the above embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, except that the gaming machine is provided with operating means that can be operated by a player, except for the content on the assumption that there is a configuration peculiar to the pachinko gaming machine. For example, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a spinning-type gaming machine.

  Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

-Means 1-1
Display means having a display area, symbol control means for controlling an identification symbol indicating a result of the determination of the success or failure displayed in the display area, operation means operable by the player, and operation of the operation means for the player Effect performing means for performing an operation effect that prompts the user to perform an operation effect period in which the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect in the operation effect, wherein the identification symbol is variably displayed in the display area. A gaming machine characterized in that it is set to end almost at the same time as a stop or a pseudo stop.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to execute an entertaining operation effect in which the operation validity period ends almost at the same time as when the identification symbol stops or pseudo stops.

・ Means 1-2
The gaming machine according to claim 1-1, wherein, in the operation effect, a display indicating an end time of the operation effective period is not displayed in the display area.
As described above, the operation validity period ends almost at the same time as the time when the identification symbol stops or the pseudo stop, so that the operation validity period does not have to be intentionally displayed. If the operation validity period is not displayed in this way, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the effect.

・ Means 1-3
In the case where the ending of the operation effect is a failure ending disadvantageous to the player, the identification symbol stops in an out-of-way mode indicating that the success / failure determination result is out-of-order almost simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period. A gaming machine according to the means 1-1 or 1-2.
As described above, when the operation mode is terminated and the out-of-operation mode is indicated almost at the same time, it is easy to understand that the end of the operation effect is a failure end.

・ Means 1-4
If the ending of the operation effect is a successful ending that is advantageous to the player, the identification symbol is stopped in a specific mode indicating that an event advantageous to the player occurs substantially simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period. Alternatively, the gaming machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, wherein the game machine is pseudo-stopped.
・ Means 1-5
The said specific aspect is an aspect which shows generation | occurrence | production of a pseudo continuous production, and after the said identification symbol pseudo-stops in the said specific aspect, the said identification symbol will change again, The means 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Gaming machine.
・ Means 1-6
The specific aspect is an aspect indicating occurrence of a pre-reading continuous effect, and after the identification symbol is stopped in the specific aspect, the identification symbol for indicating a result of the next pass / fail determination starts to change. A gaming machine according to means 1-4.
As described above, when the specific mode (the mode indicating the occurrence of the pseudo-continuous effect or the look-ahead effect) is indicated almost simultaneously with the end of the operation validity period, it is easy to understand that the operation effect has ended successfully.

-Means 2-1
Display means having a display area, audio output means, operation means operable by a player, and effect execution means for executing an operation effect prompting the player to operate the operation means; As a kind of the operation effect, a specific operation effect in which a display prompting to operate the operation means is not displayed in the display area, and the instruction sound output from the sound output unit is prompted to operate the operation means. Gaming machine capable of executing the following.
In the above-mentioned gaming machine, since the operation of the operation means is not prompted by the image but the operation of the operation means is prompted by the instruction voice, the gaming machine exhibits a different taste from the conventional mode in which the instruction by the image is issued. Things.

・ Means 2-2
The operating means has a changing part whose mode changes, and in the specific operation effect, during the operation valid period in which the operation of the operating means is reflected in the effect, the mode of the changing part is different from the normal mode The gaming machine according to means 2-1 which is a specific mode.
If the operation of the operation means is prompted by the instruction voice, the player may not notice that the operation effective period has been set. It is preferable to increase the probability of noticing the setting.

・ Means 3-1
Operating means operable by the player; and effect executing means capable of executing an operation effect for prompting the player to operate the operating means, wherein the operating means includes first operating means and Two operation means are provided, and as the operation effect, a first operation effect that prompts the operation of the first operation unit, and a second operation effect that prompts the operation of the second operation unit can be executed, and The frequency at which the second operation effect occurs is set to be lower than the frequency at which the first operation effect occurs, and during a series of notification effects that notify the result of determination of the object, When the result of the determination is a hit, it indicates that the hit is determined in response to the operation of the second operating means even in a situation where the operation of the second operating means is not prompted. Final production Gaming machine, characterized in that it comprises a per broadcast function of generating.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to realize an interesting gaming property in which a fixed effect may occur when the second operation means having a low operation request frequency is triggered.

・ Means 3-2
The hit notification function is effective, and in a situation where the operation of the second operation means is prompted in the second operation effect, even when the second operation means is operated, the confirmed effect is not determined. The gaming machine according to the means 3-1 characterized by being set so as not to occur.
The operation of the second operation means in the second operation effect in which the player is prompted to operate the second operation means is not originally an operation for generating a fixed effect, so the fixed effect is generated by the operation. It is desirable not to do so.

・ Means 3-3
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3-1 and 3-2, wherein a player can select whether or not to enable the hit notification function.
Since there may be a player who does not want a confirmed effect to occur during the notification effect, it may be possible to select whether to enable or disable the hit notification function.

1 gaming machine 10 operating means (11 first operating means 12 second operating means)
10L Light emitting unit 20 Operation image 21 Instruction image 50 Speaker 80 Identification pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

Display means having a display area;
Symbol control means for controlling an identification symbol indicating a result of the determination of success or failure displayed in the display area,
Operating means operable by the player;
Effect execution means for executing an operation effect for prompting the player to operate the operation means,
With
In the operation effect, the operation validity period in which the operation of the operation means is reflected in the effect is substantially the same as the time point at which the identification symbol, which is variably displayed in the display area, is stopped or pseudo-stopped and the end of the operation effect is indicated. A gaming machine characterized by being set to end at the same time.

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