JP6338557B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko machine.

In a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine, an effect image (hereinafter referred to as a hold display), which is called a hold ball, is triggered once or a plurality of times when the start condition of the symbol variation game is established Some are displayed throughout the symbol variation game. In addition, there is a gaming machine that produces an effect that suggests that a bonus advantageous to a player such as a big hit game may be given by changing the display mode of the hold display during the display period of the hold display.
The following patent document 1 is illustrated as this type of gaming machine.

  In Patent Document 1, another character may appear before and after the appearance of one character that changes the hold display, and the possibility that the hold display will eventually change depends on the type of other characters that appear. Is described.

JP2015-123350A

In the gaming machine, in the gaming machine, there are a plurality of characters appearing around the hold display, and each character is displayed to perform a different action, but the hold display itself is a simple color change. It remains in change.
Also, in the above gaming machine, although the ease of change of the hold display changes depending on the type of other characters that appear during the execution of a single symbol variation game, what effect is produced at the start of the symbol variation game? Since the player does not know whether it will be executed, the player's expectation for the change in the hold display becomes uniform at the start of each symbol variation game.
Therefore, as a whole game, it is difficult to attract the player's interest in the change of the hold display.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that attracts the player's interest in the change in the hold display and further enhances the effect of the change in the hold display.

According to the present invention, a random number acquisition unit that acquires a random number when a start condition is satisfied, a success / failure determination unit that determines success or failure of winning using the random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit, and the success / failure determination unit In at least a part of the case where the winning is determined by, a privilege granting means for granting a privilege advantageous for the player, a symbol display control means for executing a symbol variation game for notifying the determination result by the winning / failing determination means, Hold display control means for displaying a hold display based on the acquired random number in a hold display area, and a period transition control means for shifting from a normal period to a special period triggered by the establishment of a specific condition, the hold display control The means includes a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the privilege is granted and a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the suggestion mode changes. The hold display is displayed in the hold display area so that both can be distinguished from each other, and in the standby mode, the first standby mode and the possibility that the suggestion mode is changed are higher than those in the first standby mode. And a first hold display that is displayed in the hold display area after the specific condition is satisfied is also displayed in the hold display area before the specific condition is satisfied. Both of the hold displays are provided with a game machine in which the hold display is easily displayed in the second standby mode.

  According to the above invention, since the special period in which the pending display is easily displayed in the second standby mode that suggests that there is a higher possibility that the suggested mode of the pending display is changed, the concentrated display is concentrated over the special period. The player's interest can be collected in the pending display change. Thereby, the production effect due to the change in the hold display can be further enhanced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which collects a player's interest by the change display of a hold display and raises the interest improvement by the said change effect further is provided.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the game board arrange | positioned in the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol display arrange | positioned in the gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main structures of the production | presentation control part shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the payout control structure of a gaming machine. It is a figure relevant to a hold display or change opportunity production. It is a figure relevant to a hold display or change opportunity production. It is a figure relevant to a hold display or change opportunity production. It is a figure relevant to a hold display or change opportunity production. It is a figure relevant to a hold display or change opportunity production. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart which concerns on the success pattern of a change opportunity production. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in each time of a time chart. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in each time of a time chart. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in each time of a time chart. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in each time of a time chart. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart which concerns on the failure pattern of a change opportunity effect. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in 4 s time point of the time chart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart which concerns on the gasset pattern of change opportunity production. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in 3s time of the time chart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the time chart which concerns on switching between a normal period and a special period. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in the time chart shown in FIG. 21 at the time t0. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in the time chart shown in FIG. 21 at the time t1. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the main display part in the time chart shown in FIG. 21 at the time t2. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display mode of the main display unit at time t3 in the time chart. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process sequence of the process at the time of entrance. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process sequence of a holding | maintenance display process (at the time of entering a ball). It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process sequence of a symbol variation start process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the process sequence of a pending | holding display process (at the time of symbol fluctuation | variation).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” refer to the gaming machine 10 on the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. ) Shall be designated in the state seen from.

<About the outline of the gaming machine 10>
An outline of the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the gaming board 50 disposed in the gaming machine 10. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the effect control unit 210 shown in FIG.

The gaming machine 10 includes a random number obtaining unit (special drawing hold control unit 115), a win / fail determination unit (win / no lottery unit 131), a privilege granting unit (game state control unit 140), and a symbol display control unit (symbol display control unit). 150), hold display control means (hold display control section 214), and period shift control means (period shift control section 216).
The special figure hold control unit 115 acquires a random number when the start condition is satisfied.
The success / failure lottery unit 131 determines success or failure of the winning using the random number acquired by the special figure hold control unit 115.
The gaming state control unit 140 gives a privilege (for example, a big hit game) advantageous to the player in at least a part of the case where the winning determination is determined by the winning lottery unit 131.
The symbol display control unit 150 executes a symbol variation game in which the determination result by the success / failure lottery unit 131 is notified.
The hold display control unit 214 causes the hold display area 86 to display a hold display based on the acquired random number.
The period transition control unit 216 shifts from the normal period to the special period when the specific condition is satisfied.

In the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the hold display control unit 214 has a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that a privilege is given, a plurality of standby modes that suggest the possibility that the suggestion mode changes, The hold display is displayed in the hold display area so that both can be identified. In addition, the standby mode includes a first standby mode and a second standby mode in which the suggestion mode is more likely to change than the first standby mode. Further, when staying in the special period, the hold display is more easily displayed in the second standby mode than when staying in the normal period.
Here, “the hold display is likely to be displayed in the second standby mode” means that (i) the ratio of the time during which the hold display is displayed in the second standby mode in the time during which the hold display is displayed is Both are greater than the percentage of time displayed in one standby mode, or (ii) the frequency at which the hold display is displayed in the second standby mode is higher than the frequency displayed in the first standby mode. It is a concept that includes
With this configuration, the pending display itself (standby mode) suggests the possibility of a change in the suggested mode of the pending display. With this feature, the player can be expected to change the suggestion mode of the hold display over the period during which the hold display is displayed (hereinafter referred to as the hold display period). Further, a configuration is adopted in which a special period during which the hold display is easily displayed is provided in the second standby mode that suggests that there is a higher possibility of the change in the display mode of the hold display. By this feature, the player's interest can be concentrated on the change of the suggestion mode of the hold display over the special period, so that the effect of the change of the suggestion mode is further enhanced and the player's interest is evoked. The

The gaming machine 10 includes a change opportunity effect control unit 212 that executes a change opportunity effect that suggests that the suggestion mode (color in this embodiment) of the hold display that is displayed in any one of the standby modes may change. Here, during the execution of the change trigger effect in the case of staying in the special period, the hold display (mole in the present embodiment) is the first in comparison with the execution of the change trigger effect in the case of staying in the normal period. It is easy to be displayed in the two standby modes (in this embodiment, the outgoing mode).
Due to this feature, the player's interest in the change in the hold display when the change trigger effect is executed when staying in a special period is further enhanced, so that the effect of the change in the hold display and the change trigger effect is produced. Increasing, further arousing player interest. In other words, the effect of the on-hold display change and the change opportunity effect is synergistically increased, so that the player can have further expectations for the on-hold display change and can be further inspired.
Here, “the change display in the case of staying in the special period is being executed during the execution of the change opportunity production in the case of staying in the normal period, the holding display (mole in this embodiment) is “Easy to be displayed in the second standby mode (in this embodiment, the mode of appearance)” means that when the user is staying in the special period, the change opportunity effect is executed compared to the case where the user is staying in the normal period. This is a concept that means that the period and the period in which the hold display is displayed in the second standby mode are likely to overlap. To realize this state, (i) lengthen the display period of the second standby mode during the stay in the special period, and (ii) lengthen the execution period of the change trigger effect during the stay during the special period. Or (iii) the display period of the second standby mode is combined with the execution period of the change trigger effect.
Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the period in which the change trigger effect is executed by increasing the display period of the second standby mode while staying in the special period as compared to staying during the normal period. The period when the hold display is displayed in the second standby mode is likely to overlap.

Here, the privilege refers to a benefit advantageous to a player who enjoys the gaming machine 10. In addition, although the privilege in this embodiment is demonstrated as a big hit game, the holding | maintenance display change effect of this embodiment may be implemented by making a small hit game, a probable change state, a short state, etc. into a privilege.
In the present embodiment, the hold display change refers to a change in the suggested mode of the hold display. The hold display change effect is an effect that suggests a privilege by changing the suggestion mode of the hold display. That is, the hold display change effect is a concept different from the change trigger effect that suggests the change of the suggestion mode and the change of the standby mode.

Here, the starting condition is a condition for starting the symbol variation game. The starting conditions in the present embodiment include (i) that a game ball enters the start port, and (ii) that the number of reserved memories does not reach the upper limit at the start port where the game ball has entered.
Here, the symbol variation game is a game in which a symbol is variably displayed, stopped and displayed, and the player is notified of the determination by the winning / failing lottery means by the symbol displayed and stopped. When this embodiment simply refers to a symbol variation game, it refers to a symbol variation game with a special symbol performed in the special symbol display unit 91 unless otherwise specified.

  Here, the on-hold display is a so-called on-hold ball, indicating the number of random numbers stored on hold according to the number of displays, and suggesting the possibility of a privilege being given depending on the display form, This refers to an image whose display mode can be changed accordingly. In the present embodiment, one hold display can be displayed in the hold display area 86 due to the establishment of the start condition relating to one symbol variation game.

Here, the execution period of the variation display of the effect symbol is equal to the variation cycle of the effect symbol during the pseudo-continuous effect in which the variation cycle of the effect symbol is repeated a plurality of times. In the variation display, it is equal to the variation period of one symbol variation game.
In the present embodiment, since the upper limit number of the hold display displayed in the second standby mode and the upper limit number of the change hold display are determined for each change of the production symbol, the player has a sense of expectation for the change of the hold display. , Can be held for each variation of the production design.

Here, the specific condition is a condition for shifting to the special period, and the content is not limited to one aspect. For example, the specific condition may be established when a game ball passes (enters) a predetermined area, may be established by an internal lottery, It may be established due to an operation other than launching a sphere, or a combination of these.
In addition, as a specific example of the specific condition in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, for example, the number of times that the indication mode (color) of the hold display changes from immediately after winning a prize to the final time (the symbol variation game corresponding to the pitch) Can be determined at the time of winning a prize, and can be determined by lottery based on the number of times. Specifically, for example, for all the hold displays displayed at the time of entering the ball, a total value of the number of times that the color of the hold display changes from immediately after entering the ball to the final time is calculated, and a lottery based on the total value is calculated. The condition established by the above may be set as the specific condition. For example, a condition that is more likely to be established as the total value is larger may be set as the specific condition.

