JP2023120421A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably realizing diversification of a game.SOLUTION: When game balls enter an operation hole provided in a game area, a winning/losing lottery is executed based on the entry. When a normal jackpot occurs by the lottery, control is shifted to a second normal game state corresponding to a low-probability mode and a high-frequency support mode after completion of a special game state. When the number of game times executed in the second normal game state reaches the number of end reference times, control is shifted to a first normal game state corresponding to a low-probability mode and a low-frequency mode. In the final game round in which the number of end reference times is reached in the second normal game state, the volume of a speaker part 29 becomes 0 at timing before a pattern combination is established and displayed on a pattern display device 253, thus resulting in a silent state in which output of BGM and effect sounds corresponding to the second normal game state is avoided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a pattern display device that variably displays patterns on a display screen. In this type of game machine, for example, when a prize is won in an operation port provided in a game area, a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to generate a special game state such as a winning state that is advantageous to the player. Variable display is started. When the player wins the lottery, the pattern combination corresponding to the winning result is finally displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to the special game state.

In this type of game machine, by providing a plurality of support modes using electric accessories installed in the operation openings and a lottery mode of the above-mentioned lottery based on the winning of the operation openings, etc., the diversification of the game is realized. is suppressed from becoming monotonous (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-074175 A

However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the gaming machine in order to diversify the games as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably realizing diversification of games.

The present invention
A starting ball entry section provided in the game area;
Information acquiring means for acquiring special information based on the ball entering the starting ball entering section;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information;
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game round control means for controlling a predetermined notification means such as
A first game state and a second game state are provided as game states, and when the number of games played in the second game state reaches a specified number, the second game state is shifted to the first game state. and
a speaker unit that outputs sound;
A sound control means for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting predetermined music corresponding to the second game state from the speaker unit when the second game state is established;
When the number of special information stored in the obtained information storage means reaches a predetermined number in the final game round of the second game state when the number of games executed in the second game state reaches the specified number. a stopping means for stopping the output of the predetermined music by the output means;
The sound control means has means for switching the music output from the speaker unit with the transition to the first game state from the predetermined music to music corresponding to the first game state,
The stopping means has means for, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped in the final game round of the second game state, continuing the stopped state until the state is shifted to the first game state. It is characterized by

According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably realize diversification of games.

1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. 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. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view showing the configuration of the game board unit. It is the perspective view which looked at the game board unit from the back. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a back pack unit. 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 an explanatory view for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning or losing lottery. It is a schematic diagram showing a right or wrong table. (a), (b) Schematic diagram showing a distribution table, (c) Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the hit type and the support mode. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing by MPU of a 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 flowchart showing normal processing by an MPU of a main control device; 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. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a variable display time table; It is a flowchart which shows game state transition processing. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure which concerns on an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus and a display control apparatus. (a) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between BGM and a game state, (b) a timing chart showing the flow of BGM switching. (a) Schematic diagram showing types of sound effects, (b) Schematic diagram showing volume levels. It is a flowchart which shows the game state correspondence sound volume control processing by MPU of an alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing special control processing; It is a flowchart which shows a big-hit result process. 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a modification related to volume level switching; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a variable display time table in the second embodiment; FIG. It is a flow chart which shows special control processing by MPU of an information and production control device. 9 is a flowchart showing mute start processing; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing special control processing in the third embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a mute start determination process; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; It is a flowchart which shows the variable display control process performed by MPU of the alerting|reporting / production|presentation control apparatus in 4th Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows fluctuation start processing. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a variable display time table; (a) A schematic diagram exemplifying a variable display mode of symbols in a normal effect, (b) A schematic diagram exemplifying a variable display mode of symbols in a special effect. 4 is a flowchart showing special control processing; It is a flowchart which shows a big-hit result process. 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching; 4 is a timing chart illustrating the flow of volume level switching;

<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.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is constructed by connecting a long frame material to four sides, and is formed so as to form a rectangular frame shape as a whole. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. Incidentally, 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 an island facility or the like of the game hall.

The gaming machine main section 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Specifically, an upper supporting metal fitting 17 is fixed to a connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a lower support bracket 17 is fixed to a connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11. A side support fitting 18 is provided. A support mechanism is constituted by these upper support metal fittings 17 and lower support metal fittings 18, and the main part 12 of the game machine rotates to the outer frame 11 with respect to the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front. , and can be rotated forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the right side as the tip of rotation (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main section 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a door frame 14 arranged behind the inner frame 13. A back pack unit 15 is provided. In addition, the inner frame 13 of the game machine main portion 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 when viewed from the front of the game machine.

A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with the left side as the rotation base side and the right side as the rotation tip side in the front view of the game machine. In addition, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable backward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front of the game machine. there is

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a frame body 20 made of synthetic resin whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers substantially the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. there is A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame 20 so that substantially the entire game area PE, which will be described later, can be visually recognized from the front. It is closed from the rear side of the front door frame 14.例文帳に追加

The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23 . A partition portion is formed in the glass holder to partition the holding area of the glass panel 23 in the front and rear direction, and the two glass panels 23 face each other in the front and rear direction with the partition portion interposed therebetween. In other words, by securing a predetermined gap between both glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the glass panels 23 doubly cover the game area PE from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.例文帳に追加state.

It should be noted that it is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20 . Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, in view of the improvement of safety and security, it is preferable to adopt a plurality of glass panels and to face each glass panel in the front and rear with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a transparent synthetic resin panel member in place of the glass panel.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21). For example, along the periphery of the window portion 21, an annular decorative portion 26 containing light emitting means such as an LED is provided. The annular illumination portion 26 lights up or flashes in accordance with changes in the gaming state such as when a big win is made or when a predetermined reach is reached. Further, an error display lamp portion 27 is provided at the top of the pachinko machine 10 at the center of the annular illumination portion 26, and lights up when a problem such as an error occurs. A prize ball lamp part 28 that lights up is provided. In addition, speaker units 29 for outputting sound effects, BGM, etc. according to the game state are provided at positions close to the left and right winning ball lamp units 28 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In the speaker unit 29, the monotony of the game is suppressed by switching the BGM or the like according to the game state.

Below the window portion 21 of the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32, which bulge forward, are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that similarly opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper tray 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later, aligning them in a line, and guiding them to a game ball shooting mechanism described later. In addition, the lower plate 34 has a function of storing game balls that have become surplus in the upper plate 33 and a game ball that has not reached the game area PE (see FIG. 3) out of the game balls shot by the game ball shooting mechanism. It has a function as a receptacle for storing the ejected game balls when the balls are returned to the player.

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

A game ball shooting handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower swelling portion 32 so as to protrude forward. By operating the game ball shooting handle 41, a game ball is shot from a game ball shooting mechanism which will be described later. The shooting speed of the game ball increases as the amount of operation (the amount of rotation) of the game ball shooting handle 41 increases. It reaches the area PE. Further, by adjusting this operation amount by the player, it becomes possible to separate the hitting of the game ball into the right route and the left route, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the rear surface of the front door frame 14 . The passage forming unit 45 is molded of synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34 . In the passage forming unit 45, a receptacle projecting rearward and opening upward is formed at an upper corner of the passage forming unit 45, and the receptacle is divided into left and right by a partition wall to form an entrance of the front door side upper tray passage. A section and an entrance section of the front door side lower tray passage are partitioned. The upstream side of the front door side upper tray passage and the front door side lower tray passage communicates with a game ball distribution section to be described later. A game ball entering the plate passage is guided to a lower plate 34. - 特許庁

Projection shafts are provided at the upper end and lower end of the rear surface of the front door frame 14 on the rotation base end side. These projecting shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13 .

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

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

Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to upper and lower ends of the front face of the inner frame base body 50 on the base end side of rotation (left side in FIG. 5). Although not shown, the support metal fittings 71 and 72 have shafts, and the bearings provided on the front door frame 14 are inserted into the shafts, whereby the front door frame is attached to the inner frame 13 . 14 is rotatably supported.

A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is disposed on the rotating tip side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame base body 50 . The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end of the inner frame base body 50 (vertical frame member to be described later). have. Hook receiving members 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 on the inner frame base member 50 have slits for protruding to the front side of the inner frame 13 corresponding to the front door hook members 76 respectively. formed in this way. The front door hook members 76 protruding through the slits are engaged with hook receiving members 49 provided on the front door frame 14 in one-to-one correspondence with the front door hook members 76, whereby the front door is opened. The frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 75 also has an inner frame hook member 77 extending rearward of the inner frame 13 . The main part 12 of the game machine is locked with respect to the outer frame 11 in a closed state by hooking these inner frame hook members 77 on the hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11 .

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

A housing recess 51 for housing the game board unit 80 is formed in the central portion of the inner frame base body 50 . The housing recess is recessed toward the rear of the game machine according to the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed by a manual lock mechanism in a state of being fitted into the housing recess 51 from the front of the game machine. A substantially rectangular window hole 52 is formed in the bottom of the housing recess 51 , and the rear structure of the game board unit 80 (a rear block 80 b described later) protrudes rearward of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52 . . It should be noted that almost the entire window hole 52 is covered from the front of the game machine by the game board unit 80 attached to the inner frame base body 50 .

(Game board unit 80)
The game board unit 80 includes a game area formation body 80a in which a game area PE is formed on the front side in which game balls flow down, and a game area formation body 80a provided on the back side of the game area formation body 80a. device, movable performance mechanism, decorative member capable of emitting light, etc.) are integrated with the back block 80b in which the base body 251 is mounted. The game area forming body 80a is made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and the front portion of the back block 80b is visible through the game area forming body 80a.

As already explained, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the glass panel 23 on the rear side). The glass unit 22 is arranged so that the gap between the rear side glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game area forming body 80a is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game ball flowing down the game area PE are arranged so as not to line up in front and back at the same location. This suppresses ball clogging in the game area PE.

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

The game area forming body 80a is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its thickness direction (front-rear direction). As shown in FIG. 6, each opening is provided with a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, operating openings 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, and the like. When a game ball enters the general winning hole 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operation holes 83a, 83b, the game ball is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) provided corresponding to each ball entry part, and the detection result is obtained. A privilege such as a predetermined number of prize balls (distribution of game balls) is given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the bottom of the game area formation body 80a, and game balls that have not entered various ball entry portions are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball entering the out hole 89, the game ball entering the general winning hole 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating holes 83a and 83b will be referred to as "winning". express.

Also, in the game area forming body 80a, a large number of nail members 93 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill 94 are arranged. It is These nail members 93, windmills 94, etc., divide the game ball's downflow path, and are adjusted so that winning to the above-described general winning opening 81 or the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the game area forming body 80a, and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached so as to cover the central opening 85 from the back side of the game area forming body 80a. A variable display unit 252 belonging to the rear block 80b is positioned behind the central opening 85, and the variable display unit 252 and the like are visible from the front of the gaming machine through the central opening 85 (opening cover 86). there is In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the opening cover 86 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line, showing a state in which the variable display unit 252 is visible.

Activation openings 83a and 83b, a through gate 84, and the like are arranged around the central opening 85. As shown in FIG. The operating ports 83a and 83b are composed of an upper operating port 83a provided below the variable display unit 252 and a lower operating port 83b provided immediately below the upper operating port 83a. The (lottery trigger ball entry portion) 83b is provided with an electric accessory 91 as an opening/closing type ball entry assisting device (ball entry assisting means) or an opening/closing member (opening/closing means). The electric accessory 91 has a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit for driving the movable piece. By changing the position of the movable piece by the drive unit, the ball enters the lower operation opening 83b. It is possible to switch between an open state (assisted state) in which it is possible or easy, and a closed state (non-assisted state) in which it is impossible or difficult to enter the same ball.

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

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

The variable winning device (special ball entry device or special ball entry means) 82 is formed with a large winning opening that leads to the back side of the game area forming body 80a, and an opening/closing member (opening/closing member) that opens and closes the large winning opening. means) is provided. The opening/closing door can be switched between an open state (assisted state) in which entry of a game ball is possible or facilitated, and a closed state (non-assisted state) in which entry of a game ball is impossible or difficult. In addition, the opening and closing door is connected to a variable prize winning driving unit (more specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game area forming body 80a. In the case of winning the transition to the opening and closing execution mode (opening and closing execution state) (jackpot: when the result is a transition to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state) so that it can be switched to the open state It has become.

Here, the open/close execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a jackpot is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the open/close execution mode, for example, a plurality of rounds (eg, 4, 8, 16 rounds), where one round is defined as the elapse of a predetermined time (eg, 30 sec) or the winning of a predetermined number (eg, 10). is set so that the opening of the open/close door is repeated.

Here, a supplementary description of the variable display unit 252 will be given. The variable display unit 252 has a symbol display device 253 that variably displays (variably displays) symbols triggered by the winning of the operation ports 83a and 83b. The pattern display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display, and its display contents are controlled by a display control device which will be described later. On the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253, 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. When a jackpot is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped (fixed display) on a preset effective line, and the opening/closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot) is entered. . The pattern display device 253 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix display device or a 7-segment display device.

A center frame 95 is provided in the game area forming body 80a so as to surround the central opening 85. As shown in FIG. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, a plate) from its front side, and in this fixed state, it stands up from the front of the game area forming body 80a. , the clearance between the center frame 95 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, the game ball flowing down the game area PE is prevented from colliding with the pattern display device 253, and the flowing path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is set to the right side of the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 95). It is roughly divided into a route that bypasses from the left side and a route that bypasses from the left side.

A stage portion is formed on the upper surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 95 so that the game ball can roll left and right. Game balls that flow in from inlets formed in the left and right frame portions of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage portion through warp passages also formed in the center frame 95 . The stage portion is configured so that the game ball that reaches the stage portion relatively easily flows into the upper operation port 83a, and the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage portion is improved. contributes to

Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the central opening 85 is covered with the transparent opening cover 86 so that the game ball reaching the stage portion does not move toward the rear block 80b (variable display unit 252). regulated by

A first holding lamp portion 98a and a second holding lamp portion 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame portion forming the lower portion of the center frame 95. As shown in FIG. The first holding lamp portion 98a on the left side corresponds to the upper operating port 83a, and the number of times the game ball passes through the upper operating port 83a is held up to four times. It is now displayed. The second holding lamp portion 98b on the right side corresponds to the lower operating port 83b, and the number of times the game ball passes through the lower operating port 83b is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is increased by lighting the second holding lamp portion 98b. is displayed.

The operation openings 83a and 83b are arranged at positions close to the central opening 85 (variable display unit 252). Since the transition to the special game state can be triggered by the winning of the operation ports 83a, 83b, the player pays attention to whether the operation ports 83a, 83b win or not, and grasps whether or not to shift to the special game state. Therefore, it is considered that attention is focused on the pattern display device 253 . The actuation openings 83a and 83b are provided near the variable display unit 252 as a means of concentrating on the periphery of the variable display unit 252 where the player wants to pay attention.

At the right end of the game area forming body 80a (rotating tip of the game board unit 80, which will be described later), a game area partitioning member 99 is arranged to partition and form the game area PE together with the guide rail 100, which will be described later. The game area partitioning member 99 is provided with a stopper member against which game balls flying along the main display unit 87 and the guide rail 100 collide. The stopper member is a buffer member arranged near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member is weakened and then flows down the game area PE. In other words, the stopper member is provided with a force reducing function for weakening the force of the game ball that collides with it.

Here, a supplementary description of the main display unit 87 will be given. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partitioning member 99 , and a part thereof is arranged so as to face the glass unit 22 . A main display section on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and the display contents of the main display section are controlled by the main control device.

The main display portion includes an upper working port display portion for displaying the lottery result based on the winning at the upper working port 83a, and a lower working port display portion for displaying the lottery result based on the winning at the lower working port 83b. and a display. A plurality of light-emitting units (LEDs) are combined in the display unit for the upper operation port and the display unit for the lower operation port, and it is possible to change the pattern by switching the LED to be lighted. .

In the display unit for the upper working port, the winning of the upper working port 83a triggers the variable display of the pattern, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper working port 83a is performed. The results are made explicit. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the upper operation port 83a is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, the display unit for the upper operation port stops the variable display, and the stop result is a predetermined result. is displayed, the opening/closing execution mode is entered.

In the display unit for the lower working port, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the lower working port 83b as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower working port 83b is performed. The results are made explicit. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the lower operating port 83b is the winning result corresponding to the big win, the variable display is stopped in the lower operating port display unit, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result. After that, according to the result, the opening/closing execution mode is entered.

Here, based on the winning of any one of the operation openings 83a and 83b, the corresponding operation opening display portion starts to display the changing pattern, and after the pattern corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed, the pattern is displayed. is stopped and displayed until a predetermined stop display time (stop display period or fixed display time) elapses (until the fixed display ends) corresponds to one game cycle. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, for example, a single display area is provided, and even if a prize is won in any of the operation openings 83a and 83b, the single display area is displayed. In the configuration where the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and after the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed, until the fixed display is completed. can be set to be one of the game rounds.

In the present embodiment, the number of times the game ball has entered the upper working port 83a and the lower working port 83b is retained up to four times at maximum. A reserved number display portion for the upper working port and a reserved number displaying portion for the lower working port are provided for displaying the number of reservations (number of reservations) corresponding to the ports 83a and 83b.

In addition to the above two display sections, the main display section of the main display unit 87 is also provided with a through-gate display section for displaying the lottery result based on the winning of the through-gate 84 . In the through-gate display unit, the winning of the through-gate 84 triggers the variable display of the pattern, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through-gate 84 is clearly indicated. be done. When the result of the internal lottery based on the prize winning to the through gate 84 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric duty open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit and the variable display is not performed. After being stopped, it shifts to the power release state. In the electric operation open state, the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower operation opening 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times the game ball passes through the through gate 84 is retained up to four times, and the number of times the game ball is retained is displayed on the main display portion of the main display unit 87. A pending number display is provided.

The main display section described in detail above is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and game balls are prevented from moving in front of these various display sections. Therefore, its visibility is guaranteed.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the structure of the inner frame 13 will be described. Below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50, a game ball is shot into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball shooting handle 41. A game ball shooting mechanism 110 for shooting is provided.

(Game ball launching mechanism 110)
The game ball shooting mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 for shooting a game ball placed at a predetermined shooting standby position, a shooting rail 112 for defining the shooting direction of the game ball shot by the solenoid 111, and a game ball at the shooting standby position. A ball feeding device 113 that supplies balls and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components. It is integrated with the inner frame base body 50 .

The shooting rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an oblique state so as to be inclined upward toward the game area forming body 80a. A groove portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed in the launch rail 112, and a game ball is fitted in the groove portion so that the front and rear positions of the game ball are defined.

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

Solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply and launch control device, which will be described later. By reciprocating the output shaft of the solenoid 111 in the expansion and contraction direction based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply/shooting control device, the game ball placed at the shooting standby position moves to the side of the game area forming body 80a. is launched toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game area forming body 80a.

The guide rail 100 partitions the game area PE together with the game area partitioning member 99 fixed to the game area forming body 80a (specifically, the front surface of the plate) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. there is In addition, the guide rail 100 consists of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 which are arranged so as to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball. It is The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 opened to the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion 105 located above the game area PE. A game ball shot based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the shooting rail 112→the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104→the exit portion 105). In addition, in the game area forming body 80a, on the front side of the exit portion 105, more specifically, in the vicinity of the tip of the inner rail 101, a return prevention member 106 that prevents the game ball that has reached the game area PE from returning into the guide passage 103. is attached to suppress the following game ball from being hindered by the game ball reaching the game area PE first.

