JP6117904B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines whether or not a special game advantageous to a player is performed when a start condition is satisfied.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, there is a gaming machine that determines whether or not to win a game ball by winning a starting ball provided on a game board and changes three symbols (for example, numbers) on a display screen. When such a gaming machine is determined to be a jackpot, the three symbols that have been changed are stopped with a combination indicating a jackpot such as a so-called “zolo”, and then the jackpot game is started. In the jackpot game, the gaming machine opens a big prize opening provided on the game board. The player can obtain a large number of prize balls by winning a game ball at the opened big prize opening.

  Such a gaming machine performs various effects in order to make the player enjoy the game. Examples of the effects performed by the gaming machine include reach effects. In the reach effect, the player is suggested that there is a possibility that the symbol displayed in a variably state will be in a reach state, resulting in a big hit. Further, before such a reach effect is performed, a notice effect such as a step-up notice is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2010-213864 A

  However, the effects of the prior art have been generally performed in recent years, and even if such an effect is performed, the player cannot be interesting and does not contribute to the improvement of the fun of the game. There was a case.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of a game in order to solve the problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention performs a special game determination for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when a start condition is established. Means, and when the special game determination is performed by the special game determination means, the symbol control means for changing and stopping the symbol based on the determination result of the special game determination, the operation means operable by the player, When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination means, the effect control means performs a predetermined effect on the display screen based on the determination result of the special game determination, and the effect control means includes the operation means. An operation instruction effect execution means for performing an operation instruction effect for instructing a player to operate, and a first performance for performing a first effect when the operation instruction effect is performed by the operation instruction effect execution means. Execution means, and second effect execution means capable of performing a second effect suggesting that the special game may be performed following the first effect by the first effect execution means. The second effect executing means is capable of performing any one of a plurality of types of the second effects, and the first effect is displayed on the display screen by a plurality of display areas. Each time the operation means is operated, any one of the plurality of types of second effect suggestion images suggesting each of the plurality of types of second effects is selected from the plurality of second effect suggestion images. An effect that can be displayed in any one of the display areas, wherein the first effect executing means displays the second effect suggestion image in the first effect in the plurality of display regions. Any second effect suggestion image is displayed In the first effect when the operation means is operated a predetermined number of times, the second effect suggestion image is displayed in all of the plurality of display regions, and the plurality of display regions are displayed. There is a case where the second effect suggestion image is not displayed in at least one display area, and the second effect execution means displays the first effect suggestion image displayed in all of the plurality of display regions. When the effect is performed, the second effect is performed following the first effect, while the second effect suggestion image is not displayed in at least one display area of the plurality of display areas. When one effect is performed, the second effect is not performed following the first effect.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the player's willingness to participate in the game and actively perform the operation, thereby improving the interest of the game.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information display unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. 3-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 3C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of the effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. 3-4 is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (No. 5) showing an example of the effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (No. 6) showing an example of effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table stored in the effect control unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the start port switch process. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special symbol process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot determination process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special winning opening control process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state setting process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect timer interrupt process. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command reception processing. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect start process. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect display start process. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of button notice effect start processing. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the button notice effect processing. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of button notice effect end processing.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an example in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (so-called “digital patch”) belonging to the former type 1 will be described, but the contents of the present invention are limited. is not. For example, the gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to a revolving gaming machine called a so-called “slot machine”. Further, specific numerical values and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the contents of the present invention.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
First, the basic configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board 101. A launching unit (see reference numeral 728 in FIG. 7) for launching a game ball is provided at a lower position of the game board 101.

  The game ball launched by the launching unit rises along the rail 102 and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls in the game area 103. A large number of nails and windmills are provided in the game area 103, and the dropping trajectory of the game ball falling in the game area 103 is changed by these. Further, the game area 103 is provided with various winning ports (for example, a starting port and a big winning port) through which game balls can be won.

  An image display unit 104 is provided at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. A liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used for the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 is display-controlled by the gaming machine 100 and displays various images (for example, later-described effect designs and effect images).

  Below the image display unit 104 are provided a first start port 105 and a second start port 106 through which game balls can be won. The second starting port 106 is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 107 that can be opened and closed. When the ordinary electric accessory 107 is opened, the game ball can easily win the second starting port 106. On the contrary, when the ordinary electric accessory 107 is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to win the second starting port 106. The normal electric accessory 107 is normally closed and is opened based on the determination result of the normal symbol determination. This normal symbol determination is performed when a game ball passes through the gates 108 provided on the left and right sides of the image display unit 104.

  On the right side of the image display unit 104, an openable large winning opening 109a is provided. When the upper university winning opening 109a is opened, the game ball can be awarded to the upper university winning opening 109a. On the other hand, when the upper large winning opening 109a is closed, the game ball cannot be won in the upper large winning opening 109a. The top prize winning port 109a is normally closed and is opened based on the determination result of the jackpot determination. This jackpot determination is performed by winning a game ball at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106.

  In addition, a lower large winning opening 109b that can be opened and closed is provided below the upper large winning opening 109a. When the lower major prize opening 109b is opened, the game ball can be awarded to the lower major prize opening 109b. On the contrary, when the lower major prize opening 109b is closed, the game ball cannot enter the lower major prize opening 109b. The lower prize winning opening 109b is normally closed, and is opened based on the determination result of the jackpot determination. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls every time one gaming ball wins an upper winning hole 109a or a lower winning hole 109b.

  Below the image display unit 104, a normal winning opening 110 is provided. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls every time one gaming ball wins the normal winning opening 110. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  An information display unit 112 is provided in the lower left portion of the game board 101. The information display unit 112 displays special symbols, normal symbols, and the like. Here, the special symbol is a symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination. The normal symbol is a symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination. The information display unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A frame member 113 is provided on the game board 101 so as to surround the outer periphery of the game area 103. The frame member 113 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides on the top, bottom, left and right of the game board 101 and protrudes toward the player. The frame member 113 incorporates a speaker 114, an effect light unit 115, and the like.

  An operation handle 116 is provided at a lower position of the frame member 113. The operation handle 116 is provided so as to protrude to the player side, and is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by the launcher. Specifically, the operation handle 116 includes a firing instruction member 117. The firing instruction member 117 is provided on the outer periphery of the operation handle 116 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player.

  The launcher launches a game ball with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing instruction member 117 relative to the operation handle 116. The operation handle 116 is provided with a sensor for detecting that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 117. The launching unit launches a game ball when it is detected by this sensor that the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated by the player.

  An effect button 118 and a cross key 119 are provided in the lower part of the game area 103 in the frame member 113. For example, the effect button 118 and the cross key 119 function as operation means for receiving an operation related to the effect from the player.

  Further, a hitting ball supply tray (not shown) is provided in the lower portion of the game area 103 in the frame member 113, and a game ball is accommodated in this hitting ball supply tray. Further, the hitting ball supply tray has a shape inclined toward the launching unit, and sequentially sends out the stored game balls to the launching unit.

  Furthermore, on the game board 101, movable accessories 130a to 130d that are driven during a predetermined performance are provided. For example, the movable accessories 130a to 130d advance to the front surface of the image display unit 104 at a predetermined effect corresponding to each, and are otherwise retracted from the entire surface of the image display unit 104 as shown in FIG. The

(Details of information display section)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information display unit of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information display unit 112 includes a special symbol display unit 201, a normal symbol display unit 202, a hold number display unit 203, and a round number display unit 204. A lamp indicator or the like is used for each of the display units 201 to 204.

  The first special symbol display unit 201a is for displaying a first special symbol indicating a determination result of the jackpot determination performed by winning a game ball at the first starting port 105. For example, eight LED (Light (Emitting Diode) lamp.

  For example, the first special symbol display unit 201a is variably displayed by repeatedly turning on and off the LED lamps of the first special symbol display unit 201a so as to flow from left to right in FIG. Indicates that Further, the first special symbol display unit 201a indicates that the first special symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only the predetermined LED lamp after the first special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time. Which LED lamp is lit after the first special symbol variation display is determined according to the determination result of the jackpot determination performed at the start of the first special symbol variation display.

  For example, in the jackpot determination by the gaming machine 100, the lower big prize opening 16 rounds (hereinafter “R” is abbreviated as “R”) probability variation jackpot, the lower major prize opening 8R probability variation jackpot, and the lower big prize opening 8R normal jackpot Then, it is determined which of the five types of jackpots is the big jackpot 2R probability variation jackpot and the upper prize winning port 8R probability variation jackpot.

  And the lighting mode (big-hit symbol) of the LED lamp in the 1st special symbol display part 201a is predetermined by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100 for each jackpot type. The first special symbol display unit 201a determines in advance according to the type of the jackpot if it is determined that one of the above jackpots is determined by the jackpot determination made by winning the game ball at the first starting port 105. The LED lamp is turned on in the lighting mode.

  The second special symbol display unit 201b is for displaying a second special symbol indicating a determination result of the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106, and the first special symbol display unit As with 201a, for example, eight LED lamps are provided.

  The second special symbol display unit 201b repeats lighting and extinguishing so that each LED lamp of the second special symbol display unit 201b flows from left to right in FIG. It shows that. Further, the second special symbol display unit 201b indicates that the second special symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only the predetermined LED lamp after the second special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time. Similarly to the first special symbol display unit 201a, the second special symbol display unit 201b is determined to be one of the above big hits by the big hit determination made by winning a game ball at the second starting port 106. In this case, the LED lamp is turned on in a predetermined lighting manner according to the type of jackpot.

  The normal symbol display unit 202 is for displaying a normal symbol indicating a determination result of the normal symbol determination performed by the game ball passing through the gate 108. For example, “O”, “Δ”, “X” is displayed. 3 LED lamps are provided.

  The normal symbol display unit 202 displays each of the LEDs of the normal symbol display unit 202 by sequentially turning on and off in order of “O” → “Δ” → “×” → “O” →. Indicates that it is inside. Further, the normal symbol display unit 202 indicates that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only the predetermined LED lamp after the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. Which LED lamp is turned on after the normal symbol variation display is determined according to the determination result of the normal symbol determination performed at the start of the variation display of the normal symbol.

  For example, in the normal symbol determination by the gaming machine 100, it is determined which of the two types of normal symbols per normal symbol length open and per normal symbol short open per normal symbol. And the lighting mode of the LED lamp in the normal symbol display part 202 is predetermined by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100 for each normal symbol. For example, the normal symbol display unit 202 turns on the “◯” LED when it is determined that the normal symbol length is about to be released, and turns on the “Δ” LED when it is determined that the symbol is about to be released. . When it is determined that the normal symbol display unit 202 does not hit the normal symbol, the “x” LED is turned on.

  The number-of-holds display unit 203 is for displaying the number of pieces of on-hold information (hereinafter referred to as “number of on-hold information”). The first special symbol hold number display unit 203a, the second special symbol hold number display unit 203b, And a normal symbol hold number display section 203c.

  The first special symbol hold number display unit 203a displays the number of hold information stored when the game ball wins the first start opening 105 during the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as “first hold information number”). To do. The second special symbol number-of-holds display section 203b displays the number of reserved information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106 during the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as "second number of reserved information"). To do. In the following, the sum of the number of the first holding information and the number of the second holding information is referred to as the “number of special figure holding information”. The normal symbol hold number display unit 203c displays the number of hold information stored when the game ball passes through the gate 108 during the normal symbol change display (hereinafter referred to as “the number of common figure hold information”).

