JP2022107818A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably showing a sound volume adjustment function.

SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 10 includes a game board in which a game area is formed. Based on entry of game balls flowing down on the game area into an operation hole, a shift lottery to an opening/closing execution mode is held. On a display screen of a pattern display device, a pattern combination corresponding to a result of the shift lottery is established and displayed through pattern variation display. A speaker part 64 is arranged in a front door frame 14, and performance sound, such as BGM, is outputted in conjunction with the variation display of a pattern. A game performance includes a performance corresponding to operation for executing a predetermined performance based on operation of an operation button 75 provided in the front door frame 14. When the operation button 75 is operated during execution of the pattern variation display, establishment display, or the like, a shift to a sound volume adjustment mode capable of adjusting a sound volume is performed. The sound volume of the speaker part 64 is changed by operating the operation button 75 during the sound volume adjustment mode.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

For example, some game machines, such as pachinko machines, are provided with pattern display means for performing variable display (display effect) of patterns when a ball is entered into a ball entry section provided in a game area. In this type of game machine, by outputting a sound such as BGM from a speaker in conjunction with various display effects executed on the display screen of the pattern display means, attention to the game is improved.

When game machines are installed in island facilities such as game halls, sounds (for example, noise) around the game machines can vary depending on environmental conditions such as installation locations. In consideration of such circumstances, there has been proposed a device provided with a volume adjusting means capable of adjusting the volume of the speaker by a predetermined operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2001-178941

However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the above-described game machine that performs volume control in order to effectively exhibit the volume control function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of appropriately exhibiting a volume control function.

Means for solving the above problems will be described below.

The present invention
information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
Acquired information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
addition determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to the addition information;
A game control means for performing a process to progress the game based on the result of grant determination by the grant determination means;
an operation means operated by a player;
sound output means capable of outputting audible sound;
sound control means for controlling the sound output means according to the progress of the game;
a volume adjusting means for adjusting the volume of the sound output means;
characterized by comprising

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a volume control function can be demonstrated suitably.

1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an expanded state; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine in an expanded state; FIG. (a) A front view showing the configuration of the game board, (b) a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the unit at the operating port. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko machine; FIG. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning or losing lottery. 4 is a flow chart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the main control unit; It is a flow chart which shows a prize-winning process for operation openings. It is a flow chart which shows information acquisition processing. 4 is a flow chart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main controller; It is a flow chart which shows game time control processing. 4 is a flowchart showing data setting processing; It is a flow chart which shows fluctuation start processing. 10 is a flow chart showing a variable display time setting process; It is a flowchart which shows game state transition processing. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure which concerns on game production|presentation. It is a flowchart which shows the variable display control process performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. 10 is a flow chart showing a process for starting fluctuation. (a) A schematic diagram showing types of variable display modes, (b) A schematic diagram showing an outline of each variable display mode. It is a flowchart which shows a pending|holding information confirmation process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing pending command setting processing; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the production|presentation mode determination process performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process for operation corresponding production|presentation performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. It is the timing chart which illustrated the flow of the production|presentation corresponding to operation. It is a flow chart which shows processing for the 1st sound volume change performed by MPU of an information and production control device. It is a flow chart which shows the processing for the 2nd volume change performed by MPU of an information and production control device. It is a flowchart which shows the volume change propriety setting process performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. 4 is a timing chart illustrating a game flow when volume change is restricted; It is a flowchart which shows the production|presentation mode rewriting process performed by MPU of an information / production|presentation control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing a state of branching of the production. It is a schematic diagram showing a state of branching of the production. It is a flowchart which shows the volume change release process performed by MPU of an information and production|presentation control apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between a second volume change operation and volume change release conditions, and FIG. 7B is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume adjustment; It is a flow chart which shows the 2nd sound volume change processing performed by MPU of an information and production control device in a 4th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for sound volume correction performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing types of sound sources in the fifth embodiment; It is a flow chart which shows the processing for the 2nd volume change performed by MPU of an information and production control device. (a) It is the flowchart which shows the 1st change process performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus, (b), (c) The schematic which illustrated the flow of volume control. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a change target sound source that changes depending on the situation; It is a flowchart which shows the production|presentation mode determination process performed by MPU of a notification / production|presentation control apparatus in 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the sound volume change release process performed by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus.

<First embodiment>
A first form of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of game machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded state. 2, the configuration within the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

The pachinko machine 10, as shown in FIG. 1, has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a game machine main body 12 attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable forward. . The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting a plate-like frame member or the like to four sides, and has a rectangular frame shape. A pachinko machine 10 is installed in a game hall by fixing an outer frame 11 to an island facility. Note that the pachinko machine 10 does not have to have the outer frame 11, and the pachinko machine 10 may be provided with the outer frame 11 on the island facilities of the game hall.

The game machine body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 arranged behind the inner frame 13. - 特許庁The inner frame 13 of the game machine main body 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11 . More specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in a front view.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end and the right side as the rotation tip side in a front view. It is said that As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with the left side as the rotation base end and the right side as the rotation tip side in a front view. It is considered movable.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at the tip of the rotation, and has a function of locking the game machine main body 12 with respect to the outer frame 11 so that the game machine main body 12 cannot be opened. In addition, it has a function of locking the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by unlocking the cylinder lock 17 exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 using an unlock key.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the gaming machine body 12 will be described.

The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 21 that has substantially the same outer shape as the outer frame 11 . A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 21 . A game board 24 is detachably attached to the resin base 21 . When the game board 24 is attached to the resin base 21, the game area PE formed on the front surface of the game board 24 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 23 of the resin base 21.例文帳に追加Here, the configuration of the game board 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 4(a). FIG. 4(a) is a front view of the game board 24. FIG.

The game board 24 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction. Each opening has a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, an operating port unit 33 having an upper operating port 33a and a lower operating port 33b, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a main display section 43, and a display section for role items. 44 etc. are provided respectively.

When a ball enters the general winning hole 31, the variable winning device 32, and the operation holes 33a and 33b, it is detected by a detection sensor arranged on the back side of the game board 24, etc., and based on the detection result, a predetermined A payout of a number of prize balls is executed.

In addition, an out port 37 is provided at the bottom of the game board 24, and game balls that do not enter various winning ports are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 37. - 特許庁The game board 24 is also provided with a large number of nails 38 for appropriately distributing and adjusting the falling direction of game balls, and various members (accessories) such as windmills.

Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and not only the mode in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening, but also the game ball in the game area PE after passing through the opening. Also included is a mode in which it is not discharged from. However, in the following description, in order to distinguish clearly from the entry of a game ball into the out port 37, the entry of a game ball into the variable winning device 32, the operation ports 33a, 33b or the through gate 35 is also referred to as winning. express.

The upper working port 33a and the lower working port 33b are vertically arranged side by side, and both open upward. Further, the operation port unit 33 is provided with an electric accessory 34 having a pair of left and right movable pieces 34a and a driving portion for operating the movable pieces 34a.

The electric accessory 34 (specifically, the drive unit) is connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and based on a signal from the main control device, it is in an open state (support state or guide state) and a closed state (non-supported state or non-guided state) in which the ball cannot be entered into the lower working opening 33b. It should be noted that it is sufficient for the electric accessory 34 to be able to switch between the first state and the second state in which winning is more likely to occur than in the first state, and it is not necessary to be able to switch between the open state/closed state. .

In this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of support modes in which the forms of support by the electric accessory 34 are different are set. Specifically, in the support mode, the frequency of the electric accessory 34 being in the open state per unit time is higher than that in the situation where the shooting of the game ball is continued in the same manner to the game area PE. A low-frequency support mode (or low-frequency guide state) and a high-frequency support mode (or high-frequency guide state) are set to be relatively high and low.

In the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize to the operation opening is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. Then, when a winning prize is generated in the operating hole, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the player can play the game while suppressing the consumption (investment) of the balls in his possession.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4(b), a supplementary description will be given of the operating port unit 33 provided with the operating ports 33a and 33b. FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the operating port unit 33. As shown in FIG.

The operation port unit 33 is formed with a guide passage 33c that guides the game balls that have flowed into the upper operation port 33a to a recovery passage provided on the back side of the game board 24. As shown in FIG. The guide passage 33c is branched into a first branch passage 33d and a second branch passage 33e at an intermediate position.

Distributing means 33g for alternately distributing game balls that have reached the branch position in the guide passage 33c to the first branch passage 33d and the second branch passage 33e are provided. The sorting means 33g can be switched between a first guide state in which the game ball that has reached the branch position is guided to the first branch passage 33d and a second guide state in which the game ball is guided to the second branch passage 33e. This sorting means 33g is configured to switch from one guide state to the other guide state based on the guide of the game ball. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the upper working port 33a are distributed to the first branch passage 33d/second branch passage 33e in sequence.

The lower operation port 33b is connected to the second branch passage through the communication passage 33f, and the game ball flowing into the lower operation port 33b directly flows into the second branch passage. That is, the game ball that has flowed into the upper working port 33a can flow into both branch passages, while the game ball that has flowed into the lower working port 33b flows only into the second branch passage.

A detection sensor 211c for detecting a game ball is provided in the first branch passage 33d (hereinafter also referred to as the first ball entering portion 33d), and in the second branch passage 33e (hereinafter also referred to as the second ball entering portion 33e) A detection sensor 211d for detecting a game ball is arranged at a position downstream of the communicating portion of the communication passage 33f. These detection sensors 211c and 211d are connected to the main controller, and the main controller determines whether the ball enters the branch passages 33d and 33e, that is, the operation opening 33a, based on detection information (detection signals) from the detection sensors 211c and 211d. , 33b is determined.

The variable winning device 32 includes a large winning opening 32a leading to the back side of the game board 24, and an opening/closing door 32b for opening and closing the large winning opening 32a. The opening/closing door 32b is normally in a closed state in which entry of a game ball into the large winning opening 32a is prohibited, and when the internal lottery wins the shift to the opening/closing execution mode (opening/closing execution state), the large winning opening is opened. It can be switched to an open state in which winning of game balls to 32a is permitted. Here, the open/close execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a jackpot is won. As for the opening mode of the variable prize winning device 32 in the opening/closing execution mode, variable prize winning is possible with an upper limit of a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds), with the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10) as one round. There are aspects in which device 32 is repeatedly opened. It is sufficient that the variable winning device 32 can be switched between the first state and the second state in which winning is more likely to occur, and it is not necessary to switch between the open state/closed state.

The main display portion 43 and the accessory display portion 44 are provided on the decorative member 39 arranged along the outer edge of the lower side of the game area PE. The decoration member 39 protrudes from the board surface of the game board 24 to the front of the pachinko machine 10 . More specifically, the front surface of the decorative member 39 faces a window panel 62 provided on the front door frame 14 to make the game area PE visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The distance between is narrower than one game ball. As a result, game balls are prevented from falling in front of the front surface of the decorative member 39.例文帳に追加

A main display portion 43 and a character object display portion 44 are provided so as to be exposed from the front surface of the decorative member 39 . That is, the main display portion 43 and the accessory display portion 44 can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 62 of the front door frame 14, and the game balls can be seen in front of these display portions 43 and 44. It is restrained from falling. It should be noted that, on the upper surface of the decorative member 39, a part of the plurality of general prize winning openings 31 described above is installed in a state of being open upward.

Although detailed description by illustration is omitted, the main display section 43 has a segment display, and the segment display is provided with a result display section for the operating port. The result display section for the operation opening has a display area for the first ball entry section 33d and a display area for the second ball entry section 33e, corresponding to the ball entry sections 33d and 33e on a one-to-one basis. In these display areas, the results of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b (more specifically, the ball entering the ball entering sections 33d and 33e) are clearly displayed. In this case, in the same display area, the variable display (variable display) of the pattern is performed by sequentially lighting and extinguishing each display segment with the winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b as a trigger, and the variable display is stopped. As a result, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning prize is clearly indicated. That is, the lottery result based on the ball entering the first ball entering section 33d is clearly displayed in the display area for the first ball entering section 33d, and the lottery result based on the ball entering the second ball entering section 33e is displayed in the second ball entering section 33e. It is clearly indicated in the display area for the department.

Like the main display unit 43, the character object display unit 44 also has a segment display, and the segment display unit is provided with a character object result display unit. The role item result display section is a display section for clearly indicating the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35 . In this case, in the character object result display unit, the variable display (or variable display or switching display) of the pattern is performed by sequentially lighting and extinguishing each display segment with the winning of the through gate 35 as a trigger. , as a result of stopping the variable display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35 is clearly displayed. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the through gate 35 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric role open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed in the accessory result display part and the variable display is performed. is stopped, it shifts to the electric power open state. In the electric operation open state, the electric accessory 34 provided in the lower operation opening 33b is opened in a predetermined manner.

The variable display unit 36 is provided with a pattern display device 41 which has a display screen 41a and variably displays (variably displays) patterns on the display screen 41a. A center frame 42 is arranged in the variable display unit 36 so as to surround the pattern display device 41 (specifically, the display screen 41a). The upper portion of the center frame 42 extends forward of the pachinko machine 10.例文帳に追加As a result, the game ball is prevented from falling in front of the display screen 41a, and the drop of the game ball reduces the visibility of the display screen 41a (for example, the above-mentioned patterns and images for holding, which will be described later). It has a configuration in which it is difficult for this to occur.

The pattern display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device which will be described later. On the pattern display device 41, for example, patterns are displayed side by side in the top, middle, and bottom, and these patterns are variably displayed by being scrolled in the horizontal direction. In this case, the variable display on the symbol display device 41 is started based on the winning of the operation openings 33a and 33b. Then, for example, in the opening and closing execution mode, the pattern display device 41 is preset in the game cycle to shift to the opening and closing execution mode corresponding to 16 rounds in which the large winning opening 32a of the variable winning device 32 is opened 16 times. A predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the activated line.

At the bottom of the center frame 42, a holding lamp section 47 corresponding to the role item result display section of the role item display section 44 is provided. The number of times the game ball passes through the through gate 35 is reserved up to four times, and the reserved number is displayed by lighting the reservation lamp part 47.例文帳に追加It should be noted that the pending information corresponding to the through gate 35 may be configured to be displayed on the pattern display device 41 .

An inner rail portion 51 and an outer rail portion 52 are attached to the game board 24. The inner rail portion 51 and the outer rail portion 52 constitute a guide rail, and the game ball is shot from the game ball shooting mechanism 53. A ball is guided to the upper part of the game area PE. The game ball shooting mechanism 53 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21, as shown in FIG. action is performed.

The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13, and the front door frame 14 has a window portion 61 that allows almost the entire game area PE to be visually recognized from the front. formed (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the window portion 61 has a substantially elliptical shape and is fitted with the above-described window panel 62 . The window panel 62 is made of transparent and colorless glass, but is not limited to this and may be made of transparent and colorless synthetic resin.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window portion 61 . A display lamp portion 63 is provided above the window portion 61 as part of the various lamp portions. Further, on both left and right sides of the display lamp section 63, there are provided speaker sections 64 for outputting sound effects according to the game state.

Below the window portion 61 of the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 65 and a lower bulging portion 66, which bulge forward, are vertically arranged side by side. The upper bulging portion 65 is provided with an upper plate 71 that opens upward, and the lower bulging portion 66 is provided with a lower plate 72 that similarly opens upward. The upper tray 71 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device, which will be described later, and guiding them toward the game ball launching mechanism 53 while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 72 has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 71 . Game balls paid out from the payout device 96 of the back pack unit 15 are discharged to the upper tray 71 and the lower tray 72 through a passage forming unit 73 (see FIG. 2) provided on the rear surface of the front door frame 14.

Further, an operation button 75 manually operated by the player is provided in a region facing the front of the pachinko machine 10 in the upper swelling portion 65 . For example, when the operation button 75 is manually operated according to a suggestion displayed on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41, the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41 or the like changes to a predetermined effect content corresponding to the same operation. becomes.

Next, the configuration of the rear side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, a main control device 81 and a notification/effect control device 82 are mounted on the back surface of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24).

The main control device 81 includes a main control board that controls the main game and a power outage monitoring board that monitors the power supply. Contained and configured. The board box 83 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and box cover are inseparably connected by a box connecting portion 85 as separation preventing means (or connecting means), thereby sealing the substrate box 83 . Since the box coupling portions 85 are inseparably connected, the circuit board box 83 needs to be destroyed or partly excised when the internal space of the circuit board box 83 is opened. A plurality of box joint portions 85 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 83, and at least one of them is used for the joint processing.

Any configuration can be applied to the box coupling portion 85 as long as it is configured to couple the box base and the box cover so that they cannot be opened. It is connected to the box cover so that it cannot be opened. The connection processing by the box connection unit 85 prevents unauthorized opening after the connection, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if unauthorized opening should occur. Even after opening, it is possible to perform the opening process again. That is, the coupling process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one long hole of the plurality of box coupling portions 85 . When the board box 83 is to be opened, such as when a problem occurs with the housed main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the box coupling portion 85 into which the locking claw is inserted and the other box coupling portion 85 are separated from each other. and the connecting part with the box body. As a result, the box base and box cover of the board box 83 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the connection process is performed again, the locking claw is inserted into the elongated hole of the other box connection portion 85 . If a history of opening the board box 83 is left in the board box 83, it is possible to easily find out that the board box 83 has been illegally opened.

A plurality of coupling pieces 86 are provided on one of the short sides of the board box 83 so as to protrude laterally. These connecting pieces 86 are in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of connecting pieces 87 formed on the mounting base of the main controller 81. A join process is performed between

As a trace means for detecting unauthorized opening of the circuit board box 83, a seal may be pasted across the boundary between the box base and the box cover. In this case, when the sealing seal is peeled off from the affixed portion, the adhesive layer of the sealing seal remains on the board box 83 side, leaving a trace. Furthermore, an IC tag that transmits a response wave containing identification information in response to a calling wave of a predetermined frequency is provided on the sealing sticker, and when the sealing sticker is peeled off, the antenna of the IC tag is cut off and the response wave is removed. A configuration in which wave transmission is disabled may be adopted.

The notification/effect control device 82 is equipped with a notification/effect control board that controls a display control device (not shown), as well as voice and lamp display according to instructions from the main control device 81. The notification/effect control board is made of transparent resin. It is housed in a substrate box 84 made of material or the like.

The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 91, as shown in FIG. The back pack 91 is made of a synthetic resin having transparency, and has a protective cover portion 94 that protrudes rearward and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to cover the main control device 81 and the notification/production control device 82 from behind. have.

The payout mechanism part 92 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover part 94, and includes a tank 95 to which the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished, and the game balls stored in the tank 95. and a payout device 96 for putting out balls. The game balls paid out from the payout device 96 are discharged to the upper tray 71 or the lower tray 72 through a payout passage (not shown) provided downstream of the payout device 96 . The payout mechanism 92 is supplied with a main power supply of, for example, 24 volts AC, and is equipped with a back pack board provided with a power switch for turning the power on and off.

Further, the back pack 91 is provided with an external output terminal plate 99 on the side of the rotation shaft of the back pack unit 15 and on the upper edge side. The external output terminal plate 99 includes an output terminal for outputting a signal when game balls are insufficient in the tank 95 or the like, an output terminal for outputting a signal each time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and a predetermined number of game balls. an output terminal for outputting a signal each time the machine is rented, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the game machine main body 12 is opened, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and state transitions such as opening and closing execution mode An output terminal is provided for signaling when (or during state transitions). Through these output terminals, signals relating to the state of the frame side are output to the management control device on the game hall side. An output terminal for outputting a signal each time a predetermined number of game balls are rented is unnecessary in a so-called cash machine.

The control device assembly unit 93 includes a payout control device 97 and a power/launch control device 98 . The payout control device 97 and the power supply/launch control device 98 are arranged so that the payout control device 97 is located behind the pachinko machine 10 .

The payout control device 97 is configured such that a payout control board for controlling the payout device 96 is accommodated in a board box. In this case, the board box of the payout control device 97 may be subjected to fraud prevention means similar to the board box 83 of the main controller 81 .

The power supply/emission control device 98 is configured by housing a power supply/emission control board in a board box. The launching of the game ball accompanying the operation of the shooting handle 54 is controlled. In addition, the pachinko machine 10 has a memory holding function of various data, so that even in the event of a power failure, the state at the time of the power failure can be retained and the state at the time of the power failure can be restored when the power failure is restored. It's like

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

An MPU 202 is mounted on a main control board 201 provided in the main controller 81 . The MPU 202 is a ROM 203 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 202, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 203. It is an element containing a RAM 204, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. A part of the functions of the MPU 202, for example, the functions of the ROM 203 and the functions of the RAM 204 may be provided as separate elements.

The MPU 202 is provided with an input port and an output port. An input side of the MPU 202 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 205 provided in the main control device 81, a payout control device 97 and various detection sensors 211a to 211e. In this case, the power supply/emission control device 98 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 205 , and power is supplied to the MPU 202 via the power failure monitoring board 205 . In addition, as part of the various detection sensors 211a to 211e, the general prize winning port 31, the variable prize winning device 32, the operation ports 33a and 33b (specifically, the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e), the through gate 35, etc. Detecting sensors provided in the various winning corresponding ball entering parts (payout corresponding ball entering parts) are respectively connected, and based on the detection information (detection signal) from these detection sensors, each entry is detected by the MPU 202 of the main controller 81. Winning determination for the ball section (entering ball determination) is performed. Further, the MPU 202 executes a jackpot generating lottery based on the winning to the operation ports 33a and 33b, and executes a support generating lottery based on the winning to the through gate 35. - 特許庁

The output side of the MPU 202 is connected to a power outage monitoring board 205, a payout control device 97, and a notification/production control device 82. A winning ball command is output to the payout control device 97 based on the winning determination result to the winning corresponding ball entering portion such as the operation ports 33a and 33b described above, for example. In this case, the command information storage area 224 of the ROM 203 is referred to when outputting the prize ball command. When the winning to the general winning opening 31 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning to the variable winning device 32 is specified, 15 game balls are output. A prize ball command corresponding to the payout is output, and when the winning to the first ball entering portion 33d is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of three game balls is output to the second ball entering portion 33e , a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

Various commands such as a variation command, a type command, a variation end command, an opening command, an ending command, a hold command, and a shift command are output from the main control device 81 to the notification/production control device 82 . In this case, when outputting these various commands, the command information storage area 224 of the ROM 203 is referred to. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each of the above commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various types of information are included as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

In addition, on the output side of the MPU 202, a variable winning drive unit 32c for opening and closing the open/close door 32b of the variable winning device 32, an electric accessory driving unit 34b for opening and closing the movable piece 34a of the electric accessory 34, and a main display unit. 43 are connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 201, and the MPU 202 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

In other words, in the open/close execution mode, the MPU 202 executes drive control of the variable winning driving section 32c so that the big winning opening 32a is opened and closed. Further, when the support lottery for the electric accessory 34 is won, the MPU 202 executes drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 34b so that the electric accessory 34 is opened and closed. Further, display control of the main display section 43 is executed by the MPU 202 .