Here, the suggestion mode is a display mode that suggests the possibility of winning a jackpot game. The standby mode is a display mode that suggests the possibility that any of the suggested modes listed above will change. Both the suggestion mode and the standby mode in the hold display of the present embodiment are displayed so as to be identifiable to the player.
Note that, by changing the suggestion mode, the player can recognize that the “probability is granted” has changed, but the winning probability of the bonus does not change as internal control at the time of the change. That is, the change is not a trigger for transition to the probable change state, but merely a change in production.
Specifically, the suggestion mode or standby mode includes the color of the hold display, the shape of the hold display, the type of symbols and characters displayed in the hold display, the type of characters that constitute the hold display, and the hold display This is a combination of any one or more of the character's actions. In the following description, the operation of the character (mole) constituting the hold display is set as the standby mode, with the color of the hold display being suggested.
The normal period and the special period constitute at least a part of the hold display period.

  Here, the jackpot game is a gaming state which is given by winning a winning / failing lottery performed in a symbol variation game with a special symbol, and a special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65) is continuously operated. .

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
The structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a symbol display 90 disposed in the gaming machine 10. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the effect control unit 210 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a payout control configuration of the gaming machine 10.

  The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, and a front area (hereinafter referred to as a gaming area 50a) of a gaming board 50 (see FIG. 2) on which a large number of gaming nails (not shown) are erected. When a game ball is fired to a specific winning opening (for example, the big winning opening 55, etc.), a game in which a winning ball is obtained is performed.

  The gaming machine 10 has a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 (see FIG. 1) that opens forward and backward, and a middle frame (not shown) that holds the gaming board 50 shown in FIG. ) And a front frame 20 (see FIG. 1) configured to cover the front side of the game board 50 (inner frame) shown in FIG.

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported on the left end side by a hinge mechanism 21 shown in FIG. 1 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23.
The front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 (see FIG. 1) disposed so as to cover the game area 50 a shown in FIG. 2, and the game area 50 a and the game board 50 are transparently protected by the transparent member 25.
As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 20 includes an upper ball receiving tray 27 and a lower ball receiving tray 29 for storing game balls. The upper ball receiving tray 27 and the lower ball receiving tray 29 are separated from each other vertically and integrated with the front frame 20. Is provided.
As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 20 includes an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are moved to the game area 50 a by rotating the operation handle 31. Fired towards.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34 and 36 of the front frame 20 are formed by a light-transmitting cover, and lighting devices 35 (35a, 35b, and 35c) are disposed therein. Yes. The speaker 33 and the illuminating device 35 can output sound or can be turned on or off in conjunction with effects or error notifications that occur during the game.
As shown in FIG. 1, a button 37 is disposed on the front frame 20 at the front portion of the upper ball tray 27. The button 37 can accept a player's operation performed to switch effects generated during the game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 by the player.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a ball removal mechanism 39 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward is provided at the lower part of the lower ball tray 29. By operating the ball removing mechanism 39, a bottom surface opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the bottom surface opening.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the effect display device 80 includes a main display unit 81 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50 and an upper sub display unit disposed above the main display unit 81. 82, a left sub display unit 83 disposed on the left side of the main display unit 81, and a right sub display unit 84 disposed on the right side of the main display unit 81. The main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal device, and the upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, and the right sub display unit 84 are movable liquid crystal devices.

The main display unit 81 can display the effect symbol change display performed in conjunction with the symbol change game in the special symbol display unit 91 shown in FIG. 3 in the effect symbol change area 85 shown in FIGS. Furthermore, various other effects can also be displayed. Here, the effect symbol is a symbol that is displayed in order to further enhance the interest of the game in the gaming machine 10, and is specifically composed of numbers, pictures, or a combination thereof.
The effect symbol variation area 85 can display an effect symbol at the approximate center, and can also display effect symbols above and below the effect symbol, respectively. That is, in the effect design variation area 85, effect designs are displayed in the “upper”, “middle”, and “lower”, respectively, and the displayed effect symbols form one or more columns.
The hold display area 86 is a part of the display area of the main display unit 81, and is provided below the effect symbol variation area 85. The hold display area 86 is a display area for displaying the above hold display, and can display an effect image different from the hold display when executing a specific effect.
In the present embodiment, the hold display area 86 is capable of displaying a hold display corresponding to hold storage with the maximum number (4) of hold storage in the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 as an upper limit. Although explained, implementation of the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the game balls that enter the start opening are distributed inside the start opening and pass through different areas, so that eight reserved memories are allowed for a single start opening. When the present invention is implemented in a visible gaming machine (so-called eight-hold type), eight hold displays may be displayed in the hold display area.

  The upper sub display unit 82, the left sub display unit 83, or the right sub display unit 84 is provided mainly for displaying an effect image related to an effect, and can move when a specific effect is executed. The respective original positions are upward, left, or right with respect to the main display unit 81, and the upper sub display unit 82 and the left sub display unit 83 extend from these original positions to a position overlapping the display area of the effect symbol in the main display unit 81. Alternatively, the right sub display unit 84 can move.

  Note that although the effect display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub display unit 82, left sub display unit 83, or right sub display unit 84) in the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display device, The implementation of the invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type can be adopted as the effect display unit 80.

The symbol display 90 is disposed at a position that is less visible to the player than the effect display 80, such as the lower right side of the effect display 80. Further, the display area of the symbol display 90 is smaller than the display area of the effect display 80.
The symbol display 90 has a plurality of lamps arranged as shown in FIG. The lamp used for the symbol display 90 in this embodiment is a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED). The symbol display 90 displays various information depending on the arrangement of the light emitting LEDs, and includes a special symbol display unit 91 and a normal symbol display unit 93.

  The special symbol display unit 91 displays the lottery result of the symbol variation game by the special symbol by the light emission patterns of the plurality of LEDs. More specifically, the special symbol display unit 91 is composed of 16 LEDs as shown in FIG.

  The normal symbol display unit 93 displays the lottery result of the symbol variation game based on the normal symbols by the light emission patterns of the LEDs (eg, two) less than the special symbol display unit 91.

As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display 90 also includes LEDs that are not used for display of the special symbol display unit 91 or the normal symbol display unit 93, and the symbol variation game due to the special symbol or the symbol variation due to the normal symbol In addition to the game lottery results, information such as the number of reserved random numbers and the number of rounds of the jackpot game can be displayed.
In addition, the special symbol display unit 91 according to the present embodiment performs a variable display in a symbol variation game caused by either a ball entering the first start port 58 or a ball entering the second start port 59. At this time, the LED used for the variable display may be different depending on the start opening into which the ball has entered, or may be the same.

  Here, the special symbol refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the special symbol display unit 91 or a symbol (LED light emission pattern) that can be displayed on the special symbol display unit 91. Hereinafter, special symbols may be abbreviated as “special symbols”. Here, the symbol variation game with special symbols is a special symbol after the special symbol display unit 91 is variably displayed in order to show a lottery result for releasing the special electric actor 65 (so-called attacker). To stop display. In this specification, the execution of the symbol variation game by the special symbol refers to the display of the special symbol (variation display and stop display) in the special symbol display unit 91, and a series of internal processing performed for the display. Sometimes referred to as execution.

  Here, the normal symbol means a data group that can be selected for display on the normal symbol display unit 93 or a symbol (LED light emission pattern) that can be displayed on the normal symbol display unit 93. In the following, a normal symbol may be abbreviated as “common figure”. In addition, here, the symbol variation game by the ordinary symbol is a state in which the ordinary symbol display unit 93 is variably displayed in order to show a lottery result for releasing the ordinary electric accessory 61 (so-called electric tulip) shown in FIG. This means that a specific normal symbol is stopped and displayed. In the present specification, the execution of the symbol variation game by the ordinary symbol refers to normal symbol display (variation display and stop display) on the normal symbol display unit 93, and a series of internal processing performed for the display. Sometimes referred to as execution.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of lamps arranged on the symbol display 90 are described as LEDs, but the type of lamp is not limited to this. The arrangement of the lamps is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and various arrangements can be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 2, obstacles such as a large number of game nails (not shown), a windmill 52, and a decorative member are arranged on the front surface of the game board 50, so that the game ball that is launched rolls. A game area 50a is defined. Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 provided for guiding game balls launched by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a are arranged. Has been. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 as viewed from the center of the game area 50a.
Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction in which the game ball is dropped, and is a nail-like one.

  The gaming machine 10 can increase or decrease the strength of the game ball depending on the amount of rotation operation (for example, rotation angle) of the operation handle 31 shown in FIG. In addition, one of the first flow path X (so-called left-handed) in which the weakly launched game ball rolls and the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed) in which the harder launched game ball rolls are used. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls.

In the game area 50a, various winning holes (for example, a large winning hole 55) are arranged, and behind each winning hole, various switches (for example, a count switch SW4, etc.) for detecting a game ball that has entered are arranged. Has been. In the following description, winning means that a game ball enters a specific winning opening.
In the present embodiment, the above-described various switches are arranged so that the player cannot visually recognize them, and are not shown in either FIG. 1 or FIG.

  In FIG. 2, as the main winning ports, a big winning port 55, a first starting port 58, a second starting port 59, an operation gate 63, and a normal winning port 67 (67a, 67b) are illustrated. The winning award shown here is an example, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first start port 58 is arranged at the lower center of the game area 50 a (below the main display portion 81), and is generally called “navel”.
A count switch SW1 for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed at the first start port 58, and a game ball that has entered the first start port 58 is detected by the count switch SW1, thereby allowing a special symbol pattern to be detected. A start condition for starting the variable game and a payout condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls can be satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second start port 59 is disposed on the lower right side of the game area 50 a (the lower right side of the main display portion 81), and the ordinary starter 61 is attached to the second start port 59. Has been. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is an opening / closing member that switches to the second starting port 59 in an open state in which it is easy to enter the game ball or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball. Transition to either the open state or the closed state. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.
The second start port 59 is provided with a count switch SW2 that detects a game ball that has entered the ball, and the game ball that has entered the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW2, thereby depending on a special symbol. The starting condition of the symbol variation game and the winning ball payout condition can be satisfied.