  In the gaming machine 100, the upper limit number of the first hold information number, the second hold information number, and the usual hold information number is set to “4”. Therefore, the first special symbol reservation number display unit 203a, the second special symbol reservation number display unit 203b, and the normal symbol reservation number display unit 203c each include four LED lamps. And the 1st special symbol reservation number display part 203a, the 2nd special symbol reservation number display part 203b, and the normal symbol reservation number display part 203c light the LED lamp of the same number as the number of corresponding hold information respectively.

  The round number display unit 204 displays the number of rounds of the jackpot game. Since the gaming machine 100 has a jackpot of 16R, a jackpot of 8R, and a jackpot of 2R, the round number display unit 204 displays an LED lamp that displays “16R”, an LED lamp that displays “8R”, and “2R”. It has an LED lamp. Then, the round number display unit 204 turns on the LED lamp that displays “16R” in the case of 16R big hit. The round number display unit 204 turns on an LED lamp that displays “8R” in the case of a big hit of 8R. The round number display unit 204 turns on an LED lamp that displays “2R” in the case of 2R jackpot.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 launches a game ball into the game area 103 when the launch instruction member 117 is operated by the player. The gaming machine 100 obtains holding information and makes a jackpot determination when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106. When the gaming machine 100 determines the jackpot, the special symbol display unit 201 displays the special symbol in a variable manner.

  Along with the special symbol variation display, the gaming machine 100 displays a variation of the effect symbol (for example, three columns of numbers) on the image display unit 104, and indicates the reliability of the jackpot during the variation symbol display of the effect symbol. Various effects (for example, reach effects) are performed. When the gaming machine 100 displays the special symbol in a variable manner for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the determination result of the jackpot determination.

  Then, along with the special symbol stop display, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols so as to show the determination result of the jackpot determination. For example, if it is determined that the game has been lost (not a jackpot) in the jackpot determination, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the special symbol as the lost symbol and stops displaying the effect symbol as the lost eye (for example, “1 / 3.2”). . On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is a jackpot, the gaming machine 100 stops displaying the special symbol as a jackpot symbol and stops displaying the effect symbol as a hit (for example, “1 · 1 · 1”).

  If it is determined that the jackpot is won, the gaming machine 100 plays a jackpot game after the jackpot symbol is stopped. In the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 opens the jackpot according to the jackpot type by the number R corresponding to the jackpot type. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls each time a game ball wins an open upper prize winning hole 109a or lower major prize winning hole 109b.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 is in a probabilistic gaming state until 10000 jackpot determinations are made or the next jackpot is reached after a jackpot game with a promising jackpot. This probability variation jackpot includes the lower college prize opening 16R probability variation jackpot, the lower college prize opening 8R probability variation jackpot, the lower college prize opening 2R probability variation jackpot, and the upper college prize opening 8R probability variation jackpot. In addition, since the probability of not winning a jackpot even after making 10,000 jackpot determinations is extremely low, it can be said that the gaming machine 100 is substantially in a probabilistic gaming state until the next jackpot after the promising jackpot game.

  When in the probabilistic gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs jackpot determination with an increased determination probability for determining jackpot. For example, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot determination with a determination probability of 1/250 when determining that it is a jackpot when not in the probability variation gaming state, while determining a jackpot determination with a determination probability of 7/250 when determining that the jackpot is in the probability variation gaming state. I do.

  In addition, when the game state is in a probable gaming state, the gaming machine 100 increases the chance of winning a game ball to the second start port 106. For example, when the game machine 100 is in the probability variation game state, the gaming machine 100 performs the normal symbol determination with a higher determination probability for determining that it is per normal symbol length release or per normal symbol short release than when it is not the probability change game state. Further, when the gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state, the gaming machine 100 extends the period during which the ordinary electric accessory 107 is opened when it is determined that it is per normal symbol length opening or normal symbol short opening per time than in the probability variation gaming state. Further, the gaming machine 100 may increase the number of determinations of the normal symbol determination that can be performed per unit time (for example, per minute) by shortening the period during which the normal symbol is variably displayed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 is in a short-time gaming state until the jackpot determination is performed 30 times or the next jackpot is reached after the normal jackpot jackpot game. This normal jackpot includes the aforementioned lower jackpot 8R normal jackpot. When in the short-time gaming state, the gaming machine 100, unlike the probability variation gaming state, makes a jackpot determination with a determination probability of determining that it is 1/250 and increases the chances of winning a game ball to the second starting port 106 Let

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 performs normal symbol determination by acquiring holding information for normal symbol determination when the game ball passes through the gate 108. When the gaming machine 100 performs the normal symbol determination, the normal symbol display unit 202 variably displays the normal symbol. When the gaming machine 100 variably displays the normal symbol for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the normal symbol determination result. When the gaming machine 100 is stopped and displayed so as to indicate the normal symbol length per opening or the normal symbol short opening per, the normal electric accessory 107 is opened for a predetermined period.

(Example of production performed by a gaming machine)
Next, an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. 3-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 3C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of the effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. 3-4 is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs.

  The gaming machine 100 displays the left effect symbol Ez1, the middle effect symbol Ez2, and the right effect symbol Ez3 on the image display unit 104 as shown at time t11 in FIG. Hereinafter, a combination of the left effect symbol Ez1, the middle effect symbol Ez2, and the right effect symbol Ez3 is abbreviated as “effect symbol Ez1 to Ez3”.

  The production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are used to show the player the determination result of the jackpot determination, and represent characters such as numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, and alphabets when stopped. In the present embodiment, each of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 represents any number from “1” to “5” when stopped. In the example shown at time t11 in FIG. 3A, the left effect symbol Ez1 represents “1”, the middle effect symbol Ez2 represents “2”, and the right effect symbol Ez3 represents “2”.

  When the gaming machine 100 makes a jackpot determination, in order to indicate the determination result, the game machine 100 starts to display the variation of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as shown at time t12 in FIG. At time t12 in FIG. 3A, a lower white arrow in the drawing indicates that the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed in a variable manner. For example, the gaming machine 100 displays numbers from “1” to “5” sequentially scrolling from the top to the bottom of the display screen during the variable display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3. In other words, the gaming machine 100 performs these variable displays by displaying in a manner that it is difficult for the player to predict which numbers each of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 represents during stop display.

  The gaming machine 100 can perform various effects such as a notice effect and a reach effect when the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are variably displayed. For example, if the gaming machine 100 determines that the reach effect is to be performed during the fluctuation display of the current effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3, the game machine 100 indicates to the player that the reach effect may be performed before the reach effect. Or a notice effect that suggests the contents of the reach effect to the player. In addition, when the gaming machine 100 determines that the reach effect is not performed during the variation display of the current effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3, the game machine 100 performs the reach effect in the same manner as when the reach effect is determined. There may be a notice effect that suggests to the player that there is a possibility.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 performs a button notice effect described below as a notice effect. First, when the gaming machine 100 starts the button notice effect, a message such as “Start button notice effect!” Is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104 as shown at time t13 in FIG. The player is notified of the start. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can inform the player that the button notice effect has been started.

  The button notice effect is an effect of accepting an operation of the player's effect button 118. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 notifies the player of the start of the button notice effect, which may cause a situation in which the player fails to operate the effect button 118 without noticing that the button notice effect is in effect. Can be prevented. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted at the time t13, the fluctuation | variation display of effect design Ez1-Ez3 is performed similarly to the time t12 also at the time t13.

  When the gaming machine 100 notifies the start of the button notice effect, display areas 301 to 304 are provided on the display screen of the image display unit 104 as shown at time t14 in FIG. Further, the gaming machine 100 displays the outlines of the display areas 301 to 304 so that the player can recognize each of the display areas 301 to 304. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can inform the player that the four display areas 301 to 304 have been set on the display screen of the image display unit 104.

  Further, as described above, since the button notice effect is an effect of accepting the player's operation, the gaming machine 100 displays to instruct the player to perform this operation. For example, in the case of the example shown at time t14 in FIG. 3-2, the gaming machine 100 accepts consecutive hits (multiple presses) of the effect button 118 in the present button notice effect, and therefore the image display unit 104 “button hits! Is displayed. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can guide the player to the operation content to be performed in the current button notice effect. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted at the time t14, the fluctuation | variation display of effect design Ez1-Ez3 is performed similarly to the time t12 also at the time t14.

  Assume that the player presses the effect button 118 a plurality of times in accordance with the above instructions. In this case, each time the effect button 118 is pressed, the gaming machine 100 indicates a reach effect one by one in order from a display area with a lower code, for example, from time t15 in FIG. 3-2 to time t18 in FIG. The images are displayed sequentially. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted from the time t15 to the time t18, the fluctuation | variation display of effect design Ez1-Ez3 is performed similarly to the time t12 also in these time.

  Here, the reach effect suggestion image is provided corresponding to each reach effect that the gaming machine 100 can execute following the button notice effect, and can indicate to the player which reach effect is supported. It is an image. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the gaming machine 100 follows the button notice effect, the first animation reach effect, the second animation reach effect, the third animation reach effect, the first live-action reach effect, and the second. It is assumed that six types of reach effects, that is, a live-action reach effect and a third live-action reach effect can be executed.

  Therefore, as the reach effect suggestion image in the gaming machine 100, the first animation reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the first animation reach effect, the second animation reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the second animation reach effect, and the third A third animation reach production suggestion image corresponding to the animation reach production, a first live-action reach production suggestion image corresponding to the first live-action reach production, a second live-action reach production suggestion image corresponding to the second live-action reach production, A third live-action reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the three live-action reach effect is provided.

  The reach effect suggestion image may be a character image representing the name of the corresponding reach effect, or an image representing a scene of the corresponding reach effect. For example, if the reach effect suggestion image is an image representing a scene of the corresponding reach effect, the appearance of the reach effect suggestion image can be improved as compared with the case where the reach effect is suggested as a character image. Intuitive and easy-to-understand suggestions.

  For example, at time t <b> 18, the first animation reach effect suggestion image is displayed in the display area 301, and the second animation reach effect suggestion image is displayed in the display area 302. In addition, a third animation reach effect suggestion image is displayed in the display area 303, and a first live-action reach effect suggestion image is displayed in the display area 304. In the gaming machine 100, the same reach effect suggestion image is not displayed repeatedly in the button notice effect. That is, when a plurality of reach effect suggestion images are displayed in the button notice effect, each of the plurality of reach effect suggestion images is a reach effect suggestion image corresponding to a different reach effect.

  The gaming machine 100 may perform an effect display that suggests the reach effect suggestion image displayed in the display areas 301 to 304 before displaying the reach effect suggestion image in the display areas 301 to 304. For example, in this case, the gaming machine 100 reaches the reach scheduled to be displayed in the display area 301 on the display screen of the image display unit 104 before displaying the reach effect suggestion image in the display area 301 (between time t14 and time t15). The effect suggestion image is moved and displayed. When the player presses the effect button 118 while moving and displaying the reach effect suggestion image in this way, an effect display is performed as if the reach effect suggestion image is fitted in the display area 301. The reach effect suggestion image is stopped and displayed in the display area 301.

  Similarly, when displaying the reach effect suggestion image in the display area 302 to the display area 304, the gaming machine 100 moves and displays the reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed in the display area on the display screen of the image display unit 104. When the effect button 118 is pressed while the game machine 100 is moving and displayed, the reach effect suggestion image that is being moved and displayed is stopped and displayed in the display areas 302 to 304.

