JP2020103453A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of excellently improving the degree of attention to a game.SOLUTION: A win/lose lottery is performed on the basis of entry when the entry into an operation port provided for a game area occurs. When the lottery ends up in a normal jackpot result, shift to a second normal game state corresponding to a low probability mode and a high frequency support mode occurs after a special game state is over. When game frequency executed in the second normal game state reaches reference termination frequency, shift to a first normal game state corresponding to a low probability mode and a low frequency support mode occurs. In a final game round that reaches the reference termination frequency in the second normal game state, volume level is decreased by one stage in accordance with timing at which an upper symbol is stop displayed in a symbol display device 253, and volume level is reduced further by one stage in accordance with timing at which a lower symbol is stop displayed, so that a silent state that output of BGM corresponding to the second normal game state and sound effects are avoided occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, are provided with a pattern display device that variably displays patterns on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, when a prize is given to an operating port provided in a gaming area, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a special gaming state advantageous to the player such as a winning state is generated, and The variable display is started. When the lottery is won, a specific picture combination and the like are finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2005-074175, A

In recent years, various contrivances have been made to raise the degree of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the structure of the gaming machine in order to increase the degree of attention paid to the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately improving the degree of attention to a game.

The present invention is
An information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the satisfaction of a predetermined acquisition condition;
Acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information,
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. And a game time control means for controlling a predetermined notification means,
The game time control means has period determination means for determining an operation period of the game time operation for each game time,
When the game turning operation is being performed, an effect executing means for executing an effect in parallel with the game turning operation is provided,
As one of the effects executed by the effect executing means, a predetermined effect configured such that the effect execution period is shorter than the operation period is provided.
The effect execution means has a continuous execution means for continuously executing the predetermined effect during one game,
A speaker unit that outputs sound,
A sound control unit for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker section in parallel with the game diverting operation,
After the volume of the predetermined music output by the output means is lowered in association with the predetermined performance continuously performed by the continuous execution means, the output of the predetermined music is performed by the predetermined performance. It has a stop means for stopping in conjunction with.

According to the present invention, it is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the game.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view showing a configuration of a game board unit. It is the perspective view which looked at the game board unit from the back. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a back pack unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the symbol display device. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the symbol display device. It is an explanatory view for explaining the contents of various counters used for win/win lottery. It is a schematic diagram showing a win/loss table. (A), (b) The schematic diagram which shows a distribution table, (c) The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between a classification and a support mode. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by MPU of a main control apparatus. It is a flowchart showing a winning process for the operating port. It is a flow chart which shows information acquisition processing. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process by MPU of a main control apparatus. It is a flow chart which shows game time control processing. It is a flow chart which shows data setting processing. It is a flow chart which shows change start processing. It is a schematic diagram showing a fluctuation display time table. It is a flow chart which shows game state shift processing. It is a block diagram showing an electric composition concerning an information / production control device and a display control device. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between (a) BGM and a game state, and (b) is a timing chart which shows the flow of BGM change. It is the schematic which shows the kind of (a) sound effect, and the schematic which shows (b) volume level. It is a flow chart which shows a game state corresponding sound volume control processing by MPU of an information and production control device. It is a flow chart which shows special control processing. It is a flow chart which shows processing for big hit results. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. 8 is a timing chart showing a modified example relating to switching of volume levels. It is the schematic which shows the fluctuation display time table in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows special control processing by MPU of an information / production control device. It is a flowchart which shows a muffling start process. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a flow chart which shows special control processing in a 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a mute start determination process. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a flowchart which shows the variable display control process performed by MPU of the notification and effect control apparatus in 4th Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows change start processing. It is a schematic diagram showing a fluctuation display time table. It is the schematic which illustrated the variable display mode of the symbol in (a) normal production, and the schematic view which illustrated the variable display mode of the symbol in (b) special production. It is a flow chart which shows special control processing. It is a flow chart which shows processing for big hit results. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level. It is a timing chart which illustrated the flow of switching a volume level.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first mode of a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in a developed manner. Note that, in FIG. 2, for convenience, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a gaming machine main portion 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting long frame members to four sides, and is formed to have a rectangular frame shape as a whole. By mounting and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. The outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be provided in an island facility of a game hall or the like.

The gaming machine main portion 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, the upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to a connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11, and is further connected to a connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11. Side support fittings 18 are provided. A support mechanism is constituted by the upper support metal fitting 17 and the lower support metal fitting 18, and the main body 12 of the gaming machine rotates the left side in a front view of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11 by the support mechanism. The right side of the pachinko machine 10 can be rotated forward with the right side being the front side (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main portion 12 is provided with an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a rear side of the inner frame 13. And a back pack unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the main body 12 of the gaming machine is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation front end side in the gaming machine front view.

A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation front end side in a game machine front view. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable rearward with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation front end side in a game machine front view. There is.

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a frame body 20 made of synthetic resin whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. There is. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire game area PE described later can be visually recognized. The window portion 21 is formed by a glass unit 22. It is closed from the back side of the front door frame 14.

The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition part that partitions the holding area of the glass panel 23 into front and rear parts, and both glass panels 23 face each other in front and back with the partition part sandwiched therebetween. That is, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the gaming areas PE are doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

In addition, both glass panels 23 do not necessarily need to be unitized using the glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be attached to the frame body 20 individually. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to make the glass panels face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to adopt a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panel.

Around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21), light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination portion 26 having a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window 21. In the annular illumination portion 26, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the game state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. Further, at the center of the annular illumination portion 26 and at the uppermost portion of the pachinko machine 10, there is provided an error display lamp portion 27 which is turned on when a defect such as an error occurs. A prize ball lamp unit 28 that lights up is provided. Further, speaker units 29 for outputting sound effects, BGM and the like according to the game state are provided at positions close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In the speaker unit 29, monotony of the game is suppressed by switching BGM and the like according to the game state.

Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 which bulge toward the front side are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 33 that is open upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that is also open upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2 ). The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing the game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a line. Further, the lower plate 34 has a function of storing the excessive game balls in the upper plate 33 and a game ball which has not reached the game area PE (see FIG. 3) of the game balls emitted by the game ball firing mechanism. It has a function as a tray for storing the discharged game balls when the balls are returned to the player.

An operation button operated by a player is arranged in a portion of the upper bulging portion 31 which is in front of the upper plate 33. By operating this operation button, the volume of the speaker unit 29 can be adjusted according to the player's preference.

On the right side of the lower bulging portion 32, a game ball launching handle 41 is provided so as to project to the front side. By operating the game ball launching handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launching mechanism described later. In addition, the firing speed of the game ball becomes faster as the operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball firing handle 41 increases, and when the operation amount is adjusted to a predetermined amount by the player, the game ball is played. The area PE is reached. Further, by adjusting the operation amount by the player, it is possible to separately strike the game ball into the right route and the left route, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is made of synthetic resin and has a front door side upper plate passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that projects rearward and is opened upward is formed in an upper corner portion thereof, and the receiving portion is partitioned left and right by a partition wall to form an inlet of the front plate side upper plate passage. The part and the entrance part of the front plate side lower plate passage are partitioned and formed. The front door side upper plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage are connected to the game ball distribution section described later on the upstream side, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper plate passage are guided to the upper plate 33 to lower the front door side. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

Protrusion shafts are provided at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the front door frame 14 on the rotation base end side on the back surface. These projection shafts form an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. Note that, in FIG. 5 as well, as in FIG. 3, the configuration in the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

(Inner frame 13)
The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of an inner frame base body 50 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the inner frame base body 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. Further, the inner frame base body 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, the lower end portion thereof), and when the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 is placed on the curtain plate. Will be listed. A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the inner frame base body 50 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference.

Supporting fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the front surface of the inner frame base body 50 on the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5). Although illustration is omitted, the support fittings 71, 72 have shaft portions, and the bearing portions provided in the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shaft portions, so that the front door frame with respect to the inner frame 13 is inserted. 14 is rotatably supported.

A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is provided on the pivoting front end side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end portion (vertical frame member described later) of the inner frame base body 50, and the front door hook members 76 are arranged scattered in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) thereof. have. The inner frame base body 50 has a hook receiving member 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 and a slit for projecting to the front side of the inner frame 13 corresponds to each front door hook member 76. Is formed in this way. The front door hook member 76 protruding through the slits is locked to the hook receiving member 49 provided in the front door frame 14 so as to correspond to the front door hook members 76 in a one-to-one relationship. The frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 such that it cannot be opened. Further, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 extending to the rear side of the inner frame 13. By hooking the inner frame hook member 77 on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, the gaming machine main portion 12 is locked in a state of being closed with respect to the outer frame 11.

The inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75) is provided with a cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75. The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking unit (each hook member 76, 77, interlocking rod, etc.) that constitutes the main part of the locking device 75, and is arranged adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right (clockwise), the locking of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 is released, and the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise). The lock of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

An accommodation recess 51 for accommodating the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the inner frame base body 50. The accommodation recess is recessed in the rear of the game machine according to the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed to the accommodation recess 51 from the front of the game machine by a manual lock mechanism. A substantially rectangular window hole 52 is formed in the bottom of the accommodation recess 51, and the rear surface configuration of the game board unit 80 (a rear block 80b described later) projects rearward of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. .. The window hole 52 is in a state in which almost the entire area is covered from the front of the game machine by the game board unit 80 attached to the inner frame base body 50.

(Game board unit 80)
The game board unit 80 is provided on the back side of the game area forming body 80a with a game area PE in which game balls flow down, and on the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and various game parts described later (for example, a variable display unit, a control unit). A device, a movable effect mechanism, a decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) are integrated with a back block 80b mounted on a base body 251. The game area forming body 80a is made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the front portion of the back block 80b is visible through the game area forming body 80a.

As described above, the game area PE is covered by the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). The glass unit 22 is such that the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game area forming body 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE has the same game area PE. Are arranged so that they are not lined up in front and back at the same location. Thereby, the ball clogging in the game area PE is suppressed.

Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE of the game area forming body 80a) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 seen from the rear.

The game area forming body 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings that penetrate in the thickness direction (front-back direction) of the game area forming body 80a. As shown in FIG. 6, a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, actuating openings 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, etc. are arranged in each opening. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operation openings 83a and 83b, the gaming balls are detected by detection sensors (not shown) provided corresponding to the respective ball-in, and the detection results are obtained. Based on, a privilege such as a predetermined number of prize balls (payout of game balls) is given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the bottom of the game area forming body 80a, and game balls that have not entered various ball-in portions are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish it from the game ball entering the outlet 89, the game ball entering the general prize 81, the variable prize device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b is also referred to as a "prize". Express.

Further, in the game area forming body 80a, many nail members 93 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls, and various members (roles) such as a windmill 94 are arranged. Has been done. The various paths of the nail member 93, the windmill 94, and the like divide the downflow path of the game ball, and are adjusted so that the above-described general winning opening 81 and the like can be won with an appropriate probability.

A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the game area forming body 80a, and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached so as to cover the central opening 85 from the back side of the game area forming body 80a. Behind the central opening 85, the variable display unit 252 and the like belonging to the back block 80b are located, and the variable display unit 252 and the like can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine through the central opening 85 (opening cover 86). There is. Note that, in FIG. 6, for convenience of description, the opening cover 86 is shown by a chain double-dashed line, and the variable display unit 252 is visible.

Operating ports 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, and the like are arranged around the central opening 85. The working ports 83a and 83b are composed of an upper working port 83a arranged below the variable display unit 252 and a lower working port 83b arranged immediately below the upper working port 83a. The (lottery trigger entry ball portion) 83b is provided with an electric accessory 91 as an opening/closing entry assistance device (entry assistance means) or an opening/closing member (opening/closing means). The electric accessory 91 includes a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive portion that drives the movable piece. When the position of the movable piece is changed by the drive portion, the ball enters the lower working port 83b. It is possible to switch between an open state (auxiliary state), which is possible or easy, and a closed state (non-auxiliary state), which makes it impossible or difficult for the player to enter the ball.

In the game area PE, the through gate 84 is arranged at a position on the upstream side (more specifically, to the side of the variable display unit 252) of the lower operation opening 83b, and the passage of the game ball through the through gate 84 is used as a trigger. If the lottery is successful, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

When a ball enters the upper working port 83a, three game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the lower working port 83b, four game balls are paid out. However, the payout number of gaming balls is not limited to the above. However, for example, in order to enhance the advantage of the lower working port 83b with respect to the upper working port 83a, it is preferable to set the number of payouts of the lower working port 83b larger than the number of payouts of the upper working port 83a.

The variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 82 is formed with a special winning opening leading to the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and an opening/closing member (opening and closing) for opening and closing the special winning opening. A door is provided as a means). The open/close door can be switched between an open state (auxiliary state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (non-assisted state) in which the game ball cannot be entered or is difficult. Further, the opening and closing door is connected to a variable winning a prize drive section (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and the opening and closing door is normally maintained in a closed state during the internal lottery. In the case of winning the transition to the open/close execution mode (open/close execution state), the jackpot can be switched to the open state (when the result of the transition to the special game state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state). It has become.

Here, the open/close execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when the jackpot is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening/closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 30 sec) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings are regarded as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 4, 8 and 16 rounds). It is set to repeatedly open and close the door with the upper limit of.

Here, the variable display unit 252 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 252 has a symbol display device 253 that variably displays (variable display) the symbols triggered by winning in the operation openings 83a and 83b. The symbol display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content thereof is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, for example, symbols are displayed side by side in the upper, middle and lower sides, and these symbols are variably displayed by scrolling in the left and right direction. When the jackpot is won, symbols of a predetermined combination are stopped and displayed (fixed display) on the preset effective line, and the opening/closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot) is entered. .. The symbol display device 253 is not necessarily a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or 7-segment type display device.

A center frame 95 is provided in the game area forming body 80a so as to surround the central opening 85. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, a plate body) from the front side thereof, and in such a fixed state, it stands up from the front surface of the game area forming body 80a. The gap between the center frame 95 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Thereby, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is prevented from colliding with the symbol display device 253, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 95) on the right side. It is roughly divided into routes that detour from and routes that detour from the left.

On the upper surface of the frame portion that constitutes the lower portion of the center frame 95, a stage portion on which a game ball can roll to the left and right is formed. The game balls that have flowed in from the inflow ports formed in the left and right frame parts of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage part through the warp passages that are also formed in the center frame 95. The stage part is configured so that the game ball reaching the stage part relatively easily flows into the upper working opening 83a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage part is improved. Contribute to.

Here, in the present embodiment, the central opening 85 is covered by the transparent opening cover 86 as described above, so that the game ball reaching the stage part does not move to the back block 80b (variable display unit 252) side. Is regulated by.

Further, a first holding lamp portion 98a and a second holding lamp portion 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame portion that constitutes the lower portion of the center frame 95. The first holding lamp section 98a on the left side corresponds to the upper working opening 83a, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the upper working opening 83a is held up to four times and the number of holdings is increased by turning on the first holding lamp section 98a. It is supposed to be displayed. The second holding lamp portion 98b on the right side corresponds to the lower working opening 83b, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the lower working opening 83b is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of holdings is turned on by turning on the second holding lamp portion 98b. Is displayed.

The operation ports 83a and 83b are arranged at positions closer to the central opening 85 (variable display unit 252). Since the player can shift to the special game state by using the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b as a trigger, the player pays attention to whether or not to win the operating ports 83a and 83b and grasps whether to shift to the special gaming state. Therefore, it is considered that the symbol display device 253 is focused on. Providing the operation ports 83a and 83b near the variable display unit 252 is a device for concentrating the portions the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 252.

A game area partitioning member 99 that partitions and forms a game area PE together with a guide rail 100 described below is provided at the right end of the game area forming body 80a (rotating front end of a game board unit 80 described below). The game area partitioning member 99 is provided with a stopper member against which the game balls flying along the main display unit 87 and the guide rail 100 collide. The stopper member is a buffer member arranged near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member flows down in the game area PE after its momentum is weakened. That is, the stopper member is provided with a de-energizing function that weakens the momentum of the game ball that collides.

Here, the main display unit 87 will be supplementarily described. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partition member 99, and a part of the main display unit 87 is arranged so as to face the glass unit 22. A main display portion for displaying a predetermined pattern or the like is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device described later, and the display content of the main display unit is controlled by the main control device.

The main display unit is for the upper working port display unit that displays the lottery result based on the winning of the upper working port 83a, and the lower working port unit that displays the result of the lottery performed based on the winning of the lower working port 83b. And a display unit. In the upper operation port display unit and the lower operation port display unit, a plurality of light emitting units (LEDs) are combined, and it is possible to display the pattern in a variable manner by switching the LEDs to be emitted. ..

In the upper working opening display portion, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the upper working opening 83a as a trigger. As a result of the stop of the variable display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper working opening 83a is performed. The result is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the upper working opening 83a is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening/closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the upper working opening display unit and the predetermined stop result is obtained. After the picture is displayed, the opening/closing execution mode is entered.

In the lower working opening display portion, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the lower working opening 83b as a trigger. As a result of the stop of the variable display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower working opening 83b is performed. The result is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the lower working opening 83b is the winning result corresponding to the big hit, the variable display is stopped on the lower working opening display unit, and the predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result. After that, depending on the result, the opening/closing execution mode is entered.

Here, the variable display of the pattern is started on the corresponding operating port display portion based on the winning of one of the operating ports 83a and 83b, and the pattern corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed. Until a predetermined stop display time (stop display period or fixed display time) elapses with the stop displayed (until the fixed display ends) corresponds to one game game. However, the one game play is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and for example, a single display area is provided, and even if a winning is generated in any of the operation openings 83a and 83b, the single play area is generated. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and after the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed, the confirmation display ends. It is also possible to make the game play one time.

In the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times a game ball wins the upper working opening 83a and the lower working opening 83b is respectively held up to a maximum of four times, and the main display portion of the main display unit 87 has each operation. An upper working port reserved number display unit and a lower working port reserved number display unit that display the reserved numbers (reserved numbers) corresponding to the ports 83a and 83b are provided.

In addition to the above-mentioned display parts, the main display part of the main display unit 87 is provided with a through-gate display part for displaying a lottery result based on a winning of the through-gate 84. In the display part for through gates, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the through gate 84 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 84 is clearly shown as the stop result of the variable display. To be done. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through-gate 84 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric power open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through-gate display unit and the variable display is displayed. After it is stopped, it shifts to the electric power release state. In the electric role open state, the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operation port 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is held up to a maximum of four times, but the held display number is displayed on the main display portion of the main display unit 87. An on-hold number display is provided.

The main display unit described in detail above is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the game ball is prevented from moving in front of these various display units. Therefore, the visibility is secured.

The structure of the inner frame 13 will be described again with reference to FIG. 5. Below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50, a game ball is launched into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41. A game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

(Game ball launch mechanism 110)
The game ball launching mechanism 110 is a solenoid 111 for launching a game ball located at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 for defining the launching direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying spheres and a base plate 114 on which these various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and by fixing the base plate 114 to the inner frame base body 50, It is integrated with the inner frame base body 50.

The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game area forming body 80a. The firing rail 112 is formed with a groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and the front and rear positions of the game ball are defined by fitting the game ball into the groove.

A ball stopper that keeps the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is arranged at a position closer to the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the launch rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply/firing control device described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion/contraction direction based on the output of an electric signal from the power supply/launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the firing standby position is on the game area forming body 80a side. Is struck toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the game area forming body 80a.

The guide rail 100 is formed by partitioning the game area PE together with the game area partitioning member 99 fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. There is. In addition, the guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 which are arranged so as to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and one guide passage 103 is defined by these both rails 101, 102. Has been done. The guide passage 103 has an inlet portion 104 opened to the tip side (obliquely downward) of the launch rail 112 and an outlet portion 105 located above the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112→the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104→the exit portion 105). In addition, in the game area forming body 80a, on the front side of the outlet portion 105, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, the reversion preventing member 106 that prevents the game sphere reaching the game area PE from returning to the inside of the guide passage 103. Is attached to prevent the launch of the following game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE in advance.

Each of the rails 101 and 102 that form the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered on a substantially central portion of the game area PE. Therefore, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, while being in contact with the outer rail 102 by the centrifugal force generated in itself. That is, when the game ball is delivered to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide passage 103 substantially constitutes the passage area (passage path) through which the game ball passes. However, the area along the inner rail 101 is substantially an area where the game ball does not pass.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a. It is located in. That is, the rails 100 and 112 are arranged so that the inlet portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are laterally displaced near the lower edge of the game area forming body 80a. Thus, both rails 100 and 112 are brought close to the lower end edge of the game area forming body 80a, and a gap of a predetermined distance is formed between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

A foul ball passage is arranged below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage is integrally formed with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls fired from the game ball firing mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return in the guide passage 103 as foul balls, those foul balls enter the foul ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball passage communicates with the lower door passage on the front door side, and the game ball that has entered the foul ball passage is discharged to the lower dish 34 shown in FIG. As a result, the interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next is suppressed.

A rail cover 107 is provided at the left end of the game area forming body 80a so as to cover the outer rail 102 from the side. The game board unit 80 is often handled as a single unit at the time of manufacturing or maintenance work, and the outer rail 102 may collide with the game table or the like at this time. The rail cover 107 is a member mounted in view of such a situation, and is provided with a protection function for preventing the outer rail 102 from being deformed due to the above factors or the like.

In the inner frame base body 50, a through hole that penetrates the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14). The passage forming member 121 is disposed in the. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50 and has a main body side upper tray passage 122 and a main body side lower tray passage 123. The upstream sides of the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 communicate with a game ball distribution unit described later. Further, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper tray passage is disposed below the main body side upper tray passage 122. Below the main body side lower tray passage 123, a front door side upper tray passage is arranged.

An opening/closing member 124 that opens and closes the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the inner frame base body 50. The opening/closing member 124 is biased to a front position that closes the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening/closing member 124 is caused by this biasing force. By being in the closed state, the game balls are prevented from falling off from the passages 122 and 123. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening/closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage communicate with each other.

Next, a rear surface configuration of the inner frame 13 (the inner frame base body 50 and the game board unit 80) will be described based on FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rear side of the inner frame base body 50 on the rotation base end side (right side in FIG. 8). The bearing fittings 132 are formed with bearing portions 133 which are vertically separated from each other, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50, a plurality of fixing levers 134 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state are provided.

As already described, the bottom of the accommodation recess (game board accommodation portion) 51 of the inner frame base body 50 penetrates in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and is opened to the back side of the inner frame base body 50. A window hole 52 is formed, and the window hole 52 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 housed in the housing recess 51. Various structures such as a control device are mounted on the back surface of the game board unit 80 (back surface block 80b), and these various structures are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window holes 52. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

As described above, the back surface block 80b is attached to the back surface of the game area forming body 80a. The back block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 opened to the game area forming body 80a side, and by fixing this base body 251 to the back surface of the game area forming body 80a, the game area forming body is formed. The body 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

The front side of the base body 251 is an arrangement area of a movable effect mechanism and a decorative member capable of emitting light, and the back side thereof is a control device for controlling these various configurations and the variable display unit 252 (symbol display device). 253).

More specifically, a part of the base body 251 projects to the back side of the inner frame base body 50, and the design display device 253 (see FIG. 6) described above with respect to the projecting portion, and the design display device thereof. A display controller for driving the H.253 is attached. The symbol display device 253 and the display control device are arranged in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50) so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side. Further, on the back surface of the base body 251, the notification/effect control device 140 is mounted so as to be located behind the display control device.

The notification/effect control device 140 is provided with a notification/effect control board that controls the output of a voice, a lamp display, and the display controller according to an instruction from a main controller described later, and the notification/effect control board is transparent. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 141 made of a resin material or the like.

Below the notification/effect control device 140, a main control device unit 160 is provided so as to cover the base body 96 from the rear side. The main controller unit 160 has a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin fixed to the back surface of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b), and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. There is. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main game control (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a substrate box 163 composed of the like.