Furthermore, an external output terminal board 99 is connected to the output side of the MPU 202. Through this external output terminal board 99, ball entry information to various ball entry sections is sent to the game hall side management control device (hall computer HC). Information about lottery results such as winnings and jackpots is output. As a result, the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be grasped by the hall computer HC.

The blackout monitoring board 205 relays between the main control board 201 and the power/launch control device 98, and the blackout monitoring board 205 has a stable DC voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power/launch control device 98. is provided with the ability to monitor The payout control device 97 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 96 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 81 .

The power supply/launch control device 98 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 main control board 201 and the payout control device 97 etc. are generated with the necessary operating power, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. do. The power/shooting control device 98 is responsible for controlling the shooting of the game ball shooting mechanism 53, and the game ball shooting mechanism 53 is driven when predetermined shooting conditions are met.

Based on various commands input from the main control device 81, the notification/production control device 82 controls the holding lamp portion 47 provided in the variable display unit 36, the display lamp portion 63 and the speaker portion 64 provided in the front door frame 14. etc., and controls the display control device 212 .

The display control device 212 executes display control of the pattern display device 41 based on the command input from the notification/effect control device 82 . In this case, in the notification/effect control device 82, based on various commands input from the main control device 81, the pattern display device 41 changes the pattern display mode (for example, presence or absence of ready-to-win effect, content of ready-to-win effect, etc.) and pattern (type of combination of symbols to be finally stopped and displayed at the end of the variable display).

Here, the configuration related to the variable display of symbols in each game cycle and the contents of the same variable display will be described. 6 and 7 will be referred to as necessary in the following description. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining the display contents on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41. FIG.

The display control device 212 is provided with a character ROM. In the character ROM, data of 9 types of main symbols with numbers "1" to "9" (see FIGS. 6(a) to (i)) and data of sub-symbols without numbers. (see FIG. 6(j)) are stored in advance.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41 has three symbol rows Z1, Z2 and Z3, ie upper, middle and lower rows. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is constructed by arranging main symbols and sub-symbols in a predetermined order. On the display screen 41a, the symbols of each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (specifically, from right to left) with periodicity.

In the upper pattern row Z1, 9 types of main patterns "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-design is arranged between each main design. In the lower pattern row Z3, 9 kinds of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, 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 types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1" A main symbol of "4" is additionally arranged in the upper part, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. In other words, only the middle pattern row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols with 10 main symbols arranged.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B, the display screen 41a is designed so that three symbols are statically displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols of 3×3 are statically displayed. It is designed to be Five effective lines are set on the display screen 41a, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a downward-sloping line L4, and an upward-sloping line L5. Then, the variable display stops in the order of upper symbol row Z1→lower symbol row Z3→middle symbol row Z2, and a predetermined combination of symbols (for example, a combination of symbols 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 this state, a big win moving image is displayed as the occurrence of the normal big win result or the probability variable big win 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). 2 pattern row), and the middle pattern row Z2 can be called a third pattern row (or a third pattern row).

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

The pattern display device 41 may arbitrarily display the patterns in any manner, and is not limited to the above. can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of symbol rows may be arranged horizontally, and the direction of the variable display of symbols in the symbol rows may be set in the vertical direction.

In the display screen 41a, a reserved display area NE is set in a portion below the variable display area ME having the variable display area for the upper symbol row, the variable display area for the middle symbol, and the variable display area for the lower symbol. ing. In the holding display area NE, the same number of unit holding display areas Da1 to Da8 as the maximum holding number when the game ball wins the operation openings 33a and 33b (when the ball enters the ball entering portions 33d and 33e) There is provided a reserved number display area Da that is partitioned so as to line up in the left-right direction.

Specifically, the maximum number of reserved balls is four when the game ball enters the first ball entering section 33d, and the maximum number of reserved balls is four when the game ball enters the second ball entering section 33e. Although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a total of eight pieces of hold information are stored in order of winning to the first ball entering section 33d and the second ball entering section 33e. Corresponding to this, in the number of pending display areas Da, the first unit pending display area Da1, the second unit pending display area Da2, the third unit pending display area Da3, the fourth unit pending display area Da4, the fifth unit pending display An area Da5, a sixth unit reserved display area Da6, a seventh unit reserved display area Da7, and an eighth unit reserved display area Da8 are set.

For example, when the number of reservations (total number of reservations) when the game ball wins the operation openings 33a and 33b is 1, the predetermined reservation display image MP is displayed only in the first unit reservation display area Da1. , When the number of reservations when the game ball wins the operation openings 33a and 33b is 4, a predetermined reservation display image MP is displayed in the first unit reservation display area Da1 to the fourth unit reservation display area Da4 It is configured to be In addition, FIG.7(b) illustrates the case where the number of pending|reservation is three pieces.

In addition, in the pending display area NE, the pending display image corresponding to the game round to be executed (in progress) is arranged side by side with the pending number display area Da (more specifically, the first unit pending display area Da1) An execution target display area Db in which MP is displayed is provided.

When the game cycle ends and the next game cycle is started, the pending display image MP displayed in the pending number display area Da (first unit pending display area Da1) moves to the execution target display area Db, The pending display image MP displayed in the pending number display area Da is shifted to the lower side.

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

During the game, the MPU 202 uses various counter information to set the jackpot lottery, the display of the main display unit 43, the outline setting of the symbol display of the symbol display device 41, the display setting of the accessory display unit 44, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 8, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery for the occurrence of the jackpot, and the jackpot type used when judging the jackpot type such as the result of the variable jackpot or the result of the normal jackpot. A counter C2, a reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery when the pattern display device 41 loses and fluctuates, a random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of the jackpot random number counter C1, and an operation opening of the main display part 43. A variation type counter CS for determining the variation display time in the result display unit for the pattern display device 41 is used. Further, an electric accessory release counter C4 is used for lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 34 of the lower operating port 33b is to be in the electric role open state.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 231 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 204 . In the lottery counter buffer 231, the information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is the winning to the operation openings 33a and 33b (more specifically, the first ball entering section 33d or the second ball entering section 33e), it is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 as acquired information storage means.

The reserved ball storage area 232 includes a reserved area RE for an actuation opening and an execution area AE. The reservation area RE comprises a first area Ra1, a second area Ra2, a third area Ra3, a fourth area Ra4, a fifth area Ra5, a sixth area Ra6, a seventh area Ra7 and an eighth area Ra8, and is operated. The jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the lottery counter buffer 231, the jackpot random number counter C1, and the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the lottery counter buffer 231 in accordance with the winning history to the openings 33a and 33b (more specifically, the history of winning balls to the first ball entering section 33d and the second ball entering section 33e). Numerical information of the type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as reserved information in one of the areas Ra1 to Ra8. Note that the pending information corresponds to special information.

In the 1st area Ra1 to the 8th area Ra8, when a winning prize to the operation openings 33a and 33b (more specifically, a ball entering the first ball entering section 33d and the second ball entering section 33e) occurs consecutively multiple times. Further, each numerical information is chronologically displayed in the order of first area Ra1→second area Ra2→third area Ra3→fourth area Ra4→fifth area Ra5→sixth area Ra6→seventh area Ra7→eighth area Ra8. will be stored in Since the eight areas Ra1 to Ra8 are provided in this way, there are four entry histories of game balls to the first ball entry portion 33d and the second ball entry portion 33e, that is, to the operation ports 33a and 33b. Up to eight winning histories are reserved and stored. In addition, a total number of reserved balls storage area is provided in the reserved ball storage area 232, and the total number of reserved balls is stored in the total number of reserved balls storage area. Information for specifying the number of stored pending information is stored.

For example, if a ball enters only one of the first ball entering portion 33d and the second ball entering portion 33e, and the number of balls entering is 4 or more, the maximum number of winnings to the operation openings 33a and 33b is stored. is limited to four, but as long as game balls are alternately entered into the first ball entry portion 33d and the second ball entry portion 33e by the distribution means 33g already described, the winning to the operation openings 33a and 33b The maximum number of memories related to will be raised to eight. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the number of pending information items to be stored from peaking out at four even in a situation where it is difficult to win a prize to the lower opening 33b. .

The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area Ra1 of the reserve area RE when starting the variable display on the main display section 43, and when starting one game cycle, the execution area AE Based on the various numerical information stored in the AE, determination of success or failure is performed.

For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is, for example, incremented one by one within the range of 0 to 299, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 299). In particular, when the jackpot 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 jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 299). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and when a game ball enters the actuation openings 33a, 33b, more specifically, the timing at which the game ball flowing into the ball entry portions 33d, 33e is detected by the detection sensors 211c, 211d. is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204.

Random number values for winning a jackpot are stored as a success/failure table (success/failure information group) in a success/failure table storage area 221 as success/failure information group storage means in the ROM 203 . Here, the contents of the success/failure table will be described.

In the success/failure table, address information consisting of binary number information and jackpot numerical value information likewise consisting of binary number information are set in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, the address information is expressed in decimal numbers and 10 types from "1" to "10" are set, and the jackpot numerical information is expressed in decimal numbers as "7", "36", and "67". , ``100'', ``131'', ``164'', ``195'', ``223'', ``241'', and ``272''. are mapped. The numerical value of each jackpot numerical value information is included in the numerical range of random number information "0" to "299" that can be updated in the jackpot random number counter C1.

Here, in the pachinko machine 10, a low-probability mode (low-probability state) and a high-probability mode (high-probability state) are set as the lottery mode of the win/fail lottery means. The number of jackpot numerical information referred to in the low-probability mode and the number of jackpot numerical information referred to in the high-probability mode are different, and the former is smaller than the latter. Specifically, in the low-probability mode, only the jackpot numerical information whose address information is "1" is referred to in the lottery, and in the high-probability mode, the jackpot numerical information corresponding to all the address information is referred to in the lottery. Referenced. That is, in the low-probability mode, there is one piece of numerical information for winning the jackpot, and in the high-probability mode, there are ten pieces, which is more than in the low-probability mode. As a result, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability mode is 1/300, whereas the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability mode is 1/30, and the high-probability mode is higher than the low-probability mode. Higher chance of winning. As long as the probability of winning is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode, the number and value of random numbers for winning are arbitrary.

The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 29). The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and when the game ball enters the actuation openings 33a and 33b, specifically the timing at which the game ball that has flowed into the ball entry portions 33d and 33e is detected by the detection sensors 211c and 211d. is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204.

The distribution destination of the game result for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area as distribution information group storage means in the ROM 203 . Then, as such distribution destinations, a normal jackpot result (low-probability special game result) and a probability-variable jackpot result (high-probability special game result) are set.

As for the normal jackpot result, after the open/close execution mode ends, the win/fail lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and after the support mode shifts, the number of games reaches the end reference number of times (specifically, 100 times). It is a jackpot result that becomes a mode. In addition, after the end reference number of times has passed, the mode is shifted to the low-frequency support mode.

The probability variable jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win/fail lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. The high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery results in the win/fail lottery result in a big winning state and the mode is shifted to the opening/closing execution mode.

In the distribution table, "0 to 9" correspond to normal jackpot results, and "10 to 29" correspond to probability variable jackpot results, but the distribution of these numbers is arbitrary.

In the present embodiment, the difference is provided so that the sorting based on the ball entering the second ball entering portion 33e is more advantageous for the player than the sorting based on the ball entering the first ball entering portion 33d. . Specifically, there are two results with different degrees of advantage, specifically the first variable jackpot result with the number of rounds of “16” and the second variable jackpot result with the number of rounds of “4”. In the case where the distribution based on the ball entering the second ball entering portion 33e results in a variable probability big hit result, compared to the case where the distribution based on the ball entering the first ball entering portion 33d results in a variable probability big win result, the second By adopting a configuration that tends to result in a 1-probability variable jackpot result, the distribution mode based on the ball entering the first ball entering portion 33d and the distribution mode based on the ball entering the second ball entering portion 33e have the above-mentioned advantages. making a difference.

The reach random number counter C3 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and when a game ball enters the actuation openings 33a and 33b, more specifically, the timing at which the game ball that has flowed into the ball entry portions 33d and 33e is detected by the detection sensors 211c and 211d. is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204. Then, whether or not to generate reach is determined based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 203 . However, in the game round in which the open/close execution mode is entered, the MPU 202 determines whether or not to generate a reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. Although the number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, it may be set individually according to the game 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 indication may be set larger than in the low-frequency support mode.

Here, the ready-to-win display (ready-to-win state) is provided with a pattern display device 41 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of patterns (patterns), and the open/close execution mode of the variable winning device 32 is a high-frequency winning mode. In the gaming machine where the stop display result after the variable display is the special display result in the game round, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display (or variable display) of the pattern (picture) in the pattern display device 41 is started. It is a display state for making the player think that it is a variable display state that is likely to result in the above-mentioned special display before being displayed.

In other words, by stopping and displaying the symbols of some of the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode can be obtained. It is a display state in which possible combinations of ready-to-win symbols are displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

More specifically, as a step prior to ending the variable display of symbols, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode is displayed on a preset active line in the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41. To form a ready-to-win line by stop-displaying a combination of ready-to-win patterns that can be established, and to perform variable display of patterns by a final stop pattern row under the condition that the ready-to-win line is formed.

Referring to FIG. 7, an example of a display mode in the above reach display will be described. In the case of the ready-to-win display, the variable display of symbols is first terminated (stopped display) in the upper symbol row Z1, and then the variable display of symbols is terminated (stopped display) in the lower symbol row Z3. In this state, a reach line is formed by stop-displaying main symbols having the same number on any of the effective lines L1 to L5. Under the condition that the ready-to-win line is formed, the variable display of the symbols is performed in the middle symbol row Z2 to provide the ready-to-win display. When the high-frequency winning mode occurs, the main symbols having the same number as the main symbols forming the reach line are stopped and displayed on the reach line in the middle symbol row Z2. The variable display of the symbol ends.

In addition, in the ready-to-win display, while the combination of ready-to-win symbols is displayed as described above, the patterns are displayed in the remaining pattern rows in a variable manner, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. It includes those that perform production, and those that perform ready-to-win production by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen after reducing or hiding the combination of ready-to-win patterns. Also, when the ready-to-win display is being performed or before the ready-to-win display is performed, whether or not to perform the advance notice display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character is determined using the reach random number counter C3 or other counters. may

The fluctuation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is used by the MPU 202 to determine the variation display time on the main display section 43 and the symbol variation display time on the symbol display device 41 . The fluctuation type counter CS is updated once each time a normal process, which will be described later, is executed, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is obtained when determining the variation pattern when the symbol display device 41 starts varying the symbols.

When determining the fluctuation display time in the pattern display device 41 and the main display section 43 (more specifically, the result display section for the operation port), the buffer values of the reach random number counter C3 and the fluctuation type counter CS, and the fluctuation display time table storage in the ROM 203 Area 223 is referenced. Also, in the MPU 202, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE are used to determine the stop result in the result display section for the operation port. , the stop result determination table stored in the ROM 203 is used.

The electric accessary product release counter C4 is, for example, configured to be incremented by one within the range of 0 to 249 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 249). The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated, and stored in the electric role holding area 233 of the RAM 204 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 35. - 特許庁Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is made as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 34 to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 199, the electric accessory 34 is controlled to open state, and if C4=200 to 249, the electric accessory 34 is not controlled to open state.

(Regarding various processes executed by the main controller 81)
Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed by the MPU 202 in the main control device 81 in advancing the game in each game cycle will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 202 executes main processing that is started when the power is turned on and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). , the description of these various processes is omitted.

(timer interrupt processing)
First, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started by the MPU 202 periodically (for example, every 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, it reads the states of various winning detection sensors connected to the main controller 81, determines the states of the winning detection sensors, and saves detection information (winning detection information).

After that, 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 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 204 .

In the subsequent step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and cleared to 0 when those counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the respective counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 204. FIG.

In the subsequent step S104, a prize-winning process for through accompanying the prize-winning to the through gate 35 is executed. In the win-through processing, it is determined whether or not a prize-winning detection flag for through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. If the flag is stored, it is stored in the electric work holding area. On the condition that the number of stored accessory pending memories is less than 4, the value of the electric role product release counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electrical role pending area. In addition, the notification/production control device 82 executes processing for lighting the pending lamp portion 47 of the variable display unit 36 corresponding to the pending memory number. Then, when the prize winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 235, the prize winning detection flag is erased and the prize winning processing for the through gate is terminated.

After executing the winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, in which the winning process for the working openings accompanying the winning of the working openings 33a and 33b is executed, and this timer interrupt process ends. do.

(Winning process for working opening)
Here, the prize winning process for the working opening will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG.

In step S201, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the first ball entering portion 33d (winning a prize). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the first ball entering portion 33d, the process proceeds to step S202, and a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 97 to pay out three game balls is set.

In the following step S203, external signal setting processing is performed to output information indicating that the game ball has entered the first ball entering portion 33d as a signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that the ball has entered the first ball entering portion 33d. After that, in step S204, information acquisition processing for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, etc. is performed, and the prize winning processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S201 that the game ball has not won the first ball entering section 33d, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (won) the second ball entering portion 33e. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the second ball entering portion 33e, the process proceeds to step S205, and a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 97 to pay out four game balls is set. Incidentally, the prize ball commands set in steps S202 and S205 are transmitted to the payout control device 97 in the external output processing S401 of the normal processing to be described later.

In the following step S207, external signal setting processing is performed to output information indicating that the game ball has entered the second ball entering portion 33e as a signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that the ball has entered the second ball entering portion 33e. After that, information acquisition processing is performed in step S204, and the prize winning processing ends.

In addition, when negative determinations are made in both the processes of steps S201 and S205, that is, when there is no ball entry in either the first ball entry section 33d or the second ball entry section 33e, the main prize winning process is performed as it is. finish.

Here, the information acquisition processing in 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 start-holding balls stored in the number-of-holding storage area FE of the holding-ball storage area 232; It is determined whether or not the number of start pending balls N related to the entering ball section that triggered the information acquisition process is less than the upper limit value ("4" in the present embodiment). If the number N of starting pending memories is equal to the upper limit, this information acquisition process is terminated, and if it is less than the upper limit, the number N of starting pending memories of the corresponding ball-entering section is incremented by 1 in step S302. At the same time, the total number of reservations stored in the number of reservations storage area FE (hereinafter referred to as common number of reservations CRN) stored in step S303 is incremented by one.

In the following step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS updated in step S103 are first stored in the empty storage area of the operating port reservation area RE. , that is, the storage area corresponding to the common reservation number CRN incremented by one in step S302.

In subsequent steps S305 and S306, the notification/production control device 82, which is a control device on the sub side (secondary side), indicates that a prize has been won into the actuation openings 33a and 33b (a ball has entered into the ball entry portions 33d and 33e). Then, a hold confirmation process and a hold command setting process, which are processes for causing the display control device 212 to recognize it, are executed, and this information acquisition process ends. The hold command includes information as to which one of the first ball-entering section 33d and the second ball-entering section 33e is based on winning a prize.

The pending command set in the pending command setting process of step S306 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 and the display control device 212 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process described later. Upon receiving the pending command, the display control device 212 executes processing for changing the display in the pending number display area Da described above in accordance with the increase in the pending number.

Specifically, when the display control device 212 receives the same command via the notification/production control device 82, the display control device 212 displays the pending display image MP in the pending number display area Da. Execute processing for (for example, adding). In the pending number display area Da, the pending images are displayed sequentially from the left side. For example, if the common pending number CRN is 1, the pending image is displayed in the first unit pending display area Da1 at the left end, and the common pending If the number CRN is 8, the pending image is displayed in the eighth unit pending display area Da8 from the left. A detailed description of each process in steps S305 and S306 will be given later.

(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 activated when the power is turned on is executed, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an overview, the processing of steps S401 to S406 is executed as regular processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S408 and S409 is executed during the remaining time.

In normal processing, first, an external signal output processing 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. Specifically, the presence or absence of the prize ball command is determined, and if the prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 97 . In addition, if various commands such as command for effect such as command for variation, type command, command for end of variation, hold command and command for shift to be described later are set, it is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 82 do.

Next, in step S402, the change 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 204 .

In the following step S403, game round control processing for controlling the game in each game round is executed. In this game round control processing, big hit determination, setting of variable display of symbols by the symbol display device 41, display control of the main display section 43, and the like are performed.

After executing the game round control process of step S403, it progresses to step S404 and executes a game state transition process. Although the details will be described later, the game state shifts to an opening/closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, and the like by this game state transition processing. Details of the game round control process in step S403 and the game state transition process in step S404 will be described later.

In the following step S405, an electric role support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 34 provided in the operation port unit 33 is executed. In this electric role support process, numerical information obtained from the electric role product release counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 233 of the RAM 204 is used to determine whether or not to open the electric role product 34. A lottery is conducted, and opening/closing processing of the electric accessory 34 is executed when the electric role open state is won. In addition, display control of the accessory display unit 44 is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric role opening lottery.