  In this way, the gaming machine 100 suggests the reach effect suggestion image displayed in the display areas 301 to 304 to the player in advance, so that the player who wants to display the reach effect suggestion image in the display areas 301 to 304 is displayed. It is possible to increase the willingness to operate.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 may perform different types of movement display for each reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed in each of the display areas 301 to 304. For example, in this case, the gaming machine 100 moves and displays the reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed in the display area 301 from the upper left corner of the display screen of the image display unit 104 toward the display area 301 and is scheduled to be displayed in the display area 302. The reach effect suggestion image is moved and displayed from the upper right end of the display screen of the image display unit 104 toward the display area 302. Then, the gaming machine 100 moves and displays the reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed in the display area 303 from the lower right corner of the display screen of the image display unit 104 toward the display area 303, and the reach effect scheduled to be displayed in the display area 304. The suggestion image is moved and displayed from the lower left corner of the display screen of the image display unit 104 toward the display area 304.

  Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can indicate to the player which display area 301 to 304 the reach effect suggestion image is to be stopped and displayed from the movement display mode of the reach effect suggestion image. Further, for example, in this case, the gaming machine 100 makes it easy to stop and display the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed in a specific display region among the display regions 301 to 304 as described later. In this way, when the gaming machine 100 moves and displays the reach effect suggestion image in a manner corresponding to the specific display area, the player's willingness to operate to display the reach effect suggestion image in the specific display area Can be further increased.

  In the example described above, the reach effect suggestion images are displayed in order from the display area with the smallest number. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The gaming machine 100 may display the reach effect suggestion images in the display areas 301 to 304 in a random order. Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 performs the order of the display areas 301 to 304 in which the reach effect suggestion image is displayed in the case where the reach effect is performed following the button notice effect and in the case where the reach effect is not performed following the button notice effect. The tendency may be different.

  For example, when the gaming machine 100 performs the reach effect following the button notice effect, the gaming machine 100 increases the probability that the reach effect suggestion images are displayed in order from the display area with the larger sign, and does not perform the reach effect following the button notice effect. Increases the probability that the reach effect suggestion image is displayed in order from the display area with the younger sign. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 gives the player the pleasure of guessing whether or not the reach effect is performed following the button notice effect from the tendency of the order of the display areas 301 to 304 in which the reach effect suggestion image is displayed. be able to.

  As shown at time t18, in the button notice effect of the gaming machine 100, when the reach effect suggestion images are displayed in all the display areas 301 to 304, the reach effect is performed following the button notice effect. Indicates that That is, only when it is determined that the gaming machine 100 performs the reach effect, the reach effect suggestion image is displayed in all the display areas 301 to 304 in the button notice effect. In the gaming machine 100, the number of reach effect suggestion images displayed in the button notice effect is an index indicating the possibility of the reach effect.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 100 displays the reach effect suggestion image in all the display areas 301 to 304 in the button notice effect, a message such as “success!” Is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104 as shown at time t18. Then, it may be suggested to the player that the button notice effect is a good result (that is, the reach effect is performed).

  When the gaming machine 100 indicates that the reach effect is performed in the button notice effect, the game machine 100 stops and displays the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 so as to reach the reach state as shown at time t19 in FIG. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the variable display is performed for the medium effect symbol Ez2 at time t19. When the gaming machine 100 reaches the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3, the player further displays a message such as “Reach!” On the display screen of the image display unit 104 to indicate that the reach effect is performed. It may be clearly notified.

  In addition, for example, when the gaming machine 100 reaches the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3, a message such as “Press the button!” Is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104 as shown at time t19. The player is instructed to press the effect button 118.

  After the time t19, when the player presses the effect button 118, the gaming machine 100 reaches the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed subsequent to the current button notice effect as shown at time t20 in FIG. 3-4. To highlight. In the example shown at time t20 in FIG. 3-4, the first live-action reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the first live-action reach effect is enlarged and displayed to highlight the first live-action reach effect suggestion image. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the reach effect that is performed subsequent to the current button notice effect is the first live-action reach effect.

  After time t20, the gaming machine 100 performs the first live-action reach effect as shown at time t21 in FIG. 3-4. Then, after time t21, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the middle effect symbol Ez2 so as to show the determination result of the jackpot determination as shown at time t22 in FIG. 3-4 in accordance with the end of the first live-action reach effect. In the case of the example shown at time t22 in FIG. 3-4, in order to indicate that the gaming machine 100 is a big hit, the middle effect symbol Ez2 is stopped and displayed with the same type of symbols as the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3. , Is a hit.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (No. 5) showing an example of the effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the button notice effect performed when the reach effect is not performed. In this case, after the gaming machine 100 performs display from the time t11 in FIG. 3-1 to the time t17 in FIG. 3-3, the effect button 118 is pressed by the player as shown in the time t31 in FIG. Even so, the reach effect suggestion image is not displayed in the display area 304. That is, in this case, even if the player presses the effect button 118, only the third reach suggestion image is displayed.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 100 does not display four reach effect suggestion images in the button notice effect, a message such as “sorry” is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104 as shown at time t31 in FIG. Then, the player may be informed that the button notice effect has a bad result (that is, the reach effect is not performed). Then, after the time t31, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as shown at time t32 in FIG.

  Note that the gaming machine 100 does not have to display four reach effect suggestion images in the button notice effect when the reach effect is not performed following the button notice effect, and is not limited to the above example. For example, when the gaming machine 100 does not perform the reach effect following the button notice effect, the number of reach effect suggestion images to be displayed in the range from one to three in the button notice effect is determined in advance by lottery or the like. The determined number of reach effect suggestion images may be displayed.

  Further, in the case where the gaming machine 100 does not perform the reach effect following the button notice effect, the game machine 100 draws a lottery to determine whether or not the reach effect suggestion image is displayed every time the effect button 118 is pressed by the player in the button notice effect. You may decide by. In this case, the gaming machine 100 performs a lottery in which up to the third reach effect can be displayed with a predetermined probability, and performs a lottery in which the fourth reach effect suggestion image cannot be displayed.

  Further, when the gaming machine 100 does not perform the reach effect subsequent to the button notice effect, the game machine 100 does not stop and display the fourth reach effect suggestion image in the display areas 301 to 304, but as described above, this reach effect suggestion image ( A reach effect suggestion image corresponding to an arbitrary reach effect) may be moved and displayed on the display screen. In this case, even if the effect button 118 is pressed by the player, the reach effect suggestion image disappears from the display screen without being stopped and displayed in the display areas 301 to 304. In this way, the gaming machine 100 displays the fourth reach effect suggestion image in the display regions 301 to 304 even when the fourth reach effect suggestion image is not stopped and displayed in the display regions 301 to 304. It is possible to give the player a sense of expectation as if to stop display.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (No. 6) showing an example of effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the gaming machine 100 can perform a button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations and a button notice effect that accepts a single operation. FIG. 5 shows a button notice effect that accepts only one operation.

  When performing a button notice effect that accepts only one operation, the gaming machine 100 displays the time t13 in FIG. 3A and then accepts one operation of the effect button 118 in this button notice effect. For example, as shown at time t41 in FIG. 5, the image display unit 104 displays “Press the button!

  It is assumed that the player presses the effect button 118 once according to the above instruction. In this case, if it is determined that the gaming machine 100 performs the reach effect following the current button notice effect, four reach effect suggestion images are simultaneously displayed in the display areas 301 to 304 as shown at time t42 in FIG. indicate. On the other hand, if it is determined that the gaming machine 100 does not perform the reach effect following the button notice effect of this time, the reach effect suggestion image is displayed in any of the display areas 301 to 304 as shown at time t43 in FIG. do not do. Since the display after the button notice effect is the same as the example described above, the description here is omitted.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine)
Next, a functional configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 100 includes a special game determination unit 610, a symbol control unit 620, an operation reception unit 630, and an effect execution unit 640.

  The special game determination unit 610 performs a special game determination as to whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied. For example, the special game determination unit 610 determines whether or not to play a jackpot game when a game ball wins a predetermined start area such as the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. As described above, in the big hit game, the upper big prize opening 109a and the lower big prize opening 109b are opened, so that the player can acquire a prize ball by winning the big prize opening.

  When the special game determination unit 610 performs the special game determination, the symbol control unit 620 changes and stops the symbol based on the determination result of the special game determination. For example, when the jackpot determination is performed, the symbol control unit 620 variably displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 on the display screen of the image display unit 104 for a predetermined period, and then stops and displays the determination result of the jackpot determination. . The symbol control unit 620 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 at the winning eye (for example, a flat eye) when it is determined to be a big hit, and if it is determined to be lost, the symbol control unit 620 loses the effect symbol Ez1 to Ez3 (for example, Stops and displays with a break or reach miss.

  The operation receiving unit 630 receives a player's operation. For example, when the effect button 118 is pressed by the player, a predetermined control signal is input to the operation receiving unit 630. When a predetermined control signal is input by the effect button 118, the operation reception unit 630 receives the operation as a player's operation. The operation receiving unit 630 may receive a player's operation with the cross key 119. In this case, the cross key 119 inputs a control signal corresponding to the key operated by the player to the operation receiving unit 630.

  Further, the operation accepting unit 630 may set an operation valid period for accepting an operation. For example, in this case, the operation receiving unit 630 determines whether or not the operation effective period is being set when a predetermined control signal is input from the effect button 118, and if the operation effective period is being set, the operation of the player As long as the operation valid period is not set, it is not accepted as a player's operation.

  When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination unit 610, the effect execution unit 640 performs a predetermined effect on the display screen based on the determination result of the special game determination. For example, in the effect execution unit 640, effect images (including both still images and moving images) corresponding to a plurality of types of effects are stored in advance by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100. For example, the effect execution unit 640 determines an effect to be executed from a plurality of types of effects based on the determination result of the jackpot determination, and causes the image display unit 104 to display an effect image corresponding to the effect to be executed. Produce.

  The effects that can be executed by the effect execution unit 640 include a first effect and a second effect. Here, the first effect is an effect in which an operation can be accepted by the operation accepting unit 630, and is an effect instructing the player to perform the operation. In addition, the first effect is an effect that suggests to the player the possibility that the second effect will be performed using a predetermined index. For example, the first effect can be the aforementioned button notice effect, and the second effect can be a reach effect.

  As described above, in the button notice effect, four reach effect suggestion images are displayed when the reach effect is performed, while one to three reach effect suggestion images are displayed when the reach effect is not performed. Or a reach effect suggestion image is not displayed. Here, the reach effect suggestion image is provided corresponding to each reach effect that the gaming machine 100 can execute following the button notice effect, and can indicate to the player which reach effect is supported. It is an image. When performing the reach effect following the button notice effect, the effect executing unit 640 displays a reach effect suggestion image corresponding to at least the reach effect to be executed in the button notice effect.

  Further, as described above, the button notice effect includes one that accepts an operation only once (see, for example, FIG. 5) and one that accepts multiple operations (see, for example, FIGS. 3-1 to 3-4). There may be. In this case, the effect execution unit 640 determines, by a well-known lottery process, whether to perform a button notice effect that accepts only one operation or a button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations, and determines the button notice effect that has been decided. I do.

(Example of hardware configuration of gaming machine)
Next, an example of a detailed hardware configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 701 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 702 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect control unit 703 that controls the production.

(Main control unit)
First, the main control unit 701 will be described. The main control unit 701 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 711, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 712, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 713, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 711 governs overall control of the main control unit 701. The ROM 712 stores programs and data related to the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 712 stores various tables shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The RAM 713 is used as a work area for the CPU 711. The CPU 711 reads the program and data from the ROM 712 and executes the read program while using the RAM 713 as a work area.