  The operating gate 63 is disposed on the upper right side of the second start port 59 (on the right side of the main display portion 81) as shown in FIG. The operation gate 63 is provided with a count switch SW3 that detects a game ball that has passed, and when the game ball that has passed the operation gate 63 is detected by the count switch SW3, the start of a symbol variation game with a normal symbol is started. Conditions can be met.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as apparent from the fact that the count switch SW3 is not shown in FIG. 6, the detection of the count switch SW3 is not included in the award ball payout condition. That is, even if a game ball enters the operation gate 63 of this embodiment, the prize ball is zero.
Further, the operation gate 63 may be a so-called gate type winning opening in which the passed game ball rolls again in the game area 50a after passing. In this case, passing through the operation gate 63 is also referred to as “entrance ball” in this specification.

The big winning opening 55 is arranged below the second start opening 59 (lower right side of the main display portion 81). The special winning opening 55 is provided with a special electric accessory 65 that opens and closes by the operation of the actuator AC2.
In addition, the grand prize winning port 55 is provided with a count switch SW4 that detects a game ball that has entered the game. The payout conditions can be satisfied.

The special electric accessory 65 in the closed state extends so as to substantially coincide with the surface position of the game area 50a, and covers the big prize winning opening 55 on the far side from the surface position.
In addition, the special electric accessory 65 in the open state operates so as to function as a tray for the game ball that jumps forward from the surface position of the game area 50a and flows down from above, and receives the received game ball as a big prize opening 55. Guide to.
The special electric accessory 65 in this embodiment operates so as to be in an open state during execution of the big hit game, and allows the game ball to enter the big prize opening 55.

The normal winning opening 67 (67 a, 67 b) is arranged in the lower left part of the main display unit 81. The normal winning opening 67 is provided with a count switch SW5 that detects a game ball that has entered, and the game ball that has entered the normal winning opening 67 is detected by the count switch SW5, whereby the payout condition of the winning ball is determined. It can be established.
In the present embodiment, the example in which one count switch SW5 is provided for the two normal winning openings 67a and 67b has been described, but a sensor (count switch) may be provided individually. At this time, the payout condition of the prize ball may be different or the same for each sensor.

In the present embodiment, the game area 50a is located at the first start port 58 or the normal winning port 67 when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X, rather than when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier to enter the ball. That is, the first start port 58 or the normal winning port 67 is provided in the first flow path X mainly including the left side of the game area 50a.
In addition, the game area 50a in the present embodiment is configured such that when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, when the game ball rolls from the second flow path X, the big winning opening 55, the second start opening. Various obstacles are arranged so that it is easy to enter the 59 or the operation gate 63. That is, the special winning opening 55, the second start opening 59, or the operation gate 63 is provided in the second flow path Y mainly on the right side of the game area 50a.

  The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. The game balls that have not entered the winning ports (except for the operation gate 63) are dropped into the out port 69 and processed as out balls.

  Up to this point, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment has been described. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented by another configuration.

<About the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Subsequently, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. In addition, since the description may be made by touching each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, please refer to these drawings as appropriate. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the effect control unit 210 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a payout control configuration of the gaming machine 10.

  The functions illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6 are functions necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and functions not shown here are added to the gaming machine 10. May be. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the functions illustrated here, and some functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 includes a board (not shown) inside itself, and electrically connects various functions including the functions shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 to the board and the board. It is realized by processing with functional parts. More specifically, the board includes a CPU (not shown) that executes control operations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM (not shown) that stores a control program for the CPU, and writing and reading of necessary data. A RAM (not shown) is provided. The CPU can realize various functions by executing a control program read from the ROM and writing various data in the RAM or reading from the RAM.
Note that the various functions shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. 6 can be realized by only one substrate, functions that can be realized by exchanging various data among a plurality of substrates, and the substrate and the substrate. Functions that can be realized by electrically connecting non-mounted functional components to the device. There may be various hardware configurations for realizing these various functions, and the hardware configuration is not necessarily limited to one.

  The main control unit 100 controls the game in an integrated manner, and transmits instructions to other components (for example, the effect control unit 210) for effects related to the game. The main control unit 100 is a board having a function that affects or may affect the game result, and is a component that functions as a so-called main board. As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 100 has a number of functions, and these functions are connected to each other. However, the configuration shown here is an example, and this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to.

Main functions of the main control unit 100 include a special drawing lottery control unit 130, a general drawing lottery control unit 170, a gaming state control unit 140, a symbol display control unit 150, a variation pattern processing unit 160, an information transmission unit 110, and the like. Can be mentioned.
The special symbol lottery control unit 130 has a function of controlling other components in relation to the symbol variation game using special symbols.
The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 has a function of controlling other components in association with the symbol variation game based on the normal symbols.
The game state control unit 140 performs control of the big hit game, management of the probability change state, or management of the change state.

  Here, the probability variation state means that the winning probability in the symbol variation game with the special symbol becomes higher than the normal gaming state. There are generally three types of probability variation methods: loop method, ST method, and falling lottery method. The probability change of the loop method means a probability change that shifts to a probability change state after a jackpot game related to a probability change jackpot and continues at least until the next jackpot. ST method probability change is also referred to as "special time probability change" or "number cut probability change", etc., and after transitioning to the probability change state after the big hit game related to the probability change big hit, in the symbol change game with a special number of special symbols a predetermined number of times When the big hit lottery is not won, it means a probability change to shift to the normal gaming state. The probability change of the falling lottery system is a lottery (falling lottery) whether or not to fall from the probability variation state to the normal game state in the symbol variation game with a special symbol performed after the transition to the probability variation after the jackpot game related to the probability variation jackpot, This is a probability change that shifts to the normal gaming state when a falling lottery is won.

  Further, the variable state means that (i) the winning probability of the open lottery of the ordinary electric accessory is higher than the normal gaming state, and (ii) the opening time per time of the ordinary electric accessory is longer than the normal gaming state. Extended, (iii) the number of times the normal electric accessory is released is increased from the normal gaming state in response to the winning of the open lottery of the normal electric accessory, (iv) fluctuation per time in the normal symbol display device It means that at least one of display time is shortened. When the variable state is given in the present embodiment, any of the above four is executed. Note that at least one of the above (ii) and (iii) is generally referred to as “electric chew support” or “electric support”.

Returning to FIG. The symbol display control unit 150 has a function of causing the symbol display 90 to display a special symbol selected as a result of a symbol variation game by a special symbol or a normal symbol selected as a result of a symbol variation game by a normal symbol. ing.
The variation pattern processing unit 160 has a function of assigning a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating a time from when the symbol display control unit 150 starts the variation display until the stop display is performed in the symbol variation game with the special symbol. Have. Further, the variation pattern provided by the variation pattern processing unit 160 is transmitted to the effect control unit 210 and is also used when executing a display effect (reach effect or the like) on the effect indicator 80.

  The information transmission unit 110 has a function of transmitting a command (control information) generated by each component included in the main control unit 100 to another component (for example, the effect control unit 210). The command transmitted by the information transmission unit 110 includes, in addition to the information indicating the above-described variation pattern, the result of special drawing lottery or ordinary drawing lottery, the presence / absence of a probable variation state or variation state, information on reserved storage, or jackpot game May include information on the execution of.

In addition to the functions of the main control unit 100, the gaming machine 10 includes an effect control unit 210 (see FIG. 5), a payout control unit 230 (see FIG. 6), and the like.
The effect control unit 210 controls effects related to games played by the gaming machine 10 (such as a symbol change game with a special symbol or a big hit game).
The payout control unit 230 controls the payout of a prize ball given as a bonus privilege to each winning opening.
Each component mentioned so far will be described in more detail below.

<Special drawing lottery>
The main control unit 100 includes a special drawing hold control unit 115 and a special drawing lottery control unit 130.
Here, the special figure hold control unit 115 includes a prior determination unit 118. Further, the special drawing lottery control unit 130 is a function for managing a symbol variation game with special symbols, and includes a success / failure lottery unit 131 and a special drawing selection unit 132.

The random number acquisition means (the special figure holding control unit 115) acquires random numbers (M1, M2) as the start condition is satisfied when the game ball enters the start port (first start port 58, second start port 59). Then, the obtained random numbers (M1, M2) are stored on hold.
The success / failure determination means (the success / failure lottery section 131) reads the random numbers (M1, M2) stored by the random number acquisition means (special drawing hold control section 115) and determines the winning.
Further, the gaming machine 10 determines whether or not the random number is a winning value before the random number (M1, M2) is read by the winning / failing determining means (the winning / failing lottery unit 131). ).
The period transition control unit (period transition control unit 216) determines whether the specific condition is satisfied based on the determination result by the prior determination unit.

The special figure hold control unit 115 acquires and stores the random number M1 “triggered by winning” at the first start port 58. Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires and stores the random number M2 in response to the winning of the second start port 59.
More specifically, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M1 when the winning of the first start port 58 is detected by the count switch SW1, and stores it in a dedicated storage area (holding storage). Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M2 when the winning of the second start port 59 is detected by the count switch SW2, and stores (holds) the random number M2 in the dedicated storage area.

Note that “perform a predetermined process in response to a winning” means that the predetermined process can be executed thereafter on the condition that a winning is detected. That is, even if a winning is detected, the predetermined process does not necessarily have to be executed. For example, a winning detected by the count switch SW1 when the number of held random numbers M1 exceeds the holding upper limit number or a count switch SW2 when the number of held random numbers M2 exceeds the holding upper limit number The detected winning is not a starting condition for the symbol variation game with a special symbol.
In the present embodiment, the upper limit number of the random number M1 or the upper limit number of the random number M2 is determined in advance. Specifically, four of the random numbers M1 and M2 are set as the upper limit number.

The special figure hold control unit 115 distinguishes and stores the random number M1 acquired in response to the winning of the first starting port 58 and the random number M2 acquired in response to the winning of the second starting port 59.
The special figure hold control unit 115 may cause the success / failure lottery unit 131 to process the random number M1 or the random number M2 stored on hold in the order in which the random number is stored, or to process the pass / fail lottery unit 131 in preference to the other. You may let them.

  The special figure hold control unit 115 may monitor the number of random numbers stored on hold. In this case, the special symbol hold control unit 115 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 150 (special symbol display control unit 151) so as to display the number of random numbers being monitored on the symbol display 90. Further, the special figure hold control unit 115 passes the information transmission unit 110 as shown in FIG. 5 so as to display the hold display corresponding to the number of random numbers stored in the hold display area 86. A command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 (hold display control unit 214).