As already explained, as modes of support by the electric accessory 34, a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode are set, and transition to one of the support modes is performed in the game state transition process. After this processing, if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, the high frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

In the electric service 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 area 235 of the RAM 204 . Then, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 34 is in the open state is set larger than in the low-frequency support mode when the electric role open state is won, and one time Set a longer open time. In addition, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, when the electric role open state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 34 occurs a plurality of times, the next open state is started after one open state is completed. Set so that the closing time up to is shorter than the opening time of one time.

Incidentally, when shifting to the open/close execution mode, 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 area 235 of the RAM 204 .

Thereafter, in step S406, game ball launch control processing is executed. In the game ball shooting control process, the solenoid of the game ball shooting mechanism 53 is excited once in a predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a shooting permission signal is input from the power/shooting control device 98. . As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

In the following step S407, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation 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 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 area of the RAM 204 . Also, in step S409, the change type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 204 .

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S401 to S406 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated. The variation type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

(Game round control processing)
Next, the game round control processing in step S403 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 13 to 16 and the like.

In the game round control process, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, it is determined in step S501 whether or not the open/close execution mode is in progress. When it is in the open/close execution mode, the process after step S502, that is, the game round start process of steps S503 to S505 and the game round progress process of steps S506 to S509 are not executed. End the control process.

If it is not in the opening/closing execution mode, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the result display section for the operating port of the main display section 43 is in the variable display mode. When the result display section for the operation port is not in the process of changing display, the process proceeds to the game turn start processing of steps S503 to S505. In the game round start process, first, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the total number of start-up reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is "0". When the common number of reservations CRN is “0”, it means that the reservation information is not stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 . Therefore, this game round control process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, if the common reserved number CRN is not "0", in step S504 data setting processing for setting the data stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved ball storage area 232 for variable display is executed, Further, in step S505, after executing the variation start processing for starting the variation display on the main display section 43 and the variation display on the symbol display device 41, the game round control processing is terminated.

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

(data setting processing)
In the data setting process, first, in step S601, one of the number N of starting pending balls N stored in the pending number storage area FE and the common pending number CRN are decremented by one. In subsequent step S602, the data stored in the first area Ra1 of the reservation area RE is moved to the execution area AE.

After that, in step S603, a process of shifting the data (that is, the reservation information) stored in the areas Ra1 to Ra8 of the reservation area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8 to the lower area side. First area Ra1, third area Ra3→second area Ra2, fourth area Ra4→third area Ra3, fifth area Ra5→fourth area Ra4, sixth area Ra6→fifth area Ra5, seventh area Ra7→ The data in each area is shifted in the order of sixth area Ra6, eighth area Ra8→seventh area Ra7.

In the subsequent step S604, a shift time command is set which is information for making the notification/effect control device 82 recognize that the data in the reserved area has been shifted. After that, the data setting process is terminated. The shift command set in step S604 is transmitted to the display control device 212 via the notification/effect control device 82 in step S401 of the normal processing (FIG. 12). The display control device 212 receives the shift command, and executes processing for changing the display in the reserved number display area Da for the operating port in accordance with the decrease in the reserved number.

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

In the fluctuation start process, first, in step S701, a success/failure judgment process for judging whether or not the reservation information referred to in the fluctuation start process of this time corresponds to the winning of the jackpot is executed. Specifically, among the information stored in the execution area AE, the information obtained from the information for judging the jackpot, ie, the information updated by the jackpot random number counter C1, is grasped. Then, when the success/failure lottery mode is the low-probability mode, the success/failure table for the low-probability mode stored in the success/failure table storage area 221 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the grasped information corresponds to the jackpot winning. If the win/fail lottery mode is the high probability mode, the win/fail table for the high probability mode stored in the win/fail table storage area 221 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the grasped information is used as a jackpot. Identify whether it is included in the information corresponding to winning.

In the following step S702, it is determined whether or not the result of the success/failure determination process in step S701 corresponds to the winning of the jackpot. If the result corresponds to the jackpot winning, a type determination process is executed in step S703.

In the type determination process, among the information stored in the execution area AE, information for type determination, that is, information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped. In addition, referring to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 222 of the ROM 203, it is specified whether or not the grasped information for type determination is included in the information corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result. Specifically, when the hold information corresponds to a ball entering the first ball-entering unit 33d, the allocation table for the first ball-entering unit 33d is referred to, and the hold information corresponds to the ball entering the second ball-entering unit 33e. If the ball is compatible with the ball entering into the second ball entering section 33e, the classification table is referred to to determine the type.

In the following step S704, it is determined whether or not the type of the current jackpot winning is the probability variation jackpot result based on the information specified in the type determination processing in step S703. In the case of the probability variable jackpot result, stop result setting processing for the probability variable jackpot is executed in step S705, and in the case of not the probability variable jackpot result, the stop result setting processing for the normal jackpot is executed in step S706. If it is determined in step S702 that the jackpot has not been won, then in step S707 stop result setting processing for the time of loss is executed.

In each stop result setting process in steps S705 to S707, the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of the ROM 203 is referred to for information on the form of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 43. The specified information is stored in the RAM 204 . Also, in steps S705 and S706, the information for specifying in the MPU 202 that the win/loss determination result of the current game round is the probability variable jackpot result or the normal jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. Specifically, the variable probability jackpot flag is stored in step S705, and the normal jackpot flag is stored in step S706.

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

(Processing for setting variable display time)
In the variable display time setting process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the winning lottery is won. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variable probability jackpot flag or the normal jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204 .

If a negative determination is made in step S801, that is, if the result of the winning lottery is a loss result, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, it is determined whether or not the ready-to-win display will occur on the symbol display device 41 in the current game round. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is a value corresponding to the occurrence of the reach indication, an affirmative determination is made in step S802 as the occurrence of the reach indication. The reach determination table stored in the reach determination table storage area 225 of the ROM 203 is referred to when identifying the presence or absence of the reach occurrence using the value of the reach random number counter C3.

If an affirmative determination is made in either step S801 or step S802, the process proceeds to step S803, and the variable display time table for reach generation stored in the variable display time table storage area 223 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the current Variation display time information corresponding to the value of the variation type counter CS is acquired, and in step S804, the variation display time information is stored in the variation display time counter area (variation display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 234 of the RAM 204. ). After that, the setting process is terminated.

That is, in the present embodiment, when the result of the lottery is a jackpot winning result or when the result of the same lottery is a losing result and the lottery for the occurrence of the reach is won, the reach display is executed. ing.

Here, the reach display is provided with normal reach display and super reach display which are different from each other in variable display modes. Variable display time information corresponding to each normal reach display and super reach display is set in the variable display time table for reach generation, and by referring to the table, variable display time information corresponding to each reach display can be obtained. is obtained. Regarding the determination of the type of reach display, a table is provided in which the type of reach display corresponds to the value of the fluctuation type counter CS. A corresponding reach indication is determined.

In more detail, the variable display time table for reach generation corresponds to the type of jackpot. Specifically, in the case of the probability variable 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 the normal jackpot result, the combination of non-specific patterns can be stopped and displayed. , a variable display time is set.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S802, the variable display time table for reach non-occurrence stored in the variable display time table storage area 223 is referred to in step S805, and the value of the current variation type counter CS is obtained, and in step S806, the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter area. After that, the setting process is terminated.

The variable display time information at the time of reach non-occurrence is set so that the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of common reservations CRN increases. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured not to depend on the number of common reservations CRN, and may be set so that the smaller the number of common reservations CRN, the shorter the variable display time. . In addition, in the situation where the support mode is the high-frequency support mode, compared to the case where the number of pending information is the same, compared to the situation where the support mode is the low-frequency support mode, the reach non-reach is selected so that a shorter variable display time is selected. Although the occurrence variable display time table is set, it is not limited to this, and the selected variable display time may be the same, or the above relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above configuration may be applied to the variable display time at the occurrence of the ready-to-win, and the variable display time to be easily selected and the variable display time to be difficult to be selected are different between when the jackpot is won and when the winning is reached. may be configured. Also, the variable display time table for probability variable jackpot, the variable display time table for normal jackpot, the variable display time table for loss reach, and the variable display time table for complete loss may be individually set.

As described above, the variable display time of each game round is determined using the presence or absence of reach occurrence, the type of reach display, the number of pending information, the value of the variable type counter, and the like as parameters. However, the variable display time of each game round is the content of other pending information, specifically, the information for judging the jackpot, the information for judging the type, and the information for judging reach, which are included in the other pending information, as parameters. determined without

Returning to the description of the variation start processing (FIG. 15), after the variation display time setting processing is executed in step S708, the variation command and the type command are set in step S709. The variable command includes information on presence/absence of reach occurrence and information on variable display time. Also, the type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as game result information, probability variable jackpot result information, normal jackpot result information, loss result information, and the like.

The variation command and type command set in step S709 are transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). The notification/effect control device 82 determines the emission pattern of the display lamp portion 63 and the output pattern of the sound from the speaker portion 64 in the game cycle based on the received variation command and type command, and determines the determined effect. The display lamp unit 63 and the speaker unit 64 are controlled so that the contents are executed. In addition, the notification/effect control device 82 transmits the variation command and the type command to the display control device 212 while maintaining the information form thereof. The display control device 212 determines a variation display pattern for the symbol display device 41 in the game cycle based on the received variation command and type command, and controls the symbol display device so that the determined variation display pattern is executed. 41 is displayed and controlled. After that, in step S710, after the variable display of the pattern is started in the operating port display section of the main display section 43, the variable start processing is terminated.

Returning to the description of the game round control process (FIG. 13), when the main display unit 43 is in the process of changing display, the game round progressing process of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game round progressing process, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game round 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 204 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process (FIG. 16), as described above. Also, the value of this set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is started.

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 on the main display section 43 is changed. After that, the game round control process is terminated.

If the variation display time has elapsed, variation end processing is executed in step S508. In the fluctuation ending process, the information stored in the RAM 204 in any of the processes of steps S705 to S707 is specified, and the main display part 43 is stopped so that the pattern corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the main display part 43. 43.

In the subsequent step S509, a fluctuation end command is set. After that, the game round control process is terminated. The fluctuation end command set at step S509 is transmitted to the notification/production control device 82 at step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). The notification/production control device 82 transmits the received fluctuation end command to the display control device 212 while maintaining the information format. Upon receiving the variation end command, the display control device 212 confirms and displays (final stop display) the combination of the final stop symbols in the game round. The symbols stop-displayed on the main display unit 43 and the symbol combinations stop-displayed on the pattern display device 41 are maintained as they are for a predetermined period. The period from the start of the pattern and variable display of the pattern to the end of the fixed display corresponds to one game cycle in the present embodiment.

(Game state transition processing)
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 S901, it is determined whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is being executed. If it is not in the opening/closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S902, and it is determined whether or not it is time to end the game cycle (the timing at which the confirmation display ends on the main display section 43). If it is not the timing at which the variable display ends, the game state transition processing is ended as it is.

If it is the timing at which the game cycle ends, it is determined in step S903 whether or not the game result of the current game cycle corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the RAM 204 stores either the normal jackpot flag or the probability variable jackpot flag. If none of the above flags is stored, the game state transition processing is terminated.

When any of the above flags is stored, in step S904, a value determined according to the jackpot type is stored in the round counter area RC provided in the various counter areas 234 of the RAM 204 Set "16" or "4". The round counter area RC is a counter area for counting the number of times the big winning opening 32a is opened. After that, the game state transition processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the opening/closing execution mode is in progress, an affirmative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S905. In step S905, a big winning opening opening/closing process is executed. In the big winning opening opening/closing process, when the big winning opening 32a is closed, the variable winning driving section 32c is brought into a driving state on condition that the round counter area RC is "1" or more. The mouth 32a is opened. In addition, when the big winning opening 32a is open, variable winning driving is performed under the condition that a predetermined time has passed since the opening of the big winning opening 32a or that a predetermined number of game balls have won. The driving state of the portion 32c is stopped, and the big winning opening 32a is closed.

In the following step S906, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter area RC is "0". If the value of the round counter area RC is not "0", the game state transition processing is terminated. When the value of the round counter area RC is "0", in step S907, transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode is executed.

In transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, when a variable probability big win flag is stored in the RAM 204, the win/fail lottery mode is set to the high probability mode and the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode. These high-probability mode and high-frequency support mode are maintained at least until the next jackpot winning occurs. Further, when the normal jackpot flag is stored in the RAM 204, the win/fail lottery mode is set to the low probability mode, and the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode is terminated when the number of game rounds continues 100 times, and then the game shifts to the normal game state in which the winning/failure lottery mode is the low-probability mode and the support mode is the low-frequency support mode.

After that, in step S908, after the end processing of the open/close execution mode is executed, the game state transition processing is ended. In the end processing of the opening/closing execution mode, the stored flags of the normal jackpot flag and probability variable jackpot flag are erased.

(Regarding the electrical configuration of the production control device 82 and the display control device 212)
Next, with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 18, the electrical configuration of the notification/effect control device 82 and the display control device 212 will be additionally described.

An MPU 242 is mounted on a notification/production control board 241 provided in the notification/production control device 82 . The MPU 242 includes a ROM 243 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 242, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 243. A RAM 244 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input/output circuit are incorporated. In addition, it is not essential that the ROM 243 and the RAM 244 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 242, and they may be individually integrated into chips. This also applies to MPUs of other control devices.

The MPU 242 is provided with an input port and an output port. A main control device 81 is connected to the input side of the MPU 242, and from the main control device 81, game round control commands (game round control information) such as a variation command, a type command, and a variation end command are sent. receive. In addition, it receives pending display control commands (holding display control information) such as shift commands and pending commands, and opening/closing execution mode commands (opening/closing execution mode information) such as opening commands and ending commands.

As already described, the output side of the MPU 242 is connected to the holding lamp portion 47 provided on the variable display unit 36, the display lamp portion 63 and speaker portion 64 provided on the front door frame 14, and the display control device 212. ing. Some of the various commands input from the main control device 81 to the notification/production control device 82 are transmitted to the display control device 212 while maintaining the information form.

The display control device 212 includes a display control board 351 on which an MPU 352, which is an element in which a program ROM 353 and a work RAM 354 are integrated, a video display processor (VDP) 355, a character ROM 356, and a video RAM 357 are mounted. It has Note that it is not essential that the program ROM 353 and the work RAM 354 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 352, and they may be individually integrated into chips.

The MPU 352 of the display control device 212 analyzes various commands received from the main control device 81 via the notification/production control device 82 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the VDP 355 (specifically to generate an internal command for the VDP 355). More specifically, the MPU 352 executes a process of determining a variation display pattern for each game round on the symbol display device 41 based on a command transmitted from the main control device 81 via the notification/effect control device 82. Along with this, processing related to a pending notice, which will be described later, is executed, and drawing processing for the VDP 355 is executed in accordance with the processing result. As a result, various images are displayed on the display screen 41 a of the pattern display device 41 .

The program ROM 353 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 352 and fixed value data, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for background images.

The work RAM 354 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, and the like used when the MPU 352 executes various programs. These work data and flags are stored in each area of the work RAM 354 .

The VDP 355 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver incorporated in the pattern display device 41 . Since the VDP 355 is made into an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and its substance should be called a microcomputer chip containing firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 355 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 352 and the video RAM 357 to intervene in the reading and writing of data.

The character ROM 356 plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as patterns displayed on the pattern display device 41 . The character ROM 356 holds bitmap format image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like.

In the character ROM 356, image data to be displayed in the reserved display area NE of the pattern display device 41 (holding display image MP: see FIG. 7) and data to be displayed in the execution target display area Db are stored in the character ROM 356 as part of the data. A holding image data storage area storing image data for partition frames and a sound volume adjustment image data storage area storing image data displayed when sound volume adjustment described later is executed are provided. It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 356 and store image data and the like in each character ROM 356 . It is also possible to configure the character ROM 356 to store the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 353 .

The video RAM 357 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the pattern display device 41, and by rewriting the content of the video RAM 357, the display content of the pattern display device 41 is changed. The video RAM 357 is provided with a suspension display area and an execution display area corresponding to the suspension display area NE.

In the reservation display area, first to eighth unit areas are set so as to correspond one-to-one with the first area Ra1 to eighth area Ra8 in the operation port reservation area RE. In each unit pending display area Da1 to Da8 of the pending number display area Da on the display screen 41a, the pending display image MP is displayed according to the pending display information (data) written in each unit area. In the unit reserved display areas Da1 to Da8 corresponding to the unit areas in which data is not set, no image is displayed or the background image on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41 is displayed.

The display area for execution corresponds to the execution area AE. In the execution target display area Db on the display screen 41a, the suspension display image MP is displayed according to the data written in the execution display area 282. FIG. When the data is not set, the background image on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41 is displayed.

As already described, in the present embodiment, the outline of the variable display mode of the symbols on the display screen 41a is specified by the notification/effect control device 82 with reference to the command from the main control device 81, and based on the specified result. The details of the variable display mode are determined by the display control device 212 . Specifically, in the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82, a variable display control process is executed as part of a periodical process started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). An outline of the mode and the like are specified. Here, the variable display control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Variable display control processing)
In the variable display control process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress, that is, whether or not the symbol display device 41 is performing variable display of symbols for one game. If it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process advances to step S1002 to determine whether or not the variation command transmitted from the main controller 81 has been received.

If a negative determination is made in step S1002, this variable display control process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, this variable display control process is terminated after the process for starting variation is executed in step S1003.

Returning to the description of step S1001, when the affirmative determination is made in the step S1001, that is, when it is determined that the game is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation end command transmitted from the main controller 81 has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S1004, the variable display control process is terminated after the mid-variation process is executed in step S1005. The variation mid-process is a process of executing various effects, changing the determined effect, etc. in the game cycle started by the process for starting the variation.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1004, the process advances to step S1006, and after the fluctuation end processing is executed in step S1006, the fluctuation display control processing ends. In the fluctuation ending process, the fluctuation display of symbols and the effect being executed are ended (determined and stopped) so as to correspond to the reservation information related to the game round. In this processing, the driving control of the speaker section 64 and the lamp section 63 is performed to produce an effect corresponding to the definite stop. Then, after outputting the confirmation command to the display control device 212, the process for finishing the fluctuation is finished. The MPU 352 of the display control device 212 controls the design display device 41 to stop the design determination based on the received determination command.

(Processing for start of fluctuation)
Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20, a supplementary description of the fluctuation start processing in step S1003 will be given. The variation start process is a process for starting an effect for a game turn based on receipt of a variation command transmitted from the main controller 81 .

In the variation start process, first, in step S1101, the command for variation received this time is read, and information on the presence or absence of reach occurrence and information on the variation display time are specified from the command. As already explained, the variable display time changes according to the number of stored pending information in the game times in which the ready-to-win display is not performed. The variable display time is determined by the MPU 202 of the main controller 81, and the determined information is specified based on the variable command.

In addition, when the ready-to-win display is performed as the variable display mode, the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 is configured to determine its outline (type, etc.) in advance. Specifically, when a hold command is received from MPU 202 of main controller 81, the outline of the variable display mode is determined. Then, this result is referred to when setting the variable display mode.

When the command for variation is transmitted from the main controller 81, the type command is also transmitted. In step S1101, the type command received together with the variation command received this time is read, and from the command, game result information such as probability variable jackpot result information, normal jackpot result information, or loss result information is specified. Then, in step S1101, from the specified information, information on the presence or absence of jackpot winning, information on the type of jackpot in the case of winning the jackpot, information on the presence or absence of reach occurrence in the case of non-winning in the jackpot, and variable display time information is grasped, and the grasped information is stored in the register of the MPU 242 .

In the subsequent step S1102, it is determined whether or not the game result of the game cycle to be started this time is a game result corresponding to the jackpot result, based on the information grasped in step S1101. In the case of a jackpot result, that is, in the case of a variable probability jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, in the subsequent step S1103, the effect setting process for the jackpot is executed.

In the effect setting process for the big win, the stop result of the symbol for the big win is determined (stop result determination process is performed). In the stop result confirmation process, in the case of a probability variable jackpot result, a stop result in which a combination of the same specific symbols (main symbols with odd numbers) is established on one activated line L1 to L5 is determined in this game round. Decide as a stop result. In the case of a normal jackpot result, a stop result in which a combination of the same non-specific symbols (main symbols with an even number) is established on one activated line L1 to L5 is regarded as the stop result of the game round. decide.

The type of the main symbol to be stop-displayed and the effective lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by a lottery or the like when a big win results. The final stop line table stored in various table areas of the ROM 243 stores the effective lines L1 to L5 and address information. It is stored as address information in the line address storage area. Also, at this time, a process of storing the determined stop result information in the stop result address storage area is executed. It should be noted that the address information of the stop result determined by various stop result determination processes is stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 244 also in the following description.

Further, in the effect setting process for the big win, the details of the variable display mode of the symbols for the big win are determined (the variable display mode determination process (effect pattern determination process) is performed). As already explained, when a jackpot result is obtained, the result is notified through the ready-to-win display. In the variable display mode determination process for reach display, details of the variable display mode are determined with reference to the outline of the variable display mode determined when the hold command is received. In addition, a process of storing the address information of the determined variable display mode in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 244 is executed.

If it is determined in step S1102 that the result is not a jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, it is determined whether reach will occur in the current game round. When reach occurs, it advances to step S1105, effect setting processing for reach occurrence is executed. In the effect setting process for generating ready-to-win, the outline of the effect and the combination of symbols to be finally stopped are determined. Since this processing corresponds to the loss reach, the stop symbols are determined so as not to result in a combination of symbols corresponding to the big hit result. That is, the stop result in which a combination of outlier reach symbols is established on one of the effective lines L1 to L5 is determined as the current stop result. In this case, the types of combination of winning reach symbols and effective lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by lottery or the like. In addition, in this determination, the same pattern combination is not established on any of the effective lines L1 to L5, and the same pattern of the medium pattern row Z2 as the pattern forming the reach line is placed on the reach line. The stop result on the effective line is determined so as to make the final stop at a forward or backward stop position. After that, a process of storing the determined stop result information in the stop result address storage area is executed.