Each of the rails 101 and 102 that constitute the guide rail 100 has an arcuate shape centered on the substantially central portion of the game area PE. Therefore, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (sliding or rolling) along the outer rail 102, that is, while in contact with the outer rail 102 due to the centrifugal force generated by itself. In other words, when the game ball is launched so as to reach the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide path 103 constitutes a passage area (passage route) through which the game ball passes. However, the area along the inner rail 101 is substantially an area through which the game ball does not pass.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other obliquely across the lower edge of the game area forming body 80a. are placed in In other words, both rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are laterally shifted near the lower edge of the play area forming body 80a. As a result, both rails 100 and 112 are brought closer to the lower edge of the game area forming body 80a, while a gap of a predetermined distance is formed between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112. As shown in FIG.

A foul ball passage is arranged below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage is formed integrally with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14 . If the game balls shot from the game ball shooting mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return in the guide path 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball path through the gap. Become. The foul ball passage communicates with the front door side lower tray passage, and the game ball entering the foul ball passage is discharged to the lower tray 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be launched next.

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

A through hole is formed in the inner frame base body 50 on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14) to penetrate the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction. A passage forming member 121 is arranged in the . The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50 and has a main body side upper tray passage 122 and a main body side lower tray passage 123 . The upstream side of the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 communicates with a game ball distribution section which will be described later. In addition, below the passage forming member 121, the socket portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted, and below the main body side upper plate passage 122, the front door side upper plate passage is arranged, A front door side upper tray passage is arranged below the main body side lower tray passage 123 .

Below the passage forming member 121 in the inner frame base body 50, an opening/closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 is attached. The opening/closing member 124 is urged to a front position to close the upper tray passage 122 and the lower tray passage 123 on the main body side. By being in the closed state, game balls are prevented from falling out of the passages 122 and 123.例文帳に追加On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the open/close member 124 is pushed open by the receptacle provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14 against the urging force. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage communicate with each other, and further, the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage communicate with each other.

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

As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing metal fitting 132 is attached to the back surface of the inner frame base body 50 on the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 8). Bearing portions 133 are formed on the bearing metal fitting 132 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. A plurality of fixing levers 134 are provided on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state.

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

As already explained, the back block 80b is attached to the back of the game area forming body 80a. The back block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 opened to the side of the game area forming body 80a, and the base body 251 is fixed to the back side of the game area forming body 80a to form a game area. The body 80a and the back block 80b are integrated.

The front side of the base body 251 serves as an arrangement area for movable production mechanisms, decorative members capable of emitting light, etc., and the rear side thereof includes a control device for controlling these various configurations and the variable display unit 252 (the pattern display device). 253).

More specifically, a portion of the base body 251 protrudes toward the back side of the inner frame base body 50, and the above-described pattern display device 253 (see FIG. 6) and its pattern display device are attached to the protruding portion. A display controller for driving H.253 is attached. The pattern display device 253 and the display control device are stacked in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50) so that the pattern display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side. Further, a notification/effect control device 140 is mounted on the rear surface of the base body 251 so as to be positioned behind the display control device.

The notification/effect control device 140 is equipped with a notification/effect control board that controls the output of sound, lamp display, and display control device in accordance with instructions from the main control device described later, and the notification/effect control board is transparent. It is housed in a board box 141 made of resin material or the like.

A main control device unit 160 is provided below the notification/production control device 140 so as to cover the base body 96 from behind. The main controller unit 160 has a synthetic resin mount 161 fixed to the back of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b) and a main controller 162 mounted on the mount 161. there is The main control device 162 is provided with a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that governs the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power supply, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a board box 163 made of, for example.

The board box 163 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 unopenably connected by a box sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short sides of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are combined in an unopenable manner. The base and box cover are adapted to be unopenably joined. The sealing process by the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if unauthorized opening should occur, such a situation can be detected early and easily. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after the package has been opened. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole of the plurality of box sealing portions 164 . When the circuit board box 163 is to be opened, such as when a problem occurs with the main control circuit board housed therein or when the main control circuit board is inspected, the connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the circuit board box 163 body is opened. disconnect. As a result, the box base and box cover of the board box 163 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If the history of the opening of the circuit board box 163 is left in the circuit board box 163, it can be easily found that the circuit board box 163 has been illegally opened.

The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are unopenably connected by a pedestal sealing portion 165 . More specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has locking holes and locking pins in the same manner as the box sealing portion 164 . The mounting base 161 is connected inseparably. As a result, when the board box 163 is illegally removed, the fact can be easily grasped.

In the front part of the base body 251, the part facing the lower back surface of the game area forming body 80a corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operation openings 83a and 83b, and downstream. A collection passage (not shown) is formed to gather at one place on the side. As a result, all the winning game balls such as the general winning opening 81 are gathered under the game board unit 80 through the recovery path. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting game balls that have entered various winning holes.

A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls collected under the game board unit 80 are discharged into the discharge passage by the collection passage. It should be noted that the out port 89 is similarly connected to the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won in any of the prize winning ports are drawn out into the discharge passage through the out port 89 .

Further, the base body 251 constituting the rear block 80b includes, as detection sensors for the respective ball entry portions described above, a detection sensor for a general prize winning opening for detecting a game ball that has entered the general prize winning opening 81, and an operation opening 83a. , 83b, and a detection sensor for an operation port for detecting a game ball that has entered 83b. These various detection sensors constitute a winning detection mechanism. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main controller 162 , and detection information (detection signals) from each detection sensor is output to the main controller 162 .

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

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

The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 10, includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion protruding to the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. 212. The protective cover part 212 has a shape in which left and right sides and an upper surface are closed and only a lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see FIG. 9).

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower locking pins 214 at the right end as seen from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the locking pins 214 are provided on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13 by inserting it through the portion 133 . The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixed levers 134 provided on the inner frame 13 are inserted. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by contact.

A payout mechanism part 202 is arranged on the base part 211 so as to bypass the protective cover part 212 . The payout mechanism unit 202 is provided with a tank 221 arranged on the top of the back pack 201 and opened upward, and the tank 221 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall. be. A tank rail 222 gently sloping downstream is connected to the side of the tank 221 , and a vertically extending case rail 223 is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222 . A dispensing device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223 . The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution portion 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided downstream of the payout device 224 .

The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or a discharge passage to be described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper tray 33 via the side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage. It is

At the lower end of the base portion 211, the discharge passage board and control device collective unit 204 is attached so as to sandwich the lower end in the front and rear direction. The discharge passage board has a rearwardly open discharge passage formed on the surface facing the control device assembly unit 204 , and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204 . The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game balls to the island facilities of the game hall, etc., and the game balls drawn out from the collection passage or the like to the discharge passage pass through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Ejected.

The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241 on which a payout control device 242 and a power supply/launch control device 243 are mounted. The payout control device 242 and the power supply/launch control device 243 are arranged one on top of the other in such a manner that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10 .

In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is accommodated in a board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board protrudes outside the board box 244. For example, when a dispensing error such as a ball clogging occurs in the dispensing device 224, pressing the state return switch 245 clears the ball clogging.

The power/fire control device 243 has a power/fire control board housed in a board box 246 . The power supply/shooting control board generates and outputs a predetermined power supply required by various control devices, etc., and further controls the launching of game balls accompanying the operation of the game ball shooting handle 41 by the player. Specifically, drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball shooting mechanism 110 and drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

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

Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a memory holding function of various data, and even in the event of a power failure, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure when recovering from the power failure. It is possible. For example, when the power supply is cut off according to a normal procedure such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the cutoff is stored and held. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided in the main controller 162, the RAM data is initialized.

These various switches can be operated from the front side of the game machine by opening the main part 12 (inner frame 13) of the game machine to expose the rear part of the inner frame 13. FIG. On the other hand, when the locking device 75 restricts the opening of the game machine main section 12, the various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the game machine. In other words, the various switches described above are difficult to operate when the main part 12 of the game machine is closed. making it difficult.

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

An MPU 402 is mounted on a main control board 401 provided in the main controller 162 . The MPU 402 is a ROM 403 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 402, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 403. It is an element containing a RAM 404, 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 402, for example, the functions of the ROM 403 and the functions of the RAM 404 may be provided as separate elements.

The MPU 402 is provided with an input port and an output port. An input side of the MPU 402 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 405 provided in the main controller 162, a payout controller 242, various detection sensors, and the like. A power supply/emission control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 405 , and power is supplied to the MPU 402 via the power failure monitoring board 405 .

As part of the various detection sensors, a ball entry detection sensor 391a that detects a ball entering (winning a prize) into the general prize winning opening 81, a ball entering detection sensor 391b that detects a ball entering (winning a prize) into the variable prize winning device 82, and a variable winning a prize. A ball entry detection sensor 391c that detects a ball (winning) entering the device 82 (large winning opening), a ball entering detection sensor 391d that detects a ball (winning) entering the upper operation opening 83a, and an entry into the lower operation opening 83b. A ball entry detection sensor 391e for detecting a ball (winning a prize) and a ball entering detection sensor 391f for detecting a ball entering (winning a prize) into the through gate 84 are connected. Winning determination (entering ball determination) is performed. In addition, the MPU 402 executes a jackpot generating lottery based on winnings to the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, and executes a support generating lottery based on winnings to the through gate 84. FIG.

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

Various commands such as a variation start command, a type command, a variation end command, an opening command and an ending command are output from the main controller 162 to the notification/production control device 140 . In this case, the command information storage area 425 of the ROM 403 is referred to when outputting these various commands. 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 402, a variable winning driving unit that opens and closes the opening/closing body (for example, the shutter member 88) of the variable winning device 82, an electric accessory driving unit that opens and closes the electric accessory 91 of the lower operation opening 83b, and A main display unit 87 is connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 401, and the MPU 402 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

In other words, in the open/close execution mode, the MPU 402 executes drive control of the variable winning driving section so that the variable winning device 82 is opened and closed. Further, when the support lottery for the electric accessory 91 is won, the MPU 402 executes drive control of the electric accessory driving unit so that the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, display control of the main display portion of the main display unit 87 is executed by the MPU 402 .

Furthermore, an external output terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 402. Through this external output terminal board 213, 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. This enables the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10, the game situation, and the like.

The blackout monitoring board 405 relays between the main control board 401 and the power/launch control device 243, and the blackout monitoring board 405 has a stable DC voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power/launch control device 243. is provided with the ability to monitor The payout control device 242 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162 .

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

The notification/production control device 140 is provided with a notification/production control board 441 on which an MPU 442 is mounted. The MPU 442 includes a ROM 443 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 442, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 443. A RAM 444 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input/output circuit are incorporated. Note that it is not essential that the ROM 443 and the RAM 444 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 442, and they may be individually integrated into chips. The MPU 442 of the notification/production control device 140 drives and controls the lamp portions 26 to 28 and the speaker portion 29 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and the display control device 410 is controlled.

The display control device 410 executes display control of the pattern display device 253 based on the command input from the notification/effect control device 140 . In this case, in the notification/effect control device 140, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, the pattern display device 253 fluctuates the display mode of the pattern (for example, the presence or absence of the ready-to-win effect, the content of the ready-to-win effect, etc.) and the pattern (the type of combination of symbols to be finally stopped and displayed upon completion of the variable display) is determined.

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. 12 and 13 will be referred to as needed in the following description. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams for explaining the contents displayed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253. FIG.

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

As shown in FIG. 13(a), on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, three symbol rows Z1, Z2 and Z3 of upper, middle and lower rows are set. 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 253a, 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. 13(b), the display screen 253a is designed to stop-display three symbols for each row of symbols. It is designed to be Five effective lines are set on the display screen 253a, 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 a normal big win result or a 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.

It should be noted that the pattern display device 253 is not limited to the one described above and may be arbitrarily selected. 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.

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

The MPU 402 of the main control device 162 uses various counter information during the game to set the jackpot generation lottery, the display setting of the main display unit 87 (main display section), the setting of the pattern display of the pattern display device 253, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a winning random number counter C1 used for the lottery for the occurrence of the big win, and a winning type counter C2 used when judging the big win type such as the probability variable big win result or the normal big win result, The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the pattern display device 253 fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the hit random number counter C1, and the display unit for the operation port of the main display unit 87 and A variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time in the symbol display device 253 is used. Further, an electric accessory open counter C4 is used for lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b is 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 431 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 404 . The RAM 404 is provided with a reserved ball storage area 432 consisting of an upper working opening reservation area Ra, a lower working opening reservation area Rb, an execution area AE, and a total reserved number storage area. Then, in this reserved ball storage area 432, each value of the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is displayed in time series according to the winning history of the game ball to the upper operation opening 83a or the lower operation opening 83b. It is designed to be stored automatically.

More specifically, the hit random number counter C1 is configured such that it is incremented by one within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599). In particular, when the winning 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 winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the winning random number counter C1 (value=0 to 599). The hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper operation opening 83a or the lower operation opening 83b. More specifically, it is stored in the upper working opening reservation area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 83a, and the lower working opening reservation area Rb of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower working opening 83b. stored in

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 421 as success/failure information group storage means in the ROM 403 . As shown in FIG. 15, as the right/wrong table, a right/wrong table for the low-probability mode (low-probability right/wrong information group) and a right/wrong table for the high-probability mode (high-probability right/wrong information group) are set. . That is, 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 lottery means.

Under the gaming state in which the success/failure table for the low-probability mode (FIG. 15(a)) is referred to in the lottery, the values of the random numbers for winning the jackpot (that is, winning information) are "7" and "307". , "507". That is, "7", "307", and "507" among the values of the winning random number counter C1 of "0 to 599" correspond to the big winning results. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the success/failure table for the high-probability mode (FIG. 15(b)) is referred to in the lottery, the value of the random number (that is, winning information) for winning the jackpot is "7", " 36", "107", "307" . . . "407", "507". It is 30 of "598". In other words, among the values of the winning random number counter C1 from 0 to 599, ``7'', ``36'', ``107'', ``307'' ... ``407'', ``507'', ``598'' correspond to the jackpot result ing. Incidentally, 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 the random numbers for winning are arbitrary.

In addition, in each lottery mode, the lottery result will be a wrong result except for the value of the random number that will win the jackpot.

The winning type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 29). Here, in this embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are differentiated in two conditions: (1) a lottery mode in the win/fail lottery means after the end of the opening/closing execution mode, and (2) a support mode by the electric accessory 91 after the end of the opening/closing execution mode. .

As the support mode in the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b, when compared in a situation where the game ball is continued to be shot in the same manner with respect to the game area PE, the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b Low frequency support mode (low frequency support state or low frequency guide state) and high frequency support mode (high frequency support state or high frequency guide state) so that the frequency of opening state per unit time is relatively high or low ) are set.

Specifically, in the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric role product opening lottery using the electric role product opening counter C4 is the same, but the high frequency In the support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is in the open state when winning the electric role open state is set more than in the low frequency support mode, and the opening time for one time is set longer. In this case, in the high-frequency support mode, when the electric role open state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 91 occurs multiple times, the closing from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum secured time for the next electric accessory open lottery after one electric accessory open lottery is performed is set shorter than the low-frequency support mode. It is

As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the lower operation opening 83b is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the upper working opening 83a is higher than the lower working opening 83b, but in the high-frequency supporting mode, the lower working opening 83b is more likely to be won than the upper working opening 83a. Higher chance of winning. When a prize is awarded to the lower operation opening 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays the game while not reducing the number of balls in his hand too much. be able to.

In addition, the configuration for making the high frequency support mode more frequent than the low frequency support mode to be in the electric role open state per unit time is not limited to the above. It may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric role open state. Furthermore, the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode may be set by changing any one of the number of times, the opening time, and the probability of winning, or an arbitrary combination of conditions.

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

The distribution destination of the game results for the win type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area 422 as distribution information group storage means in the ROM 403 . Here, the contents of the allocation table will be explained using the schematic diagram of FIG. 16 . The distribution table includes a distribution table (first distribution information group) for the upper working port shown in FIG. 16(a) and a distribution table (second distribution information group) for the lower working port shown in FIG. minute information group) is set.

In the distribution table for the upper working port, the game results are distributed as 8R probability variable jackpot results (high probability special game results), 8R normal jackpot results (low probability special game results), 4R probability variable jackpot results (high probability corresponding game result) and 4R normal jackpot result (low probability corresponding game result) are set. Specifically, in the distribution table for the upper working port, among the values of the hit type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 8" corresponds to the 8R probability variable jackpot result, and "9 to 14 ” corresponds to the 8R normal jackpot result, “15 to 23” corresponds to the 4R probability variable jackpot result, and “24 to 29” corresponds to the 4R normal jackpot result.

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

The 16R probability variable jackpot result, the 8R probability variable jackpot result, and the 4R probability variable jackpot result are the jackpot results in which the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends. As shown in FIG. 16(c), this high-frequency support mode continues until the next big win results, and shifts to the low-frequency support mode with the start of the opening/closing execution mode.

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

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

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 stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b. More specifically, it is stored in the upper working opening reservation area Ra of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 83a, and the lower working opening reservation area Rb of the RAM 404 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower working opening 83b. stored in Then, whether or not to generate reach is determined based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 403 .

However, in the game round in which the opening/closing execution mode is entered, basically, the occurrence of reach is determined 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 253 (display screen 253a) capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of patterns (patterns), and the game results are displayed in the open/close execution mode. In a gaming machine in which the stop display result after the variable display can be the special display result in the game turn that resulted in the game result, the stop display result after the start of the variable display (or variable display) of the pattern (picture) in the pattern display device 253. 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 derived and displayed.

In other words, by stopping and displaying the symbols of some of the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, a combination of symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established. It is a display state in which possible combinations of ready-to-win symbols are displayed, and in this 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 symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening/closing execution mode is established on a preset effective line in the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253. To form a ready-to-win line by stop-displaying combinations of possible ready-to-win patterns, and to perform variable display of patterns by a final stop pattern row under the condition that the ready-to-win line is formed.

The contents displayed on the display screen 253a will be described in more detail. First, in a state where the variable display of symbols in the upper symbol row is finished, and further, when the variable display of symbols in the lower symbol row is finished, the player hits one of the activated lines and the symbols are displayed. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols to which the numbers that make up the combination are attached. displayed. When a big win occurs, the main patterns forming the reach line and the main patterns attached with the numbers forming the combination of the winning patterns are stopped and displayed on the reach line to display the patterns in the middle pattern row in a variable manner. is terminated.

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 effects, and those that perform reach effects by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 253a after reducing or hiding the combination of reach 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

In the present embodiment, symbol re-variation display may be performed in some game rounds in which ready-to-win display (normal ready-to-win, which will be described in detail later) is performed. Regarding this re-fluctuation display, all the upper, lower, and middle pattern rows are temporarily displayed (temporarily stopped display) (stopped display of the pattern combination corresponding to the result of the deviation) to shift to a confirmed display. After all the symbol rows are variably displayed again at the timing when the same period as the fixed display has elapsed from the temporary stop display, the symbol combination corresponding to the big winning result is stopped and displayed.

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 determines, in the MPU 402, the variation display time in the upper and lower operation port display portions of the main display unit 87 (main display portion) and the variation display time of the pattern in the pattern display device 253. It is used in 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 acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation display in the display unit for the upper operation port and the display unit for the lower operation port and at the start of the variation of the pattern by the pattern display device 253 .

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

As already explained, in the MPU 402, at least the buffer value of the fluctuation type counter CS is used to determine the variable display time in the display section for the upper working port and the display section for the lower working port. A variable display time table storage area 423 is used. Also, in the MPU 402, using the value of the winning random number counter C1 and the value of the winning type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE, the stop result in the upper working opening display section and the lower working opening display section is determined. However, the stop result table storage area 424 of the ROM 403 is used for the determination.

(Regarding various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing which are executed in advancing the game in each game round by the MPU 402 in the main control device 162 will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 402 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 402 periodically (for example, every 2 msec).