The board box 163 includes a box base (front case body) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a box sealing portion 164 serving as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing parts 164 are provided on the short side part of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for the sealing process.

The box sealing portion 164 may have any structure as long as it can connect the box base and the box cover in an unopenable manner. However, by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole portion of the box sealing portion 164, The base and the box cover are designed so that they cannot be opened. The sealing processing by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after opening the package. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking pin into at least one locking hole of the plurality of box sealing parts 164. When the board box 163 is unsealed, such as when the stored main control board is defective or when the main control board is inspected, a connecting portion between the box sealing portion in which the locking pin is inserted and the board box 163 main body. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the board box 163 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If a history indicating that the board box 163 has been opened is left in the board box 163, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 163 that an illegal opening has been made.

The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected by a pedestal sealing portion 165 in an unopenable manner. Specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole portion and a locking pin similarly to the box sealing portion 164, and by inserting the locking pin into the locking hole portion, the pedestal sealing portion 165 and the board box 163 are formed. The mount 161 is inseparably coupled. This makes it easier to understand the fact that the board box 163 has been removed illegally.

In the portion of the front surface of the base body 251 facing the lower back surface of the game area forming body 80a, the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating port 83a, 83b corresponding to the game board opening and downstream. A recovery passageway (not shown) is formed at one location on the side. As a result, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 and the like are gathered below the game board unit 80 via the collection passage. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting the game balls that have won the various winning openings.

A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 by the collection passage are led out into the discharge passage. The outlet 89 is also connected to the discharge passage in the same manner, and the game balls that have not won any of the prize outlets are led into the discharge passage through the outlet 89.

In addition, the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b, as a detection sensor for each of the above-mentioned ball winning portion, a general winning hole detection sensor for detecting a game ball that has won the general winning hole 81, and an operating opening 83a. , 83b and a detection sensor for an operating opening for detecting a game ball that has entered the 83b are mounted, and the various detection sensors constitute a winning detection mechanism. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the detection information (detection signal) is output to the main control device 162 from each detection sensor.

Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. ..

The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a base part 211 to which the payout mechanism part 202 and the like are attached, as shown in FIG. 10, and a protection cover part which projects rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. And 212. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see FIG. 9 ).

An external output terminal board 213 is provided on the upper portion of the base portion 211. Various output terminals are provided on the external output terminal board 213, and the wiring WH1 connecting the management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side and the pachinko machine 10 is connected to these output terminals. Various signals output from the external output terminal board 213 (output terminal) of the pachinko machine 10 are transmitted to the hall computer HC through the wiring WH1, and the hall computer HC indicates the state of the pachinko machine 10 and the game situation based on these various signals. It is configured to grasp.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of upper and lower engaging pins 214 are provided on the right end of the base portion 211 when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the engaging pins 214 are provided on the bearings provided on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13 by being inserted into the portion 133. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing levers 134 provided on the inner frame 13 are inserted. The fixing levers 134 contact the base portion 211 from behind in a state where the fixing levers 134 are inserted into the insertion portions. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by coming into contact with each other.

A payout mechanism section 202 is arranged on the base section 211 so as to bypass the protective cover section 212. The payout mechanism section 202 is provided with a tank 221 arranged at the uppermost part of the back pack 201 and opening upward, and the game balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 221. It A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to either the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the above-described main body. It is formed so as to communicate with the upper tray 33 through the side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage, and the outer opening portion communicates with the lower tray 34 through the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage. Has been done.

At the lower end of the base portion 211, the discharge passage board and the control device assembly unit 204 are attached so that the lower end is sandwiched in the front and rear. On the discharge passage board, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device collecting unit 204, and the opening portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device collecting unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game balls to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game balls led to the discharge passage from the above-mentioned recovery passage and the like pass through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Is discharged.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and the dispensing control device 242 and the power supply/launching control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply/launch control device 243 are arranged in front of and behind each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is housed in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects outside the board box 244. For example, when the state recovery switch 245 is pressed when a dispensing error such as a ball clogging in the dispensing device 224 occurs, the ball clogging can be eliminated.

The power supply/launch control device 243 has a power supply/launch control board housed in a board box 246. The power supply/launch control board generates and outputs a predetermined power source required by various control devices and the like, and further controls the launch of the game ball in accordance with the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player. Specifically, the drive control of the solenoid 111 and the drive control of the ball feeding device 113 that form the game ball launching mechanism 110 are executed.

Further, the power/launch control device 243 is provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state (on state) and a shut off state (off state).

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and storing various data, and holds the state at the time of power failure even if a power failure occurs, and returns to the state at the time of power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. You can do it. For example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before shutting off is stored and retained. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided in the main controller 162, the RAM data is initialized.

These various switches can be operated from the front side of the gaming machine by opening the main body 12 of the gaming machine (inner frame 13) and exposing the back surface of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, in the state where the opening of the gaming machine main portion 12 is restricted by the locking device 75, the various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the gaming machine. That is, it is difficult to operate the above-mentioned various switches when the game machine main unit 12 is closed, and the operation from the front side of the game machine by a person who does not have the key for the locking device 75 (for example, a cheating person). Is difficult.

(Electrical structure of the pachinko machine 10)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block of FIG.

The MPU 402 is mounted on the main control board 401 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 402 is a ROM 403 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 402 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 403 is executed. The RAM 404 is an element including an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. Note that a part of the function of the MPU 402, for example, the function of the ROM 403 or the function of the RAM 404 may be provided as another element.

The MPU 402 has an input port and an output port, respectively. To the input side of the MPU 402, the power failure monitoring board 405 provided in the main control device 162, the payout control device 242, various detection sensors, and the like are connected. A power supply/launch control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 405, and power is supplied to the MPU 402 via the power failure monitoring board 405.

As a part of various detection sensors, a ball detection sensor 391a that detects a ball entering the general winning opening 81 (win), a ball detection sensor 391b that detects a ball entering the variable winning device 82 (win), a variable prize. A ball detection sensor 391c for detecting a ball (prize) into the device 82 (large winning hole), a ball detection sensor 391d for detecting a ball (prize) into the upper working opening 83a, and a lower working opening 83b. A sphere detection sensor 391e for detecting a sphere (prize) and a sphere detection sensor 391f for detecting a sphere (prize) to the through gate 84 are connected, and the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 connects to each sphere. The prize determination (ball entry determination) is performed. In addition, the MPU 402 executes the jackpot occurrence lottery based on the winning of the upper operating opening 83a and the lower operating opening 83b, and also executes the support generating lottery based on the winning of the through gate 84.

A power failure monitoring board 405, a payout control device 242, and a notification/production control device 140 are connected to the output side of the MPU 402. To the payout control device 242, for example, a prize ball command is output based on the result of the prize determination on the prize-corresponding ball portion such as the above-described operation ports 83a and 83b. In this case, when outputting the prize ball command, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to. Then, when the winning of the general winning opening 81 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 gaming balls is output, and when the winning of the variable winning device 82 is specified, 15 gaming balls. The prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the game ball is output, and when the winning of the upper working opening 83a is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of the three game balls is output, and the winning of the winning ball into the lower working opening 83b. If specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

Various commands such as a fluctuation start command, a type command, a fluctuation end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output from the main control device 162 to the notification/effect control device 140. In this case, when outputting these various commands, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each command is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

In addition, on the output side of the MPU 402, a variable winning a prize driving unit that opens and closes an opening/closing body (for example, a shutter member 88) of the variable winning device 82, an electric auditors product driving unit that opens and closes an electric auditors product 91 of the lower working opening 83b, and The main display unit 87 is connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 401, and the MPU 402 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

That is, in the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 402 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit so that the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed. Further, when the support lottery of the electric accessory 91 is won, the MPU 402 executes the drive control of the electric accessory drive unit so that the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, the MPU 402 executes display control of the main display section of the main display unit 87.

Furthermore, an external output terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 402, and through this external output terminal board 213, information about entering balls into various ball entering sections is given to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the game hall side. Information about lottery results such as jackpots and jackpots is output. This allows the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10, the game situation, and the like.

The power failure monitoring board 405 relays between the main control board 401 and the power supply/launch control apparatus 243, and the power failure/monitoring board 405 has a DC stable 24 volt voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply/launch control apparatus 243. The function to monitor is added. The payout control device 242 controls the payout device 224 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

The power supply/launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game arcade or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the operating power necessary for each of the main control board 401, the payout control device 242 and the like is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. The power supply/launch control device 243 is responsible for the launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when a predetermined launch condition is satisfied.

The notification/production control device 140 is provided with a notification/production control board 441 in which the MPU 442 is mounted. The MPU 442 includes a ROM 443 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 442 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 443. A RAM 444 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input/output circuit are built in. It is not essential that the ROM 443 and the RAM 444 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 442, and each may be configured into an individual chip. The MPU 442 of the notification/effect control device 140 drives and controls the lamp parts 26 to 28 and the speaker part 29 provided in the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and also the display control device. It controls 410.

In the display control device 410, the display control of the symbol display device 253 is executed based on the command input from the notification/production control device 140. In this case, in the notification/effect control device 140, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, a variable display mode of the symbol on the symbol display device 253 (for example, presence/absence of reach occurrence and contents of reach effect) and symbol The stop display mode (type of combination of symbols finally stopped and displayed with the end of variable display) is determined.

Here, the configuration relating to the variable display of symbols at each game time and the contents of the variable display will be described. 12 and 13 will be appropriately referred to in the following description. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams for explaining display contents on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253.

The display control device 410 is provided with a character ROM. In the character ROM, data of 9 types of main symbols with numbers “1” to “9” (see FIGS. 12A to 12I) and data of sub symbols without numbers are attached. (See FIG. 12(j)) are stored in advance.

As shown in FIG. 13A, on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, three symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3 of upper, middle and lower stages are set. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is configured by arranging a main symbol and a sub symbol in a predetermined order. Then, on the display screen 253a, the symbols in each of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (specifically, right to left) with periodicity.

In the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of the numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine kinds of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and then between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1". The main symbols of "4" are additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and configured by 20 symbols.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the display screen 253a is configured such that three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3×3 are stopped and displayed. It is supposed to be done. Further, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5 are set on the display screen 253a. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a symbol combination with the same number) is formed on any of the activated lines. When the variable display of all the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is completed in the state of being performed, the big hit moving image is displayed as the occurrence of the normal big hit result or the probability variation big hit result.

Considering that the variable display of each symbol row is stopped as described above, the upper symbol row Z1 is the first symbol row (or the first symbol row), and the lower symbol row Z3 is the second symbol row (or the second symbol row (or the second symbol row). 2 pattern row), the middle symbol row Z2 can be referred to as a third symbol row (or a third symbol row).

Of each of the main symbols, the main symbol with an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) is equivalent to the "specific symbol", and when the probability variation jackpot result occurs, for example, the same specific symbol The combination of is stopped and displayed. Also, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are equivalent to "non-specific symbols", and when a normal jackpot result occurs, for example, the same non-specific symbol combination is stopped and displayed. To be done.

The mode of variable display of the symbols in the symbol display device 253 is not limited to the above, but is arbitrary, and the number of symbol columns, the direction of variable display of symbols in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of symbol rows may be set to be arranged side by side, and the variable display direction of the symbols in the symbol row may be set to the vertical direction.

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

The MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 uses various counter information during the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, display setting of the main display unit 87 (main display section), setting of symbol display of the symbol display device 253, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a winning random number counter C1 used in a lottery for jackpot occurrence, and a hit type counter C2 used in determining a jackpot type such as a probability variation jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 253 fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the hit random number counter C1, and the display portion for the operating opening of the main display unit 87 and The fluctuation type counter CS that determines the fluctuation display time in the symbol display device 253 is used. Further, the electric accessory opening counter C4 used in the lottery for determining whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower operation port 83b is in the electric opening state is used.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 431 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 404. The RAM 404 is provided with a holding ball storage area 432 including an upper working port holding area Ra, a lower working port holding area Rb, an execution area AE, and a total holding number storage area. Then, in the reserved ball storage area 432, the values of the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are time-series according to the winning history of the game ball to the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b. Will be stored in the memory.

For details of each counter, the hit random number counter C1 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599), returns to 0. In particular, when the hit random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the hit random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the random number counter C1 (value=0 to 599). The hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the upper working port holding area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working port 83a, and the lower working port holding area Rb of the RAM 404 is held when the game ball wins the lower working port 83b. Stored in.

The value of the random number for the jackpot is stored as a win/loss table (win/win information group) in the win/win table storage area 421 as a win/win information group storage unit in the ROM 403. As shown in FIG. 15, as the win/loss table, a win/loss table for low probability mode (low probability win/loss information group) and a win/loss table for high probability mode (high probability win/loss information group) are set. .. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the low-probability mode (low-probability state) and the high-probability mode (high-probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the win/loss lottery means.

In the gaming state where the low probability mode win/loss table (FIG. 15(a)) is referred to in the above-mentioned lottery, the random number value (that is, win information) that is a jackpot win is "7", "307". , “507”. That is, among the values of the hit random number counter C1 of "0 to 599", "7", "307", and "507" correspond to the jackpot result. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the high probability mode win/loss table (FIG. 15(b)) is referred to in the lottery, the random number value (that is, win information) for the jackpot win is "7", " 36", "107", "307"... "407", "507". It is 30 of "598". That is, among the values of the hit random number counter C1 of "0 to 599", "7", "36", "107", "307"... "407", "507", "598" correspond to the jackpot result. ing. By the way, if the winning probability in the high-probability mode is higher than that in the low-probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

In each lottery mode, the lottery result is a result other than the value of the random number that is a big hit.

The hit type counter C2 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 29, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 29), returns to 0. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results are different in two conditions: (1) a lottery mode in the win/loss lottery means after the end of the opening/closing execution mode, and (2) a support mode by the electric accessory 91 after the end of the opening/closing execution mode. ..

As a support mode of the lower working port 83b in the electric accessory 91, when compared in a situation in which the game balls are continuously emitted in a similar manner to the game area PE, the electric working item 91 of the lower working port 83b is compared. The low frequency support mode (low frequency support state or low frequency guide state) and high frequency support mode (high frequency support state or high frequency guide state) so that the frequency of the open state per unit time is relatively high or low. ) And are set.

Specifically, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode have the same probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric role open lottery using the electric role open counter C4, but have a high frequency. In the support mode, the number of times that the electric accessory 91 is in the open state when the electric role is released is set to be larger than that in the low frequency support mode, and one opening time is set to be longer. In this case, in the high-frequency support mode, when the electric power open state is won and the electric power object 91 is opened a plurality of times, it is closed from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state. The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high frequency support mode, the minimum secured time is set to be shorter than the low frequency support mode in order to perform the next electric accessory release lottery after one electric accessory release lottery is performed. Has been done.

As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize in the lower working opening 83b is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning the upper working opening 83a is higher than in the lower working opening 83b, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower working opening 83b is more likely to win than the upper working opening 83a. The probability of winning a prize increases. Then, when a prize is paid to the lower working opening 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays the game while not reducing the number of balls that he holds. be able to.

In addition, the configuration for increasing the frequency of being in the electric power open state per unit time in the high frequency support mode is higher than that in the low frequency support mode, and is not limited to the above-mentioned one. It may be configured such that the probability of winning the electric role open state in is increased. Further, the high frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode may be set by changing any one of the number of times, the open time, and the winning probability or the condition of an arbitrary combination.

The hit type counter C2 is periodically updated and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the upper working port holding area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working port 83a, and the lower working port holding area Rb of the RAM 404 is held when the game ball wins the lower working port 83b. Stored in.

The distribution destination of the game result for the hit type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area 422 as the distribution information group storage unit in the ROM 403. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. As the distribution table, the distribution table for the upper working port (first distribution information group) shown in FIG. 16A and the distribution table for the lower working port (second distribution) shown in FIG. 16B. Minute information group) and are set.

In the distribution table for the upper working port, as the distribution destination of the game result, the 8R certainty jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result), the 8R normal jackpot result (low probability corresponding special game result), the 4R certainty jackpot result (high Probability correspondence game result), 4R normal jackpot result (low probability correspondence game result) is set. Specifically, in the distribution table for the upper working opening, among the values of the hit type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 8" correspond to the 8R probability variable jackpot result, and "9 to 14". "Corresponds to the 8R normal jackpot result, "15 to 23" corresponds to the 4R probability variation jackpot result, and "24 to 29" corresponds to the 4R normal jackpot result.

In the distribution table for the lower working port, as the distribution destination of the game result, 16R probability variation jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result), 8R probability variation jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result), 8R normal jackpot result (low Probability correspondence special game result) is set. Specifically, in the distribution table for the lower working opening, among the values of the hit type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 5" correspond to the 16R probability variable jackpot result, and "6 to 17". "Corresponds to the 8R probability variable jackpot result, and "18-29" corresponds to the 8R normal jackpot result.

The 16R probability variation jackpot result, the 8R probability variation jackpot result, and the 4R probability variation jackpot result are jackpot results in which the lottery mode becomes the high-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. As shown in FIG. 16C, the high-frequency support mode is continued until the next big hit result, and the low-frequency support mode is shifted to when the opening/closing execution mode is started.

The 8R normal jackpot result and the 4R normal jackpot result are jackpot results in which the lottery mode becomes the low-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode after the end of the opening/closing execution mode. However, as shown in FIG. 16C, this high-frequency support mode is used when the number of games executed in the high-frequency support mode reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) or When the jackpot result is reached before the end reference number is reached (specifically, when the opening/closing execution mode is started), the process ends and the low frequency support mode is entered.

In the following description, the normal game state corresponding to the low frequency support mode and the low probability mode is the "first normal game state", the normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the low probability mode is the "second normal game state", The normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode and the high probability mode is referred to as a "third normal game state".

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, for example, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238), returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is regularly updated and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the upper working port holding area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working port 83a, and the lower working port holding area Rb of the RAM 404 is held when the game ball wins the lower working port 83b. Stored in. Then, it is determined whether or not the reach is generated based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 403.

However, in the game time when the game is switched to the opening/closing execution mode, basically, the determination of the reach occurrence is made regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each gaming state, but may be individually set according to the gaming state. For example, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger than that in the low frequency support mode.

Here, the reach display (reach state) is provided with a symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (pattern), and the game result corresponds to the opening/closing execution mode. In the gaming machine in which the variable display after the variable display is the special display result in the game times that have become the game result, the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (pattern) on the symbol display device 253 is started and then the stop display result. Is a display state for making the player think that it is in a variable display state in which the special display result is likely to occur before the derivation display.

In other words, by stopping and displaying symbols for some of the symbol columns displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, a symbol combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established. It is a display state in which a possible combination of reach symbols is displayed, and variable display of symbols is displayed in the remaining symbol columns in that state.

More specifically, as a pre-stage for ending the variable display of the symbols, on the preset effective line in the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of possible reach symbols, and variable display of the symbols is performed by the final stop symbol row under the situation where the reach line is formed.

More specifically, the display content on the display screen 253a will be described. First, the variable display of the symbols in the upper symbol row is ended, and the variable display of the symbols in the lower symbol row is ended. The reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols with the numbers that make up the combination, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, the reach is displayed by the variable display of the symbols in the middle symbol row. Will be displayed. Then, when a big hit occurs, the main symbols with the numbers forming the combination of the winning symbols together with the main symbols forming the reach line are stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the variable display of the symbols in the middle symbol row is displayed. Is ended.

In addition, in the reach display, while the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variable display of symbols is displayed in the remaining symbol rows, and the reach screen is displayed by displaying a predetermined character as a moving image. This includes effects that are produced and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 253a after reducing or displaying the combination of reach patterns. Further, when the reach display is being performed or before the reach display, whether or not the advance notice display using the predetermined image such as the predetermined character is performed is determined by using the reach random number counter C3 or other counters. May be.

In the present embodiment, the symbol re-variation display may be executed at some game times when the reach display (normal reach described later in detail) is executed. Regarding this re-variation display, all the upper, lower, and middle symbol rows are temporarily displayed (temporarily stopped) (displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is stopped), and it was moved to the confirmed display. As shown in the figure, all the symbol rows are displayed again in a variable manner at the timing when the same period as the fixed display has elapsed from the pause display, and then the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The fluctuation type counter CS determines, in the MPU 402, the fluctuation display time in the upper working port display section and the lower working port display section of the main display unit 87 (main display section) and the variable fluctuation display time in the symbol display device 253. It is used when doing. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time a normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the fluctuation type counter CS is acquired when the fluctuation pattern is determined at the start of the fluctuation display on the upper working port display section and the lower working port display section and when the symbol fluctuation is started by the symbol display device 253.

The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric accessory holding area 433 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower operation port 83b is controlled to be in the open state by the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 190, the electric accessory 91 is controlled to the open state, and if C4=191 to 250, the electric accessory 91 is not controlled to the open state.

As described above, the MPU 402 uses at least the buffer value of the fluctuation type counter CS to determine the variable display time in the upper working port display unit and the lower working port display unit. The variable display time table storage area 423 is used. In the MPU 402, the stop result in the upper working port display unit and the lower working port display unit is determined by using the value of the hit random number counter C1 and the value of the hit type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. However, the stop result table storage area 424 of the ROM 403 is used for the determination.

(Regarding various processes executed by main controller 162)
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process executed by the MPU 402 in the main control unit 162 to advance a game at each game time will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the MPU 402 executes a main process that is started when the power is turned on and an NMI interrupt process that is started when a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). Description of these various processes will be omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This process is activated by the MPU 402 periodically (for example, in a cycle of 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors (for example, the detection sensors 391a to 391f) is executed. That is, the states of various winning detection sensors connected to the main controller 162 are read, the states of the winning detection sensors are determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

Then, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In a succeeding step S103, the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when they reach their maximum values, they are cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 404.

In a succeeding step S104, a through winning process associated with winning of the through gate 84 is executed. In the through winning process, it is determined whether or not a through gate winning detection flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404, and if the same flag is stored, it is stored in the electric hand holding area 433. The value of the electric accessory release counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electric accessory holding area on condition that the number of stored accessory holdings is less than 4. Then, when the through gate winning detection flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435, the winning detection flag is erased and the through gate winning process is ended.

After the through-gate winning process in step S104 is executed, the process proceeds to step S105, and in the step S105, the winning process for the operating port associated with the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b is executed, and the timer interrupt process ends. To do.

(Winning process for working port)
Here, the winning process for the operating port will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In step S201, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (winning) the upper working opening 83a. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper working opening 83a, the process proceeds to step S202, and the payout control device 242 sets a prize ball command for paying out three game balls.

In a succeeding step S203, an external signal setting process is performed so as to output information indicating that the game ball has entered the upper operation opening 83a to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the fact that the ball has entered the upper working opening 83a is recognized by the hall computer HC. After that, in step S204, an information acquisition process for storing each value of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, etc. is performed, and the main winning process is ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S201 that the game ball has not won the upper working opening 83a, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (winning) the lower working opening 83b. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower operation opening 83b, the process proceeds to step S206, and the payout control device 242 sets a prize ball command for paying out four game balls. The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S206 is transmitted to the payout controller 242 in an external output process S401 of a normal process described later.

In a succeeding step S207, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the lower working opening 83b to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the fact that the ball has entered the lower working opening 83b is recognized by the hall computer HC. After that, the information acquisition process is performed in step S204, and the main winning process is ended.

In addition, when a negative determination is made in each of the processes of steps S201 and S205, that is, when there is no ball in either the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b, the main winning process is ended as it is.

Here, the information acquisition process of step S204 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Information acquisition process)
In the information acquisition process, first, in step S301, the number N of stored operation reserves stored in the reserved number storage area of the reserve ball storage area 432, specifically, the trigger for the information acquisition process of the upper working port 83a and the lower working port 83b. It is determined whether or not the number N of operation-suspended storages related to the entered ball portion is less than the upper limit value (“4” in the present embodiment). If the number N of operation-holding storages is the upper limit value, the present information acquisition process is ended as it is, and if it is less than the upper-limit value, the number N of operation holding storages of the corresponding working port is incremented by 1 in step S302. In step S303, the total number of reservations (hereinafter referred to as the common number of reservations CRN) stored in the number-of-holds storage area is incremented by one.