If it is determined in step S1104 that reach has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S1106. In step S1106, the outline of the effect for the normal failure and the combination of symbols to be finally stopped are determined. Since this processing corresponds to a complete loss, the stop symbols are determined so as not to form a symbol combination corresponding to the result of a big win.

After executing any one of steps S1103, S1105, and S1106, the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, a process of outputting commands including information on the stop result and effect pattern determined in steps S1103, S1105, and S1106 to the display control device 212 as a stop result command and a pattern command, respectively, is executed. Based on the received stop result command and pattern command, the MPU 352 of the display control device 212 controls the display of the pattern display device 41 to execute the display effect in the current game round.

After executing the process of step S1107, in the subsequent step S1108, after executing the process of starting the effect for the game cycle, the process for starting the variation is finished. Specifically, the drive control of the speaker section 64 and the lamp section 63 is started based on the presentation modes set in steps S1103, S1105, and S1106, and the presentation for the game round is started.

Here, based on FIG. 21, a supplementary description will be given of the variable display mode of the symbols displayed on the symbol display device 41 (display screen 41a). FIG. 21(a) is a schematic diagram showing types of variable display modes, and FIG. 21(b) group is a schematic diagram showing an outline of each variable display mode.

(Variable display mode)
As shown in FIG. 21(a), the variable display modes of the symbols executed on the display screen 41a are roughly classified into four types: complete failure, normal reach A, normal reach B, super reach A, and super reach B. As shown in FIG. For each of these variable display modes, the variable display time is set to be different, and the outline of the variable display mode for each round of the game is grasped based on the information relating to the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 81. It is possible.

Specifically, the variable display time for complete deviation is "3 sec to 8 sec" (the difference is set according to the number of holds), the variable display time for normal reach A is "10 sec", and the variable display time for normal reach B is "15 sec" longer than the variable display time of normal reach A, and the variable display time of super reach A and super reach B is "16 sec to 18 sec" longer than the variable display time of normal reach A and B. For example, when the information regarding the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 81 is "15 sec", the notification/effect control device 82 will grasp that the normal reach B should be executed. .

In addition, in the game times corresponding to the jackpot result, Super Reach B > Super Reach A
> Normal reach B > Normal reach A is likely to be selected in the order, and in the game round corresponding to the result of the failure, complete failure> Normal reach A > Normal reach B > Super reach A > Super reach B is likely to be selected in this order. It's becoming In other words, the longer the variable display time is, the higher the expectation for winning the jackpot is set.

Here, with reference to FIG. 21(b1), the variable display modes of the normal reach A and B will be described. When the normal reach A or B is selected, first, the variable display (scroll display) of all the symbol rows that are stopped and displayed is started, and then the variable display of the symbols in the upper symbol row Z1 is finished (stopped). display), and then finish the variable display of the symbols in the lower symbol row Z3 (stop display). While the upper and lower symbol rows Z1 and Z3 are stopped and displayed in this manner, the main symbols with the same numbers are displayed and stopped on any of the effective lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 6), and the reach line is displayed. is formed. Then, under the condition that the reach line is formed, the variable display of the symbol row Z2 in the middle stage is performed, so that the reach display (reach variable display) is performed. After the ready-to-win display is displayed, the variable display is terminated by stopping display of the symbol row Z2 in the middle row. Then, when the same pattern as the pattern forming the ready-to-win display stops on the reach line, the fact that the jackpot has been won is reported, and when other patterns stop on the same reach line, the big win is won. You will be notified that you have not done so. In this manner, the combination of symbols that are finally stopped and displayed is maintained as it is for a predetermined period. That is, the current game cycle continues until the stop display period elapses, and when the stop display period elapses, the transition to the next game cycle is permitted.

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

Next, based on the variable display mode of the normal reach A and B described above, the variable display mode of the super reach A and B will be described. As shown in FIGS. 21(b2) and (b3), for super reach lines A and B, the reach lines described above are formed through processes similar to those for normal reach lines A and B. FIG. After the ready-to-win line is formed, the ready-to-win effect is performed by displaying a predetermined character as a moving image in conjunction with the variable display of the middle symbol row Z2. Specifically, in super reach A, after the reach line is formed, a character resembling 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 super reach B, After the reach line is formed, a girl-like character is 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 pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment, when the operation button 75 is operated (specifically, pressing operation) as part of various ready-to-win effects, the effect display on the display screen 41a is not performed. An operation-responsive effect is set to display a different operation-responsive effect display than when the

As the operation corresponding effect, the operation button 75 moves from the standby position toward the maximum pressed position and then returns to the standby position again (that is, the return action), and the operation button 75 is pressed once. A one-time operation corresponding effect in which an operation corresponding effect is displayed when the operation button 75 is operated, and a case where the operation corresponding effect is displayed each time the operation button 75 is operated once and the operation button 75 is operated a predetermined number of times. A continuous operation corresponding effect is set in which a specific one-shot operation can be executed immediately after the specific single-shot operation is executed, and an operation corresponding effect is performed when the specific single-shot operation is executed.

The performance corresponding to the single operation and the performance corresponding to the continuous operation are generated with a predetermined probability in both the situation in which the big winning state finally occurs and the situation in which the big winning state does not occur. However, these operation corresponding effects are generated on the premise that the ready-to-win display is performed, and the flow of effects including whether or not to use these operation corresponding effects is based on a pending command from the main control device 81. is determined by the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 . Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 and 24, the process related to the hold command output executed by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81, specifically the hold information confirmation process executed as part of the information acquisition process (step S305) and the pending command setting process (step S306) will be described.

(Holding information confirmation process)
As shown in FIG. 22, in the hold information confirmation process, first, in step S1201, the start hold storage number N and the common hold number CRN stored in the hold number storage area FE of the hold ball storage area 232 are read out. Information on the number of pending items is stored in the register of the MPU 202 . After that, in steps S1202 to S1206, it is checked whether or not the reservation information acquired by the winning of this time includes the information of winning the jackpot.

Specifically, first in step S1202, the information for judging the big hit among the pending information acquired in step S304 based on the current winning to the operation ports 33a and 33b, that is, the value of the acquired big win random number counter C1 grasp.

In subsequent step S1203, it is determined whether or not the mode is the low-probability mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current lottery mode is the low-probability mode by determining whether or not the high-probability mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204 . In the case of the low-probability mode, the process proceeds to step S1204, and the information for determining the jackpot (the value of the jackpot random number counter C1) grasped in step S1202 by referring to the success/failure table for the low-probability mode is information corresponding to the jackpot winning. Identify inclusion in a group. In addition, in the case of the high-probability mode, the process proceeds to step S1205, the success/failure table for the high-probability mode is referred to, and the information for judging the big hit (the value of the random number counter C1 for the big win) grasped in step S302 is determined as the big win. Identify whether it is included in the set information.

After step S1204 or step S1205, the process advances to step S1206 to determine whether or not the information for judging the big win (the value of the random number counter C1 for the big win) grasped in step S1202 corresponds to winning the big win. If it corresponds to the jackpot winning, the jackpot information is stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1207, and the confirmation processing for this pending notice is terminated.

In addition, in the process of step S1207, information for determining the jackpot type among the pending information acquired in step S304 based on the winning of this time, grasping the value of the jackpot type counter C2 that has already been obtained, and referring to the distribution table Then, the type of jackpot is determined. The information stored in the register of the MPU 202 at step S1307 includes information relating to the type of the jackpot.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1206, the process proceeds to step S1208. In step S1208, out of the pending information acquired in step S304 based on the current winnings to the operation ports 33a and 33b, information for out-reach determination, that is, the value of the acquired reach random number counter C3 is grasped.

In the following step S1209, the reach determination table (reach determination information group) stored in the reach determination table storage area (reach determination information group storage means) 225 of the ROM 203 is referred to, and grasped in step S1208 It is specified whether the information for reach determination (the value of the reach random number counter C3) is included in the information set as reach winning.

After executing the process of step S1209, the process advances to step S1210 to determine whether or not the reach determination information (the value of the reach random number counter C3) grasped in step S1208 corresponds to the occurrence of reach. If reach occurrence is supported, the reach occurrence information is stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1211, and then this confirmation process ends. On the other hand, if it does not correspond to the occurrence of reach, the confirmation process is terminated as it is.

(Setting process of pending command)
Next, the pending command setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the pending command setting process, first, in step S1301, by determining whether or not the jackpot information is stored in the register of the MPU 202, the information for jackpot determination is checked in the immediately preceding pending information confirmation process (FIG. 22). It is determined whether or not it is specified that it corresponds to the jackpot winning. When the jackpot information is stored, the process advances to step S1302 to set a jackpot corresponding hold command. The setting of the above commands and the setting of various commands to be described later are performed by storing command information in a command setting area provided in the RAM 204 . It should be noted that the jackpot corresponding hold command includes information about the jackpot type.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1301, that is, if it is determined that the big hit information is not stored in the register of the MPU 202, the process advances to step S1303 to determine whether reach occurrence information is stored in the register of the MPU 202. By determining, it is determined whether or not the information for reach determination corresponds to the occurrence of reach in the immediately preceding pending information confirmation process (FIG. 22). If the reach occurrence information is stored, the out-of-reach hold command is set in step S1304, and if the reach occurrence information is not stored, the complete out-of-reach hold command is set in step S1305.

When the pending command is set in steps S1302, S1304, and S1305, the variable display time is determined by referring to the value of the variable type counter CS, etc., and the information on the variable display time is stored in the pending command. . When determining the variable display time, the variable display time table is referred to in the same manner as the variable display time setting process shown in step S708. The hold command set in this way is transmitted to the display control device 212, and the display control device 212 can grasp the variable display mode of the pattern based on the hold command. However, as already explained, in the case of a complete miss, the variable display time can change according to the number of reserved information stored when starting the game cycle related to the reserved information. Therefore, when the complete-disconnection-response hold command is set, the variable display time remains unset.

After executing the command setting process in any one of steps S1302, S1304, and S1305, in step S1306, the process of setting information on the number of reserved items to the reserved command is executed. Specifically, as this process, the information of the set pending command is configured as multi-byte information, and for some of the bits, information to the effect that it is a pending command and a pending command , and information on the number of pending items can be set.

In step S1306, first, the pending number information stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1201 in the immediately preceding pending information confirmation process (FIG. 22) is read. The information of the read-out reserved number is stored in the bits of (1) by arithmetic processing such as logical sum. As a result, for the pending command set in any one of steps S1302, S1304, and S1305, information for specifying the order of the pending information corresponding to the pending command. will be included. After executing the process of step S1306 described in detail above, this pending command setting process ends.

The pending command including the information of the pending number in step S1306 is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 82 by the external output process of step S401 in the next normal process (FIG. 12). The notification/effect control device 82 specifies that the suspension information has increased by receiving the suspension command. In addition, the notification/rendering control device 82 adds information relating to the rendering mode to the pending command and transmits it to the display control device 212 . The display control device 212 executes pending display, production preparation processing, and the like based on the received pending command.

In addition, the method of setting the pending command is determined by the pending command in the display control device 212, whether or not the jackpot is won, if the jackpot is won, the jackpot type at that time, if the jackpot is not won, the presence or absence of the reach occurrence, and the reach display. An outline or the like, in other words, is arbitrary as long as it is possible to specify the variable display mode of the pattern.

Next, the effect mode determination process executed by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The effect mode determination process is a process that is executed as part of a regular process that is repeatedly started at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 2 msec cycle) by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82, and a pending command is issued from the main control device 81. It is configured to execute various processes in steps S1401 to S1411 when it is received.

(Production Mode Determination Processing)
In the effect mode determination process, it is determined whether or not the hold command received from the main control device 81 in step S1401 is a jackpot corresponding hold command or a losing reach corresponding hold command. The command received by the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 is temporarily stored in the command storage area 261 of the RAM 244 . The command storage area 261 is configured as a ring buffer that can store a plurality of commands individually and read out from the previously stored command. The processing corresponding to each command can be executed satisfactorily. When judging whether or not the jackpot corresponding pending command or the losing reach corresponding pending command is received, whether the big winning corresponding pending command or the losing reach corresponding pending command is stored in the current reading target area in the command storage area 261 determine whether or not The configuration for reading such commands is the same as for reading other commands such as the command for starting fluctuation.

If it is determined that the jackpot corresponding hold command or the off-reach corresponding hold command is received, the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the hold command received this time corresponds to super reach. When it corresponds to super reach, it advances to step S1403 and executes operation corresponding effect propriety determination processing.

In the operation corresponding effect availability determination process, whether or not to make an operation corresponding effect linked to the operation of the operation button 75 (the single operation corresponding effect or the continuous operation corresponding effect) is stored in the lottery table storage area 251 of the ROM 243. It is determined by referring to the operation corresponding effect lottery table provided and the value of the operation corresponding effect lottery counter provided in the lottery counter area 263.例文帳に追加

When the lottery result corresponds to the operation-responsive effect in this lottery, the process proceeds to step S1405, and after executing the operation-responsive super ready-to-win setting process, the present effect mode determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if the lottery result does not correspond to the operation-responsive effect, the process proceeds to step S1406, and after executing the operation-non-responsive super ready-to-win setting process, the effect mode determination process is terminated.

In the setting processing of steps S1405 and S1406, it is specified which of super reach A and super reach B is to be executed as the effect mode of the game round related to the hold command received this time, and various information included in the hold command is specified. , the suspension information to which information for specifying the effect mode (information on whether or not operation is supported and the type of super reach) is added is stored in the suspension information storage area 267 .

Returning to the description of step S1402, if a negative determination is made in step S1402, that is, if it is determined that the command is not a hold command corresponding to super reach, the process proceeds to step S1407, and operation corresponding effect availability determination processing is executed.

In the operation corresponding effect availability determination process, whether or not to make an operation corresponding effect linked to the operation of the operation button 75 (the single operation corresponding effect or the continuous operation corresponding effect) is stored in the lottery table storage area 251 of the ROM 243. It is determined by referring to the operation corresponding effect lottery table provided and the value of the operation corresponding effect lottery counter provided in the lottery counter area 263.例文帳に追加

If the lottery result corresponds to the operation-responsive effect in this lottery, the process proceeds to step S1409, and after executing the operation-responsive normal ready-to-win setting process, the present effect mode determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery does not correspond to the operation-responsive effect, the process proceeds to step S1410, and after executing the operation-non-responsive normal ready-to-win setting process, the effect mode determination process ends.

In the setting process of step S1409 and step S1410, it is specified which of normal reach A and normal reach B is to be executed as the effect mode of the game round related to the hold command received this time, and the various information included in the hold command is used as the effect. The hold information to which information for specifying the mode (information on whether or not operation is supported and the type of normal reach) is added is stored in the hold information storage area 267 .

Returning to the description of step S1401, if a negative determination is made in step S1401, that is, if the received hold command is a hold command corresponding to complete failure, the process advances to step S1411 to perform setting processing for complete failure. . Specifically, it is specified that the performance mode of the game round related to the hold command received this time is to execute a complete loss, and the hold that adds information for specifying the performance mode to various information included in the hold command. The information is stored in pending information storage area 267 .

Here, the pending information storage area 267 has a first area Rc1 to an eighth area Rc8, each of which can store one piece of pending information. The hold information stored in each of the areas Rc1 to Rc8 is sequentially shifted to the lower area side when a shift command is received from the main controller 81, that is, when a game round is started. Specifically, the data in the first area Rc1 is cleared, and the data in the second area Rc2→the first area Rc1, the third area Rc3→the second area Rc2, the fourth area Rc4→the third area Rc3 . The data in each area is shifted in the order of area Rc8→seventh area Rc7. In the pending information storage area 267 of the notification/production control device 82, the pending information is collected chronologically regardless of the destination of the ball, similarly to the pending ball storage area 232 (more specifically, the pending ball storage area RE) of the main control device 81. It is configured to be stored. Specifically, the information on the number of reservations included in the command received this time is specified, and the above various information is stored in the area corresponding to the specified information on the number of reservations among the first area Rc1 to the eighth area Rc8. In the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82, based on the information stored in the pending information storage area 267, the fluctuation start processing shown in step S1003 is performed.

In the game round related to the operation-responsive effect described above, the operation-responsive effect processing is executed as part of the variable display control processing (more specifically, the variable medium processing) in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 . The operation corresponding effect processing is composed of a single operation corresponding effect processing and a continuous operation corresponding effect processing. Therefore, the continuous operation effect processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25, and the description of the single operation corresponding effect processing will be incorporated.

(Continuous operation corresponding production processing)
In the continuous operation corresponding effect processing, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the game is in the process of generating the continuous operation corresponding effect (during the variable display time). If the game is not in progress, the process for continuous operation corresponding effect is terminated, and if the game is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1502.

As already explained, the continuous operation corresponding effect is a combination of the effect corresponding to the repeated operation and the effect corresponding to the specific single operation. In step S1502, it is determined whether or not a repeated operation has been suggested. In the pachinko machine 10, when starting the effect corresponding to continuous operation, an image for suggesting repeated operation (an image for prompting repeated operation) prompting the player to repeatedly operate the operation button 75 a plurality of times is displayed on the display screen of the pattern display device 41. 41a. For example, as the repeated operation suggestion image, a moving image is displayed so that the display content of the character corresponds to the suggestion, and text such as "Press the button repeatedly!" is displayed. Note that the suggestions for repeated operations are not limited to those on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41, and the suggestions for repeated operations are made by the sound output from the speaker unit 64 in addition to or instead of the suggestions on the display screen 41a. You can do it.

If it is determined in step S1502 that the repeated operation has not been suggested, the process advances to step S1503. In step S1503, it is determined whether or not it is time to start suggesting a repeated operation. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined timing after the pattern variation display mode on the display screen 41a is switched from the normal variation display to the ready-to-win display.

If it is not the time to start suggesting a repeated operation, the continuous operation corresponding effect processing is terminated. When it is time to start suggesting repeated manipulations, in step S1504, processing for setting an image for suggesting repeated manipulations is executed. As a result, on the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41, the symbol group is reduced and displayed in the reduced display area TE, and the repeated operation suggesting image is displayed in the center of the variable display area ME. In addition, the display of the image is continued over a predetermined suggestion period.

In the subsequent step S1505, setting processing for waiting for repeated operation is executed. Specifically, a repeated operation waiting flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 in the RAM 244 . After that, the continuous operation corresponding effect processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1502 that the repeated operation has been suggested, the process advances to step S1506. In step S1506, it is determined whether or not a repeated operation waiting flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244, thereby determining whether or not the repeated operation waiting state.

If it is in the state of waiting for repeated operations, the process advances to step S1507. In step S1507, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. Whether or not the operation button 75 is operated is monitored by the sensor monitoring process of the timer interrupt process in the MPU 242, as already described. In step S1507, if the processing result of the monitoring processing indicates that the operation button 75 has been operated (specifically, the flag storage area 266 in the RAM 244 stores an operation flag). case), the flow advances to step S1508 to execute operation reception image setting processing. As a result, the operation acceptance image is displayed on the display screen 41 a of the pattern display device 41 . As the display of the image, for example, a moving image is displayed so that the display content of the character corresponds to the occurrence of the operation.

After executing the process of step S1508, the process advances to step S1509 to determine whether or not the number of repeated operations has reached the specified number of operations determined in the command determination process. Specifically, the value of the repeated operation counter provided in the various counter areas 265 of the RAM 244 is configured to be incremented by "1" each time an affirmative determination is made in step S1507. Judgment is made by comparing with the prescribed number of operations. The value of the repeated operation counter is initialized (cleared to 0) when the repeated operation waiting flag is cleared.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1509, the process advances to step S1510 to perform processing for setting an image for completion of repeated operation. As a result, the display screen 41a of the symbol display device 41 displays an image prompting the end of the repeated operation.

After executing the process of step S1510, the process advances to step S1511 to perform a setting process of waiting for a specific single operation. Specifically, a specific one-shot operation waiting flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 in RAM 244 . That is, in the continuous operation corresponding effect, the specific single-shot operation is allowed on condition that the repeated operation is completed.

In the following step S1512, a process of setting an image for suggesting a specific one-shot operation is executed. By performing such processing, a specific single-shot operation suggesting image (specific single-shot operation prompting image) prompting the player to operate the operation button 75 once is displayed on the display screen 41 a of the symbol display device 41 . For example, as the one-shot operation suggestion image, a moving image is displayed so that the display content of the character corresponds to the suggestion, and a character such as "Press the button!" is displayed. The suggestion of the specific one-shot operation is not limited to that on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41, and the suggestion of the specific one-shot operation is made by the sound output from the speaker unit 64 in addition to or instead of the one on the display screen. may be performed.

The image set by the specific single operation suggestive image setting process is displayed at a timing after the repeated operation completion image is displayed for a predetermined period.

If a negative determination is made in each of steps S1507 and S1509, the process proceeds to step S1513. In step S1513, it is determined whether or not it is time to finish accepting repeated operations. Specifically, by referring to the value of the repeated operation reception period counter provided in the various counter areas 265 of the RAM 244, it is determined whether or not the reception end timing has come. This repeated operation acceptance period counter is updated each time a negative determination is made in step S1513. Then, if the value of the repeated operation acceptance period counter reaches a predetermined value, a positive determination is made in step S1513, and if not, a negative determination is made.

If a negative determination is made in step S1513, this continuous operation corresponding effect processing is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1513, the process proceeds to step S1514. In step S1514, processing for setting an image for suggesting end of reception is performed. As a result, an image indicating that the acceptance period for repeated operations has ended is displayed on the display screen 41a.