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

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 404 .

In the subsequent step S103, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessary product opening counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the respective counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM404.

In the subsequent step S104, a prize-winning process for through accompanying the prize-winning to the through gate 84 is executed. In the winning process for through, it is determined whether or not a winning detection flag for through gate is stored in various flag storage area 435 of RAM 404. 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. Then, when the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 435, the winning detection flag is erased and the winning processing for the through gate is ended.

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 83a and 83b is executed, and this timer interrupt process ends. do.

(Winning process for working opening)
Here, the winning process for the working opening will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG.

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

In the subsequent step S203, external signal setting processing is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side of information indicating that the game ball has entered the upper working hole 83a. As a result, the hole computer HC recognizes that the ball has entered the upper working hole 83a. After that, in step S204, information acquisition processing for storing the values of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, etc. is performed, and the winning processing ends.

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

In subsequent step S207, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the game hall side, information indicating that the game ball has entered the lower operation opening 83b. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that the ball has entered the lower opening 83b. After that, information acquisition processing is performed in step S204, and the prize winning processing ends.

Incidentally, when both the processes of steps S201 and S205 are negatively determined, that is, when there is no ball hit in either the upper working opening 83a or the lower working opening 83b, the prize winning process is terminated as it is.

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 operation suspension storage stored in the storage number storage area of the storage ball storage area 432, specifically, the trigger for the information acquisition process among the upper operation port 83a and the lower operation port 83b It is determined whether or not the operation pending memory number N related to the ball-entering portion that has become is less than the upper limit value ("4" in the present embodiment). When the number N of operation pending memories is the upper limit value, this information acquisition process is terminated as it is, and when it is less than the upper limit value, the number N of the operation pending memories of the corresponding operation port is incremented by 1 in step S302. , the total number of reservations (hereinafter referred to as the common number of reservations CRN) stored in the number of reservations storage area in step S303 is incremented by one.

In the following step S304, the values of the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS updated in the above step S103 are stored in the free storage area of the reservation area RE for the operating port. It is stored in the first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the common pending number CRN incremented by one in step S302. After executing the storage process, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, the display updating process of the reserved number display section for the upper working opening and the reserved number displaying section for the lower working opening in the main display unit 87 is executed. In the display update process, if the current ball entry (winning destination) is the upper opening 83a, the display of the upper opening holding number display section is updated, and the current ball entry (winning) is the lower opening. In the case of 83b, the display of the pending number display section is updated.

The reserved number display unit for the upper working opening is composed of four LEDs, and is configured so that the number of lit LEDs and the reserved number related to the upper working opening 83a match. When the number of reservations related to the upper operation port 83a increases due to the winning of this time, processing is performed to increase the number of lit LEDs accordingly. Similarly, the reserved number display portion for the lower working opening is composed of four LEDs, and is configured such that the number of lit LEDs and the reserved number related to the lower working opening 83b match. When the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b increases due to the winning of this time, processing is performed to increase the number of lit LEDs accordingly.

In the subsequent step S306, a pending command, which is a process for causing the notification/production control device 140 and the display control device 410, which are sub-side (secondary side) control devices, to recognize that a prize has been awarded to the operation ports 83a and 83b. setting processing is executed, and this information acquisition processing ends. The pending command set in the pending command setting process is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 and the display control device 410 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process described later. In addition, the hold command includes information as to whether it is based on winning a prize in any of the upper working opening 83a and the lower working opening 83b.

(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 commands set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process are transmitted to each sub-side control device and the hall computer HC.

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

In addition, although the details will be described later, for example, every time the variable display of the pattern on the display unit for the operation port of the main display unit is completed, an external signal indicating determination of the pattern is output to the hall computer HC, and during the opening and closing execution mode, the opening and closing execution mode is performed. An external signal indicating that the execution mode is on is output to the hall computer HC, and if the high frequency support mode is on, an external signal indicating that the high frequency support mode is on is output to the hall computer HC.

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 404 .

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 253, display control of the main display unit 87, 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 subsequent step S405, an electric support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 91 provided in the lower working opening 83b 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 433 of the RAM 404 is used to determine whether or not the electric role product 91 is placed in the open state. A lottery is carried out, and opening/closing processing of the electric accessory 91 is executed when the electric role open state is won. In addition, display control of the through-gate display section in the main display section is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the power opening lottery.

As already explained, as modes of support by the electric accessory 91, a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode are set, and transition to either support mode 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 435 of the RAM 404, the high frequency support mode is set, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is set.

In the electric 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 435 of the RAM 404 . Then, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 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 the case of the high-frequency support mode, when the open state of the electric accessory 91 is won and the open state of the electric accessory 91 occurs multiple times, the next open state is started after the end of one open state. Set the closing time to be 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 435 of the RAM 404 .

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 110 is turned on once in a predetermined interval period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a shooting permission signal is input from the power source/shooting control device 243. Excite. As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

In the subsequent step S407, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not one cycle (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 404 . 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 404 .

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 fluctuates without being constant. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the hit random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly The variation type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

(Game round control processing)
Next, the game round control process of step S403 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 21 to 23 and the like.

In the game round control process, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, 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 game is in progress. Specifically, while the variable display or fixed display of the pattern is being executed in the operating port display section (either the upper operating port display section or the lower operating port display section) of the main display unit 87, Determine whether or not there is If it is not during the game round, the process proceeds to the game round start processing of steps S503 to S505. In the game turn start processing, first, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the total number of start-reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is "0". When the common reserved number CRN is “0”, it means that no reserved information is stored in the reserved ball storage area 432 . 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 is executed to set the data stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved ball storage area 432 for variable display, Furthermore, in step S505, after performing the variation start processing for starting the variation display of the display portion for the actuation opening in the main display unit 87 and the variation display of the pattern display device 253, this game turn 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, of the operation pending storage numbers N stored in the pending number storage area FE, the one targeted for the current setting process and the common pending number CRN are decremented by one. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of reservation information reserved and stored in the lower working opening reservation area Rb (see FIG. 14), that is, the number of operation reserved memories N (the number of reserved memories for lower working opening RbN) is "0". do. If the number of reserved memories for the lower opening RbN is "0", the data setting process related to the display section for the upper opening is executed, and if the number of reserved memories for the lower opening RbN is not "0", the lower operation is performed. Data setting processing related to the mouth display unit is executed.

Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is the case where the common pending number is 1 or more, as already described. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether or not the number RbN of reserved storage for the lower working opening is "0". is stored, the number of reservation information reserved and stored in the upper working opening reservation area Ra (see FIG. 14), that is, the number of working reserved memories N (the number of reserved memories for upper working opening RaN) is 1 Irrespective of whether it is the above or not, the data stored in the lower opening reservation area Rb is moved to the execution area for variable display. That is, in step S602, when the reservation information is stored in both the upper operation port reservation area Ra and the lower operation port reservation area Rb, priority is given to the reservation information corresponding to the lower operation port 83b. becomes.

In the following step S603, the data stored in the first to fourth areas for one of the upper opening reservation area Ra and the lower opening reservation area Rb in which the data moved to the execution area is stored. are shifted to the lower area side in order. As a result, for example, as the data in the first area is moved to the execution area, the data in each area is changed in the order of second area→first area, third area→second area, fourth area→third area, and so on. is shifted.

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

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

In the fluctuation start process, first, in step S701, the success/failure determination process for judging whether or not the reservation information referred to in the current fluctuation start process corresponds to the winning of the jackpot is executed. Specifically, among the information stored in the execution area AE, information for judging a big win, that is, information obtained from information updated by the winning 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 421 of the ROM 403 is referred to, and the grasped information corresponds to the jackpot winning. If the winning/failure lottery mode is the high-probability mode, the winning/failing table for the high-probability mode stored in the winning/failing table storage area 421 of the ROM 403 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, the information obtained from the information for type determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information updated by the hit type counter C2 is grasped. In addition, by referring to the sorting table stored in the sorting table storage area 422 of the ROM 403, 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 the ball entering the upper working port 83a, the distribution table for the upper working port 83a is referred to, and the holding information corresponds to the ball entering the lower working port 83b. If so, the sorting table for the lower working port 83b is referenced to determine the type.

In the following step S704, based on the information specified in the type determination process in step S703, whether or not the type of the current jackpot election is the probability variation jackpot result (16R probability variation jackpot result, 8R probability variation jackpot result, 4R probability variation jackpot result) judge. 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.

Incidentally, the probability variable jackpot result is roughly divided into 16R probability variable jackpot result, 8R probability variable jackpot result, and 4R probability variable jackpot result. In the process of step S705, in the case of the 16R probability variable jackpot result, the stop result setting processing corresponding to the 16R probability variable jackpot result is performed, and in the case of the 8R probability variable jackpot result, the stop result setting processing corresponding to the 8R probability variable jackpot result is performed. In the case of the 4R probability variable jackpot result, the setting processing of the stop result corresponding to the 4R probability variable jackpot result is performed. Also, the normal jackpot results are roughly divided into 8R normal jackpot results and 4R normal jackpot results. In the process of step S706, in the case of the 8R normal jackpot result, the stop result setting process corresponding to the 8R normal jackpot result is performed, and in the case of the 4R normal jackpot result, the stop result setting process corresponding to the 4R normal jackpot result is performed. conduct.

In each of the stop result setting processes of steps S705 to S707, the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 424 of the ROM 403 is referred to for the information on the form of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 87. and the specified information is stored in the RAM 404 . Also, in steps S705 and S706, the information for specifying in the MPU 402 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 435 of the RAM 404. Specifically, in step S705, one of the 16R probability variable jackpot flag, 8R probability variable jackpot flag, and 4R probability variable jackpot flag is stored, and in step S706, one of the 8R normal jackpot flag and the 4R normal jackpot flag is stored.

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, various variable display time tables stored in the variable display time table storage area 423 of the ROM 403 are referred to, and the game state, the result of the jackpot lottery in the current game cycle, the presence or absence of reach occurrence, 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 434 of the RAM 404. ). After that, the setting process is terminated.

The variable display time table is roughly divided into a variable display time table group for the first normal game state and a variable display time table group for the second normal game state and the third normal game state. The variable display time table for the first normal game state includes a variable display time table corresponding to the jackpot result, a variable display time table corresponding to the loss reach, and a variation display time corresponding to the complete loss (result of loss not corresponding to the reach display). It consists of a table and

When the jackpot result is obtained in the first normal game state, the fact that the jackpot result is obtained is clearly indicated through the reach display, and when the result is a loss, the reach random number counter C3 and the reach determination table are referred to and the reach display is performed. It is configured to determine whether or not to generate That is, in the present embodiment, when the result of the lottery is a jackpot 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. there is

Here, the reach display includes a normal reach display (specifically, normal reach A to B) and a super reach display (specifically, super reach A to C) having different variable display modes. Variable display time information corresponding to each normal reach display and super reach display is set in the reach generation variable display time table, and by referring to the table, variable display time information corresponding to each reach display is 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.

In the case of a loss result in the first normal game state and loss in the lottery for generating reach (in the case of complete loss), the variable display time table corresponding to complete loss stored in the variable display time table storage area 423 is changed. By referring to it, the variable display time corresponding to the current value of the variable type counter CS is obtained, and the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter area. The variable display time information for the complete disconnection is set such that the greater the number of holds, the shorter the variable display time (see FIG. 24(a)). Specifically, when the number of holds is "0" or "1", the variable display time is "10 to 12 sec", and when the number of holds is "2", the variable display time is "5 s to 6 ec". , the variable display time is defined to be "3 sec" when the number of holds is "3" or "4".

Regarding the variable display time table referred to in the second normal game state, the variable display time table group for the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state and the variable display time table group for the other game rounds It is roughly divided into a variable display time table group to be referred to. When a jackpot result is obtained in the 1st to 99th game rounds in the second normal game state, the fluctuation display time is set based on the fluctuation display time table corresponding to the jackpot result and the value of the fluctuation type counter CS, 2 In the case of the 1st to 99th game rounds in the normal game state, when the result is a loss and reach occurs, the change display time is set based on the value of the change display time table corresponding to the loss reach and the value of the change type counter CS, In the 1st to 99th game rounds in the second normal game state, if the result is lost and the lottery for reach generation is lost, the change display time table corresponding to complete loss and the value of the change type counter CS are referred to to display the change. Time is set.

Here, also in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the fluctuation display time information in the completely out of game state is set so that the fluctuation display time becomes shorter as the holding number increases, as in the first normal game state. (See FIG. 24(b)). Specifically, when the number of holds is "0" or "1", the variable display time is "6 to 8 sec", and when the number of holds is "2" to "4", the variable display time is "2 sec". ". It should be noted that, when completely out in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, so that the fluctuation display time is relatively shorter than in the case of completely out in the first normal game state. there is a difference.

On the other hand, regarding the variable display time table referred to in the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state, the variable display time is set according to the result of the jackpot lottery. The variable display time table is roughly divided into a corresponding variable display time table and a variable display time table corresponding to the jackpot result, and the variable display time is set regardless of the number of holds, the value of the reach random number counter C3, the value of the variable type counter CS, etc. It's becoming Specifically, the variable display time is "10 sec" in the case of a losing result, and the variable display time is either "10 sec" or "12 sec" in the case of a jackpot result. Then, in the final game round, regardless of the result of the jackpot lottery or the value of the reach random number counter C3, the reach display (the normal reach A) is generated.

Returning to the description of the fluctuation start process (FIG. 23), after the fluctuation display time setting process is executed in step S708, the fluctuation start command and the type command are set in step S709. The variable start 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, 16R probability variable jackpot result information, 8R probability variable jackpot result information, 4R probability variable jackpot result information, 8R normal jackpot result information, 4R normal jackpot result information, and out result. including information on

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

Returning to the description of the game turn control process (FIG. 21), during the game turn (during the execution of variable display or fixed display of the pattern on the operation port display section of the main display unit 87), An affirmative determination is made in step S502, and processing for game turn progress in steps S506 to S513 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 404 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process (FIG. 24), as described above. Also, the value of this set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) by one each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) is started.

If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S507. In the process for variable display, the display mode of the pattern on the corresponding one of the display portion for the upper operation port and the display portion for the lower operation port of the main display unit 87 is changed. After that, the game round control process is terminated.

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

In step S510, a fluctuation end process is executed. In the fluctuation end process, the information stored in the RAM 404 in any of the above-described steps S705 to S707 is specified, and the pattern corresponding to the information corresponds to the display area for the upper operation opening or the display area for the lower operation opening. On the other hand, the display part for operation port is controlled so that the pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery is stopped and displayed.

In the subsequent step S511, a fluctuation end command is set. After that, the game round control process is terminated. The fluctuation end command set at step S511 is transmitted to the notification/production control device 140 at step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). Based on the received variation end command, the notification/production control device 140 causes the speaker unit 29 to output a sound effect corresponding to the confirmation display (final stop display) of the final stop symbol combination in the game turn, and outputs the variation end. The command is sent to the display controller 410 while maintaining its information form. Upon receiving the variation end command, the display control device 410 confirms and displays (final stop display) the combination of the final stop symbols in the game round.

Returning to the description of step S508, if the determination in step S508 is affirmative, the processing for game cycle end in steps S512 to S514 is executed. Specifically, first, in step S512, it is determined whether or not the game is in the second game state. If a negative determination is made in step S512, the game round control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S512, it is determined in step S513 whether or not the specified number of times (termination reference number of times) has been completed. Specifically, "1" is subtracted from the value of the number-of-games counter provided in the various counter areas 434, and it is determined whether or not the number-of-games counter has become "0". The number-of-games counter is set to "100" when shifting to the second normal game state in a game state transition process, which will be described later.

If a negative determination is made in step S513, this game round control process is terminated as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S513, the game round control process is terminated after executing the transition process to the first normal game state in step S514. In the transition processing to the first normal game state, the high-frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage area 435 is erased, and a transition command indicating transition to the first normal game state is set. This transition command is output to the notification/production control device 140 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process. In the notification/production control device 140, it is possible to confirm that the second normal game state is to be shifted to the first normal game state based on the transition command.

(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 S801, it is determined whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is being executed. If it is not in the open/close execution mode, the process proceeds to step S802, and it is determined whether or not it is time to end the game cycle. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is time to complete the final display of the pattern on the display unit for the upper operation port or the display unit for the lower operation port. If it is not the time when the game cycle ends, the game state transition processing is terminated as it is.

If it is the timing at which the game round ends, the process proceeds to step S803, and it is determined whether or not the game result of the current game round (result of the jackpot lottery) corresponds to the shift to the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the 16R probability variable jackpot flag, 8R probability variable jackpot flag, 4R probability variable jackpot flag, 8R normal jackpot flag, and 4R normal jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. do. If none of the above flags is stored, the game state transition processing is terminated.

If any one of the above flags is stored, processing for starting the opening/closing execution mode is executed in step S804. By the start processing, the operation regulation of the variable winning device 82 by the locking device is released, and the opening/closing operation of the variable winning device 82 is allowed until the opening/closing execution mode is completed. Also, in the start processing of step S804, the open/close execution mode start flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. FIG. Along with this, an external signal is started to be output to the hall computer HC to indicate that the opening/closing execution mode has been entered.

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

The set opening command is transmitted to the notification/effect control device 140 and the display control device 410 at step S401 in the normal processing (FIG. 20). The notification/performance control device 140 determines the contents of the performance corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the performance are executed. The content of this effect includes the display mode in the pattern display device 253, and the determined display mode is output from the notification/effect control device 140 to the display control device 410 as a display content command. In the display control device 410, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification/production control device 140, the display corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode of this time, for example, the display content corresponding to the jackpot The display control of the pattern display device 253 is executed so that the moving image display of the character, etc., and the switching of the background image, etc. are performed. After executing the process of step S806, this game state transition process is terminated.

Returning to the description of step S801, if it is determined in step S801 that the opening/closing execution mode is in progress, the process proceeds to step S807. In step S807, it is determined whether or not the standby time for opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for the opening has not elapsed, the game state transition processing is terminated as it is. When the waiting time for opening has passed, the big winning opening opening/closing process is executed in step S808.

In the big winning opening opening/closing process, first, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening of the variable winning device 82 is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the driving state of the variable winning driving section of the variable winning device 82 . When the big winning opening is not open, it is determined whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is "0". If the value of the opening number counter OC is "0", the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated.

If the value of the open number counter OC is not "0", it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is "0". The open timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when ascertaining the open period and closed period (interval period) of the big winning opening, and its value is "1" each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) is executed. decremented one by one. When the value of the open timer counter TC is not "0", the main winning opening opening/closing process is terminated.

When the value of the opening number counter OC is not "0" and the value of the opening timer counter TC is "0", the opening processing of the big winning opening is executed. Specifically, the variable winning driving unit is brought into a driving state so as to open the big winning opening. After that, the closing condition setting processing (opening setting processing) corresponding to the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening) is performed. Specifically, the open timer counter TC is set to "15000" (corresponding to 30 sec), and the winning counter PC is set to "10". After executing this setting process, an opening command indicating that the variable winning device 82 (large winning opening) has been opened is set, and the main winning opening opening/closing process ends. This set opening command is transmitted to the notification/production control device 140 at step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). The notification/performance control device 140 determines the contents of the performance corresponding to the opening based on the reception of the opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the performance are executed.

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

When a prize has been won, output processing of a prize command is executed. The winning command is output to the payout control device 242 and the notification/effect control device 140 . The payout control device 242 performs a process of paying out a preset number of game balls based on the receipt of the winning command. In the notification/effect control device 140, when a winning command is issued during the opening/closing execution mode, processing for changing the effect during the opening/closing execution mode, which is executed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253, for example, is performed in order to teach the winning. conduct.