  The special figure hold control unit 115 includes a prior determination unit 118 described later. The special figure hold control unit 115 can store the pre-determination information, which is the determination result by the pre-determination unit 118, in association with the random number M1 or the random number M2. The pre-determined information that is reserved and stored in the special figure hold control unit 115 is included in a command generated in the symbol variation start process described later, and is made to the effect control unit 210 via the information transmission unit 110.

The pre-determination unit 118 determines whether or not the random number M1 or the random number M2 that is stored on hold is a winning value in the determination by the determination unit for lottery 131 (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as a first determination). Further, based on the determination as to whether or not the winning value is a pre-determining unit 118, the effect content (reach) determined by the effect control unit 210 in the special symbol variation game resulting from the random number M1 or the random number M2 to be determined The determination conditions of the presence / absence of the effect and the type of reach effect are determined (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as second determination). Furthermore, the pre-determination unit 118 holds during execution of the effect based on the determined determination condition (during the execution of the symbol variation game of the special symbol caused by the random number M1 or the random number M2 to be determined). It is determined whether or not a display change effect is performed (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as a third determination). Note that the timing at which the prior determination unit 118 determines using a random number (random number M1 or random number M2) is at least prior to the random number being read out by the random determination lottery unit 131, and in this embodiment, a game ball that triggers the random number It is at the time of ball entry processing.
The pre-determination information is information including at least the determination result of the third determination described here. Therefore, the determination result of the first determination or the second determination is not always included in the prior determination information. Further, as described above, the hold display change effect is an effect that changes the suggestion mode of the hold display, and is a concept different from the change trigger effect that suggests the change of the suggestion mode and the change of the standby mode.
When the first determination described here is affirmed, the third determination is easily affirmed, and when the first determination is denied, the third determination is easily negated. That is, when the random number M1 or the random number M2, which is the winning value, is stored on hold, the hold display change effect is easily performed.

The success / failure lottery unit 131 performs a success / failure lottery of the big hit game using the random number M1 or the random number M2 acquired in response to the winning of the game ball to the first start port 58 or the second start port 59. In addition, the winning probability of the success / failure lottery by the success / failure lottery unit 131 is not limited to an example, and can be changed as appropriate.
The special figure selection unit 132 selects a special symbol based on the result of the success / failure lottery performed by the success / failure lottery unit 131.
The special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 132 is displayed on the special symbol display unit by the special symbol display control unit 151 (to be described later) during the execution of the symbol variation game using the special symbol.
The selection here includes a case where the random number used in the lottery determination and the number of special symbols prepared in advance are the same and are uniquely determined without selection.

<Regular drawing lot>
The gaming machine 10 includes a general figure holding control unit 116, a general drawing lottery control unit 170, and a normal electric role control unit 180.
The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 has a function of managing a symbol variation game based on normal symbols, and includes an open lottery unit 171 and a universal symbol selection unit 172. Further, the ordinary electric combination control unit 180 is a function for controlling the ordinary electric combination 61.

When the winning of the actuating gate 63 is detected by the count switch SW3, the usual holding control unit 116 acquires the random number M3 and stores (holds) it in a dedicated storage area. Here, the random number M3 is a random number used for the lottery by the open lottery unit 171. The upper limit number of holdings, which is the upper limit number of the random numbers M3 that can be held, is determined in advance, and in this embodiment, the upper limit number of holdings is set to four.
When the general symbol lottery control unit 170 is not performing control related to the symbol variation game by the normal symbol, the general symbol hold control unit 116 reads the random number M3 that is reserved at a predetermined cycle.

  The general hold control unit 116 monitors the number of random numbers M3 that are held. Further, the general symbol hold control unit 116 may issue a command (control signal) to the symbol display control unit 150 so that the number of the random number M3 being monitored is displayed on the symbol display 90, or an effect indicator. A command may be issued to the effect control unit 210 so as to be displayed on 80.

The open lottery unit 171 performs an open lottery to determine whether or not to change the ordinary electric accessory 61 to the open state, using the random number M3 read from the ordinary map holding control unit 116. Note that the winning probability of the lottery performed by the open lottery unit 171 is lower in the normal gaming state than in the variable state, and is higher in the variable state than in the normal gaming state. ing.
When the lottery by the opening lottery unit 171 is won, the ordinary electric role control unit 180 operates the actuator AC1 to open the ordinary electric combination 61 under a predetermined opening condition.

The normal symbol selection unit 172 selects a normal symbol based on the lottery result by the open lottery unit 171, and the normal symbol display unit 93 selects the selected normal symbol by the symbol display control unit 150 (normal symbol display control unit 153). To display. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display unit 93 corresponds to winning and one of them corresponds to defeat. The normal symbol display control unit 153 emits either one according to the normal symbol selected by the general symbol selecting unit 172. Let
Note that the selection here means that the random number M3 used for the lottery by the open lottery unit 171 and the number of types of special symbols prepared in advance are the same as the selection by the special figure selection unit 132. It is also included when it is determined uniquely.

  The normal electric role control unit 180 controls the normal electric combination 61 so that the time taken for the open state increases per unit time when the change state is given by the change control unit 143. That is, the control of the ordinary electric power control unit 180 varies due to the provision of the variable state by the variable control unit 143 described later.

<About game state control>
The gaming state control unit 140 is a function for controlling a big hit game or a variable state, and includes a probability changing control unit 141, a variable control unit 143, and a big hit control unit 145.
The probability change control unit 141 can shift from the normal game state to the probability change state when the probability change state provision condition is satisfied, or from the probability change state to the normal game state when the probability change state release condition is satisfied.

Here, the conditions for assigning the probability variation state are generally (a) a method in which a part or all of the winning game is a condition, and (b) a game to a predetermined area (including a winning opening) during the winning game. And a method that requires the entry of a sphere. In addition, in the method of (a), as a method of selecting a part of winning game as a condition for giving a certain probability change state, a method of determining by a special symbol drawn in a special symbol variation game is often adopted. .
In addition, the method of (a) may be employ | adopted for the provision conditions of the probability variation state in this embodiment, and the method of (b) may be employ | adopted.

The change control unit 143 shifts from the normal game state to the change state when the change condition grant condition is satisfied, and changes from the change state to the normal game state when the change state cancellation condition is satisfied. It is a function to be transferred.
In addition, the provision condition of the variable state in the present embodiment may be the same as or different from the provision condition of the probability variation state. Further, the changing condition cancellation condition in the present embodiment may be the same as or different from the probability changing condition releasing condition. That is, the period during which the probability variation state is imparted and the period during which the variation state is imparted may be common or different.

The jackpot control unit 145 is a function for controlling the jackpot game. Specifically, the jackpot game in the present embodiment is executed as follows.
First, when a big win game is won by the winning / losing lottery unit 131, a special symbol corresponding to the big hit game is selected by the special symbol selecting unit 132, and the selected special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 91 (special After the symbol variation game with symbols is finished), the big hit control unit 145 starts the big hit game.
When the big hit game is started, the big hit control unit 145 issues a command regarding the opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game to the effect control unit 210. The effect control unit 210 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) according to the command of the big hit control unit 145. In addition, it is preferable to encourage the player to launch a game ball into the second flow path Y toward the big prize opening 55 by recommending the player to make a right strike in the opening effect.
After the opening effect, the round game in which the special winning opening 55 is opened is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of times (number of rounds) as an upper limit. In the round game, the special winning opening 55 is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, once). Also, after a specified number of game balls have entered the opened big winning opening 55, or after a predetermined time (round gaming time) has elapsed, the big winning opening 55 is closed and the round game ends.
After the end of the round game, the big prize opening 55 is closed for a predetermined time (interval time), and the big prize opening 55 is opened again with the start of the next round game.

The jackpot control unit 145 transmits a command including the number of rounds, round game time, interval time, and the like as control information to the special power control unit 190 in order to perform control as described in the previous stage.
The special electric combination control unit 190 operates the actuator AC2 according to the command received from the big hit control unit 145 to open the special electric combination item 65. Also, the special electric role control unit 190 determines the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 55 during one round game while the special electric accessory 65 is opened based on the detection of the count switch SW4. Monitoring. When the number of winning game balls being monitored reaches the upper limit number, the special electric combination control unit 190 operates the actuator AC2 to close the special electric combination item 65.

The big hit control unit 145 issues a command related to the effect related to the round game to the effect control unit 210. The effect control unit 210 executes a round effect according to the command of the jackpot control unit 145.
When the specified number of rounds is over, the jackpot control unit 145 issues a command regarding the ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 210. The effect control unit 210 executes an ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the command of the jackpot control unit 145, and the jackpot control unit 145 ends the jackpot game.

<About payout control>
The gaming machine 10 includes a payout control unit 230 that controls the payout mechanism unit 70 communicating with the upper ball tray 27 and can pay out the prize balls to the upper ball tray 27.
More specifically, the main control unit 100 pays out a predetermined prize ball in response to winning detection by each count switch (count switch SW1, count switch SW2, count switch SW4, count switch SW5). Command for. Then, the payout control unit 230 controls the payout mechanism unit 70 based on the command received from the main control unit 100. The payout mechanism 70 is disposed behind the middle frame (not shown) and cannot be visually recognized when the front frame 20 is closed.
The number of predetermined prize balls set in advance for each count switch may be appropriately set according to the embodiment, and is not limited to an example.

<Variation display of symbol variation game and production symbol>
The gaming machine 10 includes a symbol display control unit 150, an effect control unit 210, and a variation pattern processing unit 160.
The symbol display control unit 150 causes the symbol display 90 to display a special symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game based on the special symbol or a normal symbol that is a result of the symbol variation game based on the normal symbol. In particular, regarding the symbol variation game with special symbols, the symbol display control unit 150 notifies the result of the lottery by the success / failure lottery unit 131 by stopping and displaying the special symbols after the special symbols are variably displayed.

The effect control unit 210 causes the effect display unit 80 to display an effect display related to a symbol variation game or a big hit game based on special symbols. In particular, with regard to the execution of the symbol variation game with the special symbol, the effect symbol variation control unit 211 included in the effect control unit 210 matches the variation time of the symbol variation game with the special symbol executed by the special symbol display unit 91. Thus, the effect symbols are displayed in the effect symbol variation area 85 which is a part of the display area of the effect indicator 80. In other words, the effect symbol variation control unit 211 executes the symbol variation game by one special symbol in the special symbol display unit 91 and the one effect display in the effect symbol variation area 85 in association with each other in principle. .
However, when an effect display having continuity is executed over a symbol variation game with a plurality of special symbols, or when a symbol variation game with one special symbol is performed, a variation of a plurality of times is set as one set. Display may be performed. The former representative example is an effect display referred to as a so-called continuous notice, and the latter representative example is an effect display referred to as a so-called pseudo-continuous effect.