In a succeeding step S304, the respective values of the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the change type counter CS updated in the step S103 are set in the empty storage area area of the holding area RE for the working opening. The data is stored in the first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the common hold number CRN incremented by 1 in step S302. After executing the storing process, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, the display update processing of the upper working port reserved number display unit and the lower working port reserved number display unit in the main display unit 87 is executed. In the display update process, when the current winning destination (prize destination) is the upper working opening 83a, the display of the upper working opening reserved number display unit is updated, and the current winning destination (winning destination) is the lower working opening. In the case of 83b, the display of the reserved number display section is updated.

The upper working port reserved number display unit is composed of four LEDs, and the number of LEDs that are lit and the reserved number related to the upper working port 83a are the same. If the number of holdings related to the upper operation opening 83a is increased by the present winning, the process of increasing the number of lit LEDs is performed accordingly. The holding number display section for the lower working port is also composed of four LEDs, and the number of LEDs that are lit and the number of holdings related to the lower working port 83b are the same. When the number of holdings related to the lower operation port 83b increases due to the present winning, the process of increasing the number of LEDs that are lit is performed accordingly.

In a succeeding step S306, a hold command which is a process for causing the notification/production control device 140 and the display control device 410, which are sub-side (sub-side) control devices, to recognize that the winning of the operation openings 83a and 83b has occurred. The setting process of is executed and this information acquisition process is ended. The hold command set in the hold command setting process is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 and the display control device 410 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process described later. It should be noted that the hold command includes information about which of the upper working opening 83a and the lower working opening 83b is based on the winning portion.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an outline, the processing of steps S401 to S406 is executed as a regular processing of a 4 msec cycle, and the counter updating processing of steps S408 and S409 is executed in the remaining time.

In the normal process, first, an external signal output process is executed in step S401. In the external signal output process of step S401, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each sub-side control device and the hall computer HC.

Specifically, the presence/absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242. In addition, when various commands such as a variation start command, a type command, a variation end command, and other production commands, a hold command, and a shift command to be described later are set, they are transmitted to the notification/production control device 140. ..

Further, as will be described in detail later, for example, an external signal indicating the symbol determination is output to the hall computer HC every time the variable display of the symbol is completed on the working port display unit of the main display unit, and the open/close operation is performed during the open/close execution mode. An external signal indicating that the execution mode is in progress is output to the hall computer HC, and when in the high frequency support mode, an external signal indicating that the high frequency support mode is in progress is output to the hall computer HC.

Next, in step S402, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 404.

In a succeeding step S403, a game time control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In this game time control process, jackpot determination, setting of variable display of symbols by the symbol display device 253, display control of the main display unit 87, etc. are performed.

After executing the game number control process of step S403, the process proceeds to step S404 to execute the game state transition process. Although the details will be described later, the game state shift processing shifts the game state to the open/close execution mode, the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode, or the like. Details of the game number control process of step S403 and the game state transition process of step S404 will be described later.

In a succeeding step S405, electric power support processing for driving and controlling the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operation port 83b is executed. In this electric role support process, the electric role release of whether or not the electric role object 91 is opened using the numerical information acquired from the electric role open counter C4 stored in the electric power holding area 433 of the RAM 404. The lottery is performed, and when the electric power open state is won, the opening/closing process of the electric accessory 91 is executed. Further, the display control of the display portion for through gates in the main display portion is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric-role opening lottery.

As described above, the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode are set as the modes of support by the electric accessory 91, and a transition to one of the support modes is performed in the game state transition processing. Through this process, if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, the high frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

In the electric power support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Then, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is in the open state is set to be larger when the electric role is released in the win than in the low frequency support mode. Set the opening time longer. Further, in the high-frequency support mode, if the electric role is in the open state, and the electric role object 91 is opened a plurality of times, one open state is ended and the next open state is started. It is set so that the closing time up to is shorter than one opening time.

Incidentally, when the open/close execution mode is entered, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404.

Then, in step S406, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is activated once in a predetermined interval period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply/shoot control device 243. Get excited. As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

In subsequent step S407, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached, that is, whether or not one cycle (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the previous normal processing. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process.

That is, in step S408, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 404. In step S409, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach their maximum values, they are cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 404.

Since the execution time of each processing of steps S401 to S406 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the random number counter C1 per hit) can be updated at random by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time. The fluctuation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

(Game time control processing)
Next, the game number control process of step S403 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In the game time control process, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, in step S501, it is determined whether the open/close execution mode is in effect. When in the open/close execution mode, the process after step S502, that is, the game time start process of steps S503 to S505 and the game time progression process of steps S506 to S509 are not executed, and the main game time is executed. The control process ends.

If it is not in the open/close execution mode, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the game is being played. Specifically, while the variable display or the finalized display of the pattern is being executed on the working port display unit (either the upper working port display unit or the lower working port display unit) of the main display unit 87. Determine whether there is. If it is not in the game time, the process proceeds to the game time start process of steps S503 to S505. In the game time starting process, first, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the total number of start hold balls (common hold number CRN) is "0". When the common hold number CRN is “0”, it means that hold information is not stored in the hold ball storage area 432. Therefore, this game time control processing is ended as it is.

On the other hand, if the common hold number CRN is not "0", the data setting process for setting the data stored in the hold area RE of the hold ball storage area 432 for variable display is executed in step S504, Further, in step S505, the variation start processing for starting the variation display of the working port display section of the main display unit 87 and the variation display of the symbol display device 253 is executed, and then the present game number control processing is ended.

Here, the data setting process of step S504 and the fluctuation start process of step S505 will be described in detail. First, the data setting process of step S504 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Data setting process)
In the data setting process, first, in step S601, one of the operation hold storage numbers N stored in the hold number storage area FE, which is the target of the current setting process, and the common hold number CRN are decremented by one. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of pieces of holding information held and stored in the lower working port holding area Rb (see FIG. 14), that is, the number of operation holding storages N (lower working port holding storage number RbN) is “0”. To do. If the reserved storage number for lower working port RbN is "0", the data setting process related to the display portion for upper working port is executed, and if the reserved memory number for lower working port RbN is not "0", the lower operation is performed. A data setting process relating to the mouth display unit is executed.

Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is the case where the common pending number is 1 or more, as already described. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether or not the lower working port holding storage number RbN is “0”, and when it is not “0”, that is, the lower working port display unit holds the variable information for variable display. Is stored, the number of pieces of holding information held and stored in the upper working port holding area Ra (see FIG. 14), that is, the number of operation holding storages N (upper working port holding storage number RaN) is 1 Regardless of the above, the data stored in the lower working port holding area Rb is moved to the execution area for variable display. That is, in step S602, when the hold information is stored in both the upper working port holding area Ra and the lower working port holding area Rb, the holding information corresponding to the lower working port 83b is prioritized. Becomes

In subsequent step S603, one of the upper working port holding area Ra and the lower working port holding area Rb in which the data moved to the execution area is stored, the data stored in the first to fourth areas. Are sequentially shifted to the lower area side. As a result, for example, as the data in the first area moves to the execution area, the data in each area is changed from the second area to the first area, the third area to the second area, and the fourth area to the third area. Is shifted.

In the following step S604, a shift command, which is information for causing the notification/effect control device 140 to recognize that the data in the holding area RE has been shifted, is set. Then, this data setting process is completed. The shift command set in step S604 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). Then, this shift command is transmitted to the display control device 410 via the notification/effect control device 140.

(Variation start processing)
Next, the fluctuation start process of step S505 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the variation start process, first, in step S701, a win/loss determination process for determining whether or not the hold information referred to in the current variation start process corresponds to the jackpot win. Specifically, of the information stored in the execution area AE, the information for jackpot determination, that is, the information acquired from the information updated by the hit random number counter C1 is grasped. When the win/loss lottery mode is the low-probability mode, the win/loss table for the low-probability mode stored in the win/loss table storage area 421 of the ROM 403 is referred to, and the information grasped above is converted into information corresponding to the jackpot win. If it is included, and the win/loss lottery mode is the high-probability mode, the win/loss table for the high-probability mode stored in the win/loss table storage area 421 of the ROM 403 is referred to and the above-obtained information is a big hit. Identify whether it is included in the information corresponding to the winning.

In a succeeding step S702, it is determined whether or not the result of the win/loss determination process in step S701 is a result corresponding to the jackpot win. If the result corresponds to the jackpot, the type determination process is executed in step S703.

In the type determination process, the information for type determination of the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information acquired from the information updated by the hit type counter C2 is grasped. Further, the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 422 of the ROM 403 is referred to, and it is specified whether or not the information for the type determination as grasped above is included in the information corresponding to the probability variation jackpot result. Specifically, when the hold information corresponds to the ball entering the upper working opening 83a, the sorting table for the upper working opening 83a is referred to, and the hold information corresponds to the entering of the lower working opening 83b. If so, the type determination is performed by referring to the distribution table for the lower working port 83b.

In a succeeding step S704, it is determined whether or not the type of the jackpot winning this time is a probability variation jackpot result (16R probability variation jackpot result, 8R probability variation jackpot result, 4R probability variation jackpot result) based on the information identified in the type determination processing in step S703. judge. If it is the probability variation jackpot result, the probability variation jackpot stop result setting processing is executed in step S705, and if it is not the probability variation jackpot result, the normal jackpot stop result setting processing is executed in step S706. If it is determined in step S702 that the jackpot is not a big hit, a stop result setting process for out-of-coupling is executed in step S707.

In addition, the probability variation jackpot results are roughly classified into 16R probability variation jackpot results, 8R probability variation jackpot results, and 4R probability variation jackpot results. In the process of step S705, in the case of the 16R certainty variation jackpot result, the process of setting the stop result corresponding to the 16R certainty variation jackpot result is performed, and in the case of the 8R certainty variation jackpot result, the setting process of the stop result corresponding to the 8R certainty variation jackpot result. If it is the 4R certainty variation jackpot result, the stop result setting process corresponding to the 4R certainty variation jackpot result is performed. Further, the normal jackpot results are roughly classified into 8R regular jackpot results and 4R regular jackpot results. In the process of step S706, the stop result setting process corresponding to the 8R normal jackpot result is performed in the case of the 8R normal jackpot result, and the stop result setting process corresponding to the 4R normal jackpot result is performed in the case of the 4R normal jackpot result. To do.

In each of the stop result setting processes of steps S705 to S707, the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 424 of the ROM 403 is referred to for the information of the pattern form to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 87. And the specified information is stored in the RAM 404. In step S705 and step S706, the MPU 402 stores information in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404 for identifying whether or not the winning/non-winning determination result of the current game is the probability variation jackpot result or the normal jackpot result. Specifically, in step S705, one of the 16R certainty variation jackpot flag, the 8R certainty variation jackpot flag, and the 4R certainty variation jackpot flag is stored, and in step S706, either the 8R regular jackpot flag or the 4R regular jackpot flag is stored.

After executing any one of steps S705 to S707, a variable display time setting process is executed in step S708.

(Variable display time setting process)
In the setting process of the variable display time, by referring to various variable display time tables stored in the variable display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403, the game state, the result of the jackpot lottery of the current game time, the presence or absence of the reach occurrence, The variable display time information corresponding to the value of the variable type counter CS is acquired, and in the subsequent step S804, the variable display time information is displayed in the variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404. ). Then, this setting process is completed.

The variable display time table is roughly classified into a variable display time table group for the first normal game state and a variable display time table group for the second normal game state and the third normal game state. As the variable display time table for the first normal gaming state, the variable display time table corresponding to the jackpot result, the variable display time table corresponding to the out-reach, and the variable display time corresponding to the complete deviation (out-of-reaction result not reaching the reach) It consists of a table and.

When the jackpot result is reached in the first normal game state, the jackpot result is clearly shown through the reach display, and when the jackpot result is out of the reach, the reach random number counter C3 and the reach determination table are referred to for the reach display. Is configured to be determined whether or not to generate. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the result of the win/loss lottery is a jackpot result or when the result of the win/win lottery is a miss result and the lottery for reach generation is won, the reach display is executed. There is.

Here, the reach display is provided with a normal reach display (specifically, normal reach A to B) and a super reach display (specifically, super reach A to C) having different variable display modes. In the reach display variable display time table, variable display time information corresponding to each normal reach display and super reach display is set, and by referring to the table, the variable display time information corresponding to each reach display is displayed. To be acquired. Regarding the determination of the type of reach display, there is provided a table in which the type of reach display and the value of the variation type counter CS correspond to each other. The corresponding reach display is determined.

More specifically, the reach display variable display time table corresponds to the jackpot type. Specifically, in the case of a probability variation jackpot result, the variable display time is set so that the combination of specific symbols can be stopped and displayed, and in the case of a normal jackpot result, the combination of non-specific symbols can be stopped and displayed. The variable display time is set to.

When the result is out of the first normal gaming state and the player is out of the lottery for reach generation (in the case of complete failure), the variable display time table corresponding to complete failure stored in the variable display time table storage area 423 is set. By referring to this, the fluctuation display time corresponding to the value of the fluctuation type counter CS this time is acquired, and the fluctuation display time information is set in the fluctuation display time counter area. The variable display time information in the case of complete deviation is set so that the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of holdings increases (see FIG. 24A). Specifically, when the number of holdings is "0" or "1", the variable display time is "10 to 12sec", and when the number of holdings is "2", the variable display time is "5s to 6ec". The variable display time is set to "3 sec" when the number of holdings is "3" or "4".

Regarding the variable display time table referred to in the second normal game state, the variable display time table group for the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state and the other game times It is roughly classified into a referred variable display time table group. When the jackpot result in the first to 99th game times in the second normal game state, the variable display time is set based on the value of the variable display time table and the variation type counter CS corresponding to the jackpot result, 2 If the result is out and reach is generated in the 1st to 99th game times in the normal game state, the variable display time is set based on the value of the fluctuation display time table corresponding to the deviation reach and the fluctuation type counter CS, In the second normal game state, when the game result is missed in the 1st to 99th game times and the game is missed in the lottery for reach generation, the variable display time table corresponding to complete deviation and the value of the fluctuation type counter CS are displayed for fluctuation display. Time is set.

Here, also in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the variable display time information in the case of complete disengagement is set so that the larger the number of holdings, the shorter the variable display time as in the first normal game state. (See FIG. 24(b)). Specifically, when the number of holdings is “0” or “1”, the variable display time is “6 to 8 sec”, and when the number of holdings is “2” to “4”, the variable display time is “2 sec. It is prescribed to be. When the second normal game state and the third normal game state are completely disengaged, the variable display time is relatively shorter than when the first normal game state is completely disengaged. There is a difference.

On the other hand, with respect to the variable display time table referred to in the last game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state, the variable display time is set according to the result of the jackpot lottery, and the deviation result is set. It is roughly divided into a corresponding variable display time table and a jackpot result corresponding variable display time table, and a variable display time is set regardless of the number of pending numbers, the value of the reach random number counter C3, the value of the fluctuation type counter CS, etc. Has become. Specifically, the variation display time is "10 sec" when the result is a deviation, and the variation display time is either "10 sec" or "12 sec" when the result is a jackpot. In the final game, the reach display (normal reach A) is generated regardless of the result of the big hit lottery or the value of the reach random number counter C3.

Returning to the description of the fluctuation start process (FIG. 23), after the fluctuation display time setting process is executed in step S708, the fluctuation start command and the type command are set in step S709. The fluctuation start command includes information regarding whether or not reach has occurred and information regarding fluctuation display time. Further, the type command includes information on the game result. In other words, in the type command, as the information of the game result, 16R probability variation jackpot result information, 8R probability variation jackpot result information, 4R probability variation jackpot result information, 8R normal jackpot result information, 4R regular jackpot result information, miss result Information is included.

The fluctuation start command and the type command set in step S709 are transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). In the notification/effect control device 140, based on the received variation start command and type command, the light emission pattern of the display lamp unit 26 and the sound output pattern from the speaker unit 29 in the game time are determined, and the determined effect is determined. The display lamp unit 26 and the speaker unit 29 are controlled so that the contents are executed. In addition, the notification/production control device 140 determines the details of the variable display pattern on the symbol display device 253 in the game time, and displays the details of the variable display pattern while maintaining the information form of the fluctuation start command and the type command. The information shown is added and transmitted to the display control device 410. In the display control device 410, based on the received variation start command and type command, the display control of the symbol display device 253 is performed so that the variation display pattern determined by the notification/effect control device 140 is obtained. After that, in step S710, the variable display of the pattern is started on the corresponding one of the upper working port display section and the lower working port display section of the main display unit 87, and then this fluctuation start process is ended.

Returning to the explanation of the game time control process (FIG. 21 ), in the case of the game time (while the variable display or the final display of the pattern is being executed on the operating port display section of the main display unit 87), An affirmative decision is made in step S502, and the game-time progression processing of steps S506 to S513 is executed.

In the game time progression process, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 404 has become “0”. The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process (FIG. 24) as described above. Also, the value of the set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) is activated.

If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display process, the display mode of the pattern is changed on the corresponding one of the inlet operation port display portion and the lower operation port display portion of the main display unit 87. Then, this game time control processing is ended.

If the variable display time has elapsed, it is determined in step S508 whether or not the fixed display time (specifically, 1 sec) has passed, that is, the fixed display end timing. If a negative decision is made in step S508, the operation proceeds to step S509. In step S509, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the confirmation display. When a negative determination is made in step S509, this game time control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S509, the operation proceeds to step S510.

In step S510, a fluctuation ending process is executed. In the variation ending process, the information stored in the RAM 404 in any one of the processes of steps S705 to S707 is specified, and the pattern corresponding to the information corresponds to the upper working port display unit or the lower working port display unit. On the other hand, the operation port display unit is controlled so that the design corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery is stopped and displayed.

In a succeeding step S511, a fluctuation end command is set. Then, this game time control processing is ended. The variation end command set in step S511 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). In the notification/production control device 140, based on the received variation end command, the speaker unit 29 outputs a sound effect corresponding to the final display (final stop display) of the final stop symbol combination in the game time, and the variation end. The command is transmitted to the display control device 410 while maintaining its information form. In the display control device 410, by receiving the variation end command, the combination of the final stop symbols in the game time is fixedly displayed (final stop display).

Returning to the description of step S508, if an affirmative determination is made in step S508, the game time end processing of steps S512 to S514 is executed. Specifically, first, in step S512, it is determined whether or not it is in the second game state. When a negative determination is made in step S512, this game time control processing is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S512, it is determined in step S513 whether or not the specified number of times (end reference number) has been exhausted. Specifically, the value of the game number counter provided in each counter area 434 is subtracted by "1" to determine whether the game number counter has become "0". Regarding the number-of-games counter, "100" is set when shifting to the second normal gaming state in the gaming state shift processing which will be described later.

When a negative determination is made in step S513, this game time control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S513, a transition process to the first normal game state is executed in step S514, and then this game time control process is ended. In the transition process to the first normal game state, the high frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage areas 435 is erased, and the transition command indicating the transition to the first normal game state is set. This shift command is output to the notification/effect control device 140 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process. In the notification/effect control device 140, it is possible to confirm that the second normal gaming state is to be shifted to the first normal gaming state based on the shift command.

(Game state transition process)
Next, the game state transition processing of step S404 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the game state transition process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether the open/close execution mode is in effect. If it is not in the opening/closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S802, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the game time is ended. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the finalized display of the pattern is finished on the upper working port display unit or the lower working port display unit. If it is not the timing at which the game times have ended, the game state transition processing ends.

If it is the timing when the game time has ended, the process proceeds to step S803, and it is determined whether or not the game result of this game time (the result of the jackpot lottery) corresponds to the shift to the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the 16R certainty jackpot flag, the 8R certainty jackpot flag, the 4R certainty jackpot flag, the 8R regular jackpot flag, and the 4R regular jackpot flag are stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. To do. If none of the above flags are stored, the game state transition processing is ended.

If any of the above flags is stored, opening/closing execution mode start processing is executed in step S804. By the start processing, the operation restriction of the variable winning device 82 by the lock device is released, and the opening/closing operation of the variable winning device 82 is allowed until the opening/closing execution mode ends. Further, in the start processing of step S804, the opening/closing execution mode start flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. Along with this, output of an external signal to the hall computer HC, which indicates that the opening/closing execution mode has been entered, is started.

In a succeeding step S805, any one of "4", "8", and "16" is set in the opening number counter OC provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404. Specifically, when the 16R probability variation jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404, the open number counter OC is set to “16”, and the 8R probability variation jackpot flag or the 8R probability variation jackpot flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. When the 8R normal jackpot flag is stored, "8" is set in the open number counter OC, and when the 4R certain variation jackpot flag or the 4R normal jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404, the flag is released. The number counter OC is set to "4". The opening number counter OC functions as a means for grasping the number of times the variable winning device 82 is opened. After executing the process of step S805, the process proceeds to step S506 to set an opening command.

The set opening command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 and the display control device 410 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). The notification/effect control device 140 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined effect content is executed. The content of this effect includes a display mode on the symbol display device 253, and the determined display mode is output from the notification/effect control device 140 to the display control device 410 as a display content command. In the display control device 410, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification/production control device 140, a display corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode this time, for example, a display content corresponding to a jackpot is displayed. The display control of the symbol display device 253 is executed so that the moving image display of the characters and the background image can be switched. After executing the processing of step S806, the present game state transition processing ends.

Returning to the description of step S801, if it is determined in step S801 that the open/close execution mode is in effect, the process proceeds to step S807. In step S807, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the game state transition processing is ended as it is. If the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, a special winning opening opening/closing process is executed in step S808.

In the special winning opening/closing process, first, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening of the variable winning device 82 is open. Specifically, the determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit of the variable winning device 82. When the special winning opening is not open, it is determined whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0". When the value of the opening number counter OC is "0", the main winning opening/closing processing is ended as it is.

When the value of the opening counter OC is not "0", it is determined whether the value of the opening timer counter TC is "0". The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when grasping the open period and close period (interval period) of the special winning opening, and its value is "1" every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) is executed. Is subtracted one by one. When the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the main winning opening opening/closing processing is ended.

When the value of the opening number counter OC is not "0" and the value of the opening timer counter TC is "0", the special winning opening opening process is executed. Specifically, the variable winning drive unit is driven to open the special winning opening. After that, the closing condition setting process (opening time setting process) corresponding to the variable winning a prize device 82 (special winning opening) is performed. Specifically, the open timer counter TC is set to "15000" (corresponding to 30 sec), and the winning counter PC is set to "10". After executing this setting processing, an opening command is set to indicate that the variable winning a prize device 82 (special winning opening) is opened, and the main winning opening opening/closing processing is ended. The set release command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). In the notification/effect control device 140, the content of the effect corresponding to the opening is determined based on the reception of the opening command, and various devices are controlled so that the determined effect content is executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the special winning opening of the variable winning device 82 is open, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". When the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the special winning opening based on the detection signal from the ball detection sensor 391c corresponding to the variable winning device 82. If no winning has occurred, the main winning opening opening/closing processing is ended as it is.

If a winning has occurred, the output process of the winning command is executed. The winning command is output to the payout control device 242 and the notification/effect control device 140. The payout control device 242 performs a process of paying out a preset number of game balls based on the receipt of the winning command. In the notification/effect control device 140, when a prize command is issued during the opening/closing execution mode, for example, a process of changing the effect in the opening/closing execution mode executed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253 to teach the winning. To do.

After executing the command output process, after decrementing the value of the winning counter PC by 1, it is determined whether the value of the winning counter PC is "0" or not. The opening/closing process ends. When the value of the payout counter PC is "0" or when it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is "0", it means that the special winning opening closing condition is satisfied. In this case, the variable winning drive unit is brought into a non-driving state in order to close the special winning opening.