  Various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball are connected to the main control unit 701. For example, a first start port SW714a and a second start port SW714b are connected to the main control unit 701. The first start port SW 714 a is a SW that detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105. The second start port SW 714 b is a SW that detects a game ball that has won the second start port 106.

  Further, the main control unit 701 is connected to a gate SW 715, a special winning opening SW 716, and a normal winning opening SW 717. The gate SW 715 is a SW that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108. The big prize opening SW 716 includes an upper prize winning opening SW and a lower prize winning opening SW. Here, the upper large winning opening SW is a SW that detects a game ball won in the upper large winning opening 109a, and the lower large winning opening SW is a SW that detects a gaming ball won in the lower large winning opening 109b. The normal winning opening SW 717 is a SW for detecting a game ball that has won the normal winning opening 110.

  The various SWs 714 to 717 input a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 701. The main control unit 701 stores the hold information based on the detection signals input from the various SWs 714 to 717, and issues a prize ball payout instruction to the prize ball control unit 702. A proximity switch or the like can be used for the various SWs 714 to 717.

  The main controller 701 is connected to various solenoids that operate the electric accessory. For example, a normal electric accessory solenoid 718 is connected to the main control unit 701. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 718 is a solenoid that opens and closes the ordinary electric accessory 107. The main control unit 701 is connected with a special prize opening solenoid 719. The big prize winning solenoid 719 includes an upper prize winning solenoid and a lower prize winning solenoid. Here, the upper big prize opening solenoid is a solenoid that opens and closes the upper big prize opening 109a, and the lower big prize opening solenoid is a solenoid that opens and closes the lower big prize opening 109b. The various solenoids 718 and 719 convert the electric energy input from the main control unit 701 into mechanical motion, and open / close the normal electric accessory 107, the upper prize winning port 109a, and the lower major prize winning port 109b.

  An information display unit 112 is connected to the main control unit 701. As described above, the information display unit 112 includes the special symbol display unit 201 (the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b), the normal symbol display unit 202, the reserved number display unit 203, the round A number display unit 204.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 791 is connected to the main controller 701. The main control unit 701 can output various types of information to the outside via the panel external information terminal board 791. For example, the main control unit 701 can realize its function by the main control board.

(About the prize ball controller)
Next, the winning ball control unit 702 will be described. The prize ball control unit 702 includes a CPU 721, a ROM 722, a RAM 723, an input / output interface (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 721 controls the entire prize ball control unit 702. The ROM 722 stores programs and data related to payout of prize balls. The RAM 723 is used as a work area for the CPU 721. The CPU 721 reads a program and data from the ROM 722 and executes the read program while using the RAM 723 as a work area.

  Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 702. For example, the prize ball control unit 702 includes a fixed position detection SW 724 that detects a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW725 that detects a payout game ball, and a ball supply tray provided on the front of the frame. A ball presence detection SW 726 for detecting the presence or absence of the game ball and a full tank detection SW 727 for detecting that the hitting ball supply tray is filled with the game ball are connected.

  The various SWs 724 to 727 input a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 702. The winning ball control unit 702 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 701 and detection signals input from various SWs 724 to 727. The prize ball control unit 702 may output detection signals input from the various SWs 724 to 727 to the main control unit 701.

  Further, a launching unit 728 and a payout unit 729 are connected to the prize ball control unit 702. When the award ball control unit 702 detects an operation of launching a game ball, the prize ball control unit 702 controls the launch unit 728 to fire the game ball toward the game area 103. Also, the prize ball control unit 702 controls the payout unit 729 based on a payout instruction from the main control unit 701 to pay out the prize ball.

  The prize ball control unit 702 is connected with a frame external information terminal board 792. The prize ball control unit 702 can output various types of information to the outside via the frame external information terminal board 792. For example, the prize ball control unit 702 can realize its function by a prize ball control board.

(Example of table stored in ROM of main controller)
Next, an example of a table stored in the ROM 712 of the main control unit 701 will be described. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. For example, the ROM 712 includes a hit determination table illustrated in FIG. 8-1 (A), a symbol determination table illustrated in FIG. 8-1 (B), and a variation pattern determination table illustrated in FIG. 8-2 (C). Is memorized.

(About the winning judgment table)
The winning determination table shown in FIG. 8A is a table used for “hit determination” in the process of determining whether or not to determine whether or not to make a big hit in the big hit determination. In the hit determination table, a determination value that the main control unit 701 determines to be a big hit in the hit determination is set. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 8A also shows a determination probability that the main control unit 701 determines to be a big hit in the hit determination.

  The main control unit 701 determines whether or not the hit determination random number to be determined matches the determination value of the hit determination table in the hit determination, and determines that it is a big hit if they match. On the other hand, the main control unit 701 determines that it is not a big hit (losing) unless the hit determination random number to be determined matches the determination value in the hit determination table.

  The determination values set in the hit determination table include a low probability determination value 811 and a high probability determination value 812. The main control unit 701 performs the hit determination using the low probability determination value 811 if the determination probability of determining that the jackpot is low, and in the gaming state where the determination probability of determining that the jackpot is high. If there is, the hit determination is performed using the determination value 812 for high probability.

  The high-probability determination value 812 includes more determination values than the low-probability determination value 811. Accordingly, in the hit determination using the high probability determination value 812, the probability that the hit determination random number matches the determination value is higher than in the hit determination using the low probability determination value 811. As a result, the probability of being determined to be a big hit Will increase.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the hit determination random number is an integer of “0 to 249”. The low probability determination value 811 is set to “0 (one integer)”. Therefore, the determination probability determined to be a big hit in the hit determination using the determination value 811 for low probability is “1/250”. On the other hand, “0 to 6 (seven integers)” is set in the determination value 812 for high probability. Therefore, the determination probability determined to be a big hit in the hit determination using the high probability determination value 812 is “7/250”.

(About the symbol determination table)
The symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8-1 (B) is a table used for “symbol determination” in the process of determining a jackpot symbol in the jackpot determination. The symbol determination is performed when it is determined that a big hit is made in the hit determination. In the symbol determination table, different determination values are set for each jackpot symbol.

  For convenience of explanation, FIG. 8-1 (B) also shows the determination probability that the main control unit 701 determines each jackpot symbol in the symbol determination, and the jackpot type corresponding to each jackpot symbol. Note that in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot symbol and the jackpot type have a correspondence as shown in FIG. 8-1 (B), so determining the jackpot symbol can be rephrased as determining the jackpot type. .

  The main control unit 701 determines whether or not the symbol determination random number to be determined in the symbol determination matches the determination value of each jackpot symbol in the symbol determination table. The main control unit 701 determines a jackpot symbol associated with a determination value that matches the determination target random number for symbol determination.

  The determination values set in the symbol determination table include a first start port determination value 821 and a second start port determination value 822. When the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the hold information acquired by winning a game ball in the first starting port 105, the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the first starting port determination value 821. Also, the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the second starting port determination value 822 when performing symbol determination using the hold information acquired by winning the game ball in the second starting port 106. .

  The first start opening determination value 821 and the second start opening determination value 822 differ in the contents of the determination value associated with each jackpot symbol. Therefore, the symbol determination using the first start port determination value 821 and the symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822 have different jackpot symbols determined as the determination result of the symbol determination.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the random number for symbol determination is an integer of “0 to 99”. In the first start opening judgment value 821, the jackpot symbol A is associated with the judgment value “0 to 9 (10 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol B is the judgment value “10 to 24 (15 integers). ”And the jackpot symbol C is associated with the determination value“ 25 to 39 (15 integers) ”. Further, in the first start opening judgment value 821, the jackpot symbol D is associated with the judgment value “40 to 69 (30 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol E is associated with the judgment value “70 to 99 (30 pieces). Integer) ”.

  Therefore, in the symbol determination using the determination value 821 for the first start port, the determination probability determined as jackpot symbol A is “10/100”, the determination probability determined as jackpot symbol B is “15/100”, and jackpot The determination probability determined as the symbol C is “15/100”. In the symbol determination using the determination value 821 for the first start port, the determination probability determined as the jackpot symbol D is “30/100”, and the determination probability determined as the jackpot symbol E is “30/100”.

  On the other hand, in the determination value 822 for the second start port, the determination value “0 to 29 (30 integers)” is associated with the jackpot symbol A, and the determination value “30 to 44 (15 items) is associated with the jackpot symbol B. Integer) ”and the jackpot symbol C is associated with determination values“ 45 to 64 (20 integers) ”. In addition, in the second start opening determination value 822, the jackpot symbol D is associated with the determination value “65 to 69 (5 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol E is determined to be the determination value “70 to 99 (30 pieces). Integer) ”.

  Therefore, in the symbol determination using the second start opening determination value 822, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol A is “30/100”, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol B is “15/100”, and the jackpot The determination probability determined as the symbol C is “20/100”. In the symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol D is “5/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol E is “30/100”.

  Thus, in the symbol determination using the second start opening determination value 822, the number of prize balls that can be obtained in the jackpot game is larger than that in the other jackpots than in the symbol determination using the first starting opening determination value 821. Therefore, the determination probability of the jackpot symbol D corresponding to the small lower jackpot 2R probability variation jackpot is low. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106 is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball at the first starting port 105. It can be said to be a big hit decision.

(About variation pattern judgment table)
8C is a table used for “variation pattern determination” in which the main control unit 701 determines a variation pattern. In the variation pattern determination table, different determination values are set for each variation pattern. Here, the variation pattern defines the variation mode of the special symbol when the determination result of the jackpot determination is shown. For example, the variation pattern defines a variation time of a special symbol when the determination result of jackpot determination is shown as shown in FIG.

  Also, in FIG. 8-2 (C), for convenience of explanation, the main control unit 701 displays a variation of the special symbol depending on the determination probability of determining each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination, and each variation pattern. The effect symbol is displayed in a variable manner along with the change display, and the effect contents of the effect performed during the variation display of the effect symbol are also shown.

  In the variation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 determines whether the variation pattern determination random number to be determined matches the determination value of each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination table. Then, the main control unit 701 determines a variation pattern associated with a determination value that matches the determination target variation pattern determination random number.

  The determination values set in the variation pattern determination table include a loss determination value 831 and a jackpot determination value 832. The main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the determination value 831 for loss when the determination result of the jackpot determination is loss. Further, the main control unit 701 performs a variation pattern determination using the jackpot determination value 832 when the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot.

  Further, the determination value 831 for losing includes a determination value (a determination value on the left side in FIG. 8B) used when the number U of special figure hold information at the time of variation pattern determination is 2 or less, and the number U Is a determination value (the determination value on the right side in FIG. 8B) used when the value is larger than 2. The main control unit 701 determines which determination value to use in accordance with the value of the special figure holding information number U when performing the variation pattern determination.

  As shown in FIG. 8-2 (C), determination values for the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp16 and Hp20 to Hp26 are set in the determination value 831 for loss. Therefore, the variation patterns that can be determined in the variation pattern determination using the determination value 831 for loss are the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp16 and Hp20 to Hp26.

  As shown in FIG. 8-2 (C), in the gaming machine 100, when it is determined to be lost by the jackpot determination, and when it is determined to be the variation pattern Hp10a, the variation pattern Hp10b, or the variation pattern Hp20 by the variation pattern determination, Become. That is, in the gaming machine 100, when it is determined that the variation pattern Hp10a, the variation pattern Hp10b, or the variation pattern Hp20 is determined by the variation pattern determination, it is indicated that the reach effect is not performed and the game is lost.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100, when it is determined that the game is lost by the big hit determination, and when it is determined that the change patterns Hp11 to Hp16 or the change patterns Hp21 to Hp26 are determined by the change pattern determination, a reach loss is obtained. That is, in the gaming machine 100, if it is determined that the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp16 or the variation patterns Hp21 to Hp26 are determined by the variation pattern determination, it is indicated that the game is lost after the reach effect is performed.