After executing the command output process, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1, and then it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is "0". End the open/close process. When the value of the prize winning counter PC is "0", or when it is determined that the value of the open timer counter TC is "0", it means that the conditions for closing the big prize winning opening are met. In this case, the variable winning driving section is brought into a non-driving state in order to close the big winning opening.

Subsequently, update processing of the open number counter OC is executed. Specifically, when the value of the open number counter OC is not "0", the open number counter OC is decremented by 1, and when the value of the open number counter OC is "0", the open number counter OC is Keep the value of '0'. After that, it is determined whether or not the updated value of the open number counter OC is "0".
When it is determined that the value of the open number counter OC is not "0", the open timer counter TC is set to "1000" (equivalent to 2.0 sec), and after setting the closing command, the main winning opening opening/closing process is performed. exit. This set closing command is transmitted to the notification/production control device 140 at step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 20). When receiving the closing command, the notification/performance control device 140 determines the contents of the performance corresponding to the closing command, and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the performance are executed.

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

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

Returning to the description of the game state transition process (FIG. 25), after executing the big winning opening opening/closing process in step S808, it is determined whether or not the value of the opening number counter OC is "0" in step S809. At S810, it is determined whether or not the standby time for the ending has elapsed. If the value of the open number counter OC is not "0" or if the waiting time for the ending has not passed, the game state transition processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the open number counter OC is "0" and the standby time for ending has passed, then in step S811, transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode is executed.

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

When the jackpot result that triggered the opening/closing execution mode this time is the 16R probability variable jackpot result, the 8R probability variable jackpot result, or the 4R probability variable jackpot result, the flag related to the shift of the game state is erased. After executing the erasing process, the game state setting process is executed. Specifically, first, a high-probability mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404 . Based on the high-probability mode flag set in this way, the success/failure table for the high-probability mode is referred to in the success/failure lottery in subsequent game rounds.

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

On the other hand, if the jackpot result that triggered the opening/closing execution mode this time is the 8R normal jackpot result or the 4R normal jackpot result, that is, the 8R normal jackpot flag or the 4R normal jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404. If there is, erase the flag associated with the transition of the game state. After executing the erasing process, the game state setting process is executed. Specifically, first, a high frequency support mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 435 of the RAM 404 . Based on the high-frequency support mode flag set in this way, the success/failure table for the high-frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery in the subsequent electric support process, and the fluctuation display time of the pattern at the time of the support lottery. It is shortened (specifically set to 2.0 sec), and furthermore, the period of being in the open state by opening once is extended (specifically set to 5.0 sec).

Unlike the above-described probability variable jackpot result, the upper limit is set for the number of times of support for the high-frequency support mode that shifts after the normal jackpot result. Specifically, the number-of-games counter stored in the counter area 434 of the RAM 404 is set to "100". As a result, the high-frequency support mode is maintained until 100 games are played after the opening/closing execution mode ends, and the high-frequency support mode is shifted to the low-frequency support mode when the number reaches "100". .

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

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

The MPU 442 is mounted on the notification/production control board 441 provided in the notification/production control device 140 as already described. The MPU 442 includes a ROM 443 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 442, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 443. A RAM 444 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input/output circuit are incorporated. Note that it is not essential that the ROM 443 and the RAM 444 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 442, and they may be individually integrated into chips. This also applies to MPUs of other control devices.

The MPU 442 is provided with an input port and an output port. A main control device 162 is connected to the input side of the MPU 442, and receives game turn control commands (game turn control information) such as the above-described variation start command, type command and variation end command from the main control device 162. . Also, 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. Further, the operation buttons are connected to the input side of the MPU 442 , and the MPU 442 executes operation corresponding effects and changes the volume of the speaker section 29 based on the operation of the operation buttons.

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

The display control device 410 includes a display control board 471 on which an MPU 472, which is an element in which a program ROM 473 and a work RAM 474 are integrated, a video display processor (VDP) 475, a character ROM 476, and a video RAM 477 are mounted. It has It is not essential that the program ROM 473 and the work RAM 474 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 472, and they may be individually integrated into chips.

The MPU 472 of the display control device 410 analyzes various commands received from the main control device 162 via the notification/production control device 140 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the VDP 475 (specifically to generate an internal command for the VDP 475). More specifically, the MPU 472 executes a process of specifying the variation display pattern of each game round in the symbol display device 253 based on the command transmitted from the notification/production control device 140, and responds to the processing result. Rendering processing for the VDP 475 is executed. As a result, various images are displayed on the display screen 253 a of the pattern display device 253 .

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

The VDP 475 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver incorporated in the pattern display device 253 . Since the VDP 475 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 475 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 472 and the video RAM 477 to intervene in the reading and writing of data.

The character ROM 476 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as patterns displayed on the pattern display device 253 . The character ROM 476 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.

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

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

As already described, in the present embodiment, the outline of the variable display mode of the symbols on the display screen 253a is specified by the notification/production control device 140 with reference to the command from the main control device 162, and based on the specified result. Details of the variable display mode are configured to be determined by the notification/effect control device 140 . Specifically, in the MPU 442 of the notification/production control device 140, a variable display control process is executed as part of a regular process started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). Identification and details, such as a summary of aspects, are determined.

In this embodiment, a plurality of BGM are stored in the various BGM storage area 452 of the ROM 443, and the BGM output from the speaker unit 29 (BGM reproduced by the voice control unit of the MPU 442) is switched according to the game state. It is possible. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27(a), BGM1 corresponding to the first normal game state, and BGM2A corresponding to the second normal game state, the third normal game state and the special game state (open/close execution mode). ~ BGM2C are stored. If the jackpot results in the first to third normal game state, the transition to the second normal game state or the third normal game state through the special game state, a predetermined round in the special game state ( In the first round in this embodiment, the player can select which of BGM2A to BGM2C to reproduce. Specifically, although BGM2A is set as the initial BGM when transitioning to the special game state, switching to BGM2A to BGM2C is allowed in a predetermined round based on the player's selection operation (Fig. 27 ( b) see). The BGM selected in the predetermined round is output over the special game state and the subsequent second/third normal game states.

The length of BGM1 is set to be the same length as the longest variation display time (18 sec) of the game round in the first normal game state, and the length of BGM2A to BGM2C is set to the second/third length. It is set to be longer (specifically, 120 sec) than the longest variation display time (18 sec) of the game round in the normal game state. Then, in the special game state to the second/third normal game state, the output of the selected BGM is continued across the preceding and succeeding game states. Further, in the second/third normal game states, the output of the BGM is continued over a plurality of game rounds. In the present embodiment, the period during which the BGM2 is output is secured to some extent, thereby reducing the chances of the output of the BGM2 ending midway or being repeated in a short span. While BGM2 in the present embodiment has lyrics, BGM1 does not have lyrics in view of the fact that BGM1 ends in the middle due to the length of the variable display time.

Returning to the description of the ROM 443, the ROM 443 is provided with various sound effect storage areas 454 that store sound effects output from the speaker section 29 as the game progresses. As shown in FIG. 28(a), the sound effects stored in the various sound effect storage area 454 include a variation start sound SE1 that is output when the symbol display device 253 starts varying symbols, Variable stop sound SE2 output when symbols are stopped displayed, ready-to-win display transition sound SE3 to be output when transitioning to ready-to-win display, and re-variation suggesting that symbols may be re-variable displayed. It includes suggestive sound SE4 and hold acquisition sound SE5 output when hold information is acquired.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker section 29 can be arbitrarily changed by the player according to his or her taste. Specifically, the operation button provided on the front door frame 14 is provided with a volume change function (volume adjustment function). It can be changed in three stages of medium and small. When the game machine is powered on, the selected sound volume is "middle", and when the player does not perform the selection operation, the selected sound volume is maintained at "middle".

The volume of the BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 may be changed by the judgment of the MPU 442 (sound control unit) according to the game state or progress of the game, in addition to being changed by the operation of the operation button. Specifically, regardless of the player's operation, the MPU 442 (volume control unit) can switch the volume between three levels. Specifically, the volume level LV2 at which the actual volume of the speaker unit 29 and the volume selected by the player (hereinafter also referred to as the selected volume) match, and the actual volume of the speaker unit 29 is approximately the selected volume. It is possible to switch between a volume level LV1 limited to 60% and a volume level LV0 at which the actual volume is 0 (no sound) regardless of the selected volume (see FIG. 28(b)). That is, the volume level functions as an adjustment parameter for adjusting the selected volume. In this embodiment, the volume level is defined to be the volume level LV2 except for a special situation (the final game round in the second normal game state), which will be described later.

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

The MPU 442 (audio control unit) of the notification/production control device 140 executes volume control processing to control the volume of the speaker unit 29 . The volume control process is a process that is executed as part of the regular process, and includes an operation-responsive volume control process that is executed to change the selected volume based on the operation of the operation button, and a game state that is executed according to the game state. It is roughly divided into corresponding volume control processing. The game state volume control process will be described below with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

(Playing state corresponding sound volume control processing)
In the game state corresponding sound volume control process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the current game state is the second normal game state. When an affirmative determination is made in step S901, special control processing is executed in step S902, and then this game state corresponding sound volume control processing is terminated. Here, special control processing will be described with reference to FIG.

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

In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the volume is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any one of a first mute flag and a second mute flag, which will be described later, is stored in the various flag storage area 466 . If a negative determination is made in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, it is determined whether or not it is before the first stop timing, more specifically, before the timing for stopping and displaying the upper pattern (row). That is, it is determined whether or not the variable display is being continued for all the symbol rows after the start of the game cycle. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1005.

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

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

In the subsequent step S1007, the first mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, and this special control process ends. Note that when the first mute flag is stored, execution of the operation-responsive sound volume control process is avoided until the first mute flag is deleted. In other words, the selected sound volume cannot be changed manually (using the operation button) until the first mute flag is cleared.

Returning to the description of step S1004, when a negative determination is made in step S1004, that is, when the first stop timing or later than the first stop timing, the process proceeds to step S1008. In step S1008, it is determined whether or not it is the first stop timing. If a negative determination is made in step S1008, this special control process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1008, the process advances to step S1009 to execute mute preparation processing. Specifically, the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1.

After the second mute flag is stored in the flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444 in subsequent step S1010, this special control process is terminated. Note that when the second mute flag is stored, execution of the operation-responsive sound volume control process is avoided until the second mute flag is deleted. That is, similarly to the first mute flag, the selected sound volume cannot be changed manually until the second mute flag is cleared.

Returning to the description of step S1003, if the determination in step S1003 is affirmative, that is, if the flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444 stores the first mute flag or the second muffle flag, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1011, it is determined whether or not the first mute flag is stored in the flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444. FIG. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1011, the process proceeds to step S1012. In step S1012, after the volume level is lowered from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1, it is determined whether or not the grace period has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the grace period counter in the various counter area 465 is "0". If a negative determination is made in step S1012, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1012, the special control process is terminated after the mute process is executed in step S1013.

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

If a negative determination is made in step S1011, the process proceeds to step S1014. In step S1014, it is determined whether or not the second mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444. FIG. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1014, the process proceeds to step S1015. In step S1015, it is determined whether or not the second stop timing, more specifically, the timing for stopping and displaying the lower pattern (row) has come. If a negative determination is made in step S1015, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1015, the special control process is terminated after executing the muffling process in step S1013.

Returning to step S1002, if an affirmative determination is made at step S1002, that is, if the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is the volume level LV0, the process proceeds to step S1016. In step S1016, it is determined whether or not the current game cycle corresponds to the big win result. If a negative determination is made in step S1016, this special control process ends. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1016, this special control process is terminated after executing the big hit result process in step S1017. Here, with reference to FIG. 31, the process for a big-hit result is demonstrated.

(Processing for jackpot results)
In the big hit result processing, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not 10 sec has been set as the variable display time of the current game round (final game round). If an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102. In step S1102, it is determined whether or not it is time to start confirmation display. If a negative determination is made in step S1102, the main jackpot result process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the process advances to step S1103 to execute mute release processing.

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

Returning to the description of step S1101, when a negative determination is made in step S1101, that is, when 12 sec is set as the variable display time of the current game round (final game round), the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, it is determined whether or not it is time for the pattern display device 253 to start changing the pattern again. When a negative determination is made in step S1105, the main jackpot result processing is terminated as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1105, the mute processing is executed in step S1103, and after erasing the mute flag in step S1104, the process for big winning result ends.

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

Here, with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 32 to 35, the flow of switching the sound volume level as the game progresses will be described. 32 and 33 show the case where the final game cycle ends without a big hit result in the second normal game state and the state shifts to the first normal game state, and FIGS. 34 and 35 show the second normal game state. It shows a case where a jackpot result is obtained in the final game round in the normal game state and the state shifts to the special game state.

(Mute pattern 1)
In the example shown in FIG. 32, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at timing tb1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower working port 83b is decremented by 1 and changed from "4" to "3". The variable display of the symbols that were stopped and displayed on the display device 253 (display screen 253a) has started.

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

At the timing of tb2 before the first stop timing at which the upper symbol (row) is stop-displayed, the winning of the lower operation opening 83b occurs, and the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b is changed from "3" to "4". has reached the upper limit (maximum number). When a prize is awarded to the lower opening 83b, a sound effect SE5 is output from the speaker unit 29 to indicate that the winning is on hold.

At the timing tb3 immediately after the sound effect SE5 is output, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 triggered by the number of reservations reaching the upper limit. As a result, the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to approximately 60% of the selected volume.

At timing tb4 when the grace period described above has elapsed since the volume level was switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1, the volume level is switched from volume level LV1 to volume level LV0. Even under this situation, although the reproduction of BGM by the audio control section is continued, the volume of the speaker section 29 is "0", that is, it is in a silent state. The volume of the speaker unit 29 is similarly set to "0" when sound effects are reproduced under this situation. Therefore, the reproduced BGM and sound effects do not reach the player's ears.

As already explained, in the final game round, normal reach is set as the variable display mode of symbols regardless of whether the result is a big hit result or a loss result. In the example shown in FIG. 32, the upper symbol is stopped and displayed at timing tb5 (first stop timing), and the lower symbol is stopped and displayed at timing tb6 (second stop timing) to form a reach line. After that, the middle symbols are stopped and displayed at the timing of tb7 (third stop timing), so that the symbol combination corresponding to the result of being out of line is confirmed and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a). there is

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

In mute pattern 1 shown in FIG. 32, the number of pending games quickly reaches the upper limit after the start of the final game cycle. Since this game round is the last game round corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, even if the shooting of game balls is continued after the upper limit is reached, it becomes difficult to earn the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b. In other words, the profit obtained for the shooting (investment) of the game ball becomes small. In this regard, in the mute pattern 1, when the number of reservations reaches the upper limit in the final game round, the output of the sound from the speaker unit 29 is immediately stopped so that the second normal game state will end soon. By suggesting, it is possible to urge the player to stop shooting the game ball.

(Mute pattern 2)
In the example shown in FIG. 33, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tc1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is reduced from "4" to "3", and the variable display and pattern display device 253 ( The variable display of the symbols that were stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

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

In the example shown in FIG. 33, unlike the example shown in FIG. 32, the winning to the lower operation opening 83b until the first stop timing (timing tc3) at which the upper pattern (row) is stopped and displayed, that is, the addition of the hold. Acquisition has not occurred. In this way, when the first stop timing is reached without the number of holds reaching the upper limit, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is changed from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1 in accordance with the stop display of the upper pattern. will be switched to As a result, the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to approximately 60% of the selected volume. It should be noted that when the upper symbol is stopped and displayed, the sound effect SE2 corresponding to the stop of the symbol variation is reproduced. Output from the unit 29 . By delaying the timing at which the sound volume level is lowered more than in mute pattern 1, the player is urged to continue shooting game balls.

At the second stop timing (timing tc4) at which the lower pattern (column) is stopped and displayed, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 changes from volume level LV1 to volume level LV0 in accordance with the stop display of the lower pattern (column). It is switched to a silent state. In addition, when the lower pattern is stopped and displayed, the sound effect SE2 corresponding to the stop of the pattern variation is reproduced. It will be output from the unit 29 . In other words, since the speaker unit 29 is in a silent state, even if the sound effect SE2 is reproduced, it is substantially not delivered to the player.

As already explained, in the final game round, normal reach is set as the variable display mode of symbols regardless of whether the result is a big hit result or a loss result. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the reach line is formed by stop-displaying the upper symbol at timing tc3 (first stop timing) and stopping-displaying the lower symbol at timing tc4 (second stop timing). After that, the middle symbols are stopped and displayed at the timing of tc5 (the third stop timing), so that the symbol combination corresponding to the out-of-line result is confirmed and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a). .

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

Even if the shooting of game balls toward the game area PE is continued in the second normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, there is some variation (bias) in the winning frequency to the lower operation opening 83b. occurs. That is, even if the shooting operation of the game ball is continued and the game ball is periodically (0.6 sec) shot, the winning to the lower operation opening 83b does not always occur in the same cycle. In such a case, if the first stop timing is reached without the number of holds reaching the upper limit, by starting switching to the silent state with the first stop timing as a trigger, the silent period is extremely This prevents the function of suggesting the end of the second normal game state from becoming too short and not working well.

The BGM 2 shown in the present embodiment is repeatedly reproduced during the second normal game state, but one beat (blank) is ensured between the end of the previous reproduction and the start of the next reproduction. This avoids ambiguity between the beginning and end of BGM2. A period during which the silent state continues (silent period) is longer than the above interval, thereby suppressing confusion between the silent state and the above interval. In the example shown in FIG. 32, the soundless state is set at least before the second stop timing in the final game round. (silent period) is longer than the above period.

(Mute pattern 3)
In the example shown in FIG. 34, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of td1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is reduced from "4" to "3", and the variable display and pattern display device 253 ( The variable display of the symbols that were stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

In the mute pattern 3, 10 sec is set as the variable display time in the final game round, and after the ready-to-win display, the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result is stopped and displayed. Unlike the mute patterns 1 and 2, the final game cycle corresponds to the result of a big win, so after the final game cycle ends, the game moves to a special game state (so-called continuous game).

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

At the timing of td2 before the first stop timing at which the upper pattern (row) is stopped and displayed, a prize is won in the lower operation opening 83b, and the number of pending increases from "3" to "4" and the maximum number ( maximum number). When a prize is awarded to the lower opening 83b, a sound effect SE5 is output from the speaker unit 29 to indicate that the winning is on hold.

At the timing td3 immediately after the sound effect SE5 is output, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 triggered by the number of reservations reaching the maximum number. As a result, the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 is lowered to about 60% of the selected volume.

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

In the example shown in FIG. 34, the normal reach corresponding to the big win result is executed in the final game round. Specifically, after the reach line is formed by stop-displaying the upper symbol at timing td5 (first stop timing) and stopping-displaying the lower symbol at timing td6 (second stop timing). , td7 (third stop timing), the medium symbols are stopped and displayed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the big winning result is displayed on the effective line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a).

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

In the final game round, the sound volume of the speaker unit 29 is lowered step by step in the same manner as in the game round resulting in a loss, and finally, the sound becomes silent. Although it is suggested that the second normal game state is terminated by the silent state, the impact can be strengthened by stop-displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the big winning result in the silent state. In particular, in the final game round, switching to the silent state is more conspicuous by adopting a configuration in which normal reach, which tends to attract relatively low attention, is executed instead of super reach, which tends to attract relatively high attention to the variable display. are doing.

(Mute pattern 4)
In the example shown in FIG. 35, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of te1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is reduced from "4" to "3", and the variable display and pattern display device 253 ( The variable display of the symbols that were stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

In the mute pattern 4, 12 sec is set as the variable display time in the final game round, and after the ready-to-win display→re-variable display, the symbol combination corresponding to the big winning result is stopped and displayed. As in mute pattern 3, the final game round corresponds to a big win result, so after the final game round ends, the state shifts to the special game state.