The variation pattern processing unit 160 determines a variation pattern in order to ensure the correspondence between the symbol variation game with the special symbol described in the previous stage and the variation display of the effect symbol.
More specifically, the variation pattern processing unit 160 determines a variation pattern including at least variation time information indicating the time at which the special symbol varies in the symbol variation game based on the special symbol, and issues a command (control signal) including the variation pattern. The data is output to the display controller 150 (special symbol display controller 151) or the effect controller 210 (effect symbol variation controller 211). At this time, the variation pattern processing unit 160 may determine the variation pattern with reference to the determination result by the prior determination unit 118, in particular, the determination condition determination (second determination) regarding the content of the effect.
The special symbol display control unit 151 executes a symbol variation game with a special symbol according to the variation pattern, and the effect symbol variation control unit 211 executes the variation display of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern. Is secured.

In the above description, the effect control unit 210 has been described to control the effect display of the effect indicator 80, but also controls the lighting (flashing) effect by the lighting device 35 or the sound effect by the speaker 33. These effects display, lighting effects, sound effects, etc. can be combined to arouse the player's interest.
In addition, the production control unit 210 can switch various productions variably in accordance with the player's operation received by the button 37.
Further, the effect control unit 210 may control a so-called decorative movable body (not shown in FIG. 5).

  In the above description, it has been described that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern processing unit 160 includes at least variation time information. In addition to this, the variation pattern may include information indicating whether the reach effect is to be performed or to be broken.

<About hold display and change opportunity production>
As shown in FIG. 5, the effect control unit 210 includes an effect symbol fluctuation control unit 211 (symbol display control unit), a change trigger effect control unit 212 (change trigger event control means), and a hold display control unit 214 (hold display control). Means) and a period transition control unit 216 (period transition control means).
Further, the effect control unit 210 controls the effect display on the main display unit 81, and the main display unit 81 displays the display areas (the effect symbol variation area 85, the hold display area 86, and the effect display area 88 according to the display contents. ).

For example, in a symbol variation game with a special symbol, the effect symbol variation control unit 211 causes an effect display to be performed in the effect symbol variation area 85 of the main display unit 81 in accordance with the variation time of the special symbol. In other words, the effect symbol variation control unit 211 executes the symbol variation game by one special symbol in the symbol display 90 and the one effect display in the effect symbol variation area 85 in association with each other in principle.
However, when an effect display having continuity is executed over a symbol variation game with a plurality of special symbols, or when a symbol variation game with one special symbol is performed, a variation of a plurality of times is set as one set. Display may be performed. The former representative example is an effect display called a so-called continuous effect, and the latter representative example is an effect display called a so-called pseudo-continuous effect.
The change opportunity production control unit 212 determines a change opportunity production pattern to be executed for the hold display in which the suggestion mode changes, and the symbol variation game in which the execution time of the change opportunity production is executed by the special symbol display unit 91. The change opportunity effect is determined so as to be within the execution time.

The hold display control unit 214 displays an effect display (hold display) in the hold display area 86 and changes its suggestion mode and standby mode so as to be linked with the symbol variation game based on special symbols. More specifically, the hold display control unit 214 disappears one hold display with the longest display time when the symbol change game with a special symbol ends and the next symbol change game with a special symbol starts. The display position of the remaining hold display is moved so that the hold display having the second longest display time is displayed at the position displayed immediately before the hold display that has disappeared disappears.
The period transition control unit 216 shifts from the normal period to the special period when the specific condition is satisfied. That is, when the specific condition is satisfied during the hold display period, the period transition control unit 216 performs a process for displaying the hold display in the standby mode (second standby mode) corresponding to the special period in the hold display control unit 214. Let In addition, the period transition control unit 216 performs a process of displaying the hold display in the standby mode (first standby mode or second standby mode) corresponding to the normal period when the special period end condition is satisfied. To run.
Specifically, the period transition control unit 216 sets the value of the “special period flag” to “1” when the specific condition is satisfied. The value of the special period flag is stored in, for example, a RAM (not shown) provided in the effect control unit 210. Then, the hold display control unit 214 reads the value of the special period flag in the hold display process at the time of symbol change (described later with reference to FIG. 29), and when the value is “1”, the special period The hold display is displayed in the hold display area 86 in a standby mode corresponding to the above. On the other hand, when the value of the special period flag read in the hold display process at the time of symbol change is “0”, the hold display control unit 214 displays the hold display in the hold display area 86 in a standby mode corresponding to the normal period. To display.
The normal period and the special period will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the hold display in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the hold display in the present embodiment is configured by a character simulating a mole (hereinafter simply referred to as a mole), and the mole protrudes from any of the four holes 86a to 86d. Or withdraw. The hole in the present embodiment is an effect image displayed so that the player can recognize it as a hole, and does not mean a physical cavity.
The mole corresponding to the random number stored in advance is displayed in the left hole, and the one corresponding to the random number stored in the later is displayed in the right hole. Each time the symbol variation game is executed, the mole displayed in the hole 86a disappears from the hold display area 86 and is displayed in the holes 86b to 86d so as to fill the hole 86a corresponding to the disappeared mole. The displayed mole slides to the left.
In FIG. 7, four holes for displaying moles are shown. This corresponds to the upper limit number of reserved memories at the first starting port 58 or the second starting port 59 being four. . In the case where the present invention is implemented with the above-described eight-holding type gaming machine, displays corresponding to these holes may be provided at eight locations.

  In the effect symbol variation area 85, effect symbols are scrolled from right to left in the upper, middle, and lower stages. These scrolls are simply illustrated by arrows Dz1 to Dz3 from right to left in FIG. 7 and other drawings.

As already described, the standby mode of the hold display in the present embodiment is displayed by the operation of the mole, and specifically, there are the following four patterns.
(I) The mole has withdrawn the head over the variation display of the production effect once (mole displayed in the hole 86a in FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the operation of the mole according to this pattern is referred to as a descent mode.
(Ii) The mole is protruding over the variation display of the production effect once (mole displayed in the hole 86b in FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the operation of the mole according to this pattern is referred to as an appearance mode.
(Iii) The mole is sleeping on at least a part of the variation display of the one-time effect symbol (mole displayed in the hole 86c in FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the movement of the mole according to this pattern is referred to as a sleep mode.
(Iv) The mole sticks out or retracts in a single change display of the effect symbol (mole displayed in the hole 86d in FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the movement of the mole according to this pattern is referred to as a movement mode.
In addition, although the operation | movement of the mole in this embodiment shall be performed within the display area of the hold display area 86, it does not need to be limited to this aspect. In other words, the display indicating the change in the standby mode of the hold display may deviate from the display area in the hold display area 86 and reach a part of the effect design fluctuation area 85.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the hold display is represented as a mole of various modes displayed in the holes 86 a to 86 d in the hold display area 86. In the present embodiment, the mode of the mole displayed in the holes 86a to 86d suggests a suggestion mode (color) that suggests a possibility that a privilege (big hit) is given, and a possibility that this suggestion mode changes. There is a waiting mode.

  Here, “the standby mode includes the first standby mode and the second standby mode in which the possibility that the suggesting mode is changed is higher than that of the first standby mode”. It is assumed that there are two standby modes, and a standby mode other than the outgoing mode is the first standby mode. That is, a mole whose standby mode is the outgoing mode (mole displayed in the hole 86b in FIG. 7) is a mole whose standby mode is the dead mode, the sleep mode, and the moving mode (displayed in the holes 86a, 86c, and 86d in FIG. 7). There is a high possibility that the suggested mode is changed as compared with the mole).

FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 are diagrams showing display examples of change opportunity effects performed for the hold display. The following four types are included in the types of change opportunity effects in the present embodiment.
(I) A boy 88a with a hammer appears in the effect display area 88, and shakes the hammer off the head of one mole (see FIG. 8).
(Ii) A demon 88b with a hammer appears in the effect display area 88, and the hammer is shaken off on the head of one mole (see FIG. 9).
(Iii) A boy 88c on a balloon appears in the effect display area 88 and drops a bomb on the head of one mole (see FIG. 10).
(Iv) The earthworm 88d, which is a favorite of moles, passes in front of one or more moles in the effect display area 88 (see FIG. 11).

8 to 11 are illustrated assuming that they are executed for the hole 86a, but other holes (holes 86b to 86b) are illustrated. When the change opportunity effect is executed for 86d), the effect display area 88 is provided in the vicinity of each hole or in a position including each hole.
In the change opportunity effect in the present embodiment, the effect display area in which the boy 88c on the balloon and the bomb to be dropped are displayed, compared to the effect display area 88 in which the boy 88a with the hammer and the demon 88b with the hammer are displayed. 88 is widened.
Moreover, in the change opportunity effect in this embodiment, the effect display area 88 in which the earthworm 88d is displayed extends over a plurality of holes (holes 86a to 86d), and in the effect display area 88 in other change opportunity effects. Includes a single hole. That is, the change opportunity effect in which the earthworm 88d appears can be targeted for a plurality of hold displays in one execution, whereas the other change trigger effects are different for a single hold display.
The range of the effect display area 88 in each change opportunity effect mentioned above is an example, and is not limited to the illustrated mode. That is, the range of the effect display area 88 may be changed as appropriate according to the mode of the change trigger effect.

  Here, there are “success pattern”, “failure pattern”, and “gase pattern” in the four types of change trigger effects shown in FIGS. The details of the success pattern, the failure pattern, and the gas pattern will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  When the change trigger effect is executed with the success pattern, the suggestion mode (mole color) of the hold display changes with the change pattern. In addition, the change trigger effect includes a failure pattern and a gusset pattern, and when the change trigger effect is executed with the failure pattern or the gusset pattern, the suggestion mode of the hold display does not change.

The above-described four types of change trigger effects differ in the possibility of becoming a success pattern, that is, the possibility of change in which the indication mode of the hold display changes. For example, the possibility of change in the change opportunity production in which the demon 88b with a hammer hits the head of the mole is higher than the change possibility in the change opportunity production in which the boy 88a with a hammer appears. In addition, the change possibility in the change trigger production where the boy 88c riding on the balloon drops a bomb on the head of the mole is higher than the change possibility in the change trigger production where the demon 88b with a hammer hits the head of the mole. Yes.
In addition, at least a part of the four types of change trigger effects described above has good or bad compatibility depending on the operation of the mole (standby mode for holding display). For example, a boy 88a with a hammer is easy to hit a sleeping mole (prone to be a successful pattern), and difficult to hit a mole that pulls out and retracts (prone to a successful pattern). In addition, when earthworm 88d passes in front of mole, sleeping mole is difficult to eat earthworm 88d (it is difficult to be a success pattern), and mole that sticks out and retracts is easy to eat earthworm 88d (becomes a success pattern). Cheap).