  In addition, in the jackpot determination value 832, determination values for the variation patterns Hp31 to Hp36 and Hp41 to Hp46 are set. Therefore, the variation patterns that can be determined in the variation pattern determination using the jackpot determination value 832 are the variation patterns Hp31 to Hp36 and Hp41 to Hp46. In the gaming machine 100, a reach effect is performed regardless of any of the variation patterns Hp31 to Hp36 and Hp41 to Hp46.

  Further, in the variation pattern determination table, a determination probability of a variation pattern (for example, variation pattern Hp11) in which an animation reach effect is performed at the time of a loss, and a determination probability of a variation pattern (for example, variation pattern Hp14) in which a live-action reach effect is performed at the time of a loss. When attention is focused on, the determination probability of the variation pattern in which the animation reach production is performed is high.

  Further, in the variation pattern determination table, the determination probability of a variation pattern (for example, variation pattern Hp31) in which an animation reach effect is performed at the time of a big hit, and the determination probability of a variation pattern (for example, variation pattern Hp34) in which a live-action reach effect is performed at the time of a big hit. When attention is paid to this, the determination probability of the variation pattern in which the live-action reach effect is performed is high.

  As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the animation reach production is easier to perform than the live-action reach production in the event of a loss, and the animation reach production is less reliable than the live-action reach production. Yes. In other words, in the gaming machine 100, in the case of a big hit, a live-action reach production is more easily performed than an anime reach production, and the live-action reach production is more reliable than the anime reach production. ing.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the variation pattern Hp11 in which the button notification effect is not performed is different from the variation pattern Hp21 in which the button notification effect is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 8B, the fluctuation pattern Hp11 and the fluctuation pattern Hp21 define the same fluctuation time (30 seconds). In such a case, only one fluctuation pattern may be provided. . In this case, for example, the effect supervising unit 703a performs a well-known lottery process, and determines whether or not to perform the button notice effect when the symbol changes due to the change pattern. In this way, the number of fluctuation patterns can be reduced, and the storage area used for storing the fluctuation patterns can be reduced.

(About the production control unit)
Next, the production control unit 703 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The effect control unit 703 includes an effect control unit 703a that controls the entire effect control unit 703, an image / sound control unit 703b that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and audio output control of the speaker 114, lamp lighting control and movable A lamp control unit 703c that controls the driving of the objects 130a to 130d.

(About Director of Production)
First, the production control unit 703a will be described. The production control unit 703a includes a CPU 731, a ROM 732, a RAM 733, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 734, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 731 controls the entire production control unit 703a. The ROM 732 stores programs and data for controlling the effect control unit 703. The RAM 733 is used as a work area for the CPU 731. The CPU 731 reads a program and data from the ROM 732 and executes the read program while using the RAM 733 as a work area.

  The RTC 734 counts and outputs real time. The RTC 734 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). For this reason, the RTC 734 can continue the timing operation for a certain period even when the power of the gaming machine 100 is shut off.

  Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the RTC 734 is provided in the production control unit 703a, the RTC 734 may be provided in the main control unit 701, the image / audio control unit 703b, or the like. Further, the RTC 734 may be arranged independently and configured to output information indicating the actual time measured with respect to the production control unit 703a and the like.

  Furthermore, the effect button 118 and the cross key 119 functioning as operation means for accepting an operation from the player are connected to the effect control unit 703a. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 input a control signal corresponding to a key operated (for example, pressed) by the player to the effect control unit 703a.

(Image / sound controller)
Next, the image / sound control unit 703b will be described. The image / sound controller 703b includes a CPU 741, a ROM 742, a RAM 743, a VRAM 744, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 741 controls the entire image / sound controller 703b. The ROM 742 stores a program, data, and the like for outputting an image and effect sound (sound) related to the effect instructed by the effect control unit 703a. For example, the ROM 742 stores effect data. The effect data includes image data representing a symbol image of the effect symbol, image data representing a background image, moving image data representing a moving image reproduced for reach production, effect sound data representing sound effects, BGM, and the like. The RAM 743 is used as a work area for the CPU 741.

  For example, the CPU 741 reads image data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703 a from the effect data in the ROM 742, generates display data from this image data, and stores it in the VRAM 744. Further, the CPU 741 reads the image data of the background image corresponding to the effect mode set by the effect supervising unit 703a from the effect data, generates display data from this image data, and stores it in the VRAM 744.

  When generating the display data, the CPU 741 uses a hidden surface removal method such as a Z buffer method so that the background image is arranged on the back side of the effect design. Since the Z buffer method is a known technique, a description thereof is omitted here. The display data stored in the VRAM 744 is output to the image display unit 104 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the image indicated by the display data is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104.

  In addition, the CPU 741 reads the effect sound data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 703 a from the effect data in the ROM 742, generates sound output data, and stores it in the RAM 743. The audio output data stored in the RAM 743 is output to the speaker 114 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the sound indicated by the sound output data is output from the speaker 114.

(About the lamp controller)
Next, the lamp control unit 703c will be described. The lamp control unit 703c includes a CPU 751, a ROM 752, a RAM 753, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 751 governs overall control of the lamp control unit 703c. ROM752 memorize | stores the program, data, etc. for controlling lighting of the lamp | ramp regarding the effect instruct | indicated by the production | presentation supervision part 703a, or driving of movable accessory 130a-130d. The RAM 753 is used as a work area for the CPU 751.

  For example, the ROM 752 stores control data. The control data includes drive control data for driving the movable actors 130a to 130d, lighting control data for lighting each lamp of the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp 761, and the like. The CPU 751 reads drive control data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753. The control signal corresponding to the drive control data is stored in the movable actors 130a to 130d at a predetermined timing. Input to the motor.

  Thereby, the lamp control unit 703c can drive the movable accessories 130a to 130d. The lamp control unit 703c is also connected to a movable accessory sensor 762 that detects the position of the movable accessory 130a to 130d. The lamp controller 703c receives a detection signal from the movable accessory sensor 762, and the movable accessory is detected based on the detection signal. The driving of 130a to 130d can also be controlled.

  Further, the CPU 751 reads lighting control data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753. The control signal corresponding to the lighting control data is output at a predetermined timing at the effect light unit 115 or the like. Input to the lighting control circuit of the panel lamp 761. As a result, the lamp control unit 703c can turn on the lamps of the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp 761.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 703 is configured such that the production control unit 703a, the image / audio control unit 703b, and the lamp control unit 703c are provided as different boards, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. May be. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

(An example of a table stored in the ROM of the production control unit)
Next, an example of a table stored in the effect control unit 703 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table stored in the effect control unit of the present embodiment. For example, the ROM 732 of the production control unit 703a and the ROM 742 of the image / audio control unit 703b store the production pattern determination table shown in FIG.

(Example of production pattern determination table)
The effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10D is a table used for “effect pattern determination” in which, for example, the effect control unit 703a determines the effect pattern of the effect to be executed. In the effect pattern determination table, a change pattern, presence / absence of a button notice effect, and a type of reach effect are set for each effect pattern that defines the effect contents. In FIG. 10D, for the convenience of explanation, the production contents of each production pattern and the determination probability of each production pattern are also shown.

  The production patterns Ep10a to Ep16 and Ep20 to Ep26 are associated with the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp16 and Hp20 to Hp26 for losing, which means that the production patterns are for losing. Further, the production patterns Ep31 to Ep36, Ep41 to Ep46 are associated with the jackpot variation patterns Hp31 to Hp36, Hp41 to Hp46, which means that the jackpot production pattern.

  Further, the effect patterns Ep20 to Ep26 and the effect patterns Ep41 to Ep46 are effect patterns representing effects including the aforementioned button notice effect. Further, the production patterns Ep11 to Ep16, Ep21 to Ep26, Ep31 to Ep36, and Ep41 to Ep46 are production patterns representing production including reach production. Hereinafter, the production patterns Ep11 to Ep16, Ep21 to Ep26, Ep31 to Ep36, and Ep41 to Ep46 representing the production including the reach production are referred to as “reach production patterns”.

(Processing performed by the main controller)
Next, processing performed by the gaming machine 100 will be described. First, processing performed by the main control unit 701 of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 701 described below is performed by the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701 executing a program stored in the ROM 712.

(Main process)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process. For example, the main control unit 701 starts executing the main process when activated by the supply of power. In the main process, first, the main control unit 701 waits for 1000 ms (step S1101), and sets access permission to the RAM 713 (step S1102).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1103). If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1103: Yes), the main control unit 701 clears the RAM (step S1104). In the RAM clear, the backup information stored in the main control unit 701 is discarded (cleared).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs initial setting of the peripheral part (step S1105), and proceeds to the process of step S1109. In step S1105, the main control unit 701 transmits an initial setting command instructing each peripheral unit such as the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703 to perform predetermined initial settings. For example, this initial setting command is also transmitted to the image / sound control unit 703b via the production control unit 703a.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is OFF (step S1103: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the backup flag is ON (step S1106). The backup flag is a flag indicating that backup information is stored in the main control unit 701. If the backup flag is OFF (step S1106: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1104.

  If the backup flag is ON (step S1106: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the checksum is normal (step S1107). If the checksum is abnormal (step S1107: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1104.

  If the checksum is normal (step S1107: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs recovery processing (step S1108). In the restoration process, a process of returning the setting of the main control unit 701 to the state at the previous power-off time is performed.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets a CTC (timer counter) period (for example, 4 ms) (step S1109). The main control unit 701 executes a timer interrupt process described later at the cycle set in step S1109. Then, the main control unit 701 performs a power-off monitoring process for monitoring the power-off (step S1110). In the power-off monitoring process, backup information is generated and stored when power-off is detected.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs variation pattern determination random number update processing to increment the count value of the variation pattern determination random number counter by “+1” (step S1111). Then, the main control unit 701 performs an interrupt prohibition setting for prohibiting the interrupt execution of the timer interrupt process (step S1112), and performs a random number update process (step S1113).

  In step S1113, the main control unit 701 increments the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 such as a hit determination random number counter, a symbol determination random number counter, and a variation pattern determination random number counter by “+1”. In step S1113, only the count value of a specific random number counter among the various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 may be incremented by “+1”. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an interrupt permission setting for permitting interrupt execution of the timer interrupt process (step S1114), and returns to the process of step S1110.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing. For example, the main control unit 701 interrupts and executes the timer interrupt process with respect to the main process at the cycle set in step S1109. In the timer interrupt process, first, the main control unit 701 performs a random number update process (step S1201). In step S1201, the main control unit 701 increments the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 by “+1” as in step S1113.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs switch processing (step S1202). The switch process includes a start-port switch process (described later) for detecting a game ball won at a start port (first start port 105, second start port 106), a gate switch process for detecting a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, This includes a big prize opening switch process for detecting game balls won in the big prize opening 109a and the lower big prize opening 109b, and a normal prize opening switch process for detecting a game ball won in the normal prize opening 110.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes symbol processing (step S1203). The symbol processing includes special symbol processing related to special symbols (described later) and normal symbol processing related to normal symbols. For example, in the special symbol processing, the main control unit 701 performs jackpot determination and performs display control of the special symbol. Further, in the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 701 performs normal symbol determination and performs normal symbol display control.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an electric accessory control process (step S1204). In the electric accessory control process, a large prize opening control process (described later) for controlling the opening / closing operation of the upper prize winning port 109a and the lower prize winning port 109b, and a normal electric accessory for controlling the opening / closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory 107 Control processing. For example, in the big prize opening control process, the main control unit 701 controls the opening / closing operation of the upper big prize opening 109a and the lower big prize opening 109b based on the determination result of the big hit determination. Further, in the ordinary electric accessory control process, the main control unit 701 controls the opening / closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory 107 based on the determination result of the ordinary symbol determination.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes a prize ball control process (step S1205). In the prize ball control processing, the main control unit 701 sets a prize ball command instructing the prize ball control unit 702 to the RAM 713 so as to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning opening where the game ball has won.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an output process (step S1206), and ends the timer interrupt process. In the output process, the main control unit 701 outputs the commands set in the RAM 713 by the processes in steps S1201 to S1205 to the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703. When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 701 returns to the main process.