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

At the timing of te2 before the first stop timing at which the upper pattern (row) is stopped and displayed, a winning to the lower working opening 83b occurs, and the number of reservations related to the lower working opening 83b changes from "3" to "4". and has reached the upper limit (maximum number). When a prize is awarded to the lower opening 83b, a sound effect SE5 is output from the speaker unit 29 to indicate that the winning is on hold.

At the timing te3 immediately after the output of the sound effect SE5, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 triggered by the number of reservations reaching the upper limit. As a result, the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 is lowered to about 60% of the selected volume.

At timing te4 when the grace period described above has elapsed since the volume level was switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1, the volume level is switched from volume level LV1 to volume level LV0. Even under this situation, although the reproduction of BGM is continued, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is "0", that is, it is in a silent state. The volume of the speaker unit 29 is similarly set to "0" when sound effects are reproduced under this situation. Therefore, the reproduced BGM and sound effects do not reach the player's ears.

In the example shown in FIG. 34, the normal reach corresponding to the re-variation display is executed in the final game round. Specifically, the upper symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of te5 (first stop timing), and the lower symbol is stopped and displayed at the timing of te6 (second stop timing), so that the reach line is formed. , te7 (third stop timing), the middle symbol is stopped and displayed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the off result is temporarily stopped and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a).

At timing te8 after the symbol combination is temporarily displayed, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from volume level LV0 to volume level LV2, and the silent state is canceled. In conjunction with this, the sound effect SE4 suggesting the re-varying display is reproduced, and the sound effect SE4 and the BGM2 are output from the speaker unit 29 .

At the timing of te9 after the period of the same length as the fixed display time has passed from the timing of te7, the variable display is resumed for all the symbols (rows) that were temporarily displayed, and at the timing of te10 immediately after, on the effective line , the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is definitely displayed. At the timing te11 when the fixed display time has elapsed from the timing te10, the second normal game state is shifted to the special game state.

In this way, after the symbol combination corresponding to the winning result is stopped and displayed, BGM, sound effects, etc. are output during the stopped display, providing a chance for a big win. By adopting such a configuration, the player's attention is urged to turn to the timing when the silent state is canceled.

During the second normal game state, BGM2 (corresponding to "predetermined music") corresponding to the second normal game state is output. With such a configuration, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 can suggest or clearly indicate to the player that the game is in the second normal game state. In the final game round in the second normal game state, when the number of stored special information reaches the upper limit number, the predetermined music is stopped. As a result, it is possible to suggest to the player that the end of the second normal game state is near before the second normal game state actually ends, and the second normal game state changes to the first normal game state. It is possible to reduce abrupt feeling when shifting. In this way, by adding a notice function to the output/stop of BGM, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand and the connection between states from becoming weak due to the diversification of the game states. This is preferable in terms of improving the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game state.

When the final game round corresponds to the result of losing, the output of the BGM2 is stopped in the final game round of the second normal game state, and the stopped state continues until the shift to the first normal game state. . As a result, even when the music output from the speaker unit 29 is switched (from BGM2 to BGM1) in accordance with the switching of the game state, a certain amount of time can be obtained, and abrupt switching of the music can be suppressed. can.

It should be noted that it is possible to ensure the above-mentioned interval at the beginning of the first normal game state, but the timing at which the game state is switched is also the timing at which the player has a change of heart and wants to challenge the game, Securing the above-mentioned interval at the end of the second normal game state and promptly starting to output music corresponding to the first normal game state at the beginning of the first normal game state is a way to increase satisfaction of the player. preferable.

In view of the fact that there may be some degree of bias in the winning of prizes to the operating port 83b, the number of pending information items during the final game round does not necessarily become the upper limit number. Therefore, in such a case, by stopping the output of the BGM2 at a predetermined timing in the final game round, the BGM2 can shift to the first normal game state while diversifying the stop timing of the BGM2. It is possible to suitably avoid continuation until the timing.

If the BGM2 is repeatedly output during the second normal game state, it is possible to prevent the data amount of the BGM2 from becoming excessively large. Here, if a predetermined period (blank) is interposed when BGM2 is repeated, the start/end of BGM2 can be made easier to understand. However, if such a configuration is assumed, when the output of BGM2 is stopped, it becomes difficult to identify whether or not it is caused by the above repetition, and there is a possibility that the player may misunderstand. get higher Therefore, when the output of BGM2 is forcibly stopped as shown in the present embodiment, the period from when the output of BGM2 is stopped to when the final game cycle ends becomes longer than the predetermined period. By setting as follows, the occurrence of the above inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

In the second normal game state, the output of the BGM2 is stopped when the number of pending information reaches the upper limit. Since the second normal game state corresponds to a high-frequency support mode with a limited number of times, it becomes difficult to acquire new hold information during the second normal game state even if game balls are continued to be shot. . Therefore, by stopping the output of BGM2 when the number of reservations reaches the upper limit and suggesting that the transition to the first normal game state is imminent, the player is urged to refrain from shooting game balls. be able to. In other words, when the number of reservations does not reach the upper limit, by delaying the output stop of BGM2 until the first stop timing, the player can be urged to shoot the game ball, and the player's profit can be favorably obtained. can be guaranteed.

If the output of BGM2 is suddenly stopped, there is a high possibility that the player will mistake it for a malfunction. In this regard, such a misunderstanding can be suitably suppressed by adopting a configuration in which the sound volume is gradually lowered and then stopped, as shown in the present embodiment.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described first embodiment, the ready-to-win display always occurs in the final game round (100th game round) of the second normal game state, but the ready-to-win display does not occur in the final game round. It is also possible to

Also, in the final game round, similarly to the other game rounds, the ready-to-win display is generated when the result is a big hit, and the ready-to-win display is generated based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 when the result is a losing result. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is determined by lottery whether or not. In such a configuration, for example, the configuration is such that the above-described volume level switching is performed only in game rounds in which the ready-to-win display does not occur (including game rounds in which the jackpot result is clearly indicated by re-fluctuation), and the ready-to-win display occurs. A configuration may be adopted in which the switching of the sound volume level is not executed (avoided) in the game round.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described first embodiment, when switching from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 is compared with switching from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV2, the amount of volume change is greater in the former than in the latter. However, it is not limited to this. The amount of volume change may be the same for switching from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1 and switching from volume level LV1 to volume level LV2, or switching from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1 and switching from volume level LV1. → When switching to volume level LV2 is compared, setting may be made such that the amount of change in volume is greater in the latter than in the former.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, when the volume level is switched at the first stop timing or the second stop timing, the effect sound SE2 reproduced when the pattern is stopped is output from the speaker section 29 at the volume level after switching. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the sound is output from the speaker unit 29 at the sound volume level before switching.

<Modification 4>
In the above-described first embodiment, in the final game round (the 100th game round) where the second normal game state ends, normal reach occurs in each case. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which super reach occurs in any case.

<Modification 5>
In the above-described first embodiment, when the number of game rounds executed after the transition to the second normal game state reaches 100 times, which is the end reference number of times (predetermined number of times), the configuration shifts to the first normal game state. However, the end criterion number of times is arbitrary. For example, it may be 30 times or 50 times. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which changes the completion|finish reference frequency|count according to a lottery result (type of jackpot).

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

<Modification 7>
In the first embodiment, the volume of all sounds (BGM and sound effects in the first embodiment) output from the speaker section 29 is based on the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464. , but is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 36, a volume level for controlling the volume of BGM and a volume level for controlling the volume of sound effects may be provided separately. In view of the fact that the output time of BGM is longer than that of sound effects, the volume of the BGM is lowered in the final game round to avoid the output of the BGM, so that the volume changes for the player. You can make it easier to convey that In addition, instead of setting the volume of all sounds to 0, the volume of some sounds (preferably the sound played during the final game (especially after changing the volume)) is maintained or reduced. The sound may be output from the speaker unit 29 even during the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding that the sound is muted due to the failure of the speaker section 29.例文帳に追加

FIG. 36 exemplifies the case where the final game round corresponds to the losing result, but the case where the final game round corresponds to the jackpot result and the fluctuation display time is 12 sec (corresponding to the re-variation display). In this case, by outputting a sound effect (sound effect SE4) suggesting re-fluctuation display in a situation where the output of BGM is stopped, the same effect can be achieved without needlessly increasing the volume of the sound effect. It is possible to suppress the sound from being mixed in with the BGM, and favorably emphasize the sound effect.

<Second Embodiment>
In the above-described first embodiment, in the final game round (100th game round) in which the end reference number of times is reached in the second normal game state, operation is performed regardless of the number of subsequent hold information (number of holds). Although the variable display time of the pattern in the mouth display unit is determined, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. In the final game round as well as in the other game rounds in the second normal game state, the premise configuration is that the variable display time is determined (shortened) according to the number of subsequent hold information (number of holds). are different.

In the case of such a configuration that the variable display time can be shortened even in the final game round, when the speaker unit 29 is set to a silent state in the final game round, the period during which the silent state continues (silent period) is extremely long. may be shortened to Considering that the BGM2 is configured so that a preset interval (blank) occurs when repeated, and that it is devised so that the beginning and the end of the BGM2 can be easily distinguished, the silent period is extremely short. If you put it away, it will be difficult to tell the difference from the above. There is a concern that this will hinder the function of suggesting the end of the second normal game state by the silent state. One of the features of the present embodiment is that it is devised to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. Specifically, the configuration relating to special control processing executed by the MPU 442 (sound control unit) is different from that of the first embodiment. 38 and 39, the special control processing according to the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the special control processing shown in the first embodiment. Note that descriptions of various configurations that are common to the first embodiment are basically omitted.

(special control processing)
In the special control process in the present embodiment, first, the number of games executed after the transition to the second normal game state in step S1201 becomes greater than a predetermined number ("97" in the present embodiment). Determine whether or not Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current game round is the 98th game round, the 99th game round, or the 100th game round. If a negative determination is made in step S1201, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202.

In step S1202, it is determined whether or not the volume level stored in volume level setting area 464 of RAM 444 is volume level LV0, that is, whether or not there is no sound. If the determination in step S1202 is negative, it is determined in step S1203 whether or not the volume is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444 . If a negative determination is made in step S1203, this special control process is terminated after executing mute start determination processing in step S1204. The mute start determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Mute start determination process)
In the mute start determination process, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not it is the first stop timing. More specifically, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the upper symbols (row) that are being variably displayed on the display screen 253 a of the symbol display device 253 . If a negative determination is made in step S1301, the mute start determination process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the process proceeds to step S1302. In step S1302, it is determined whether or not the current game round is the 98th game round after shifting to the second normal game state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1302, the process proceeds to step S1303.

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

As shown in FIG. 37, when the number of reservations is "2" or more in the final game round, the variable display time is "2 sec", and is set when the number of reservations is "0" to "1". The variable display time ("6 to 8 sec") is significantly shortened. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1303, it means that the fluctuation display time is "2 sec" when the final game round is completely lost (result of non-compliant ready-to-win display), that is, short fluctuation.

If a negative determination is made in step S1303, the mute start determination process is terminated. That is, if the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is less than the first reference number, in other words, if the final game round is completely out (result of non-corresponding to reach display) and does not become a short change, Volume level switching does not occur. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1303, mute preparation processing is executed in step S1304. In the mute preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1. As a result, BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1305, a mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process ends.

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

In step S1307, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is greater than or equal to the second reference number. In this embodiment, the second reference number is set to "3", which is one less than the upper limit of storage. That is, in step S1307, at the start of the final game round (100th game round), it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b is 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain). It can be said that they are judging.

As already explained, when the number of reservations is "2" or more in the final game round, the variable display time is "2 sec", and is set when the number of reservations is "0" to "1". It is configured to be much shorter than the variable display time ("6 to 8 sec"). If an affirmative determination is made in step S1307, it means that the fluctuation display time is "2 sec", that is, a short fluctuation when the final game round is completely out (a result of non-correspondence to reach display).

If a negative determination is made in step S1307, the mute start determination process is terminated. In other words, when the number of holds is less than the second reference number, in other words, when the final game round is completely lost (result of non-compliant reach display) and there is no short change, the volume level is not switched. . On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1307, mute preparation processing is executed in step S1304. In the mute preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1. As a result, BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1305, a mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process ends.

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

Returning to the description of the special control process (FIG. 38), if the determination in step S1203 is affirmative, that is, if the volume is being changed, the process proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, it is determined whether or not it is the second stop timing. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the medium symbols (row) that are being variably displayed on the display screen 253 a of the symbol display device 253 . If a negative determination is made in step S1205, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1205, the process advances to step S1206 to execute the muting process, and then the special control process ends.

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

Returning to the description of step S1202, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, that is, if the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0 (silent state), the process proceeds to step S1207. move on. In step S1207, it is determined whether or not the current game cycle corresponds to the big win result. If a negative determination is made in step S1207, this special control process ends. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1207, this special control process is terminated after executing the big hit result process in step S1208.

Next, with reference to FIG. 40, a supplementary description will be given of the flow of volume level switching (silence pattern) when the second normal game state ends. In addition, in FIG. 40, a case is illustrated in which the result is a loss in the final game round and the state shifts to the first normal game state.

(Mute pattern)
In the example shown in FIG. 40, the 98th game round in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tg1. Specifically, the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is reduced from "4" to "3", and the variable display and pattern display device 253 ( The variable display of the symbols that were stopped and displayed on the display screen 253a) has started.

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

At the timing of tg2 before the first stop timing at which the upper symbol (row) is stop-displayed in the 98th game round, a prize is won in the lower operation opening 83b, and the number of reservations is changed from "3" to "4. ”. As a result, the pending number=the first reference number (the upper limit number or the maximum number). A sound effect SE5 indicating hold acquisition is output from the speaker unit 29 in accordance with the winning of the lower opening 83b. remains at the volume selected above.

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

Incidentally, when the last game round corresponds to the ready-to-win display, the variable display time becomes longer. In this case, a sufficient silence period can be ensured in the final game round without prior switching to the silent state. However, if a configuration is adopted in which the preceding switching to the silent state is avoided for the reason that a sufficient silent period can be secured, whether or not the final game round corresponds to the ready-to-win display is determined by whether or not the preceding switching occurs. becomes clear. In this case, the advance switching to the silent state has a stronger meaning of suggesting the ready-to-win display, and it has a function different from the original intention of suggesting the end of the second normal game state. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such inconvenience is suppressed by performing prior switching to the silent state regardless of whether or not the final game round corresponds to the ready-to-win display.

When the grace period shown in the first embodiment elapses after the volume level is switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1, the volume level is switched from volume level LV1 to volume level LV0 (tg4 timing). Even under this situation, although the reproduction of the BGM continues, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is "0", that is, the sound is silent, so that the reproduced BGM does not reach the ears of the player. Also, even if the sound effect is reproduced under this situation, the volume of the speaker unit 29 is set to "0", so the reproduced sound effect does not reach the ears of the player.

It should be noted that the timing of tg4 coincides with the second stop timing for stopping and displaying the lower pattern (row) during variable display, and the lower pattern is stopped and displayed at this timing. At the subsequent timing tg5, it becomes the third stop timing for stopping and displaying the middle symbols (row) during the variable display, and the middle symbols are stopped and displayed.

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

At timing tg8, the 100th game round (final game round) in the second normal game state is started. Along with this, the number of reservations is reduced from "4" to "3", but the number of reservations is "2" or more and the final game round corresponds to complete loss (result of non-support for reach display) Therefore, the variable display time of the final game round is the variable display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short variation (see FIG. 37).

The sound volume level lowered at the 98th game round remains lowered through the 99th game round and up to the 100th game round. That is, the silent state continues over a plurality of game rounds including the final game round. As for this silent state, the symbol is confirmed and displayed in the final game round (timing of tg9), and continues until the timing of tg10 when the confirmation display time elapses and the state shifts to the first normal game state, and at the timing of tg10. be released. Specifically, at the timing of tg10, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from volume level LV0 to volume level LV2. As a result, the output of BGM and sound effects from the speaker unit 29 is resumed.

<Modification 1>
In the variable display time table for the second normal game state shown in FIG. 37, when the number of subsequent pending information (holding number) is "2" to "4", the variable display time corresponds to the short variation. The variable display time is (2 sec), and when the number of holds is "0" to "1", the variable display time is configured to be the variable display time (6 to 8 sec) corresponding to the long change, but it is limited to this. not something. For example, if the number of holds is "1" to "4", the variable display time will be the variable display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short change, and if the number of holds is "0", the variable display time will be the long change. It may be configured to have a corresponding variable display time (6 to 8 sec). In this case, the first reference number defining the condition for judging whether or not to execute the mute preparation process at the 98th game round is reduced to "3", and whether the mute preparation process is executed at the 99th game round. It is preferable to reduce the second reference number, which defines the condition for judging whether or not, to "2". Further, in such a configuration, it is possible to have a configuration in which the mute preparation process is executed when the number of holdings is "4" at the 97th game round. That is, it is possible to have a configuration in which the silent state can be continued from the 97th game round to the final game round.

<Modification 2>
When the mute start determination to the silent state is performed in the 98th game round or the 99th game round, the game result in the final game round or the presence or absence of the ready-to-win display may be taken into consideration. Specifically, when the last game corresponds to the jackpot result or when the ready-to-win display occurs even though the result corresponds to the losing result, the switch to the silent state is postponed until the final game. is also possible.

<Third Embodiment>
In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the sound volume level is lowered by a plurality of stages during one game round, a grace period is provided between the first and second stages of reduction. By doing so, the player can easily understand that the volume is being lowered step by step. The present embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the configuration for ensuring such a grace period. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the second embodiment will be omitted, and the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on the points of difference from the second embodiment.

(special control processing)
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 41, in the special control process in this embodiment, first, the number of games executed after shifting to the second normal game state in step S1401 is a predetermined number (in this embodiment, is greater than "97"). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current game round is the 98th game round, the 99th game round, or the 100th game round. If a negative determination is made in step S1401, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, the process proceeds to step S1402.

In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the volume level stored in volume level setting area 464 of RAM 444 is volume level LV0, that is, whether or not there is no sound. If the determination in step S1402 is negative, it is determined in step S1403 whether or not the volume is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a mute flag is stored in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444 . If a negative determination is made in step S1403, this special control process is terminated after executing mute start determination processing in step S1404. The mute start determination process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Mute start determination process)
In the mute start determination process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the fixed display. More specifically, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the big winning lottery on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253 or not. If a negative determination is made in step S1501, the mute start determination process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1501, the process proceeds to step S1502. In step S1502, it is determined whether or not the current game round is the 98th game round after shifting to the second normal game state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, the process proceeds to step S1503.

In step S1503, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is greater than or equal to the first reference number. In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the first reference number is set to "4", which is the same number as the upper limit of storage. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b is 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain) at the start of the final game round (100th game round). If the number of reservations is "2" or more in the final game round, the variable display time is "2 sec", and the variable display time that is set when the number of reservations is "0" to "1" ("6 ~8 sec”) (see FIG. 37). If an affirmative determination is made in step S1503, it means that the fluctuation display time is "2 sec" when the final game round is completely lost (result of non-corresponding reach display failure), that is, short fluctuation.

If a negative determination is made in step S1503, the mute start determination process is terminated. In other words, if the number of holds is less than the first reference number, in other words, if the final game round is completely out (result of non-compliant reach display) and does not result in a short change, the volume level will be switched. do not. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1503, mute preparation processing is executed in step S1504. In the mute preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1. As a result, BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1505, a mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process ends.