After the process of step S1514 or step S1512 is executed, the continuous operation waiting state cancellation process is executed in step S1515, and then the continuous operation corresponding effect process is ended. In the continuous operation waiting state cancellation processing, the repeated operation waiting flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 is erased.

Returning to the description of step S1506 again, if a negative determination is made in step S1506, that is, if it is determined that the continuous operation waiting state is not reached, the process proceeds to step S1516. In step S1516, it is determined whether or not the state is waiting for a specific one-shot operation. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a particular single operation waiting state is set by determining whether or not a specific single operation waiting flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 .

If it is in the specific single-shot operation waiting state, the process proceeds to step S1517. In step S1517, it is determined whether or not the wait period has elapsed. When the specific single operation waiting state setting process is performed, a predetermined value is input to the wait period counter in the various counter area 265 . The value of the wait period counter is updated (subtracted by "1") each time a negative determination is made in step S1517, and if the value reaches a predetermined value (for example, "0"), affirmative determination is made in step S1517. be judged. By setting the wait period in this way, there is a period during which the pressing operation is disabled between the repeated operation and the specific single operation.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1517, that is, if it is determined that the wait period is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S1518. In step S1518, it is determined whether or not a specific one-shot operation has been performed, that is, whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. Whether or not the operation button 75 is operated is monitored by the sensor monitoring process of the timer interrupt process in the MPU 242, as already described. In step S1518, if the processing result of the monitoring processing indicates that the operation button 75 has been operated (specifically, if the operation flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 in the RAM 244). case), an affirmative determination is made and the process proceeds to step S1519. By executing the setting process of the image for operation reception in step S1519, the image for operation reception is displayed on the display screen 41a. As the display of the image, for example, a moving image is displayed so that the display content of the character corresponds to the occurrence of the operation.

After executing the setting process of step S1519, the process advances to step S1520 to execute a process of canceling the specific single operation waiting state. Specifically, the specific one-shot operation waiting flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 in the RAM 244 is erased.

After that, in step S1521, setting processing of the result display image is executed. By executing the process of step S1521, the result display image is displayed on the display screen 41a. Specifically, if the current game round corresponds to super reach, a character image corresponding to super reach is displayed, and if the game round corresponds to normal reach, a character image corresponding to normal reach is displayed. be done.

After executing the process of step S1521, if negative determinations are made in steps S1516 and S1518, or if negative determinations are made in step S1517, the process proceeds to step S1522. In step S1522, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the operation corresponding effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1522, this continuous operation corresponding effect processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1523, that is, if it is time to end the operation corresponding effect, display return processing is executed in step S523, and this continuous operation corresponding effect processing ends.

In the display return processing in step S1523, processing for outputting to the display control device 212 a display return command for returning the pattern group that has been reduced and displayed in the reduced display area TE to the original display area. When the reduced display is canceled in this way, the display of the character image that was finally displayed on the display screen 41a is continued in the game round corresponding to the super ready-to-win, and in the game round corresponding to the normal reach. The character image is hidden.

Here, the display contents on the symbol display device 41 and the operation mode of the operation button 75 when the effect corresponding to continuous operation is executed will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

When the game round (variable display round) in which the effect corresponding to continuous operation is executed at the timing of t1 is started, the variable display of each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 that has been stop-displayed until then is started. After that, the upper symbol row Z1 is stopped and displayed first, and then the lower symbol row Z3 is stopped and displayed at the timing of t2. At this time, the ready-to-win display is started by stop-displaying the same symbols ("6" symbol and "7" symbol in FIG. 26) on the activated line. At the timing t3 after the start of the ready-to-win display, the ready-to-win pattern is reduced and displayed in the upper part (reduced display area TE) of the display screen 41a, and a character image imitating a girl is displayed in the central part of the display screen 41a. . After that, at the timing t4, a message prompting repeated pressing of the operation button 75 (for example, "Press the button repeatedly!") is displayed on the display screen 41a, and the state is switched to the repeated operation waiting state.

As the player repeatedly presses the operation button 75, the display of the number of times of operation acceptance display section 94b corresponding to repeated operations, which is arranged on the side of the display screen 41a, is changed. Specifically, according to the number of operations, the number of operations is indicated to the player by switching the light-emitting body (LED), which has been in the off state until then, to the lighting state. In accordance with this, the character image imitating a girl displayed on the display screen 41a is displayed with an effect so as to enclose the character, and the effect is displayed so as to become larger as the number of operations increases.

Here, in the present embodiment, it is set so that the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot increases as the number of operations from the suggestion of repeated operations to the completion of the operation increases. For this reason, it is assumed that the player performs the operation while expecting to be able to perform the pressing operation as many times as possible, and an attempt is made to increase the degree of attention to the pressing operation.

At the timing of t6 when the number of times of repeated pressing operations reaches the predetermined number of operations, an image indicating that the repeated operations are completed is displayed on the display screen 41a. At the timing of t6, the pressing operation of the operation button 75 is temporarily disabled, and then at the timing of t7, the state is switched to a state of accepting the specific one-shot operation. In accordance with this, an image prompting a specific one-shot operation (one-time pressing operation) is displayed on the display screen 41a.

When the operation button 75 is operated at timing t8 after the image prompting the specific single operation is displayed, an operation completion image is displayed according to the game result or the like. Specifically, if the current game round is not a super ready-to-win game round, the display content before the display of the operation suggestion image is started, and the current game round is a super ready-to-win game round. In this case, a character image corresponding to the super reach is displayed. In the latter case, the display of the character image continues until the end of the variable display even after the reduced display is canceled, and in the former case, the character image disappears when the reduced display is canceled.

After that, at the timing of tc9, the medium symbol row is stopped and displayed, and the game result is clearly indicated. Specifically, when the current game round is not a game round in which a big win occurs, the combination of symbols corresponding to the loss is stopped and displayed, and when the current game round is a game round in which a big win occurs. A combination of symbols corresponding to the big win is stopped and displayed.

Regarding the one-shot operation corresponding effect, a message or the like prompting the player to operate the operation button 75 is displayed immediately after the transition to the ready-to-win display, and super reach is performed based on the operation of the operation button 75. It has a configuration in which a branch occurs as to whether it develops or not. That is, although the one-shot operation corresponding effect constitutes one of the branch effects like the continuous operation corresponding effect, the contents thereof are simplified compared to the continuous operation corresponding effect.

In each game round, when a display effect is performed on the display screen 41a of the pattern display device 41, the effect sound is output from the speaker unit 64 in conjunction with the display effect, thereby increasing attention to the game. It is Background music (BGM), voices such as lines, and sound effects are provided as the sound sources of the effect sounds output from the speaker unit 64, and these sound sources are used alone or in combination according to the progress of the game (progress progress). It is configured to be output in the state of

When the pachinko machine 10 is installed in an island facility such as a game hall, the surrounding sounds (for example, noise) of the pachinko machine 10 can vary depending on environmental conditions such as the installation location. Even if the above-described sound effect is performed, if the effect sound is mixed with noise or the like and cannot be heard by the player, the sound effect loses its significance. On the other hand, if the sound volume becomes excessive in a situation where the ambient noise is low, the sound effect may become a factor that lowers the player's desire to play. In consideration of such circumstances, the pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment is provided with a volume control function capable of adjusting the volume of the speaker section 64 based on the player's operation. The configuration related to this volume control will be described below.

The speaker unit 64 is electrically connected to the notification/production control device 82 (more specifically, the notification/production control board 241), and is sound output means for outputting sound based on a signal from the notification/production control device 82. constitutes The ROM 243 of the notification/production control device 82 is provided with a sound source storage area 253 for storing the various sound sources described above. Various sound sources stored in the sound source storage area are referenced as the game progresses, and an output signal to the speaker unit 64 is generated. In this way, when generating an output signal, the volume set at that time is referred to. In the present embodiment, the volume is divided into a plurality of stages, more specifically, into five stages from "1" to "5", and the speaker unit 64 It is configured so that the volume output from the When the volume is not adjusted, that is, when the player does not specify the volume, the median value "3" is set. That is, volume "3" is the initial volume (default).

In the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82, a volume change process for changing the volume based on the operation of the operation button 75 is executed. The volume change process is a process that is executed as part of the regular process, and includes a first volume change process that is executed during standby (non-game) and a second volume change process that is executed during game (game in progress). It is roughly divided into processing for change. The volume change processing will be described below with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG.

(First volume change process)
As shown in FIG. 27, in the first volume change processing, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a game is being played (a game is in progress). Specifically, whether or not variable display or fixed display of the pattern is being performed, furthermore, if it is the end timing of the fixed display, whether or not there is subsequent pending information, or whether the opening/closing execution mode is in progress. It is determined whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the game is not progressing, that is, when the variable display and the fixed display of the symbols are not performed, and furthermore, when it is the end timing of the fixed display, there is subsequent hold information. The state of not being in the open/close execution mode is referred to as "waiting" or "waiting state".

If a negative determination is made in step S1601, the process proceeds to step S1602. In step S1602, it is determined whether or not the first volume change operation is being accepted, that is, whether or not the volume control mode is set. Specifically, this determination is made based on whether or not the volume adjustment mode first transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 .

If a negative determination is made in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S1603, the process for changing the first sound volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1603, the process advances to step S1604 to execute reception start processing for the first volume change operation. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode first shift flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244 . As a result, a transition is made to the volume adjustment mode in which volume adjustment is possible. At the same time, the reception period for changing the volume is set. In the present embodiment, the volume control mode is terminated when the acceptance period has elapsed, and after the volume control mode is terminated, the game progresses at the volume at which the volume control mode was terminated.

After executing the process of step S1604, the process of displaying the image for volume change is executed in step S1605, and then the first process for volume change ends. By the display processing of the volume change image, an image indicating that the volume adjustment mode is set is displayed. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 29(a), in the variable display area ME of the display screen 41a, an image indicating the range in which the volume can be adjusted and the current volume and a message indicating that the volume is being adjusted are displayed. "Adjusting volume" is displayed as an indication message.

Returning to the description of step S1602, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1602, that is, if the volume adjustment mode is set, the process proceeds to step S1606. In step S1606, it is determined whether or not the acceptance period for the first volume change operation has passed. If a negative determination is made in step S1606, that is, if it is determined that the reception period is still in progress, the process advances to step S1607.

In step S1607, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S1607, the process for changing the first sound volume is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1607, the process advances to step S1608 to execute volume change processing. In the volume change process, a process of changing the volume by one step from the current volume is performed. In this embodiment, each time the operation button 75 is operated, the volume increases by one step, and after reaching the upper limit of "5", the volume returns to the lower limit of "1". For example, if the current volume is "3", it is changed to "4", and if the current volume is "5", it is changed to "1".

In subsequent step S1609, a process of outputting the sample sound at the volume corresponding to the change result in step S1607 is performed. Then, in step S1610, image update processing for volume change is executed to notify that the volume has been changed based on the operation. As a result, the volume display is changed (see FIG. 29(a1)→FIG. 29(a2)).

Returning to the description of step S1606, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1606, that is, if it is time to end the reception period, the process proceeds to step S1612. In step S1612, reception end processing for the first volume change operation is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode first shift flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 is erased. This ends the volume control mode. After that, in step S1613, the volume change image is not displayed, and the first volume change process ends.

When a game cycle is started during the volume control mode, the volume control mode ends based on the start of the game cycle. Also in this case, the processing of steps S1612 and S1613 is executed.

As described in detail above, according to the configuration in which the volume can be adjusted while the game is not being played, for example, before starting the game (in advance), the player can adjust the volume according to his or her preference. It is permissible to adjust the volume. However, if being on standby becomes an essential condition for adjusting the volume, various inconveniences such as a decrease in convenience for the player and a decrease in the operation rate of the gaming machine may occur. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such inconvenience is suppressed by permitting the volume adjustment during the game by the second volume change processing. The second sound volume changing process executed during the game will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Second volume change processing)
In the second volume change processing, first, in step S1701, it is determined whether or not the second volume change operation is being accepted, that is, whether or not the volume control mode is set. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the volume adjustment mode second shift flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 .

If a negative determination is made in step S1701, the process advances to step S1702 to determine whether or not the game is being played (game is in progress). If a negative determination is made in step S1702, the process for changing the second sound volume is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1702, the process proceeds to step S1703. In step S1703, it is determined whether or not the volume change is restricted.

In the present embodiment, the operation button 75 is provided with functions as means for effect and means for volume control. In order to allow these two functions to coexist, it is regulated so that the volume cannot be changed (adjusted) under some circumstances even during the game. The details of the configuration related to the regulation will be described later.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1703, the process for changing the second sound volume is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1703, the process proceeds to step S1704. In step S1704, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S1704, the process for changing the second volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1704, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1705, second volume change operation acceptance start processing is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode second shift flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244 . As a result, a transition is made to the volume adjustment mode in which volume adjustment is possible. At the same time, the reception period for changing the volume is set. In the present embodiment, the volume adjustment mode is terminated when the acceptance period has elapsed, and the volume is maintained at the volume at the termination.

In the present embodiment, it is configured to shift to the volume adjustment mode based on the fact that the operation button 75 is pressed. However, the operation that triggers the transition to the volume control mode is not limited to the above. When considering the avoidance of erroneous operations by the player, it is configured to shift to the volume control mode based on an operation in a mode different from the above-described one-shot operation corresponding effect and continuous operation corresponding effect. is also possible. For example, when the operation button 75 is kept pressed for a predetermined period of time (long pressed), the volume adjustment mode may be entered.

After executing the process of step S1705, the process of displaying the image for volume change is executed in step S1706, and then the second process for volume change ends. An image indicating that the volume control mode is set is displayed on the display screen 41a by the display processing of the volume change image. Since the specific display mode is the same as in the case of the first volume change processing, the description is incorporated (see FIG. 29(a)).

Returning to the description of step S1701, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1701, that is, if the volume adjustment mode is set, the process proceeds to step S1707. In step S1707, it is determined whether or not the acceptance period for the second volume change operation has passed. If a negative determination is made in step S1707, that is, if it is determined that the reception period is still in progress, the process advances to step S1708. In step S1708, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S1708, the process for changing the second volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1708, the process advances to step S1709 to execute volume change processing. In the volume change process, a process of changing the volume by one step from the current volume is performed. During the game, at least an effect sound such as BGM is output from the speaker unit 64, and the volume of the effect sound is changed in accordance with the volume change process.

In subsequent step S1710, image update processing for volume change is executed to notify that the volume has been changed based on the operation. Since the volume change processing and the image update processing are the same as the first volume change processing described above, the description thereof is omitted.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1707, that is, if it is time to end the reception period, the process advances to step S1711. In step S1711, second volume change operation reception end processing is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode second transition flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 is erased. This ends the volume control mode. After that, in step S1712, the volume change image is not displayed, and the second volume change process ends.

As already explained, the operation buttons 75 in this embodiment are provided with the functions of a means for effect and a means for volume control. , is regulated so that the volume cannot be changed (adjusted) under some circumstances. Now, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29B, the processing related to the regulation (volume change permission/prohibition setting processing) will be described. Volume change propriety setting processing is processing that is executed as part of regular processing in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 .

(Volume change permission/prohibition setting processing)
In the volume change enable/disable setting process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress (playing the game). If a negative determination is made in step S1801, that is, if it is determined that the game is not in progress, this setting process is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1801, the process advances to step S1802 to determine whether or not volume change is being restricted. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a volume change regulation flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 . If a negative determination is made in step S1802, the process proceeds to step S1803.

In step S1803, it is determined whether or not there is time to perform the second volume change operation. As already explained, in the present embodiment, when the volume adjustment mode is entered during a game, the period (execution period) during which the volume adjustment mode is maintained is defined to be constant. Also, based on the hold command (hold information), whether or not the operation corresponding effect can be performed is specified in advance (destination specification), and the timing to shift to the operation corresponding effect is also determined when the hold command is received. there is In other words, it is possible to grasp whether or not the execution period can be secured by avoiding interference between the volume control mode and the operation-responsive effect, prior to the operation-responsive effect. In step S1803, it is determined whether or not there is a grace period based on these various types of information.

Here, with reference to FIG. 30, a supplementary description will be given of the mode of regulation of volume control. FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing the flow of the game. FIG. 30(a) illustrates a case in which a transition to an operation-responsive effect (special display) occurs at a relatively late timing from the start of the game cycle related to the operation-responsive effect, and FIG. A case is illustrated in which the operation-responsive effect (special display) is shifted to at a relatively early timing from the start of the game cycle.

In the game flow shown in FIG. 30(a), the variable display of symbols (game round) is started at timing ta1, and the operation button 75 is operated at timing ta2 immediately after the variable display of symbols is started. there is Although this game cycle corresponds to the operation corresponding production, at the timing of ta2, a period for completing the volume adjustment mode is secured before the operation corresponding production is started. Therefore, the transition to the volume adjustment mode based on the operation performed at the timing ta2 is allowed.

After that, the operation button 75 is operated at timings ta4 and ta6, and the volume is increased ("3"→"4"→"5") based on each operation. Then, the volume adjustment mode ends at timing ta7 when the execution period has elapsed from timing ta2. As a result, the volume is maintained at "5" thereafter.

At the timing of ta8 after the end of the volume control mode, the operation corresponding effect is started. The start timing of the operation corresponding production is determined in advance. The period from the start of the game round to the operation corresponding effect is set to be longer than the execution period, and this difference is the transition grace period to the volume control mode in the game round (timing of ta1 to See the timing of ta3). On the other hand, if the timing of ta3 passes without shifting to the volume control mode based on the operation button 75, the transition to the volume control mode is restricted until at least the timing of ta9 when the operation corresponding production ends. It will be done.

In the game flow shown in FIG. 30(b), the period from the start of the game round to the operation corresponding performance is shorter than the execution period, ensuring the execution period of the volume control mode during one game round. Can not do it. In such a case, the restriction occurs during the game round executed before the game round related to the operation-responsive effect. In order to avoid this restriction and shift to the volume control mode, it is necessary to operate the operation button 75 in a game round before the game round related to the operation corresponding effect.

As already explained, for game rounds corresponding to completely out of reach display, the variable display time in the game rounds can be changed depending on the number of reserved information stored. However, there is an upper limit to the number of pieces of hold information that can be stored, and a lower limit to the variable display time. Therefore, when determining whether or not there is a grace period as described above, the variation display time is regarded as the lower limit value for the game round corresponding to complete failure preceding the operation corresponding effect.

Returning to the description of FIG. 29B again, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1803, that is, if it is determined that there is no grace period, the process advances to step S1804 to execute volume change regulation processing, and then main volume change permission/inhibition setting processing. exit. In the volume change regulation process, a volume change regulation flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244 .

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1802, that is, if it is determined that the volume change is being restricted, the process proceeds to step S1805. In step S1805, it is determined whether or not there is a grace period for the second volume change operation. Since this determination is the same as step S1803, the description is incorporated.

If a negative determination is made in step S1805, the main volume change enable/disable setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1805, the process proceeds to step S1806. In step S1806, volume change restriction release processing is executed. Specifically, the volume change regulation flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 is erased. This allows transition to the volume control mode.

According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

By making it possible to adjust the volume of the speaker part 64 during the progress of the game, it is not necessary to interrupt the game for adjusting the volume, or refrain from starting the game until the adjustment of the volume is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the provision of the volume control function from causing a decrease in the operation rate of the gaming machine. In addition, for example, when it is difficult to hear the desired music (BGM) under the condition that the desired music (BGM) is output from the speaker unit 64, the volume can be adjusted quickly (for example, the game progresses). The needs of the player can be immediately met by not having to wait until the sound stops to adjust the volume. As a result, it is possible to preferably avoid the inconvenience that the volume control function is not effectively utilized. Improving responsiveness in this way is also effective in improving convenience when using the volume control function.

By outputting a sample sound for adjusting the volume based on the operation when the volume is adjusted, it is possible for the player to feel how much the volume has changed. However, if the sample sound for adjusting the volume is far from the audible sound (dramatic sound) that is output as the game progresses, a difference may occur in how it is heard. Therefore, even if the player adjusts the sound volume according to his or her preference, the actual production sound that is output as the game progresses may sound louder or softer, for example. This is not preferable because it causes the need to adjust the volume again after adjusting the volume once. In this regard, by changing the sound itself heard during the game, such inconveniences can be preferably avoided.

By using the operation button 75 as the operation means used in the operation corresponding performance for the volume adjustment operation, it is possible to suitably suppress the complication of the structure of the game machine due to the addition of the volume adjustment function. However, according to the configuration in which the operation button 75 for production is used for volume adjustment, the volume changes as a result of performing an operation in accordance with the production, or the operation corresponding production is executed as a result of performing an operation to adjust the volume. Otherwise, the player's intention cannot be obtained, and the raison d'être of the operating means may be lost. In this respect, as shown in the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the operation response effect is avoided when the volume is adjusted, and the volume control is avoided when the operation response effect is performed, the interaction between the effect function and the volume control function related to the operation button 75 is achieved. to avoid the interference of the two functions to favorably coexist.

By adopting a configuration in which whether or not to enable the operation-responsive presentation is determined based on whether or not the volume control mode is set, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an interruption or the like of the operation-responsive presentation during volume adjustment. By preparing an environment in which the volume can be adjusted calmly in this manner, the player can preferably enjoy the benefits of the volume adjustment function during the game. This is a preferable configuration for avoiding mutual interference and coexisting the performance function and the volume control function.

Specifically, if a period for executing the volume control mode can be secured before the operation corresponding effect is started, the transition to the volume control mode is permitted, and if the period cannot be secured, the volume control mode is entered. migration is regulated. Here, by adopting a configuration in which the execution period of the volume control mode can be secured over a plurality of game rounds based on the previously specified result, the conditions for transition to the volume control mode are relaxed, and the volume control during the game is reduced. It can contribute to the improvement of convenience.