(Start-up switch processing)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the start port switch process. In the start port switch process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S1301). If the first start port SW 714a is OFF (step S1301: No), the process proceeds to step S1306.

  If the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S1301: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the first hold information number U1 is less than 4 (U1 <4) (step S1302). If the number of first hold information U1 is 4 or more (step S1302: No), the process proceeds to step S1306.

  If the first hold information number U1 is less than 4 (step S1302: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets a value obtained by adding “+1” to the first hold information number U1 as a new first hold information number U1 (step S1302: Yes). S1303). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 refers to the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701, and acquires and stores the count values at that time as hold information (step S1304). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired hold information (step S1305), and the process proceeds to step S1306.

  Next, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the second start port SW 714b is ON (step S1306). If the second start port SW 714b is OFF (step S1306: No), the start port switch process is terminated. If the second starter SW 714b is ON (step S1306: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the second number of pending information U2 is less than 4 (U2 <4) (step S1307). If the number of second hold information U2 is 4 or more (step S1307: No), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the second pending information count U2 is less than 4 (step S1307: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the value obtained by adding "+1" to the second pending information count U2 as a new second pending information count U2 (step S1307: Yes). S1308). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 refers to the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701, and acquires and stores the count values at that time as hold information (step S1309). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired hold information (step S1310), and the start port switch process is terminated.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special symbol process. In the special symbol process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1401). The jackpot game flag is a flag indicating that a jackpot game is being played. That is, the jackpot game flag is set to ON when the jackpot game is started, and is set to OFF when the jackpot game ends.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1401: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot determination is not performed during the jackpot game. If the big hit game flag is OFF (step S1401: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the special symbol is being changed (step S1402). If the special symbol variation display is in progress (step S1402: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1411. As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot determination is not performed during the variation display of the special symbol.

  If the special symbol variation display is not in progress (step S1402: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the second reserved information count U2 is equal to or greater than “1” (step S1403). If the second pending information count U2 is “1” or more (step S1403: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the second pending information count U2 (step S1404) to determine the jackpot determination process (described later). ) Is performed (step S1405). As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the big hit determination based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second start opening 106 is stored by the game ball winning the first start opening 105. This is prioritized over the jackpot determination based on information.

  If the second pending information count U2 is less than “1” (step S1403: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the first pending information count U1 is equal to or greater than “1” (step S1406). If the number of first hold information U1 is less than “1” (step S1406: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, when the hold information is not stored, the jackpot determination is not performed.

  If the first hold information number U1 is “1” or more (step S1406: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the first hold information number U1 (step S1407), and proceeds to the process of step S1405. Shift to jackpot determination process. When the determination result of the jackpot determination is derived by the jackpot determination process, the main control unit 701 performs a variation pattern setting process (described later) (step S1408). Then, the main control unit 701 starts the special symbol variation display based on the determination result of the jackpot determination derived by the jackpot determination processing and the variation pattern set by the variation pattern setting processing (step S1409).

  In step S1409, when the main control unit 701 makes a jackpot determination based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the first starting port 105, the main control unit 701 displays the special symbol of the first special symbol display unit 201a. Display fluctuating. On the other hand, when the main control unit 701 makes a jackpot determination based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106, the main control unit 701 displays the special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 201b in a variable manner.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a change start command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S1410). For example, the variation start command includes information indicating a variation start command, and information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination derived by the jackpot determination processing and the variation pattern set by the variation pattern setting processing. The variation start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 703 and the like by output processing.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed (step S1411). In step S1411, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the variation time determined by the variation pattern set immediately before the start of variation display has elapsed since the start of variation display of the special symbol. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S1411: NO), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. As a result, the special symbol is variably displayed on the gaming machine 100 with the variation time determined by the variation pattern.

  If the fluctuation time has elapsed (step S1411: Yes), the main control unit 701 stops and displays the special symbol during the fluctuation display so as to indicate the determination result of the jackpot determination (step S1412). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a change stop command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S1413). For example, the change stop command includes information indicating a change stop command and information indicating a determination result of the jackpot determination derived by the jackpot determination process and a change pattern set by the change pattern setting process. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a stop process (described later) (step S1414) and ends the special symbol process.

(Big hit judgment processing)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot determination process. In the jackpot determination process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability flag is ON (step S1501). The high probability flag is a flag indicating that the jackpot determination is performed using the determination value 812 for high probability (see FIG. 8A). That is, in the case of the gaming machine 100, the high probability flag is set to ON by the probability variation jackpot, and is set to OFF by 10,000 jackpot judgments or normal jackpots.

  If the high probability flag is ON (step S1501: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability determination value 812 in the RAM 713 (step S1502). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S1501: No), the main control unit 701 sets the low probability determination value 811 in the RAM 713 (step S1503).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a hit determination using the value of the hit determination random number for the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1502 or step S1503 (step S1504). The hit determination is as described above.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the determination result of the hit determination is a big hit (step S1505). If the determination result of the hit determination is a big hit (step S1505: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the hit determination is performed based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. Is determined (step S1506).

  If the hit determination is performed based on the hold information stored by winning the game ball at the first start opening 105 (step S1506: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the first start opening determination value 821 in the RAM 713. (Step S1507). If the winning determination is performed based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106 (step S1506: No), the main control unit 701 sets the second starting port determination value 822 in the RAM 713. (Step S1508).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the symbol determination random number value of the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1507 or step S1508 (step S1509). The symbol determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot symbol derived as a symbol determination result in the RAM 713 (step S1510), and ends the jackpot determination process.

  If the determination result of the hit determination is a loss (step S1505: No), the main control unit 701 sets the loss symbol in the RAM 713 (step S1511) and ends the big hit determination process.

(Variation pattern setting process)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process. In the variation pattern setting process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S1601). If the determination result of jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S1601: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot determination value 832 in the RAM 713 (step S1602). If it is a loss (step S1601: No), the main control unit 701 sets a determination value 831 for loss in the RAM 713 (step S1603).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs variation pattern determination using the value of the variation pattern determination random number of the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1602 or step S1603 (step S1604). The variation pattern determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets a variation pattern derived as a variation pattern determination result in the RAM 713 (step S1605), and ends the variation pattern setting process.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process. In the stop process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the time reduction flag is ON (step S1701). The time-short flag is a flag indicating that the game ball is in a state of being controlled so that the game ball can easily win the second starting port 106. That is, in the case of the gaming machine 100, the hourly flag is set to ON by the probability variation jackpot or the normal jackpot, and is set to OFF by the jackpot determination of a predetermined number of times (10000 times after the probability variation jackpot, 30 times after the normal jackpot). If the time reduction flag is OFF (step S1701: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1705 as it is.

  If the time reduction flag is ON (step S1701: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value X of the time reduction counter (step S1702), and whether the count value X after subtraction is “0” or not. Is determined (step S1703). If the count value X is not “0” (step S1703: NO), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1705 as it is. If the count value X is “0” (step S1703: YES), the main control unit 701 sets the time reduction flag to OFF (step S1704), and the process proceeds to step S1705.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability flag is ON (step S1705). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S1705: NO), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1709 as it is.

  If the high probability flag is ON (step S1705: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value Y of the high probability counter (step S1706), and the count value Y after the subtraction is “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S1707). If the count value Y is not “0” (step S1707: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1709 as it is. If the count value Y is “0” (step S1707: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to OFF (step S1708), and proceeds to the processing of step S1709.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the stopped display symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S1709). If it is not a jackpot symbol (step S1709: NO), the main control unit 701 ends the stopping process as it is. If it is a jackpot symbol (step S1709: YES), the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot game flag to ON (step S1710).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 resets the count value X of the hour / hour counter and the count value Y of the high probability counter to “0” (step S1711), and sets the hour / hour flag and the high probability flag to OFF (step S1712). . Subsequently, the main control unit 701 starts a predetermined opening in the jackpot game (step S1713), sets an opening command in the RAM 713 (step S1714), and ends the in-stop process.

(Big prize opening control process)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special winning opening control process. As described above, this special winning opening control process is included in the electric accessory control process. In the big prize opening control process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the big hit game flag is ON (step S1801). If the big hit game flag is OFF (step S1801: No), the main control unit 701 ends the big winning opening control process as it is.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1801: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not opening is in progress (step S1802). If it is during opening (step S1802: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined opening time has passed (step S1803). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S1803: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process as it is.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S1803: YES), the main control unit 701 sets a special winning opening operation pattern in the RAM 713 (step S1804). In step S1804, based on the type of jackpot determined to be determined by the jackpot determination, the main control unit 701 sets a big winning opening to be opened, an opening time for one round, the number of rounds to continue the jackpot game, and the like.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 adds “1” to the count value R of the R number counter (step S1805), and starts to open the special winning opening based on the special winning opening operation pattern set in the RAM 713 ( Step S1806).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the opening time has elapsed from the start of opening of the big prize opening (step S1807). If the opening time has elapsed (step S1807: YES), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1809. If the opening time has not elapsed (step S1807: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening since the opening of the big winning opening (step S1808). ). If there is no winning of a predetermined number of game balls (step S1808: No), the main control unit 701 ends the large winning opening control process as it is.

  If a predetermined number of game balls have been won (step S1808: YES), the main control unit 701 closes the open large winning opening (step S1809). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not it is the final R (step S1810). For example, in the case of 16R big hit, in step S1810, the main control unit 701 determines whether the count value R is “16”, and if the count value R is “16”, the main control unit 701 determines final R. Similarly, if the count value R is “8” in the case of a big hit of 8R, the final R is determined if the count value R is “2” in the case of the big hit of 2R.

  If it is not the final R (step S1810: No), the main control unit 701 terminates the big winning opening control process as it is. If it is the final R (step S1810: Yes), the main control unit 701 starts a predetermined ending in the jackpot game (step S1811), and sets an ending command in the RAM 713 (step S1812).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 resets the count value R of the R number counter to “0” (step S1813). Then, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined ending time has elapsed (step S1814). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S1814: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process as it is.

  If the ending time has elapsed (step S1814: YES), the main control unit 701 performs a game state setting process (described later) (step S1815). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot game flag to OFF (step S1816), and ends the big prize opening control process.

  If the opening is not in progress in step S1802 (step S1802: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the ending is in progress (step S1817). If it is during ending (step S1817: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1814.

  If it is not ending (step S1817: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the special winning opening is being opened (step S1818). If the special winning opening is being opened (step S1818: YES), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1807. If the special winning opening is not being opened (step S1818: NO), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1805.

(Game state setting process)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state setting process. In the game state setting process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the jackpot to be ended is a normal jackpot (step S1901). If it is a normal big hit (step S1901: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the hour / hour flag to ON (step S1902), sets the count value X of the hour / hour counter to “30” (step S1903), and the game The state setting process ends.