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

In step S1507, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b is equal to or greater than the second reference number. In this embodiment, the second reference number is set to "3", which is one less than the upper limit of storage. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b is 2 or more (whether at least two pieces of reservation information remain) at the start of the final game round (100th game round). As already explained, when the number of reservations is "2" or more in the final game round, the variable display time is "2 sec", and is set when the number of reservations is "0" to "1". It is configured to be much shorter than the variable display time ("6 to 8 sec"). If an affirmative determination is made in step S1507, it means that the fluctuation display time is "2 sec" when the final game round is completely lost (result of non-compliant ready-to-win display), that is, short fluctuation.

If a negative determination is made in step S1507, the mute start determination process ends. In other words, if the number of holds is less than the first reference number, in other words, if the final game round is completely out (result of non-compliant reach display) and does not result in a short change, the volume level will be switched. do not. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1507, mute preparation processing is executed in step S1504. In the mute preparation process, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is switched from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1. As a result, BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 are reduced thereafter. After that, in step S1505, a mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, and the mute start determination process ends.

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

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

Returning to the description of the special control process (FIG. 41), if the determination in step S1403 is affirmative, that is, if the volume is being changed, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the big winning lottery on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253 or not. If a negative determination is made in step S1405, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1405, the process advances to step S1406 to execute the muting process, and then the special control process ends.

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

Returning to the description of step S1402, if an affirmative determination is made at step S1402, that is, if the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0 (silent state), the process proceeds to step S1407. move on. In step S1407, it is determined whether or not the current game cycle corresponds to the big win result. If a negative determination is made in step S1407, this special control process ends. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1407, this special control process is terminated after executing the big hit result process in step S1408.

Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 43, a supplementary description will be given of the flow of switching the sound volume level (silencing pattern) at the end of the second normal game state. In addition, in FIG. 43, a case is illustrated in which the result is a loss in the final game round and the state shifts to the first normal game state.

(Mute pattern)
In the example shown in FIG. 43, the 98th game round in the second normal game state is started at the timing of th1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit for the lower operating port and the variable display of the symbols stopped and displayed on the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started, and the number of reservations is increased. "4"→"3" is subtracted.

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

During the 98th game round (more specifically, during the variable display), a winning to the lower operation opening 83b occurs, and the number of pending has increased from "3" to "4". As a result, the pending number=the first reference number (the upper limit number or the maximum number). A sound effect SE5 indicating hold acquisition is output from the speaker unit 29 in accordance with the winning of the lower opening 83b. remains at the volume selected above.

At the timing th2 when the pattern is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1 triggered by the holding number reaching the first reference number. As a result, the volume of BGM and sound effects output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced to approximately 60% of the selected volume. In this embodiment, the sound volume level is lowered at the same time when the pattern is confirmed and displayed. output.

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

Incidentally, when the last game round corresponds to the ready-to-win display, the variable display time becomes longer. In this case, a sufficient silence period can be ensured in the final game round without prior switching to the silent state. However, if a configuration is adopted in which the preceding switching to the silent state is avoided for the reason that a sufficient silent period can be secured, whether or not the final game round corresponds to the ready-to-win display is determined by whether or not the preceding switching occurs. becomes clear. In this case, the advance switching to the silent state has a stronger meaning of suggesting the ready-to-win display, and it has a function different from the original intention of suggesting the end of the second normal game state. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such inconvenience is suppressed by performing prior switching to the silent state regardless of whether or not the final game round corresponds to the ready-to-win display.

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

At the timing th4 when the pattern is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253, the volume level is switched from the volume level LV1 to the volume level LV0, and the speaker section 29 becomes silent. At timing th5 when the fixed display time has elapsed from timing th4, the 100th game round in the second normal game state is started. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols stop-displayed on the display unit for the lower operating port and the variable display of the symbols stop-displayed on the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started. In other words, the silent state occurs at the 99th game round before the 100th game round, and the silent state continues over a plurality of game rounds including the 100th game round.

The 100th game round corresponds to a complete loss (result of non-corresponding reach display failure), and the number of pending at the start of the 100th game round is "4". Therefore, the variation display time in the 100th game round is the variation display time (2 sec) corresponding to the short variation, and the 100th game round ends quickly.

At the timing of th6 when the symbols are confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, the symbol combination corresponding to the lost result is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253, and the confirmation display time starts from the timing of th6. At the timing of th7 that has passed, the second normal game state is shifted to the first normal game state, and the first game cycle in the first normal game state is started. At timing th6, the volume level set in the volume level setting area 464 of the RAM 444 is switched from volume level LV0 to volume level LV2, and the silent state is canceled. As a result, output of BGM and sound effects by the speaker unit 29 is resumed.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described third embodiment, the timing for lowering the volume level is unified so that the volume level is lowered at the same timing (the timing of confirmation display) for each game round. It is not necessary to unify. For example, it is possible to set the timing of lowering the first step as the start timing of the fixed display in the previous game round, and set the timing of lowering the second step as the timing of starting the variable display in the later game round. Further, it is possible to use the timing of the first step reduction as the start timing of the variable display in the previous game round, and the timing of the second step reduction as the start timing of the fixed display in the later game round.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described third embodiment, the effect sound reproduced at the timing of the confirmation display is output at the volume level after switching, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the effect sound reproduced at the timing of the confirmation display is output at the volume level before switching.

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

(Variable display control processing)
As shown in FIG. 44, in the variable display control process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress. determine whether or not there is If it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process advances to step S1602 to determine whether or not the variation start command transmitted from the main controller 162 has been received.

If a negative determination is made in step S1602, the variable display control process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1602, this variable display control process is terminated after executing a process for starting variation, which will be described later, in step S1603.

Returning to the description of step S1601, when the determination in step S1601 is affirmative, that is, when it is determined that the game is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation end command transmitted from the main controller 162 has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S1604, the variable display control process is terminated after executing the variable display process in step S1605. The variation mid-process is a process of executing various effects and changing the determined effect in the game cycle started by the process for starting the variation.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1604, the process proceeds to step S1606, and after executing the fluctuation end processing in step S1606, the fluctuation display control processing ends. In the fluctuation ending process, the driving control of the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 is performed to produce an effect corresponding to the confirmation display. Then, after transmitting the fluctuation end command to the display control device 410, the fluctuation end processing is ended. The MPU 472 of the display control device 410 controls the pattern display device 253 to fix and stop the pattern based on the received fluctuation end command.

Here, with reference to FIG. 45, a supplementary description of the fluctuation start processing in step S1603 will be given. The variation start process is a process for starting an effect for a game turn based on receiving a variation start command transmitted from the main controller 162 .

(Processing for start of fluctuation)
In the fluctuation start process, first, in step S1701, the fluctuation start command received this time is read, and information on the presence or absence of reach occurrence and information on the fluctuation display time are specified from the command. Further, as already explained, when the variation start command is transmitted from the main controller 162, the type command is also transmitted. In step S1701, the type command received together with the variation start command received this time is read, 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 S1701, from the specified information, information on the presence or absence of jackpot winning, information on jackpot type in the case of jackpot winning, information on the presence or absence of reach occurrence in the case of jackpot non-winning, and variable display time information is grasped, and the grasped information is stored in the register of the MPU 442 .

In subsequent step S1702, it is determined whether or not the current support mode is the low-frequency support mode. When the affirmative determination is made in step S1702, that is, when it is in the first normal game state, the process proceeds to step S1703. At step S1703, effect determination processing for the low-frequency support mode is executed based on the various information grasped at step S1701.

In the effect determination process of step S1703, the stop result determination process for determining the symbol stop result is performed. In the stop result determination 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. It is determined as a stop result, and in the case of a normal jackpot result, a stop result in which a combination of the same non-specific symbols (main symbols with even numbers) is established on one activated line L1 to L5 is determined in this game round. Decide as a stop result.

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 443 stores the valid 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. In the following explanation, the stop result address information determined by various stop result determination processes is also stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 444 .

Also, in the effect setting process for the big win, the variable display mode of the symbol for the big win is determined (performs the variable display mode determination process (effect pattern determination process)). When a jackpot result is obtained, the result is notified through reach display. In the variable display mode determination processing for reach display, the variable display pattern table for reach display stored in the various table areas of the ROM 443 is acquired, and the game at the variable display time and type command of the variable start command received this time is determined. A production pattern of normal ready-to-win display or super ready-to-win display corresponding to the result is determined. In addition, a process of storing the address information of the determined variable display mode in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 444 is executed. Also in the variable display mode determination processing described below, the corresponding variable display pattern table is acquired from the variable display pattern table storage area of the ROM 443 to determine the effect pattern corresponding to the variable display time and the game result. Then, the address information of the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determination process is stored in the pattern address storage area of the RAM444.

In addition, in the stop result determination process, if the result is a failure, it is determined whether or not reach will occur in the current game round. When reach occurs, effect setting processing for reach occurs 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. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ready-to-win is not generated, the outline of the performance for complete 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.

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

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

After executing any one of steps S1703, S1705, and S1707, the process advances to step S1708. In step S1708, a process of outputting to the display control device 410 commands including the stop result and effect pattern information determined in steps S1703, S1705, and S1707 as a stop result command and a pattern command, respectively, is executed. Based on the received stop result command and pattern command, the MPU 472 of the display control device 410 performs display control of the pattern display device 253 to execute the effect in the current game round.

After executing the process of step S1708, in the following step S1709, after executing the process of starting the effect for the game cycle, the process for starting the variation is finished. Specifically, based on the performance patterns determined in steps S1703, S1705, and S1707, drive control of the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 is started, and the performance for the game round is started.

(Direction pattern)
The production patterns in the normal production are roughly divided into five types of complete failure, normal reach A, normal reach B, super reach A, super reach B, and super reach C. For each of these variable display modes, the variable display time is set to be different, and based on the information related to the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 162, it is possible to grasp the outline of the effect pattern for each game round. It has become.

Specifically, the variable display time for complete deviation is "2 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 "15 sec" longer than the variable display time of normal reach A, "16 sec" longer than the variable display time of normal reach A and B for the variable display time of super reach A, Super reach for the variable display time of super reach B The variable display time of A is "17 sec", and the variable display time of super reach C is "18 sec", which is longer than the variable display times of the other super reach A and B. For example, when the information regarding the variable display time given to the command from the main control device 162 is "15 sec", the notification/effect control device 140 will grasp that the normal reach B should be executed. .

In addition, in the game times corresponding to the jackpot result, Super Reach C > Super Reach B
> Super Reach A > Normal Reach B > Normal Reach A are likely to be selected in this order, and in the game round corresponding to the result of the deviation, complete loss > Normal Reach A > Normal Reach B > Super Reach A > Super Reach B >
It has a configuration that is likely to be selected in order of super reach C . In other words, the longer the variable display time is, the higher the expectation for winning the jackpot is set.

Here, 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, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols with the same number on any of the effective lines L1 to L5. 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 constituting the ready-to-win display stops on the reach line, it is notified that the big win has been won, 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 allowed.

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 modes of the normal reach A and B described above, the variable display modes of the super reach A, B and C will be described. As for the super reach lines A, B, and C, the reach lines described above are formed through the same process as for the normal reach lines A, B. 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, after the reach line is formed in super reach A, 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). After the reach line is formed, a character imitating a boy is displayed in the center of the variable display area of the middle symbol row Z2 (the center of the variable display area ME), and in super reach C, after the reach line is formed, A character modeled after a girl 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 normal effect described in detail above, as shown in FIG. 47(a), with the start of the game cycle, the variable display of symbols is started, and all the symbols are stopped (determined display), and the game result is displayed. is specified. In this regard, the same applies to the above-described special effects. However, in the special effect, the pattern variable display → stop display (pause display, temporary stop display) is repeated multiple times from the start of the variable display of the pattern to the final display, which is different from the normal production. ing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47(b), after the variable display is started, the unit display in which the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the deviation is stopped and displayed (temporary stop display or temporary stop display) is repeated a plurality of times. After that, the reach display (same as the above normal reach) moves to the confirmed display. In the following description, the variable display of symbols in unit display and the variable display of symbols immediately before final display are also referred to as "unit effect".

Here, in the high-frequency support mode, most of the game balls shot toward the game area PE (right route) go to the lower operation port 83b, and in the high-frequency support mode, most of the game balls are the electric accessories 91. It will be guided to the lower operation opening 83b by . Regarding the game board unit 80 shown in the present embodiment, in the high-frequency support mode, by continuing the shooting operation of the game ball toward the right route, the number of reservations related to the lower operation opening 83b is increased from "2" to "4 ” is configured to transition in the vicinity of

As shown in FIG. 46(a), during the high-frequency support mode (excluding the final game round in the second normal game state), the number of reservations related to the lower operation port 83b changes from "2" to "4". When the complete miss continues, the display screen 253a of the symbol display device 253 repeats the symbol fluctuation display (2 sec) and the fixed display (1 sec). The above-mentioned unit display is stipulated so that the symbol fluctuation display time is 2 seconds and the stop display time is 1 second. stipulated.

As shown in FIGS. 46(b) and (c), the variable display time in the final game cycle in the second normal game state is configured to be either "11 sec" or "14 sec". When "11 sec" is set as the variable display time, after the unit display is repeated three times during the final game round, the ready-to-win display is performed and then the fixed display is executed. When "14 sec" is set as the variable display time, after the unit display is repeated four times during the final game round, the ready-to-win display is performed and then the fixed display is executed. In other words, in the variable display time (14 sec) corresponding to the jackpot result, a difference is provided so that the unit display to be executed is one more than the variable display time (11 sec) corresponding to both the loss result and the jackpot result. There are

One of the features of this embodiment is that the volume level is changed in conjunction with the unit display during the final game. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 48, the configuration for changing the sound volume level, specifically, the special control process executed by the MPU 442 of the notification/production control device 140 will be described. FIG. 48 is a flow chart showing special control processing.

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

In this embodiment, a BGM volume level setting area for setting the BGM volume level and a sound effect volume level setting area for setting the volume level of the sound effect are stored in the RAM 444 of the notification/production control device 140. are provided, and the volume of BGM and the volume of sound effects can be individually controlled. In the following description, the BGM volume level setting area is referred to as "volume level setting area 464" for convenience.

In step S1802, it is determined whether or not the volume level stored in the volume level setting area 464, ie, the BGM volume level, is the volume level LV0. If a negative determination is made in step S1802, the process proceeds to step S1803.

In step S1803, it is determined whether or not the BGM volume level is being changed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a volume change flag, which will be described later, is stored in the various flag storage area 466 . If a negative determination is made in step S1803, the process proceeds to step S1804. In step S1804, it is determined whether or not it is the end timing of the first unit effect, that is, the timing to temporarily stop and display the symbol. If a negative determination is made in step S1804, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1804, the process advances to step S1805 to set a volume change flag in various flag storage area 466 of RAM444.

After that, in step S1806, the volume level first change process is executed, and then this special control process ends. In this embodiment, a volume level LV0, a volume level LV1, a volume level LV2, and a volume level LV3 are provided as volume levels for BGM. The volume level LV0 is a volume level at which the BGM volume is set to "0" regardless of the selected volume, the volume level LV1 is a volume level at which the BGM volume is reduced (corrected) to 20% of the selected volume, The volume level LV2 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the BGM volume to 60% of the selected volume, and the volume level LV3 is a volume level that leaves the BGM volume at the selected volume (not compensated). In the first volume level change process executed through step S1805, the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is changed from volume level LV3 to volume level LV2. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced.

It should be noted that volume level LV0, volume level LV1, volume level LV2, and volume level LV3 are provided for volume levels for sound effects as well as volume levels for BGM. The volume level LV0 is a volume level that makes the volume of the sound effect "0" regardless of the selected volume, and the volume level LV1 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the volume of the sound effect to 20% of the selected volume. The volume level LV2 is a volume level that reduces (corrects) the volume of the sound effect to 60% of the selected volume, and the volume level LV3 is a volume that leaves the volume of the sound effect as the selected volume (not corrected). level. In the volume level first change processing executed through step S1805, the volume level set in the sound effect volume level setting area is not changed, and the volume level LV3 is maintained.

By the way, the volume level of sound effects is basically set to volume level LV3. It is possible to suppress that the chorus part becomes difficult to hear. However, the suppression function is disabled when the volume level of BGM is changed (while a volume change flag, which will be described later, is stored).

Returning to the description of step S1803, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1803, that is, if the volume change flag is stored in the flag storage area 466 of the RAM 444, the process proceeds to step S1807. In step S1807, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the unit production. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1807, the volume change pattern determined in step S1707 is referenced to determine whether or not the current unit display corresponds to the volume change. Although the details will be described later, when the final game round corresponds to the result of losing, the final BGM volume level becomes the volume level LV0, whereas the final game round corresponds to the jackpot result. If there is (more specifically, when the variable display time is 11 sec), the reduction of the BGM volume level stops at the volume level LV1, and switching to the volume level LV0 is avoided.

If a negative determination is made in step S1808, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1808, the process advances to step S1806, executes volume level change processing, and then ends this special control processing.

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

Returning to the description of step S1807, if a negative determination is made in step S1807, the process proceeds to step S1809. In step S1809, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the final unit effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1809, this special control process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1809, the process advances to step S1810 to refer to the volume change pattern determined in step S1707 to determine whether or not volume change is supported. If a negative determination is made in step S1810, this special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1810, volume level second change processing is executed in step S1811. Specifically, when the last game round corresponds to the big hit result and 11 sec is set as the variable display time, affirmative determination is made in step S1810.

In the second volume level change process in step S1811, the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is returned to the volume level LV3. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is increased. Thus, in the present embodiment, when 11 sec is set as the variable display time in the final game round corresponding to the jackpot result, the jackpot result is obtained by raising the volume at the start of the final unit effect. Something is suggested.

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

Returning to the description of step S1802, if an affirmative determination is made at step S1802, that is, if the volume level set in the BGM volume level setting area 464 is the volume level LV0, the process proceeds to step S1813. In step S1813, it is determined whether or not the current game cycle corresponds to the big win result. If a negative determination is made in step S1813, this special control process ends. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1813, this special control process is terminated after executing the big hit result process in step S1814. Hereinafter, the process for the big win result will be described with reference to FIG. 49 .

(Processing for jackpot results)
In the big hit result processing, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the current final game cycle corresponds to the variable display time=11 sec. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1901, the process advances to step S1902 to determine whether or not it is time to end the confirmation display. If a negative determination is made in step S1902, the main jackpot result process is terminated.

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

Returning to the description of step S1901, if the current final game cycle corresponds to the variable display time=14 sec, a negative determination is made in step S1901 and the process proceeds to step S1905. In step S1905, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined timing (return timing) before the start of the final unit effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1905, the main jackpot result process is terminated. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1905, return processing is executed in step S1903, and after erasing the volume change flag in step S1904, the big win result processing ends.

Here, with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 50 to 52, the flow of switching the sound volume level as the game progresses will be described. FIG. 50 illustrates a case where the final game round ends without a jackpot result in the second normal game state and shifts to the first normal game state, and FIGS. 51 and 52 show the second normal game. A case in which a jackpot result is obtained in the final game round in the state and the state shifts to the special game state is illustrated.

(Volume change pattern 1)
In the example shown in FIG. 50, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tj1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols stop-displayed on the display unit for the lower operating port and the variable display of the symbols stopped-displayed on the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started.

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

At the timing of tj2 when the first unit effect is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the missing result is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from volume level LV3 to volume level LV2. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing tj2 remains high.

At the timing of tj3, the second unit effect (unit display) is started. After that, at timing tj4 when the second unit effect is completed and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is further reduced. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the stopped display of the symbol output at the timing of tj4 remains high.

At the timing of tj5, the third unit effect (unit display) is started. After that, at timing tj6 when the third unit effect is completed and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from volume level LV1 to volume level LV0. As a result, BGM is not output from the speaker section 29 . On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. After that, the sounds output from the speaker unit 29 are limited to sound effects.