In addition, there is a concern that the player may be confused if the second half of the operation-response presentation is suddenly displayed using the remaining time immediately after the volume adjustment is finished. In this regard, by regulating the return to the operation-responsive effect after the end of the volume adjustment as shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. If it becomes possible to grasp that the operation-responsive effect is restricted by the operation related to the volume adjustment, the player who is playing the game expecting the operation-responsive effect becomes a factor of the regulation of the operation-responsive effect. This can be a factor that reduces the desire to play and hinders the promotion of use of volume control. The configuration shown in this embodiment mode is also advantageous in suppressing the occurrence of such inconveniences.

In addition, since the interruption of the volume adjustment during the operation response presentation is avoided, for example, if an operation is performed in the flow of the operation response presentation, the operation will not trigger the volume adjustment against the player's intention. can be suppressed.

As described above, the fact that the operation-responsive effect is restricted due to the volume control even under the circumstances where the operation-responsive effect is to be performed can be a factor that lowers the effect function of the game machine. Therefore, when the sound volume is adjusted, a normal effect (non-operation-responsive effect) is performed instead of the operation-responsive effect, thereby suitably suppressing the deterioration of the effect function as described above.

In particular, by setting an effect that can be set as the game progresses regardless of the operation-responsive effect as the normal effect, it is possible to indirectly reveal that the operation-responsive effect has been canceled by executing the normal effect. can be avoided.

<Second Embodiment>
In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration is such that the volume adjustment during the game is permitted within a range that does not affect the operation-responsive presentation. One of the characteristics is that Specifically, when the configuration related to the regulation of shifting to the volume adjustment mode shown in the first embodiment is not adopted and when the start timing of the operation corresponding effect has come during the volume adjustment mode, has a configuration in which the effect mode related to the corresponding game round is rewritten so as to be an operation non-responsive effect.

Processing for rewriting the presentation mode (drawing mode rewriting process) will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The effect mode rewriting process constitutes a part of the variable display control process executed by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 (see FIG. 19). It should be noted that, once the operation corresponding production is started, the transition to the volume adjustment mode during the operation corresponding production is restricted as in the first embodiment.

(Production mode rewriting process)
In the effect mode rewriting process, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the current game cycle is the game cycle related to the operation corresponding effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1901, the present effect mode rewriting process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1901, the process proceeds to step S1902.

In step S1902, it is determined whether or not it is time to rewrite the presentation mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is time to shift to an operation corresponding effect (special display). If a negative determination is made in step S1902, the main effect mode rewriting process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1902, the process proceeds to step S1903.

In step S1903, it is determined whether or not the volume control mode is set. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the volume adjustment mode second shift flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 . If a negative determination is made in step S1903, the main effect mode rewriting process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1903, the process proceeds to step S1904.

When it is determined that the volume adjustment mode continues despite the timing of transition to the operation-responsive effect in the game round related to the operation-responsive effect, the effect mode in the game cycle is changed to the operation-responsive effect in step S1904. Processing is performed to rewrite from the performance to the non-operation corresponding performance. Specifically, if the game round is a game round related to operation-responsive super reach, it is changed to be a game round related to operation-unresponsive super reach (see the schematic diagram of FIG. 32), If it is a game round related to normal reach, it is changed to a game round related to normal reach that does not correspond to the operation (see the schematic diagram of FIG. 33).

According to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to increase opportunities to adjust the volume during a game by suppressing restrictions on the volume adjustment. This can contribute to further improving the convenience of the volume control function.

When reaching a branch point (advancement timing) to the operation corresponding performance during the volume control mode, rewriting to the operation non-corresponding performance is performed, and interference between the volume control mode and the operation corresponding performance is avoided. If the shift to the volume adjustment mode is restricted when the operation corresponding performance is coming up, such regulation will reveal that the operation corresponding performance will be shifted later. This can be a hindrance in increasing attention to the game effect by interposing the operation corresponding effect. In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the player from identifying in advance whether or not the operation corresponding effect is to be performed based on the transition to the volume control mode. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience described above.

When the operation of the operation button 75 becomes a factor for canceling the operation corresponding performance, it is difficult for the player who is playing the game in anticipation of the operation corresponding performance because the fact can be grasped. Cancellation of the operation-responsive presentation due to the adjustment may be a factor in lowering the player's willingness to play. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the existing effect is used instead of the effect dedicated to rewriting as the effect after rewriting, it is also possible to identify the operation corresponding effect after the fact from the effect mode. It is difficult. Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent the provision of the volume control function from causing a decrease in motivation to play.

<Third Embodiment>
In the above-described first embodiment, regardless of how the volume was changed, when the preset cancellation condition (a predetermined period of time has elapsed in the standby state) is satisfied, the volume is changed to the default volume. (default). In other words, the release condition when the volume is adjusted during standby (during non-game) and the release condition when the volume is adjusted during the game are made common. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the release condition is individually set according to the history of volume adjustment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 34, the configuration related to volume control in the present embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing volume change cancellation processing.

In the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82, volume change cancellation processing is executed as a part of regular processing. This volume change cancellation process is performed on the premise that the volume has been changed through the first volume change process and the second volume change process, and the volume has been changed through the first volume change cancellation process and the second volume change process. It is roughly divided into a second volume change cancellation process that is executed on the premise that the

(First volume change cancellation process)
As shown in FIG. 34A, in the first volume change cancellation process, first, in step S2001, it is determined whether or not a volume change has occurred based on the first volume change operation. That is, it is determined whether or not the volume of the speaker section 64 has been changed to a volume other than the initial setting volume "3" by changing the volume during standby.

If a negative determination is made in step S2001, the process for canceling the first volume change is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2001, the process proceeds to step S2002. In step S2002, it is determined whether or not a preset standby period (1800 sec in this embodiment) has passed without the variable display being performed. That is, it is determined whether or not 30 minutes have passed since the confirmation display ended.

If a negative determination is made in step S2002, that is, if the volume has been changed but it is still in the standby period, the first volume change cancellation processing is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003, a process of canceling the volume change based on the first volume change operation and returning to the initial volume setting is performed.

(Second volume change cancellation process)
As shown in FIG. 34(b), in the second volume change canceling process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not a volume change has occurred based on the second volume change operation. That is, it is determined whether or not the volume of the speaker unit 64 has been changed to a volume other than the initial set volume "3" by changing the volume during the game.

If a negative determination is made in step S2101, the process for canceling the second volume change is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2101, the process proceeds to step S2102. In step S2102, it is determined whether or not the condition for canceling the volume change based on the second volume change operation is satisfied.

If a negative determination is made in step S2102, that is, if the volume has been changed but the cancellation condition has not been met yet, the second volume change cancellation process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2102, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, processing is performed to cancel the volume change based on the second volume change operation and restore the volume to the volume before the second volume change operation was performed.

Now, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 35(a), the canceling condition in the second volume change canceling process will be described. The release condition is determined according to the situation in which the volume operation was performed.

The MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 has a built-in RTC (real time clock). The RTC is configured to be able to measure date and time, and the MPU 242 can grasp the current date and time by acquiring information from the RTC. When a predetermined date and time stored in the ROM 243 is reached, the effect mode is shifted to a special effect mode in which the background image, BGM, etc. are different from the normal effect mode for a limited period of time. In the game round executed during the special production mode, a special ready-to-win production corresponding to the special production mode is executed instead of the above-described normal reach and super ready-to-win. This special effect mode is executed over a predetermined period, and the effect mode returns to the normal effect mode after the predetermined period has passed.

When the second volume change operation is performed during the special performance mode, the volume of the speaker unit 64 is maintained at the volume changed based on the second volume change operation until the special performance mode ends. It has become. That is, the termination of the special effect mode is set as the condition for canceling the volume change based on the second volume change operation.

Further, as already explained, when a big hit result is obtained based on the ball entering the operation openings 33a and 33b, the variable winning device 32 is shifted to the opening/closing execution mode in which it is opened/closed. During the opening/closing execution mode, a moving image corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode is displayed on the display screen 41a, and BGM or the like corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode is output from the speaker section 64. FIG.

When the second volume changing operation is performed during the opening/closing execution mode, the volume of the speaker unit 64 is maintained at the volume changed based on the second volume changing operation until the opening/closing execution mode ends. It has become. That is, the termination of the opening/closing execution mode is set as the cancellation condition for the volume change based on the second volume change operation.

If the second volume change operation is performed in a situation other than the special effect mode and the opening and closing execution mode, the second volume change operation is performed until the game round in which the second volume change operation is performed is completed. is configured to maintain the changed volume. In other words, the end of the corresponding game round is set as the cancellation condition for the volume change based on the second volume change operation.

Next, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 35(b), an example of the flow of changing the volume as the game progresses will be described. Note that FIG. 35(b) illustrates a case where termination of the opening/closing execution mode is set as a cancellation condition.

By performing the first volume change operation while the pachinko machine 10 is on standby, the volume of the speaker unit 64 is changed from "3" (initial setting volume) to "4" (at tc1 timing reference). After that, the game is started at the timing of tc2, and when a jackpot is won, the opening/closing execution mode is shifted to the opening/closing execution mode at the timing of tc3.

When the second volume change operation is performed in the opening/closing execution mode, the volume is changed from "4" to "5" (see timing tc4). The volume changed based on the second volume change operation is maintained until the opening/closing execution mode ends. When the opening/closing execution mode ends at the timing of tc5, the volume change based on the second volume change operation is canceled accordingly. As a result, the volume of the speaker unit 64 returns to the volume before the second volume change operation is performed ("5"→"4").

After that, when the player finishes the game at the timing of tc6, the pachinko machine 10 enters the standby state. At timing tc7 when a predetermined standby period (1800 sec) has passed since timing tc6 when the device entered the standby state, the volume change based on the first volume change operation is canceled. As a result, the volume of the speaker unit 64 returns to the volume before the first volume change operation, that is, the initial volume ("4"→"3").

According to the third embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

Even if the speaker unit 64 is provided as sound output means, the function of the sound output means cannot be effectively exhibited unless the effect sound from the speaker unit 64 is audible, for example, because it is mixed with surrounding noise. On the other hand, if the sound from the speaker section 64 becomes excessive, the pachinko machine 10 becomes a source of noise and gives discomfort to other players. For example, if the sound from the surrounding game machines becomes difficult to hear from the player's own game machine, countermeasures such as increasing the volume of the own game machine are taken, and as a result, the noise level of the entire game hall may increase. . This can be a factor that deteriorates the gaming environment in the game hall.

In the first place, it is not always the case that the situation in which the player wants to pay attention to the sound is common. In this embodiment, it is possible to change the volume according to the individual needs of such a player by making it possible to temporarily adjust the volume according to the game situation. As a result, it is possible to suppress constant excess production sound.

In addition, when the player is concerned about the in-house announcement in the game hall or the situation of the surrounding game machines, it is possible to make the desired sound easier to hear by temporarily lowering the volume of the own pachinko machine 10.例文帳に追加

As for the temporary volume control as described above, the pachinko machine 10 side is configured to ascertain the release timing based on the situation in which the volume control is performed. Therefore, the player does not need to operate again when returning the volume. This contributes to improving the convenience of the volume control function.

When the temporary volume change based on the second volume change operation ends, the volume returns to the volume before the volume change, instead of returning to the initial setting volume. Smooth progress of the game is realized by eliminating the need for the second volume change operation.

By providing a temporary volume control function and a constant volume control function that continues over a plurality of different situations, the function of sound production can be favorably exhibited. Moreover, by permitting a temporary increase in sound, it is possible to prevent the base sound volume (the sound volume set based on the first sound volume change operation) and the initial setting sound volume from being unnecessarily increased. This can contribute to the improvement of the game environment in game halls and the like.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the above-described third embodiment, the configuration is such that the volume adjustment by the second volume change operation is effective only when the volume adjustment is performed. In other words, when the same situation occurs again as the game progresses, the second volume change operation is required again to adjust the volume. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when a situation similar to the situation in which the volume control operation is performed after the volume control operation is performed by the player, the game machine side adjusts the volume. The configuration is different from that of the third embodiment in that (a repeat function is provided). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 36, the second volume change processing executed by the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 will be described.

(Second volume change processing)
In the second volume change processing, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the second volume change operation is being accepted, that is, whether or not the volume control mode is set. If a negative determination is made in step S2201, the process advances to step S2202 to determine whether or not the game is in progress (game is in progress). If a negative determination is made in step S2202, the process for changing the second volume is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2202, the process proceeds to step S2203. In step S2203, it is determined whether or not volume change is restricted.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2203, the process for changing the second volume is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S2203, the process proceeds to step S2204. In step S2204, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S2204, the process for changing the second volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2204, the process proceeds to step S2205. In step S2205, second volume change operation acceptance start processing is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode second shift flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244 . As a result, a transition is made to the volume adjustment mode in which volume adjustment is possible. After executing the process of step S2205, the process of displaying the volume change image is executed in step S2206, and then the second volume change process ends. By the display processing of the volume change image, an image indicating that the volume adjustment mode is set is displayed.

Returning to the description of step S2201, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, that is, if the volume adjustment mode is set, the process proceeds to step S2207. In step S2207, it is determined whether or not the acceptance period for the second volume change operation has passed. If a negative determination is made in step S2207, the process proceeds to step S2208. In step S2208, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S2208, the process for changing the second sound volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2208, the process advances to step S2209 to execute volume change processing. In the volume change process, a process of changing the volume by one step from the current volume is performed. In subsequent step S2210, image update processing for volume change is executed to notify that the volume has been changed based on the operation.

It should be noted that the processing of steps S2201 to S2210 is the same as the processing of steps S1701 to S1710, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2207, that is, if it is time to end the reception period, the process proceeds to step S2211. In step S2211, second volume change operation reception end processing is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode second transition flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 is erased. This ends the volume control mode. After that, in step S2212, the volume change image is hidden, and the process proceeds to step S2213.

In step S2213, it is determined whether or not the game is in the special effect mode or the opening/closing execution mode. If a negative determination is made in step S2213, the process for changing the second sound volume is directly terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2213, the process proceeds to step S2214.

In step S2214, information relating to the result of the current volume setting, specifically, processing for storing the set volume is performed. Specifically, the value of the correction volume counter provided in the various counter areas 265 of the RAM 244 is updated to correspond to the set volume. Specifically, when the open/close execution mode is on, the value of the correction volume counter corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode is updated, and when the special effect mode is on, the value of the correction volume counter corresponding to the special effect mode is updated. Update.

In subsequent step S2215, the volume correction flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244. FIG. Specifically, when it is in the opening/closing execution mode, it stores the volume correction flag corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode, and when it is in the special performance mode, it stores the volume correction flag corresponding to the special performance mode. Regarding the value of the correction volume counter and the volume correction flag, when the volume changed by the first volume change process returns to the initial setting volume, specifically, a predetermined waiting period (1800 sec) remains in the standby state. Cleared when it has passed.

In the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82, volume correction processing for automatically correcting the volume is executed as a part of regular processing. Here, this volume correction processing will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

(Processing for volume correction)
In the volume correction process, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the open/close execution mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2302. In step S2302, it is determined whether or not volume correction is being performed for the opening/closing execution mode.

If a negative determination is made in step S2302, the main sound volume correction processing is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2302, volume correction cancellation processing is executed, and the main volume correction processing ends. By performing the volume correction canceling process, the volume of the speaker unit 64 returns to the volume before starting the opening/closing execution mode.

If a negative determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2304. In step S2304, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the special effect mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2304, the process proceeds to step S2305. In step S2305, it is determined whether or not volume correction relating to the special effect mode is being performed.

If a negative determination is made in step S2305, the main sound volume correction processing is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2305, volume correction cancellation processing is executed, and the main volume correction processing ends. By performing the volume correction cancellation process, the volume of the speaker unit 64 returns to the volume before the start of the special effect mode.

If it is not the end timing of either the opening/closing execution mode or the special effect mode, the process proceeds to step S2307. In step S2307, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the opening/closing execution mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2307, the process proceeds to step S2308. In step S2308, it is determined whether or not the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 stores a sound volume correction flag corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode. If a negative determination is made in step S2308, the main sound volume correction processing is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2308, the process advances to step S2309 to execute set volume specifying processing corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode. In this set volume specifying process, the value of the correction volume counter corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode provided in the various counter areas 265 of the RAM 244 is specified. Thereafter, volume correction processing is executed in step S2310, and the main volume correction processing ends. Through this volume correction processing, the volume of the speaker unit 64 is corrected to the volume specified in step S2309.

Returning to the description of step S2307, if a negative determination is made in step S2307, that is, if it is determined that it is not the opening/closing execution mode start timing, the process proceeds to step S2311. In step S2311, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the special effect mode. If a negative determination is made in step S2311, the processing for sound correction is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S2311, the process proceeds to step S2312.

In step S2312, it is determined whether or not the volume correction flag corresponding to the special effect mode is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM244. If a negative determination is made in step S2312, the main sound volume correction processing is terminated.

When an affirmative determination is made in step S2312, the process advances to step S2313 to execute set sound volume specifying processing corresponding to the special effect mode. In this set sound volume specifying process, the value of the correction sound volume counter corresponding to the special effect mode provided in the various counter areas 265 of the RAM 244 is specified. Thereafter, volume correction processing is executed in step S2314, and the main volume correction processing ends. Through this volume correction processing, the volume of the speaker unit 64 is corrected to the volume specified in step S2313.

When the game is continued, the game situation may become the same as the game situation that occurred earlier. Here, if the volume is adjusted in the previous situation, it is assumed that the player will likely feel the need to adjust the volume even if the same situation occurs later. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the result of previous volume adjustment is applied when the same situation occurs later, it is possible to eliminate the need for repeated adjustment operations by the player. Thereby, improvement of convenience is realized.

The following effects can be expected by adopting a configuration in which the sound volume is repeatedly adjusted in accordance with the situation according to the player's wishes. In other words, even if it is possible to simply adjust the volume temporarily, if the adjustment operation is required every time the same situation occurs, the operation for constant volume adjustment (first volume change) is felt annoying. ) is more likely to occur. In this case, the volume is insufficient when necessary, and the volume is excessive when unnecessary, resulting in an excess or deficiency. In this respect, according to the present embodiment, the sound volume is adjusted as necessary, and it is possible to preferably avoid the occurrence of such an excess or deficiency. This is also preferable in terms of preventing the base volume (the volume set based on the first volume change operation) itself from being recklessly changed.

In the present embodiment, when the volume changed by the first volume change process returns to the initial setting volume, the value of the correction volume counter and the volume correction flag are kept in the standby state. However, before the volume changed by the first volume change process returns to the initial setting volume, for example, a predetermined standby period ( For example, it is possible to have a configuration in which it is cleared when 900 sec) has elapsed.

<Fifth Embodiment>
As already described, the sound sources of the effect sounds output from the speaker unit 64 include background music (BGM), voices such as lines, and sound effects. are output singly or in combination. In the first embodiment, when the volume is adjusted, the volume is changed for all sound sources. One of the features is that the sound volume is changed. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 38, the volume of each of BGM, voice, and sound effect can be individually adjusted in five levels from "1" to "5." Hereinafter, the configuration related to the individual setting of the volume will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a first volume change process as a process for adjusting the volume during standby and a second process for changing the volume as a process for adjusting the volume during a game are performed. is configured to be executed. The second volume change processing according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Second volume change processing)
In the second volume change process, first, in step S2401, it is determined whether or not the second volume change operation is being accepted, that is, whether or not the volume adjustment mode is set. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the volume adjustment mode second shift flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 .

If a negative determination is made in step S2401, the process advances to step S2402 to determine whether or not the game is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2402, the process for changing the second volume is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2402, the process proceeds to step S2403. In step S2403, it is determined whether or not volume change is restricted.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2403, the process for changing the second sound volume is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S2403, the process advances to step S2404. In step S2404, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S2404, the process for changing the second volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2404, the process proceeds to step S2405. In step S2405, a process of specifying a sound source (parameter) to be changed is performed. Specifically, at this timing, processing is performed to identify which of the BGM, voice, and effect sound source the effect sound output from the speaker unit 64 is composed of.

After executing the specifying process in step S2405, in step S2506, a second volume change operation acceptance start process is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode second shift flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244 . As a result, a transition is made to the volume adjustment mode in which volume adjustment is possible. At the same time, the reception period for changing the volume is set. In the present embodiment, the volume adjustment mode is terminated when the acceptance period has elapsed, and the volume is maintained at the volume at the termination.

After executing the start processing of step S2406, the display processing of the volume change image is executed in step S2407, and then the second volume change processing ends. By the display processing of the volume change image, an image indicating that the volume adjustment mode is set is displayed. It should be noted that in the image for volume change in the present embodiment, each sound source to be changed and the volume of each sound source are displayed.

Returning to the description of step S2401, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2401, that is, if the volume adjustment mode is set, the process proceeds to step S2408. In step S2408, it is determined whether or not the acceptance period for the second volume change operation has passed. If a negative determination is made in step S2408, that is, if it is determined that the reception period is still in progress, the process advances to step S2409. In step S2409, it is determined whether or not the operation button 75 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step S2409, the process for changing the second sound volume is terminated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2409, the process advances to step S2410 to execute processing for changing the volume of the sound source specified in step S2506. In this volume change process, the volume of the identified sound source is changed by one step from the current volume. For example, if the specified sound source is BGM and voice, the volume related to BGM is changed by one level and the volume related to voice is changed by one level, and the volume related to the unspecified sound source (sound effect) maintain that volume. As a result, the volume of the effect sound output from the speaker unit 64 is changed. In subsequent step S2411, image update processing for volume change is executed to notify that the volume has been changed based on the operation.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2408, that is, if it is time to end the acceptance period, the process proceeds to step S2412. In step S2412, second volume change operation reception end processing is executed. Specifically, the volume adjustment mode second transition flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 is erased. This ends the volume control mode. After that, in step S2413, the volume change image is not displayed, and the second volume change process ends.

While the game is being played, the sound source may change as the performance progresses. In other words, the sound source used differs for each situation. According to the second volume change processing, the sound source being output when the adjustment operation is performed is specified, and the volume is changed so that only the volume related to the specified sound source is changed.