Then, the open number counter OC is updated. Specifically, when the value of the opening number counter OC is not "0", the opening number counter OC is decremented by one, and when the value of the opening number counter OC is "0", the opening number counter OC is set. The value of is maintained at "0". Then, it is determined whether or not the updated value of the open counter OC is “0”.
When it is determined that the value of the opening number counter OC is not "0", the opening timer counter TC is set to "1000" (corresponding to 2.0 sec), the closing command is set, and then the main winning opening/closing process To finish. The set closing command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). When receiving the closing command, the notification/effect control device 140 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the closing command, and controls various devices so that the determined effect content is executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the open counter is “0”, the ending start processing is executed. In the start process, the ending waiting time for waiting for the ending of the opening/closing execution mode without starting the next game time is set. Specifically, the waiting time information for ending stored in advance in the ROM 403 is set in the waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404.

After that, after setting the ending command, the main winning opening/closing processing is ended. The set ending command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20).

Returning to the explanation of the game state transition processing (FIG. 25), after executing the special winning opening opening/closing processing in step S808, it is determined in step S809 whether or not the value of the opening number counter OC is “0”, and the step In S810, it is determined whether the waiting time for ending has elapsed. When the value of the opening number counter OC is not "0" or when the waiting time for ending has not elapsed, this game state transition processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the opening number counter OC is "0" and the waiting time for ending has elapsed, in step S811, the transition processing at the end of the open/close execution mode is executed.

In the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot result that triggered the opening/closing execution mode this time is any of the 16R certainty variation jackpot result, the 8R certainty variation jackpot result, and the 4R certainty variation jackpot result. .. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the 16R certainty variation jackpot flag, the 8R certainty variation jackpot flag, and the 4R certainty variation jackpot flag are stored in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404.

When the jackpot result that triggered the opening/closing execution mode this time is the 16R certainty variation jackpot result, the 8R certainty variation jackpot result, and the 4R certainty variation jackpot result, the flag relating to the game state transition is deleted. After executing the erasing process, the game state setting process is executed. Specifically, first, the high-probability mode flag is set in each flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high-probability mode flag set in this way, the high-probability mode win/loss table is referred to in subsequent win/loss lots in the game.

After that, the high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high frequency support mode flag set in this way, in the subsequent electric power support process, the win/fail table for the high frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, and the variable display time of the pattern during the support lottery is displayed. It is shortened (specifically, set to 2.0 sec), and further, the period of being in the open state is extended by opening once (specifically, set to 5.0 sec).

On the other hand, if the jackpot result that triggered the opening/closing execution mode this time is the 8R regular jackpot result or the 4R regular jackpot result, that is, the 8R regular jackpot flag or the 4R regular jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. If yes, the flag relating to the transition of the gaming state is deleted. After executing the erasing process, the game state setting process is executed. Specifically, first, the high frequency support mode flag is set in various flag storage areas 435 of the RAM 404. Based on the high frequency support mode flag set in this way, in the subsequent electric power support process, the win/fail table for the high frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, and the variable display time of the pattern during the support lottery is displayed. It is shortened (specifically, set to 2.0 sec), and further, the period of being in the open state is extended by opening once (specifically, set to 5.0 sec).

Unlike the case of the probability variation big hit result described above, an upper limit is set on the number of times of support for the high frequency support mode that shifts after the normal big hit result. Specifically, "100" is set in the game number counter stored in the various counter areas 434 of the RAM 404. As a result, the high-frequency support mode is maintained until the game is played 100 times after the opening/closing execution mode ends, and the high-frequency support mode is shifted to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches "100". ..

After performing the game state setting process, the opening/closing execution mode end flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404 in step S812, and the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode is ended. Although the details will be described later, the output of the external signal corresponding to the jackpot is stopped by executing the process of step S512.

(Regarding electrical configuration of notification/production control device 140 and display control device 410)
Next, with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 26, a supplementary description will be given of an electrical configuration relating to the notification/effect control device 140 and the display control device 410.

As described above, the MPU 442 is mounted on the notification/effect control board 441 provided in the notification/effect control device 140. The MPU 442 includes a ROM 443 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 442 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 443. A RAM 444 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input/output circuit are built in. It is not essential that the ROM 443 and the RAM 444 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 442, and each may be configured into an individual chip. This also applies to the MPUs of other control devices.

The MPU 442 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. The main controller 162 is connected to the input side of the MPU 442, and receives game time control commands (game time control information) such as the fluctuation start command, the type command, and the fluctuation end command described above from the main controller 162. .. Further, it receives commands for hold display control (hold display control information) such as shift commands and hold commands, and commands for open/close execution mode (open/close execution mode information) such as opening commands and ending commands. The operation button is connected to the input side of the MPU 442, and the MPU 442 executes an operation corresponding effect based on the operation of the operation button or changes the volume of the speaker unit 29.

As already described, the output lamps of the MPU 442 are connected to the display lamp units 26 to 28, the speaker unit 29, and the display control device 410 provided in the front door frame 14. Some of the various commands input from the main control device 162 to the notification/effect control device 140 are transmitted to the display control device 410 while maintaining the information form as it is.

The display control device 410 includes a display control board 471 on which an MPU 472, which is an element in which a program ROM 473 and a work RAM 474 are combined into a chip, a video display processor (VDP) 475, a character ROM 476, and a video RAM 477 are mounted. Equipped with. It is not essential that the program ROM 473 and the work RAM 474 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 472, and each may be configured into an individual chip.

The MPU 472 of the display control device 410 analyzes various commands received from the main control device 162 via the notification/effect control device 140 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the VDP 475 (specifically To generate the internal command for VDP475). More specifically, the MPU 472 executes a process of identifying a variable display pattern of each game time in the symbol display device 253 based on the command transmitted from the notification/effect control device 140, and corresponds to the process result. The drawing process for the VDP 475 is executed. As a result, various images are displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253.

The program ROM 473 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 472 and fixed value data, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for a background image. The work RAM 474 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when the MPU 472 executes various programs. These work data and flags are stored in each area of the work RAM 474.

The VDP 475 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver incorporated in the symbol display device 253. Since the VDP 475 is formed as an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and the substance thereof should be called a microcomputer chip containing firmware dedicated for drawing processing. The VDP 475 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 472, the video RAM 477 and the like to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and also reads the image data stored in the video RAM 477 from the character ROM 476 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the symbol display device 253.

The character ROM 476 plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as designs displayed on the design display device 253. The character ROM 476 holds bit map format image data of various display symbols, a color palette table to be referred to when determining an expression color at each dot of the bit map image, and the like.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 476 and share the character ROMs 476 to store image data and the like. Further, the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 473 may be stored in the character ROM 476.

The video RAM 477 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 253, and the display content of the symbol display device 253 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 477.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the outline of the variable display mode of the symbols on the display screen 253a is specified by the notification/effect control device 140 with reference to the command from the main control device 162, and based on the specification result. The details of the variable display mode are configured to be determined by the notification/effect control device 140. Specifically, in the MPU 442 of the notification/effect control device 140, the variable display control process is executed as a part of the regular process started in a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and the variable display control process displays the variable display of the symbol. The identification of the outline of the aspect and the determination of the details are performed.

In the present embodiment, various BGM storage areas 452 of the ROM 443 store a plurality of BGMs, and the BGM output from the speaker unit 29 (BGM reproduced by the voice control unit of the MPU 442) is switched depending on the game state. It is possible. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27(a), BGM1 corresponding to the first normal game state, and BGM2A corresponding to the second normal game state, the third normal game state and the special game state (opening/closing execution mode). ~ BGM2C is stored. When the jackpot result is obtained in the first to third normal game states, the special game state is passed to the second normal game state or the third normal game state, but a predetermined round in the special game state ( In the first round in this embodiment), the player can select which of the BGM2A to BGM2C is to be reproduced. Specifically, although BGM2A is set as the initial BGM at the time of transition to the special game state, switching to BGM2A to BGM2C is permitted in a predetermined round based on the player's selection operation (FIG. 27 ( See b)). The BGM selected in the predetermined round will be output over the special game state and the subsequent second/third normal game states.

The length of the BGM1 is set to be the same as the longest fluctuation display time (18 sec) of the game times in the first normal game state, and the lengths of the BGM2A to BGM2C are the second/third. It is set to be longer than the longest variation display time (18 sec) of the game times in the normal game state (more specifically, 120 sec). Then, in the special game state to the second/third normal game state, the output of the selected BGM is continued across the previous and next game states. Also, in the second/third normal game state, the output of the BGM is continued over a plurality of game times. In the present embodiment, the BGM2 output period is secured to be long to some extent to reduce the chances that the BGM2 output is terminated halfway or repeated in a short span. Note that the BGM2 in the present embodiment has lyrics, whereas the BGM1 has no lyrics in view of the fact that the BGM1 ends midway due to the length of the variable display time.

Returning to the description of the ROM 443, the ROM 443 is provided with various sound effect storage areas 454 that store the sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 as the game progresses. As shown in FIG. 28(a), as the sound effects stored in the various sound effect storage areas 454, the fluctuation start sound SE1 output when the fluctuation display of the symbols is started on the symbol display device 253, A fluctuation stop sound SE2 that is output when the symbol is stopped and displayed, a reach display transition sound SE3 that is output when shifting to the reach display, and a re-variation that suggests that the symbol re-variation display may be executed. It includes a suggestion sound SE4 and a hold acquisition sound SE5 that is output when the hold information is acquired.

As described above, in this embodiment, the player can arbitrarily change the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 according to his or her preference. Specifically, a volume changing function (volume adjusting function) is provided to the operation button provided on the front door frame 14, and by operating the operation button, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is set to "high". It can be changed in three steps: medium and small. When the power of the gaming machine is turned on, the selected volume is "medium", and when the player does not perform the above selection operation, the selected volume is maintained at "medium".

The volume of the BGM and the sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 may be switched according to the judgment of the MPU 442 (voice control unit) according to the game state or the progress of the game, in addition to being changed by the operation of the operation button. Specifically, the volume can be switched among three levels by the MPU 442 (volume control unit) regardless of the operation of the player. Specifically, the volume level LV2 at which the actual volume of the speaker unit 29 matches the volume selected by the player (hereinafter, also referred to as the selected volume), and the actual volume of the speaker unit 29 is approximately the selected volume. It is possible to switch between a volume level LV1 which is limited to 60% and a volume level LV0 where the actual volume becomes 0 (silent) regardless of the selected volume (see FIG. 28(b)). That is, the volume level functions as an adjustment parameter for adjusting the selected volume. In this embodiment, the volume level is defined to be the volume level LV2 except for a special situation (final game time in the second normal game state) described later.

The RAM 444 is provided with a selected volume storage area 463 for storing the selected volume and a volume level setting area 464 for storing the volume level being set, and the selection stored in the selected volume storage area 463 in the MPU 442. The volume of the speaker unit 29 is controlled based on the volume and the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464.

In the MPU 442 (voice control unit) of the notification/effect control device 140, a volume control process is executed to control the volume of the speaker unit 29. The volume control process is a process executed as a part of the regular process, and the operation-compatible volume control process executed to change the selected volume based on the operation of the operation button and the game state executed according to the game state. It is roughly divided into corresponding volume control processing. Hereinafter, the game state corresponding volume control process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(Gaming control processing for game status)
In the gaming state corresponding volume control process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether the current gaming state is the second normal gaming state. When an affirmative determination is made in step S901, after performing a special control process in step S902, the present game state corresponding volume control process is ended. Here, the special control processing will be described with reference to FIG.

(Special control processing)
In the special control process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not it is the final game time in the second normal game state (that is, the 100th game time). When a negative determination is made in step S1001, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1001, the operation proceeds to step S1002. In step S1002, it is determined whether the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0. If a negative decision is made in step S1002, the operation proceeds to step S1003.

In step S1003, it is determined whether the volume is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of a first silencing flag and a second silencing flag, which will be described later, is stored in the various flag storage area 466. If a negative decision is made in step S1003, the operation proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, it is determined whether or not it is before the first stop timing, specifically, before the timing at which the upper symbols (rows) are stopped and displayed. That is, it is determined whether or not the variable display is being continued for all the symbol strings after the game time has started. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1004, the operation proceeds to step S1005.

In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is the reference number (the maximum number in the present embodiment: 4). When a negative determination is made in step S1005, that is, when the number of holdings is less than the reference number, this special control process is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1005, the operation proceeds to step S1006.

In step S1006, muffling preparation processing is executed. Specifically, the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. Then, a predetermined value (corresponding to 3 sec in the present embodiment) is set in the grace period counter provided in the various counter areas 465 of the RAM 444. The value of the grace period counter is decremented by one each time the MPU 442 executes the volume control process (periodic process).

In a succeeding step S1007, the first silencing flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, and the special control processing is ended. When the first mute flag is stored, execution of the operation-corresponding volume control process is avoided until the first mute flag is deleted. That is, it is impossible to manually change the selected volume (using the operation button) until the first mute flag is erased.

Returning to the description of step S1004, if a negative determination is made in step S1004, that is, if it is the first stop timing or after the first stop timing, the process proceeds to step S1008. In step S1008, it is determined whether it is the first stop timing. When a negative determination is made in step S1008, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1008, the flow advances to step S1009 to execute a muffling preparation process. Specifically, the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1.

In the subsequent step S1010, after storing the second mute flag in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, the special control processing is ended. When the second mute flag is stored, the operation-corresponding volume control process is avoided until the second mute flag is deleted. That is, similarly to the first mute flag, it is impossible to manually change the selected volume until the second mute flag is deleted.

Returning to the description of step S1003, if a positive determination is made in step S1003, that is, if the first silencing flag or the second silencing flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1011 it is determined whether the first mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1011, the operation proceeds to step S1012. In step S1012, it is determined whether the grace period has elapsed after the volume level is lowered from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the grace period counter in the various counter areas 465 is "0". When a negative determination is made in step S1012, this special control processing is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1012, the muffling process is executed in step S1013, and then the special control process is ended.

In the mute processing of step S1013, the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. As a result, thereafter, a silent state (silenced state) in which no sound (game sound) such as BGM or sound effect is output from the speaker unit 29 until a return condition described later is satisfied.

If a negative decision is made in step S1011, the operation proceeds to step S1014. In step S1014, it is determined whether the second silencing flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1014, the operation proceeds to step S1015. In step S1015, it is determined whether or not it is the second stop timing, more specifically, the time to stop and display the lower symbol (row). When a negative determination is made in step S1015, this special control processing is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1015, the muffling process is executed in step S1013, and then this special control process is ended.

Returning to the description of step S1002, if a positive determination is made in step S1002, that is, if the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is the volume level LV0, the process proceeds to step S1016. In step S1016, it is determined whether or not the current game number corresponds to the jackpot result. When a negative determination is made in step S1016, this special control processing is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1016, the jackpot result process is executed in step S1017, and then the special control process is ended. Here, the jackpot result process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Process for jackpot results)
In the jackpot result process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not 10 sec has been set as the variable display time of the current game time (final game time). If an affirmative decision is made in step S1101, the operation proceeds to step S1102. In step S1102, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the confirmation display. When a negative determination is made in step S1102, the main jackpot result processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1102, the operation proceeds to step S1103, and the mute cancellation processing is executed.

In the mute cancellation processing, the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2. After that, in step S1104, the muffling flags (first muffling flag and second muffling flag) stored in the various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444 are erased, and this jackpot result processing is ended.

Returning to the description of step S1101, if a negative determination is made in step S1101, that is, if 12 sec is set as the variable display time of the current game time (final game time), the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, it is determined whether it is time to start re-variation display of symbols on the symbol display device 253. When a negative determination is made in step S1105, the main jackpot result processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1105, a muffling process is executed in step S1103, the muffling flag is erased in step S1104, and then this jackpot result process is terminated.

Returning to the description of the game state corresponding volume control process (FIG. 29), if a negative determination is made in step S901, that is, if it is not the second normal game state, the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, it is determined whether the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0. When a negative determination is made in step S903, this game state corresponding volume control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S903, the operation proceeds to step S904. In step S904, it is determined whether or not it is the transition timing to the first normal game state or the special game state. When a negative determination is made in step S904, the game state corresponding volume control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S904, the operation proceeds to step S905. In step S905, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2. As a result, the output of BGM and sound effects from the speaker unit 29 is restarted. In this case, since the volume level is the volume level LV2, the volume of the sound output from the speaker unit 29 is the selected volume selected by the player.

Here, with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 32 to 35, the flow of switching the volume level as the game progresses will be described. About FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, it shows the case of shifting to the first normal game state after the final game time ends without a big hit result in the second normal game state, and in FIG. 34 and FIG. It shows a case where the jackpot result is obtained in the final game times in the normal game state and the special game state is entered.

(Silence pattern 1)
In the example shown in FIG. 32, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tb1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b is decremented by 1 to become "4"→"3", and in accordance with this, the variable display and the design of the pattern which is stopped and displayed on the lower working opening display unit. The variable display of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display device 253 (display screen 253a) is started.

In the second normal game state this time, the BGM2A is selected by the player during the special game state that triggered the transition to the second normal game state, and the BGM2A concerned is extended from the special game state to the final game time. Is output. The volume level in this case is the volume level LV2, and the output volume of the BGM2 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of tb2 prior to the first stop timing at which the upper symbols (rows) are stopped and displayed, winning is generated in the lower working opening 83b, and the number of holdings related to the lower working opening 83b is "3" → "4". Has reached the upper limit (maximum number). When a win is generated in the lower operation opening 83b, the speaker unit 29 outputs the sound effect SE5 indicating the hold acquisition.

At the timing of tb3 immediately after the sound effect SE5 is output, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit number. As a result, the volume of the BGM and sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to about 60% of the selected volume.

At the timing of tb4 when the above-mentioned grace period has passed since the volume level was switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1, the volume level is switched from volume level LV1 to volume level LV0. Even in this situation, although the BGM is continuously reproduced by the voice control unit, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is "0", that is, the silent state. Similarly, when the sound effect is reproduced in this situation, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is "0". Therefore, the reproduced BGM and sound effects do not reach the player's ears.

As described above, in the final game time, the normal reach is set as the variable display mode of the symbols regardless of whether the game result is the jackpot result or the miss result. In the example shown in FIG. 32, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the upper symbol at the timing of tb5 (first stop timing) and displaying the lower symbol at the timing of tb6 (second stop timing). After that, the middle symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of tb7 (third stop timing), and the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is confirmed and displayed on the activated line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a). There is.

At the timing of tb8 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of tb7, the second normal game state ends and shifts to the first normal game state. Along with this, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2, and the silent state is released. As a result, thereafter, the BGM and the sound effects are output from the speaker unit 29 as needed. In addition, the BGM reproduced by the voice control unit is switched from BGM2(A) to BGM1 along with the transition to the first normal game state.

In the sound deadening pattern 1 shown in FIG. 32, the number of holdings reaches the upper limit promptly after the start of the final game time. Since this game time is the last game time corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, even if the game balls are continued to be fired after the upper limit is reached, it is difficult to earn more reserves for the lower working opening 83b. That is, the profit obtained for the launch (investment) of the game ball becomes small. In this point, in the present mute pattern 1, when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit in the final game time, the output of the sound from the speaker unit 29 is promptly stopped and the second normal game state is about to end. By suggesting, it is possible to urge the player to stop the firing of the game ball.

(Silence pattern 2)
In the example shown in FIG. 33, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tc1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b is subtracted from "4" to "3", and the variable display and the pattern display device 253 (which is stopped and displayed on the lower working opening display unit) The variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

In the second normal game state this time, the BGM2A is selected by the player during the special game state that triggered the transition to the second normal game state, and the BGM2A concerned is extended from the special game state to the final game time. Is output. The volume level in this case is the volume level LV2, and the output volume of the BGM2 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

In the example shown in FIG. 33, unlike the example shown in FIG. 32, a prize is added to the lower working opening 83b, that is, a hold is added, until the first stop timing (timing of tc3) at which the upper symbol (column) is stopped and displayed. No acquisition has occurred. When the first stop timing is reached without reaching the upper limit in this way, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 in accordance with the stop display of the upper symbol is the volume level LV2→volume level LV1. Will be switched to. As a result, the volume of the BGM and sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to about 60% of the selected volume. In addition, when the upper symbol is stopped and displayed, the sound effect SE2 corresponding to the stop of the symbol variation is reproduced, and the sound effect SE2 is the speaker at the changed volume level (volume level LV1). It is output from the unit 29. By delaying the timing at which the volume level is lowered compared to the mute pattern 1, the player is urged to continue firing the game ball.

At the second stop timing (timing of tc4) in which the lower symbol (column) is stopped and displayed, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 according to the stop display of the lower symbol is changed from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. Switched to silence. In addition, when the lower symbol is stopped and displayed, the sound effect SE2 corresponding to the stop of the symbol variation is reproduced, and the sound effect SE2 is the speaker at the changed volume level (volume level LV0). It is output from the unit 29. That is, since the speaker unit 29 is in the silent state, even if the sound effect SE2 is reproduced, it does not substantially reach the player.

As described above, in the final game time, the normal reach is set as the variable display mode of the symbols regardless of whether the game result is the jackpot result or the miss result. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the reach symbol is formed by stopping and displaying the upper symbol at the timing of tc3 (first stop timing) and the lower symbol at the timing of tc4 (second stop timing). After that, the middle symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of tc5 (third stop timing), and the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is confirmed and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a). ..

At the timing of tc6 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of tc5, the second normal game state ends and the first normal game state is entered. Along with this, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2, and the silent state is released. As a result, thereafter, the BGM and the sound effects are output from the speaker unit 29 as needed. In addition, the BGM reproduced by the voice control unit is switched from BGM2(A) to BGM1 along with the transition to the first normal game state.

Even when the game ball is continuously emitted toward the game area PE in the second normal game state corresponding to the high frequency support mode, there is some variation (bias) in the winning frequency to the lower working opening 83b. Occurs. That is, even if the game ball is continuously fired and the game ball is shot periodically (0.6 sec), the winning in the lower working opening 83b does not always occur in the same period. In such a case, when the first stop timing is reached without reaching the upper limit of the number of holdings, switching to the silent state is started by using the first stop timing as a trigger, so that the silent period becomes extremely extreme. The function is shortened to prevent the function of suggesting the end of the second normal gaming state from failing to be exerted well.

For the BGM2 shown in the present embodiment, the reproduction is repeated during the second normal game state, but one beat (blank) is ensured until the previous reproduction is finished and the next reproduction is started. This avoids obscuring the beginning and end of BGM2. The period during which the silent state continues (silent period) is longer than the above period, which prevents the silent state from being confused with the above period. Note that the example shown in FIG. 32 is configured to be in the silent state at least before the second stop timing in the final game time, so that the silent state continues as in the example shown in FIG. 33. (Silent period) becomes longer than the above period.

(Silence pattern 3)
In the example shown in FIG. 34, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of td1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b is subtracted from "4" to "3", and the variable display and the pattern display device 253 (which is stopped and displayed on the lower working opening display unit) The variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

In this mute pattern 3, 10 seconds is set as the variable display time in the final game time, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed through the reach display. Unlike the mute patterns 1 and 2, the final game time corresponds to the jackpot result, so after the last game time is over, the game state shifts to a special game state (so-called condominium).

In the second normal game state, BGM2 (for example, BGM2A) is set, and the BGM2 is continuously output so as to extend from the previous game time to the final game time. The volume level in this case is the volume level LV2, and the output volume of the BGM2 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of td2 prior to the first stop timing at which the upper symbols (rows) are stopped and displayed, a winning is generated in the lower working opening 83b, the number of holdings increases from "3" to "4", and the maximum number ( It has become the upper limit). When a win is generated in the lower operation opening 83b, the speaker unit 29 outputs the sound effect SE5 indicating the hold acquisition.

At the timing of td3 immediately after the sound effect SE5 is output, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 when the number of holdings reaches the maximum number. As a result, thereafter, the volume of the BGM and the sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to about 60% of the selected volume.