  If it is not a normal big hit (step S1901: No), the main control unit 701 sets the hour / hour flag to ON (step S1904), and sets “10000” as the count value X of the hour / hour counter (step S1905). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to ON (step S1906), sets “10000” to the count value Y of the high probability counter (step S1907), and ends the gaming state setting process.

(Processing performed by the Production Control Department)
Next, processing performed by the production supervision unit 703a of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the production control unit 703a described below is performed by the CPU 731 of the production control unit 703a executing a program stored in the ROM 732.

(Production timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect timer interrupt process. For example, the production control unit 703a continuously performs a production main process (not shown) during activation, and performs the production timer interruption process shown in FIG. 20 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms) for this production main process. Execute interrupt.

  In the effect timer interrupt process, the effect control unit 703a first performs a command reception process (described later) (step S2001). Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs an operation reception process (step S2002). In the operation acceptance process, when the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 is operated, a process for setting a command corresponding to the operated key in the RAM 733 is performed.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a performs a command transmission process (step S2003), and ends the effect timer interrupt process. In the command transmission process, a process of transmitting a command set in the RAM 733 by a command reception process or an operation reception process is performed.

(Command reception processing)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command reception processing. In the command receiving process, first, the effect supervising unit 703a determines whether or not a change start command has been received (step S2101). If the change start command has not been received (step S2101: No), the production control unit 703a directly proceeds to the process of step S2103. If the change start command has been received (step S2101: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a performs the production start process (step S2102). The effect start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a change stop command has been received (step S2103). If the change stop command has not been received (step S2103: NO), the production control unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2106 as it is. If the change stop command is received (step S2103: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a performs the production end process (step S2104) and performs the production mode change process (step S2105). For example, in the effect end process, an effect end command that instructs the image / sound control unit 703b or the lamp control unit 703c to end the effect being executed is set in the RAM 723.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether an opening command has been received (step S2106). If the opening command has not been received (step S2106: NO), the production control unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2108 as it is. If the opening command has been received (step S2106: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a performs a jackpot presentation start process for starting the jackpot presentation (step S2107).

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether an ending command is received (step S2108). If the ending command has not been received (step S2108: No), the production control unit 703a ends the command reception process as it is. If the ending command has been received (step S2108: Yes), the production control unit 703a performs a jackpot presentation end process for ending the currently executed jackpot presentation (step S2109), and performs a presentation mode setting process (step S2109). In step S2110, the command reception process ends. For example, in the effect mode setting process, the probability change effect mode is set after the probability change jackpot, or the time reduction effect mode is set after the normal jackpot.

(Direction start processing)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect start process. As shown in FIG. 22, in the production start process, the production supervision unit 703a first uses the production pattern determination table to produce the production pattern associated with the variation pattern represented by the variation start command received from the main control unit 701. Is determined (step S2201). For example, when the variation pattern represented by the variation start command is the variation pattern Hp21, the effect pattern Ep21a and the effect pattern Ep21b are derived as the processing result of step S2201.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the effect pattern derived as the determination result in step S2201 in the RAM 733 (step S2202), and an effect start command for starting the effect represented by the effect pattern set in step S2202 is stored in the RAM 733. (Step S2203), and the effect start process is terminated. The effect start command includes information that allows the image / sound control unit 703b and the lamp control unit 703c to specify the effect pattern set in step S2202. The effect start command set in step S2203 is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 703b and the lamp control unit 703c by the command transmission process in step S2003.

(Processing performed by the image / sound controller)
Next, processing performed by the image / sound control unit 703b of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each processing of the image / sound control unit 703b described below is performed by the CPU 741 of the image / sound control unit 703b executing a program stored in the ROM 742.

(Production display start processing)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect display start process. For example, the image / sound control unit 703b continuously performs the image / sound control main process (not shown) during the activation, and the image / sound control main process is performed at a predetermined period (for example, every 4 ms) as shown in FIG. The effect display start process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in the effect display start process, first, the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether or not an effect start command is received from the effect control unit 703a (step S2301). If the effect start command has not been received (step S2301: No), the image / sound control unit 703b ends the effect display start process.

  If the effect start command has been received (step S2301: Yes), the image / sound control unit 703b analyzes the received effect start command, specifies the effect pattern represented by the effect start command, and determines the specified effect pattern. It is set in the RAM 733 (step S2302).

  Subsequently, the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether or not the effect pattern set in step S2302 is a button notice effect pattern representing an effect including a button notice effect (step S2303). In step S2303, an affirmative determination is made when the effect pattern set in step S2302 is any of the effect patterns Ep20 to Ep26, Ep41 to Ep46, and a negative determination is made otherwise. If the image / sound control unit 703b determines in step S2303 that it is not a button notice effect pattern (step S2303: No), the process proceeds to step S2308.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the button notice effect pattern is determined in step S2303 (step S2303: Yes), the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether the effect pattern set in step S2302 is a reach effect pattern representing an effect including a reach effect. (Step S2304). In step S2304, an affirmative determination is made when the effect pattern set in step S2302 is any of effect patterns Ep11 to Ep-16, Ep21 to Ep to 26, Ep31 to Ep to 36, Ep41 to Ep to 46, If it is other than these, a negative determination is made.

  As a result of the processing in step S2303 and step S2304, the gaming machine 100 performs the processing in step S2305 when both the button notice effect and the reach effect are performed. Further, in the gaming machine 100, when the button notice effect is performed and the reach effect is not performed, the process of step S2306 is performed.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the reach effect pattern is a reach effect pattern in step S2304 (step S2304: YES), the reach effect suggestion image including the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed is displayed. It selects as a suggestion image (step S2305). The execution target reach effect is a reach effect included in the effect represented by the effect pattern set in step S2302. For example, if the effect pattern set in step S2302 is the effect pattern Ep21, it becomes the first animation reach effect, and if the effect pattern Ep24, it becomes the first live-action reach effect.

  When the image / sound control unit 703b specifies the reach effect to be executed in this way, the image / sound control unit 703b selects the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the specified reach effect as the first reach effect suggestion image. The image / sound controller 703b randomly selects the remaining three reach effect suggestion images to be selected by performing, for example, a known lottery process. The selection probabilities of the reach effect suggestion images in the lottery process may all be the same probability, or may be different probabilities for the reach effect suggestion images.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the number of types of animation reach production that can be executed subsequent to the button notice production (three types of the first animation reach production, the second animation reach production, and the third animation reach production). The number of reach effect suggestion images (four) displayed in the button notice effect when performing the reach effect is a larger value. In the button notice effect, the same kind of reach effect suggestion image is not displayed repeatedly.

  For this reason, when four reach effect suggestion images are displayed on the gaming machine 100, at least one of them is a reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the live-action reach effect. Accordingly, even if the gaming machine 100 randomly selects the reach probability suggestion images for all the reach effect suggestion images at the same probability in order to simplify the control, at least one of the button notice effect before the reach effect is the live-action reach. The reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the effect can be displayed. The gaming machine 100 can give the player a sense of expectation that “a live-action reach effect (that is, a highly reliable reach effect) may be performed” by performing such a button notice effect.

  Further, when the selection probabilities are different for each reach effect suggestion image, for example, when a reach effect is performed, the selection probability of a specific reach effect suggestion image may be set higher than the other reach effect suggestion images. Conceivable. With this configuration, the gaming machine 100 can give the player a sense of expectation that “the reach effect may be performed” when the specific reach effect suggestion image is displayed in the button notice effect. .

  In addition, when the reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed is selected in step S2305, the image / sound control unit 703b determines in which of the display areas 301 to 304 each of the selected reach effect suggestion images is displayed. In making this determination, the image / sound controller 703b performs a random determination by performing a known lottery process. In addition, the image / sound control unit 703b sets each reach effect suggestion so that the probability that the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed is displayed in a specific display region is higher than that in other display regions. A display area for displaying an image may be determined.

  For example, the image / sound control unit 703b increases the probability that a reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed is displayed in the display region 304 as compared to the display regions 301 to 303. As shown in FIG. 3C and the like, the display area 304 is a display area in which a reach effect suggestion image is displayed last in the button notice effect. That is, for the player, in order to display the reach effect suggestion image in the display area 304 in the button notice effect, it is necessary to perform more operations than in the case of displaying in the display areas 301 to 303. Therefore, by increasing the probability that the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed is displayed in the display area 304, the gaming machine 100 can operate the player who wants to know the development of the effect and the effect of the development destination as soon as possible. The willingness to play can be further enhanced, the player can be actively operated, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

  On the other hand, if the image / sound control unit 703b determines that it is not the reach effect pattern in Step S2304 (Step S2304: No), it selects any three reach effect suggestion images to be displayed as the reach effect suggestion images (Step S2306). . In step S2306, as in step S2305, the image / sound control unit 703b randomly selects three reach effect suggestion images by performing, for example, a known lottery process. In addition, when the image / sound control unit 703b selects the reach effect suggestion image to be displayed in step S2306, as in step S2305, the image / sound control unit 703b determines in which of the display areas 301 to 304 each of the selected reach effect suggestion images is displayed. Randomly determined by performing a known lottery process.

  In the case of the example shown at time t43 in FIG. 5, that is, when a button notice effect that accepts only one operation is performed and no reach effect is performed after this button notice effect, the gaming machine 100 uses this button. The reach effect suggestion image is not displayed in the notice effect. In this case, the image / audio control unit 703b may not select the reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed in step S2306.

  When the image / sound control unit 703b performs the process of step S2305 or step S2306, it sets the button notice effect flag to ON (step S2307). Then, the image / sound control unit 703b starts variable display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 (step S2308), starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the variable display (step S2309), and performs an effect display start process. finish. As will be described later, the elapsed time when the measurement is started in step S2309 is used for determining the start timing of the button notice effect.

(Button notice effect start processing)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of button notice effect start processing. For example, the image / sound control unit 703b interrupts and executes the button notice effect start process shown in FIG. 24 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the image / sound control main process, similarly to the effect display start process described above. .

  As shown in FIG. 24, in the button notice effect start process, first, the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether or not the button notice effect flag is set to ON (step S2401). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the button notice effect flag is OFF (step S2401: No), the button notice effect start process ends.

  When determining that the button notice effect flag is ON (step S2401: Yes), the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether the button notice effect start timing has come (step S2402). For example, in step S2402, a determination is made as to whether or not the elapsed time from which the measurement was started in step S2309 has reached a predetermined time predetermined by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100. It is determined that the production start timing has come. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in this determination, it is determined that the button notice effect start timing is not reached. If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that it is not the button notice effect start timing (step S2402: No), the button notice effect start process ends.

  When the image / sound control unit 703b determines that it is the button notice effect start timing (step S2402: Yes), the type of the button notice effect is selected (step S2403). As described above, the button notice effect of the gaming machine 100 includes one that accepts only one operation and one that accepts multiple operations. In step S2403, the image / sound control unit 703b randomly selects, for example, a button notice effect that accepts a single operation or a button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations by performing a known lottery process or the like. .

  Subsequently, the image / sound control unit 703b starts displaying a button notice effect image according to the type of the selected button notice effect (step S2404). For example, when the image / sound control unit 703b selects a button notice effect that accepts only one operation, the display shown at time t41 in FIG. 5 is performed in step S2404. On the other hand, when the button / notice effect for accepting a plurality of operations is selected, the image / sound control unit 703b performs the display shown at time t14 in FIG. 3-2 in step S2404.