  In the following, the success pattern / failure pattern / gasse pattern will be explained in detail, taking as an example a change trigger production where a boy 88a with a hammer appears and shakes the hammer off the head of the mole 89a displayed in the hole 86a. To do.

First, the success pattern change opportunity effect will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart in the success pattern. Further, “s” in FIG. 12 means seconds.
Here, the presence / absence of the boy 88 a having a hammer means whether or not the boy 88 a having a hammer is displayed on the main display portion 81. That is, the period in which the boy 88a with the hammer is present is equal to the period in which the change opportunity effect relating to the boy 88a with the hammer is executed.
Here, the appearance of the mole 89a means whether the mole 89a protrudes from the hole 86a or is retracted.
Further, the shaded portions in FIG. 12 indicate a period during which the boy 88a holding the hammer performs an action of swinging down the hammer (hereinafter referred to as action A).
FIGS. 13 to 16 are diagrams showing display modes of the main display unit 81 at each time point in the time chart.

FIG. 13 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the beginning (0 s) of the time chart of FIG.
Here, it is assumed that two hold displays (a mole 89a and a mole 89b) are displayed in the hold display area 86. The mole 89a is displayed in the hole 86a with the head retracted, and the mole 89b is displayed in the hole 86b with the head retracted. No hold display is displayed in the hole 86c and the hole 86d, that is, there are two jackpot determination random numbers (random number M1 or random number M2) stored by the special figure hold control unit 115 at the time shown in FIG. .

FIG. 14 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the 1s point in the time chart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that a change opportunity effect in which a boy 88a with a hammer is displayed in the vicinity of the mole 89a is started. At this time, the boy 88a holding the hammer is displayed in the effect display area 88 that straddles the hold display area 86 and the effect symbol variation area 85 and includes the hole 86a.

The display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time 3s or 4s in the time chart of FIG. 12 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 15, the mole 89a has a head protruding from the hole 86a immediately before the 3s time point. The boy 88a holding the hammer starts to shake the hammer from the 3s point and swings the hammer down at the 4s point.
As shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 16, the mole 89a is still protruding from the hole 86a at the time of 4s, so that the hammer swung down by the boy 88a with the hammer can hit the head of the mole 89a, With this as a trigger, the color (suggested mode) of the mole 89a changes.

Next, the failure pattern change opportunity effect will be described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart in the failure pattern. The shaded portions in FIG. 17 indicate the period during which action A is performed as in FIG. Further, “s” in FIG. 17 means seconds as in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 4s in the time chart illustrated in FIG. Note that the display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time 0s, 1s, 3s in the time chart of FIG. 17 is the same as the display mode illustrated in FIGS. .

FIG. 18 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 4s in the time chart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, the mole 89a retracts its head into the hole 86a at the time of 4s, so that the hammer swung down by the boy 88a with the hammer can hit the head of the mole 89a. Will fall down. Accordingly, the color (suggested mode) of the mole 89a is maintained.

Next, the change trigger effect of the gas pattern will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart in a gasset pattern. Further, “s” in FIG. 19 means seconds as in FIG.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 3s in the time chart illustrated in FIG. Note that the display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time 0s and 1s in the time chart of FIG. 19 is the same as the display mode illustrated in FIG. 13 or FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a display mode of the main display unit 81 at the time point 3s in the time chart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20, the mole 89a has a head protruding from the hole 86a immediately before 3s. Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the boy 88a holding the hammer disappears from the effect display area 88 without taking any action. Accordingly, the color (suggested mode) of the mole 89a is maintained. In FIG. 20, the moment when the boy 88a holding the hammer disappears is illustrated by drawing the boy 88a holding the hammer with a broken line.

As described above, the failure pattern and the gusset pattern are the same in that the suggestion mode of the hold display is finally maintained. On the other hand, the failure pattern and the gusset pattern differ with respect to the timing at which the suggestion mode does not change (timing at which the player is disappointed).
As described above, there are a plurality of display modes that indicate to the player that the suggestion mode does not change, and the timing at which that effect becomes definite is different, so that a variety of game entertainments can be aroused.

By the way, the mole (the suggestion mode) of the mole in the standby mode is not changed. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the color of the mole in the waiting mode is the outgoing mode, the sleeping mode, and the moving mode, and particularly the color of the mole in the outgoing mode is most likely to change.
And in the standby mode, there is a first standby mode and a second standby mode in which the possibility that the suggestion mode is changed is higher than that in the first standby mode. In order to make the high exit mode the second standby mode, the first standby mode includes all other standby modes (sunk mode, moving mode and sleep mode).
Here, when the change opportunity effect is executed for the mole in the standby mode, a failure pattern or a gusset pattern is generated. Moreover, when a change opportunity effect is performed with respect to the mole whose standby mode is the outgoing mode, a success pattern or a gusset pattern is generated. Moreover, when a change opportunity effect is performed with respect to the mole of a sleep mode or a movement mode as a standby mode, a success pattern, a failure pattern, or a gusset pattern is generated.

When the change trigger effect is executed during the hold display period, the above-described normal period is a period in which the change trigger effect of all the patterns of the success pattern, the failure pattern, and the gusset pattern described above can occur.
In addition to this normal period, in the present embodiment, a “special period” during which a failure pattern cannot occur is provided. In detail, during the stay in this special period, all the on-hold display standby modes displayed become the second standby mode.
Specifically, during the stay in the special period, the standby mode of all the moles being displayed is the mode of appearance, and therefore a failure pattern cannot occur when the change trigger effect is executed. In other words, only a success pattern or a gusset pattern may occur while staying in a special period.
For this reason, compared with a normal period, the success pattern of a change opportunity effect is easy to implement | achieve while staying in a special period. Thereby, compared with a normal period, since a player's expectation with respect to a hold display change is more strongly aroused according to a special period, the effect by the said hold display change increases more.

  Hereinafter, an example of timing related to switching between the normal period and the special period will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart relating to switching between the normal period and the special period. 22 to 25 are diagrams showing display modes of the main display unit 81 at each time point in the time chart. In the time chart of FIG. 21, the adjacent times of the times t0, t1, t2, t3, and t4 are illustrated at substantially equal intervals, but in reality, the times are not necessarily the same time. Absent.

As shown in FIG. 21, at time t0, a game ball enters the first start port 58 or the second start port 59, and a hold display process (shown in FIG. Assume that it is determined by the effect control unit 210 (period transition control unit 216) that the conditions for transition to the special period have been established in a later-described description with reference to the flowchart. Further, it is assumed that there is no game ball entering at time t0.
FIG. 22 shows a display example of the hold display at the time t0. In the figure, the mole 89c is a hold display added by the hold display process triggered by the entry at the time t0, and the moles 89a and 89b. Is a hold display that is displayed triggered by a ball entry before time t0. Here, it is assumed that it is determined that the transition condition to the special period is not established in the hold display process that is executed with the entry corresponding to the moles 89a and 89b as a trigger.

22 to 25, in order to promote understanding of the present embodiment, moles 89a and 89b added in the hold display process in which it is determined that the transition condition to the special period is not established, and the special period In order to distinguish visually from the mole 89c added in the hold display process determined that the condition for shifting to is established, hatching is added to the hat of the mole 89c for convenience.
In other words, the hatched hatching added to the hat of the mole 89c simply indicates that the transition to the special period has been established in the hold display process corresponding to the mole 89c, and the color (suggestion Mode) or changes thereof.

At time t1, a symbol variation game with a special symbol corresponding to the mole 89a (the “first” symbol variation game shown in FIG. 21) is started, and a special display process is performed on hold display at time t0. Due to the determination that the condition for shifting to the period is satisfied, the effect control unit 210 shifts to the special period.
In this embodiment, all the hold displays (mole) are displayed in the second standby mode (outgoing mode) over a special period. In addition, the display example of the hold display in the special period is not limited to the example shown in the present embodiment, and it is not necessary that all the hold displays are displayed in the second standby mode even during the stay in the special period. That is, during the stay during the special period, at least as compared with the normal period, the hold display (mole) is in the second standby mode (out mode) rather than the first standby mode (sunk mode, sleep mode, moving mode). It should be easy to be displayed.
FIG. 23 shows a display example of the hold display at time t1, and all the hold displays (mole 89b, 89c) displayed in the hold display area 86 are displayed in the second standby mode (out mode). The notification display 87 shown in the figure is a display (phrase of “chance!” In the example shown in FIG. 23) for notifying the player that the special period has been reached.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 23, when staying in the special period, the hold display (mole 89b, 89c) included per unit time is displayed in the second waiting state as compared to the case of staying in the normal period. The ratio of the time displayed in the mode (out mode) is large. Due to this feature, the player's expectation for the change in the hold display is more strongly evoked in the special period than in the normal period, and thus the effect of the change in the hold display is further increased.

  Note that the same or similar effect can be obtained by increasing the frequency at which the hold display (mole) is displayed in the second standby mode (out) in the special period as compared to the normal period.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the hold display control unit 214 displays the hold display (mole 89b, mole 89c) in the second standby mode (outgoing mode) over a special period. Due to this feature, the player's interest can be concentrated on the hold display change intensively over a special period, and the player's interest can be more effectively inspired by the effect of the change in the hold display.

In order to obtain the same effect or an effect similar to this, the hold display (mole 89b, 89c) does not necessarily have to be displayed in the second standby mode (exit mode) over the entire special period. What is necessary is just to lengthen the period when the hold display (mole) is displayed by the 2nd waiting | standby aspect (outgoing aspect) compared with the case where it is staying in a normal period.
In addition, the period when the hold display (mole 89b, 89c) is displayed in the second standby mode (out mode) is the same as when staying in the normal period, but staying in the normal period If the frequency (number of times) that the hold display (mole 89b, 89c) is displayed in the second standby mode (out mode) is increased, the same effect or a similar effect can be obtained.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the notification display 87 is displayed in the vicinity of the hold display area 86 in the main display unit 81, but is not limited to the main display unit 81, and is displayed on other display units such as the upper sub display unit 82. You may comprise so that it may be displayed. Further, instead of the notification display 87, the player may be notified of the transition to the special period by using voice or illumination light using the speaker 33, the illumination device 35, or the like.
Note that the symbol variation game with the special symbol “first time” started at time t1 corresponds to the mole 89a (see FIG. 22), and the mole 89a is not displayed at time t1, as shown in FIG.