At the timing of td4 after the grace period described above has passed since the volume level was switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. Even in this situation, although the BGM reproduction in the audio control unit is continued, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is “0”, that is, the silent state. Similarly, when the sound effect is reproduced, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is “0”. Therefore, the reproduced BGM and sound effects do not reach the player's ears.

In the example shown in FIG. 34, the normal reach corresponding to the jackpot result is executed in the final game round. Specifically, after the reach line is formed, the upper symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of td5 (first stop timing), and the lower symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of td6 (second stop timing). , Td7 timing (third stop timing), the middle symbol is stopped and displayed, so that the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is definitely displayed on the activated line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a).

At the timing of td8 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of td7, the second normal gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state. Along with this, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2. As a result, the silent state is canceled, and thereafter, the BGM and the sound effect are output from the speaker unit 29.

In the final game round, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is gradually lowered in the same manner as the game round resulting in the disengagement result, and finally in the silent state. Although it is suggested that the second normal game state ends by setting the silent state, the impact can be strengthened by stopping and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the silent state. Especially, in the final game time, the normal reach, which is relatively low in attention, is executed instead of the super reach, in which variable attention is relatively high in attention. doing.

(Silence pattern 4)
In the example shown in FIG. 35, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of te1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b is subtracted from "4" to "3", and the variable display and the pattern display device 253 (which is stopped and displayed on the lower working opening display unit) The variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

In this mute pattern 4, 12 seconds is set as the fluctuation display time in the final game time, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed through the reach display→re-variation display. Similar to the mute pattern 3, the final game round corresponds to the jackpot result, so after the end of the final game round, the special game state is entered.

In the second normal game state this time, the BGM2A is selected by the player during the special game state that triggered the transition to the second normal game state, and the BGM2A concerned is extended from the special game state to the final game time. Is output. The volume level in this case is the volume level LV2, and the output volume of the BGM2 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of te2 prior to the first stop timing at which the upper symbols (rows) are stopped and displayed, a prize is generated in the lower working opening 83b, and the number of holdings related to the lower working opening 83b is "3"→"4". Has reached the upper limit (maximum number). When a win is generated in the lower operation opening 83b, the speaker unit 29 outputs the sound effect SE5 indicating the hold acquisition.

At the timing of te3 immediately after the output of the sound effect SE5, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit number. As a result, thereafter, the volume of the BGM and the sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to about 60% of the selected volume.

At the timing of te4 when the above-mentioned grace period has passed since the volume level was switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. Even in this situation, although the BGM reproduction is continued, the volume of the speaker unit 29 becomes "0", that is, the silent state. Similarly, when the sound effect is reproduced in this situation, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is "0". Therefore, the reproduced BGM and sound effects do not reach the player's ears.

In the example shown in FIG. 34, the normal reach corresponding to the re-variation display is executed at the final game time. Specifically, after the reach line is formed, the upper symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of te5 (first stop timing), and the lower symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of te6 (second stop timing). , Te7 timing (third stop timing), the middle symbol is stopped and displayed, so that the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is temporarily stopped and displayed on the activated line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a).

At the timing of te8 after the symbol combination is temporarily displayed, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2, and the silent state is released. At the same time, the sound effect SE4 indicating the re-variation display is reproduced, so that the sound effect SE4 and the BGM2 are output from the speaker unit 29.

At the timing of te9 when a period of the same length as the fixed display time has passed from the timing of te7, the variable display is restarted for all the symbols (columns) that have been stopped and displayed, and on the effective line immediately after the timing of te10. The symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is confirmed and displayed. At the timing of te11 when the fixed display time has passed from the timing of te10, the second normal game state is shifted to the special game state.

In this way, after the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is stopped and displayed, the BGM, the sound effect, and the like are output during the stop display, which is a chance of a big hit. With such a structure, the player's attention is urged toward the timing at which the silent state is released.

During the second normal game state, BGM2 (corresponding to "predetermined music") corresponding to the second normal game state is output. With such a configuration, the BGM output from the speaker unit 29 can be used to indicate or clearly indicate to the player that the game is in the second normal game state. At the final game time in the second normal game state, the predetermined music is stopped when the number of stored special information reaches the upper limit. As a result, it becomes possible to suggest to the player that the second normal game state is almost over, before the second normal game state actually ends, and the like from the second normal game state to the first normal game state. It is possible to reduce the abrupt feeling when transitioning. In this way, by giving the advance notice function to the output/stop of the BGM, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand or the connection between the states becoming weak due to the diversification of the game states. This is preferable in order to improve the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game state.

When the final game time corresponds to the disengagement result, the output of the BGM2 is stopped at the final game time in the second normal game state, and the stopped state continues until the first normal game state is reached. .. As a result, even if the music output from the speaker unit 29 is switched (BGM2→BGM1) in accordance with the switching of the game state, it is possible to earn a certain amount of time, and it is possible to prevent the music from switching suddenly. it can.

Note that the above period can be secured at the beginning of the first normal gaming state, but the timing at which the gaming state is switched is also the timing at which the player feels completely overwhelmed to try the game. To secure the above-mentioned interval at the end of the second normal gaming state and to immediately start the output of music corresponding to the first normal gaming state at the beginning of the first normal gaming state in order to enhance the satisfaction of the player. preferable.

Considering that a certain degree of bias can occur in winning the prize in the operation opening 83b, the number of pieces of reservation information does not always reach the upper limit during the final game play. Therefore, in such a case, by stopping the output of the BGM2 at a predetermined timing in the final game time, the BGM2 shifts to the first normal game state while diversifying the stop timing of the BGM2. It is possible to preferably avoid continuing to the timing.

If the BGM2 is repeatedly output during the second normal gaming state, it is possible to prevent the data amount of the BGM2 from becoming excessively large. Here, when the BGM2 is repeated, if the predetermined period (blank) is interposed, the start/end of the BGM2 can be easily understood. However, in the case where such a configuration is premised, it becomes difficult to identify whether or not the output of the BGM 2 is caused by the above repetition when the output of the BGM 2 is stopped, and the player may misunderstand. Get higher Therefore, when the output of the BGM2 is forcibly stopped as shown in the present embodiment, the period from the output of the BGM2 being stopped to the end of the final game time is longer than the predetermined period. By setting as described above, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience.

In the second normal game state, the output of the BGM 2 is stopped when the number of pieces of pending information reaches the upper limit. Since the second normal game state corresponds to the high-frequency support mode with a limited number of times, it is difficult to newly obtain the hold information during the second normal game state even if the game ball is continuously fired. .. Therefore, by stopping the output of the BGM2 when the number of holdings reaches the upper limit and suggesting that the transition to the first normal game state is imminent, the player is urged to refrain from firing the game ball. be able to. In other words, when the number of holdings is not above the upper limit, by delaying the output stop of the BGM2 until the first stop timing, it is possible to prompt the player to shoot a game ball, and the player's profit is favorably adjusted. Can be secured.

If the output of the BGM 2 is stopped all at once, there is a high possibility that the player will mistakenly think that it is out of order. In this respect, such a misunderstanding can be preferably suppressed by adopting a configuration in which the volume is gradually reduced and stopped as shown in the present embodiment.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment described above, the reach display is always generated at the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state, but the reach display is not generated at the final game time. It is also possible to

Further, in the final game times as well as in the other game times, the reach display is generated when the result is a big hit, and the reach display is generated based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 when the result is a miss. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which whether or not it is determined by lottery. In such a configuration, for example, the above-mentioned volume level switching is executed only in the game times in which the reach display does not occur (including the game times in which the jackpot result is clearly indicated by re-variation), and the reach display occurs. The game level may be configured such that the switching of the volume level is not executed (avoided).

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, when the switching from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 is compared with the switching from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV2, the former has a larger volume change amount than the latter. However, the setting is not limited to this. The volume change amount may be the same between the volume level LV2→volume level LV1 and the volume level LV1→volume level LV2, or the volume level LV2→volume level LV1 and the volume level LV1. → When switching to the volume level LV2 is compared, the latter may be set so that the amount of change in volume becomes larger than that in the former.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, when the volume level is switched at the first stop timing or the second stop timing, the sound effect SE2 reproduced when the symbol is stopped is output from the speaker unit 29 at the switched volume level. However, it is also possible to have the speaker unit 29 output at the volume level before switching.

<Modification 4>
In the above-described first embodiment, the normal reach is generated in each of the final game times (100th game times) when the second normal game state ends, but this is changed, and in the final game times, Both of them can be configured to generate super reach.

<Modification 5>
In the first embodiment, when the number of game times executed after the transition to the second normal game state is 100, which is the end reference number (specified number), the configuration is changed to the first normal game state. However, the end reference number is arbitrary. For example, it may be 30 times or 50 times. In addition, the end reference number may be changed according to the lottery result (type of jackpot).

<Modification 6>
In the first embodiment, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 at the first stop timing, and the volume level is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0 at the second stop timing. May be changed as follows. That is, the volume level may be switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 at the second stop timing, and the volume level may be switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0 at the third stop timing.

<Modification 7>
In the first embodiment, the volume of all sounds (BGM and sound effects in the first embodiment) output from the speaker unit 29 based on the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 36, a volume level for controlling the BGM volume and a volume level for controlling the volume of the sound effect may be separately provided. Considering that the output time of the BGM is longer than that of the sound effect, the volume of the BGM is reduced at the final game time so that the output of the BGM is avoided, thereby changing the volume to the player. You can make it easier to convey that. In addition, the volume of all sounds is not set to 0, but the volume of some sounds (preferably sounds played during the final game time (especially after the volume change)) is maintained or reduced, The sound may be output from the speaker unit 29 even during the game play. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to misunderstand that there is no sound due to a failure of the speaker unit 29.

In FIG. 36, the case where the final game time corresponds to the miss result is illustrated, but when the final game time corresponds to the jackpot result, the variable display time is 12 seconds (re-variable display correspondence). In this case, by outputting the sound effect (sound effect SE4) that suggests the re-variation display under the condition that the output of BGM is stopped, the same effect can be achieved without unnecessarily increasing the volume of the sound effect. It is possible to prevent the sound from being mixed with the BGM and to suitably emphasize the sound effect.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, in the final game number (100th game number) that has reached the end reference number in the second normal game state, it operates regardless of the number of pieces of subsequent holding information (holding number). Although the variable display time of the pattern in the mouth display unit is determined, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. 37 (variable display time table corresponding to complete deviation result), In the final game time as well, as in the other game times in the second normal game state, the variable display time is determined (shortened) according to the number of subsequent hold information (holding number), which is a prerequisite configuration. Are different.

When the variable display time can be shortened even in the final game time, the period (silence period) in which the silent state continues when the speaker unit 29 is in the silent state in the final game time is extremely long. There may be cases where it becomes short. In consideration of the fact that the BGM2 is configured so that a preset time (blank) occurs at the time of repeat and the device is devised so as to easily distinguish the beginning and the end of the BGM2, the silent period becomes extremely short. If it happens, it will be difficult to understand the difference from the above. It is feared that this will prevent the silent state from exerting the function of suggesting the end of the second normal gaming state. One of the features of the present embodiment is that measures are taken to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. Specifically, the configuration relating to the special control processing executed by the MPU 442 (sound control unit) is different from that of the first embodiment. 38 to 39, the special control processing according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the special control processing shown in the first embodiment. It should be noted that the description of various configurations that are common to the first embodiment is basically omitted.

(Special control processing)
In the special control process of this embodiment, first, the number of game times executed after the transition to the second normal game state in step S1201 becomes larger than a predetermined number (“97” in this embodiment). Is determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the 98th game time, the 99th game time, or the 100th game time. When a negative determination is made in step S1201, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1201, the operation proceeds to step S1202.

In step S1202, it is determined whether the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is the volume level LV0, that is, the silent state. When a negative determination is made in step S1202, it is determined in step S1203 whether the volume is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether the mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444. If a negative determination is made in step S1203, the muffling start determination processing is executed in step S1204, and then this special control processing is ended. Hereinafter, the muffling start determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. 39.

(Mute start determination process)
In the silencing start determination process, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether the first stop timing is reached. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the upper symbol (column) that is being variably displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. When a negative determination is made in step S1301, the mute start determination processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1301, the operation proceeds to step S1302. In step S1302, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the 98th game time after the transition to the second normal game state. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1302, the operation proceeds to step S1303.

In step S1303, it is determined whether the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is equal to or larger than the first reference number. In the present embodiment, “4”, which is the same number as the storage upper limit number, is set as the first reference number. That is, in step S1303, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b becomes 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain) at the start of the game game of the final game game (100th game). It can be said that it is judged.

As shown in FIG. 37, when the number of holdings is "2" or more at the last game, the variable display time is "2sec", and the number of holdings is set to "0" to "1". It is configured to be significantly shorter than the variable display time ("6 to 8 sec"). When the affirmative determination is made in step S1303, it means that the variable display time when the final game time is completely out (outcome result that does not correspond to reach display) is "2 sec", that is, a short out variation.

If a negative determination is made in step S1303, the mute start determination processing ends as it is. That is, when the number of holdings related to the lower working opening 83b is less than the first reference number, in other words, when the final game time is completely out (outcome result not compatible with reach display) and short-circuit fluctuation does not occur, Volume level switching does not occur. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1303, the muffling preparation process is executed in step S1304. In the sound deadening preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. As a result, the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1305, the mute flag is set in the various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process ends.

Returning to the description of step S1302, if a negative determination is made in step S1302, that is, if the number of games executed after the transition to the second normal game state is not 98, the process proceeds to step S1306. In step S1306, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the 99th game time after the transition to the second normal game state. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1306, the operation proceeds to step S1307.

In step S1307, it is determined whether the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is equal to or larger than the second reference number. In the present embodiment, "3", which is one less than the upper limit of storage, is set as the second reference number. In other words, in step S1307, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b becomes 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain) at the start of the game game of the final game game (100th game). It can be said that it is judged.

As described above, the variable display time is "2 sec" when the number of holdings is "2" or more at the final game time, and is set when the number of holdings is "0" to "1". The configuration is significantly shorter than the variable display time (“6 to 8 sec”). If the affirmative determination is made in step S1307, it means that the variable display time is "2 sec", that is, the short circuit variation when the final game time is completely out (outcome result not reaching the reach display).

If a negative determination is made in step S1307, the mute start determination processing ends as it is. That is, when the number of holdings is less than the second reference number, in other words, when the final game time is completely out (outcome result of non-reach display), short-circuiting does not occur, the volume level is not switched. .. On the other hand, when a positive determination is made in step S1307, the muffling preparation process is executed in step S1304. In the sound deadening preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. As a result, the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1305, the mute flag is set in the various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process is ended.

Returning to the description of step S1306, if a negative determination is made in step S1306, that is, if it is not the 99th game time after the transition to the second normal game state, the process proceeds to step S1308. In step S1308, if the current game time is not the final game time in the second normal game state, that is, if it is not the 100th game time after the transition to the second normal game state, this mute start determination processing is ended. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1308, a muffling preparation process is executed in step S1304, a mute flag is set in step S1305, and then this mute start determination process is terminated.

Returning to the explanation of the special control process (FIG. 38 ), if an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, that is, if the volume is being changed, the process proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, it is determined whether it is the second stop timing. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the middle symbols (columns) that are being variably displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. When a negative determination is made in step S1205, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1205, the operation proceeds to step S1206, where a muffling process is executed and then this special control process is ended.

In the mute processing of step S1206, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. As a result, the volume of the speaker unit 29 becomes a silent state of "0".

Returning to the description of step S1202, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, that is, if the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0 (silent state), the process proceeds to step S1207. move on. In step S1207, it is determined whether or not the current game number corresponds to the jackpot result. When a negative determination is made in step S1207, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1207, the jackpot result process is executed in step S1208, and then this special control process is terminated.

Next, with reference to FIG. 40, a supplementary description will be given of the flow (silence pattern) of switching the volume level at the end of the second normal game state. Note that FIG. 40 exemplifies a case in which the game is disengaged at the final game time and shifts to the first normal game state.

(Silence pattern)
In the example shown in FIG. 40, the 98th game time in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tg1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b is subtracted from "4" to "3", and the variable display and the pattern display device 253 (which is stopped and displayed on the lower working opening display unit) The variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

In the second normal game state, BGM2 (for example, BGM2A) is set, and the BGM2 is continuously output so as to extend from the previous game time to the final game time. The volume level in this case is the volume level LV2, and the output volume of the BGM2 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of tg2 before the first stop timing at which the upper symbol (column) is stopped and displayed at the 98th game time, a prize is generated at the lower working opening 83b, and the number of holdings is "3"→"4". Is increasing. As a result, the hold number=the first reference number (upper limit number or maximum number). The sound effect SE5 indicating the suspension acquisition is output from the speaker unit 29 in accordance with the winning of the lower working opening 83b. However, since the sound volume level is the sound volume level LV2 at this time, the sound effect sound volume SE5 is outputted. Remains at the selected volume.

At the timing of tg3 immediately after the sound effect SE5 is output from the speaker unit 29, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 when the number of holdings reaches the first reference number. As a result, the volume of the BGM and sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to about 60% of the selected volume. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first reference number is equal to the upper limit number, and when the reserved number is the upper limit number, at least at the start of the 99th game time and the 100th game time. Two reservations will be reserved. That is, when the 99th game time and the 100th game time do not correspond to the reach display, the fluctuation display time in those game times becomes the fluctuation display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short fluctuation. In such a case, the period during which the silent state continues (silent period) is suppressed from becoming extremely short by shifting to the silent state at the 98th game round prior to the final game round.

It should be noted that when the final game time corresponds to the reach display, the variable display time becomes long. In this case, it is possible to sufficiently secure the silent period in the final game time without performing the preceding switching to the silent state. However, if the advance switching to the silent state is avoided because the sufficient silence period can be secured, whether or not the last game time corresponds to the reach display depending on the presence or absence of the preceding switching. Becomes clear. In this case, the meaning of the suggestion of the reach display regarding the advance switching to the silent state becomes stronger, and it has a function deviating from the original intention of suggesting the end of the second normal game state. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such an inconvenience is suppressed by performing the preceding switching to the silent state regardless of whether or not the final game time corresponds to the reach display.

After the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 and the grace period shown in the first embodiment is elapsed, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0 (tg4 Timing). Even in this situation, the BGM is continuously reproduced, but the volume of the speaker unit 29 is “0”, that is, the sound is in a silent state, so that the reproduced BGM does not reach the player's ears. Further, even when the sound effect is reproduced in this situation, the sound volume of the speaker unit 29 is “0”, and thus the reproduced sound effect does not reach the ears of the player.

The timing of tg4 coincides with the second stop timing at which the lower symbol (column) in the variable display is stopped and displayed, and the lower symbol is stopped and displayed at this timing. At the subsequent timing of tg5, it becomes the third stop timing for stop-displaying the middle symbol (column) that is being displayed in a variable manner, and the middle symbol is stopped and displayed.

At the timing of tg6 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of tg5, the 99th game time in the second normal game state is started. The symbol is fixedly displayed at the timing of tg7, and the fixed display is continued until the timing of tg8 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of tg7. The volume level lowered in the 98th game round is maintained in the 99th game round. That is, the silent state continues over the 98th game time to the 99th game time.

At the timing of tg8, the 100th game time (final game time) in the second normal game state is started. Along with this, the number of holdings is subtracted from "4" → "3", but the number of holdings is "2" or more, and this final game time is completely out of correspondence (outcome result not reach reach display) Therefore, the variation display time of the final game time is the variation display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short variation (see FIG. 37).

For the volume level lowered in the 98th game round, the volume level remains lowered until it reaches the 100th game round across the 99th game round. That is, the silent state is continued over a plurality of game times including the final game time. For this silent state, the symbol is fixedly displayed at the final game time (timing of tg9), and continues until the timing of tg10 at which the fixed display time elapses and shifts to the first normal gaming state, at the timing of tg10. Will be released. Specifically, at the timing of tg10, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2. As a result, the output of BGM and sound effects from the speaker unit 29 is restarted.

<Modification 1>
In the variable display time table for the second normal game state shown in FIG. 37, the variable display time corresponds to the short-circuit fluctuation when the number of the subsequent hold information (hold number) is "2" to "4". The variable display time (2 sec) is set, and when the number of holdings is “0” to “1”, the variable display time is the variable display time (6 to 8 sec) corresponding to the long fluctuation, but is not limited to this. Not something. For example, when the number of holdings is “1” to “4”, the variable display time is the variable display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short-term fluctuation, and when the number of holdings is “0”, the variable display time is the long fluctuation. It may be configured to have a corresponding variable display time (6 to 8 seconds). In this case, the first reference number defining the condition for determining whether or not to execute the muffling preparation process at the 98th game time is reduced to "3", and the muffling preparation process is executed at the 99th game time. It is advisable to reduce the second reference number defining the determination condition of whether or not to “2”. Further, in such a configuration, when the number of holdings is "4" at the 97th game time, it is possible to perform a mute preparation process. That is, the silent state can be continued from the 97th game time to the last game time.

<Modification 2>
When the mute start determination to the silent state is performed in the 98th game time or the 99th game time, the game result in the last game time and the presence/absence of the reach display may be considered. Specifically, if the final game number corresponds to the jackpot result or if the reach display occurs even if it corresponds to the out-of-match result, the switch to the silent state until the final game number is postponed. Is also possible.

<Third Embodiment>
In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the volume level is lowered in a plurality of stages during one game play, a grace period is provided between the lowering of the first stage and the lowering of the second stage. As a result, the player can easily understand that the volume has been gradually reduced. In the present embodiment, the configuration for ensuring such a grace period is different from those in the first and second embodiments. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the second embodiment will be omitted, and the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

(Special control processing)
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 41, in the special control process of this embodiment, first, in step S1401, the number of game times executed after the transition to the second normal game state is a predetermined number (in the present embodiment, Is greater than "97"). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the 98th game time, the 99th game time, or the 100th game time. When a negative determination is made in step S1401, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1401, the operation proceeds to step S1402.

In step S1402, it is determined whether the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is the volume level LV0, that is, the silent state. When a negative determination is made in step S1402, it is determined in step S1403 whether the volume is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether the mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444. When a negative determination is made in step S1403, the muffling start determination processing is executed in step S1404, and then the special control processing is ended. Hereinafter, the muffling start determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 42.

(Mute start determination process)
In the sound deadening start determination processing, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether it is the fixed display start timing. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the time to confirm and display the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. If a negative determination is made in step S1501, the mute start determination processing is ended. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1501, the operation proceeds to step S1502. In step S1502, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the 98th game time after the transition to the second normal game state. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1502, the operation proceeds to step S1503.

In step S1503, it is determined whether the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is equal to or larger than the first reference number. In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, “4”, which is the same number as the storage upper limit number, is set as the first reference number. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b becomes 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain) at the start of the game game of the final game game (100th game). The variable display time is "2 sec" when the number of holdings is "2" or more at the last game time, and the variable display time ("6" which is set when the number of holdings is "0" to "1"). .About.8 sec") is significantly shortened (see FIG. 37). If an affirmative decision is made in step S1503, it means that the variable display time when the final game time is completely out (outcome result of non-reach display) is "2 sec", that is, short out variation.

If a negative determination is made in step S1503, the mute start determination processing ends as it is. In other words, when the number of holdings is less than the first reference number, in other words, when the final game time is completely out of alignment (outcome result not compatible with reach display) and short-circuiting does not occur, volume level switching occurs. do not do. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1503, a muffling preparation process is executed in step S1504. In the sound deadening preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. As a result, the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1505, the mute flag is set in various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process is ended.

Returning to the description of step S1502, if a negative determination is made in step S1502, that is, if the number of games executed after the transition to the second normal game state is not 98, the process proceeds to step S1506. In step S1506, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the 99th game time after the transition to the second normal game state. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1506, the operation proceeds to step S1507.