  Subsequently, the image / sound control unit 703b sets an operation valid period according to the type of the selected button notice effect (step S2405). For example, when the image / sound control unit 703b selects a button notice effect that accepts only one operation, either the eight seconds have elapsed since the setting or the effect button 118 is pressed once. The operation valid period to be ended when it is established is set.

  In addition, when the image / sound control unit 703b selects a button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations, either the eight seconds have elapsed since the setting or the effect button 118 is pressed 255 times. The operation valid period to be ended is set. In this case, the operation valid period is not substantially ended by the number of operations (because it is extremely difficult to press the effect button 118 255 times in 8 seconds), and 8 seconds have elapsed since the setting. The operation valid period ends.

  Subsequently, the image / audio control unit 703b sets the button warning effect flag to ON and sets the button warning effect flag to OFF (step S2406), and ends the button warning effect start process.

(Processing during button announcement)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the button notice effect processing. For example, the image / sound control unit 703b interrupts and executes the button announcement effect process shown in FIG. 25 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the image / sound control main process as in the above-described effect display start process. .

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the button notice effect processing, first, the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether or not the button notice effect flag is set to ON (step S2501). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the button notice effect flag is OFF (step S2501: No), the button notice effect processing is terminated.

  When determining that the button notice effect flag is ON (step S2501: Yes), the image / sound controller 703b determines whether an effect button command has been received from the effect control unit 703a (step S2502). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that an effect button command has not been received (step S2502: No), the button notice effect in-progress process ends.

  When determining that the effect button command has been received (step S2502: Yes), the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether the operation valid period is being set (step S2503). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the operation valid period is not being set (step S2503: No), the button announcement effect processing is ended.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the operation effective period is being set (step S2503: Yes), it is not displayed in the reach effect suggestion image selected as the reach effect suggestion image to be displayed in step S2305 or step S2306. It is determined whether there is a reach effect suggestion image (step S2504). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that there is no unreached reach effect suggestion image (step S2504: No), the button notice effect in-progress process ends.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that there is a non-displayed reach effect suggestion image (step S2504: Yes), it determines whether or not the button notification effect being executed is a button notification effect that accepts only one operation ( Step S2505). When the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the currently executed button notice effect is not a button notice effect that accepts a single operation (step S2505: No), that is, a button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations, the display is performed. One unreached reach effect suggestion image is displayed from the reach effect suggestion images selected as the scheduled reach effect suggestion image (step S2506).

  In addition, the image / sound control unit 703b uses a known lottery process to determine whether or not to display a reach effect suggestion image in step S2506 from the viewpoint of allowing the player to perform more operations. The reach effect suggestion image may be displayed only when the display lottery is won.

  For example, if this display lottery is not performed and the reach effect suggestion image is sequentially displayed in the display areas 301 to 304 each time the effect button 118 is pressed by the player, the effect button 118 is displayed four times from the player. If it is pressed, it will be known whether or not it will be a reach effect. That is, in this case, if the player presses the effect button 118 for the fourth time and the reach effect suggestion image is not displayed in the display area 304, it will be understood that the reach effect will not be performed at that time, and the expectation is lost. End up.

  By displaying the reach effect suggestion image only when the image / sound control unit 703b wins the display lottery as described above, even if the gaming machine 100 does not display the reach effect suggestion image, the “ “There is a possibility that a reach effect will be performed just by defeating the display lottery”, and the player's expectation can be maintained.

  Further, the probability that the image / sound control unit 703b determines to display the reach effect suggestion image from the display lottery may be higher when the reach effect is performed than when the reach effect is not performed. For example, when performing the reach effect, the image / sound control unit 703b determines to display the reach effect suggestion image with a probability of 1/3 in the display lottery. On the other hand, when the reach effect is not performed, the image / sound control unit 703b determines to display the reach effect suggestion image with a probability of 1/5 in the display lottery. In this way, the gaming machine 100 can give the player the pleasure of guessing whether or not the reach effect is performed from the tendency of the display of the reach effect suggestion image with respect to the operation.

  Further, the probability that the image / sound control unit 703b determines to display the reach effect suggestion image from the display lottery may be different depending on the number of reach effect suggestion images in the current button notice effect. For example, in the case of the first reach effect suggestion image in the current button notice effect, the image / sound control unit 703b determines to display with a probability of 1/3 in the display lottery. Further, for example, in the case of the second reach effect suggestion image in the current button notice effect, the image / sound control unit 703b determines to display with a probability of 1/4 in the display lottery. In this way, the image / sound control unit 703b reduces the probability that the reach effect suggestion image to be displayed later in the current button notice effect will be determined to be displayed in the display lottery.

  That is, in this case, in the gaming machine 100, it is difficult to display the reach effect suggestion image as it goes to the second half of the button notice effect. In this way, the gaming machine 100 can indicate to the player that “the display lottery has been lost” even when the reach effect suggestion image is not displayed in the display region 304 (the display region where the reach effect suggestion image is displayed last). It is possible that a reach production will be performed just by doing so, and the player's expectation can be maintained.

  In step S2505, if the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the button notice effect being executed is a button notice effect that accepts only one operation (step S2505: Yes), the effect pattern set in step S2302 is set. It is determined whether or not is a reach production pattern (step S2507). When the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the reach effect pattern is a reach effect pattern (step S2507: Yes), the reach effect suggestion image selected as the reach effect suggestion image scheduled to be displayed is displayed all at once (step S2508). On the other hand, if the image / sound control unit 703b determines that it is not the reach effect pattern (step S2507: No), the process directly proceeds to step S2509 without displaying the reach effect suggestion image.

  Subsequently, the image / sound controller 703b determines whether or not the condition for ending the operation valid period is satisfied (step S2509). For example, as described above, when the operation valid period of the button notice effect that accepts only one operation is set, the end condition is that the effect button 118 is pressed once when 8 seconds elapse from the setting time. Either of these has been established. In addition, when the operation valid period of the button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations is set, the end condition is either that 8 seconds have elapsed from the setting time or the effect button 118 is pressed 255 times. It is established. In step S2509, it is determined whether or not these end conditions are met.

  When the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the condition for ending the operation valid period is satisfied (step S2509: Yes), the operation valid period is ended (setting of the operation valid period is canceled) (step S2510), and the button notice effect End the middle process. On the other hand, if the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the condition for ending the operation valid period is not satisfied (step S2509: No), the button announcement effect processing is ended as it is.

(Button notice effect end processing)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of button notice effect end processing. For example, the image / sound control unit 703b interrupts and executes the button notice effect end process shown in FIG. 26 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the display sound control main process as in the effect display start process described above. .

  As shown in FIG. 26, in the button notice effect end processing, first, the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether or not the button notice effect flag is set to ON (step S2601). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the button notice effect executing flag is OFF (step S2601: No), the image / audio control unit 703b ends the button notice effect end process.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the button notice effect flag is ON (step S2601: Yes), the image / sound control unit 703b determines whether it is the end timing of the button notice effect (step S2602). For example, in step S2602, a determination is made as to whether or not the elapsed time at which measurement was started in step S2309 has reached a predetermined time predetermined by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100. It is determined that the production end timing has come. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in this determination, it is determined that it is not the button notice effect end timing. If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that it is not the button notice effect end timing (step S2602: No), the button notice effect end process is ended.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that it is the button notice effect end timing (step S2602: Yes), it determines whether the effect pattern set in step S2302 is a reach effect pattern (step S2603). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the pattern is not a reach effect pattern (step S2603: No), the button notice effect is terminated.

  If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that the reach effect pattern is a reach effect pattern (step S2603: Yes), an undisplayed reach effect suggestion image is included in the reach effect suggestion image selected as the reach effect suggestion image to be displayed in step S2305. It is determined whether or not there is (step S2604). If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that there is no undisplayed reach effect suggestion image (step S2604: No), the process proceeds to step S2606. If the image / sound control unit 703b determines that there is a non-displayed reach effect suggestion image (step S2604: Yes), the image / sound control unit 703b displays the undisplayed reach effect suggestion image all at once (step S2605).

  Subsequently, the image / sound control unit 703b stops and displays the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 so as to reach the reach state (step S2606), and highlights the reach effect suggestion image corresponding to the reach effect to be executed. (Step S2607). Then, the image / sound control unit 703b sets the button notice effect flag to OFF (step S2608), and ends the button notice effect end process.

  As described above, the gaming machine 100 can perform the button notice effect that can accept the player's operation. When the gaming machine 100 accepts the player's operation with the button notice effect only when the reach notice effect is performed following the button notice effect, the game machine 100 displays the four reach effect suggestion images, thereby performing the reach effect. Can be suggested. As a result, the gaming machine 100 increases the willingness to operate the player who wants to know that the production will develop as soon as possible (a consciousness of participation in the game), and promotes the player's active operation. Can be increased.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 can perform a button notice effect that accepts only one operation and a button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations. And in the case of the button notice effect which accepts only one operation, the gaming machine 100 displays four reach effect suggestion images all at once when the player performs one operation. On the other hand, in the case of the button notice effect that accepts a plurality of operations, the gaming machine 100 sequentially displays the reach effect suggestion images one by one each time the player performs the turn operation. In this way, the gaming machine 100 can perform a plurality of types of button notice effects with different numbers of reach effect suggestion images (that is, how to reflect the operations) to be displayed for one operation of the player, Various entertainments can further enhance the interest of the game.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 displays four reach effect suggestion images including a suggestion image of the reach effect to be executed in the button notice effect before the reach effect. That is, the player can know the possibility that the reach effect will be performed and the contents of the reach effect that may be performed by operating the button notice effect. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can further increase the willingness of the player who wants to know the development of the production and the production of the development destination as soon as possible, and promotes the player's active operation. Can be increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the player's willingness to participate in the game and to actively perform the operation, thereby improving the interest of the game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 104 Image display part 105 1st start opening 106 2nd start opening 109a Upper university prize opening 109b Lower university prize opening

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied;
When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination unit, the symbol control unit that changes and stops the symbol based on the determination result of the special game determination;
Operation means that can be operated by the player;
When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination unit, an effect control unit that performs a predetermined effect on the display screen based on the determination result of the special game determination;
With
The production control means includes
An operation instruction effect execution means for performing an operation instruction effect to instruct a player to operate the operation means;
A first effect executing means for performing a first effect when the operation instruction effect is being performed by the operation instruction effect executing means;
Second effect executing means capable of performing a second effect suggesting that the special game may be performed following the first effect by the first effect executing means;
With
The second effect execution means includes:
It is possible to perform any one of the plurality of types of second effects,
The first Starring and out is,
A plurality of display areas are displayed on the display screen, and each time the operation means is operated, any one of the plurality of types of second effect suggestion images suggesting each of the plurality of types of second effects An effect capable of displaying the second effect suggestion image in any one of the plurality of display regions ,
The first effect execution means includes:
When displaying the second effect suggestion image in the first effect, any second effect suggestion image in the plurality of display areas is displayed in a display area that is not displayed,
In the first effect when the operation means is operated a predetermined number of times, when the second effect suggestion image is displayed in all of the plurality of display regions, and at least one display region of the plurality of display regions There are times when the second effect suggestion image is not displayed,
The second effect execution means includes:
While performing the second rendering Following the first effect in the case where the first effect of the second effect suggested image is displayed on all of the plurality of display areas is performed,
Performed the second presentation Following the first effect in the case of at least one display area the first effect is performed in which the second effect suggestion image did not appear in said plurality of display areas A gaming machine characterized by the absence of it.

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