At time t2, the “first” symbol variation game ends, and the symbol variation game with the special symbol corresponding to the mole 89b (the “second” symbol variation game shown in FIG. 21) starts.
FIG. 24 shows a display example of the hold display at time t2. The special period resulting from the establishment of the transition condition to the special period triggered by the entry at time t0 continues from the “first” symbol variation game period, as shown in FIG. It continues even during the symbol variation game. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the mole 89c is displayed in an outgoing manner.
This is because it is determined that the termination condition for the special period is not satisfied in the hold display process at the time of symbol variation. In other words, once the transition to the special period is made, the program stays in the special period unless the production control unit 210 determines that the special period end condition is satisfied.
Here, in the present embodiment, the condition for ending the special period is that a symbol variation game with a special symbol corresponding to the ball that triggered the establishment of the transition condition for the special period is started. This end condition is an example, and the end condition is not limited to this example. For example, a condition that is established by lottery based on the total number of times that the color of the hold display changes from the time immediately after entering the ball to the last time for all the hold indications displayed at the time of entering the ball. May be a specific condition. For example, a condition that is more likely to be established as the total value is smaller may be set as the end condition.
Note that the symbol variation game with the “second time” special symbol started at time t2 corresponds to mole 89b (see FIGS. 22 and 23). At time t2, mole 89b is displayed as shown in FIG. Do not show.

At the time t3, the “second” symbol variation game ends, and the symbol variation game (the “third” symbol variation game shown in FIG. 21) with a special symbol corresponding to the mole 89c starts.
FIG. 25 shows a display example of the hold display at time t3. Since the above-mentioned special period end condition is satisfied by the start of the “third” symbol variation game corresponding to the mole 89c corresponding to the entry at time t0, the special period resulting from the entry at time t0 ends. At time t3, the normal period is restored. Therefore, the notification display 87 is not displayed at time t3 as shown in FIG.

<About various processing procedures>
Next, processing procedures for the various processes described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since there is a case where the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the functions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are mentioned in the description, the drawings should be referred to as appropriate.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the entry processing by the main control unit 100. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a hold display process (when entering a ball). FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the symbol variation start process. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the hold display process (at the time of symbol change).
Note that the processing procedures illustrated in these flowcharts do not limit the processing procedure of the present invention and the execution timing thereof. For this reason, when carrying out the processing relating to the present invention, the plurality of processing procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents, and some or all of the execution timings of the plurality of processing overlap each other. Also good.
Each process shown in FIG. 26 to FIG. 29 is a main process necessary for explaining the present invention, and does not show all the processes executed by the gaming machine 10.

First, the process at the time of entering a ball will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the entry process is a series of processes executed after a game ball has entered the first start port 58 or the second start port 59.
As shown in FIG. 26, in the ball entry process by the main control unit 100, a ball entering the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 is detected (NO in step S102). The process waits without being performed.
Even if a ball entering the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), if the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 reaches the upper limit (step S104). YES), the process after step S106 is on standby without being performed.

When a ball entering the first start port 58 or the second start port 59 is detected (YES in step S102), and the number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 has not reached the upper limit (NO in step S104). The number of holds by the special figure hold control unit 115 is added (step S106). In addition, the special figure hold control unit 115 acquires the random number M1 or the random number M2 and holds it in a dedicated storage area (step S108).
That is, affirmation in step S102 and negation in step S104 mean that the start condition is satisfied.

Next, when the random number M1 or the random number M2 is suspended, the preliminary determination unit 118 performs a preliminary determination process (step S110).
When the pre-determination process is executed, the pre-determination unit 118 determines whether or not to win the jackpot game due to the random number M1 or the random number M2 stored on hold, and whether or not to perform a hold display change effect on the random number. And pre-determination information indicating the determination result is generated.
The prior determination unit 118 in the present embodiment has a determination table used for the first determination, the second determination, or the third determination described above, and performs each determination process based on the determination table. The determination table used for the first determination stores the determination target random number M1 or random number M2 in which at least a part of the winning values stored in the lottery table used in the winning / not-lotting unit 131 is stored. The first determination can be performed based on whether or not the winning value stored in the table matches.

A command including a series of processing results from step S102 to step S110 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the effect control unit 210 (step S112), and the entry processing is completed.
The command output in step S112 includes, for example, advance determination information indicating the determination result of the advance determination unit 118 in step S110.

Next, the hold display process (at the time of entering a ball) will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the command output from the main control unit 100 in step S112 described above is input to the effect control unit 210 (step S402), the effect control unit 210 determines that the target of the hold display change effect is based on the command. It is determined whether there is a pending display (step S404). When it is determined in step S404 that there is a hold display that is a target of the hold display change effect (YES in step S404), the effect control unit 210 performs a hold change determination process based on the information included in the command ( Step S406). Specifically, the hold change determination process is based on the command output from the main control unit 100, and the hold display control unit 214 changes the color of the hold display at the beginning of the hold display period and changes within the hold display period. This is a process for setting the color of the hold display at the end of the hold display period (immediately before the symbol variation game caused by the random number corresponding to the hold display). The setting contents listed here are merely examples, and the contents set in step S406 based on the prior determination information (determination result by the prior determination unit 118) may be changed as appropriate.
When the process of step S406 is completed, the period transition control unit 216 determines whether or not the above-described specific condition (condition for transition to the special period) is satisfied (step S408). When it is determined in step S408 that the specific condition is satisfied (YES in step S408), the period transition control unit 216 generates a “special period flag” (step S410). Here, the occurrence of the “special period flag” means that the value of the “special period flag” is set to “1”. When the value of the special period flag is set to “1” in step S410, the hold display control unit 214 holds the hold display of the standby mode corresponding to the special period in the hold display process in the hold display process at the time of symbol change. It is displayed in area 86.
If it is determined in step S404 that there is no hold display subject to the hold display change effect (NO in step S404), if it is determined in step S408 that the conditions for shifting to the special period are not satisfied (in step S408). NO) or when the process of step S410 is completed, the process proceeds to step S412.
In step S412, the effect control unit 210 (hold display control unit 214) additionally displays the hold display in the hold display area 86 with the contents reflecting the result of the series of processes included in steps S402 to S410.
In the above-described example, if the determination result in step S408 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S410 and the value of the “special period flag” is set to “1”. However, the determination result in step S408 is Even in the case of affirmation, the process may proceed to step S412 without performing the process of step S410 (without setting the value of the “special period flag” to “1”). That is, even if the conditions for shifting to the special period are satisfied, if it is preferable not to shift to the special period due to, for example, the relationship with various conditions, the transition to the special period may not be performed. .
Moreover, the process of step S402-step S412 mentioned above does not need to be performed if the symbol change game by a special symbol is not performed at the time of performing the said process.

Next, the processing procedure of the symbol variation start process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the symbol start process is a series of processes performed when starting a symbol variation game with a special symbol.
First, the special drawing lottery control unit 130 determines whether or not a change start condition is satisfied (step S202). Here, the variation start condition is (i) that the symbol variation game with the special symbol is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, (ii) that the big hit game is not executed at the time of the determination in step S202, (iii) ) At the time of determination in step S202, there may be one or more reserved memories.
When the determination in step S202 is negative (NO in step S202), the process after step S204 is not executed, and the start process ends.

When the determination in step S202 is affirmative (YES in step S202), the success / failure lottery unit 131 reads the random number M1 or the random number M2 held in the special figure hold control unit 115 (step S204).
In step S <b> 204, the success / failure lottery unit 131 may read the random number M <b> 1 or the random number M <b> 2 in the order stored in the special figure hold control unit 115, or may read one with priority over the other.

Each determination process is executed when a random number is read in step S204 (step S206).
Here, the processing included in step S206 specifically includes at least the above-mentioned lottery selection by the lottery selection unit 131 and the selection of special symbols by the special figure selection unit 132. In addition, the determination processing such as (i) whether or not a variable state is given, (ii) whether or not to stop the effect design at the reach eye, (iii) whether or not to perform a specific effect is performed in step S206. It may be included in the processing.

  The fluctuation pattern processing unit 160 determines a fluctuation pattern using the processing result of step S206 (step S208). The process related to the variation pattern in step S208 may be executed with reference to the determination result in step S110.

A command including a series of processing results from step S202 to step S208 as control information is output from the information transmission unit 110 to the effect control unit 210 (step S210), and the start process ends.
The command output in step S210 is used, for example, for information indicating the processing result of the determination executed in step S206, information indicating the variation pattern determined in step S208, or for an effect executed in association therewith. Information may be included.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the processing procedure of the hold display process at the time of symbol change will be described. When the command output from the main control unit 100 in step S210 is input to the effect control unit 210 (step S502), the hold display control unit 214 performs execution of the variable display of effect symbols performed based on the command. It is determined whether there is a pending display whose suggestion mode changes (step S504).

When it is determined in step S504 that there is a hold display whose suggestion mode changes (YES in step S504), the change opportunity effect control unit 212 succeeds in the change trigger effect executed for the hold display whose suggestion mode changes. A pattern is determined (step S506). Specifically, the process of step S506 includes a process of determining the type of change trigger effect and the execution timing of the change trigger effect.
When the process in step S506 is completed, or when it is determined in step S504 that there is no pending display whose suggestion mode changes (NO in step S504), the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the period transition control unit 216 determines whether or not the above-described special period termination condition is satisfied.
When it is determined in step S508 that the end condition is satisfied (YES in step S508), the period transition control unit 216 sets the value of the “special period flag” to “0” (step S510).

If the process in step S510 is completed, or if it is determined in step S508 that the end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S508), the process proceeds to step S512. In step S512, the hold display control unit 214 reads the value of the “special period flag” and determines whether or not the value is “1”.
When it is determined in step S512 that the value of the “special period flag” is “1” (YES in step S512), the change opportunity production control unit 212 performs a change that is executed for the hold display in which the suggestion mode does not change. A gaze pattern for an opportunity effect is determined (step S514), and the hold display control unit 214 sets the stand-by display standby mode to a stand-by pattern corresponding to the special period (step S516).
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S512 that the value of the “special period flag” is “0” (NO in step S512), the change trigger effect control unit 212 is executed for the hold display in which the suggestion mode does not change. The change trigger production failure pattern or gas pattern is determined (step S518), and the hold display control unit 214 sets the hold display standby mode to the standby mode pattern corresponding to the normal period (step S520).
In addition, the process of step S514 or step S518 specifically includes the process of determining the type of the change trigger effect and the execution timing of the change trigger effect.