In step S1507, it is determined whether the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is equal to or larger than the second reference number. In the present embodiment, "3", which is one less than the upper limit of storage, is set as the second reference number. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b becomes 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain) at the start of the game game of the final game game (100th game). As described above, the variable display time is "2 sec" when the number of holdings is "2" or more at the final game time, and is set when the number of holdings is "0" to "1". The configuration is significantly shorter than the variable display time (“6 to 8 sec”). When the affirmative determination is made in step S1507, it means that the variable display time when the final game time is completely out (outcome result of non-reach display) is "2 sec", that is, short out variation.

If a negative determination is made in step S1507, the mute start determination processing ends as it is. In other words, when the number of holdings is less than the first reference number, in other words, when the final game time is completely out of alignment (outcome result not compatible with reach display) and short-circuiting does not occur, volume level switching occurs. do not do. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1507, the muffling preparation process is executed in step S1504. In the sound deadening preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. As a result, the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1505, the mute flag is set in various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process is ended.

Returning to the description of step S1506, if a negative determination is made in step S1506, that is, if it is not the 99th game time after the transition to the second normal game state, the process proceeds to step S1508. In step S1508, if the current game time is not the final game time in the second normal game state, that is, if it is not the 100th game time after the transition to the second normal game state, the mute start determination processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1508, a muffling process is executed in step S1509.

In the mute processing of step S1509, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV0. As a result, the volume of the speaker unit 29 becomes "0", and thereafter, the speaker unit 29 becomes the silent state. After that, in step S1510, the mute flag is set in the various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process ends.

Returning to the explanation of the special control process (FIG. 41 ), if an affirmative determination is made in step S1403, that is, if the volume is being changed, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, it is determined whether or not it is time to finalize the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the big hit lottery on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. When a negative determination is made in step S1405, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1405, the operation proceeds to step S1406, where the muffling process is executed and then this special control process is ended.

In the mute processing of step S1406, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. As a result, the volume of the speaker unit 29 becomes a silent state of "0".

Returning to the description of step S1402, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1402, that is, if the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0 (silent state), the process proceeds to step S1407. move on. In step S1407, it is determined whether or not the current game number corresponds to the jackpot result. When a negative determination is made in step S1407, this special control processing is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1407, the jackpot result process is executed in step S1408, and then this special control process is ended.

Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 43, a supplementary description will be given of the flow of switching the volume level (silence pattern) at the end of the second normal gaming state. Note that FIG. 43 exemplifies a case in which the game is disengaged at the final game time and shifts to the first normal game state.

(Silence pattern)
In the example shown in FIG. 43, the 98th game time in the second normal game state is started at the timing of th1. Specifically, the variable display of the design that was stopped and displayed on the lower operating port display unit and the variable display of the design that was stopped and displayed on the design display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started, and the number of holdings is increased. It is subtracted from "4" to "3".

In the second normal game state, BGM2 (for example, BGM2A) is set, and the BGM2 is continuously output so as to extend from the previous game time to the final game time. The volume level in this case is the volume level LV2, and the output volume of the BGM2 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

During the 98th game time (more specifically, during variable display), a winning is generated in the lower operation opening 83b, and the number of holdings is increased from "3" to "4". As a result, the hold number=the first reference number (upper limit number or maximum number). The sound effect SE5 indicating the suspension acquisition is output from the speaker unit 29 in accordance with the winning of the lower working opening 83b. However, since the sound volume level is the sound volume level LV2 at this time, the sound effect sound volume SE5 is outputted. Remains at the selected volume.

At the timing of th2 at which the symbol is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 triggered by the number of holdings reaching the first reference number. As a result, the volume of the BGM and sound effect output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to about 60% of the selected volume. In the present embodiment, the volume level is lowered at the same time as the symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the sound effect reproduced when the symbol is confirmed is also displayed from the speaker unit 29 at the volume level after switching. Is output.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first reference number is equal to the upper limit number, and when the reserved number is the upper limit number, at least at the start of the 99th game time and the 100th game time. Two reservations will be reserved. That is, when the 99th game time and the 100th game time do not correspond to the reach display, the fluctuation display time in those game times becomes the fluctuation display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short fluctuation. In such a case, the period during which the silent state continues (silent period) is suppressed from becoming extremely short by shifting to the silent state at the 98th game round prior to the final game round.

It should be noted that when the final game time corresponds to the reach display, the variable display time becomes long. In this case, it is possible to sufficiently secure the silent period in the final game time without performing the preceding switching to the silent state. However, if the advance switching to the silent state is avoided because the sufficient silence period can be secured, whether or not the last game time corresponds to the reach display depending on the presence or absence of the preceding switching. Becomes clear. In this case, the meaning of the suggestion of the reach display regarding the advance switching to the silent state becomes stronger, and it has a function deviating from the original intention of suggesting the end of the second normal game state. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such an inconvenience is suppressed by performing the preceding switching to the silent state regardless of whether or not the final game time corresponds to the reach display.

At the timing of th3 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of th2, the 99th game time in the second normal game state is started. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the lower operating port display unit and the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started.

At the timing of th4 at which the symbol is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0, and the speaker unit 29 becomes silent. At the timing of th5 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing of th4, the 100th game time in the second normal game state is started. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the lower operating port display unit and the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started. That is, in the 99th game time before the 100th game time, a silent state is set, and the silent state is continued over a plurality of game times including the 100th game time.

The 100th game cycle corresponds to complete disconnection (disconnection result that does not reach reach display), and the number of holdings at the start of the 100th game cycle is "4". Therefore, the variable display time in the 100th game time is the variable display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short circuit change, and the 100th game time is quickly ended.

At the timing of th6 at which the symbol is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is definitely displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, and the confirmation display time is changed from the timing of th6. At the timing of elapsed th7, the second normal game state is shifted to the first normal game state, and the first game round in the first normal game state is started. At the timing of th6, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV2, and the silent state is released. As a result, the output of BGM and sound effects by the speaker unit 29 is restarted.

<Modification 1>
In the third embodiment, the lowering timing is unified so as to lower the volume level at the same timing (timing of confirmation display) for each game time. However, regarding the timing of lowering the volume level in each game time, It is not necessary to unify them. For example, it is possible to set the timing of the lowering of the first stage as the start timing of the final display in the previous game times, and the timing of the lowering of the second stage as the start timing of the variable display in the later game times. It is also possible to set the timing of the withdrawal of the first stage as the start timing of the variable display in the previous game time, and the timing of the withdrawal of the second stage as the start timing of the fixed display in the later game time.

<Modification 2>
In the third embodiment, the sound effect reproduced at the final display timing is output at the switched volume level, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the sound effect reproduced at the time of the final display is output at the volume level before switching.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the relationship between the variable display mode of the symbols displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253 and the switching of the volume level is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 44 to 47, a supplementary explanation will be given on the outline of the process for changing the game times (variable display control process) and the variable display of the symbols executed by the MPU 442 of the notification/effect control device 140, and then The difference display mode and the volume level switching mode in the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference from the first embodiment. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a variable display control process executed by the MPU 442 of the notification/production control device 140, FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation start process, and FIG. 46 is a variable display time referred to in the second normal game state. FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram showing a table, and FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of variable display of symbols. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

(Variable display control process)
As shown in FIG. 44, in the variable display control process, first, in step S1601, whether or not the game is being performed, that is, the variable display or the confirmation display of the symbols for one game is executed on the symbol display device 253. It is determined whether or not there is. When it is determined that the game is not being played, the process proceeds to step S1602, and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation start command transmitted from the main controller 162 is received.

When a negative determination is made in step S1602, the present variable display control process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step S1602, then this fluctuation display control processing is terminated after execution of fluctuation start processing, which will be described later, in step S1603.

Returning to the description of step S1601, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1601, that is, if it is determined that the game is being played, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation end command transmitted from main controller 162 is received. When a negative determination is made in step S1604, the changing display process is ended after executing the changing process in step S1605. The changing process is a process of executing various effects and changing the determined effects in the game times started by the changing start process.

When an affirmative determination is made in step S1604, the flow proceeds to step S1606, and after the fluctuation ending process is executed in step S1606, the fluctuation display control process is ended. In the fluctuation ending process, the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 are drive-controlled to produce an effect corresponding to the confirmed display. Then, after transmitting the fluctuation ending command to the display control device 410, the fluctuation ending processing is ended. In the MPU 472 of the display control device 410, the symbol display device 253 controls to stop the symbol based on the received variation end command.

Here, with reference to FIG. 45, the variation start process of step S1603 will be supplementarily described. The variation start process is a process for starting the game use effect based on the receipt of the variation start command transmitted from the main control device 162.

(Process for fluctuation start)
In the fluctuation start process, first, the fluctuation start command received this time is read in step S1701, and the information on the presence or absence of the reach occurrence and the fluctuation display time information are specified from the command. Further, as already described, when the fluctuation start command is transmitted from main controller 162, the type command is also transmitted. In step S1701, the type command received together with the variation start command received this time is read out, and information on the game result such as information on the probability variation jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, or information on the deviation result is specified from the command. Then, in step S1701, from the above-identified information, information on whether or not a jackpot is won, information on a jackpot type if the jackpot is won, information on whether or not a reach is generated if the jackpot is not hit, and a variable display time. Information is stored in the register of the MPU 442.

In a succeeding step S1702, it is determined whether or not the current support mode is the low frequency support mode. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1702, that is, if it is the first normal game state, then the flow of control proceeds to step S1703. In step S1703, the effect determination process for the low frequency support mode is executed based on the various types of information acquired in step S1701.

In the effect determination process of step S1703, a stop result determination process of determining the stop result of the symbol is performed. In the stop result determination process, if it is a probability variation jackpot result, the stop result that the combination of the same specific symbol (main symbol with an odd number) is established on one of the activated lines L1 to L5 is the result of this game. It is determined as a stop result, and in the case of a normal jackpot result, the stop result in which the combination of the same non-specific symbols (main symbols with an even number) is established on one effective line L1 to L5 is the result of this game. Determined as a stop result.

The types of main symbols and the effective lines L1 to L5 that are stopped and displayed when the jackpot result is obtained are randomly determined by lottery or the like. The final stop line table stored in various table areas of the ROM 443 stores the valid lines L1 to L5 and address information, and the final stop line determined by the above processing is the final stop line provided in the RAM 444. The address information is stored in the line address storage area. At this time, a process of storing the determined stop result information in the stop result address storage area is executed. In the following description, the stop result address information determined by the various stop result determination processes is stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 444.

In the big hit production setting process, the variable display mode of the big hit symbols is determined (variable display mode determination process (production pattern determination process) is performed). When the jackpot result is obtained, the result is notified via the reach display. In the variation display mode determination process for reach display, the variation display pattern table for reach display stored in various table areas of the ROM 443 is acquired, and the variation display time of the variation start command currently received and the game in the type command are received. The effect pattern of normal reach display or super reach display corresponding to the result is determined. Further, a process of storing the address information of the determined variable display mode in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 444 is executed. In the variable display mode determination process described below, the corresponding variable display pattern table is acquired from the variable display pattern table storage area of the ROM 443 to determine the variable display time and the effect pattern corresponding to the game result. Then, the address information of the effect pattern determined in the effect pattern determination process is stored in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 444.

In addition, in the stop result determination process, if the result is a deviation, it is grasped whether or not a reach occurs in the current game. When the reach occurs, the production setting process for the reach occurrence is executed. In the production setting process for reach generation, the combination of the outline of the production and the symbols to be finally stopped is determined. Since this processing corresponds to the out-reach, the stop symbol is determined so that the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is not obtained. That is, the stop result that the combination of the reach symbols is established on the one effective line L1 to L5 is determined as the current stop result. In this case, the types of combinations of out-reach symbols and the effective lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by lottery or the like. Further, in this determination, the same symbol combination is not established on any of the activated lines L1 to L5, and the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 that are the same as the symbols forming the reach line are set for the reach line. The stop result on the effective line is determined so as to make a final stop at a stop position that is offset before or after. After that, a process of storing the determined stop result information in the stop result address storage area is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reach has not occurred, the combination of the outline of the effect for complete disengagement and the symbol to be finally stopped is determined. Since this process corresponds to complete deviation, the stop symbol is determined so that the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is not formed.

Returning to the description of step S1702, if a negative determination is made in step S1702, that is, if the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S1704. In step S1704, it is determined whether or not the current game time is the final game time in the second normal game state. If a negative decision is made in step S1704, the operation proceeds to step S1705. In step S1705, normal effect determination processing for the high frequency support mode is executed. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1704, that is, if it is the final game number in the second normal game state, the flow proceeds to step S1706. In step S1706, special effect determination processing for the high frequency support mode is executed.

Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the effects executed in the normal game state (the second normal game state and the third normal game state) corresponding to the high frequency support mode are the normal effect and the second normal game. It is roughly divided into two, a special effect executed only in the final game time in the state. Regarding the normal effect determination process and the special effect determination process, based on the information grasped in step S1701, determination of the symbol combination to be finally stopped, specification of the effect outline, and chance increase effects such as effects and cut-ins in each variable display mode. Determine the details such as the presence or absence of This point is the same as the process of step S1703.

After executing any one of step S1703, step S1705, and step S1707, the process proceeds to step S1708. In step S1708, a process of outputting the command including the stop result and effect pattern information determined in step S1703, step S1705, and step S1707 to the display control device 410 as a stop result command and a pattern command, respectively is executed. In the MPU 472 of the display control device 410, based on the received stop result command and pattern command, display control of the symbol display device 253 is performed in order to execute the effect in the current game time.

After executing the process of step S1708, in a succeeding step S1709, a process of starting the effect for game play is executed, and then the process for starting this variation is ended. Specifically, drive control of the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 is started based on the effect patterns determined in the above steps S1703, S1705, and S1707, and the effect for game play is started.

(Direction pattern)
The production patterns in the normal production are roughly classified into five types: complete detachment, normal reach A, normal reach B, super reach A, super reach B, and super reach C. For each of these variable display modes, the variable display time is set to be different, and the outline of the effect pattern for each game can be grasped based on the information related to the variable display time given to the command from the main controller 162. Has become.

Specifically, "2 sec to 8 sec" (the difference is set according to the number of holdings) for the variable display time of complete deviation, "10 sec" for the variable display time of normal reach A, and the variable display time of normal reach B. "15 sec" longer than the normal reach A variable display time, "16 sec" longer than the normal reach A and B variable display times, and "16 sec" longer than the super reach B variable display time. The variation display time of the super reach C is "17 sec", which is longer than the variation display time of A, and the variation display time of the other super-reaches A and B is "18 sec". For example, when the information related to the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 162 is “15 sec”, the notification/effect control device 140 recognizes that the normal reach B should be executed. ..

In addition, in the game times corresponding to the jackpot result, it becomes easier to select in the order of super reach C>super reach B>super reach A>normal reach B>normal reach A. The configuration is such that it is easily selected in the order of off> normal reach A> normal reach B> super reach A> super reach B> super reach C. In other words, the expectation of winning the jackpot increases as the variable display time increases.

Here, the variable display mode of the normal reach A and B will be described. When the normal reach A, B is selected, first the variable display (scroll display) of all the symbol columns that are stopped and displayed is started, and then the variable display of the symbols is ended in the upper symbol column Z1 (stop). Then, the variable display of the symbols is finished (stopped display) in the lower symbol row Z3. In this way, in the state where the upper and lower symbol rows Z1 and Z3 are stopped and displayed, the reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols having the same numbers on any of the activated lines L1 to L5. Then, under the condition that the reach line is formed, the reach display (reach change display) is performed by performing the change display of the middle symbol row Z2. After the reach display, the variable display ends by stopping and displaying the middle symbol row Z2. Then, the fact that the same symbols as those constituting the reach display are stopped on the reach line is notified that the jackpot has been won, and the other symbols are stopped on the reach line to win the jackpot. The fact that they have not done so will be notified. In this way, the combination of symbols finally displayed as stopped is maintained as it is for a predetermined period. That is, the current game time continues until the stop display period elapses, and when the stop display period elapses, the transition to the next game time is permitted.

In the present embodiment, the difference in the variable display time between the normal reach A and the normal reach B is secured by setting the difference in the variable display time of the middle symbol row Z2 after the reach line is formed. The method of setting the difference of is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to secure the difference in the variable display time by setting the difference in the time from the start of the variable display to the formation of the reach line.

Next, the variable display mode of the super reach A, B, C will be described based on the variable display mode of the normal reach A, B described above. For the super reach A, B, C, the above-mentioned reach line is formed through the same process as the normal reach A, B. Then, after the reach line is formed, the reach effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character as a moving image together with the variable display of the middle symbol row Z2. Specifically, after the reach line is formed in the super reach A, a character imitating a fairy is displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (the center of the variable display area ME), and in the super reach B. After the reach line is formed, a character imitating a boy is displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (center of the variable display area ME), and after the reach line is formed in super reach C, A character simulating a girl will be displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (the center of the variable display area ME).

In the normal effect described above in detail, as shown in FIG. 47(a), the variable display of the symbols is started with the start of the game time, and all the symbols are stopped and displayed (confirmed display), whereby the game result is obtained. Is specified. In this respect, the same applies to the special effect. However, the special effect differs from the normal effect in that the variable display → stop display (temporary stop display, temporary stop display) is repeated multiple times from the start of variable display of the symbol until the final display. ing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47B, the unit display in which the symbol combination corresponding to the deviation result is stopped (temporarily stopped or temporarily stopped) after the variable display is started is repeated a plurality of times. After that, the reach display (similar to the normal reach described above) is performed and then the confirmation display is displayed. In the following description, the variable display of the symbol in the unit display and the variable display of the symbol immediately before the fixed display are also referred to as "unit effect".

Here, in the high frequency support mode, most of the game balls that are fired toward the game area PE (right route) are directed to the lower working opening 83b, and in the high frequency support mode, most of these game balls are the electric accessory 91. Will be guided to the lower working port 83b. Regarding the game board unit 80 shown in the present embodiment, in the high frequency support mode, by continuing the shooting operation of the game ball toward the right route, the number of holdings related to the lower working port 83b is "2" to "4". It is configured to move around.

As shown in FIG. 46(a), during the high-frequency support mode (excluding the last game time in the second normal game state), the number of reservations “2” to “4” related to the lower working opening 83b is changed. When the complete discontinuity continues, the variable display (2 sec) and the final display (1 sec) of the symbol are repeated on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. Regarding the unit display described above, it is stipulated that the variable display time of the symbol is 2 sec and the stop display time is 1 sec, so that the variable display mode of the symbol in the unit display is the same as the case where the complete deviation continues. It is prescribed.

As shown in FIGS. 46(b) and 46(c), the variable display time at the final game time in the second normal game state is configured to be either "11 sec" or "14 sec". When “11 sec” is set as the variable display time, the unit display is repeated three times during the final game time, and then the reach display and the final display are executed. When "14 sec" is set as the variable display time, the unit display is repeated four times during the final game time, and then the reach display and the final display are executed. That is, in the variable display time (14 sec) corresponding to the jackpot result, a difference is provided so that the unit display executed once more than the variable display time (11 sec) corresponding to both the out-of-range result and the jackpot result. Has been.

One of the features of the present embodiment is that the volume level is changed in association with the unit display during the final game. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the change of the volume level, specifically, the special control process executed by the MPU 442 of the notification/effect control device 140 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the special control process.

(Special control processing)
In the special control process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not it is the final game time in the second normal game state (that is, the 100th game time). When a negative determination is made in step S1801, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1801, the operation proceeds to step S1802.

In the present embodiment, a BGM volume level setting area for setting a BGM volume level and a sound effect volume level setting area for setting a sound volume level in RAM 444 of notification/production control device 140. Are provided respectively, and the volume of BGM and the volume of sound effect can be controlled individually. In the following description, the BGM volume level setting area is referred to as a “volume level setting area 464” for convenience.

In step S1802, it is determined whether the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464, that is, the volume level of BGM is the volume level LV0. If a negative decision is made in step S1802, the operation proceeds to step S1803.

In step S1803, it is determined whether or not the BGM volume level is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a volume change flag, which will be described later, is stored in the various flag storage area 466. If a negative decision is made in step S1803, the operation proceeds to step S1804. In step S1804, it is determined whether or not it is the timing for ending the first unit effect, that is, the timing for temporarily displaying the symbol. When a negative determination is made in step S1804, this special control processing is ended as it is. If a positive determination is made in step S1804, the flow advances to step S1805 to set a volume change flag in various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444.

After that, after the volume level first changing process is executed in step S1806, the special control process is ended. In the present embodiment, volume levels LV0, LV1, LV2, and LV3 are provided as BGM volume levels. The volume level LV0 is a volume level that sets the BGM volume to “0” regardless of the selected volume, and the volume level LV1 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the BGM volume to 20% of the selected volume, The volume level LV2 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the BGM volume to 60% of the selected volume, and the volume level LV3 is a volume level that leaves the BGM volume as the selected volume (not corrected). In the volume level first changing process executed through step S1805, the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is changed from volume level LV3 to volume level LV2. This reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29.

As for the sound effect volume level, similarly to the BGM sound volume level, a sound volume level LV0, a sound volume level LV1, a sound volume level LV2, and a sound volume level LV3 are provided. The volume level LV0 is a volume level that sets the volume of the sound effect to “0” regardless of the selected volume, and the volume level LV1 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the volume of the sound effect to 20% of the selected volume. Yes, the volume level LV2 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the volume of the sound effect to 60% of the selected volume, and the volume level LV3 keeps the volume of the sound effect at the selected volume (without correction). It is a level. In the volume level first changing process executed through step S1805, the volume level set in the volume level setting area for sound effects is not changed and the volume level LV3 is maintained.

By the way, the volume level LV3 is basically set as the volume level of the sound effect, and when the chorus part is reproduced in the BGM2 with music, the volume level LV2 is lowered to the sound level. This makes it possible to prevent the rusty part from becoming hard to hear. However, the suppression function is invalidated when the BGM volume level is changed (while the volume change flag described later is stored).

Returning to the description of step S1803, if a positive determination is made in step S1803, that is, if the volume change flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, the process proceeds to step S1807. In step S1807, it is determined whether it is time to end the unit effect. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1807, it is determined with reference to the volume change pattern determined in step S1707 whether or not the unit display this time corresponds to the volume change. Although the details will be described later, when the final game time corresponds to the miss result, the final BGM volume level becomes the volume level LV0, whereas the final game time corresponds to the jackpot result. If it is (specifically, when the variable display time=11 sec), the lowering of the BGM volume level stops at the volume level LV1, and switching to the volume level LV0 is avoided.

When a negative determination is made in step S1808, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1808, the operation proceeds to step S1806, and after executing the volume level changing processing, the special control processing is ended.

In the volume level first changing process executed via step S1808, the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is lowered by one step. Specifically, when the current volume level is the volume level LV2, the volume output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced by switching to the volume level LV1, and when the current volume level is the volume level LV1. BGM is cut by switching to the volume level LV0.

Returning to the description of step S1807, if a negative determination is made in step S1807, the process proceeds to step S1809. In step S1809, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the final unit effect. When a negative determination is made in step S1809, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1809, the operation proceeds to step S1810, with reference to the volume change pattern determined in step S1707, and it is determined whether or not the volume change is supported. When a negative determination is made in step S1810, this special control processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1810, then the volume level second change processing is executed in step S1811. Specifically, when the final game time corresponds to the jackpot result and 11 seconds is set as the variable display time, an affirmative determination is made in step S1810.

In the volume level second changing process of step S1811, the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is returned to the volume level LV3. As a result, the BGM output from the speaker unit 29 increases. As described above, in the present embodiment, when 11 seconds is set as the variable display time in the final game time corresponding to the jackpot result, the volume is increased at the start of the final unit effect, so that the jackpot result is obtained. It is suggested that there is.

After that, in step S1812, the volume change flag stored in the various flag storage areas 466 of the RAM 444 is erased, and the special control process ends.