On the other hand, when the game is not being played (that is, during standby), the display screen 41a, the lamps 46 and 47, etc. are turned off in consideration of the reduction of power consumption, etc., and the sound from the speaker 64 is turned off. The configuration is such that the output of the dramatic sound is avoided. When the volume adjustment operation is performed under the condition that the output of the effect sound is stopped in this way, the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 executes the first volume change process. The main flow of this first volume change process is the same as in the first embodiment, but the sound change process shown in step S1608 (hereinafter referred to as first change process) is the same as that in the first embodiment. different from the form. Here, the first change processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 40(a).

(First change process)
In the first change process, first, in step S2501, it is determined whether or not there is a volume difference between sound sources (parameters). If a negative determination is made in step S2501, the process proceeds to step S2502. In step S2502, processing is performed to change the volume of all sound sources. As exemplified in FIG. 40(b), if the volume of all the sound sources is "4", the volume is changed from "4" to "5". If the volume of all the sound sources has reached the upper limit of "5", the volume of all the sound sources is changed from "5" to the lower limit of "1".

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2501, the process proceeds to step S2503. In step S2503, it is determined whether or not the volume of any one of the three sound sources has reached the upper limit. If a negative determination is made in step S2503, the process advances to step S2502 to perform processing for changing the volume of all sound sources. As illustrated in FIG. 40(c), when the volume of BGM and voice is "4" and the volume of sound effect is "3", the volume of BGM and voice is set to "4". ” to “5”, and the volume of sound effects is changed from “3” to “4”.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2503, that is, if it is determined that the volume of one of the three sound sources has reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S2504. In step S2504, processing is performed to change the volume of sound sources other than the sound source whose volume has reached the upper limit. As illustrated in FIG. 40(c), when the volume of BGM and voice is "5" and the volume of sound effect is "4", the volume of BGM and voice is set to "5". ” and change the volume of the sound effect from “4” to “5”. In this way, the first volume change processing (first change processing) is provided with a function as means for reducing or eliminating the difference in volume between the sound sources.

Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 41, a supplementary description will be given of the relationship between the change in the situation and the change in the sound source that can be the target of volume control.

In a standby state in which a game is not played, the output of the effect sound from the speaker section 64 is avoided. When the volume is adjusted under such circumstances, the volume of all sound sources including BGM, voice, and sound effects is subject to volume adjustment.

After the game is started, BGM is continuously output, and appropriate voices and sound effects are output according to the progress of the presentation. When volume adjustment is performed in a situation where only BGM is being output, only the volume relating to BGM is subject to volume adjustment. When volume adjustment is performed in a situation where sound effects are being output in addition to BGM, the volume of the BGM and sound effects is subject to volume adjustment. If the volume is adjusted while the audio is being output in addition to the BGM, the volume of the BGM and the audio is subject to the volume adjustment. When volume adjustment is performed in a situation where all sound sources of BGM, voice, and sound effects are being output, the volume of all sound sources is subject to volume adjustment.

In the first place, there is a difference in the sound volume preferred by each player and the audibility of each sound source. According to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, by differentiating the sound source to be adjusted according to the situation in which the adjustment operation is performed, it is possible to adjust the volume according to the taste of the player.

For example, if the player can manually adjust the volume of each sound source, fine adjustment as described above is possible. However, with such a configuration, there is a possibility that the adjustment operation becomes complicated and gives the player the impression that it is troublesome. In this case, there is a concern that the adjustment function will not be used well. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the game machine identifies the sound source that the player would like to change, and adjusts the volume of a plurality of sound sources based on one adjustment operation. It can contribute to the simplification of operation. This can facilitate utilization of the adjustment function.

Also, if individual sound volume adjustment is possible, the effect of reducing the total sound volume of the effect sound can be expected. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the game environment in the game hall by reducing the noise.

It is also possible to apply the technical idea shown in this embodiment to the second to fourth embodiments.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the volume is configured to return to the initial setting volume (default: "3") at the timing when a predetermined standby period has elapsed after entering the standby state, but in the present embodiment, The configuration relating to this return is different from that of the first embodiment. Also, the configuration differs from that of the first embodiment in that it is devised in consideration of volume control at the start of the game. In the following, the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be cited, and the configuration related to the above difference will be mainly described.

In the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82, when the volume of the speaker unit 64 is changed from the initial setting volume by the first volume change process and the second volume change process, the volume change is performed to cancel the change. Cancellation processing is executed. The volume change canceling process is a process executed as part of regular processing by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82 . The volume change cancellation processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Processing for canceling volume change)
In the volume change cancellation process, first, in step S2601, it is determined whether or not a cancellation condition for canceling the volume change is satisfied. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a volume change canceling flag, which will be described later, is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 .

If a negative determination is made in step S2601, the process proceeds to step S2602. In step S2602, it is determined whether or not a predetermined waiting period has passed while the device is in the waiting state. If a negative determination is made in step S2602, that is, if it is determined that the standby period has not yet passed, the main volume change cancellation process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2602, the process proceeds to step S2603. In step S2603, the volume change cancellation flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244. FIG.

Returning to the description of step S2601, if an affirmative determination is made at step S2601, that is, if the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 stores the volume change cancellation flag, the process proceeds to step S2604. In step S2604, it is determined whether or not it is time to start a game round (timing to start variable display). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a pending command has been received through the standby state.

If a negative determination is made in step S2604, the main volume change cancellation process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2604, the process proceeds to step S2605. In step S2605, volume change cancellation processing is executed. In the volume change canceling process, if the volume of the speaker unit 64 has been changed from the initial setting volume by the first volume changing process and the second volume changing process, the change is canceled and the volume is changed to the initial setting volume. Perform the return process. As a result, the volume returns to the initial set volume when the game starts. Also, the volume change cancellation flag stored in the various flag storage area 266 is erased.

After executing the process of step S2605, the volume change permission flag is stored in the various flag storage area 266 of the RAM 244 in step S2606, and the main volume change release process is terminated. The volume change permission flag is a flag that is erased when the game cycle related to cancellation of the volume change ends.

In the periodic processing in the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82, after receiving the command from the main control device 81, the processing proceeds in the order of the volume change cancellation processing and the effect mode determination processing. there is The effect mode determination process is partially different from the effect mode determination process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, the effect mode determination process according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Production Mode Determination Processing)
In the effect mode determination process, it is determined whether or not the hold command received from the main control device 81 in step S2701 is a jackpot corresponding hold command or an out-reach corresponding hold command. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2701, the process proceeds to step S2702. In step S2702, it is determined whether or not the hold command received this time supports super reach. If super reach is supported, the process advances to step S2703.

In step S2703, it is determined whether or not a volume change permission flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244. FIG. If a negative determination is made in step S2703, the processing of steps S2704 to S2707 is executed. The processes in steps S2704 to S2707 are the same as the processes in steps S1403 to S1406, so the description thereof is omitted.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2703, the process proceeds to step S2707. In step S2707, setting processing for non-operation super reach is executed. In the setting process of step S2707, it is specified which one of super ready-to-win A and super ready-to-win B is to be executed as the effect mode of the game round related to the hold command received this time, and various information included in the hold command is set to the effect mode. hold information to which information for specifying (information on whether or not operation is supported and the type of super reach) is added is stored in the hold information storage area 267 .

Returning to the description of step S2702, if a negative determination is made in step S2702, that is, if it is determined that the command is not a hold command for super reach, the process proceeds to step S2708. In step S2708, it is determined whether or not a volume change permission flag is stored in various flag storage area 266 of RAM 244. FIG. If a negative determination is made in step S2708, the processing of steps S2709 to S2712 is executed. The processes in steps S2709 to S2712 are the same as the processes in steps S1407 to S1410 described above, so the description thereof is omitted.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2708, the process advances to step S2612 to execute setting processing for operation-incompatible normal reach. In the setting process of step S2612, it is specified which of normal reach A and normal reach B is to be executed as the effect mode of the game cycle related to the hold command received this time, and the effect mode is specified in various information included in the hold command. Suspension information to which information (information on availability of operation correspondence and type of normal reach) is added is stored in the suspension information storage area 267 .

Returning to the description of step S2701, if a negative determination is made in step S2701, that is, if the received hold command is a hold command corresponding to complete failure, the process advances to step S2713 to perform setting processing for complete failure. . Specifically, it is specified that the performance mode of the game round related to the hold command received this time is to execute a complete loss, and the hold that adds information for specifying the performance mode to various information included in the hold command. The information is stored in pending information storage area 267 .

According to the present embodiment, in the game round related to the cancellation of the volume change, the operation corresponding effect is avoided regardless of the type of the variable display mode such as normal reach, super reach, etc. In this game round, Enforcement requirements for volume control are ensured.

Whether or not the sound volume is sufficient can be grasped at the timing when the output of the effect sound is started at the start of the game. That is, there is a high possibility that the volume will be adjusted in the first game round compared to other game rounds. Note that even if the game is started after adjusting the volume during standby, there is a high possibility that the volume will be adjusted again due to the difference in how the sample sound and the effect sound are heard. In consideration of such circumstances, it is possible to contribute to promotion of use of the volume control function by allowing volume control in the first game round.

<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 carried out, for example, as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above-described embodiments, or may be applied to each of the above-described embodiments by combining a part or all of them. Moreover, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects exhibited) of each configuration to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration made up of a combination of the embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, when the volume is adjusted during standby (during non-playing), the sample sound for adjusting the volume is output at the changed volume. It is not limited. When the volume control mode is entered, the effect sound such as BGM used during the game is output until the volume control mode ends, and the volume of the effect sound is obtained as a result of the volume control. is also possible.

There may be a difference in how the sample sound and the sound source actually used as the effect sound are heard. Therefore, even if the sound volume is adjusted based on the sample sound, it cannot be denied that the sound may not meet the wishes of the player. When such an event occurs, the need to readjust the volume increases. In this regard, if a configuration is adopted in which the effect sound that is actually used in the game is output as the sample sound, the occurrence of such a problem can be preferably suppressed.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation of the operation button 75 as the "volume adjustment means" is used as a trigger to shift to the volume adjustment mode, and when the operation button 75 is operated again during the volume adjustment mode, the operation is performed. Although the configuration is such that the volume of the speaker unit 64 is changed based on the above, it is not necessary to make such a stepwise operation essential when adjusting the volume. A configuration in which the volume is changed by the first operation is also possible.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the mode is shifted to the volume control mode, the volume control mode is terminated based on the lapse of a predetermined control period from the start timing of the volume control mode. It is also possible to arbitrarily change the conditions for ending the adjustment mode. For example, it is possible to extend the adjustment period by operating the operation button 75 during the volume adjustment mode. Also, instead of providing such an adjustment period, it is possible to have a configuration in which the volume adjustment mode is terminated based on a predetermined termination operation.

However, when the modified example described above is employed, the end timing of the volume adjustment mode becomes uncertain. In consideration of such circumstances, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that avoids the operation-responsive presentation during the volume adjustment mode, as shown in the second embodiment.

(4) In each of the embodiments described above, the push-type operation button 75 is used as the "operation means" operated by the player, but the specific configuration of the operation means is arbitrary. For example, a dial type (rotary type) may be used. If the volume is changed according to the angle of the dial-type operation means, the time required for adjusting the volume can be shortened compared to the pressing-type operation means. In particular, as shown in the first embodiment, in a configuration in which volume adjustment is possible on the premise that interference with the operation-responsive presentation can be avoided, the reduction in time increases opportunities for volume adjustment. be able to.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation button 75, which is the operation means for the operation response effect, is provided with the function as the operation means for adjusting the volume. It is also possible to have a configuration with In other words, the operation means for the operation corresponding performance and the operation means for adjusting the sound volume may be separately provided.

(6) In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the volume can be adjusted based on the minimum grace period that can be secured, but the look-ahead function is not essential. At least, at the start of the corresponding game round, when the operation corresponding performance is performed during the game round, the configuration may be such that the sound volume cannot be adjusted.

(7) In the above-described second embodiment, when it is necessary to rewrite the operation-responsive effect → the operation-non-responsive effect due to the execution of the volume control, the rewrite-only effect is performed. is also possible. However, this rewrite-only effect does not necessarily have to be an operation-incompatible effect. For example, when a long version corresponding to continuous operation with a relatively long effect period and a short version corresponding to single operation with a relatively short effect period are provided, volume control and operation corresponding effect are executed. In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the long version/short version/non-operation corresponding production version is selected based on the remaining time. As a result, the adjustment function and the execution function of the operation-responsive presentation can coexist more preferably.

(8) In the above-described third embodiment, the second volume change process is configured to increase or decrease the volume, and the range of increase and decrease is provided in a plurality of steps, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second volume change process may be configured to have one of the function of increasing or decreasing the volume, and the configuration of temporarily increasing or decreasing the volume. Further, it is also possible to differentiate from the first volume change process by setting the adjustment width in the case of changing the volume to one step.

(9) In the above first to third embodiments, the volume change by the first volume change process and the volume change by the second volume change process are handled in the same way, but the configuration is limited to this. not a thing For example, it is possible to change the reference volume by the first volume change process, and define the degree of change from the reference volume by the second volume change process.

(10) In the third embodiment, the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82 is equipped with an RTC (real-time clock), and is configured to shift to the special production mode when a predetermined date and time comes. The timing for shifting to the production mode is not limited to the date and time. For example, it is configured to shift to the special production mode based on the number of stored pending information reaching a predetermined number (for example, the upper limit of storage). is also possible.

(11) In the fifth embodiment, the volume is automatically corrected only in the special effect mode and the opening/closing execution mode, but the target of automatic volume correction is not limited to these modes. do not have. For example, when the sound volume is changed based on the player's operation during super reach A, the sound volume is corrected according to the previous change result when super reach A is executed again after that. is also possible. Further, instead of targeting super reach A, the target may be extended to a super reach group including super reach A or to a reach display group including super reach A. FIG.

(12) In the fifth embodiment, sound sources are roughly classified into BGM, voice, and sound effects, and the volume of each of these sound sources is individually adjusted. On the premise of this, it is sufficient if the volume of each sound source can be individually adjusted, and it is arbitrary as to what category the sound sources are classified into. Further, when BGM is individually set according to the game situation, the configuration may be such that the volume can be adjusted for each of these BGM.

(13) In the sixth embodiment, the volume change canceling flag is set when a predetermined waiting period elapses from the game round that triggered the transition to the waiting state, and the volume change canceling flag is set when the game is restarted. The configuration is such that the volume is returned to the initial setting volume based on the fact that the flag is stored. If the timing of returning the volume to the initial setting volume can be the time when the game is restarted, management by the flag is not necessarily required. For example, a timer counter is provided that is updated from the game round that triggered the shift to the standby state, and when the game is resumed, it is determined whether or not a predetermined standby period has elapsed by referring to this timer counter, and the determination result is obtained. It is also possible to configure to return to the initial state based on.

(14) In the sixth embodiment described above, the configuration is such that the operation response effect is restricted while allowing the volume adjustment for the game round related to the start of the game. does not necessarily have to be during a game cycle related to the start of the game. For example, when new hold information is acquired during a game round related to the start of a game, it is also possible to configure a configuration in which the operation response effect is restricted while allowing volume adjustment over the game round related to the hold information. is. In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a game turn related to the start of a game is used as a trigger to shift to a state in which operation response performance is restricted while permitting volume adjustment, and the restricted state is maintained until suspension is terminated.

(15) 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 game in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a game machine such as a pachinko machine that generates a right when a ball enters the machine to give a jackpot, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arrangement ball machine, and a mammoth ball.

In addition, a non-ball game machine, for example, equipped with a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of patterns are attached in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the reels is started by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. The present invention is also applicable to a slot machine that provides a player with a privilege such as payout of medals when a specific pattern or a combination of specific patterns is established on an effective line that can be visually recognized from a display window after the reels are stopped. can be applied.

Furthermore, the gaming machine main body which is openably and closably supported by the outer frame is provided with a storage portion and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage portion are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine, in which the reels start rotating.

<Invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the group of inventions extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following description, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the specific configurations shown in parentheses or the like are not limited.

The following feature group is "For example, in a game machine such as a pachinko machine, a pattern display means is provided that performs variable display (display effect) of a pattern when a ball enters a ball entry section provided in the game area. In this type of game machine, by outputting a sound effect such as BGM from a speaker in conjunction with various display effects executed on the display screen of the pattern display means, attention to the game can be improved. When gaming machines are installed in island facilities such as gaming halls, the sounds around the gaming machines (for example, noise) can vary depending on the environmental conditions such as the installation location. In consideration of this, there has been proposed a device provided with a volume control means capable of adjusting the volume of a speaker by a predetermined operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is still room for improvement in the configuration of game machines that perform sound volume adjustment functions.”

<Characteristic group A>
Feature A1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, a ball entering the operation openings 33a and 33b) (information acquisition processing is performed by the MPU 202 of the main controller 81) function to be executed), acquired information storage means (RAM 204 of the main controller 81) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means, and the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to the attached information. Grant determination means for determining whether or not the award is granted (a function of executing a winning determination process or the like by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81), and processing to progress the game based on the result of grant determination by the grant determination means A gaming machine comprising a game control means (a function of executing game round control processing etc. by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81),
sound output means (speaker unit 64) for outputting audible sound (for example, dramatic sound);
Output control means (sound output function in MPU 242 of notification/production control device 82) that controls the output of audible sound by the sound output means as the game progresses;
Volume adjustment means (MPU 242 of notification/effect control device 82) adjusts the volume of the sound output means based on the adjustment operation when the player performs a predetermined adjustment operation while the game is in progress. A gaming machine characterized by comprising a volume control function in.

By making it possible to adjust the volume while the game is in progress as shown in feature A1, it is not necessary to stop the game for the purpose of adjusting the volume, or refrain from starting the game until the volume is adjusted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the provision of the volume control function from causing a decrease in the operation rate of the gaming machine. In addition, for example, if it is difficult to hear the desired music under the situation where the production sound such as the desired music is output as the audible sound, the volume can be adjusted quickly (for example, until the game progresses) A player's needs can be immediately met (by not having to wait for volume adjustments). As a result, it is possible to preferably avoid the inconvenience that the volume control function is not effectively utilized. Improving responsiveness in this way is also effective in improving convenience when using the volume control function.

Feature A2. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, a ball entering the operation openings 33a and 33b) (information acquisition processing is performed by the MPU 202 of the main controller 81) functions to perform) and
Acquired information storage means (RAM 204 of main controller 81) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Attachment determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to attachment information (a function of executing a correctness determination process or the like by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81);
A game control means (a function of executing a game turn control process etc. by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) that performs processing to progress the game based on the result of grant determination by the grant determination means;
operation means (operation button 75) operated by the player;
An operation-responsive effect executing means (a function of executing an operation-responsive effect by the MPU 242 of the notification/effect control device 82) for executing an operation-responsive effect corresponding to the operation based on the operation of the operating means;
sound output means (speaker unit 64) for outputting audible sound (for example, dramatic sound);
Output control means (sound output function in MPU 242 of notification/production control device 82) for controlling the output of audible sound by the sound output means as the game progresses;
Volume control means for adjusting the volume of the sound output means based on the operation when the operation means is operated while the game is in progress (volume control function in the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82) A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

By making it possible to adjust the volume while the game is in progress as shown in feature A2, it is not necessary to stop the game for the purpose of adjusting the volume or refrain from starting the game until the volume is adjusted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the provision of the volume control function from causing a decrease in the operation rate of the gaming machine. In addition, for example, if it is difficult to hear the desired music under the situation where the production sound such as the desired music is output as the audible sound, the volume can be adjusted quickly (for example, until the game progresses) A player's needs can be immediately met (by not having to wait for volume adjustments). As a result, it is possible to preferably avoid the inconvenience that the volume control function is not effectively utilized. Improving responsiveness in this way is also effective in improving convenience when using the volume control function.

Further, by using the operating means used in the operation-responsive presentation for the operation for adjusting the volume, it is possible to suitably suppress the complication of the structure of the game machine due to the provision of the volume adjusting function.

Feature A3. The volume control means is configured to change the volume of audible sounds (BGM, etc.) output from the sound output means as the game progresses when the operation means is operated. The gaming machine according to feature A2, characterized by:

By outputting a sample sound for adjusting the volume based on the operation when the volume is adjusted, it is possible for the player to feel how much the volume has changed. However, if the sample sound for adjusting the volume is far from the audible sound (dramatic sound) that is output as the game progresses, a difference may occur in how it is heard. Therefore, even if the player adjusts the sound volume according to his or her preference, the actual production sound that is output as the game progresses may sound louder or softer, for example. This is not preferable because it causes the need to adjust the volume again after adjusting the volume once. In this regard, by changing the sound itself heard during the game, such inconveniences can be preferably avoided.

Feature A4. When the operation corresponding effect execution means is performing the operation corresponding effect, the volume adjustment by the volume control means based on the operation of the operation means is regulated, and the volume control is performed by the volume control means. The gaming machine according to feature A2 or feature A3, further comprising means for regulating the operation-corresponding effect by the operation-corresponding effect executing means based on the operation of the operating means when the operation means is operated.

As shown in feature A2 and the like, according to the configuration in which the operating means for presentation is used for adjusting the volume, the operation system can be shared, so that the complication of the structure can be suppressed. However, if the sound volume changes as a result of performing an operation in accordance with the effect, or if an operation corresponding to the operation is executed as a result of performing an operation to adjust the sound volume, a result in line with the player's intention cannot be obtained. It may disappear, and the significance of existence of the operation means may be lost. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by regulating the operation-responsive effect when adjusting the volume, and by regulating the volume control when adjusting the operation-response effect, mutual interference is avoided and the effect function and the volume control function preferably coexist. can be made

Feature A5. The volume control means is
Based on the operation of the operation means, the volume adjustment state transition means (the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 performs a transition process to the volume adjustment mode) to make the volume adjustment state in which the volume adjustment is permitted; ,
Volume change means for changing the volume based on the operation when the operation means is operated under the condition of the volume adjustment state (volume change processing is performed by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) functions to perform) and
When the timing for judging whether or not the operation-responsive effect is executable under the conditions in which the operation-responsive effect is set, the operation-responsive effect is permitted if the volume control state is not reached, and The gaming machine according to feature A2 or feature A3, further comprising an effect regulating means for regulating the subsequent operation corresponding effect when the volume control state is established.