At the timing of tj5, the last unit effect is started. After that, at the timing of tj8, the unit effect is completed and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of losing is confirmed and displayed. At the timing tj9 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the volume level of the BGM returns from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV3, and the output of the BGM from the speaker section 29 is resumed along with the transition to the first normal game state. .

(Volume change pattern 2)
In the example shown in FIG. 51, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tk1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols stop-displayed on the display unit for the lower operating port and the variable display of the symbols stopped-displayed on the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started.

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

At the timing of tk2 when the first unit effect is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from the volume level LV3 to the volume level LV2. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing tk2 remains high.

At the timing of tk3, the second unit effect (unit display) is started. After that, at timing tk4 when the second unit performance is completed and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from volume level LV2 to volume level LV1. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is further reduced. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. For this reason, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tk4 remains high.

At the timing of tk5, the third unit effect (unit display) is started. After that, at the timing of tk6 when the third unit effect is completed and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is maintained at the volume level LV1 and lowered to the volume level LV0. do not have. That is, as shown in the volume change pattern 1, the volume level is lowered to the volume level LV0 before the final game is displayed in the final game round corresponding to the result of losing, whereas the big hit is shown in the main volume change pattern 2. In the final game round corresponding to the result, the sound volume level is prevented from becoming the sound volume level LV0. Thus, by adopting a configuration in which whether or not the result of a big win is suggested depending on whether or not the volume level is switched to the volume level LV0, the player's attention is directed to the volume of the BGM output from the speaker unit 29. As a result, stopping the output of the BGM suggests the end of the second normal game state, and it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking the game.

When the last unit performance is started at the timing of tk7, the volume level of BGM is restored from volume level LV1 to volume level LV3 accordingly. In this way, by outputting the BGM with a loud sound, it is clearly indicated that the result is a big win.

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

(Volume change pattern 3)
In the example shown in FIG. 52, the final game round (100th game round) in the second normal game state is started at the timing of tl1. Specifically, the variable display of the symbols stop-displayed on the display unit for the lower operating port and the variable display of the symbols stopped-displayed on the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a) are started.

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

At the timing of tl2 when the first unit performance is completed and the symbol combination corresponding to the missing result is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from volume level LV3 to volume level LV2. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is reduced. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. Therefore, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tl2 remains high.

A second unit effect (unit display) is started at the timing of tl3. After that, at the timing of tl4 when the second unit performance is finished and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from the volume level LV2 to the volume level LV1. As a result, the background music output from the speaker unit 29 is further reduced. On the other hand, the volume level of the sound effect is maintained at the volume level LV3. For this reason, the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the stop display of the symbol output at the timing of tl4 remains high.

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

At the timing of tl7, the fourth unit effect (unit display) is started. In the first volume change pattern and the second volume change pattern described above, the fourth unit effect corresponds to the last unit effect. However, at the timing of tl9 immediately after the timing of tl8 when the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the failure is temporarily displayed after the fourth unit effect is completed, the volume level of the BGM is lowered from the volume level LV0 to the volume level LV3. , BGM output from the speaker unit 29 is resumed. This suggests a jackpot result.

After that, the last unit performance is started at the timing of tl10, the unit performance is finished at the timing of tl11, and the symbol combination corresponding to the big winning result is confirmed and displayed. At the timing of tl12 when the fixed display time has elapsed, the second normal game state is shifted to the special game state.

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

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

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

<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 embodiments described above, the configuration is such that the game ball launched to the right route in the game area PE is prevented from entering the upper operation opening 83a, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a game ball launched in the right route is also allowed to enter the upper operation port 83a.

(2) A game cycle based on a ball entering the upper operating port 83a and a game cycle based on a ball entering the lower operating port 83b may be performed in parallel. For example, when the hold information based on the ball entering the upper working hole 83a and the holding information based on the ball entering the lower working hole 83b coexist, the pattern corresponding to the holding information related to the upper working hole 83a A variable display area and a variable display area with a pattern corresponding to the pending information applied to the lower operating port 83b may be formed in the display screen 253a, respectively, and both variable displays may be performed in parallel in each of the variable display areas. good.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration is such that the hold information relating to the lower working port 83b is prioritized over the holding information relating to the upper working port 83a, but this can be reversed. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the pending information related to the upper working port 83a and the pending information related to the lower working port 83b are digested in the order of acquisition of the pending information.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the upper working port 83a and the lower working port 83b are provided as the "entrance portion". good too.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, in the normal game state (second normal game state or third normal game state) corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, the BGM 2 is played over a plurality of game rounds. Similarly to the BGM1 in the normal game state (first normal game state) corresponding to the low-frequency support mode, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the BGM is reproduced by dividing each game round.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the second normal game state is terminated by stopping the output of the BGM or the like during the final game round in the case of shifting from the second normal game state to the first normal game state. As suggested, in the case of shifting from the first game state to the second game state, the output of the BGM or the like is stopped during the final game cycle when the first game state ends, and the second game state is performed. It is also possible to have a configuration that suggests a transition to a state. For example, the upper limit of the number of games is provided in the third normal game state corresponding to the high probability mode and the high frequency support mode, and in the configuration that shifts to the first normal game state by reaching the upper limit, the upper limit By stopping the output of the BGM or the like in the final game round, it may be configured to suggest that the third normal game state will end.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the player can adjust the volume according to his taste by operating the operation button provided on the front door frame 14. However, such an adjustment function is provided. can be omitted.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, when the volume level is switched as the game progresses (when the mute flag or volume change flag is stored), the volume cannot be adjusted using the operation buttons. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which such regulation is not performed.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration is such that the output of BGM and sound effects from the speaker unit 29 is avoided by switching the volume level (in other words, the reproduction of BGM and sound effects is not related to the volume level). configured to run independently). By changing this, the reproduction of the BGM or sound effects may be stopped or paused to avoid outputting the BGM or sound effects from the speaker section 29 . In other words, it is not necessary to switch the volume level in order to set the state in which BGM and sound effects are not output (silent state), and BGM and sound effects are not output because the BGM and sound effects are not played. A state (silent state) may be set.

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

(10) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or a 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 and results in a big win, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arranged 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.

<Characteristic group A>
The following characteristic group A is defined as "Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a pattern display device that displays patterns on the display screen. Triggered by the winning of a prize in the operation opening, a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to generate a special game state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, and the variable display of the pattern is started. , the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result is finally displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state.In this kind of game machine, a support mode by an electric accessory installed in the operation port, By providing a plurality of lottery modes for the above-mentioned lottery based on winnings to the operation opening, the diversification of the game is realized, and for example, there is something that suppresses the progress of the game from becoming monotonous (for example, Patent Document 1). With regard to technology, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that ``however, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the game machine in order to diversify the games as described above.''

Feature A1. A starting ball entry portion (operation opening 83b) provided in the game area (game area PE);
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering section (function for acquiring holding information by MPU 402 of main controller 162);
Obtained information storage means (function for storing pending information in MPU 402 of main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. Equipped with a game turn control means (function for executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
A first game state (first normal game state) and a second game state (second normal game state) are provided as game states, and the number of games played in the second game state becomes a specified number (end reference number of times). It is configured to shift from the second game state to the first game state when
A production device (speaker unit 29) capable of executing production,
A production control means (notification / production control device 140) for executing production by driving and controlling the production device,
The production control means is
Execution means for executing a predetermined effect corresponding to the second game state when the second game state is established;
The number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means reaches a predetermined number in the final game round of the second game state in which the number of games executed in the second game state reaches the specified number. and a stopping means for stopping the predetermined effect being executed by the executing means when the game is played.

According to feature A1, during the second game state, a predetermined effect (for example, a dedicated effect) corresponding to the second game state is executed. With such a configuration, it is possible to suggest or clearly indicate to the player that the game is in the second game state by a predetermined effect. In the final game round in the second game state, when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number (for example, an upper limit number), the predetermined effect is stopped. As a result, it is possible to suggest to the player that the second game state is about to end before the second game state actually ends. It can reduce the feeling of abruptness. In this way, by adding the notice function to the predetermined effect, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand and the connection between states from becoming weak due to the diversification of the game states. This is preferable in terms of improving the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game state.

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

Feature A2. A starting ball entry portion (operation opening 83b) provided in the game area (game area PE);
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the ball entering the starting ball entering section (function for acquiring holding information by MPU 402 of main controller 162);
Obtained information storage means (function for storing pending information in MPU 402 of main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. Equipped with a game turn control means (function for executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
A first game state (first normal game state) and a second game state (second normal game state) are provided as game states, and the number of games played in the second game state becomes a specified number (end reference number of times). It is configured to shift from the second game state to the first game state when
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that drives and controls the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting predetermined music corresponding to the second game state from the speaker unit when the second game state is established;
When the number of special information stored in the obtained information storage means reaches a predetermined number in the final game round of the second game state when the number of games executed in the second game state reaches the specified number. and a stopping means for stopping the output of the predetermined music by the output means.

According to feature A2, predetermined music (for example, exclusive music) corresponding to the second game state is executed during the second game state. With such a configuration, it is possible to suggest or clearly indicate to the player that the game is in the second game state by means of predetermined music. In the final game round in the second game state, when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number (for example, an upper limit number), the predetermined music is stopped. As a result, it is possible to suggest to the player that the second game state is about to end before the second game state actually ends. It can reduce the feeling of abruptness. In this way, by adding the notice function to the predetermined effect, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand and the connection between states from becoming weak due to the diversification of the game states. This is preferable in terms of improving the degree of attention to the game by diversifying the game state.

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

Feature A3. The sound control means has means for switching the music output from the speaker unit in accordance with the transition to the first game state from the predetermined music to music corresponding to the first game state,
The stopping means has means for, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped in the final game round of the second game state, continuing the stopped state until the state is shifted to the first game state. The gaming machine according to feature A2, characterized in that

According to the feature A3, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped in the final game round of the second game state, the stopped state continues until the transition from the second game state to the first game state. . As a result, even when the music output from the speaker unit is switched with the switching to the game state, a certain amount of time can be obtained, and the sudden switching of the music can be suppressed.

It should be noted that although it is possible to ensure the above-mentioned interval at the beginning of the first game state, the timing at which the game state is switched is also the timing at which the player has a change of heart and wants to challenge the game. It is preferable to ensure the above-mentioned interval at the end of the second game state and to promptly start outputting the music corresponding to the first game state at the beginning of the first game state in order to increase the player's satisfaction.

Feature A4. The stopping means is a first stopping means,
The sound control means stops the output of the predetermined music when a predetermined timing in the final game round has come without the output of the predetermined music being stopped by the first stop means. The gaming machine according to feature A2 or feature A3, further comprising stopping means.

Considering that the frequency of entering balls into the active ball entering portion may be biased to some extent, the number of stored special information does not always reach the predetermined number during the final game round. Therefore, if the predetermined number is not reached, the output of the predetermined music is stopped at a predetermined timing in the final game round, thereby diversifying the timing of stopping the predetermined music and allowing the predetermined music to be played. can be preferably suppressed from being continued until the switching timing to the first game state.

Feature A5. The predetermined timing is set so as to be after the start timing of the game-play motion in the final game round and before the end timing of the game-play motion in the final game round. The gaming machine according to feature A4.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, the predetermined timing is reached in the middle of the final game round. With such a configuration, it is possible to secure the opportunity to obtain the special information, and to preferably earn the period during which the output of the predetermined music is stopped.

Feature A6. The output means is configured to output the predetermined music again after a predetermined waiting period when the output of the predetermined music is completed,
The predetermined timing is such that the period from when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means to when the game cycle operation in the final game cycle is completed is longer than the predetermined standby period. The gaming machine according to feature A4 or feature A5, characterized in that it is set.

With a configuration in which predetermined music is repeatedly output, the amount of data of the predetermined music can be reduced. Here, when predetermined music is repeated, if a predetermined waiting period is interposed, the start/end of the predetermined music can be easily recognized. However, if such a configuration is applied to the feature A2, etc., it becomes difficult to identify whether or not it is caused by the above repetition when the predetermined music is stopped, and the player's more likely to lead to misunderstandings. Therefore, when the output of the predetermined music is forcibly stopped as shown in this feature, the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stopping means until the operation for the game round is completed in the final game round. is set to be longer than the predetermined waiting period, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

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

When the output of predetermined music is stopped when the number of stored special information reaches a predetermined number, there is a high possibility that the player is shooting a game ball toward the game area. In such a case, the output of the predetermined music is stopped at an earlier timing than when the predetermined music is stopped at the predetermined timing, so that the player can finish the second game state. By promptly suggesting that the game ball is to be played, the player can be urged to stop shooting the game ball.

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

If the output of predetermined music is suddenly stopped, there is a high possibility that the player will mistake it for a malfunction. In this regard, such misunderstandings can be suitably suppressed by adopting a configuration in which the sound volume is gradually lowered and then stopped, as shown in this feature.

Here, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped when the number of stored special information reaches the predetermined number, there is a high possibility that the player is shooting the game ball toward the game area. . By setting the reduction period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the first stopping means to be shorter than the reduction period when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stopping means, the shooting of the game balls is suppressed. It is possible to quickly inform the continuing player that the second game state will end. This makes it easier to give the player time to change his mind.

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

When the number of stored special information reaches the upper limit, no new special information is acquired even if a ball is entered into the starting ball entering section. For this reason, there is concern that continuing to shoot game balls in such a situation may lead to a wasteful increase in investment. Therefore, by stopping the output of predetermined music when the number of pieces of special information reaches the upper limit, it is possible to suitably suppress an increase in investment. In addition, when the upper limit is not reached, the timing at which the output of the predetermined music is stopped is delayed, which makes it easier to prompt the player to continue shooting game balls.

Feature A10. A variable means ( electric accessories 91),
Switching means for switching the variable means between the first state and the second state (a function for executing electric support processing by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162),
As switching modes (support modes) of the variable means by the switching means, a first switching mode (low-frequency support mode) set so that a period of the second state is relatively short, and the second state. A second switching mode (high-frequency support mode) is set so that the period of time is relatively long,
The gaming machine according to feature A9, wherein the switching mode in the first gaming state is the first switching mode, and the switching mode in the second gaming state is the second switching mode.

In the configuration in which the variable means supports the ball entry into the starting ball entry portion in the second game state, there is a high possibility that the player will continue to shoot the game ball until the transition to the first game state. This exacerbates the investment concerns discussed above when there is a cap on the number of special information that can be stored. Therefore, the technical idea shown in feature A9 is applied to such a configuration, and when the number of stored special information reaches the upper limit, the output of predetermined music is stopped to prompt the player to enter the second game state. is nearing the end, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

It should be noted that it is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in features A3 to A10 to feature A1.

<Characteristic group B>
The characteristic group B below is defined as "Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a pattern display device that displays patterns on the display screen. Triggered by the winning of a prize in the operation opening, a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to generate a special game state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, and the variable display of the pattern is started. , a specific pattern combination or the like is finally displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1). However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the attention to games." It was done with a task.

Feature B1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize in the operation port 83b) (function for acquiring holding information by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162);
Obtained information storage means (function for storing pending information in MPU 402 of main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. Equipped with a game turn control means (function for executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
The game round control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game round operation is shortened as the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means increases. cage,
A production device (speaker unit 29) capable of executing production,
A production control means (notification / production control device 140) for executing production by driving and controlling the production device,
The game round control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game round operation is shortened as the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means increases. cage,
The production control means is
Execution means for executing a predetermined production in the production device;
and a stopping means for stopping the predetermined effect in the effect device,
A gaming machine characterized in that the game-playing operation is executed a plurality of times by the game-play control means during a stop period in which the predetermined effect is stopped by the stopping means.

According to the feature B1, by making a configuration in which a plurality of game rounds are executed during a stop period in which a predetermined effect is stopped, the impact can be strengthened and the degree of attention to the game can be improved.

In particular, in a configuration in which the operation period of the game round operation can be shortened depending on the number of special information, if the predetermined effect is stopped only for one game round, the stop period becomes extremely short, There is a concern that it is easy to overlook that the predetermined presentation is stopped. In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, even if the above shortening function is provided, the stop period is preferably reduced by continuing the state in which the predetermined effect is stopped over a plurality of game rounds. can earn As a result, it is possible to favorably exhibit the effect of increasing the degree of attention of the player by intentionally stopping the predetermined effect.

Feature B2. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize in the operation port 83b) (function for acquiring holding information by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162);
Obtained information storage means (function for storing pending information in MPU 402 of main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. Equipped with a game turn control means (function for executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
The game round control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game round operation is shortened as the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means increases. cage,
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that drives and controls the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting music from the speaker unit;
a stopping means for stopping the output of the music by the output means;
A gaming machine characterized in that the game-playing operation is executed a plurality of times by the game-play control means during a stop period in which the output of the music is stopped by the stop means.

According to the feature B2, by making a configuration in which a plurality of game rounds are executed during the stop period in which the music is intentionally stopped, it is possible to enhance the impact and contribute to the improvement of the degree of attention to the game.

In particular, in a configuration in which the operation period of the action for the game cycle can be shortened depending on the number of special information, if the music is stopped only for one game cycle, the stop period becomes extremely short, and the music is stopped. There is a concern that it will be easy to overlook the fact that it is stopped. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the music is kept stopped over a plurality of game rounds, so that even if the above shortening function is provided, the stop period can be appropriately earned. be able to. As a result, the effect of increasing the player's attention can be favorably exhibited by deliberately stopping the music.

Feature B3. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize in the operation port 83b) (function for acquiring holding information by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162);
Obtained information storage means (function for storing pending information in MPU 402 of main control unit 162) capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information obtained by the information obtaining means;
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. Equipped with a game turn control means (function for executing display control by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
The game round control means has means for shortening the operation period so that the operation period of the game round operation is shortened as the number of the special information stored in the acquired information storage means increases. cage,
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that drives and controls the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting predetermined music (BGM2) corresponding to the predetermined game state from the speaker unit when a predetermined game state (second normal game state) is established;
a stopping means for stopping the output of the predetermined music by the output means,
A game machine characterized in that the game-playing operation is executed a plurality of times by the game-play control means during a stop period in which the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the stopping means.

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

In particular, in a configuration in which the operation period of the game cycle operation can be shortened depending on the number of special information, if the predetermined music is stopped only for one game cycle, the stop period becomes extremely short, There is a concern that it is easy to miss that the predetermined music is stopped. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the predetermined music is kept stopped over a plurality of game rounds, so that the stop period is preferably reduced even if the shortening function is provided. can earn As a result, by intentionally stopping the predetermined music, the effect of increasing the degree of attention of the player can be favorably exhibited.

Feature B4. The stopping means stops the output of the predetermined music in the game round before the predetermined game round in the predetermined game state, and stops the output of the predetermined music until the predetermined game round. The gaming machine according to feature B3, characterized by having means for continuing.

After the output of the predetermined music is stopped in the previous game round, the stopped state is continued until the predetermined game round. With such a configuration, the technical ideas shown in feature B3 and the like can be suitably embodied.

Feature B5. Characteristic B4 characterized in that the number of game rounds between the predetermined game round and the previous game round is determined based on the number of special information stored in the acquired information storage means. The gaming machine described in .

In a configuration in which the operation period of the game-playing action changes according to the number of stored special information, by determining the number of play-time to stop the output of predetermined music according to the number of stored special information, The period of suspension can be appropriate.

In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is defined as "the number of special information stored by the acquired information storage means for the number of times of the game-playing operation performed under the condition that the output of the predetermined music is stopped. The game machine according to feature B4, characterized in that the game machine is determined according to

Feature B6. The operation period of the game-playing operation includes a first operation period (for example, 2 sec) and a second operation period (for example, 6 to 8 sec) longer than the first operation period,
When the operation period of a predetermined game round is the second operation period, the stopping means stops the output of the predetermined music during the predetermined game round and causes the stopped state to be maintained in the predetermined game round. is maintained until the action for the game round is completed, and when the operation period of the predetermined game round is the first operation period, the predetermined music is played in the game round before the predetermined game round. The gaming machine according to feature B4 or feature B5, wherein the output of .