Returning to the description of step S1802, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1802, that is, if the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0, the flow proceeds to step S1813. In step S1813, it is determined whether or not the current game number corresponds to the jackpot result. When a negative determination is made in step S1813, this special control processing is ended as it is. When a positive determination is made in step S1813, the jackpot result process is executed in step S1814, and then the special control process is ended. The jackpot result process will be described below with reference to FIG. 49.

(Process for jackpot results)
In the jackpot result process, first in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the last game time of this time corresponds to the variable display time=11 sec. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1901, the operation proceeds to step S1902, and it is decided whether or not it is the finalization display end timing. When a negative determination is made in step S1902, the main jackpot result processing is ended as it is.

If an affirmative decision is made in step S1902, a return process is executed in step S1903. In this restoration processing, the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is switched to the volume level LV3. This increases the volume of BGM. After that, in step S1904, the volume change flag stored in the various flag storage areas 466 is erased, and this jackpot result processing is ended.

Returning to the explanation of step S1901, if the final game time this time corresponds to the variable display time=14 sec, a negative determination is made in step S1901 and the process proceeds to step S1905. In step S1905, it is determined whether it is a predetermined timing (return timing) before the start of the final unit effect. When a negative determination is made in step S1905, the main jackpot result processing is ended as it is. If an affirmative decision is made in step S1905, a return process is executed in step S1903, the volume change flag is erased in step S1904, and then this jackpot result process is terminated.

Here, with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 50 to 52, the flow of switching the volume level as the game progresses will be described. As for FIG. 50, the final game times are completed and the first normal game state is entered without a big hit result in the second normal game state, and the second normal game is shown in FIGS. 51 and 52. It illustrates a case where the jackpot result is obtained in the final game time in the state and the game state shifts to the special game state.

(Volume change pattern 1)
In the example shown in FIG. 50, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tj1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the lower operation port display unit and the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) have started.

In the second normal game state, BGM2 (for example, BGM2A) is set, and the BGM2 is continuously output so as to extend from the previous game time to the final game time. The volume level of BGM in this case is the volume level LV3, and the volume of BGM2 output from the speaker unit 29 remains the selected volume selected by the player. The volume level of the sound effect is also the volume level LV3, and the volume of the BGM2 output from the speaker unit 29 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of tj2 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the completion of the first unit effect, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV3 to the volume level LV2. This reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tj2 remains large.

The second unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tj3. After that, at the timing of tj4 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the second unit effect is finished, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. This further reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tj4 remains large.

The third unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tj5. After that, at the timing of tj6 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the completion of the third unit effect, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. As a result, BGM is not output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. After that, the sound output from the speaker unit 29 is limited to the sound effect.

The final unit effect is started at the timing of tj5. After that, at the timing of tj8, the unit effect is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is confirmed and displayed. At the timing of tj9 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the volume level of the BGM is restored from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV3, and the output of the BGM from the speaker unit 29 is restarted with the transition to the first normal game state. ..

(Volume change pattern 2)
In the example shown in FIG. 51, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tk1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the lower operation port display unit and the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) have started.

In the second normal game state, BGM2 (for example, BGM2A) is set, and the BGM2 is continuously output so as to extend from the previous game time to the final game time. The volume level of BGM in this case is the volume level LV3, and the volume of BGM2 output from the speaker unit 29 remains the selected volume selected by the player. The volume level of the sound effect is also the volume level LV3, and the volume of the BGM2 output from the speaker unit 29 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of tk2 when the first unit effect is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV3 to the volume level LV2. This reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tk2 remains large.

The second unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tk3. After that, at the timing of tk4 when the second unit effect is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. This further reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tk4 remains large.

The third unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tk5. After that, at the timing of tk6 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the completion of the third unit effect, the volume level of BGM is maintained at the volume level LV1 and is reduced to the volume level LV0. Absent. That is, as shown in the volume change pattern 1, the volume level is lowered to the volume level LV0 before the final display in the final game time corresponding to the deviation result, whereas the big hit as shown in the volume change pattern 2 is made. It is avoided that the volume level becomes the volume level LV0 in the final game time corresponding to the result. In this way, the player's attention is directed to the BGM volume output from the speaker unit 29 by adopting a configuration in which it is suggested whether or not the jackpot result is obtained depending on whether or not the volume level is switched to the volume level LV0. This means that the output of the BGM is stopped, which suggests the end of the second normal game state, and the player's oversight can be suppressed.

When the final unit effect is started at the timing of tk7, the BGM volume level is returned from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV3 accordingly. In this way, by outputting the BGM with a loud sound, the fact that it is a jackpot result will be clearly indicated.

After that, the unit effect ends at the timing of tk8, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is confirmed and displayed. At the timing of tk9 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the second normal game state is shifted to the special game state.

(Volume change pattern 3)
In the example shown in FIG. 52, the final game time (100th game time) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tl1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the lower operation port display unit and the variable display of the symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) have started.

In the second normal game state, BGM2 (for example, BGM2A) is set, and the BGM2 is continuously output so as to extend from the previous game time to the final game time. The volume level of BGM in this case is the volume level LV3, and the volume of BGM2 output from the speaker unit 29 remains the selected volume selected by the player. The volume level of the sound effect is also the volume level LV3, and the volume of the BGM2 output from the speaker unit 29 remains the selected volume selected by the player.

At the timing of tl2 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the first unit effect is finished, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV3 to the volume level LV2. This reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tl2 remains large.

The second unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tl3. After that, at the timing of tl4 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the second unit effect is finished, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. This further reduces the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tl4 remains large.

The third unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tl5. After that, at the timing of tl6 when the third unit effect is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0. As a result, BGM is not output from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. After that, the sound output from the speaker unit 29 is limited to the sound effect.

The fourth unit presentation (unit display) is started at the timing of tl7. In the above-described first volume change pattern and second volume change pattern, the fourth unit effect corresponds to the last unit effect, and thus there is a high possibility that the result is a disconnection result. However, at the timing of tl9 immediately after the timing of tl8 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the disengagement result is temporarily displayed after the completion of the fourth unit effect, the volume level of BGM is lowered from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV3. The output of BGM in the speaker unit 29 is restarted. This suggests a jackpot result.

After that, the final unit effect is started at the timing of tl10, the unit effect is ended at the timing of tl11, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is confirmed and displayed. At the timing of tl12 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the second normal game state is shifted to the special game state.

<Modification 1>
In the fourth embodiment, the BGM volume level and the sound effect volume level are set separately, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to integrate the volume level of BGM and the volume level of sound effect, as in the first embodiment and the like.

<Modification 2>
In the fourth embodiment, the BGM volume level is changed at the timing when the symbol combination is stopped and displayed in the unit display, but the volume level change timing in each unit display is arbitrary. .. For example, the volume level of BGM can be changed at the first stop timing or the second stop timing during unit display. Further, the relationship between the change timing of the BGM volume level and the symbol display may be different for each unit display. For example, in one unit display, the BGM volume level may be changed at the first stop timing, and in another unit display, the BGM volume level may be changed at the second stop timing.

<Modification 3>
In the fourth embodiment, the unit display is repeated a plurality of times in the special effect executed in the final game time, and the BGM volume level is lowered by one step as the unit effect progresses. It is not limited to this. For example, there may be provided a volume change pattern in which the BGM volume level is maintained when the unit display advances, and a volume change pattern in which the BGM volume level is decreased in a plurality of steps when the unit display advances.

<Other Embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied individually to each of the above-described embodiments, or part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above-described embodiments. Further, it is possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in the above respective embodiments. In this case, it is preferable to ensure the technical significance (effect to be exerted) of each configuration to be combined. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration formed by combining the embodiments, or a part or all of the configurations may be applied in combination.

(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game ball launched to the right route in the game area PE is configured to be prevented from entering the upper working opening 83a, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to allow the game ball launched on the right route to enter the upper working opening 83a.

(2) A game time based on a ball entering the upper working port 83a and a game time based on a ball entering the lower working port 83b may be performed in parallel. For example, when there is a hold information based on a ball entering the upper working port 83a and a hold information based on a ball entering the lower working port 83b, a pattern corresponding to the holding information on the upper working port 83a is present. The variable display area and the variable display area of the symbol corresponding to the hold information related to the lower operation opening 83b are respectively formed in the display screen 253a, and both variable displays may be performed in parallel in each of the variable display areas. Good.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the holding information related to the lower working port 83b is configured to be consumed with priority over the holding information related to the upper working port 83a, but this may be reversed. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the reservation information related to the upper operation port 83a and the reservation information related to the lower operation port 83b are consumed in the order in which the reservation information is acquired.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the upper working opening 83a and the lower working opening 83b are provided as the "ball-in portion", but the number of working openings does not necessarily have to be plural, and is one. Good.

(4) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the BGM 2 is played over a plurality of game times in the normal game state (the second normal game state or the third normal game state) corresponding to the high frequency support mode. As with the BGM 1 in the normal game state (first normal game state) corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the BGM can be divided and reproduced for each game time.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the output of BGM and the like is stopped during the final game turn when the second normal game state is shifted to the first normal game state, and the second normal game state is terminated. Although the configuration has been suggested, the output of BGM or the like is stopped during the final game time when the first gaming state ends when the first gaming state transitions to the second gaming state. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that suggests a transition to a state. For example, the upper limit of the number of games is set in the third normal game state corresponding to the high-probability mode and the high-frequency support mode, and when the upper limit is reached, the upper limit is set in the first normal game state. By stopping the output of BGM or the like at the final game time, it may be configured to suggest that the third normal game state ends.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the player can adjust the volume according to his/her preference by operating the operation button provided on the front door frame 14. Can be omitted.

(7) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, under the situation where the volume level is switched as the game progresses (under the situation where the mute flag and the volume change flag are stored), the volume adjustment by the operation button is disabled. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which such regulation is not performed.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, it is configured to avoid outputting the BGM and the sound effect from the speaker unit 29 by switching the sound volume level (in other words, the reproduction itself of the BGM and the sound effect is not the volume level. It was configured to be executed independently). This may be changed to stop or temporarily stop the reproduction of the BGM or the sound effect to prevent the speaker unit 29 from outputting the BGM or the sound effect. That is, it is not necessary to switch the volume level in the state where the BGM and the sound effect are not output (silence state), and the BGM and the sound effect are not output because the BGM and the sound effect are not reproduced. The state (silent state) may be set.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the notification/effect control device 140 and the display control device 410 are provided separately, but a single control device that integrates the functions of these control devices 140 and 410 may be provided. ..

(10) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine in which a right is generated when a ball enters and a big hit, a pachinko machine provided with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball.

Also, a non-ball-ball type gaming machine, for example, provided with a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the reel is started by inserting a medal and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. Therefore, the present invention also applies to a slot machine that gives a player a privilege such as payout of medals when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line visible from a display window after the reel is stopped. Can be applied.

Further, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame to be openable and closable includes a storage portion and a loading device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage portion are loaded by the loading device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined so that the reels start to rotate.
<Regarding invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described, showing effects and the like as necessary. Note that, in the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above-described embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration shown in brackets or the like.

<Feature A group>
The following characteristic group A is that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a pattern display device that variably displays a pattern on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, it is provided in a game area. With the winning of the working opening as a trigger, a lottery is performed as to whether or not a special game state advantageous for the player such as a winning state is generated, and the variable display of the pattern is started. The final stop display of the picture combination etc. corresponding to the winning result is displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to the special game state.In this type of gaming machine, the support mode by the electric accessory attached to the operating port and By providing a plurality of lottery modes and the like for the above-mentioned lottery based on the winning of the working opening, the diversification of the game is realized, and for example, there is one that suppresses the monotonous progress of the game (for example, Patent Document 1). Regarding the technology, the invention was made with the problem to be solved by the invention, "However, in order to diversify the game as described above, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the game machine."

Features A1. A starting ball entry portion (actuation opening 83b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring hold information by the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on a ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game number control means (a function of executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87) is provided,
A first game state (first normal game state) and a second game state (second normal game state) are provided as game states, and the number of games in the second game state becomes a prescribed number (end reference number). If it is, it is configured to shift from the second gaming state to the first gaming state,
A production device (speaker unit 29) capable of executing production,
And a production control means (notification/production control device 140) for executing the production by drivingly controlling the production device,
The effect control means,
Executing means for executing a predetermined effect corresponding to the second game state when in the second game state;
The number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means becomes a predetermined number at the final game number in the second game state in which the number of games executed in the second game state becomes the specified number. In this case, the game machine is provided with a stopping means for stopping the predetermined effect being executed by the executing means.

According to the characteristic A1, during the second game state, a predetermined effect (for example, special effect) corresponding to the second game state is executed. With such a configuration, it is possible to indicate or clearly indicate to the player that the game state is the second game state by a predetermined effect. In the final game time in the second game state, when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number (for example, upper limit number), the predetermined effect is stopped. As a result, it is possible to suggest to the player that the second gaming state is almost over before the second gaming state actually ends, and in the case of shifting from the second gaming state to the first gaming state. You can reduce the sudden feeling. In this way, by giving the notice function to the predetermined effect, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand or the connection between the states from weakening due to the diversification of the game states. This is preferable in order to improve the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game state.

It should be noted that the "stop means" shown in this feature has a function of precedingly stopping a predetermined effect corresponding to the second game state and suggesting to the player that the second game state is about to end. In view of the above, it is possible to use the "stop means" as the "indication means".

Feature A2. A starting ball entry portion (actuation opening 83b) provided in the game area (game area PE),
An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring hold information by the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for acquiring special information (hold information) based on a ball entering the starting ball entering unit;
Acquired information storage means (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game number control means (a function of executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87) is provided,
A first game state (first normal game state) and a second game state (second normal game state) are provided as game states, and the number of games in the second game state becomes a prescribed number (end reference number). If it is, it is configured to shift from the second gaming state to the first gaming state,
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
A sound control unit (notification/effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting predetermined music corresponding to the second game state from the speaker section when in the second game state;
When the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means reaches a predetermined number at the final game number in the second game state in which the number of games executed in the second game state becomes the specified number And a stop means for stopping the output of the predetermined music by the output means.

According to the characteristic A2, during the second game state, predetermined music (for example, dedicated music) corresponding to the second game state is executed. With such a configuration, it is possible to suggest or clearly indicate to the player that the game is in the second game state with predetermined music. At the final game time in the second game state, when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number (for example, the upper limit number), the predetermined music is stopped. As a result, it is possible to suggest to the player that the second gaming state is almost over before the second gaming state actually ends, and in the case of shifting from the second gaming state to the first gaming state. You can reduce the sudden feeling. In this way, by giving the notice function to the predetermined effect, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand or the connection between the states from weakening due to the diversification of the game states. This is preferable in order to improve the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game state.

It should be noted that the "stopping means" shown in this feature has a function of precedingly stopping a predetermined music corresponding to the second game state and suggesting to the player that the second game state is about to end. In view of the above, it is possible to use the "stop means" as the "indication means".

Features A3. The sound control means has means for switching the music output from the speaker unit with the transition to the first game state from the predetermined music to music corresponding to the first game state,
The stopping means has means for, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped at the final game time of the second gaming state, continuing the stopped state until shifting to the first gaming state. The gaming machine described in the feature A2.

According to the characteristic A3, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped at the final game time of the second game state, the stopped state continues until the transition from the second game state to the first game state. .. As a result, even when the music output from the speaker unit is switched in association with the switching to the game state, it is possible to earn a certain amount of time, and it is possible to prevent the music from switching suddenly.

Although the above period can be secured at the beginning of the first gaming state, the timing at which the gaming state is switched is also the timing at which the player feels completely overwhelmed and tries to play the game. It is preferable to increase the satisfaction of the player by starting the output of music corresponding to the first gaming state at the beginning of the first gaming state by ensuring the above interval at the end of the two gaming states.

Features A4. The stopping means is a first stopping means,
The sound control means stops the output of the predetermined music at a predetermined timing in the final game time without the output of the predetermined music being stopped by the first stop means. The game machine according to feature A2 or feature A3, which has a stopping means.

Considering that a certain degree of deviation may occur in the frequency of entering the actuating ball portion, the number of stored special information does not always become the predetermined number during the final game time. Therefore, when the predetermined number is not reached, the output of the predetermined music is stopped at the predetermined timing in the final game time, thereby diversifying the stop timing of the predetermined music and the predetermined music. It is possible to preferably suppress that is continued until the switching timing to the first game state.

Features A5. The predetermined timing is set to be a timing after the start timing of the game turning operation in the final game turn and before the end timing of the game turning operation in the final game turn. The gaming machine according to feature A4.

With the configuration shown in this feature, a predetermined timing is reached during the final game. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately earn the period during which the output of the predetermined music is stopped while securing the opportunity to acquire the special information.

Features A6. The output means is configured to output the predetermined music again after a predetermined waiting period when the output of the predetermined music is completed,
The predetermined timing is such that the period from when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means to when the game playing operation in the final game time is finished is longer than the predetermined waiting period. The gaming machine described in the characteristic A4 or the characteristic A5, which is set.

If the predetermined music is repeatedly output, the data amount of the predetermined music can be reduced. Here, when the predetermined music is repeated, if the predetermined waiting period is interposed, the start/end of the predetermined music can be easily understood. However, when such a configuration is applied to the feature A2 or the like, it is difficult to identify whether or not the predetermined music is caused by the above repetition when the predetermined music is stopped, and the player's There is a high risk of misunderstanding. Therefore, in the case of forcibly stopping the output of the predetermined music as shown in this characteristic, from the time when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stopping means until the game doubling operation in the final game time is finished. By setting the period to be longer than the predetermined standby period, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience.

Features A7. A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area based on a player's launching operation,
The stop timing when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the first stop means is configured to be earlier than the stop timing when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means. The gaming machine according to any one of the characteristics A4 to A6.

When the output of the predetermined music is stopped when the number of stored special information reaches the predetermined number, it is highly possible that the player is shooting a game ball toward the game area. In such a case, the output of the predetermined music is stopped at an earlier timing than when the predetermined music is stopped when the predetermined timing is reached, so that the second game state ends for the player. By promptly instructing the player to do so, it is possible to prompt the player to stop the firing of the game ball or the like.

Feature A8. A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area based on a player's launching operation,
The first stop means and the second stop means are configured to gradually reduce the volume of the predetermined music to stop the output,
The first stop means is configured such that a reduction period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped is shorter than a reduction period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means. The gaming machine according to any one of features A4 to A7.

If the output of the predetermined music is stopped all at once, there is a high possibility that the player will mistakenly think that it is out of order. In this respect, such a misunderstanding can be suitably suppressed by adopting a configuration in which the volume is gradually lowered and stopped as shown in this feature.

Here, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped when the number of stored special information reaches the predetermined number, it is highly possible that the player is shooting a game ball toward the game area. .. The reduction period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the first stop means is set shorter than the reduction period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means, so that the game ball is launched. It is possible to quickly inform the continuing player that the second gaming state is over. As a result, it becomes easier for the player to have a grace period for switching the feelings.

Features A9. A game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area based on a player's launching operation,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A8, wherein the predetermined number matches an upper limit (four) of the number of special information that can be stored by the acquired information storage means.

When the number of stored special information has reached the upper limit, new special information is not acquired even if a start ball has entered the ball. For this reason, it is feared that continuing the launch of the game ball in such a situation may cause a waste of investment. Therefore, by stopping the output of the predetermined music when the number of special information reaches the upper limit, it is possible to preferably suppress the increase in investment. Also, when the upper limit is not reached, the timing at which the output of the predetermined music is stopped is delayed, which facilitates the player to continue the firing of the game ball.

Feature A10. A variable means provided adjacent to the starting ball entering portion and capable of switching to a first state (closed state) and a second state (opening state) in which it is easier to enter the starting ball entering portion than in the first state ( Electric accessory 91),
Switching means for switching the variable means between the first state and the second state (a function of executing processing for electric power support in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162),
As a switching mode (support mode) of the variable means by the switching means, a first switching mode (low frequency support mode) set so that a period of being in the second state is relatively short, and a second state The second switching mode (high frequency support mode) is set so that the period becomes
The gaming machine according to feature A9, wherein the switching mode in the first gaming state is the first switching mode, and the switching mode in the second gaming state is the second switching mode.

In the configuration in which the variable means supports the entry into the starting entry portion in the second gaming state, it is highly possible that the player continues to launch the gaming ball until the first gaming state is entered. This increases the above-mentioned concern regarding investment when the upper limit is set on the number of special information that can be stored. Therefore, the technical idea shown in Feature A9 is applied to such a configuration, and when the number of stored special information reaches the upper limit, the output of predetermined music is stopped and the player is in the second game state. By suggesting that is close to the end, it is possible to realize a practically preferable configuration.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the features A3 to A10 to the feature A1.

<Feature B group>
The following characteristic group B is that "a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a pattern display device that variably displays a pattern on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, it is provided in a game area. With the winning of the working opening as a trigger, a lottery is performed as to whether or not a special game state advantageous for the player such as a winning state is generated, and the variable display of the pattern is started. Regarding the background art of "the game in recent years, in recent years, a specific picture combination etc. is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1)." However, there is still room for improvement in the construction of the gaming machine in order to increase the attention of the game." It was done with challenges.

Feature B1. An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the holding information by the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning of the operation opening 83b);
Acquired information storage means (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game number control means (a function of executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87) is provided,
The game time control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game time operation is shortened by increasing the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. Cage,
A production device (speaker unit 29) capable of executing production,
And a production control means (notification/production control device 140) for executing the production by drivingly controlling the production device,
The game time control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game time operation is shortened by increasing the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. Cage,
The effect control means,
Execution means for executing a predetermined effect in the effect device,
A stop means for stopping the predetermined effect in the effect device,
A game machine characterized in that the game turning control means executes the game turning operation a plurality of times during a stop period in which the predetermined effect is stopped by the stop means.

According to the feature B1, by configuring a plurality of game times to be executed during the stop period in which the predetermined effect is intentionally stopped, it is possible to strengthen the impact and contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

In particular, in the configuration in which the operation period of the game use operation can be shortened by the number of special information, if the predetermined effect is stopped only for one game time, the stop period becomes extremely short, There is a concern that it will be easy to overlook that the prescribed effect has been stopped. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the stop period is suitable even when the above-mentioned shortening function is provided by the state in which the predetermined effect is stopped over a plurality of game times. You can earn As a result, the effect of improving the player's attention can be suitably exerted by intentionally stopping the predetermined effect.

Feature B2. An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the holding information by the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning of the operation opening 83b);
Acquired information storage means (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game number control means (a function of executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87) is provided,
The game time control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game time operation is shortened by increasing the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. Cage,
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
A sound control unit (notification/effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting music from the speaker section,
Stop means for stopping the output of the music by the output means,
A gaming machine, wherein the game-time control means executes the game-use operation a plurality of times during a stop period in which the output of the music is stopped by the stop means.

According to the feature B2, by configuring a plurality of game times to be executed during the stop period in which the music is intentionally stopped, it is possible to strengthen the impact and contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

In particular, in a configuration in which the operation period of the game-use operation can be shortened by the number of special information, if the music is stopped only for one game time, the stop period becomes extremely short, and the music It is feared that the suspension will be overlooked. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the state in which the music is stopped over a plurality of game times continues, so that the stop period is appropriately earned even when the above-described shortening function is provided. be able to. As a result, the effect of improving the degree of attention of the player can be suitably exerted by intentionally stopping the music.

Feature B3. An information acquisition unit (a function of acquiring the holding information by the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning of the operation opening 83b);
Acquired information storage means (a function of storing pending information in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game number control means (a function of executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87) is provided,
The game time control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game time operation is shortened by increasing the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means. Cage,
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
A sound control unit (notification/effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
An output unit for outputting a predetermined music (BGM2) corresponding to the predetermined game state from the speaker unit when the predetermined game state (second normal game state) is set,
Stop means for stopping the output of the predetermined music by the output means,
A gaming machine characterized in that the game playing control means executes the game playing operation a plurality of times during a stopped period in which the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the stopping means.