As shown in feature A2 and the like, according to the configuration in which the operating means for presentation is used for adjusting the volume, the operation system can be shared, so that the complication of the structure can be suppressed. However, if the sound volume changes as a result of performing an operation in accordance with the effect, or if an operation corresponding to the operation is executed as a result of performing an operation to adjust the sound volume, a result in line with the player's intention cannot be obtained. It may disappear, and the significance of existence of the operation means may be lost.

In this regard, as shown in this feature, by adopting a configuration in which whether or not to enable operation-responsive effects is determined based on whether or not the volume is in the volume adjustment state, an interruption of operation-responsive effects, etc., occurs during volume adjustment. can be avoided. By preparing an environment in which the volume can be adjusted calmly in this manner, the player can preferably enjoy the benefits of the volume adjustment function during the game. This is a preferable configuration for avoiding mutual interference and coexisting the performance function and the volume control function.

In addition, there is a concern that the player may be confused if the second half of the operation-response presentation is suddenly displayed using the remaining time immediately after the volume adjustment is finished. In this regard, by restricting the return to the operation corresponding performance after the end of the volume adjustment as shown in this feature, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. If it becomes possible to grasp that the operation-responsive effect is restricted by the operation related to the volume adjustment, the player who is playing the game expecting the operation-responsive effect becomes a factor of the regulation of the operation-responsive effect. There is a concern that it will reduce the motivation to play and hinder the promotion of the use of volume control. The configuration shown in this feature is also advantageous in suppressing the occurrence of such inconveniences.

Feature A6. A normal effect execution means (a function of executing an operation non-corresponding effect by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) for executing a normal effect (non-operation corresponding effect) that does not correspond to the operation means;
When the operation-responsive effect is regulated by the effect regulation means under the condition that the operation-responsive effect is set, the effect change means (notification/effect) changes the effect mode from the operation-responsive effect to the normal effect. function of executing rewrite processing by the MPU 242 of the control device 82).

As shown in the feature A5, the fact that the operation-responsive effect is restricted due to volume control despite the fact that the operation-responsive effect is to be performed can be a factor in lowering the effect function of the game machine. Therefore, when the sound volume is adjusted, a normal effect (non-operation-responsive effect) is performed instead of the operation-responsive effect, thereby suitably suppressing the deterioration of the effect function as described above.

In addition, by setting the normal effect as an effect that can be set according to the progress of the game regardless of the operation-responsive effect, it is possible to avoid indirectly revealing that the operation-responsive effect has been canceled by executing the normal effect. .

Feature A7. Any one of features A2 to A6, further comprising adjustment regulation means for regulating volume adjustment by the volume control means when the operation-responsive production is performed by the operation-responsive production execution means. The gaming machine described in .

According to feature A7, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an interrupt for adjusting the volume during the operation corresponding presentation. As a result, for example, when an operation is performed in the flow of the operation corresponding performance, it is possible to prevent the operation from triggering the volume adjustment against the player's intention.

It should be noted that, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which regulation of volume adjustment is started with the start of the operation-responsive presentation, and the regulation of volume adjustment is released based on the end of the operation-responsive presentation.

Feature A8. The volume control means is
Based on the operation of the operation means, the volume adjustment state transition means (the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 performs a transition process to the volume adjustment mode) to make the volume adjustment state in which the volume adjustment is permitted; ,
Volume change means for changing the volume based on the operation when the operation means is operated under the condition of the volume adjustment state (volume change processing is performed by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) functions to perform) and
an adjustment restricting means for restricting volume adjustment by the volume adjusting means when the operation corresponding effect executing means is performing the operation corresponding effect executing means;
When the effect mode is set so that the operation-responsive effect is performed as the game progresses, the sound volume control state is entered until a predetermined timing before the operation-responsive effect is started. is allowed and
When the volume control state is not set at the predetermined timing, the operation corresponding effect is performed in the set effect mode, and when the volume control state is set at the predetermined timing. The game machine according to any one of features A2 to A6, further comprising means for rewriting in advance a presentation mode that has been displayed from the operation corresponding presentation to a normal presentation that does not correspond to the operation means.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, when the predetermined timing (judgment timing) comes while the volume is adjusted, switching (resetting) from the operation corresponding production to the normal production (operation non-corresponding production) is possible. done. Thereby, the technical idea shown to characteristic A7 can be suitably embodied.

In addition, by adopting a configuration in which whether or not to switch the effect is determined prior to the operation corresponding effect, a period for rewriting the effect can be suitably secured. As a result, it is possible to smoothly change the flow of the performance by avoiding interruption of the flow of the performance.

Feature A9. The volume control means is
Based on the operation of the operation means, the volume adjustment state transition means (the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 performs a transition process to the volume adjustment mode) to make the volume adjustment state in which the volume adjustment is permitted; ,
Volume change means for changing the volume based on the operation when the operation means is operated under the condition of the volume adjustment state (volume change processing is performed by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) functions to perform) and
The obtained information storage means is configured to store a plurality of special information,
The provision determination means is configured to sequentially perform the provision determination for a plurality of pieces of special information stored in the acquired information storage means,
The game control means has means for determining a variable display mode of the pattern for each special information stored in the acquired information storage means,
Information on the variable display mode of the pattern in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the target of the grant determination is obtained from the predetermined special information as the target of the grant determination. A destination identifying means for identifying at the previous timing,
When the volume control state is reached, the volume control state is continued for a predetermined period of time,
a period determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined period can be secured before the start of the operation-responsive effect based on the information specified by the destination specifying means when shifting to the volume adjustment state;
When the period determination means determines that the predetermined period can be secured, the operation corresponding effect is executed after the end of the volume adjustment state, and when the period determination means determines that the predetermined period cannot be secured. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A6, further comprising means for rewriting the operation corresponding presentation to a normal presentation not corresponding to the operation means.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, when the period for the volume control state can be secured before the operation corresponding effect is started, the operation corresponding effect is executed after the volume control state ends, and it is determined that the period cannot be secured. When it is done, the operation corresponding production is rewritten to the normal production (operation non-corresponding production). As a result, the technical ideas shown in feature A7 and the like can be suitably embodied. For example, by adopting a configuration in which a period in which the volume adjustment state can be secured across a plurality of pieces of special information, the conditions for transition to the volume adjustment state can be eased, thereby contributing to promoting the use of the volume adjustment function. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which whether or not to switch the effect is determined prior to the operation corresponding effect, a period for rewriting the effect can be suitably secured. As a result, it is possible to smoothly change the flow of the performance by avoiding interruption of the flow of the performance.

Feature A10. The volume control means is
Based on the operation of the operation means, the volume adjustment state transition means (the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 performs a transition process to the volume adjustment mode) to make the volume adjustment state in which the volume adjustment is permitted; ,
Volume change means for changing the volume based on the operation when the operation means is operated under the condition of the volume adjustment state (volume change processing is performed by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) functions to perform) and
The acquired information storage means is configured to store a plurality of special information,
The provision determination means is configured to sequentially perform the provision determination for a plurality of pieces of special information stored in the acquired information storage means,
The game control means has means for determining a variable display mode of the pattern for each special information stored in the acquired information storage means,
Information on the variable display mode of the pattern in the case where the predetermined special information stored in the acquired information storage means is the target of the grant determination is obtained from the predetermined special information as the target of the grant determination. A destination identifying means for identifying at the previous timing,
When the volume control state is entered, the volume control state is continued for a predetermined period of time,
a period determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined period can be secured before the start of the operation-responsive effect based on the information specified by the destination specifying means when shifting to the volume adjustment state;
When the period determination means determines that the predetermined period can be secured, transition to the volume adjustment state is allowed, and when the determination means determines that the predetermined period cannot be secured, the volume adjustment state The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A5, further comprising means for regulating the transition to .

According to the configuration shown in this characteristic, when the period for the volume adjustment state can be secured before the operation-responsive effect is started, the transition to the volume adjustment state is permitted, and it is determined that the period cannot be secured. In this case, transition to the volume control state is restricted. With such a configuration, the technical ideas shown in feature A5 and the like can be suitably embodied.

Feature A11. The output control means is
sound source storage means for storing a plurality of different types of sound sources;
selection means for selecting one sound source or a plurality of sound sources to be output according to the game situation;
has
The volume control means is
volume setting means for setting volume for each sound source;
a sound source identifying means for identifying a sound source to be output when the volume is adjusted by the volume adjusting means;
The game according to any one of features A2 to A10, further comprising means for changing the volume set by the volume setting means for the sound source specified by the sound source specifying means. machine.

In a game machine of a type in which a sound source to be output is selected according to a game situation, the sound volume can be set according to the preference of the player by enabling sound volume setting for each sound source.

However, in the case of having such a plurality of sound sources, adjustment operations may become complicated if individual setting work is required for each sound source. It is assumed that this gives the player the impression that the operation is troublesome, and causes the volume control function not to be used effectively. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the sound source to be output is specified according to the situation in which the adjustment operation is performed, and the specified sound source is set as the volume adjustment target. It is possible to avoid the troublesomeness of individual settings. As a result, the convenience of the volume control function can be improved, and the use of the function can be promoted.

Feature A12. The volume control means is
Based on the operation of the operation means, the volume adjustment state transition means (the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 performs a transition process to the volume adjustment mode) to make the volume adjustment state in which the volume adjustment is permitted; ,
Volume change means for changing the volume based on the operation when the operation means is operated under the condition of the volume adjustment state (volume change processing is performed by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) functions to perform) and
The game according to feature A11, wherein the sound source identifying means is configured to identify the sound source of the sound being output when an operation triggering transition to the volume adjustment state is performed. machine.

In the first place, when considering that the game situation changes from moment to moment, and further that the volume adjustment operation requires a certain period of time, the timing of the actual volume change operation and the volume adjustment state should be considered. , and the timing at which the transition operation is performed. Here, regarding the sound source to be adjusted, by making the sound source that was the output target when the operation that triggered the transition to the volume adjustment state is performed into the volume adjustment target, it is possible to immediately meet the needs of the player. volume control is possible. This is because it is assumed that an operation related to volume adjustment (transition operation) is often performed at the timing when it is determined that the user wants to adjust the volume.

Feature A13. A volume storage means for storing the volume before the adjustment when the volume is adjusted based on the operation of the operation means,
Characteristic feature A12, characterized in that the volume adjustment means has means for setting the volume of the sound output means to the volume stored in the volume storage means when a predetermined return condition is satisfied. game machine.

As shown in feature A12, in the configuration that adjusts the volume for each sound source, the timing of the operation that triggers the transition to the volume adjustment state is delayed, so that the sound source that does not match the player's intention is adjusted. There may be cases where it becomes the target of Therefore, as shown in this feature, if a configuration is adopted in which the volume is restored to the volume before adjustment, the erroneously changed volume is restored to the volume before adjustment, thereby suitably suppressing the decrease in convenience.

Feature A14. The volume changing means is first volume adjusting means for temporarily adjusting the volume of the sound output means based on the operation when the operating means is operated while the game is in progress,
A second volume for adjusting the volume of the sound output means for a period longer than the adjustment period by the first volume adjustment means based on the operation when the operation means is operated while the game is not in progress. Equipped with means of adjustment,
The storage means, when the volume is adjusted by the first volume adjustment means, stores the volume adjusted by the second volume adjustment means before the adjustment,
Characteristic feature A13, characterized in that the volume adjustment means has means for setting the volume of the sound output means to the volume stored in the volume storage means when a predetermined return condition is satisfied. game machine.

Convenience is further improved by using together the first volume control means for temporarily changing the volume and the second volume control for adjusting the volume over a longer period of time. can contribute. In particular, after the volume is temporarily increased or decreased, the technical idea shown in feature A13 can be suitably embodied by returning to the base volume.

Feature A15. a situation storage means for storing a situation in which the volume adjustment was performed;
volume storage means for storing a volume adjustment result corresponding to the situation stored by the situation storage means;
any one of features A2 to A14, further comprising correction means for adjusting the volume stored by the volume storage means when the situation becomes the same as the situation stored by the situation storage means. The gaming machine described in 1.

According to feature A15, when the volume is adjusted in a desired situation, the volume is automatically adjusted (corrected) based on the previous adjustment result when the same situation occurs thereafter. . As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for the player to perform repeated adjustment operations, and appropriately suppress an increase in the operation burden due to the improvement in convenience.

Feature A16. The game according to feature A15, further comprising means for returning the volume adjusted by the correction means to the volume before correction by the correction means based on the end of the situation stored by the situation storage means. machine.

The sound volume correction shown in feature A15 is canceled at the end of the above situation. As a result, the volume can be changed in accordance with the player's needs, and the automatic volume correction function can be prevented from causing annoyance to the player.

<Characteristic group B>
Feature B1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, a ball entering the operation openings 33a and 33b) (information acquisition processing is performed by the MPU 202 of the main controller 81) functions to perform) and
Acquired information storage means (RAM 204 of main controller 81) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Attachment determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to attachment information (a function of executing a correctness determination process or the like by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81);
A game control means (a function of executing a game round control process etc. by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) that performs processing to progress the game based on the result of grant determination by the grant determination means;
operation means (operation button 75) operated by the player;
sound output means (speaker unit 64) for outputting audible sound (for example, dramatic sound);
Output control means (sound output function in MPU 242 of notification/production control device 82) that controls the output of audible sound by the sound output means as the game progresses;
a situation grasping means for grasping a game situation when the operation means is operated when the operation means is operated;
A game machine characterized by comprising a volume adjustment means (a volume adjustment function in the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82) for adjusting the volume of the sound output means according to the situation grasped by the situation grasping means. .

By making it possible to adjust the sound volume of the sound output means in accordance with the needs of the player, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of satisfaction during playing the game. However, if the volume is increased unnecessarily, it will give the other players the impression that it is annoying, and if the volume is excessively decreased, it is assumed that the significance of the sound effects will decrease. Further, in the gaming machine of the type that outputs the above-described effect sound, the sound output (the sound source to be output) may be different for each game situation. For this reason, uniformly increasing or decreasing the volume may cause excess or deficiency, such as excessive volume in situations where it is not necessary, or insufficient volume in situations where it is necessary. Here, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the sound volume is adjusted according to the game situation when the operation is performed, and the sound volume can be changed in accordance with the player's needs. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress excessive or insufficient sound volume, and it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the various inconveniences described above.

It should be noted that this feature includes "operation corresponding effect execution means for executing an operation corresponding effect corresponding to the operation based on the fact that the operation means is operated (a function of executing the operation corresponding effect by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 )” and using the operation means used in the operation-responsive presentation for the operation for adjusting the volume, it is possible to suitably suppress the complication of the structure of the game machine due to the provision of the volume adjustment function.

Feature B2. The output control means is
sound source storage means for storing a plurality of different types of sound sources;
selection means for selecting one sound source or a plurality of sound sources to be output according to the game situation;
has
The volume control means is
volume setting means for setting volume for each sound source;
a sound source identifying means for identifying a sound source to be output when the volume is adjusted by the volume adjusting means;
The gaming machine according to feature B1, further comprising means for changing the sound volume set by the sound volume setting means for the sound source specified by the sound source specifying means.

In a game machine of a type in which a sound source to be output is selected according to a game situation, the sound volume can be set according to the preference of the player by enabling sound volume setting for each sound source.

However, in the case of having such a plurality of sound sources, adjustment operations may become complicated if individual setting work is required for each sound source. It is assumed that this gives the player the impression that the operation is troublesome, and causes the volume control function not to be used effectively. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the sound source to be output is specified according to the situation in which the adjustment operation is performed, and the specified sound source is set as the volume adjustment target. It is possible to avoid the troublesomeness of individual settings. As a result, the convenience of the volume control function can be improved, and the use of the function can be promoted.

Feature B3. The volume control means is
Based on the operation of the operation means, the volume adjustment state transition means (the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82 performs a transition process to the volume adjustment mode) to make the volume adjustment state in which the volume adjustment is permitted; ,
Volume change means for changing the volume based on the operation when the operation means is operated under the condition of the volume adjustment state (volume change processing is performed by the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) functions to perform) and
The game according to feature B2, wherein the sound source identifying means is configured to identify the sound source of the sound being output when an operation triggering transition to the volume adjustment state is performed. machine.

In the first place, when considering that the game situation changes from moment to moment, and further that the volume adjustment operation requires a certain period of time, the timing of the actual volume change operation and the volume adjustment state should be considered. , and the timing at which the transition operation is performed. Here, regarding the sound source to be adjusted, by making the sound source that was the output target when the operation that triggered the transition to the volume adjustment state is performed into the volume adjustment target, it is possible to immediately meet the needs of the player. volume control is possible. This is because it is assumed that an operation related to volume adjustment (transition operation) is often performed at the timing when it is determined that the user wants to adjust the volume.

Feature B4. A volume storage means for storing the volume before the adjustment when the volume is adjusted based on the operation of the operation means,
The feature B2 or the feature characterized in that the volume control means has means for setting the volume of the sound output means to the volume stored in the volume storage means when a predetermined return condition is satisfied. The gaming machine described in B3.

As shown in feature B2 and the like, in the configuration for adjusting the volume for each sound source, the timing of the operation that triggers the transition to the volume adjustment state is delayed, resulting in a sound source that does not match the player's intention. There may be cases where it becomes the target of adjustment. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if a configuration is adopted in which the volume is restored to the volume before adjustment, the erroneously changed volume is restored to the volume before adjustment, thereby suitably suppressing the decrease in convenience.

Feature B5. a situation storage means for storing a situation in which the volume adjustment was performed;
volume storage means for storing a volume adjustment result corresponding to the situation stored by the situation storage means;
any one of features B2 to B4, further comprising correction means for adjusting the volume stored by the volume storage means when the situation becomes the same as the situation stored by the situation storage means. The gaming machine described in 1.

According to feature B5, when the volume is adjusted in a desired situation, the volume is automatically adjusted (corrected) based on the previous adjustment result when the same situation occurs thereafter. . As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for the player to perform repeated adjustment operations, and appropriately suppress an increase in the operation burden due to the improvement in convenience.

Feature B6. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, a ball entering the operation openings 33a and 33b) (information acquisition processing is performed by the MPU 202 of the main controller 81) functions to perform) and
Acquired information storage means (RAM 204 of main controller 81) for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Attachment determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to attachment information (a function of executing a correctness determination process or the like by the MPU 202 of the main control unit 81);
A game control means (a function of executing a game round control process etc. by the MPU 202 of the main control device 81) that performs processing to progress the game based on the result of grant determination by the grant determination means;
operation means (operation button 75) operated by the player;
sound output means (speaker unit 64) for outputting audible sound (for example, dramatic sound);
Output control means (sound output function in MPU 242 of notification/production control device 82) that controls the output of audible sound by the sound output means as the game progresses;
When the operation means is operated while the game is in progress, the first volume adjustment means (the volume in the MPU 242 of the notification/production control device 82) adjusts the volume of the sound output means based on the operation. adjustment function) and
When the operation means is operated while the game is not progressing, the second volume adjustment means (the volume in the MPU 242 of the notification / effect control device 82) that adjusts the volume of the sound output means based on the operation A gaming machine characterized by comprising an adjustment function).

By making it possible to adjust the sound volume of the sound output means in accordance with the needs of the player, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of satisfaction during playing the game. In this feature, in particular, by using together the first volume control means that functions when the game is in progress and the second volume control means that functions when the game is not in progress, the same sound can be obtained for each situation. It is possible to adjust the volume in different modes using the operating means. For example, as a configuration in which the first release condition for releasing the adjustment by the first volume control means is more likely to be satisfied than the second release condition for canceling the adjustment by the second volume control means, the volume control using the first volume control means It is also possible to have a configuration in which the period during which the result reaches differs from the period during which the result of the volume control using the second volume control means is applied.

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

Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball shooting handle 45) operated by a player, game ball shooting means (game ball shooting mechanism 53) for shooting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, and A ball passage (rail portions 51, 52) that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game part (such as a nail) arranged in the game area. A game machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a winning opening 31, etc.).

Spindle-type gaming machine such as slot machine: Equipped with variable display means for finally stopping and displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols after the symbol row is variably displayed, and the symbol variation starts due to the operation of the starting operation means A special game that is advantageous to the player under the condition that the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping or after the lapse of a predetermined time, and that the final stopped symbol at the time of stopping is a specific symbol. A gaming machine designed to generate a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using belt-type game machine: Equipped with variable display means for displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then finally stopping the symbol row; A special game state (bonus game, etc.), further comprising: a throwing device for performing a throwing process of taking in a game ball from the ball tray provided with a ball tray; and a payout device for putting out the game ball to the ball tray. A game machine constructed so that the operation of the starting operation means is enabled by inserting a game ball through the above.

10 Pachinko machine as game machine 14 Front door frame as door body 24 Game board 33 Operation port unit 33a, 33b Operation port 41 Pattern display device as pattern display means 41a Display screen 64 Speaker unit as sound output means 75 Operation button as operation means 81 Main control device 82 Notification/production control device 202 MPU 203 ROM 204 RAM 241 Notification/effect control board, 242...MPU, 243...ROM, 244...RAM.

Claims (1)

information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
Acquired information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
addition determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to the addition information;
A game control means for performing a process to progress the game based on the result of grant determination by the grant determination means;
an operation means operated by a player;
sound output means capable of outputting audible sound;
sound control means for controlling the sound output means according to the progress of the game;
a volume adjusting means for adjusting the volume of the sound output means;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

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