According to feature B6, when the second operation period is relatively long, output of predetermined music is stopped only for predetermined game times, and the first operation period is relatively short. In such a case, the output of the predetermined music is stopped over a plurality of game rounds including the predetermined game round, so that the period during which the predetermined music is stopped can be suppressed from becoming unreasonably long.

Feature B7. The operation period of the game-playing operation includes a first operation period (for example, 2 sec) and a second operation period (for example, 6 to 8 sec) longer than the first operation period,
when the following number, which is the number of special information subsequent to the special information corresponding to the predetermined game round, reaches a predetermined number, a first operation period is set as the operation period in the predetermined game round;
when the number of special information succeeding the special information corresponding to the predetermined game round is less than a predetermined number, a second operation period is set as the operation period in the predetermined game round;
The stopping means stops the output of the predetermined music in the previous game round when the subsequent number reaches the predetermined number in the game round before the predetermined game round, The gaming machine according to feature B4 or feature B5, wherein the stopped state is maintained until the action for game play in the predetermined game play is completed.

According to the configuration shown in feature B7, it is possible to prevent the period in which the output of the predetermined music is stopped from becoming excessively long, thereby reducing the significance of the existence of the predetermined music.

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

According to feature B8, the fact that the output of the predetermined music is stopped due to the output of the sound effect under the condition that the output of the predetermined music is stopped is caused by the failure of the speaker unit. It is possible to suppress misidentification as

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

With a configuration in which predetermined music is repeatedly output, the amount of data of the predetermined music can be reduced. Here, when predetermined music is repeated, if a predetermined waiting period is interposed, the start/end of the predetermined music can be easily recognized. However, if such a configuration is applied to the feature B3 or the like, it becomes difficult to identify whether or not it is caused by the above repetition when the predetermined music is stopped, and the player cannot more likely to be misunderstood. Therefore, in the case of forcibly stopping the output of predetermined music as shown in this feature, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience is preferably suppressed by setting the stop period to be longer than the above-described predetermined waiting period. can.

It should be noted that it is also possible to apply the respective technical ideas shown in features B4 to B9 to features B1 and B2.

Moreover, it is also possible to apply each technical concept shown in the characteristic group A to the characteristic group B detailed above.

<Characteristic group C>
The characteristic group C below is defined as "Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a pattern display device that variably displays a pattern on the display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, a Triggered by the winning of a prize in the operation opening, a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to generate a special game state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, and the variable display of the pattern is started. , a specific pattern combination or the like is finally displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1). However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the attention to games." It was done with a task.

Feature C1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize for the operation port 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 executes the prize winning process for the function) and
Acquisition information storage means for storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means (holding ball storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162);
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game turn control means (a function of executing a game turn control process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
The game round control means includes a period determination means for determining the operation period (variable display time) of the game round operation for each game round (function for executing variable display time setting processing in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162). has
a pattern display means (pattern display device 253) having a display screen (display screen 253a) and capable of variably displaying a pattern on the display screen;
Display control means (notification/effect control device 140 or display control device 410) for stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to the notification result by the predetermined notification means after variably displaying a plurality of patterns on the display screen;
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that drives and controls the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
Output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker unit in parallel with the variable display of the pattern by the pattern display means;
After the volume of the predetermined music output by the output means is gradually lowered in association with the movement of the pattern displayed on the display screen, the output of the predetermined music is reduced to the pattern. and a stopping means for stopping in conjunction with the movement of the game machine.

According to the feature C1, predetermined music is output in parallel with the variable display of the pattern on the pattern display means (display screen). As for the predetermined music, its volume is lowered step by step in conjunction with the movement of the pattern, and finally the output is stopped. As the variable display of the pattern progresses in this way, the volume of the predetermined music is lowered step by step. It is possible to suitably exhibit the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game.

Feature C2. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize for the operation port 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 executes the prize winning process for the function) and
Acquisition information storage means for storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means (holding ball storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162);
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game turn control means (a function of executing a game turn control process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (display unit for operation opening of the main display unit 87),
The game round control means includes a period determination means for determining the operation period (variable display time) of the game round operation for each game round (function for executing variable display time setting processing in the MPU 402 of the main controller 162). has
Effect executing means (symbol display device 253 and MPU 442 of notification/effect control device 140 execute variable display control processing for executing effects in parallel with the game-playing motion when the game-playing motion is performed. function),
As one of the effects executed by the effect execution means, there is provided a predetermined effect (for example, a unit effect or a unit display) configured so that the effect execution period is shorter than the operation period,
The effect execution means has continuous execution means for continuously executing the predetermined effect during one game round,
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that drives and controls the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker unit in parallel with the game-playing operation;
After the volume of the predetermined music output by the output means is lowered in conjunction with the predetermined performance continuously performed by the continuous execution means, the output of the predetermined music is reduced to the predetermined performance. and a stopping means for stopping in conjunction with the game machine.

According to the feature C2, an effect is executed by the effect execution means in accordance with the action for game play, and predetermined music is output from the speaker section. When the predetermined effect is continuously executed, the volume of the predetermined music is lowered in conjunction with the predetermined effect, and then the output is finally stopped. If the repetition of the predetermined effect and the volume change are linked in this way, it is possible to suggest that the corresponding game round is coming to an end, and by linking with the variable display of the pattern, the degree of attention to the game can be increased. The effect of improving can be exhibited suitably.

Feature C3. The gaming machine according to feature C2, wherein the stopping means gradually reduces the volume of the predetermined music each time the predetermined effect is executed by the continuous execution means.

A configuration in which the volume is changed stepwise as shown in feature C3 makes it easier to understand the timing of the change in volume, and can preferably contribute to strengthening the relationship with the predetermined effect.

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

According to the feature C4, the number of times of continuous execution of the predetermined effect is determined based on the operation period of the game-playing motion, and the volume reduction pattern is determined based on the number of times, thereby realizing the technical idea shown in the feature C2 and the like. can be suitably embodied.

Feature C5. The stopping means provides a volume reduction trigger (temporary stop display of the symbol combination) when the volume of the predetermined music is reduced in the previous predetermined performance, and the volume of the predetermined music in the later predetermined performance. The gaming machine according to any one of features C2 to C4, characterized in that the timing for lowering the sound volume (temporary stop display of the symbol combination) coincides with the lowering of the sound volume.

According to the feature C5, it is possible to rhythmically change (lower) the sound volume when the predetermined effects are continuously executed. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to predict the timing of the next volume reduction, and thus it is possible to preferably prevent the volume change from being overlooked.

Feature C6. The stopping means is configured such that the amount of decrease when the volume of the predetermined music is decreased in the previous predetermined effect and the amount of decrease when the volume of the predetermined music is decreased in the predetermined effect later are the same. The gaming machine according to any one of features C2 to C5, characterized in that they match.

Music is generally composed by varying pitch and volume. Therefore, when the sound volume changes, confusion over whether it is caused by the music itself or by the stopping means hinders the achievement of the various effects described above. . Therefore, by arranging the amount of volume reduction as shown in this feature, it is possible to reduce the chance that the volume change when the predetermined effect is continuously executed is confused with the volume change of the music itself.

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

As shown in feature C7, if the volume of the music is lowered each time the pattern is displayed in a paused manner, the player watching the pattern can easily guess the timing of the volume reduction from the movement of the pattern. This is preferable for suppressing misrecognition of volume reduction.

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

As shown in feature C8, if the volume of the music is lowered each time the pattern is displayed in a paused manner, the player watching the pattern can easily guess the timing of the volume reduction from the movement of the pattern. This is preferable for suppressing misrecognition of volume reduction. In addition, since sound effects are output each time the pattern is stopped and displayed, the change in volume can be easily grasped from the sound effects.

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

According to the feature C9, it is possible to rhythmically change (lower) the sound volume when the predetermined effects are continuously executed. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to predict the timing of the next volume reduction, and thus it is possible to preferably prevent the volume change from being overlooked.

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

Since the pitch and volume of music change, there is a possibility that even if the volume changes, it is misunderstood that it is due to the flow of the music. In this respect, as shown in the present feature, if a configuration is adopted in which a predetermined sound effect is output at a changed volume, the occurrence of such a problem can be preferably suppressed.

For example, in combination with the feature C9, it is preferable to output a sound effect indicating a stop when the pattern is stopped, and use the sound effect as the "predetermined sound effect".

It should be noted that it is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in features C3 to C10 to feature C1.

Further, it is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the characteristic groups A to B to the characteristic group C detailed above.

<Characteristic group D>
The feature group D below is defined as "Some game machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a pattern display device that displays patterns on the display screen. In this type of game machine, for example, Triggered by the winning of a prize in the operation opening, a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to generate a special game state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, and the variable display of the pattern is started. , a specific pattern combination or the like is finally displayed on the display screen, and the game state shifts to a special game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1). However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the attention to games." It was done with a task.

Feature D1. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize for the operation port 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 executes the prize winning process for the function) and
Acquisition information storage means for storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means (holding ball storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162);
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game turn control means (a function of executing a game turn control process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (the operation opening display portion of the main display unit 87),
Display effect executing means (symbol display device 253 and MPU 442 of notification/effect control device 140 for variable display control processing for executing display effect in parallel with the game motion when the game motion is performed) function) and
The display effect executing means is configured to variably display a plurality of patterns, and then finally stop and display the pattern combination corresponding to the notification result of the predetermined notification means,
The display effect execution means has a special display means for executing a special display for temporarily stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to a determination result that does not correspond to the predetermined determination information before the final stop display,
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that drives and controls the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting predetermined music from the speaker unit in parallel with the game-playing operation;
When the determination result by the determination means does not correspond to the predetermined determination information, the output of the predetermined music is stopped during the variable display of the pattern by the display effect execution means, and the stopped state. until the final stop display is performed;
When the determination result by the determination means is a determination result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, stopping the output of the predetermined music during the variable display before the pause display by the special display means, and stopping the output. and second stopping means for continuing the stopped state until a predetermined timing before the final stop display is performed.

According to the configuration shown in this feature, when a determination result (hereinafter referred to as a "mismatch result") that does not correspond to the predetermined determination information is obtained, output of predetermined music is stopped during the variable display of the pattern, and the stop state is maintained. It continues until the final stop display, and if the judgment result corresponding to the predetermined judgment information (hereinafter referred to as the hit result) is obtained, the predetermined music output is stopped during the variable display before the pause display, and the stop state is maintained. It continues until a predetermined timing before the final stop display is performed. In other words, when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed, the output of the predetermined music is stopped, and after the pattern combination is stopped and displayed while the output is stopped, it remains as it is if the result is a losing result, and if it is a winning result. , the predetermined music is re-output. In this way, with a configuration in which the judgment result is suggested by how long the state in which the output is stopped continues, it is possible to preferably increase the degree of attention to the game.

Feature D2. The output means comprises means for restarting the output of the predetermined music after the pause display is performed by the special display means when the output of the predetermined music is stopped by the second stop means. have
The gaming machine according to feature D1, wherein the display effect execution means has means for variably displaying the pattern during the pause display after the output of the predetermined music is resumed.

According to the feature D2, the output of the predetermined music is stopped to increase the player's attention, and then a branch occurs as to whether or not the predetermined music is output again, resulting in the effect shown in the feature D1. can be suitably exhibited.

Feature D3. The game according to feature D2, wherein the display effect execution means has means for final stop display of the pattern being variably displayed after the output of the predetermined music is resumed by the output means. machine.

As shown in feature D3, when a winning result is obtained, output of predetermined music is stopped→temporary display of patterns→re-output of predetermined music→variable display of patterns→final stop display of patterns. , In the game round corresponding to the result of the failure, even if the output of the predetermined music is stopped → the display of the final stop of the pattern is displayed, there is an expectation that the predetermined music will be output, and the result of the failure will be responded to. Even when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed, it is possible to prevent the player's expectation from dropping rapidly.

Feature D4. The sound control means suggests that the stopped-displayed pattern will be variably displayed again after the temporary-paused display of the pattern is executed while the output of the predetermined music is being stopped. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3, further comprising means for outputting a predetermined sound effect.

According to feature D4, outputting a predetermined sound effect in a state in which the output of the predetermined music is stopped and the variable display of the pattern is stopped and the behavior of the game machine is calm, thereby making the predetermined sound effect stand out. can let

Feature D5. Information acquisition means for acquiring special information (reserved information) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (for example, winning a prize for the operation port 83b) (the MPU 402 of the main control unit 162 executes the prize winning process for the function) and
Acquisition information storage means for storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means (holding ball storage area 432 in RAM 404 of main controller 162);
Judgment means for sequentially judging whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined judgment information (e.g. winning information). functions to perform) and
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game turn control means (a function of executing a game turn control process by the MPU 402 of the main control device 162) for controlling a predetermined notification means (the operation opening display portion of the main display unit 87),
a speaker unit (speaker unit 29) that outputs sound;
A sound control means (notification/production control device 140) that outputs music including predetermined music and sound effects including predetermined sound effects from the speaker unit by driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
first output means for outputting the predetermined music across a plurality of game rounds including the predetermined game round in the predetermined game state when a predetermined game state is established;
a first change means capable of changing the volume corresponding to the music output from the speaker unit by the first output means while the predetermined music is being output;
a second output means for outputting a plurality of sound effects including the predetermined sound effect in the predetermined game round;
and a second changing means capable of changing a sound volume corresponding to the sound effect output from the speaker unit by the second output means before outputting the predetermined sound effect.

As shown in feature D5, when a predetermined game state is established, predetermined music is output over a plurality of game rounds including the predetermined game round in the predetermined game state. By securing a predetermined music reproduction period in such a configuration, it is possible to dramatically improve the expressiveness of the music compared to a configuration in which the music is cueed each time the game is played. Here, the volume of the predetermined music and the volume of the sound effect output in the predetermined game times can be changed separately, and when the predetermined sound effect is output, the volume of the sound effect is adjusted in advance. Be changed. With such a configuration, it is possible to blend the predetermined sound effect with the predetermined music, or make the predetermined sound effect stand out. Note that unlike the volume of the predetermined music, the volume of the predetermined sound effect is changed before it is output. can.

Feature D6. The first change means is configured to lower the sound volume corresponding to the music at a first timing in the game-playing motion, and to continue the lowered state until a second timing in the game-playing motion. cage,
The second changer reduces the volume corresponding to the sound effect in conjunction with the first changer at the first timing, and the sound effect at a third timing prior to the second timing. The gaming machine according to feature D5, characterized in that it is configured to increase the volume of the sound.

According to feature D6, the predetermined sound effect is output in a state where only the volume of the predetermined music is lowered, thereby making the predetermined sound effect stand out. As a result, the predetermined music and the predetermined sound effects can preferably coexist.

Feature D7. Display effect executing means (symbol display device 253 and MPU 442 of notification/effect control device 140 for variable display control processing for executing display effect in parallel with the game motion when the game motion is performed) function),
The display effect execution means is a gaming machine configured to variably display a plurality of patterns, and then stop and display the pattern combination corresponding to the notification result of the predetermined notification means,
When the determination result by the determination means corresponds to the predetermined determination information, the display effect executing means does not correspond to the determination result before the pattern combination corresponding to the determination result is finally stopped and displayed. Having a special display means for temporarily displaying the pattern combination,
The gaming machine according to feature D6, wherein the timing at which the temporary stop display is generated by the special display means is defined to be between the first timing and the third timing.

According to feature D7, the picture combination is temporarily displayed after the predetermined music volume and sound effect volume are lowered until the sound effect volume is increased. According to such a configuration, even if the final stop display of the pattern combination is performed in the game cycle corresponding to the result of the failure, the volume of the predetermined music is recovered and the route that results in the big win remains. Even when the combination of patterns corresponding to the result of the failure is stopped and displayed, the player's attention can be directed to predetermined music (speaker section), thereby suppressing a rapid drop in expectations.

Feature D8. The gaming machine according to feature D7, wherein the second output means has means for outputting the predetermined sound effect between the third timing and the second timing.

According to the characteristic D8, a predetermined effect sound is output under a situation where the picture is paused and the output of the predetermined music is stopped or reduced, that is, under a state where the behavior of the gaming machine is calm. becomes. As a result, the impact of the predetermined sound effect can be favorably enhanced.

It is also possible to apply each of the technical ideas shown in the feature groups A to C to the feature group D detailed above.

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 41) operated by a player, game ball shooting means (game ball shooting mechanism 110) for shooting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, and A ball passage (guidance passage 103) that guides a game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game part (game nail 38, etc.) arranged in the game area (game area PE). A game machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a passing part (general prize winning port 81, etc.).

Spindle-type game machine such as slot machine: Equipped with variable display means for displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a final stop after variably displaying the symbol row; 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-use belt-type game machine: Equipped with a variable display means for displaying a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols and then finally stopping the symbol row; A special game state (bonus game, etc.), and further comprising: a throwing device for performing throwing processing for taking in game balls from the ball tray provided with a ball tray; and a payout device for putting out game balls to the ball tray. A gaming machine constructed so that the operation of the starting operating means is enabled when a game ball is thrown in.

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

The present invention
information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition ;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information;
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game round control means for controlling a predetermined notification means ,
a speaker unit that outputs sound ;
sound control means for driving and controlling the speaker unit;
with
The sound control means is
output start means for starting output of predetermined music from the speaker unit when a predetermined start condition is satisfied;
output stop means for stopping the output of the predetermined music started by the output start means;
has
The game-playing operation is configured to be executed a plurality of times by the game-playing control means in a situation where the predetermined music is not output,
When the number of special information stored in the obtained information storage means is a first predetermined number, the number of times of the game-playing operation executed in a situation where the predetermined music is not output becomes the first number of times, and the stored When the number is a second predetermined number that is less than the first predetermined number, the number of times of the game-playing motions executed in a state where the predetermined music is not output becomes a second number of times that is less than the first number of times. a means that enables
a predetermined operating means operable by a player;
means for changing the volume from the speaker unit when a predetermined operation is performed by the predetermined operation means;
means for enabling a specific sound different from the predetermined music to be output in a situation where the predetermined music is not output;
with
The volume of the specific sound can be changed when the predetermined operation is performed by the predetermined operation means in a situation where the predetermined music is not output,
A plurality of sounds are provided as the specific sounds that can be output when the predetermined music is not output .

Claims (1)

A starting ball entry section provided in the game area;
Information acquiring means for acquiring special information based on the ball entering the starting ball entering section;
Acquired information storage means capable of storing a plurality of pieces of special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
determination means for sequentially determining whether or not the special information stored in the obtained information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information;
The game-playing motion is performed with the end of the game-playing motion as a result of a notification result corresponding to the determination result of the determining means after the game-playing motion being started. A game round control means for controlling a predetermined notification means such as
A first game state and a second game state are provided as game states, and when the number of games played in the second game state reaches a specified number, the second game state is shifted to the first game state. and
a speaker unit that outputs sound;
A sound control means for driving and controlling the speaker unit,
The sound control means is
output means for outputting predetermined music corresponding to the second game state from the speaker unit when the second game state is established;
When the number of special information stored in the obtained information storage means reaches a predetermined number in the final game round of the second game state when the number of games executed in the second game state reaches the specified number. a stopping means for stopping the output of the predetermined music by the output means;
The sound control means has means for switching the music output from the speaker unit with the transition to the first game state from the predetermined music to music corresponding to the first game state,
The stopping means has means for, when the output of the predetermined music is stopped in the final game round of the second game state, continuing the stopped state until the state is shifted to the first game state. A gaming machine characterized in that

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