According to the feature B3, during the predetermined game state, the speaker unit outputs predetermined music corresponding to the predetermined game state. If the game play operation is performed a plurality of times during the stop period in which the predetermined music is stopped, the impact can be strengthened and the attention to the game can be improved.

In particular, in the configuration in which the operation period of the game use operation can be shortened by the number of special information, if the predetermined music is stopped only for one game time, the stop period becomes extremely short, There is concern that it will be easy to overlook that certain music is stopped. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the stop period is preferable even when the above-mentioned shortening function is provided by the state in which the predetermined music is stopped over a plurality of game times. You can earn As a result, the effect of improving the degree of attention of the player can be suitably exerted by intentionally stopping the predetermined music.

Feature B4. The stopping means stops the output of the predetermined music at a game time before the predetermined game time in the predetermined game state and stops the output of the predetermined music until the predetermined game time. The gaming machine according to feature B3, which has a means for continuing.

After the output of the predetermined music is stopped at the previous game time, the stopped state is continued until the predetermined game time. With such a configuration, the technical idea shown in the feature B3 or the like can be preferably embodied.

Feature B5. A feature B4 characterized in that the number of game times between the predetermined game time and the previous game time is determined based on the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means. Gaming machine described in.

In the configuration in which the operation period of the game reusing operation changes depending on the number of special information stored, by determining the number of game times at which the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the number of special information stored, The suspension period can be appropriate.

It should be noted that the configuration shown in this characteristic is set such that "the number of the game diversion operations executed under the situation where the output of the predetermined music is stopped is the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means. The gaming machine according to the feature B4, which is characterized by being determined according to.

Feature B6. The operation period of the game revolving operation includes a first operation period (for example, 2 sec) and a second operation period (for example, 6 to 8 sec) longer than the first operation period,
When the operation period of the predetermined game time is the second operation period, the stop means stops the output of the predetermined music during the predetermined game time and brings the stopped state into the predetermined game state. When the operation period of the predetermined game time is the first operation period, the operation is maintained until the game use operation in the game is completed, and the predetermined music is performed in the game time before the predetermined game time. The game machine according to the feature B4 or the feature B5, characterized in that the output of is stopped and the stopped state is maintained until the game use operation in the predetermined game time is completed.

According to the characteristic B6, when the relatively long second operation period is set, the output of the predetermined music is stopped only for the predetermined game times, and the relatively short first operation period is set. In this case, the output of the predetermined music is stopped over a plurality of game times including the predetermined game time, whereby it is possible to prevent the period during which the predetermined music is stopped from being lengthened indiscriminately.

Feature B7. The operation period of the game revolving operation includes a first operation period (for example, 2 sec) and a second operation period (for example, 6 to 8 sec) longer than the first operation period,
When the subsequent number, which is the number of special information that follows the special information corresponding to the predetermined game time, has reached a predetermined number, the first operation period is set as the operation period in the predetermined game time,
When the subsequent number of the special information that follows the special information corresponding to the predetermined game time is less than the predetermined number, the second operation period is set as the operation period in the predetermined game time,
The stopping means stops the output of the predetermined music at the previous game time when the subsequent number has reached the predetermined number at the game time before the predetermined game time, The gaming machine described in the feature B4 or the feature B5, characterized in that the stopped state is maintained until the game playing operation in the predetermined game play is completed.

According to the configuration indicated by the feature B7, it is possible to prevent the period during which the output of the predetermined music is stopped from being excessively long, and to reduce the significance of the existence of the predetermined music.

Feature B8. The sound control means has means for outputting a sound effect as the game progresses, and even if the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the stopping means, the output of the sound effect is not stopped. The gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B7, which is configured.

According to the characteristic B8, the output of the predetermined music is stopped due to the output of the sound effect under the condition that the output of the predetermined music is stopped, which is caused by the failure of the speaker unit. It is possible to suppress the misunderstanding.

Feature B9. The output means is configured to output the predetermined music again after a predetermined waiting period when the output of the predetermined music is completed,
The game machine according to any one of features B3 to B8, wherein a stop period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped midway by the stop means is longer than the predetermined standby period. ..

If the predetermined music is repeatedly output, the data amount of the predetermined music can be reduced. Here, when the predetermined music is repeated, if the predetermined waiting period is interposed, the start/end of the predetermined music can be easily understood. However, when applying such a configuration to the feature B3 or the like, it becomes difficult to identify whether or not the predetermined music is caused by the above repetition when the predetermined music is stopped, and the player is The chance of misunderstanding increases. Therefore, when the output of the predetermined music is forcibly stopped as shown in this feature, the stop period is set to be longer than the predetermined standby period, so that the occurrence of the inconvenience can be appropriately suppressed. it can.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the features B4 to B9 to the features B1 and B2.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the characteristic group A to the characteristic group B described in detail above.

<Characteristic C group>
The following characteristic group C is "some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are provided with a pattern display device for variably displaying patterns on the display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, it is provided in a game area. With the winning of the working opening as a trigger, a lottery is performed as to whether or not a special game state advantageous for the player such as a winning state is generated, and the variable display of the pattern is started. Regarding the background art of "the game in recent years, in recent years, a specific picture combination etc. is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1)." However, there is still room for improvement in the construction of the gaming machine in order to increase the attention of the game." It was done with challenges.

Feature C1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning in the working opening 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 executes the winning processing for the working opening). Function),
Acquisition information storage means (reserved sphere storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, it is provided with a game number control unit (a function of executing a game number control process in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for controlling a predetermined notification unit (a display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87).
The game time control means determines a period of operation (variation display time) of the game time operation for each game time (a function of executing a variation display time setting process in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162). Have
A pattern display means (symbol indicating device 253) having a display screen (display screen 253a) and capable of variably displaying a pattern on the display screen;
After variably displaying a plurality of patterns on the display screen, display control means (notification/effect control device 140 or display control device 410) for stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to the notification result by the predetermined notification means,
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
A sound control unit (notification/effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker unit in parallel with the variable display of the picture by the picture display means,
After gradually decreasing the volume of the predetermined music output by the output unit in association with the movement of the design displayed on the display screen, the output of the predetermined music is output. And a stopping means for stopping the movement in conjunction with the movement of the gaming machine.

According to the characteristic C1, predetermined music is output in parallel with the variable display of the pattern on the pattern display means (display screen). The volume of the predetermined music is gradually lowered so that the volume of the predetermined music is interlocked with the movement of the design, and finally the output is stopped. As the variable display of the pattern progresses in this way, the volume of the predetermined music is gradually reduced, which can indicate that the corresponding game time is approaching, and by the variable display of the pattern, it can be linked. It is possible to suitably exert the effect of improving the degree of attention to the game.

Feature C2. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning in the working opening 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 executes the winning processing for the working opening). Function),
Acquisition information storage means (reserved sphere storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, it is provided with a game number control unit (a function of executing a game number control process in the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162) for controlling a predetermined notification unit (a display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87).
The game time control means determines a period of operation (variation display time) of the game time operation for each game time (a function of executing a variation display time setting process in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162). Have
When the game turning operation is being performed, the effect execution means for executing the effect in parallel with the game turning operation (the symbol display device 253 and the MPU 442 of the notification/effect control device 140 executes the variable display control process). Function)
As one of the effects executed by the effect executing means, a predetermined effect (for example, unit effect or unit display) configured such that the effect execution period is shorter than the operation period is provided.
The effect execution means has a continuous execution means for continuously executing the predetermined effect during one game,
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
A sound control unit (notification/effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker section in parallel with the game diverting operation,
After the volume of the predetermined music output by the output means is lowered in association with the predetermined performance continuously performed by the continuous execution means, the output of the predetermined music is performed by the predetermined performance. A game machine having stop means for stopping the movement in conjunction with.

According to the characteristic C2, the effect is executed by the effect executing means in accordance with the game diverting operation, and the predetermined music is output from the speaker unit. When the predetermined effect is continuously executed, the output of the predetermined music is finally stopped after the volume of the predetermined music is lowered so as to be linked to the predetermined effect. In this way, if it is configured to cooperate with the repetition of the predetermined effect and the volume change, it can be suggested that the corresponding game time is approaching, and the degree of attention to the game can be increased by cooperation with the variable display of the pattern. The effect of improving can be exhibited suitably.

Feature C3. The gaming machine according to feature C2, wherein the stop means is configured to gradually reduce the volume of the predetermined music each time the predetermined performance is executed by the continuous execution means.

With the configuration in which the volume is changed stepwise as shown by the characteristic C3, the timing of the volume change can be easily understood, and it is possible to favorably contribute to strengthening the relevance to the predetermined effect.

Feature C4. The number of times the predetermined effect is continuously executed by the continuous execution means is determined based on the operation period determined by the period determination means,
The game machine according to feature C2 or feature C3, wherein the sound control means has means for determining a decrease pattern of the volume of the predetermined music based on the number of times the predetermined effect is executed.

According to the characteristic C4, the number of continuous executions of the predetermined effect is determined based on the operation period of the game revolving operation, and the volume decrease pattern is determined based on the number of times, whereby the technical idea shown in the characteristic C2 and the like is determined. Can be suitably embodied.

Feature C5. When the volume of the predetermined music is reduced in the predetermined performance, the stop means triggers a decrease in volume (temporary display of symbol combination), and the volume of the predetermined music in the predetermined performance afterwards. The game machine according to any one of the features C2 to C4, which is configured so as to coincide with a trigger for decreasing the volume (temporary display of the symbol combination) when lowering.

According to the characteristic C5, it is possible to rhythmically change (decrease) the volume when the predetermined effect is continuously executed. With such a configuration, it is easy to predict the timing of the next volume decrease, and thus it is possible to preferably prevent the volume change from being overlooked.

Feature C6. The stop means sets a decrease amount when the volume of the predetermined music is lowered in the first predetermined presentation and a reduction amount when the volume of the predetermined music is lowered in the second predetermined presentation afterwards. The gaming machine according to any one of the features C2 to C5, which is characterized by being done.

Music is generally composed of various pitches and volumes. Therefore, if the volume changes, it is confused as to whether it is due to the music itself or due to the stopping means, which hinders the achievement of the various effects. .. Therefore, if the volume reduction amount is made uniform as shown in this feature, it is possible to reduce the chance that the volume change in the case where the predetermined effect is continuously executed is confused with the volume change of the music itself.

Feature C7. The continuous execution means is configured to variably display a plurality of patterns for each of the predetermined effects and temporarily display the patterns so as to form a predetermined pattern combination,
One of the features C2 to C6, wherein the stop means is configured to reduce the volume of the predetermined music when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed by the continuous execution means. The game machine described.

If the volume of the music is lowered every time the picture is temporarily displayed as indicated by the characteristic C7, the player who is gazing at the picture can easily infer the timing of the volume decrease from the movement of the picture. This is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing erroneous recognition of volume reduction.

Feature C8. The continuous execution means is configured to variably display a plurality of patterns for each of the predetermined effects and stop and display each pattern in order so as to form a predetermined pattern combination.
The stop means is configured to reduce the volume of the predetermined music when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed by the continuous execution means,
One of the features C2 to C6, wherein the sound control unit has a sound effect output unit that outputs a predetermined sound effect each time a pattern is stopped and displayed in the predetermined effect. Gaming machine described in.

With the configuration in which the volume of the music is lowered each time the pattern is temporarily displayed as indicated by the feature C8, the player who is gazing at the pattern can easily infer the timing of the volume reduction from the movement of the pattern. This is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing false recognition of volume reduction. Further, since the sound effect is output every time the picture is stopped and displayed, it is possible to easily grasp that the sound volume has changed from the sound effect.

Feature C9. The gaming machine according to feature C7 or feature C8, wherein the predetermined effect is configured such that the period from the start of variable display of patterns to the stop display of pattern combinations is constant.

According to the characteristic C9, it is possible to rhythmically change (decrease) the volume when the predetermined effect is continuously executed. With such a configuration, it is easy to predict the timing of the next volume decrease, and thus it is possible to preferably prevent the volume change from being overlooked.

Feature C10. The sound control means has a sound effect output means for outputting a predetermined sound effect at the changed sound volume when the sound volume of the predetermined music is lowered by the stopping means. The gaming machine according to any one of C2 to C9.

Since the pitch and the volume of music change, there is a possibility that the change in volume may be mistaken for the flow of music. In this respect, if the configuration is such that a predetermined sound effect is output at a changed volume as shown in this feature, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such an inconvenience.

For example, in combination with the feature C9, a sound effect indicating the stop may be output when the picture is stopped and displayed, and the sound effect may be used as the “predetermined sound effect”.

It is also possible to apply each technical idea shown in the features C3 to C10 to the feature C1.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the characteristics A group to the characteristics B group to the characteristics C group described in detail above.

<Feature D group>
The following characteristic group D includes: "A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a pattern display device that variably displays a pattern on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, it is provided in a game area. With the winning of the working opening as a trigger, a lottery is performed as to whether or not a special game state advantageous for the player such as a winning state is generated, and the variable display of the pattern is started. Regarding the background art of "the game in recent years, in recent years, a specific picture combination etc. is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1)." However, there is still room for improvement in the construction of the gaming machine in order to increase the attention of the game." It was done with challenges.

Feature D1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning in the working opening 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 executes the winning processing for the working opening). Function),
Acquisition information storage means (reserved sphere storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game time control means (a function of executing a game time control process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (a display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87).
Display effect executing means for executing a display effect in parallel with the game turning operation when the game turning operation is being performed (variable display control processing by the MPU 442 of the symbol display device 253 and the notification/effect control device 140). Function for executing
The display effect executing means is configured to variably display a plurality of patterns and then finally stop and display a pattern combination corresponding to a notification result by the predetermined notification means,
The display effect execution means has a special display means for executing a special display for temporarily displaying a pattern combination corresponding to a determination result not corresponding to the predetermined determination information before the final stop display,
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
A sound control unit (notification/effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker section in parallel with the game diverting operation,
When the determination result by the determination unit is a determination result that does not correspond to the predetermined determination information, the output of the predetermined music is stopped during the variable display of the pattern by the display effect executing unit, and the stopped state And a first stop means for continuing until the final stop display is performed,
When the judgment result by the judgment means is a judgment result corresponding to the predetermined judgment information, the output of the predetermined music is stopped during the variable display before the pause display by the special display means, and the stop is stopped. A game machine having a second stop means for continuing the above state until a predetermined timing before the final stop display is performed.

According to the configuration described in this feature, when the determination result that does not correspond to the predetermined determination information (hereinafter, referred to as a disconnection result) is output of the predetermined music during the variable display of the pattern, the stop state is If the judgment result corresponding to the predetermined judgment information (hereinafter referred to as the hit result) continues until the final stop display, the output of the predetermined music is stopped during the variable display before the pause display, and the stop state is It continues until a predetermined timing before the final stop display is performed. In other words, when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed, the output of the predetermined music is stopped, and after the pattern combination is stopped and displayed while the output is stopped, the result is left as it is, and if it is the hit result. The predetermined music is output again. In this way, with the configuration in which the determination result is suggested depending on how long the output stopped state continues, it is possible to preferably improve the degree of attention to the game.

Feature D2. The output means includes means for restarting the output of the predetermined music after the temporary stop display is performed by the special display means when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means. Have,
The gaming machine according to Feature D1, wherein the display effect executing unit has a unit that variably displays the pattern that is being paused after the output of the predetermined music is resumed.

According to the characteristic D2, the output of the predetermined music is stopped to attract the player's attention, and then a branch is made as to whether or not the predetermined music is output again. Can be suitably exhibited.

Feature D3. The game according to the feature D2, wherein the display effect executing unit has a unit for finally stopping and displaying a variable display pattern after the output of the predetermined music is restarted by the output unit. Machine.

As shown in the feature D3, when the hit result is obtained, the output of the predetermined music is stopped, the display of the pattern is temporarily stopped, the predetermined output of the music is re-output, the variable display of the pattern is displayed, and the final stop of the pattern is displayed. , At the game times corresponding to the disengagement result, the output of the predetermined music is stopped → The expectation is that the predetermined music will be output even when the final stop display of the picture is displayed, and it corresponds to the disengagement result Even when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed, it is possible to prevent the player's sense of expectation from rapidly decreasing.

Feature D4. The sound control means suggests that the output of the predetermined music is stopped, and after the temporary stop display of the design is executed, the stop displayed design is variably displayed again. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3, characterized in that it has a means for outputting a predetermined sound effect.

According to the feature D4, the predetermined sound effect is emphasized by outputting the predetermined sound effect in a state where the output of the predetermined music is stopped and the variable display of the pattern is stopped and the behavior of the gaming machine is stable. Can be made.

Feature D5. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning in the working opening 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main controller 162 executes the winning processing for the working opening). Function),
Acquisition information storage means (reserved sphere storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g., winning information) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 carries out a judgment processing of winning/losing). Function to execute)
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. As described above, a game time control means (a function of executing a game time control process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (a display portion for the operation opening of the main display unit 87).
A speaker unit (speaker unit 29) for outputting sound,
Sound control means (notification/effect control device 140) for outputting a sound effect including a predetermined music effect and a music effect including a predetermined music from the speaker section by drivingly controlling the speaker section,
The sound control means,
First output means for outputting the predetermined music while straddling a plurality of game times including a predetermined game time in the predetermined game state when in the predetermined game state,
A first changing unit capable of changing the volume of the music output from the speaker unit by the first output unit during the output of the predetermined music;
Second output means for outputting a plurality of sound effects including the predetermined sound effect at the predetermined game times,
A game machine comprising: a second changing unit capable of changing a volume corresponding to a sound effect output from the speaker unit by the second output unit before outputting the predetermined sound effect.

As shown in the feature D5, when in the predetermined game state, predetermined music is output over a plurality of game times including a predetermined game time in the predetermined game state. By securing a predetermined music reproduction period as such a configuration, it is possible to dramatically improve the expressive power of the music, as compared with a configuration in which the music is cued for each game. Here, the volume of the predetermined music and the volume of the sound effect output at the predetermined game times can be individually changed, and when the predetermined sound effect is output, the volume of the sound effect is set in advance. Be changed. With such a configuration, it is possible to disperse a predetermined sound effect with respect to a predetermined music or to make a predetermined sound effect stand out. Note that, unlike the volume of the predetermined music, the volume of the predetermined sound effect is changed before it is output, so it may be difficult to understand how much the volume is until the predetermined sound effect is output. it can.

Feature D6. The first changing unit is configured to reduce the volume corresponding to music at the first timing in the game revolving operation, and continue the reduced state until the second timing in the game revolving operation. Cage,
The second changing unit lowers the volume corresponding to the sound effect in cooperation with the first changing unit at the first timing, and the sound effect at the third timing before the second timing. The gaming machine according to Feature D5, which is configured to increase the volume of the game machine.

According to the characteristic D6, the predetermined sound effect is output in a state where only the volume of the predetermined music is lowered, so that the predetermined sound effect can be emphasized. Thereby, the predetermined music and the predetermined sound effect can coexist appropriately.

Feature D7. Display effect executing means for executing a display effect in parallel with the game turning operation when the game turning operation is being performed (variable display control processing by the MPU 442 of the symbol display device 253 and the notification/effect control device 140). Function to execute
The display effect executing means is a gaming machine configured to variably display a plurality of patterns and then stop and display a pattern combination corresponding to a notification result by the predetermined notification means,
When the determination result by the determination unit is a result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, the display effect executing unit does not correspond to the determination result before the final stop display of the pattern combination corresponding to the determination result. It has a special display means for temporarily displaying the pattern combination,
The gaming machine according to feature D6, wherein the timing at which the pause display by the special display means occurs is defined to be between the first timing and the third timing.

According to the feature D7, the pattern combination is displayed in a paused state after the volume of the predetermined music and the volume of the sound effect are reduced and before the volume of the sound effect increases. According to such a configuration, even when the final combination is displayed in the game combination corresponding to the result of the deviation, the volume of the predetermined music is recovered and the route which is the jackpot result remains, Even when the pattern combination corresponding to the result of the disengagement is stopped and displayed, the player's attention can be directed to the predetermined music (speaker unit), and the expectation can be prevented from rapidly decreasing.

Feature D8. The gaming machine according to Feature D7, wherein the second output unit has a unit that outputs the predetermined sound effect between the third timing and the second timing.

According to the characteristic D8, the predetermined sound effect is output under the condition that the pattern is temporarily displayed and the output of the predetermined music is stopped or lowered, that is, under the condition that the behavior of the gaming machine is stable. Becomes Thereby, the impact of the predetermined sound effect can be enhanced appropriately.

It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the characteristic groups A to C to the characteristic group D described in detail above.

The basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

Pachinko gaming machine: operating means operated by a player (game ball launching handle 41), game ball launching means launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means (gaming ball launching mechanism 110), and the shot. A ball passage (guide passage 103) that guides the game ball to a predetermined game area, and game parts (game nails 38 and the like) arranged in the game area (game area PE) are provided. A gaming machine that gives a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a passage portion (general winning opening 81, etc.).

Rotating machine game machines such as slot machines: Variable display means for displaying the final stop of the symbol row after variable display of the symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols is provided, and the variation of the symbol starts due to the operation of the starting operation means. The fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating device for stop or after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a special game advantageous to the player on condition that the final symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Belt-type gaming machine using a ball: Variable display means for displaying the final stop of the symbol row after variably displaying the symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols, the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means, and stopped. Due to the operation of the operation means or after a lapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a special game state advantageous to the player (bonus) as a necessary condition that the final stopped symbol at that time is a specific symbol. A loading device that is configured to generate a game or the like) and further includes a ball tray to perform a loading process for loading a game ball from the ball tray, and a dispensing device that dispenses the game ball to the ball tray. A game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when a game ball is thrown in.

10... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14... Front door frame, 29... Speaker part, 80... Game board unit, 80a... Game area forming body, 81... General winning hole, 82... Variable winning device, 83a... Upper working opening , 83b... Lower operation port, 91... Electric accessory, 140... Notification/production control device, 162... Main control device, 213... External output terminal board, 253... Symbol display device, 391a-391f... Detection sensor, 401... MPU , 403... ROM, 404... RAM, 410... Display control device, 442... MPU, 500... Game information display device, 600... Monitoring device, 602... MPU, 603... Information acquisition unit, PE... Game area.

Claims (5)

An information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the satisfaction of a predetermined acquisition condition;
Acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means,
Determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information,
After the game turning operation is started, a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means results in ending the game turning operation as one game time, and the game turning operation is performed. And a game time control means for controlling a predetermined notification means,
The game time control means has period determination means for determining an operation period of the game time operation for each game time,
When the game turning operation is being performed, an effect executing means for executing an effect in parallel with the game turning operation is provided,
As one of the effects executed by the effect executing means, a predetermined effect configured such that the effect execution period is shorter than the operation period is provided.
The effect execution means has a continuous execution means for continuously executing the predetermined effect during one game,
A speaker unit that outputs sound,
A sound control unit for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means,
Output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker section in parallel with the game diverting operation,
After the volume of the predetermined music output by the output means is lowered in association with the predetermined performance continuously performed by the continuous execution means, the output of the predetermined music is performed by the predetermined performance. A game machine having stop means for stopping the movement in conjunction with. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the stop means is configured to gradually decrease the volume of the predetermined music each time the predetermined performance is executed by the continuous execution means. .. The number of times the predetermined effect is continuously executed by the continuous execution means is determined based on the operation period determined by the period determination means,
The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sound control unit has a unit that determines a volume decrease pattern of the predetermined music based on the number of times the predetermined effect is executed. .. The stop means causes the volume to be lowered when the volume of the predetermined music is lowered in the previous predetermined effect, and the volume to be lowered when the volume of the predetermined music is decreased in the later predetermined effect. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the game machine is configured to match the occasion. The stop means sets a decrease amount when the volume of the predetermined music is lowered in the first predetermined presentation and a reduction amount when the volume of the predetermined music is lowered in the second predetermined presentation afterwards. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming machine is provided.

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