Here, the determination in step S506, step S514, or step S518 is performed based on the variation pattern included in the command input in step S502. That is, the change opportunity effect control unit 212 determines the change opportunity effect so that the execution time of the change opportunity effect falls within the execution time of the symbol variation game executed by the special symbol display unit 91.
The change trigger effect control unit 212 or the hold display control unit 214 executes the hold display effect with the contents reflecting the result of the series of processes included in steps S502 to S520 described above (step S522). Here, the hold display effect is a concept that includes an effect that changes the suggestion mode or standby mode of the hold display and an effect that maintains the suggestion mode or standby mode of the hold display.

<About the effect of the pending display change effect of the present invention>
The structure, functional configuration, and processing procedure of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment have been described above. Based on these descriptions, the effect of the pending display change effect of the present invention will be described.
The on-hold display change effect of the present invention is not a simple effect in which the color or the like (suggestion mode) changes in order to suggest the possibility of giving a privilege, but an operation or the like that suggests the possibility that the suggestion mode changes (standby) Change of the aspect). Since the standby mode is configured to change when the symbol variation game is executed, the player can have an expectation that “the suggestion mode may change” from the beginning of the symbol variation game. In other words, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the change of the standby mode and the change of the change opportunity effect.
In addition, since there is a special period in which the hold display is likely to be displayed in the second standby mode, which suggests that the possibility of a change in the hold display is higher, the player's interest is intensively changed over the special period. The effects of the change in the hold display are further enhanced and the player's interest is aroused.

<Modification of the present invention>
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 29 so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, so long as the object of the present invention is achieved. Various modifications, improvements, etc. are also included.
In the above-described embodiment, the prior determination unit 118 included in the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the suggestion mode has changed, and each component included in the effect control unit 210 (change trigger effect control unit 212, hold display control unit 214). Alternatively, the period transition control unit 216) has been described as an example of determining the specific content of the hold display change effect, but the present invention is not limited to this mode.
For example, the present invention may be implemented by a modification in which the constituent elements included in the effect control unit 210 determine the presence or absence of a hold display change effect (change in suggestion mode), and are determined by the effect control unit 210 in the present embodiment. The present invention may be implemented by a modification in which the prior determination unit 118 determines a part of the effect content that is being performed and outputs a command.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 2nd standby mode which is the standby mode of the pending | holding display in a special period is set as the outgoing mode, the 2nd standby mode does not necessarily need to be set as the outgoing mode. For example, during a special period of stay, a standby mode (mole) standby mode may be set as a moving mode. In this case, the number of times that the mole head comes out of the hole in the special period is larger than that in the normal period, so that an effect similar to or equivalent to that of the above embodiment can be realized.
In the above-described embodiment, the display period of the second standby mode is lengthened while staying in the special period compared to staying during the normal period, so that the change trigger effect is executed and the hold display is first. The period displayed in the two standby mode is likely to overlap. However, during the stay in the special period compared to staying in the normal period, the execution period of the change trigger effect is lengthened, so that the change trigger effect is executed and the hold display is in the second standby mode. The displayed period may be easily overlapped. In addition, by combining the display period of the second standby mode and the execution period of the change timing effect, the period in which the change timing effect is executed and the period in which the hold display is displayed in the second standby mode are likely to overlap. It is good.

Moreover, the said embodiment was demonstrated so far on the assumption of what is called a pachinko machine. However, a similar on-hold display change effect can be executed in the slot machine. Hereinafter, although the modification which applies this invention to a slot machine is demonstrated, illustration of each component is abbreviate | omitted.
In this case, the random number acquisition means of the present invention includes detection of operation of the start lever by the player as at least one of the start conditions. Further, the symbol display control means performs variable display by rotating a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed triggered by the establishment of the start condition, and performs stop display by stopping the plurality of reels. The success / failure determination means determines, as a privilege, a transition to an advantageous gaming state advantageous to the player due to at least a part of the case where the winning determination is made. The hold display control means displays a hold display including a suggestion mode that suggests the transition to the advantageous gaming state in the hold display area in the hold display period. When the shift to the advantageous gaming state is determined by the hit / fail determining means, the privilege granting means shifts to the advantageous gaming state after the holding display period. That is, the hold display control means can perform the hold display change effect of the present invention as a prelude effect or a prelude effect that is performed before shifting to the advantageous gaming state.
In addition, as an example corresponding to the advantageous gaming state in this modification, specifically, a so-called big bonus (a combination continuous action device), an assist replay time (ART), and the like can be given.
In addition, as an example corresponding to the hold display in this modified example, there is an effect image that is displayed in a simulated manner as a hold ball in a pachinko machine, and a number that is shown to count down a period in which there is a high possibility that a privilege will be granted Designs are also included.

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number when the start condition is satisfied, a success / failure determination means for determining success or failure of winning using the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means, and the winner determination means In at least part of the case where the determination is made, a privilege granting unit for granting a privilege advantageous to the player, a symbol display control unit for executing a symbol variation game for notifying the determination result by the success / failure determination unit, and The hold display control means for displaying the hold display based on the random number in the hold display area, and the period transition control means for shifting from the normal period to the special period triggered by the establishment of the specific condition, the hold display control means, A plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the privilege is granted, and a plurality of standby modes that suggest the possibility that the suggestion mode changes The hold display is displayed in the hold display area so that both can be identified, and the standby mode includes a first standby mode and a second standby mode in which the possibility that the suggestion mode is changed is higher than the first standby mode. , And a game machine in which the hold display is more easily displayed in the second standby mode than when the user is staying in the special period.
(2) A change trigger effect control means for executing a change trigger effect suggesting that the suggestion mode of the hold display displayed in any one of the standby modes may change, and stays in the special period The hold display is more easily displayed in the second standby mode during execution of the change opportunity production in the case of being present than in execution of the change opportunity production in the case of staying in the normal period (1). The gaming machine described.
(3) When staying in the special period, as compared to when staying in the normal period, the hold display included per unit time is displayed in the second waiting mode. The gaming machine according to (1) or (2) having a large ratio.
(4) The gaming machine according to (3), wherein the holding display control unit displays the holding display in the second standby mode over the special period.
(A) The random number acquisition unit acquires the random number as the start condition is satisfied when a game ball enters the start port, holds the acquired random number, and stores the acquired random number. Predetermining means for reading the random number held and stored by the means to determine the winning, and further determining whether or not the random number is the winning value before the random number is read by the determining means The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the period transition control unit determines whether the specific condition is satisfied based on a determination result by the prior determination unit.
(B) The random number acquisition means includes detection of an operation of a start lever by a player as at least one of the start conditions, and the symbol display control means displays a plurality of the symbols when the start condition is satisfied. The variation display is performed by rotating a plurality of reels, the stop display is performed by stopping the plurality of reels, and the success / failure determination unit is configured to display at least one of the cases where the winning determination is made. Due to the part, the transition to the advantageous gaming state advantageous to the player is determined as the benefit, and the suspension display control means displays the suspension display including the suggestion mode that suggests the transition to the advantageous gaming state. , When it is displayed in the hold display area in the hold display period, and the transition to the advantageous gaming state is determined by the success / failure determination means, the privilege granting means The gaming machine according to the shifting to the advantageous gaming state (1) after the hold display period.

10 gaming machine 15 outer frame 20 front frame 21 hinge mechanism 23 cylinder lock 25 transparent member 27 upper ball tray 29 lower ball tray 31 operation handle 32 upper frame portion 33 (33a, 33b) speaker 34, 36 left right frame portion 35 (35a) 35b, 35c) Illuminating device 37 Button 39 Ball removal mechanism 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Big prize opening 58 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Ordinary electric accessory 63 Operating gate 65 Special electric accessory 67 (67a, 67b) Ordinary winning port 69 Out port 70 Dispensing mechanism unit 80 Effect display unit 81 Main display unit 82 Upper sub display unit 83 Left sub display unit 84 Right sub display unit 85 Production symbol variation area 86 On hold Display area 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d Hole 88 Production display area 88a Boy holding a hammer 88b Holding a hammer 88d Boy 88d on the balloon Earthworm 89a, 89b, 89c Mole 90 Symbol display 91 Special symbol display unit 93 Normal symbol display unit 100 Main control unit 110 Information transmission unit 115 Special figure hold control unit 116 General figure hold control 118 Pre-determination unit 130 Special drawing lottery control unit 131 Winning lottery unit 132 Special figure selection unit 140 Game state control unit 141 Probability change control unit 143 Shortening control unit 145 Big hit control unit 150 Normal symbol display control unit 160 Fluctuation pattern processing unit 170 Normal drawing lottery control unit 171 Open lottery unit 172 Universal drawing selection unit 180 Normal electric character control unit 190 Special electric character control unit 210 Production control unit 211 Production symbol fluctuation control unit 212 Change opportunity Effect control unit 214 On-hold display control unit 216 Period transition control unit 230 Payment control unit AC1, AC Actuator SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5 count switch X first passage Y second flow path

Claims (2)

Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number triggered by the establishment of the start condition;
A success / failure determination means for determining success / failure of winning using the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means;
In at least a part of the case where the winning is determined by the winning / failing determining means, a privilege granting means for giving a privilege advantageous to the player;
A symbol display control means for executing a symbol variation game for notifying the determination result by the determination unit;
A hold display control means for displaying a hold display based on the acquired random number in a hold display area;
A period transition control means for transitioning from a normal period to a special period triggered by the establishment of a specific condition,
The on-hold display control means is capable of distinguishing between a plurality of suggestion modes that suggest the possibility that the privilege is granted and a plurality of standby modes that suggest the possibility that the suggestion mode changes. Display the display in the hold display area,
The standby mode includes a first standby mode and a second standby mode in which the possibility that the suggesting mode is changed is higher than that of the first standby mode.
When staying in the special period, the first hold display displayed in the hold display area after the establishment of the specific condition is also compared to the case where the stay is in the normal period. The second hold display that has been displayed in the hold display area before the establishment of the game machine is easily displayed in the second standby mode. The at least one part when shifting from the normal period to the special period, the plurality of hold displays displayed in the hold display area change from the first standby mode to the second standby mode. The gaming machine described.

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